George Washington to Richard Henry Lee

I am anxious to know whether General Arnold’s non-promotion was owing to accident or design; and the cause of it. Surely a more active, a more spirited, and sensible officer, fills no department in your army. Not seeing him then in the list of major generals, and no mention made of him, has given me uneasiness, as it is not to be presumed (being the oldest brigadier) that he will continue in service under such a slight. I imagine you will lose two or three other very good officers, by promoting your’s, or any one’s, over them.

My public letters will give you the state of matters in this quarter, and my anxiety to be informed of the reason of Arnold’s non-promotion, gives you the trouble of this letter, being, very sincerely, etc.¹