GEORGE WASHINGTON.
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.
| Head Quarters, Newburgh, State of New York, | |
| November 21st, 1782. |
Sir,
After I had the honor of receiving your Excellency's letter of the 29th of July, I lost not a moment in transmitting it to Congress, who had then under deliberation the proceedings of the British Court Martial upon Captain Lippincot for the murder of Captain Huddy, and the other documents relative to that inhuman transaction. What would otherwise have been the determination of that honorable body, I will not undertake to say, but I think I may venture to assure your Excellency, that your generous interposition had no small degree of weight in procuring that decision in favor of Captain Asgill, which he had no right to expect from the very unsatisfactory measures, which had been taken by the British Commander in Chief to atone for a crime of the blackest dye, not to be justified by the practices of war, and unknown to this day amongst civilized nations. I flatter myself, however, that our enemies have been brought to see this transaction in its true light, and that we shall not experience a repetition of the like enormity.
Captain Asgill has been released and is at perfect liberty to return to the arms of an affectionate parent, whose pathetic address to your Excellency could not fail of interesting every feeling heart in her behalf.
I have no right to assume any particular merit from the lenient manner, in which this disagreeable affair has terminated. But I beg you to believe, Sir, that I most sincerely rejoice, not only because your humane intentions are gratified, but because the event accords with the wishes of his Most Christian Majesty and his royal and amiable consort, who, by their benevolence and munificence, have endeared themselves to every true American.
I have the honor to be, with profound respect, Sir, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.