4.1 To ELBRIDGE GERRY Head Quarters, Morris Town, January 29, 1780 With respect to provision; the situation of the Army is comfortable at present on this head and I ardently pray that it may never be again as it has been of late.
4.2 To JOHN ROBINSON Fort Loudoun, June 10, 1757. Major Lewis is returned with part of the Indians, that went out with him, in consequence of their having taken only eight days’ provisions with them. He was unable to prevail with those savages to take more. One party of twenty, with ten soldiers, is gone towards Fort Duquesne, under Captain Spotswood; and another party of fifteen, with five soldiers, under Lieutenant Baker, but they course towards Logstown. God send them success and a safe return, I pray.
4.3 To COLONEL HENRY BOUQUET Camp at Fort Cumberland, August 2, 1758. ...we can do nothing more this Fall than to fortify some Post on the other side of the Mountains and prepare against another Campaigne I must pray Heaven, most fervently, to avert! till we find it impracticable at least to prosecute with prudence the Enterprise in hand.
5 Prayers For Peace
5.1 To MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE Hd. Qrs., Newburgh, March 23, 1783. I hope it is unnecessary to repeat to you, that whether during the continuance of the War, or after the olive branch shall have extended itself over this Land (for which I most devoutly pray) I shall be happy to see you on Columbias shore.
5.2 To THE OFFICERS OF THE TENTH AND NINETY-FIRST REGIMENTS OF THE VIRGINIA MILITIA Mount Vernon, October 24, 1798. That there may be no occasion to gird on the Sword, none more ardently prays than I do; Your prayers, and kind wishes in my behalf, I reciprocate with great Cordiality
5.3 To GEORGE WASHINGTON MOTIER DE LAFAYETTE Mount Vernon, December 25, 1798. Young gentlemen of the first families, fortunes and expectations in the United States, are offering their Services; but I hope, and most ardently pray, that the Directory in your Country will not, by a perseverance in the insults and injuries which they have heaped on this, make it necessary to resort to Arms to repel an Invasion, or to do ourselves justice.
5.4 To THE INHABITANTS OF RICHMOND [August 28, 1793.] True to our duties and interests as Americans, firm to our purpose as lovers of peace, let us unite our fervent prayers to the great ruler of the Universe, that the justice and moderation of all concerned may permit us to continue in the uninterrupted enjoyment of a blessing, which we so greatly prize, and of which we ardently wish them a speedy and permanent participation.
5.5 To THE MILITIA OFFICERS OF THE CITY AND LIBERTIES OF PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia, December 12, 1783. While the various Scenes of the War, in which I have experienced the timely aid of the Militia of Philadelphia, recur to my mind, my ardent prayer ascends to Heaven that they may long enjoy the blessings of that Peace which has been obtained by the divine benediction on our common exertions.
5.6 To THE EARL OF RADNOR Mount Vernon, July 8, 1797. I reciprocate with great cordiality the good wishes you have been pleased to bestow on me; and pray devoutly, that we may both witness, and that shortly, the return of Peace; for a more bloody, expensive, and eventful War, is not recorded in modern, if it be found in ancient history.
5.7 To CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY Mount Vernon, December 4, 1797. That the Government of France views us as a divided people, I have little doubt; and that they have been led to entertain that opinion from representations, and the conduct of many of our own citizens, is still less doubtful; but I shall be very much mistaken, indeed, in the mass of the People of the United States, if an occasion should call for an unequivocal expression of the public voice, if the first would not find themselves very much deceived; and the latter (their leaders excepted) to change their notes. I pray devoutly that the Directory may not bring the matter to trial.
5.8 To THE INHABITANTS OF THE CITY OF NEW LONDON [September 2, 1793.] Experienced as we have lately been in the calamities of war, it must be the prayer of every good Citizen that it may long be averted from our land, and that the blessings which a kind providence has bestowed upon us, may continue uninterrupted.
6 Prayers For Citizens and Cities
6.1 To COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU New Windsor, February 26, 1781. I have an increase of happiness from the subsequent intelligence you do me the favour to communicate respecting Count D’Estaings success. This repetition of advices justifies a confidence in their truth [which I pray God may be confirmed in its greatest extent.] Note: The draft is in the writing of Alexander Hamilton. The words in brackets are in the writing of Washington.
6.2 To MAJOR GENERAL HORATIO GATES New York, June 24, 1776. The Distance of the Scene, and the frequent Changes which have happened in the State of our Affairs in Canada, do not allow me to be more particular in my Instructions. The Command is important, the Service difficult, but honourable; and I most devoutly pray that Providence may crown your Arms with abundant Success. Given under my Hand, etc.
6.3 ORDERS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO MAJOR GENERAL ISRAEL PUTNAM Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 29, 1776. Devoutly praying that the Power which has hitherto sustained the American Arms, may continue to bless them, with his divine Protection, I bid you Farewell.
6.4 To THE CITIZENS AND INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BALTIMORE Baltimore, September 8, 1781. I most sincerely thank you for your Prayers and good Wishes. May the Author of all Blessing aid our united Exertions in the Cause of Liberty. And may the particular Favor of Heaven rest on you Gentlemen, and the worthy Citizens of this flourishing Town of Baltimore.
6.5 To COLONEL HENRY BOUQUET Camp Fort Cumberland, August 13, 1758. If you have any Intelligence from Ticonderago, I shou’d be extreme thankful for the acct. We have expected hourly, to hear that Louisburg is in Our hands, pray Heaven we may not be disappointed at last.
6.6 FAREWELL ORDERS TO THE ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES Rock Hill, near Princeton, November 2, 1783. To the various branches of the Army the General takes this last and solemn opportunity of professing his inviolable attachment and friendship. ... and being now to conclude these his last public Orders, to take his ultimate leave in a short time of the military character, and to bid a final adieu to the Armies he has so long had the honor to Command, he can only again offer in their behalf his recommendations to their grateful country, and his prayers to the God of Armies. May ample justice be done them here, and may the choicest of heaven’s favours, both here and hereafter, attend those who, under the devine auspices, have secured innumerable blessings for others; with these wishes, and this benediction, the Commander in Chief is about to retire from Service. The Curtain of seperation will soon be drawn, and the military scene to him will be closed for ever.
6.7 To COLONEL BENEDICT ARNOLD Cambridge, December 5, 1775. I have no Doubt but a Junction of your Detachment with the Army under General Montgomery, is effected before this. If so, you will put yourself under his Command and will, I am persuaded, give him all the Assistance in your Power, to finish the glorious Work you have begun. That the Almighty may preserve and prosper you in it, is the sincere and fervent Prayer of, Dr. Sir, &c.
6.8 To THE CITIZENS AND INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BALTIMORE Baltimore, September 8, 1781. I most sincerely thank you for your Prayers and good Wishes. May the Author of all Blessing aid our united Exertions in the Cause of Liberty. And may the particular Favor of Heaven rest on you Gentlemen, and the worthy Citizens of this flourishing Town of Baltimore.
6.9 To THE MAGISTRATES AND SUPERVISORS OF TRYON COUNTY [August 1, 1783.] Accept Gentlemen my thanks for your kind wishes for my welfare be assured it will be my earnest prayer that by the blessing of Providence on the fine Country you possess you may soon be enabled to recover your former ease, and to enjoy that happiness you have so well deserved. I am etc.
6.10 To THE MASSACHUSETTS SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Head Quarters, August 10, 1783. Be assured Gentlemen, that, through the many and complicated vicissitudes of an arduous Conflict, I have ever turned my Eye, with a fixed Confidence on that superintendg. Providence which governs all Events: and the lively Gratitude I now feel, at the happy termination of our Contest, is beyond my Expression. If, dependg on the Guidance of the same Allwise Providence, I have performed my part in this great Revolution, to the acceptance of my fellow Citizens, It is a source of high satisfaction to me; and forms an additional Motive of Praise to that Infinite Wisdom, which directs the Minds of Men. This Consideration will attend me in the Shades of retirement, and furnish one of the most pleasing Themes of my Meditation. So great a revolution as this Country now experiences, doubtless ranks high in the Scale of human Events, and in the Eye of Omnipotence is introductive to some noble Scenes of future Grandeur to this happy fated Continent. May the States have Wisdom to discern their true Interests at this important period! Impressed with sentiments of Gratitude for your benevolent Expressions for my personal Happiness and prosperity, I can make you no better return, than to pray, that Heaven, from the Stores of its Munificence, may shower its choisest blessings on you Gentlemen, and the People of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and to entreat that Our Liberties, now so happily established, may be continued in perfect Security, to the latest posterity. With Sentiments of high Veneration etc.
6.11 To THE MAYOR AND COMMONALTY OF FREDERICKSBURG February 14, 1784 Gentlemen: With the greatest pleasure, I receive, in the character of a private Citizen, the honor of your Address. To a beneficent Providence, and to the fortitude of a brave and virtuous Army, supported by the general exertion of our common Country I stand indebted for the plaudits you now bestow; The reflection however, of having met the congratulating smiles and approbation of my fellow-Citizens for the part I have acted in the cause of liberty and Independence cannot fail of adding pleasure to the sweets of domestic life; and my sensibility of them is heightened by their coming from the respectable Inhabitants of the place of my growing Infancy and the honorable mention wch. is made of my revered Mother; by whose Maternal hand (early deprived of a Father) I was led from Childhood. For the expressions of personal Affection and attachment, and for your kind wishes for my future welfare, I offer grateful thanks and my sincere prayers for the happiness and prosperity of the Corporate Town of Fredericksburgh.
7 Prayers For Government Leaders
7.1 To THE PROVISORY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF FRANCE I assure you, with a sincere participation, of the great and constant friendship, which these U.S. bear to the French nation. of the interest they feel in whatever concerns their happiness and prosperity, and of their wishes for a perpetual fraternity with them, and I pray god [God] to have them and you, very great and good friends and allies, in his holy keeping.
7.2 To GOVERNOR JOHN HANCOCK West Point, November 15, 1783. Be persuaded, my dear Sir, that my wishes and prayers will ever be most ardent for the health and happiness of your Excellency, and for the prosperity of the Commonwealth over which you preside. With sentiments of unalterable respect etc
7.3 To GOVERNOR DIEGO JOSEPH NAVARRO Of [Havana] Head Quarters, Middle Brook, March 4, 1779. With my prayers for your health and happiness, and with the greatest respect I have the honor etc.
7.4 To THE MAYOR, RECORDER, ALDERMEN, AND COMMONALTY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK [April 10, 1785] I pray that Heaven may bestow its choicest blessings on your City. That the devastations of War, in which you found it, may soon be without a trace. That a well regulated and benificial Commerce may enrichen your Citizens. And that, your State (at present the Seat of the Empire) may set such examples of wisdom and liberality, as shall have a tendency to strengthen and give permanency to the Union at home, and credit and respectability to it abroad. The accomplishment whereof is a remaining wish, and the primary object of all my desires.
8 Prayers For States
8.1 To THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 28, 1784. For the favorable wishes you have kindly bestowed on me you have all my gratitude; and my prayers for the welfare of your State, shall never cease.
8.2 To GOVERNOR JOHN HAWKINS STONE Philadelphia, December 23, 1796. With the same entire devotion to my country, every act of my civil Administration has been aimed to secure to it those advantages which result from a stable and free government; and with gratitude to Heaven, I unite with the Legislature of Maryland in the pleasing reflections, that our country has continued to feel the blessings of peace, liberty and prosperity, whilst Europe and the Indies have been convulsed with the horrors of a dreadful and desolating war. My ardent prayers are offered that those afflicted regions may now speedily see their calamities terminated, and also feel the blessings of returning peace. Their kind wishes for my domestic happiness, in my contemplated retirement, are entitled to my cordial thanks. If it shall please God to prolong a life already far advanced into the vale of years, no attending felicity can equal that which I shall feel in seeing the administration of our government operating to preserve the Independence, prosperity and welfare of the American People. With great respect etc.
9 Prayers For a President
9.1 To THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES Mount Vernon, March 3, 1799. I sincerely pray, that in the discharge of these arduous and important duties committed to you, your health may be unimpaired, and that you may long live to enjoy those blessings which must flow to our Country, if we should be so happy as to pass this critical period in an honourable and dignified manner, without being involved in the horrors and calamities of War.
10 Prayers For America
10.1 FAREWELL ADDRESS [First Draft May 15, 1796.] That we may be always prepared for War, but never unsheath the sword except in self defence so long as Justice and our essential rights, and national respectability can be preserved without it; for without the gift of prophecy, it may safely be pronounced, that if this country can remain in peace 20 years longer: and I devoutly pray that it may do so to the end of time; such in all probability will be its population, riches, and resources, when combined with its peculiarly happy and remote Situation from the other quarters of the globe, as to bid defiance, in a just cause, to any earthly power whatsoever.
10.2 CIRCULAR TO THE STATES Head Quarters, Newburgh, June 8, 1783. I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow Citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.
10.3 To JONATHAN TRUMBULL Mount Vernon, July 20, 1788. My dear Trumbull: Humphreys...from the wonderful revolution of sentiment in favour of federal measures, and the marvellous change for the better in the elections of your State, that he shall begin to suspect that miracles have not ceased; indeed, for myself, since so much liberality has been displayed in the construction and adoption of the proposed General Government, I am almost disposed to be of the same opinion. Or at least we may, with a kind of grateful and pious exultation, trace the finger of Providence through those dark and mysterious events, which first induced the States to appoint a general Convention and then led them one after another (by such steps as were best calculated to effect the object) into an adoption of the system recommended by that general Convention; thereby, in all human probability, laying a lasting foundation for tranquillity and happiness; when we had but too much reason to fear that confusion and misery were coming rapidly upon us. That the same good Providence may still continue to protect us and prevent us from dashing the cup of national felicity just as it has been lifted to our lips, is the earnest prayer of My Dear Sir, your faithful friend, &c.
10.4 To NATHANIEL GORHAM Mount Vernon, July 21, 1788. With earnest prayers that you and all the worthy Patriots of America may long enjoy uninterrupted felicity under the New Government.
10.5 To REVEREND SAMUEL LANGDON New York, September 28, 1789. The man must be bad indeed who can look upon the events of the American Revolution without feeling the warmest gratitude towards the great Author of the Universe whose divine interposition was so frequently manifested in our behalf. And it is my earnest prayer that we may so conduct ourselves as to merit a continuance of those blessings with which we have hitherto been favored. I am etc.
