You may believe me, when I assure you in the most solemn manner that, so far from seeking this employment, I have used every effort in my power to avoid it, not only from my unwillingness to part with you and the family, but from a consciousness of its being a trust too great for my capacity; and I should enjoy more real happiness in one month with you at home that I have the most distant prospect of finding abroad; if my stay were to be seven times seven years. But as it has been a kind of destiny that has thrown me upon this service, I shall hope that has my undertaking it is designed to answer some good purpose...

I shall rely confidently on that Providence which has heretofore preserved and been bountiful to me, not doubting but that I shall return safe to you in the fall. I shall feel no pain from the toil or danger of the campaign; my unhappiness will flow from the uneasiness I know you will feel from being left alone. I therefore beg that you will summon your whole fortitude, and pass your times agreeably as possible. Nothing will give me so much sincere satisfaction as to hear this, and to hear it from your own pen.

George Washington

1775

您应当相信我，当我以最庄严的方式向您保证时，我没有谋求这个职位， 我已就我所能竭力回避这个职位。 不仅仅是我不愿意与您和家人离别，而是由于我有自知之明，深感力不从心，难以胜任， 我宁愿与您在家享受一个月人间的天伦多乐，要是我在那呆七七四十九天，这乐趣在异乡得到最好的期望也无法比拟。 但既然命中注定委任我， 我只愿接受此任是为了实现崇高的目的……

我将完全依赖于上帝，上帝一直在保佑和厚待我。 今秋我一定安全无恙地回到您的身边。 我不会因军营的磨练和危险而感痛苦， 您独自一人在家，我知道您会感到不安，您的不安却会使我忧心忡忡。 正因如此，我求您鼓足勇气，尽可能愉快地欢度时光。 再也没有比这更令我欣慰，再也没有什么比您亲笔写信能给我欣慰。

乔治华盛顿

1775年