Photo courtesy of the Washington State Archives

Last week we began the February edition of our “Archives treasures” blog series with the Penitentiary Inmate Files of 1881-1902, and a photograph of President Woodrow Wilson’s visit to Seattle in 1919. Today, we are showcasing a letter written by George Washington as the final contender in this month’s contest. What better way to celebrate Presidents Day than to feature a letter written by our nation’s first president!

The letter, written on British stationary and dated November 8, 1777, was written at White Marsh camp, about 13 miles north of Philadelphia. General Washington wrote this letter to General Nelson to ask for more clothing, food, and soldiers to progress through the rough winter of the Revolutionary War.

The Washington State Archives acquired this letter in 2001 from The National Society of Colonial Dames of America. The letter is now on display at the State Archives building in Olympia.

Be thinking about which February contender you like best, because we will be launching another poll soon!