Photo courtesy of the Washington State Archives

Earlier in the week, we asked you to vote in our February Archives treasures poll.

The contenders were the Penitentiary Inmate Files of 1881-1902,  a photograph of Woodrow Wilson’s visit to Seattle in 1919, and a letter written by George Washington during the Revolutionary War.

George Washington’s letter took first place this month, earning 47% of the votes, followed by the Penitentiary Inmate Files (38%), and Woodrow Wilson’s photograph (15%).

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.

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.

Look for a new series of State Library jewels blog posts next week, culminating with another online poll.