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.