Letter from George Washington to New York Governor George Clinton
The full text of the letter reads:
"Head Quarters New Windsor 19th: December 1700
Dear Sir
We have an Armoury at Albany at which all the Arms in this quarter have been constantly repaired, to a very great amount. Several of the Workmen are Citizens, and as they are liable to be called out into the Militia service, they are every now and then taken off, and the public work thereby impeded. As they are so usefully employed, I would request your Excellency, if it can be done consistently, to grant those who are with Mr. Shephard the principal Armourer an exeption from military duty while in his service.
I have the honor to be with very great Respect your Excellency's most oft and humble servant
G. Washington
His Excellency
Gov. Clinton"
Artwork Details
- Title: Letter from George Washington to New York Governor George Clinton
- Author: George Washington (American, 1732–1799)
- Maker: In the hand of Tench Tilghman (1774–1786)
- Date: 1780
- Geography: New Windsor, New York
- Culture: American
- Medium: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 13 1/2 x 8 3/8 in. (34.2 x 21.2 cm)
- Classification: Works on Paper-Miscellaneous
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1935
- Object Number: 35.52
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.
Content Notice
The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world, and our online collection reflects ongoing work conducted over the course of our more than 150-year history. You may encounter objects or images that may be inappropriate for some viewers or information that may be outdated.




