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

您應(yīng)當(dāng)相信我，當(dāng)我以最莊嚴(yán)的方式向您保證時(shí)，我沒(méi)有謀求這個(gè)職位， 我已就我所能竭力回避這個(gè)職位。 不僅僅是我不愿意與您和家人離別，而是由于我有自知之明，深感力不從心，難以勝任， 我寧愿與您在家享受一個(gè)月人間的天倫多樂(lè)，要是我在那呆七七四十九天，這樂(lè)趣在異鄉(xiāng)得到最好的期望也無(wú)法比擬。 但既然命中注定委任我， 我只愿接受此任是為了實(shí)現(xiàn)崇高的目的……

我將完全依賴于上帝，上帝一直在保佑和厚待我。 今秋我一定安全無(wú)恙地回到您的身邊。 我不會(huì)因軍營(yíng)的磨練和危險(xiǎn)而感痛苦， 您獨(dú)自一人在家，我知道您會(huì)感到不安，您的不安卻會(huì)使我憂心忡忡。 正因如此，我求您鼓足勇氣，盡可能愉快地歡度時(shí)光。 再也沒(méi)有比這更令我欣慰，再也沒(méi)有什么比您親筆寫(xiě)信能給我欣慰。

喬治華盛頓

1775年