Accepting the command of the arm

 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 copacity; and I shoud enjoy more real happiness in one month with you at home than 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 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 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 time as agreeably as possible. Nothing will give me so much sincere satisfaction, as to hear this, and to hear it  from your own pen.

                                                                                                                                                                                From A Letter  to  His Wife .1775.

                                                                                                                                                                           By George Washington