Primary sourceLetter20 February 1784
To Major General Henry Knox, 20 February 1784
George Washington · 20 February 1784
A private letter from George Washington to his wartime general Henry Knox, written shortly after Washington retired to Mount Vernon.
Washington wrote this letter reflecting privately on retirement and civic duty just after resigning his military command.
About this source
What it is
A letter written by George Washington to Major General Henry Knox on 20 February 1784, from Mount Vernon, soon after Washington resigned his military command.
Why it matters
The letter touches on army matters and Washington's role in organizing the Society of the Cincinnati, a group of former officers. It offers a glimpse of Washington adjusting to life after the war, balancing personal affairs with continuing civic responsibilities.
Look closer
- What tone does Washington use when writing to a trusted fellow officer?
- How does this letter show the transition from military to civilian life?
- What does the letter reveal about the practical problems facing the new nation's small army?
This letter is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of George Washington on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
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