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The George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress, 1741-1799
George Washington to Richard Varick, January 1, 1784
Mount Vernon, January 1, 1784.
Dear Sir: From the moment I left the City of New York until my arrival at this place, I have been so much occupied by a variety of concerns, that I could not find a moments leisure to acknowledge the receipt of your two favors of the 4th and 7th. Ulto.
The public and other papers, which were committed to your charge, and the Books in which they have been recorded under your inspection, having come safe to hand; I take this first opportunity of signifying my entire approbation of the manner in which you have executed the important duties of recording Secretary; and the satisfaction I feel in having my papers so properly arranged, and so correctly recorded;75 and beg you will accept my thanks for the care and attention which you have given to this business. I am fully convinced that neither the present age or posterity will consider the time and labour
[Note 75: The Varick Transcripts in the Library of Congress show, by the careful comparison necessary in editing this edition of theWritings, a minimum of errors. The differences in the transcripts from the drafts and the letters sent were, in the main, differences in spelling and capitalization of words; the punctuation variations are to be set down to differences of customs between professional copyists and Washington and his aides. Washington's statement, "correctly recorded," is a just one.] which have been employed in accomplishing it, unprofitably spent.
I beg you will be persuaded, that I shall take a pleasure in asserting on every occasion, the sense I entertain of the fidelity, skill and indefatigable industry manifested by you in the performance of your public duties, and that I am, etc.76
[Note 76: From the "Letter Book" copy in theWashington Papers.]
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