Today in Johnson City History, August 20, 2025
George Washington writes his cousin, a bridge party and much more
August 20, 1775: Two hundred and fifty years ago today, George Washington penned the following letter to Lund Washington. The original spellings and punctuations have been preserved.
“To Lund Washington
“Camp at Cambridge Augt 20th 1775.
“Dear Lund,
“Your Letter by Captn Prince came to my hands last Night—I was glad to learn by it that all are well. the acct given of the behaviour of the Scotchmen at Port Tobacco & Piscataway surprizd & vexed me—Why did they Imbark in the cause? what do they say for themselves? What does other say of them? are they admitted into Company? or kicked out of it? what does their Countrymen urge in justification of them? they are fertile in invention, and will offer excuses where excuses can be made. I cannot say but I am curious to learn the reasons why men, who had subscribed, & bound themselves to each other, & their Country, to stand forth in defence of it, should lay down their arms the first moment they were called upon.