Robert Pleasants to George Washington December 11, 1785 Source

George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress 1741-1799: Series 4. General Correspondence. 1697-1799.

Honored General

Seeing the Lord has done great things for thee, not only in covering thy head in the day of Battle but making thee instrumental in bringing about an extraordinary Revolution (a revolution which has given thee great reputation among men and calls for reverent thankfulness to him who Rules in the Kingdome of men, and declared by his Prophet that “he will not give his glory to another, or his praise to graven Images.”) a strong desire attends my mind, that thou may not in any respect sully in thy private retirement, the honours thou hast acquired in the field. Remember the cause for which thou wirt called to the Command of the American Army was the cause of liberty and the Rights of Mankind: How strange then must it appear to impartial thinking men, to be informed that many who were warm advocates for that noble cause during the War are now sitting down in a state of easy dissipation and extravagance in the Labour of Slaves? And more especially that those who could forego all the sweets of domestic felicity for a number of years and expose thy person to the greatest fatigue and dangers in that cause, should now withhold that estimable blessing from any who are absolutely in thy power and after the Right of Freedom is acknowledged to be the natural and unalienable Right of all Mankind.

I cannot suppose from the uncommon generosity of thy conduct in other respects that this can proceed altogether from interested motives; but rather that it is the effect of long custom, the prejudices of education towards a black skin or that some other important concerns may have heretheto diverted thy attention from a subject so noble and interesting as well to thy own Peace and reputation as the general good of that People and the community at large. But whatever may have been the cause, I sincerely wish thou may not longer delay a matter of such importance. It is a sacrifice which I fully believe the Lord is requiring of this Generation; and should we not submit to it, is there no reason to fear he will deal with us as he did with Pharaoh on a similar occasion? For as he is declared to be no respector of persons how can we expect to do such violence to Human Nature in this enlightened age with impunity? We Read, “where much is given the more will be required” and as thou hast acquired much fame in being the successful champion of American Liberty; It seems highly probable to me that thy example and influence at this time towards a general emancipation would be as productive of real happiness to mankind as thy sword may have been: I can but wish therefore that thou may not loose the opportunity of crowning the great actions of thy life with the satisfaction of doing to others as thou would in the like situation be done by, and finally transmit to future ages a Character equally famous for thy Christian Virtues as thy worldly achievements: For notwithstanding thou art now receiving the tribute of praise from a grateful people, the time is coming when all actions will be weighed in an equal balance and undergo an impartial examination, how inconsistent then will it appear to posterity should it be recorded that the great General Washington without fee or reward had commanded the united forces of America and at the expense of much blood and treasure been instrumental in releaving those states from tyranny and oppression yet after all had so far continued thine Evils as to keep a number of People in absolute slavery who were by nature equally entitled to freedom as himself. 0 Remember I beseech thee that “God will not be mocked,” and is still requiring from each of us “to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly before him.”

Perhaps General Washington may think it presumptuous in my who cannot boast a particular acquaintance to address him in this manner but I hope when he considers the nature of the subject and that I can have no selfish views in offering these hints to his serious consideration that what may arise from the pleasure of hearing he had done those things which belong to his present and future happiness and the good of those over whom Providence hath placed him he will at least excuse the freedom; believe that I am with great sincerity and respect his Real Friend Robert Pleasants

PS. I herewith send thee a small pamphlet on the subject of slavery said to be wrote by John Dickenson which if thou hast not before seen I doubt no will afford pleasure in the perusal and am as above RP.