Probably in the hand of Tobias Lear, Washington's secretary at the time. Addressed and signed by Washington Writing as President General of the Society of the Cincinnati, Washington announces that he will not be able to attend the triennial meeting in May 1787. Further, he wishes not to be re-elected to the Presidency and enumerates the reasons. In a postscript, Washington writes that he will forward a transcript of this circular to General Horatio Gates, Vice-President General to avoid " embarrassment for want of an official character to preside at the opening." Watermark: J. Taylor (T. Gravell. Foreign watermarks no. 128, figure 679) In red buckram case lettered in gold. Gift of the State Society of the Cincinnati of Pensylvania; delayed accessioning -- actually given in February 1998. For further details of provenance, see case file. Watermark: J. Taylor