2 pages (9 x 7 1/4 in.; 225 x 185 mm), Rocky Hill, [New Jersey], 8 October 1783, regarding Sir Guy Carleton's orders to evacuate Penobscott, endorsed by both Sam Adams as President of the Senate and Tristram Dalton, Speaker of the  House of Representativeson 23 October; silked.

Papers of George Washington, ed. Fitzpatrick, 27:183

Letter in the hand of Benjamin Walker signed (G:o Washington"), 2 pages (9 x 7 1/4 in.; 225 x 185 mm), Rocky Hill, [New Jersey], 8 October 1783, to Massachusetts governor John Hancock regarding Sir Guy Carleton's orders to evacuate Penobscott, endorsed by both Sam Adams as President of the Senate and Tristram Dalton, Speaker of the House of Representatives; silked.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Washington sends advance notice of Sir Guy Carleton's evacuation of Penobscot, but for many reasons can't afford to send troops to Massachusetts. "Congress having come to no determination with respect to a Peace Establishment, and the few Troops remaining in service being on precarious footing liable to be discharged at every moment, are reasons, which  with the great distance of Penobscott and sudden notice of the British Commander in Chief totally prevent my sending a detachment to receive possession of that Garrison from the British, and therefore I thought it my duty to give your excellency this Information that the Government of Massachusetts may take such measures as they may think proper."

The peninsula at the mouth of the largest river in what is now Maine (the state was part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts until 1820) had been an important stronghold occupied by the British since 1779. In late July, 1779, an expedition of nineteen armed vessels carrying 2,000 men along with twentyy-four transports carrying 900 militia arrived at Penobscot. Ill-planned and executed even worse, the mission was a complete disaster, costing Massachusetts 1,739,000 pounds in inflated currency and nearly its whole trading fleet.