Newburgh letter

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Lewis Nicola to George Washington, May 22, 1782, with Observations

On May 22, 1782, the Newburgh letter was sent to George Washington who was camped at Newburgh, New York; written for the army officers by Colonel Lewis Nicola, it proposed that Washington should become the King of the United States.[1] Washington reacted very strongly against the suggestion, and was greatly troubled by it.[2]

The letter could in many ways have been a turning point in American history. Nicola's proposal, while never fully formed, would not be suggesting tyranny (he rejected how others equated monarchy and tyranny) but instead a constitutional monarchy. The letter can be considered part of the Newburgh Conspiracy and the first grievance that Nicola highlights is the lack of adequate payment for troops.

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References[]

  1. ^ Nicola, Lewis. "To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 22 May 1782,". Founders Online. U.S. National Archives. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
  2. ^ Washington, George. "To Lewis Nicola from George Washington, 22 May 1782,". Founders Online. U.S. National Archives. Retrieved 7 May 2018.

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