From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 3 August 1783

Mr Cassady (who will have the honour of delivering this Letter to you) being a Gentleman of respectable Character, and having been long resident at Detroit, is dispatched by me to that place, in order to find out the dispositions of the Inhabitants and to make any inquiries which may be useful to you on your arrival. I am the rather induced to adopt this measure for fear you should be delayed a considerable time on your Journey and from an apprehension that considering the advanced season of the year, the uncertainty when the Difinitive treaty will arrive and our difficulties of a pecuniary nature, we shall not be able to send any Garrison to Detroit for this Winter. It will in that case be important to make the best arrangements in our power for the preservation of the Post, when it shall be evacuated by the British; and I know no possible means of doing this, but by engaging the Inhabitants, to yield their Assistance for the purpose, Mr Cassady can bring you acquainted with their Characters and many other matters which may be necessary to be known by you. Relying on your discretion and wishing you success in all your Negotiations, I remain with great Esteem Dear Baron &c.