The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Jan. 23, 1776

Gen. George Washington writes a letter to Col. Joseph Reed laying bare his despair. Washington laments that he finds few men he can trust and that constant correspondence with both generals in the field and Congress is overwhelming.

Despite Washington’s faith in Reed, the colonel was initially considered a polarizing figure. Much of that was due to his closeness with Washington, as well as Reed’s conflict with Benedict Arnold during the war. Reed never trusted Arnold. It would take years before his instincts were proven right when Arnold committed a betrayal of epic proportions.

In his letter, Washington implores Reed to return. The General, fraught with emotion and self-doubt, candidly admits that without him the weight of the command grows heavier by the hour.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Dear Sir,

Real necessity, compells me to ask you whether I may entertain any hopes of your returning to my Family? if you can make it convenient, and will hint the matter to Colo. Harrison, I dare venture to say that Congress will make it agreeable to you in every shape they can—My business Increases very fast, and my distresses for want of you, along with it—Mr Harrison is the only Gentleman of my Family that can afford me the least assistance in writing—He and Mr Moylan, whose time must now be solely Imployed in his department of Commissary, have heretofore afforded me their aid. & I have hinted to them in consequence of what you signified in some former Letter that each (as they have really had a great deal of trouble) should receive one third of........

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