December 2, 1783 – George Washington Writes in Favor of Immigration

Joshua Holmes wrote to George Washington representing “the Members of the Volunteer Associations and other Inhabitants of the Kingdom of Ireland lately arrived in this City [i.e., New York].” He first congratulated Washington on “the glorious termination of the late Cruel Unnatural and oppressive War.” He then thanked Washington in particular for vanquishing the country that has long oppressed them, and said they wished they had served under his command to help fight for the cause.

On the very same day, Washington wrote back to Homes and his association, saying:

It was not an uninteresting consideration, to learn, that the Kingdom of Ireland, by bold & manly conduct had obtained redress of many of its greivances—and it is much to be wished, that the blessings of equal Liberty & unrestrained Commerce may yet prevail more extensively in the Mean time, you may be assured, Gentlemen, that the Hospitality & Benificence of your Countrymen, to our Brethren who have been Prisoners of War, are neither unknown, or unregarded.

The bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent & respectable Stranger, but the oppressed & persecuted of all Nations & Religions; whom we shall wellcome to a participation of all our rights & previleges, if by decency & propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment.”

Unfortunately, since that time, the welcome mat of America has been rolled back quite a bit, in spite of claims of veneration for every Founding Father thought. In any event, you can read Washington’s letter here.

General George Washington