On this episode of Inspired by History, Nathan Raab shares the story of three newly uncovered letters written by George Washington to his trusted Cabinet member Timothy Pickering—documents unseen for over two centuries.

The letters, penned during Washington’s presidency, reveal the first known instance of executive privilege, as Washington debated whether to share sensitive papers on the Jay Treaty with Congress. They also capture his concerns about James Monroe’s diplomacy in France and his efforts to gauge public reaction to the treaty that helped shape America’s early foreign policy.

Nathan discusses how these letters resurfaced through Pickering’s descendants, their historical significance, and what they reveal about Washington as both President and person—measured, thoughtful, and still defining the limits of executive power.

These letters offer a rare glimpse into the early Republic, the birth of American political divisions, and the rediscovery of Washington’s voice in his own hand.