\ LIFE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, COMMANDER IN CHIEF ^ ^ -^ AUMIEg op THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THROUGHOUT THE WAR WHICH ESTABLISHED THEIR INDEPENDENCE : FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:- T BY DAVIT) RAMSAY, M.D. AuUwr of the History of the American Revolution. SECOND EDITION PUBLISHED BY D. MALLORY AND CO. Sold by them, and B. B. Hopkins and Co. W. W. Woodward, and A. Fiiiley and Co. Philadel- phia ; P H. Nicklin, Baltimore ;D. W. Farrand aiid Gi-eeiie, Albany ; Eeeisand How^t^ and I. Cook and Co. New Haven ; O D Cook, Haitfoitl ; A. Lyuian and Co. Portfcid ; Swift and Chapman, Middlcbury, Vermont. 18U. ^\ X\^ DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT ; District Clerk^s Office. OE it remembered, tluit on the thirficlh day of May, a n. 1811, •^ and in the thirty fii'tli year 6f the Independence of the United States of America, D. MaUory and Co. of the said district, have de- posited in this office the title oi'a book, tiie riglit w hei-eof they claim as proprietors in tiie words following, to wit; *' The Life of (ieorge Wafibington, Coinnuir.dcs- in Chief of tlie Armies " of the United States of Aineiica, ibiuuiiliout ibc war wliicb cstab- " lished their Independence, ami iirst President of tlie United States. " l{y David Ramsay, MI), author of tl)e History of tlie American •' Revolution. Second eilition." In conformity to the act of t'lC Congress of t'.ie United States, entitled, *' An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, chaits, ar.d books, to the anlhors and pi opriitors of such copies, during the times therein mer.tioned ;" and also to an act, enlilled, " An act sui)plementary to an act, entitled. An act foi' the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the au- lliors and proprietors of such copies, during th-e (in;es therein mention- ed ; and extending the benefiis tlic:col"to the arts of designing, engrav- ing, and etching historical and other piints." WM. S. SHAW, Clerk of the Bi.slrict of Massnchvsett^. THE YOUTH Of THE UNITED S^fATES. IK THE HO?E THAT, fROM THf- TiXAMPLK or THEIH COMMON FATHER, THEY WILL LEARN TO DO AND SUFFER WHATEN'ER THEIR COUNTRY'S GOOD MAY REQUIRE AT THEIR HANDS, THE FOLLOWING LIFE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, IS MOST AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED, BY THE AUTHOK CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Of George Washington's bii-tli, family, and education. Of his mission to the French comm9ndai#on the Ohio, in 1753. His military oper- ations as an officer of Virginia, from 1754 to 1758, and his subse- quent employments to the commencement of the American revolu- tion, - page I CHAPTER n. Retrospect of the origin of the American revolutionary war. Of George Washington as member of Congress, in 1774 and 1775 As Cpm- manner in Chief of the armies of the United Colonies in 1775 and 177C, and his operations near Boston, in these years, - - - p. 21 CHAPTER HI. CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 'Of the operations of General Was hington in Kcw York and New Jer- sey. Tiie battle on Long Island. The retreat from York Island and through Jersey. The battles of Trenton and Princeton, - - p. 35 CHAPTER IV. CAMPAIGN OF 1777. Of the operations of General Washington in New Jersey and Pennsyl- vania, in the campaign of 1777. The battles of Brandy wine and Ger- mantown. Washington is advised by the Rev. Jacob Duchf";, to give up the contest. Tlie distresses of the American army. Its winter quarters in "Valley Forge. Gen. Washington is assailed by the clam- ours of discontented individuals and public bodies, and by the designs of a faction to supersede him in his office as Commander in Chief, p. 61 CHAPTER V. CAMPAIGN OF t778. General Washington prepares for the campaign of 1778. Surprises the Britishj and defeats them at MOnmouth. Arrests General Lee. %l CONtENTS. Calms the irritation excited by the departiiw of the French fleet from Rhode Island to Boston. Dissuades from an invasion of Can- igda, -..* --p. 85 CHAPTER VI. CAMPAIGN Ol' 1779. The distresses of the American army. Gen. Washington calms theun- easiness in the Jersey line. Finds great difficulty in supporting his troops and concentrating their force. Makes a disposition of them •with a view to the security of West i||int. Directs an expedition Against the Six Nations of Indians, and for the reduction of Stony Point Paules Hook taken. A French fleet, expected to the north- ward, arrives on the coast of Georgia. Washington, unequal to of- fensive operations, retires into winter quarters, - - - - T p. 103 CHAPTER VH. CA.VrP\lGN OF 1780. Gen. Washington directs an expedition against Staten Island. Gives an opinion against risking an army for the defence of Charleston, S C. Finds great difficulty in supporting his army. Kniphausfn invades Jersey, but is prevented from injuring the American stores. Mar- quis del a Tayette arrives, and gives assurances that a French fleet and army might soon be expected on the American coast. Energet- ic measures of co-operation resolved upon, but so languidly executed, that Washington predicts the necessity of a more efficient system of national government A French fleet and army arrives, and a com- bine'! operation against New York is resolved upon, but the arrival of a superior British fleet deranges the whole plan, . - - . - p. 118 CHAPTER Vni. CAMPAIGN OF 1781. The Pennsylvania line mutinies. The Jersey troops follow their exam- ple, but are quelled by decisive measures. Gen. Washington com- mences a military journal, detailing the wants and distresses of his army. Is invited to the defence of his native state, Virginia, but de- clines. Reprimands the manager of his private estate for furnishing the enemy with supplies, to prevent the destruction of his property. Extinguishes the incipient flames of a civil war, respecting the inde- pendence of the state of Vermont. Plans a combined operation oo/tenTs. v^ ♦gainst the British, and deputes Lieut. Col John Laurens to solica tlie co-operation of the P'rench. The combined forces of both nations rendezvous in the Chesapeak, and take lord Corowaliis and his army prisoners of war. Washington returns to the ■vicinity' of New York, and urges the necessity of preparing for a new campaign, • • j). 134 CHAPTER IX. 1782 and 1783. Prospects of peace. Languor of the states. Discontents of the army. Gen. Washington prevents the adoption of rash measures. Some new levies in Peimsylvania mutiny, and are quelled. Washington recom- mends measures for the preservation of independence, peace, liberty, and happiness. Dismisses his army. Enters New York. Takes leave of his oftleers. Settles his accounts. Repairs to Annapolis. Resigns his commission. Retires to Mount Vernon, and resumes his agricultural pursuits, ........p. 159 CHAPTER X. General Washington, on retiring from public life, devotes himself to agricultural pursuits. Favours inland navigsition. Declines offered emoluments from it. Urges an alteration of the fundamental rules of the society of the Cincinnati. Regrets the de ects of the federal system, and recommends a revisal of it. Ts appointed a member of the continental convention for that purpose, wliich, after hesitation, he accepts. Is chosen president thereof Is solicited to accept the presidency of the United States. AVritcs sundry letters expressive of the conflict in his mind, between duty and inclination. Answers ap- plicants for offices. His reluctance to enter on public life, - p. 206 CHAPTER XI. Washington elected president. On his v/ay to the seat of government at New York, receives the most flattering marks of respect. Ad- dresses Congress. The situation of the United .States in their foreign and domestic relations, at the inauguration of Washington. Fills up public offices solely with a view to the public good. Proposes a treaty to the Creek Indians, which is at first rejected. Col. Willet induces the heads of the nation to come to New I'ork, to treat there. The North Western' Indians i-efuse a treaty, but after defeating Generals Harjoaar aad Siiiclair, they are defeated hy Gen, Wayne. They theK Viii - CONTENTS. sAibmit, and agree to treat. A new system is introduced for meliorat-- ing their condition, -- ------p. 231 CHAPTER XII. General Washington attends to the foreign relations of the United States. Negotiates with Spain Difficulties in the way. The free navigation of the Vlissisippi is granted by a treaty made with Major Pinckney. Negotiations with Britain Difficulties in the way. War probable. Mr. Jay's mission IJis treaty with tireat Britain. Op- position thereto. Is ratified. Washington refuses papers to House of Uepresentatives British posts in the United States evacuated. Negotiations wih France. Genet's arrival. Assumes illegal powers, in violation of the neutrality of the United States. Is flattered by the people, but opposed by the executive. Is recalled. General Pinck- ney sent as public minister to adjust disputes with France. Is not re- ceived. Washington declines a re-election, and addresses the people. His last address to the national legislature. Recommends a navy, a military academy, and other i»ublic institutions, ----- p. 254 CHAPTER XIII. Washington rejoices at the pi-ospt-ct of retiring. Writes to the Secre- tary of State, denying the authenticity of letters said to be from him to J. P. Custis and Lund Washington, in 1776 Pays respect to his successor, Mr. John Adams. Review of Washington's administration. He retires to Mount Vernon. Resumes agricultural pursuits Hears ■with regret the aggression of the French republic. Corresponds on the subject of his taking the command of an army to oppose the French. Is appointed Lieutenant General. His commission is sent' to him by the Secretary of War. His letter to president Adams on the receipt thereof. Directs the organization of the proposed array. Three Envoys Exti'aordinary sent to France, who adjust all disputes •with Bonaparte, after the overthrow of the Directory. Gen. Wash- ington dies. Is honoured by Congress, and by the citizens. His char- skcter, - - - p. 307 THE LIFE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON. CHAPTER I. Of George Washington's birth, family, and education Of his tnissiaiu to the French commandant on the Ohio in 1753 His military opera- tions as an officer of Virginia, from ITSito 1758, and liis subsequent employments to tlie commencement of the American Revolution. The ancestors of George Washington were among the first settlers of the oldest British colo- ny in America. He was the third in descent from John Washington, an English gentleman, who, about the middle of the 17th. century, emigrated from the north of England, and settled in vV^est- moreland county, Virginia. In the place where he had fixed himself, his great grandson, the sub- ject of the following history, was born on the 22d. of February, 1732. His immediate ancestor was Augustine Washington, vvho died when his son George was only ten years old. The education of the young orphan, of course, devolved on his mother, who added one to the many examples of virtuous matrons, who, devoting themselves to the 2 ^ • i'ln: LIFE or care of their children, have trained them up to be distinguished citizens. In one instance her fears, combining with her affection, prevented a meas- ure, which, if persevered in, would have given a direction to the talent^ and views of her son, very different from that which laid the foundation of his fame. George Washington, when only fifteen years old, solicited and obtained the place of a midshipman in the British navy ; but his ardent zeal to serve his country, then at war with France and Spain, was, on the interference of his mother, for the present suspended, and for ever diverted from the sea service. She lived to see him ac- quire higher honours than he ever could have ob- tained as a naval ofiicer ; nor did she depart this life till he was elevated to the first offices, both civ- il and military, in the gift of his country. She was, nevertheless, from the influence of long es- tablished habits, so far from being partial to the American revolution, that she often regretted the side her son had taken in the controversy between her king and lier country. In the minority of George Vv^ashing'ton, the means of education in America were scanty ; his Avas therefore very litllc extended beyond what is common, except in mathematics. Knowledge of this kind contributes more perhaps than any other to strengthen the mind. In his ease it was doubly useful ; for, in the early part of his life, it laid the foundation of his fortune, by qualifying him for the office of a practical surveyor, at a time when good land was of easy attainment; audits inti- mate connection with the military art, enabled him at a later period to judge more correctly of the (.HO!iCl-: WASJIIXG SOX. O proppr means of defending his countsy, when he was called upon to preside over its armies. Of the first nineteen years of George Washing- ton's life, little is known. His talents being more solid than showy, were not sufficiently developed for public notice, by the comparatively unimpor- tant events of that early period. His cotempora- ries have generally reported, that in his youth he was grave, silent, and thoughtful ; diligent and methodical in business, dignified in his appearance, and strictly honourable in all his deportment ; but they have not been able to gratify the public curi- osity with any striking anecdotes. His patrimo- nial estate was small, but that little was managed with prudence and increased by industry. In the gayest period of his life, he was a stranger to dis- sipation and riot. That he had established a solid reputation, even in his juveiiilc years, may be fair- ly presumed from the follovving circumstances. At the age of nineteen he was appointed one of the adjutants general of Virginia, with the rank of major. When he was barely twenty one, he was employed by the government of his native colony, in an enterprise uhich required the prudence of :• as well cis the vigour of youtii. Tiie French, as the first European discoverers of tlie river Mississippi, claimed all that immense region wliose waters rur. into that river. In pur- suance of this claim, in. the year 1753, they took possession of a tract of cotmtry supposed to be within the chartered limits of Virginia, and Vv'ere 'proceeding to erect a chain of posts from the lakes Canada to the river Ohio, in s'.ibservicncy to THE LIFE OF their grand scheme of connecting Canada with Louisiana, and Hmiting the EngUsh colonies to the east of the Alleghany mountains. Mr. Din- widdle, then governor of Virginia, despatched Washington with a letter to the French command- ant on the Ohio, remonstrating against the prose- cution of these designs, as hostile to the rights of his Britannic majesty. The young envo}' was al- so instructed to penetrate the designs of the French ; to conciliate the aftection of the native tribes ; and to procure useful intelligence. In the discharge of this trust, he set out on the 15th. of Novem- ber, from Will's Creek, then an extreme frontier settlement, and pursued his course through a vast extent of unexplored wilderness, amidst rains and snows, and over rivers of very difficult passage, and among tribes of Indians, several of whom, froni previous attentions of the French, were hostile to the English. A\'hen his horses were incompetent, he proceeded on foot with a gun in his hand and a pack on his back. He observed every thing with the eye of a soldier, and particularly designat- ed the forks of the Monongahela and Alleghany rivers, the spot ^^•here Fort Duquesne was after- ward built, and where Pittsburgh now stands, as an advantageous position for a fortress. Here he secured the affections of some neighbouring Indi- ans, and engaged them to accompany him. With them he ascended the Alleghany river and French Creek, to a fort on the river le Boeuf, one of its western branches. He there found Mons. Le Gardeur de St. Pierre, the commandant on the Ohio, and delivered to him Dinwiddle's letter ; (iEORGE WASHINGTON. •> and receiving- his answer, returned widi it to Wil- liamsburg on the seventy eighth day after he had received his appointment. The patience and firmness displayed on this occasion by Washing^, ton, added to his judicious treatment of the Indi- ans, both merited and obtained a large share of ap- plause. A journal of the whole was published, and inspired the public with high ideas of the en- ergies both of his body and mind. The French were too intent on their favourite project of extending their empire in America, to be diverted from it b}' the remonstrances of a co- lonial governor. The answer brought by Wash- ington was such as induced the assembly of Vir- ginia, to raise a regiment of three hundred men, to defend their frontiers and maintain the right claimed in behalf of Great Britain over the disput- ed territory. Of tliis Mr. Fry was appointed col- onel, and George Washington, lieutenant colonel. The latter advanced with two companies of this regiment early in April, as far as the Great Mead- ows, where he was informed by some f^uendly In- dians, that the French ^vere erecting fortifications in the fork between the Alleghany and Mononga- hela rivers ; and also, that a detachment was on its march from that place to',\'ard tlie Great Mead- ows. \V:xr had not been yet formally declared be- tween France and P^ngland, but as neither was disposed to recede from their claims to the lands on the Ohio, it was deemed inevitable, and on the point of commencing. Several circumstances were supposed to indicate an hostile intention on the part of the advancing French detachment. Washington, under the guidance of some friendly 2* 6 THE LIFE OF Indians, in a dark rainy night surprised their en- campment, and, after firing once, rushed in and surrounded them. The commanding officer, Mr. Jumonville, was killed, one person escaped, and all the rest immediately surrendered. Soon after this aflair. Col. Fry died, and the command of the reg- iment devolved on Washington, who speedily col- lected the whole at the Great Meadows. Two in. dependent companies of regulars, one from New York, and one from South Carolina, shortly after arrived at the same place. Col. Washington was now at the head of nearly four hundred men. A stockade, afterward called Fort Necessity, was erected at the Great Meadows, in which a small force was left, and the main body advanced with a view of dislodging the French from Fort Duques- iie, which they had recently erected, at the con- fluence of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers. They had not proceeded more than thirteen miles, when they were informed by friendly Indians-, " That the French, as numerous as pigeons in the woods, were advancing in an hostile manner to- ward the English settlements, and also, that Fort Duquesnc had been recently and strongly rein- forced." In this critical situation, a council of war unanimously recommended a retreat to the Great Meadows, which was eifectcd without delay, and every exertion made to render Fort Necessity ten- able. Before the works intended for that purpose were completed, Mons. de Villier, with a consid- erable force, attacked the fort. The assailants were covered by trees and high grass. The Amer- icans receivedthem with great resolution, and fought some within the stockade, and others in the sur- GEORGE WASHINGTON', 4 rounding ditch. Washington continued the whole day on the outside of die fort, and conducted the defence with the greatest coolness and intrepidity. Tiie engagement lasted from ten in the moriiing till night, when the F)ench commander demand- ed a parley, and offered terms of ca])itulalion. His first and second proposals were rejected ; and Washington would accept of none short of the following honourable ones, which were mutually agreed upon in the course of the night. " 'I'he fort to be surrendered on condition that the gar- rison should march out with the honours of war, and be permitted to retain their arms and bag- gage, and to march unmolested into the inhabit- ed parts of Virginia." The legislature of Vir- ginia, impressed with a high sense of the bravery and" good conduct of their troops, though com- pelled to surrender the fort, voted their thanks to Col. Washington and the officers under his com- mand, and they also gave three hundred pistoles to be distributed among the soldiers engaged in this action, but made no arrangements for renew- ing offensive operations in the remainder of the year 1754. When the season for action was over, the regiment was reduced to independent compa- nies, and Washington resigned his command. The controversy about the Ohio lands, which began in Virginia, was taken up very seriously by Great Britain, and two British regiments were sent to America to sujjport the claims of his Bri- tannic majest)'. They arrived early in 1755, and were commanded by Gen. Braddock. That officer, being informed of the talents of George Washington, invited him to serve the campaign as IHE LIFE Of a volunteer aid cle camp. The invitation was cheerfully accepted, and Washington joined Gen. Braddock near Alexandria, and proceeded with him to Will's Creek, afterward called Fort Cum- berland. Here the army was detained till the 12th. of June, waiting for waggons, horses, and provisions. W^ashington had early recommended the use of pack horses, instead of waggons, for conveying the baggage of the army. The pro- priety of this advice soon became apparent, and a considerable change was made in conformity to it. The army had not advanced much more than ten miles from Fort Cumberland, when W^ashington^ was seized with a violent fever, but nevertheless continued with the army, being conveyed in a covered waggon, after he had refused to stay be- hind, though so much exhausted as to be unable to ride on horseback. He advised the general to leave his heavy artillery and baggage behind, and to advance rapidly to Fort Duquesne, with a select body of troops, a few necessary stores, and some pieces of light artillery. Hopes were indulged that by this expeditions movement, Fort Duques- ne might be reached in its present weak state, with a force sufficient to reduce it, before expect- ed reinforcements should arrive. General Brad- dock approved the scheme, and submitted it to the consideration of a council held at tlie Little Mead- ows, which reconmiended that the commander in chief should advance as rapidly as possible with twelve hundred select men, and that Col. Dunbar should remain behind with the remainder of the troops and the heavy baggage. This advanced corps commenced its march with only thirty car- CEOUCJE WASHIN'GTOX, ^ riages, but did not proceed with the rapidity that was expected. They frequently halted to level the road, and to build bridges over inconsid- erable brooks. They consumed four days in passing over the first nineteen miles from the Lit- tle Meadows. At this place, the physicians declar- ed that Col. Washington's life would be endan- gered by advancing with the army. He was there- fore ordered by Gen. Braddock to stay behind with a small guard till Dunbar should arrive with the rear of the army. As soon as his strength would permit, he joined the advanced detachment, and immediately entered on the duties of his office. On the next day, July 9th. a dreadful scene took place. When Braddock had crossed the Monongahela, and was only a few miles from Fort Duquesne, and was pressing forward vviihout any apprehension of danger, he ^vas attacked in an open road, thick ^et with grass. An invisible enemy, consisting of French and Indians, com- menced a heavy and well directed fire on his un- covered troops. The van fell back on the main body, and the whole was thro^\'n into disorder. Marksmen levelled their pieces particularly at offi- cers, and others on horseback. In a short tinie, Washington was the only aid de camp left alive and not wounded. On him, therefore, devolved the whole duty of carrying the general's orders. He was of course obliged to be constantly in mo- tion, traversing the field of battle on horseback in all directions. He had two horses shot under him, and four bullets passed through his coat, but he escaped unhurt, though every other officer on horseback was either killed or wounded. Provi* ^^ ■ THE LIFE OF dcnce preserved him for further and greater ser- vices. Throughout the whole of the carnage and confusion of this fatal day, Washington displa^-ed the greatest coohiess and the most perfect self possession. Braddock was undisma}'ed amidst a shower of bullets, and by his countenance and ex- ample, encouraged his men to stand their ground ; but valour was useless, and discipline only offered surer marks to the destructive aim of unseen marksmen. Unacquainted with the Indian mode ol fighting, Braddock neither advanced unon nor retreated from the assailants, but very injudiciously endeavoured to form his broken troops on the ground where they were first attacked, and where they were exposed uncovered to the incessant gall- ing fire of a sheltered enemy. He had been cau- tioned of the danger to which he was exposed, and was advised to advance the provincials in front of his troops, to scour the woods and detect am- buscades, but he disregarded the salutarv recom- mendation. The action lasted near three hours, in the course of which the general had three horses shot under him, and finally received a wound, of which he died in a fev/ days in the camp of Dun- bar, to which he had been brought bv Col. Wash- ington and others. On the fall of Braddock, his troops gave way in all directions, and could not be rallied till they liad crossed the Mcnongnheln. The Indians, allured by plunder, did not pursue with vigour. The vanquislied regulars soon fell back to Dunbar's camp,Yrom which, after destroy- ing such of their stores as could be soared, they retired to Piiiladelphia. The oflicers i'n the Brit- ish regiments displayed the greatest braverv-. CEORGE WASHT\f;TO>J. 1 1 rhcii' whole number was eighty five, and sixty i'oiir of them were killed or woiindcd. Tlte com- mon soldiers were so disconcerted by the unusual mode of attack, that they soon broke, and could not be rallied. The three Virginia companies in the engagement behaved very ditll-rcntly, and fought like men till there were scarcely thirty men left alive in the whole. This reverse of fortune rather added to, than took from, the reputa- tion of Washington. His countrymen extolled his conduct, and generally said and believed, that if he had been commander, the disasters of the day would have been avoided. Intelligence of Braddock's defeat, and that Col. Dunbar had withdrawn all the regular forces from Virginia, arrived while the assembly of that colo- ny was in session. Impressed with the necessity of protecting their exposed frontier settlements, they determined to raise a regiment of sixteen companies. The command of this was given to Washington. So great was the public confidence in the souridness of his judgment, that he was au- thorized to name the field oBicers. His commis- sion also designated him as commander in chief of all the forces raised, or to be raised, in Virginia. In execution o-f the duties of his new oflicc, Washington, after giving the necessary orders for the recruiting service, visited the froiuiers. He found many posts, but few soldiers. Of these the best disposition was made. While on his way to Willianisbiirg to arrange a plan of opcratioris with the lieutenant governor, he was overtaken by an express below Fredericksburg, with information that the back settlements were broken up by par- 12 TflE LIFE OF ties of French and Indians, who were murdering and capturing men, women, and children, burn- ing their houses, and destroying their crops, and that the few troops stationed on the frontiers, un- able to protect the country, had retreated to small stockade forts. Washington altered his course from Williamsburg to Winchester, and endeav- oured to collect a force for the defence of the country. But this was impossible. The inhab- itants, instead of assembling in arms, and facing the invaders, fled before them, and extended the general panic. While the attention of individuals was engrossed by their families and private con- cerns, the general safety was neglected. The alarm became universal, and the utmost confusion prevailed. Before any adequate force was collect- ed to repel the assailants, they had safely crossed the Alleghany mountains, after having done an immensity of mischief. Irruptions of this kind were repeatedly made into the frontier settlements of Virginia, in the years 1756, 1757, and 1758. These generally consisted of a considerable num- ber of French and Indians, who were detached from Fort Duquesne. It was their usual practice on their approaching the settlements, to divide in- to small parties, and avoiding the forts, to attack solitary families in tiie night, as well as the day. The savages, accustomed to live in the woods, found little difficulty in concealing themselves till their fatal blow was struck. Sundry unimportant skirmishes took place, with various results, but the number killed on both sides was inconsidera- ble, when compared with the mischief done, and the many who were put to deatli, otherwise than l.IiOlK.K WASHINGTON. 13 ill battle. The invaders could seldom be brought to a regular engagement. Honourable war was not in their contemplation. Plunder, devastation, and murder, were their objects. The assemblage of a respectable force to oppose them, was their signal for retreating. Irruptions of this kind were so frecjuent for three years following Braddock's defeat, that in Pennsylvania, the frontier settlers were driven back as far as Carlisle, and in Mary- land, to Fredericktown, and in Virginia, to the Blue Ridge. The distresses of the inhabitants exceeded all description. If they went into stockade forts, they suffered from the want of provisions ; were often surrounded, and sometimes cut off. By fleeing, they abandoned the conveniences of home, and the means of support. If they continued on their farms, they lay down every night under apprehen- sions of being murdered before morning. But this was not the worst. Captivity and torture were frequendy their portion. To all these evils, women, aged persons, and children, were equally- liable with men in arms ; for savages make no dis- tinction. Extermination is their object. To Washington the inhabitants looked for that pro- tection he had not the means of giving. In a let- ter to the governor, he observed, " the supplicat- ing tears of the women, and moving petitions of the men, melt me with such deadly sorrow, that I solemnly declare, if I know my own mind, I could offer myself a willing sacrifice to the butch- ering enemy, provided that would contribute to the people's ease." Virginia presented a frontier of three hundred and sixty miles, exposed to these 3 14 THE LIFE OE incursions. Hard was the lot of Washington, to whom was intrusted the defence of these extensive settlements without means adequate to the pur- pose. The regiment voted by the assembly was never filled. Its actual number was oftener be- low than above seven hundred men. The militia afforded a very feeble aid, on which little reliance could be placed. They were slow in collecting, and when collected, soon began to hanker after home ; and while in camp, could not submit to that disciphne, without which an army is a mob. The militia laws were very defective. Cowardice in time of action, and sleeping while on duty, though crimes of the most destructive nature, were very inadequately punished by the civil code un- der which they took the field. Desertion and mu- tiny, for some considerable time, subjected the offenders to nothing more than slight penalties. Washington was incessant in his representations to the governor and to the assembly, that no reliance could be placed on the militia, under existing reg- ulations, and that the inconsiderable number, in- listed for regular service, together with the plans proposed for the security of the frontiers, were al- together inadequate. He not only pointed out the defect of the systems which had been adopted, but submitted to the consideration of those in pow- er, such measures as he thought best, and partic- ularly recommended, in case offensive operations were not adopted, that twenty two forts, extending in a line of three hundred and sixty miles, should be immediately erected and garrisoned by two thousand men, in constant pay and service ; but on all occasions gave a decided preference to the GEOUGK WASIIINGTOX. 15 reduction of Fort Duqiiesn^, as the only radical remedy for the evils to which the frontier settle- ments were exposed. Propositions to this effect were made and urged by him in 1756 and 1757, both to the government of Virginia, and the com- manders in chief of the British forces in America ; but a shortsighted policy in the first, and a prefer- ence given by the last to a vigorous prosecution of the war in the northern colonies, prevented their acceptance. To his inexpressible joy, the project obtained, in the year 1758, the complete approba- tion of Gen. Forbes, who was charged with the defence of the middle and southern colonies. This being resolved upon, the movements of the army were directed to that point. Part of the force des- tined for this expedition was at Philadelphia ; part at Ray's Town ; and part dispersed on the fron- tiers of Virginia. To bring all together, was a work of time and difficulty. Washington urged the necessity of an early campaign; but such de- lays took place that he did not receive orders to assemble his regiment at Winchester, till the 24th. of May ; nor to proceed from thence to Fort Cum- berland, till the 24th. of June ; nor to proceed to Ray's Town, till the 21st. September. The main b(jdy did not commence their march from Ray's Town, till the 2d. of October, and it was as late as the 25th. of November when they reached Fort Duquesne. These delays were extremely morti- fying to Washington, and threatened to render the campaign abortive. He urged the necessity of ex- pedition, and most pointedly remonstrated against one of the principal causes of delay. This was a resolution adopted by his superiors, for opening a 16 • Tin: Lii'E OF new road lor tlic army, in preference to that which Avas generally known by the name of Gtn. Brad- dock's. Being' overrnkd, he quietly submitted. Instead of embarrassing measiuTs he thought in- judicious, the whole energies of himself and his regiment were exerted to make the most of those which his commandmg officer preferred. The progress of the army was so slow, that it did not reach Loyal Hannah till the 5th. of November. Here it was determined in a council of war, " to be unadvisable to proceed any further that cam- paign." If this resolution had been adhered to> the only alternative would have been to winter an army of eight thousand men in a cold inhosjiitable wilclerness, remote from all friendly settlements, or to tread back their steps and wait for a more fa- vourable season. In either case they would have suffered immensely. The propriety of the remon- strances made by Washington against the many dela}s which had taken place, now became obvi- ously striking. The hopes of restoring peace to the frontier settlements by reducing Fort Ducjues- ne, began to vanish. But contrary to all hunian appearances, success was now offered to their grasp at the very moment they had gi\en up every hope of obtaining it. Some prisoners were taken, who gave such in- formation of the state of the garrison, as induced a reversal of the late determination, and encourag- ed the general to proceed. Washington was in front superintending the opening of the road for the accommodation of the troops. They advanced with slow and cautious steps until they reached Fort Duquesne. To their great surprise they CiEOIlGE %VAS1II\GT0N. 17 found the fort evacuated, and that the garrison had retreated down the Ohio. The reasons for the abandonment of so advantageous a position, must be looked for elsewhere. The British had urged the war with so much vigour and success against the French to the northward of the Ohio, that no reinforcements could be spared to Fori Duquesne. The British fleet had captured a considerable part of the reinforcements designed by France for her colonies. The tide of fortune had begun to turn against the French in favour of the English. This weakened the influence of the former over the In- dians, and caused them to withdraw from the sup- port of the garrison. Under difierent circumstan- ces, the success of the campaign would have been doubtful, perhaps impracticable. The benefits which resulted from the acquisition of Fort Du- quesne, proved the soimduess of Washington's judgment in so warmly urging, for three years, an expedirion for its reduction. These were not con- fined to Virginia, but extended to Pennsylvania and Maryland. VV hile the French were in posses- sion of that post, the Indians near the Ohio were entirely at their beck. This was their place of rendezvous, and from it they made frequent and ruinous incursions into these three colonies. They neither spared age nor sex, but killed or captivat- ed indiscriminately all who came in t^ieir way. Fire and devastation ; the scalping knife and tom- ahawk, marked their route. A complete revolu- tion in the disposition of the Indians, resulted from the expulsion of the French. x\lways prone to take part with the strongest, the Indians deserted 3* 18 TllK LIFE 01- their ancient friends, and paid court to those who, by recent conquest, were now in possession of the country. A treaty of peace was soon after con- chided with all the Indian tribes between the lakes and the Ohio. Fort Duquesne henceforward as- sumed the name of Fort Pitt, received consider- able repairs, and was garrisoned by two hundred men from Washington's regiment. It became as useful in future to the English settlements, ys it had been injurious while in the occupation of the French. , The campaign of 1758 ended the military ca- reer of Col. Washington as a provincial officer. The great object on which his heart was set, the reduction of Fort Duquesne, being accomplished, he resigned his commission. During the three preceding years in which he was chuiged with the defence of Viiginia, none of those great events occurred which enliven and adorn the p.ige of history ; yet the duties he per- formed were extremely arduous. He established exact discipline in his regiment, though uiiaci'us- tomed to restraint, and infui^ed into them such a spirit as made ti.em, when in action fight like men, and die like soldiers. The difficnlues of defending such an extensive froi tic ,, wiih so iiuidequate a force, would have cluigrintd Jmost any oiher man into a resignation of the command, but oiily excited in him greater importumtv widi the ruling powers, for the cor- rtriinw of errors. The plaiib he proposed, the sybtcuib he recommended lor conducting the war, disphiyed ^u\ uncommon vigoiir of mind. He re- tired ironi the anuy wiUi the thanks of his regi- GEOllGE WAS!llX(iTON. 19 ment, and the esteem not only of liis countrymen, but of the officers of the British army ; cind what is particularly remarkable, aiih the undiiniijished confidence of the frontier settlers, to whoni he was unable to extend that protection they expected from his hands. They were ihoroiis^Iily convinced he had made the best possible use of his scanty means for the security of so expensive a frontier; and to the weight of his advice v,\ recommenduig, and spirited co-operation in executing, they as- cribed a large proportion of the merit of the late successful expedition against Fort Duquesne ; an event from which they promised themselves an exemption from the calamities under which they had long laboured. As a reward of his gallant and patriotic services, he shortly after obtained the hand of Mrs. Custis, who, to a fine person and large fortune, added every accomplishment which contiibuies to the hapj)iness of manied life. Col. Washington, by the death of his elder brotlier Lciwrence, had a few years before acquired an es- tate situated on the Patowmack, called Mount Vernon, in compliment to adairal Vernon, who, about the year 1741, comnuiiided the Bi it sh fleet in an expediiion against Carthagena, in which ex- pedition Mr. Lawrence VVashii)glon had been en- gaged. To this delighiful '-pot the late commander of the Virginia forces, released from the cares of a military life, and in possession of every thing that could make life agieeabir, withdrew, and gjve hi Tiself up to domestic pursuits. These were con- ducred w'v\\ so much judgment, steadiness, and industry, as grealiy to enlarge and improve his 20 THE LIFE OP estate. To them he exclusively devoted himself for fifteen years, with the exception of sci ving in the house of burgesses of the colony of Virginia, and as a judge of the court of the county in which he resided. In these stations he acquitted him- self with reputation, and acquired no inconsider- able knowledge in the science of civil government. During this period, the clashing claims of Great Britain and her colonies were frequently brought before the Virginia legislature. In every instance he took a decided part in the opposition made to the principle of taxation claimed by the parent state. Had Great Britain been wise, the history of George Washington would have ended here, with the addition that he died in the sixty eighth year of his age, having sustained through life the char- acter of a good man, an excellent farmer, a wise member of the legislature, and an impartial dis- tributer of justice among his neighbours. Very diiTerent was his destiny. From being the com- mander of the forces of his native colony, Virginia, he was advanced to the command of the arniics of thirteen United Colonies, and successfully led them through a revolutionary war of eight years duration, which issued in their establishment as thirteen United States. The origin of these great events must be looked for across the Atlantic. washing rox. 21 CHAPTER II. Retrospect of the origin of tlic American rcvolutionnr)- war Of Georgp Washington as member of oongress, in 1774 anS:ox after the peace of Paris, 1763, a new system for {governing tht British colonics, was adopted. One abrid.i^nient of thtir accustomed hherties fol- lowed another in such rapid succession, that in the short space of twelve years they had nothing left they could call their own. The British par- Ii;iment, in which they were unrepresented, and 0'.<.r which they had no control, not only claimed, but exercised the power of taxing them at j)leas- urc. and of binding them in all cases whatsoever. Claims so repugnant to the spirit of the British constitution, and which made such invidious dis- tinctions between the subjects of the same king, residing on different sides of the Atlantic, excited a st'Vious alarm among the colonists. Detached as they were from each other by local residence, and unconnected in their several legislatures, a sense of common danger poirited out to them the wisdom ajid propriety of forming a new represent- ative bod'v, composed of delegates from each col- onv, to tcike care of their common interests, i22 THE LIFE OP' With very littlq^^previoiis concert, such a body was forintd and met in Philadelphia, in Septem- ber, 1774, and entered into the serious considera-'* tion ot" the grievances under which the ir constitu- ents laboured. To this congress Virginia deput- ed seven of her most respectable citizens ; Peyton Kandolph, Richard Henry Lee, George Washing- ton, Patrick Henry, Richard Bland, Benjumiii Harrison, Edmund Pendleton ; men who would have done honour to any age or country. The same were appointed in like manner to attend a second congress on the 10th. of May, in the follow- ing year. The historians of the American revo- lution will detail with pleasure and pride, the pro- ceedings of this illustrious assembly ; the firmness and precision with which they stated their griev- ances, and petitioned their sovereign to redress them ; the eloquence with which they addressed the people of Great Britain, the inhabitants of Can- ada, and their own constituents; the judicious measures they adopted for cementing union at home, and procuring friends abroad. They will also inform the world of the unsuccessful termina- tion of all plans proposed for preserving the union of the empire, and that Great Britain, proceeding from one oppression to another, threw the colonies out of her protection, made war upon them, and carried it on with a view to their subjugation. All these matters, together with the commence- ment of hostilities at Lexington, and the formation of an American army by the colony of Massachu- setts, for defendi !g themselves against a royal ar- my in Boston, must be here passed over. Oar business is only with George Washington. The GEORGE WASHINGTON. ist> fame he had acquired as commander of the Virginia forces, together with his well known military tal- ents, procured for him the distinguishing appella- tion of the Soldier of America. Those who, be- fore the commencement of hostilities, looked for- ward to war as the probable consequence of the disputes between Great Britain and her colonies, anticipated his appointment to the supreme com- mand of the forces of his native country. As long as he continued a member of Congress, he was chairman of every committee appointed by that body to make arrangements for defence. These duties in the Senate were soon superseded by more active employment in the field. As soon as the Congress of the United Colonies had deter- mined on making a common cause with Massa- chusetts, against which a Britisii army had com- menced hostilities, they appointed, by an unani- mous vote, George Washington, commander in chief of all the forces raised or to be raised for the defence of the colonies. His election was accom- panied with no competition, and followed by no en- vy. The same general impulse on the public mind, which led the colonies to agree in many other par- ticulars, pointed to him as the most proper person for presiding over their armies. To the president of Congress announcing this appointment. General Washington replied in the following words ; " MR PRESIDENT, " Though I am truly sensible of the high hon- our done me in this appointment, yet I feel great distress from a consciousness that mv abilities and 24 THE LIFK OF military experience may not be equal to the ex- tensive and important trust. However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter uj)on the momen- tous duty, and exert every power I p(jssess in their service, and for suj^port of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks, for this distinguished testimony of their approbiition. •" but kst some unlucky event should happen mifavourable to my reputation, 1 beg it niciy be re- membered by every gentleman m the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, 1 do not think myself equal to the command lam hon- oured with. " As to pay, Sir, I beg leave to assure the Con- gress that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous employ- ment, at the expense of my dorriesticease and hap- piness, I do not wish to make any prolit from it. I will keep an exact account of my expenses ; those I doubt not they will discharge, and thai isali 1 desire." A special commission was made out for him, and at the same time an unanimous resolution was adopted by Congress, " that they would maintain and assist him, and adhere to him with their lives and fortunes, for the maintenance and preservation of Vinerican Liberty." He immediately entered on the duties of his high station. After passing a few days in New York, and making so ne arrangements with Gen. Scluiyler, who commandi d there, he proceeded to Cambridge, which was the heaclcjuarters of ihc American army. On his way thitner, he received from piivate persons and public l>odies, ihe most flattering aiteiitiou, and the strongest expressions WKOHGE "WASJIINCn'OX, 25 of determination to support Kim. He received an address from the Provincial Congress of New- York, in whicli, after expressing their approbation of his elevation to command, they say, " We have the fnllest assurances, that whenever this impor- tant contest shall be decided by that fondest wish of each American soul, an accommodation with our mother country, you will cheerfully resign the important deposit committed into your hands, and reassume the character of our worthiest citizen."" The (jcneral, after declaring his gratitude for the respect shown him, added, " Be assured that every exertion of my worthy colleagues and my- self, will be extended to the. re-establishment of peace and harmony between the mother country and tliese colonies: As to the Ltal, but necessary operations of war, wiien we assumed the soldier we did not lay aside the citizen, and we shall most sincerely rejoice with you in that happy hour, when the re-establishment of American liberty, on the most firm and solid ibundations, shall enable us to return to our private stations, in the bosom of a free, peaceful, and haj:>py coimtry." A committee from tiie Massachusetts Congress received him at ^ipringfield,' about one hundred miles from Boston, and condncted him to the ar- my. He was soon after addressed l)y the Con- gress of that colony in the most aifectionate man- ner. In his answer, he said, "Gentlemen, your kind congratulations on my appointtuent and ar- rival, demand my warmest acknowletlgments, and will ever be retained in grateful remembrance. In exchangmg the enjoy mencs of domestic hfc for • . THE LIFE OF die duties of my present honourable, but arduous station, I only emulate tlie virtue and public spirit 6f the whole province of Massachusetts, which, with a firmness and patriotism without example, ilas sacrificed all the comforts of social and polit- ical life in support of the rights of mankind, and the welfiire of our common country. My highest ambition is to be the happy instrument of vindi- G^iting these rights, and to see this devoted prov- ince again restored to peace, liberty, and safety." When Gen. Washington arrived at Cambridge, he was received with the joyful acclamations of the American army. At the head of his troops, he published a declaration previously drawn up by Congress, in the nature of a manifesto, setting forth the reasons for taking up arms. In this, after enumerating various grievances of the colo- nies, and vindicating them from a premeditated design of establishing independent states, it was added ; " In our own native land, in defence of the freedom which is our birthright, and which \vc ever enjoyed till the late violation of it ; for the protection of our property, acquired solely by the industry of our forefathers and ourselves, iigainst violence actually offered ; we have taken up arms ; we shall lay them down when hostiiities shall cease on the part of the aggressors, and all danger of their being renewed shall be removed, and not before." When Gen. Washington joined the American army, he found the British intrenched on Bunker's Hill, having also three floating batteries in Mystic B.|ver^ and'a twenty gun ship below the ktry be- GEORGE WASSIINGTONT. ^7 tween Boston and Charlestown. They had also a battery on Copse's Hill, and were strongly forti- fied on the neck. The Americans were intrench- ed at Winter Hill, Prospect Hill, and Roxbury, communicating with one another by small posts over a distance of ten miles, nor could they be contracted without exposing the country to the incursions of the enemy. The army put under the command of Washing- ton amounted to fourteen thousand five Imndred men. Several circumstances concurred to render this force very inadequate to active operations. Military stores were deficient in camp, and the whole in the country was inconsiderable. On the 4-lh. of August, all the stock of powder in the American camp, and in the ]:)ublic magazines of the four New England provinces, would have made very little more than nine rounds a man.* In this destitute condition the army remained for a fortnight. To the want of powder was added a very general want of bayonets, of clothes, of working tools, and a total want of engineers. Under ail these embarrassments, the General observed, that * he had the materials of a good army ; that the mcri were able Ijodied, active, zealous in the cause, and of unquestionable courage." He immediatel}' in- stituted such arrangements as were calculated to increase their capacit}- for service. The army was distributed into brigades and divisions, and on his recommendation, general stalf officers were appoint- ed. Economy, union, and system, were intro- duced into every department. As the troops came into service under the authority of distinct colonial governments; no uniformity existed among the 28 THE LI Pi': OP ret2:iments. In IMassaclui setts tlie men bad chosen their officers, and, rank excepted, were m other respects, IVequentiy their equals. To form one iiiifbrni mass ol" these discordant materials, and to subject freemen animated with the spirit of liber- tVj and collected ior its dc fence, to the control of military discipline, required patience, forbearance, and a spirit of accommodation. This delicate and arduous duty was rmdertaken by (^en. Washing- ton, and discharged v^'ith great address. When he had made considerable progress in discipilnii^.g his army, the term for which iniistments had taken place was on the point of expiring. Thetroops from Connecticut and Rhode Island were only en- gaged to the first of December, 1775 ; and no part of tlie army longer than to the first of January, 177G. The commander in chief made early and forcible representations to Congress on this sub- ject, and urged them to adopt efficient measures for the formation of a new arm}' . They deputed three of their members, Mr. Lynch, Dr. Franklin, and Mr. Harrison, to repair to camp, and, in con- junction with hin) and the chief magistrates of the New England colonies, to confer on the most effec- tual mode of continuing, supporting, and regulat- ing, a continental army. By them it was resolved to list twenty three thoiisarid seven hundred and twenty two men, as far as practicable, from the troops before Boston, to serve till the last day of December, 1776, unless sooner discharged by Congress. In the execution of this resolve, Wash- ington called upon all officers and soldiers to make their election for retiring or continuing. Several of the inferior officers retired. Many of tne mea GEORGK ^VASHINGTON. 29 would not continue on any terms. Several refus- ed, unless they were indulged with furloughs. Others, unless they were allowed to choose their officers. So many impediments obstructed the recruiting service, that it required great address to obviate them. Washington made forcible a[)peals in general orders, to the pride and pati-iotism of both officers and men.( He promised every indul- gence compatible with safety, and every comfort that the state of the country authorized. In gen- eral orders of the 20th. of October, he observed, *' The times, and die importance of the great cause we arc engaged in, allow no room for hesitation and delay. When life, liberty, and property, are at stake ; when our country is in danger of being a melcincholy scene of bloodshed and desolation ; when our towns are laid in ashes, innocent women and children driven from their peaceful habitations, exposed to the rigours of an inclement season, to depend perhaps on the hand of charity for sup- port ; when calamities like these are staring us in the face, and a brutal savage enemy threatens us and every thing we hold dear with destruction from foreign .troops, it little becomes the charac- ter of a soldier to shrink from danger, and condi- tion for new terms. It is the General's intention to indulge both officers and soldiers who compose the new army with furlougiis for a reasonable, time ; but this must be done in such' a manner as not to injure the service, or-v/eaken the army too much at once." In the instructions given to the recruiting officers, the General enjoined ujion them " not to inhst any person suspected of benig un- friendly to tile liberties of Amerie:!, or any aban« 4^ i30 • THi'. LIFE OF cloned vagabond, to whom all causes and coun- tries are equal aisd alike indifferent." Though great exertions had been made to pro- cure recruits, yet the regiments were not filled. Several causes operated in producing this disincli- nation to the service. The sufferings of the army had been great. Fuel svas very scarce. Clothes, and even provisions, had not been furnished them in sufficient quantities. The smallpox deterred many from entering ; but the principal reason was a dislike to a military life. Much also of that en- thusiasm which brought numbers to the field, on the commencement of hostilities, had abated. The army of 1775 was wasting away by the expiration cf the terms of service, and recruits for the new, entered slowly. The regiments which were enti- tled to their discharge on the 1st. of December, were with great diilicuity persuaded to stay ten days, when reir.forcements of militia were expect- ed to supply their phice. P^om the eagerness of the old troops to go home, and the slowness of the new to enter the servi-e, it was difficult to keep up the blockade. On the last day of the year, wh.eii the first vrere entirely disbanded, the last only amounted to nine thousand six hundred and iiity men, and many of these v;ere absent on furiough. At t'nis time the royal army in Boston v\/as aix)ut .tight thousand. To assist the recruiting service, the General recommended to Congress to try the effects of a bounty, but tills was not agreed to till late in January, 1776. In that and the foUowirig month the arniy was considerably increased. The blockade of Boston was all this time kept up, and the enemy confined to the city, but this CKORGE w.vsinN-c.rox. oi was far short of what the American people expect- ed. Comnion fame represented the troops under the command of Washington to be nearly treble the royal army. This ample force was supposed to be furnished with every thing- necessary for the most active operations. Tlieir real numbers and deficient equipments were, for obvious reasons, carefully concealed. The ardour and impatience of ihe public had long since counted on the ex- pulsion of the British from Boston. Washington was equally ardent, but better informed and more prudent. He well knew the advantages that would result to the cause in which he was engaged from some brilliant stroke, nor was he insensible to in- sinuations by some that he was devoid of energy, and by others that he wished to prolong his own importance by continuing the war. He bore these murmurs with patiep^e ; but nevertheless, had his eyes directed to Boston, and wished for an open- ing to commence oftensive operations. The pro- priety of this measure was submitted to the con- sideration of repeated councils of war, who uni- formly decl.ired against it. A hope was neverthe- less indulged duit ice in the coufse of the winter, Avould be favourable to an assault. That this op- portunity migiu not be lost, measures were adopt- ed for procuring large reinlbreements of m litia to serve till the ftrst of xMarch, 1776. From four ta fi\'e thousand men were accordingly procured. Contrary to what is usual, the waters about Bos- ton continued open till the middle of February. Councils of war were hitherto nearly unanimous against an assault. General Washington was less opposed to it than some others, but the want of 32 - rHK LIFE Of ammunition for the artillery, together with the great probability of failure, induced hiin to decline the attempt. In lieu of it he formed a bold reso- lution to take a new position that would either coiupel the British General to come to an action, or to evacuate Boston. The Ajuerican army was now stronger than ever. Rc^cruiting for the two last months had been unusualiy successful. The regular army exceeded fourteen thousand men, and the militia were about six thousand. Wash- ington, thus reinforced, determined to fortify the heights of Dorchester, from which he could annoy the ships in the harbour, and the army in the town. To favour the execution of this plan, the town and lines of the enemy were bombarded on the 2d. 3d. and 4th. of March. On the night of the 4th. Gen. Thomas, with a considerai)le detach- ment, took possession of the J^ights of Dorches- ter. By great exertions this party in the course of the night, nearly covered themselves from the shot of the enemy. The appearance of their works caused no little surprise in the Br tish camp. These were every hour advancing so as to afford additional security to the Americans posted be- hind them. The Admiral informed Gen. Howe, that if the Americans kept possession of these heights, he would not be able to keep one of the British ships in tlie harbour. The enemy were now brought to the alternative which Washington wished for. They must either risk an action with- out their lines^or abandon the .place. Gen. Howe preferred the former, and oidered three thousand men on this service. Tliese were embarked, and fell down to the Casde with the intention of pro- GEDRGK WASHtNGTOX. 33 eeeding iip the river to the attack, hot were dis- persed by a tremendous storm. Before the} could be in readiness to proceed, t'ne American works were advanced to such a state of security as to discourage any attempt against them. Washington expecting an inmiediate assault on the new raised works at Dorchestei", and judging that the best troops of the enemy would be order- ed on that service, had prepared to attack the town of Boston at the same time ; four thousand men were ready for embarkation at the mouth of Cam- bridge river to j)roceed on this business, as soon as it was known that the British were gone out in force to their intended attack. It was now resolv- ed by the British to evacuate Boston as scon as possible. In a few days after, a flag came out of Boston with a paper signed by four select men, informing, " that they had applied to Gen. Rob- ertson, who, on an application to Gen. Howe, was authorized to assure them, that he had no intention of burning the town, unless the troops under his command were molested during their embarkation, or at their departure, by the armed force vv^ithout." When this paper was presented to Gen. Washiiig- ton, he replied, " that as it was an unauthenticat- ed paper, and uidiout an address, and not obi ga- tory on Gen. Howe, he could take no notice of it ;" but at the same time *' intimated his good wishes for the security of the town." Washington made arrangements for the securi- ty of his army, but did not advance his works nor embarrass the British army in iheir propoed evac- uation. He wished to save Boston, and to gain time for the fortification of New York, to which S4 'PIIE LIFE 01- place he supposed the evacuating army was des- tiiifd. Under this impression, he detached a con- siderable p.irt of his army to that place, and with the remainder took possession of Boston, as soon as the British troops had completed their embark- ation. On entering the town, Washington was received with marks of approbation more flatter- ing than the pomps of a triumph. The inhabitants, released from the severities of" a garrison life, and from the various indignities to which they were subjected, h.iiled him as their de- liverer. Reciprocal congratulations between those who had been confined within the British lines, and those who were excluded from entering tlie'm, were exchanged v/ith an ardour which cannot be described. Gen. Washington was honoured by .Congress with a vote of thanks. They also or- dered a medal to be struck, with suitable devices to perpetuate the remembrance of the great event. The Massachusetts Council, and House of Repre- sentatives complimented him in a joint address, in which they expressed their good wishes in the fol- lowing v^'ords ; " May you still go on approved by Heaven, revered by all good men, and dreaded by those tyrants who claim their fellow men as their property." His answer was modest and proper. QEORGE WASllIXCrTGN. 35 CHAPTER III. CAMPAIGN OF 1776. Of the operations of General Washnigton in New York and New Jer- sey The b'ttle on Long Islai'd — T!ie retreat from York Island aad through Jei-sey The battles of Trenton and Princeton. T'fR evacuation of Boston varied the scene, but did not lessen the labours of Washinf^on. Hence- forward he had a much more formidable enemy to contend with. The royal army in Boston was, on a smull scale, calculated to awe the inhabitants of Massachusetts into obedience, but the cam- paign of 1776 was opened in New York with a force fi\r exceeding any thing hitherto seen in America. Including the navy and army, it amount- ed to fifty five thousand men, and was calculated on the idea of reducing the whole United Colo- nies. The operations contemplated could be best carried on from the nearly central province of New York, and the army could I)e supplied with pro- visions from the adjacent islands, and easily de- fended by the British navy. For these reasons, the evacuation of Boston, and the concentration of the royal forces at New York, had been for some time resolved upon in England. The reasons that induced the British to gain possession of New York, weighed with Washing- 56 THE LIFE OF ton to prevent or delay it. He had therefore de- tached largely /rom his army before Boston, and sent Gen. Lee to take the command, and after pro- vidng for the security of Boston, proceeded soon after the evacuation thereof with the main army to New York, and made every preparation in his, power for its defence. Considerable time was al- lowed for this purpose ; for Gen. Howe, instead of pushing directly for New York, retired to Halifax, with the forces withdrawn from Boston. He there waited for the promised reinforcements from England; but, impatient of delay, sailed without them for New York, and took possession of Staten Island in the latter end of June. He was soon followed by his brother. Admiral Howe, and their whole force was asseinbled about the middle of Ju- ly, and in apparent readiness for opening the cam- paign. Before hostilities were commenced, the Bi iiish General and Admiral, in their quality of civil commissioners forelicctinga reunion between Great Britain and the Coloriies, made an attempt at negolialion. To introduce this business, they sent a flag ashore with a letter addressed to Geoige Washington, Esq. This he refused to receive, as not being addressed to him with the title due to his rank, ai\d at the same time wrote to Congress, *' That he. would not, on any occasion, sacrifice essentials to ])unctilio, but in this instance, deem- ed it a duty to his country to insist on that resjiect whioh, iii any other than a public view, he would willingly have waved.'' So .le time after, Adju- taut General Patterson was sent by (en. Howe vvrih a letter addressed to George Washington, &c. &,c. &:c. On an interview, the Adjutant Gen- c; KORLi K WAS 1 llNCi lOX. 37 oral, after expressing his high esteem for the per- son and character of the American General, and declaring that it was not intended to derogate from the respect due to his rank, expressed his hopes, that the et ceteras would remove the impediments to their correspondence. Gen. Washington re- plied, " That a letter directed to any person in a public character, should have some description of it, otherwise it would appear a mere private letter ; that it was true the et ceteras implied every thing, but they also implied any thing, and that he should therefore decline the receiving any letter directed to him as a private person, when it related to his public station." A long conference ensued, in which the Adjutant General observed, that " the Commissioners were armed with great powers, and would be very happy in effecting an accom- modation." He received for answer, " that from what appeared, their powers were only to grant pardons ; that they who had committed no fault wanted no pardon." On the arrival of Gen. Howe at Staten Island, the American army did not exceed ten thousand men, but by sundry reinforcements before the end of August, they amounted to twenty seven thous- and. Of these a great part were militia, and one fourth of the whole was sick. The diseases inci- dent to new troops prevailed extensively, and were aggravated by a great deficiency in tents. These troops were so judiciously distributed on York Island Long Island, Governor's Island, Paulus Hook, and on the Sound toward New Rochelle, East and West Chester, that the enemy were very cautious in determining when or where to com- 5 38 . THE LIFK or mence offensive operations. Every j^robable point of debarkation was watched, and guarded with a force sufficient to embarrass, though very insnffi- eiejit to prevent, a landing. From the arrival of the British army at S^aten Island, the Americans Were in daily expectation of being at^iicked. Gen- eral Washington was therefore strenuous in pre- paring his troops for action. He tried every ex- pedient to kindle in their breasts the love of their country, and an high toned indignation against its invaders. In general orders he addressed them as follows. " The time is now near at hand, w hich imust probably determine whether iVmericans are .to be freemen or slaves ; whether they are to have any property they can call their own ; whether itheir houses and forms are to be pillaged and de- stroyed, and themselves consigned to a state of ivretchedness, from which no human efforts will (deliver them. The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and con- duct of this army. Our cruel and unrelenting enemy, leaves us only the choice of a brave re- sistance, or the most abject submission. We have therefore to resolve to conquer or to die. Our own, our country's honour, calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion ; and if we now shame- fully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world. Let us then rely on the goodness of our cauSe, and the aid of the Supreme Being, in whose hands victory is, to animate and encourage us to great asid noble actions. The eyes of all our countrymen are now upon us, and we shall have their blessings and praises, if happily v\e are the instruments of saving them from the tyranny med- gk,oui;e w ashincton. 39 itated against them. Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a freeman contendmg for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth." When the whole reinforcements of the enemy had arrived, Gen. Washington, in expectation of an immediate attack, again addressed his army, and called on them to remember that "libertyj property, life, and honour, were all at stake ; that upon their courage and conduct, rested the hopes of their bleeding and insulted country ; that their wives, children, and parents, expected safety from them only ; and that they had every reason to be- lieve that Heaven would crown with success so just a cause." He farther added ; "The enemy will endeavour to intimidate by show and rippear- ance, but remember they have been repulsed on various occasions by a few brave Americans. Their cause is bad ; their men are conscious of it, and if opposed with firmness and coolness on their first onset, with our advantage of works, and knowledge of the ground, the victory is most as- suredly ours. Every good soldier will be silent and attentive ; wait for orders,; and reserve his fire until he is sure of doing execution ; of this the officers are to be particularly, careful." Heathen gave the most explicit orders that any soldier ^^•ho should attempt to conceal himself, or retreat without orders, should instantly be shot down, as an example of tiie punishment of cow- ardice, and desired every officer to be particularly attentive to the conduct of his men, and report those who should distinguish themselves by brave 40 ' iilE LIFE OF and noble actions. These he solemnly promised to notice and reward. On the22d. of Augnst, the greatest joart of the British troops landed on Long Island. Washing- ton immediately made a farther eftbrt to ronse his troops to deeds of valour. " The enemy," said he, "have landed, and the hour is flist approach- ing on which the honour and success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding country, depends. Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are free- men, fighting for the blessings of Liberty ; that slavery will be your portion and that of your pos- terity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men. Remember how your courage has been despised and traduced by 3'our cruel invaders, though they have found by dear experience at Boston, Charles- town, and other places, what a few brave men, contending in their own land, and in the best of causes, can do against hirelings and mercenaries. Be cool, but determined. Do not fire at a dis-~ tance, but wait for orders from your officers." He repeated his injunctions, *' to shoot down any person who should misbehave in action," and his hope "that none so infamous would be found, but that, on the contrary, each for himself resolv- ing to conquer or die, and trusting to the smiles of Heaven on so just a cause, would behave with bravery and resolution." His assurance of re- wards to those who should distinguish themselves, were repeated ; and he declared his confidence, " that if the army would but emulate and imitate their brave countrymen in other parts of Amer- ica, they would, by a glorious victory, save their GRORGE W ASHING rOxN. \ 41 country, and acquire to themselves immortal hon- our.'' ^ On the 5th. day after their landing, the British attacked the Asncricans on Louir Island, com- manded by Gen. Sullivan. The variety of i^ronnd and the difft-rent parties employed in different places, both in the attack and dt fence, occasioned a succession of sm ill engagements, pursuits, and slaughter, which lasted for many hours. The Americans were defeated in all direct ions. The circumstances which eminently contributed to this, were the superior discipline of the assail- ants, and the want of early intelligence of their movements. There was not a single corps of cav- alry in the American army. The transmission o£ inteUigence was of course always slow, and often impracticable. From the want of it, some^of their detachments, while retreating before one portion of the enemy, were advancing toward another, qf whose movements they were ignorant. In the height of the engagement Washington passed over to Long Island, and with infinite re- gret saw the slaughter of his best troops, but had not the power to prevent it ; for had he drawn his whole force to their support, he must have risked every thing on a single engagement. He adopted the wiser plan of evacuating the island, with ill the forces he could bring oft'. In superin- tending this necessary, but difficult and dangerouy movrtnent, and the events of the preceding day, Washington was indefatigable. For forty eight hours he never closed his eyes, and was ahuost constantly on horseback. In less than thirteen hours, the fieid artillery, tents, baggage, and about 5* 42 THE LIFE OF' nine thousand men, were conveyed from Long* Iskmd to the city of J«Jevv York, over East River, and without the knowledge of the British, though not six hundred yards distant. The darkness of the night and a heavy fog in the morning, together with a fair wind after midnight, favoured this re- treat. It was completed without interruption some time after the dawning of the day. The unsuccessful termination of the late action, led to consequences more seriously alarming to the Americans, than the loss of their men. Hith- erto they had had such confidence in themselves, as engaged in the cause of liberty and their coun- try, that it outweighed all their apprehensions from the exact discipline of the British troops ; but now finding that many of them had been encircled in inextricable difficulties from the superior mili- tary skill of their adversaries, they went to the op- posite extreme, and began to think but very in- diflerentiy of themselves and their leaders, when opposed to disciplined troops. As often as they saw the enemy approaching, they suspected a mil- itary manoeuvre, from whicn they supposed noth- ing could save them but immt-diate flight. Ap- prehensions of this kind migiit naturalh be ex- pected from citizen soldiers, lately taken from ag- ricultural pursuits, who expected to lay aside the military character at the end of the current year. Washington, tren^blingly alive to the state of his armv, wrote tf» Congress on the sixth day after the deteat od Long Island, as follows ; " Our sit- uaTion is truly distressing. The check our de- tachment lately sustained lias dispirited too great a proportion of our troops, and filled their uiiads triiORGE WASHIXG'ION". 43 with apprehension and despair. The militia, in- stead of caning' forth their utniost efforts to it brave and manly opposition, in order to repair our losses, are dismayed, intractable, and impatient to return. Great numbers of them have t^one off; in some instances, almost by whole regiments, in nuny by half ones, and by companies at a time. This cir- cumstance of itself, independent of others, vvhen fronted by a well appointed enemy, superior in number to our whole collected force, would be sutlicientl}' disagreeable ; but when it is added, that their example has infected another part of the army ; that their want of discipline and refusal of almost every kind of restraint and government, have rendered a like conduct but too common in the whole, and have produced an entire disregard of that order and subordination whu h is necessa- ry for an army, our condition is still njore alarm- ing ; and with the deepest concern I am obliged to confess my want of confidence in the gene rali- ty of ihe troops. All these circumstances fully confirm the opinion I ever entertained, and which I more than once in my letters took the liberty of mtntio!)ing to Congress, that no dependence could be put in a niihtia, or other trooj)s -than those in- listed and embodied for a longer period than our regulations have hitherto prescribed. I am fully convinced that our liberties mubt of necessity be greaily hazarded, if not entirely lost, if their de- fence be left to any but a permanent army. " Nor would the expense incident to the sup- port of such a body of troops as would be compe- tent to every v^xigency, far exceed that which is incurred by calling in daily succours and new in- 44 TllK LJFE OF listments, which, when effected, are not attended with any t^ood consequences. Men who have been free and subject to no control, cannot be re- duced to order in an instant ; and the privileges and exemptions they claim, and will have, influ- ence the coi(duct of others in such a manner, that the aid derived from them is nearly counterbalanc- ed by the disorder, irregularity, and confusion thev occasion." In fouiteen days after this serious remonstrance, Congress resolved to raise eighty eight battalions to serve (juring the war. Under these circum- stances, to wear away the campaign with as little loss as possible, so as to gain time to raise a per- manent army against the next year, was to the Anu-ricans an oi)]ect of the greatest importance. Gen. Washington, after much deliberation, de- termined on a war of posts Recent events eon- firmed him in the policy of defending his country bv retreaiing, when he could no longer stand his ground wivliout risking his army. He well knew that by adoptmg it he would subject himself to the impuT.-.Tion of wanting energy ar*d decision ; but \v\ih him the love of country was paramount to all other considerations. In conformity to these principles, the evacua- tion of New York was about th;s time resolved upon, whensoexer it could no longer be maintain- ed without risking the army. Arrangements weie accordingly made for a temporary defence, aid an ultimate retreat when neces.sity required. 'l\'H. British, now in jjossession of Long Island, couid at pleasure pass over to York Island oi the main. Washington was apprehensive thiit they GEOliGR WASHINGTON. 45 Would land above him, cut off" his retreat, and force him to a general action on York Island. He there- fore moved his public stores to Dobbs' ferry, and stationed twelve thousand men at the northern end of York Island. With the remainder he kept up the semblance of defending New York, though he had determined, to abandon it, rather than risk his army for its preservation. While Washington was making arrangements to save his troops and stores by evacuating and re- treating, the British commander was prosecuting his favourite scheme of forcing the Aaiericans to a general action, or breaking the communication between their posts. With this view he landed -about four thousand men at Kipp's Bay, three miles above New York, under cover of five men of war. Works had been thrown up at this place, which were capable of being defended for some time, ii nd troops were stationed in them for that purpose ; but they fled with precipitation without waiting for the approach of the enemy. Two brigades were put in motion to support them. Gen. Wash- ington rode to the scene of action, and to his great mortification met the whole party retreating. While he was exerting himself to rally them, on the ap- pearance of a small corps of the enemy, the}^ again broke, and ran off in disorder. Such dastardly conduct raised a tempest in the usually trancjuil mind of Gen. Washington. Having embarked in the American cause from the purest principles, he viewed with infinite concern this shameful behav- iour, as threatening ruin to his country. He recol- lected the many declarations of Congress, of the ar- my, and of the inhabitants, preferring liberty tolife^ 46 THE LIFE OF and death to dishonour, and contrasted them with their present scandalous flight. His soul vahs har- rowed up with apprehensions that his country- would be conquered, her army disgraced, and her liberties destroyed. He anticij)ated, in imagina- tion, that the Americans would appear to posteri- ty in the light of high sounding boasters, who blus- tered when dinger was at a distance, but shrunk at the shadow of opposition. Extensive confisca- tions, and numerous attainders, presented them- selves in full view to his agitated mind. He saw in imcigination new formed states, with the means of defence in their hands, and the glorious pros- pects of liberty before them, levelled to the dust ; ai^.d such constitutions imposed on them, as were likely to crush the vigour of the human mind ; while the unsuccessful issue of the present strug- gle would, for ages to conie, deter posterity from the bold design of asserting their rights. Im- piessed with these ideas, he hazarded his person for some considerable tiuie in rear of his own men, and in front of the en.emy, with his horse's head toward the latter, as if in ex!)ectation that, by an honourable death, he might escape the infamy he dreaded from the dastardly conduct of troo])s on whom he could place no dependence. His nids, and the confidential friends around his person, by indirect violence, compelled him to retire. In consequence of their address and importunity, a life uas saved for public service, which, other- wise, from a sense of honour and a gust of pas- sion, seemed to be devoted to almost certain de-, struction. GEORGE VVASillNGTON. 47 The shameful events of this day, hastened the evacuation of New York. This was effected with very Httle loss of men, but all the heavy artillery and a large portion of the baggage, provisions, mil.'tary stores, and particularly the tents, were unavoidably left behind. The loss of the last mentioned article was severely felt in that season, when cold weather was rapidly approaching. Tlie British having got possession of the city of New York, advanced in front of it, and stretch- ed their encampments across York Island ; while their shipping defended their flanks. Washington had made his strongest post at Kingsbridge, as that preserved his communication with the coun- try. In front of this, and near to the British, he had a strong detachnicnt posted in an intrenched camp. This position of the two armies was par- ticularly agreeable to him ; for he wished to ac- custom his raw troops to fiice their enemies, hop- ing that by frequent skirmishes they would grow so familiar with the dangers incident to war, as to ft ar them less. Opportunities of making the ex- periment soon occurred. On the day after the retreat from New York, a skirmish. took place be- tween an advanced detachment of the B: iiibh army and some American troops, connnandtd b\ Col. Knowlton, of Connecticut, and Major Leilch, of Virginia. Both these oilicers fell, braveh fighting at the head of their troops. The captains with their men k(. pt ihe ground, and fairly beat their adversaries from the field. This was the first ad- vantage the army under the comma; id of Wash- ington had gaiiicd in the campaign, h^ hiihiCiice on the army was great. I'o increase its effects. 48 ■ THE LIFE OF the parole the next clay was " Leitch," and the General gave puI^Hc thanks to the troops enij;aged therein. He contrasted their conduct with the laie shaiTietul flight of the troops from the works on Kipp's Bay, and observed, " 'Fliat the result proved what might be done, where officers and men exerted themselves;" and again called on all " so to act as not to disgrace the noble cause in which they were engaged." General Howe continued to prosecute his scheme for cutting off Washington's conmiunication with the eastern states, and enclosing liini so as co com- pel a general engagement. With this view the royal army landed on Frog's Neck, in West Ches- ter county, and soon after advanced to New Ro- chelle, and made sundry successive movements, all calculated to effect this purpose. A few skir- mishes took place, but a general action was care- fully avoided by Washington, except in one case m which he had such a manifest advantage from his position on hills near the White Plains, that Gen. Howe declined it. The project of getting in the rear of the American army was in like man- ner frustrated by frequent and judicious changes of its position. Gen. Howe failing in his first de- sign, adopted a new plan of o]>erations. His eiTorts were henceforward direct:;d to an invasion of New Jersey. Washington, penetrating his designs, cross- ed the North River. He wrote to William Liv- ingston, governor of New Jersey, urging hiin to put the militia of that State in the best state of piCj)aration to defend their country, and also rec- ommending the removal of stock and provisions from die sea coast. About this time Fort Wash- REORGE WASIMXCTOX. 45 inj^ton was taken by storm, and the garrison, con- sisting- of more than two thousand men, with their commander, Col. Magaw, surrendered prisoners of war. This was the only post held by the Amer- icans on York Island; and was an exception to the general plan of evacuating and retreating. Hopes had been indulged that it might be defend- ed, and in conjunction with Fort Lee, on the op- posite Jersey shore, made useful in embarrassing; the passage of British vessels up and down the North River. This post having fallen, ordeis for the evacuation of Fort Lee were immediately giv- en ; but before the stores could be removed, Lord Cornwallis crossed the North River with six thou- sand men. Washington retreating before him, took post along the H.ickensack. His situation there was nearly similar to that which he had aban- doned ; for he was liable to be enclosed between the Hackensack and the Pasaic rivers. He therefore, on the approach of tlie enemy, passed over to New- ark. He stood his ground there for some days^ as if determined on resistance; but lacing incapa- ble of any effectual opposition, retreated to Bruns- wick, on the da\ Lord Cornwallis entered Newark. At Brunswick Washmgton kept his troops in mo- tion, and even advanced a small detachment, as if intending to engage the enemy. Nor did he quit this position till their advanced guards were in sight. Lord Srirling was left at Princeton wirh twelve hundred men, to watch the British ; and Washington proceeded with the residue to Tren- ton. There he meant to make a stand O ders were previousl) given to collect aiid guard all the boats for seventy miles on the Delaware. The 6 50 > llli: LIFE OP ba£^ga(^e and stores were also passed over. These being seeiired, Washington detached twelve hun- dred men to Princeton, lo keep up the apj^tarance of opposition, aiid soon iollowed with about two thousand militia men who had recently joined him. Before he reached Princeton, iiiteliigence was re- ceived that Lord Cornwallis, stroni>;ly reinforced, was advancing from Brunswick in difilrent diicc- tior.s, with the apparent design of getting in his rear. An immediate retreat over the Delaware became " necessary. This v/as efiected on the 8ih. of December. W ashington secured all his boats on the Pennsylvania side ; broke down the bridges on roads leading to the oppo^5itc shores, and posted his troops at the differeiU Ion-ding places. So keen was the pursuit, that as the rear gu.ird cf the retreaiing army eni'oarked, the van of the cnc-niy came in sight. The Biitish having driven the American army out of Jersey, posted them- selves up and down the Delaware, and small par- ties passed and repassed from one to the other, without uny interruption, 'i'hey made some at- tenipts to get boats, but f tiled, 'i'hey also repair- ed some of the bridges tlvit h:\d been recently de- stroyed, and pushed forward a s^rong detachment to liordenton. 'I'iiis was intended to increase their chances for crossing, and toembarrass Washington, who could not tell from which of their several po sifions they wou'd make the attempt. Gen. Put- nam was in the mean time sent on to superintend the erection of lines of defence from the Scluiylkill to the Delaware, for the security of Philadelphia. Small redoubts were hastily throw n up to guard the fording places ; p.nd Germaaiown was fixed r.EORGE WASIilM.TOK. 5X upon as a place of rendezvous, in case the British should cross and drive the Americans tVom their extended encampments on the Delaware. This retreat through the Jerseys was attended with al- most every circumstance that could occasion em- barrassment or dej)ression. Washington was pressed with diiiicullics on all sides. In casting his eyes around, he could not promise hiniself ad- equate support from any quarter. His gloomy prospects were not brightened by any expectations, on the fuHilment of which he could depend. Dis- trusting, but not despiiii ing, he asked Col. Reed, " Should we retreat to the back {>arts of Pennsyl- vania, will the Pennsylvanians support us ?" The Colonel answered, '*If the lower couniies are sub- dued and give up, the back counties will do the same." Wasliington nobly replied, " We must retire to Augusta county, in Virginia. Numbers will be obliged to repair to us for safety, and vre must try what we can do, in carrying on a preda- tory war ; and if overpowered, we must ci'oss the Alleghany mountains." Gen. Washington had no cavalry but a small corps of b.idly mounted Connecticut militia, and was almost equally desti- tute of artillery, while conducting this rttieat. It commenced in a few days after the reduction of Fort Washington, in which the ilower of the American army were m.ade prisoners of war. A great part of the retreating troops consisted of those who had garrisoned Fort Lee, These had been compelled to abandon their post so sudden- ly, that they left behind them their tents, blankets, and cooking utensils. In this situation they re- treated, badly armed, worse clad, and in many 52 '• TflP, LIFf! 01' instances barefooted, in the cold months of" No- veniber and December, through a desponding country, more disposed to seek safety by submis- sion than resistance. Under all these disadvai>- ta^es, they performed a march of about ninety miles, and had the address to prolong it to a space ®f nineteen days, that as much time as possible miglit be gained for expected reinforcements to arri\'e. As they retreated through the country, scarcely one of the inhabitants joined them ; while numbers daily flocked to the. British army, and took the benefit of a royal proclamation issued at this critical time, for pardoning all who, within six- ty days, would return to the condition of British subjects. The small force wluch began this retreat was daily lessening, by the expiration of the term of service for which they were engaged. This ter- minated in November with many, and. in Decem- ber with nearly two thirds of the residue. No persuasions were availing to induce their continu- ance. They abandoned their General, when the advancing enemy was nearly in sight. The Penn- sylvania militia was engaged to the first day of January, but they deserted in such numbers that it became necessary to place guards at the ferries to stop them. Two regiments had been ordered from Ticonderoga to join Gen. Washington, but their term of service expired on the first of De- cember. They refused to reinlist, and went off, :o a man. Gen. Lee, who commanded the east- ern troops, was repeatedly ordered by Washing- ton to cross the North River, and join the retreat- ing army ; but these orders were not obeyed.. GEOUC.I^ WASIIIXGTON. 53 While at a disiancc both from his troops and the enemy, he was surprised and taken pi isoner b}' the British. This begat suspicions, tliat, despairing of the suceess of tlie Amerieans, l»c had ehosen to abandon their service. Though these apj)rehea- sions were without foundation, they produced the same misciiievous effecis on the minds of the peo- ple as if they were realities. About the same time Congress thought it expedient to leave Phi- ladelphia and retire to Baltimore. Under all these trying circumstances, Washing- ton was undismayed. He did not despair of the public safety. With unconciuerable firmness and the most perfect self possession, he was always the same, and constantly showed himself to his army with a serene and undisturbed countenance. Noth- ing was omitted by him that could embarrass the enemy, or animate his army and country. He forcibly pointed out to Congi ess the defective con., stitution of their army, Without cavalry, without artilleiy and engineers ; and enlarged upon the impolicy of short inlistments, and placing confi. dence in militia suddenly called out and frequent- ly changed. He urged these matters with great warmth ; but to prevent offence, added, " A char- acter to lose ; an estate to forteit ; tlie inesiim i- bie blessing of liberty at stake ; and a life devoted,^'' must be my excuse." He also hinted at the pro- priety of enlarging his powers so as to enable him to act in cases of urgency. Without applijalioa to Congress ; but apologized for this liberi. by de- claring, " that he felt no lust of povver, and wish- ed with the greatest fervency tor an opporai lity of turning the sword into a pioughbharc ;" but add^ S'A^ ■ Tiiv. Lire of cd, " his feelings as an officer and a man had beeFa such as to force him to say, that no person ever h:id a greater choice of diilicuities to contend with than himself." In this very dangerous crisis, Washington made every exertion to procure reinforcements to supply the place of those who were daily leaving him. He sent Generals Mifflin iuid Armstrong to rouse the citizens of Pennsylvania. Col. Reed was despatched to Governor Livingston, to urge on him the necessity of calling out the Jersey mi- litia. These exertions were in a great measure imavailirig, except m and near the city of Phila- delphia. Fifteen hundred of the citizens of that metropolis associated together, and marched to the aid of V/asliinrrton. Thoui^^h most of these o o ^ Were accustomed to the habits of a city life, they slept in tep.ts, barns, and sometimes \n the open air, during the cold months of December and Jan- uary. On the ccipture of Gen. Lee, the command of his army devolved on Gen. Sullivan, who, in obe- tlience to the ordeis formerly givcji, joined Gen. Washington. About the 5ame time an addition was made to his force by tlie arrival of a part of the northern army. The Americans now amount- ^1 to about seven thousand men, though during the retreat through the Jerseys, they were seldom equal to half that number. The two armies were separated from each otlier by the river Delaware. The British, in the security of conquest, canton- ed their troops in Burlington, Bordenton, Trenton, and other towns of New Jersey, m didly expecia- Hon ©f being enabled to cross into Pennsylvania GKORGR WASHlXaTOiV. SS by means of ice, whicli is generally formed about that time. On receivaicr jiiformation of their num- bers and different cantonments, Washington ob- served, " Now is the time to chp then' wings, when they are so spread," Yielding to his native spirit of enten>rise which had hitherto been re- pressed, he formed the bold design of recrossing the Delaware, and attacking the British posts on its eastern banks. In the evening of Christmas day he made ar- rangements for passing over in three divisions ; at M'Konkey's ferry, at Trenton, and at or near Bor- denton. The troops which WGrc .to have crossed at the two I -.t places exerted then^selves to get over, but fcdied from the quantity of ice which ob- structed their passage. The main body, about two thousand four hundred men, began to cross very early in die evening ; but were so retarded by ice that it was nearly four o'clock in the morning before the}' were in r. condition to take up their line of march on the Jersey side. They were formed in two divisions. One was ordered to pro- ceed on the lower or river road ; the other on the upper or Penisington road. These having nearly the same distance to march, were ordered i.nme- diatelv on forchig the out guards, to jnish directly into Trenton, that they might charge the enemy before they had time to form. Though they marched different roads, yet they arrived within three minutes of each other. The out guards of tile Hessian troops at Trenton soon fell back ; but kept up a constant retreating fire. Their main body being hard pressed by the Americans, who hud ail Cad) got possession of half their aitillery, 56 ■ THE LTFK 01'^ attempted to file oft' by a road leadint^ to\v;ird l^rinceton, but were checked by a body of troojiS thrown in their way. Finding they were surround- ed, they laid down th(.ir arms. The number which submitted was twenty three officers and eij^ht hun- dred and e:iijhty six men. Between thirty and for- ty of the Hessians werekilitd aid wounded. Col. Rahl was among the former, and seven of his offi- cers among the latter. Captiiin Washington, of the Virginia troops, and five or six of the Ameri- cans, were wounded. Two were killed, and two or three were iVozen to death. The detachment in Trenton consisted of the regiments of Rahl, Los- berg, ar.d Kp.ii)hausen, amounting in the whole to about fifteen lumdred men, and a troop of British light horse. Ail these were killed or captured, except about six hundred, who escaped by the road leadir.g to Bordenton. The Bi itish had a strong battalion of light infan- try at Princeton, and a force yet remaining near the Delaware, superior to the y\merican army. Washincrton, therefore, in the eveninu; of the same diy, thought it most prudent to cross into renn- syivania with his prisoners. These being secur- ed, he recrossed the Delaware, and took p(jsses. sion of Trenton. The detachments which had been distributed over New Jersey previous to the capture of the Hessians, immediately after that event assembled at Princeton, and were joined by the army fiom Brunswick under Lord Comwallis. Fiom this position they came forward to Trenton ill gieui force, hoping, by a vigorous onset, to re- pair the i. jury their cause had sustained bj' the late deieut. t-'Eoimr, w ASHiNcvrox. oi Truly delicate M^as the situation of the feeble American army. To retreat was to hazard the city ©f Piiiladelphia, and to destroy every ray of hope which began to dawn iVom their late success. To risk an action with a superior force in front, and a river in rear, was dangerous in the extreme. To get round the advanced parly of the British, and, by pushing forwards, to attack in their rear, was deemed preferable to either. The British, on their advance from Princeton, attacked a body of Americans which were posted with four field pieces a little to the northward of Trenton, and compelled them to retreat. The pursuing British being checked at the bridge over vSanpink creek by some field pieces, fell back so far as to be out of their reach. The Americans were drawn up on the opposite side of the creek, and in that po- sition remained till night, canonading the enemy and receiving their fire. In this critical hoin*, two armies, on which the success or failure of the American revolution materially depended, were crowded into the small village of Trenton, and only separated by- a creek, in many places fordable. The British, believing they had all the advan- tages they could wish for, and tliat they could use thein when they pleased, discontinued all farther operations, and kept themselves m readiness to make the attack next morning. But the next mornii'.g pn:sented a scene as brilliant on the one side, as it was unexpected on the other. Soon' after it became daik, Washington ordered all his b':^id unsuspected by his adversaiies. The British in Trenton were so entirely deceived, that when they heard the repoit of the artillery at Princeton, though it was in the depth of winter, they supposed it to be tluuider. The iiritish, astonished at these bold movements of an enemy supposed to be vanquished, instant- ly fell b ick vvidi their vvliole force, and abandon- ed every post they held to the southward of New- Yoik, except Brunswick and Amboy. [ skirmis'ies. These were gener- allv in favour of tiie Americans ; but Washing- ton's views were much more extensive. He loop- ed :h.;f h:,^ country, encouraged by the late sue- ceshCo .:^ Trenton and Pi inceton, would have plac- ed .A liis disposal a large and efficient army, e.jual to that of the enemy. To obtain it, he urged with great €aincstr:es:s the advantage of being enabled to undertake decisive operations before reinforce- ments to the r.iitish army should arrive. Con- gvess, a.t his i nsta r.ce, passed the requisite resolu- tions ; but these could not be carried into efiect without the aid of the state legislatures. The de- lays incident to this slow mode of doiiigbusin.ess, added to the recollection of the suffering of the CKORGE WASHINGTON. ^3' troops in the Inst campaign, retarded the recruit- ing service. Washington with infinite rehictance was obliged to give up his Hivourite project of an early active campaign. In the advance of the spring, when recruits were obtained, a ditiiculty arose in assembling them from the differerit states in which they had been inlistcd. As the British had possession of the ocean, they could at pleasure transfer the war to any maritime portion of the union. Each state, anxious for its particular safet}^, claimed protection from the common army of the whole. Had they been indulged, th.e feeble remnant under the inir mediate direction of the commander in chief, would have been unequal to any great enterprise, To these partial calls lie opposed ail his authority and influence, and his pointed representations made an impression in favour of primary objects. These were to prevent the British from getting possession of Philadelphia, or the Highlan.ds on the Hudson. Both were of so nearly equal importance to their interest, that it was impossible to ascertain which should be preferred by Sir William Hone. In this uncertainty, Washington made such aii ar- rangement of his troops as would enable him to oppose either. The northern troops were divided between Ticonderoga and Peekskill ; while those from Jersey and the south were encamped at Mid- dlebrook, near the Rariton. The American force collected at this strong and defensible encamp- ment, was nominally betvveen nine a.nd ten thous- and men ; but the effective rank and file was about six thousand. A majority of these were raw re- 64 TfiK Lin: OF- cruits ; and a considerable number of such as had been inlibted in the middle states were foreigners or servanis. To encourage the desertion of troops^ so slightly attaclicd to the American cause, Gen. Howe oflcred a reward to every soldier who would come over to his army, and an additional compen- sation to such as would biing their arms with them. To counteract these ]5ro]>ositions, Wash- ii!L;-ton recommended to Coiis^ress to i^rive full par* doii to all Americans who would relinquish the B;it;sh service. The ea'.ppaign opened early in June on the part of the Britisl), who advanced toward Philadelphia i\^j far as Somerset county, in New Jersey ; but they soon fell back to New^ Brunswick. After this retreat, Sir William Howe endeavoured to provoke Washing-ton to an engagement, and left 110 manceuvre untried that was calculated to in- duce him to quit his position. At one time he apj)earcd as if he inten led to push on, without re- garding the army opposed to him. At another, Tie accurately examined the situation of the Amer- ican encampment ; hoping that some uriguarded part might be found on which an attack might be ir.ade that would open the way to a general en- gagement. All these Jiopes were frustrated, Vv^ishingtoa knew the full value of his situation. He had too much penetration to lose it from the circumvention of military manoeuvres, and too nuich temper to be provoked to a dereliction of it. He was well apprised it vv-as not the interest of his country to commit its fortune to a single ac- fion. GEOUGK WASlIINf.TOX. 65 Sir William Howe siiddenl) relinquished his position in front of the Americans, and retired with his whole force to Aniboy. The apparently re- treating British were pursued by a considerable detachment of the American army, and Washing- ton advanced from ]yiiddlei:>rook to Quibl)letown, to be near at hand for the support of his advanced parties. The British General immediately march- ed his army back from Amboy, with great expe- dition, hoping to !)ring on a general action on equal ground ; but he was disappointed. Washington fell back, and posted his army in such an advan- tageous situation as com[)ensated for the inferiority of his numbers. Sir Willi im Hoive was now ful- ly convinced of the impossibility of compelling a general engagement on equal terms, and also sat- isfied that it would be too hazardous to attem{)t passing the Delaware while the country was in arms, and the main American army in full fori:e in his rear. He therefore returned to Amboy, and thence passed ovei- to Staten Island, resolving to prosecute the objects of the campaign by an em- barkation of his whole force at New York. Dur- ing the period of the^e movements, the real de- signs of Gen. Howe Vvere involved in obseuritr. Though the season for military operations was ad- vanced as far as the month of July, yet his dtter- minate object could not be ascertained. Nothing on his part had hitherto taken place, but alternate- ly advancing and retreating. Washington's em- barrassment on this account was increased by in- telligence which arrived, that Burgoyne was ad- vancing in great force tou'ard New York Uom Canad:!. Apprcheiiding that Sir Williaiu Howe 7* 6$ , THE LTPE 0^ uoiild ultirr.atcly move up the North River, and that his ir»o\'ements wiiich looked southwardly were feints, the American chief detached a brig- ade to reinforce the northern division of his army. Successive advices of the advance of Buj goyne fa- voured the idea that a junction of the two royal armies, near Albany, was intended. Some move- ments were therefore made by Washington to- Wi'.rd Peekskiil, arid on the other side toward Tren- ton, while the main army was encamped near the Clove, in readiness to march either to the north or south, as the movements of Sir William Howe might require. After the British had left Sandy Hook, they looked into the Delav.-are, and suddenly again put out to sea, and vcre not heard of for near three weeks, except thut o:.ce or twice they had been seen near the cnasl steering southwardly. Charles- ton, in South Carolina, was su})posed to be their object at one tirnc ; at another, Philadelphia by the way of Chesapeak ; at another, the Highlands ©f New York, to co-operate with Burgoyne. The perplexing uncertainty concerning the des- tination of the enemy which embarnissed the niovements of Washington, was not done away be- fore the middle of August, when certain accounts ■fvere received that the British had taken posses- sion of the Chesapeak, and landed as near to Piii- iadelphia as w as practicable. While the object of the campaign was doubtful, every disposition vvivs made to defend ail the supposed probal)le points gF attack except Charleston. This being at the distance of seven or eight hundred miles, could Jiot be assisted by an army marching over land, iii GEOEGE AVASHlNfiTOX. «*r time to oppose the enemy conveyed thither by v/ater. While this idea prevailed, arrani^ements were made to empl(W the American army either against the enemy advancing from Albany, or against the Biitish posts in New York, with the hope of making reparation for the expected loss of Charleston. As soon as the ani\ai of the Brit- ish in the Chesapeak was known, Washington or- dered the different divisions of his army to unite ti\ the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, towaul the head of Elk ; and the militia of Pennsylvania, Marylaixl, and the northern counties of Virgii;ia, to take the field. He had previotisiy written very pressing letters to the Goxernors of the eastern states, and to the (»enerals in the western parts of these states, to strengthen the northern army op- posed to Burgoyne ; and even weakened himself by detaching some of his best troops, particularly Morgan's riflemen, on that important service. In the spirit of true patriotism, he diminished his own chances of acquiring fame, that the common cause might be most effectually ])romoted by the best disposition of the forces under his conmiaiid, for simultaneous opposition to both Howe and Eurgoyne. Washington passed his army with every appear- ance of confidence through the city of Philadel- phia, with a view of making some impression on the disaffected of that eit}', and afterward proceed- ed toward the head of Elk. About the same time he directed Gen. Smailwood, with the militia of Maryland and Delaware, and some continental troops, .to hang on the rear of the enemy. As a substitute for Morgan's riflemen, Gen. Maxwell OS THE LIFF: of was furnished with a corps of light infintry, aniounliiii^ lo one tlioiisaud men, and directed to annoy the British on their march through the country. Tiicse troops were afterward reinforced with Gen. Wayne's division. Though the mili- tia did not turn out with that alacrity which might have bten expected from the energetic calls of Washington, yet a respectable force was assem- bled, whch imposed on Sir William Howe a ne- cessity of proceeding widi caution. The ro} al ar- my set out from the eastern heads of the Chesa- peak on the third of Sei)tember, with a spirit which promised to compensate for the various delays which had hitherto wasted the campaign. They advanced with great circumspection and boldness till they were within two miles of the American army, which was then posted in the Aicinity of New Port. Washington soon changed his ground, and took post on the high ground near Chadd's Fort, on the Brandywine creek, with an intention of disputing the passage. It was the wish, but by no means the interest, of the Americans, to try thtir strength in an engagement. Their regular troops were not only inferior in discipline, but in numbers, to the royal army. The opinion of the inhabitants, diough founded on no circumstances more substantial than their Wishes, imposed a spe- cies of necessity on the American Genciid to keep his army in front ol" the enemy, and to risk an ac- tion for the security of I'h'.hidelphia. Instead of diis, had he taken the ridge of high mountains ou his right, the British must have lespectcd his num- bers, and pf-ob>il)lv would liave followed 'hini up the country. In this uiaiiiier tlie campaign might GF.Onn;-. V/ASIIINGTON, 69 have been wasted away in a manner fatal to the invMclers ; but the bulk of the American people were so impatient of delays, and had such an over- weening conceit of the numbers and prowess of their army, that they could not comprehend the wisdom and policy of manoeuvres to shun a gen- eral eng'.gement. 0\i this occasion necessity dictated that a sacri^ fi :e should be made on the altar of pul)!ic opinion. A general action was therefore hazarded. This took place at Chadd's Fort, on the Brandy wine, a small stream which empties itself into Christiana creek, near its conflux with the river Delaware. The royal army advanced at day break in two colunms, commanded by Lieutenant General Kniphausen and Lord Cornwailis. They first took the direct road to Chadd s Ford, and made a show of passing it, in front of the nuiin body of the Americans. At the same time the other column moved up on the west side of the Brandy wine to its fork, and crossed both its branches, and thvn marched down on the east side thereof, with the view of turning the right wing of their adversa- ries. This they effected, and comixillcd them to re- treat widi great loss. Gen. Kniphausen amused the Americans with the ajijiearance of crossing the Ford, but did not attempt it until Lord Cornw ;1- lis, having crossed above and moved down on the opposite side, had commenced his attack. Kiiip- hausen then crossed the Ford arid attacked the troops posied for its dtfc'nce. These, after a se- vere coiifiict, wtre comjK'lled to give way. The retreat of the Aiiiei icans soon became general, and 70 THE UFK OF was continued to Chester. Their loss was abouv nine hundred, and considerably exceeded that ol the British. The final issue of battles often de- pends on small circumstances, which human pru- dence cannot control. One of these occurred liere, and prevented Gen. Washnigton from exe- cuting a bold design, to effect which his troops were actually in motion. This was to cross tlic Brandy wine, and attack Kniphausen, while Gen. Sullivan and Lord Stirling should keep Earl Corn- wallis in check. In the most critical moment Washington received intelligence which he was obliged to credit, that the c(ilumn of Lord Corn- waliis had been oiily making a feint, and was re- turning to join Kniphausen. This prevented the execution of a plan, which, if carried into effect, would probably have given a different turn to the events of the day. Washington made every exertion to repair the loss which hud been sustained. The battle of Brandy wine was represented as not being decisive. Congress and the people wished to hazard a sec- ond eiigagetnent, for the security of Philadelphia. Howe sought for it, and Washington did not de- cline it. He therefore advanced as farastlie War- ren tavern, on the Lancaster road, with an inten- tion of meeting his adversary. Near that place both armies were on the point of engaging with their whole force ; but were prevented by a most violent storm of rain, which continued for a whole d. y and night. When the rain ceased, the Amer- icans ft)uiid that their ammuiiition was entinly ru- ined. They therefore wiiiidrew to a place of safe- ty. Before a proper supply was procured, tlie GEORGE W VSniXGTON-. 71 British marched from their position ncnr the Wliite Horse tavern, down tovviud the Swedes Ford. The Americans again took post in th^-ir front, but the British, instead )t urgivig an ac'.ioii, begaii to march up toward lt)HC;E WASHINGTON. 73 icans began their attack about sunrise, on the 40th. regiment and a battahon of Hght infantry. These being oijliged to retreat, were pursued into the village. On their retreat, Lieut. Col. Musgrove, with six companies, took post in Mr. Chew's strong stone house, which lay in front of the Americans. From an adherence to the military maxim of never leaving a fort possessed by an en- emy in the rear, it was resolved to attack the par- ty in the house. In the mean time Gen. Greene got up with his column, and attacked the right wing. Col. Ma- thews routed a party of the British opposed to him, killed several, and took one hundred and ten pris- oners ; but, from the darkness of the day, lost sight of the brigade to which he belonged, and having separated from it, was taken prisoner, with his whole regiment ; and the prisoners which he had previously taken were released. A numlDcr of the troops in Greene's division were stopped by the halt of the party before Chew's house. Near one half of the American army remained for some time at that place inactive. In the mean time Gen. Grey led on three battalions of the third brig- ade, and attacked with vigour. A sharp contest followed. Two British regiments attacked at the same time on the opposite side of the town. Gen- eral Grant moved up the 4.9th. regiment to the aid of those who were engaged with Greene's col- umn. The morning was foggy. This, by concealing the true situation of the parties, occasioned mis- takes, and made so much caution necessary as to give the British time to recover from the effects 8 74 ' THK LIFE OF of their first surprise. From these causes the ear- ly promising iippearances on the part of the assail- ants were speedily reversed. The Americans left the field hastily, and all efforts to rally them were ineffectual. \Vasliingion was obliged to relin- quish the victory he had thought within his grasp, and to turn his whole attention to the security of his army. A retreat about twenty miles to Per- kioming was made, with the loss of only one piece of artillery. In the engagement the loss of the Americans, including the wounded and lour hun- dred prisoners, was about eleven hundred. A considerable part of this was occasioned by the 40th. regiment, which, from the doors and win- dows of Mr. Chew's huge stone house, kept up a constant fire on their uncovered adversaries. The plan of the battle of Germantown was ju- dicious, and its commencement well conducted ; but to ensure its successful execution, a steady co- operation of the several divisions of the assailants was necessary. The numerous enclosures to be passed, and the thickness of the fog, rendered this impossible; especially by troops who were imjxT- fectly disciplined, and without the advantages of experience. Congress voted their unanimous thanks " to General Washington for his wise and well concert- ed attack, and to the ofiicers and sol 'iers of the army, foi their brave exertions on that occasion ;" and added, " they were well satisfied that the best designs and boldest efforts may sometimes fail by unforeseen incidents." In the latter part of the campaign of 1777, in proportion as the loss of Philadelphia became GKOPvOK WASHINGTON. 75 more probable, Washington took every precaution evcntiiallv to diniinit^h its value to the enemy. Orders were given for moving the mihtary stores and the vessels at the wharves of that city higher up the Delaware. From the time that the British got possession, every aid consistent with greater objects was given to the forts constructed on the Delaware for opposing the British in their attempts to open the navigation of that river. Troops were stationed on both sides of the Delaware to prevent the inhabitants froin going with their provisions to the market of Philadelphia, and to destroy small foraging parties sent out to obtain supplies for the royal army. These arrangements being made, 'Washington advanced toward Philadelphia. His objects were to enfeeble the royal army in their operations agaitist the forts on the Delaware ; to attack them if circumstances favoured, and pre- vent their receiving supplies from the country. The British shortly after evacuated Germantown ; concentered their force at Philadelphia, and direct- ed their principal attention to the opening the nav- igation of the Delaware. This employed them for more than six weeks ; and after a great dis- play of gallantry on both sides, was finally accom- plished. In this discouraging state of public affairs, a long letter was addressed by the reverend Jacob Diiche, late chaplain of Congress, and a clergy- man of the first rank, for character, piety, and elo- quence, to Gen. Washington ; the purport of which was, to '/"ersuade him that farther resistance to Great Britain was hopeless, and would only in- crease the calamities of their common country'; 76 THE LIFE or and under this impression to urge him to make the best terms he could with the British command- er, and to give up the contest. Such a letter, at such a time, in unison with the known sentiments of mau}^ desponding citizens, from a person whose character and connexions placed him above all suspicion of treachery, and whose attachment to his native country, America, was unquestionablCj could not have failed to make an impression on minds of a feeble texture ; but from Washington, who never despaired of his country, the laboured epistle of the honest, but timid divine, received no farther notice than a verbal message to the writer thereof, " That if the contents of his letter had been known, it should have been returned unop- ened." While Sir AVilliam Howe was succeeding in every enterprise in Pennsylvania, intelligence ar- rived that Gen. Burgoyne and his whole army had surrendered prisoners of war to the Americans. Washington soon after received a considerable re- inforcement from the northern army, which had accomplished this great event. W^ith this increas- ed force he took a position at and near White- marsh. The royal army having succeeded in re- moving the obstructions in the river Delaware, were ready for ne^v enterprises. Sir William Howe marched out of Philadelphia, with almost his whole force, expecting to bring on a general engagement. The next morning he appeared on Chesnut hill, in front of, and al)out three miles distant from the right wing of the Americans. On the day following the British changed their ground, and moved to the right. Two days after they GF.OllGE WASinXOTOX. 77 moved still farther to the right, and made every a]">pcanince of an intention to attack the American encampment. Some skirmishes took j)lace, and a general action was hourly expected ; but instead thereof, on the morning of the next day, after va- rious marches and countermarches, the Britisli fil- ed off from their right by two or three diifeient routes, in full march for Philadelphia. While the two armies were mar>oeuvring, in con- stant expectation of an immediate engitgernent, Washington rode through every brigade of his ar- my, and with a firm steady countenance gave or- ders in person how to receive the enen^y, and par- ticularly urged on his troops to place their chief dependence on the bayonet. His position, in a military pomt of view, was admirable. He was so sensible of the advantages of it, that the manoeu- vres of : ir William Howe for some days could not allure him from it. In consequence of the re- inforcement lately received, he had not in any pre- ceding period of the campaign been in an equal coiidition for a general engagement. Though he ardently wished to be attacked, yet he would not relinqu'sh a position from which he hoped for rep- aration for the adversities of the campaign. He could not believe that Gen. Howe, with a victori- ous army, and that lately reinforced with four thonsan.d men from New Yoik, should come out ot Philadelphia only to return thither again. He th( reibre presumed, that to avoid the disgract- of such a movement, the British commander would, fio^n a sense of military honour, be compelled to attack him, though under great disadvantigea. Wiien he found him cautious of engaging, and in- 8* 78 THE LIFE OF dining to his left, a daring design was formed, which would have been executed had the British either continued in their position, or moved a lit- tle farther to the left of the American army. This was to have attempted in the night to surprise Philadelphia. Three days after the retreat of the British, Washington communicated in general orders, his intention of retiring into winter quarters. He ex- pressed to his army high approbation of their past conduct ; gave an encouraging statement of the prospects of their country ; exhorted them to bear the hardships inseparable from their situation, and endeavoured to convince their judgments that these were necessary for the pu1:)lic good, and unavoid- able from the distressed situation of the new form- ed states. The same care to cut off all communication be- tween the enemy and the country was continued, and the same means employed to secure that ob- ject. Gen Smailwood was detached to Wilming- ton to guard the Delaware. Col. Morgan, who had lately returned from the victorious northern army, was placed on the lines on the west side of the Schuylkill ; and Gen. Armstrong near the old camp at the Whitemarsh, with a respectable force imder the command of each, to prevent the coun- try people from carrying provisions to the market in Philadelphia. Valley Forge, about twenty five miles distant from Philadelphia, was fixed upon for the winter quarters of the Americans. This position was preferred to distant and more comfortable villages, as being calculated to give the most extensive se- GEORGK WASHINGTON, 79 curity to the country. The American army might have been tracked by the blood of their feet in m-irching without shoes or stockings, over the hard frozen ground between Whitemarsh and the Valley Forge. Under these circumstances they had to sit down in a wood in the latter end of De- cember, and to build huts for their accommoda- tion. To a want of clothing was added a want of provisions. For some days there was little less than a famine in the camp. Wasiiington was com- pelled to make seizures for the support of his ar- my. Congress had authorized him so to.do ; but he' wished the civil authority to manage th.e delicate business of impressment, and regretted the meas- ure as subversive of discipline, and calculated to raise in the soldiers a disposition to licentiousness and plunder. To suffer his army to starve or dis- band, or to feed them by force, were rhe only alter- natives offered to his clioice. Thoup-h he exercis- o ed these extraordinary powers with equal reluc- tance and discretion, his lenity was virtually cen- sured by Congress, " as proceeding from a deli- cacy in exerting military authority on the citizens, which, in their opinion, niiglit prove prejudicial to the general liberties of Ainerica;" at the same time his rigour was condemned by those from whom provisions were forcii:)ly taken. The sound judgment and upright principiates. The legislature of Pennsylvania, probably sore from the loss of their capital, on hearing that Washington was about to retire into winter quarters, presented a remonstrance to Congress on that subject, in which their dissaiisfaction with the General was far from being concealed. A copy of this being sent to hini, he addressed Congress in terms very dificrent from his usual style. H • stated, "that though every thing in his power had bt^tn done for supporting his army, yet their inactivity, aris- GEORGE WASHING rON. 81 ing from their manifold wants, was charged to his account ; that the army seldom had provisions for two days in advance ; that few of his men had more than one shirt, many only a moiety of one, and some none at all; that soap, vinegar, and such like articles, though allowed by Congress, had not been seen in camp for several weeks; that by a field return two thousand eight hundred and ninety eight of his army were unfit for duty, be- cause they were barefooted, and otherwise naked ; that his whole effective force in camp amounted to no more than eight thousand two hundred men fit for duty ; that notwithstanding these complicated wants, the remonstrance of the I'ennsylvania leg'sla- ture reprobated the measure of his going into winter quarters, as if its authors thought the soldiers were made of stocks or stones, and as if they conceived it easily practicable for an inferior army, circum- stanced as his was, to confine a superior one, well appointed and every way provided for a winter's campaign, within the city of Philadelphia, and to cover all the circumjacent country from their dep- redation." He assured the complainers, " that it was much easier to draw up remonstrances in a comfortable room by a good fire side, than to oc- cupy a cold bleak hill, and sleep under frost and snow, without clothes or blankets." To the other vexations which crowded on Gen. Washington at the close of the campaign of 1777, was added one of a peculiar nature. Though he was conscious he had never solicited, and that it was neither from motives of interest nor of ambi- tion he had accepted the command of the army, and that he huCi with clean hands and a pure heart,, to the utmost of his power, steadily pursued what 82 THE LIFE OF his best judgment informed him was for the inter- est of his country ; yet he received ccrtam in- formation that a cabai, consisting of some mem- bers of Congress, and a few General Officers of the army, was plotting to supersede hiiri in his command. The scheme was to obtain the sanc- tion of some of the state legislatures to instruct thc'.r delegates to move in Congress for an inquiry into the causes of the failures of the canipiiigus of 1776 and l'^77, with the hope that some inten.pe- rate resolutions passed by them would either lead to the reii^oval of the General, or wound his mili- tary feelings so as to induce his resignation. Anony- mous papers containing i ugh charges agiinst him, and urging the necessity of putting some more en- ergetic officer at the hei-.d of the army, were sent to Henry Laurens, President of Congress, Patrick H(-nry, Governor of Virginia, and others. These were forwcadtd to Gen. Washington. In his re- ply to Mr. Laurens, he wrote as follows; " I can- not sufficiently express the obligation I feel to- ward you for your friendship and politeness, up- on an occasion in whicii I am so deeply interested. I was not unapprized that a malignant faction had been for some time forming to my prejudice, which, conscious as I am of having ever done all in my power to answer the important purposes of the trust reposed in me, could not but give me some pain on a personal account ; but my chief concern arises from an apprehension of the dan- gerous consequences which intestine dissensions may prove to the common cause. " As I have no oiher view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honours not founded in the approbation of my country, I wouUl GEORGE WASHINGTON »s not desire in the least degree to suppress a free spirit of inquiry into any part of my conduct, that even faction itself may deem reprehensible. The anonymous paper handed y«u exhibits many seri- ous charges, and it is my wish that it may be sub- mitted to Congress. This I am tlie more inclm- ed to, as the suppression or concealment xuny possibly involve you in embarrassments hereafter, since it is uncertain how many, or who may be privy to the contents. " My enemies take an ungenerous advantage of me. They know the delicacy of my situation, and that motives of policy deprive me of the de- fence I might otherwise make against their insidi- ous attacks. They know 1 cannot combat insinu- ations, however injinious, without disclosing se- crets it is of the utmost moment to conceal. But why should I expect to be exempt from censure, the unfailing lot of an elevated station ? Merit and talents, which I cannot pretend to rival, have ever been subject to it ; my heart tells me it has been my unremitted aim to do the best which circum- stances would permit ; yet I may have been very often mistaken in my judgment of the means, and may, in many instances, deserve the imputation of error." About the same time it was reported that Wash- ington had determined to resign his command. O.i this occasion he wrote to a gentleman in New England as follows; "lean assure you that no person ever heard me drop an expression that had a tendency to resignation. The same principles th t*^ led me to embark in the opposition to the ar- burary claims of Great Britain, operate with addi- 84 lliE LIVE OF tional force at this day ; nor is it my desire to withdraw my services while they are considered of importance in the present contest; but to re- port a design of this lynd is among the arts which those who are endeavouring to effect a change, are practising to brmg it to pass. I have said, and I still do say, that there is not an officer in tlie Unit- ed States that would return to the sweets of do- mestic life with more heart felt joy than I should. But I would have this declaration accompanied by these sentiments, that while the public are satis- fied with my endeavours, I mean not to shiink from the cause ; but the moment her voice, not that of faction, calls upon me to resign, 1 shdll do it with as much pleasure as ever the weary travel- ler retired to rest." These machinations did not abate the ardour of Washington in the common cause. His patiiot- ism was too solid to be shaken either by envy or ingratitude. Nor was the smallest eiTect produc- ed in diminishing his well earned reputation. Zeal the most active, and services tiie most beneficial, and at the same time disinterested, had rivetted him in the affections of his country and army. Even the victorious troops under General Gates, though comparisons highly flatteiing to their van- ity had been made between them and the army in Pennsylvania, clung to Washington as their po- litical saviour. Tlie resentment of the peoj)le was generally excited against those who were suppos- ed to be engaged in or friendly to the scheme of api30iiitlng a new commander in chief over the American army. 4.C0HGE WASHINGTON. 85 CHAPTER V CAMPAIGN OF irrs. General Wnshington yn-cpai-os foi- llir cainpnijjii of 17,5 Sui'l»Eis«i.s llie Driti'-h, ii;i«I Oci'eats them at Monniontli Arrests General Lee. Calms llic irritation excited by the (!oi)iU-ture oftlic French fleet fropi Itliode Island to ISoston Dissuades tVoin an invasion of Canada. WvsriiNGTON devoted the short respite from field duty which followed the encampment of the army at Valley Forge, to prepare for an earl}^ and active campaign in the year 1778. He laboured to im- press on Congress the necessity of having in the field a regular army, at least equal to that of the enemy. He transmitted to the individual states a return of the troops tliey had severally furnished for the continental army. While this exhibited to eachjts deficiency, it gave the General an oppor- tunity to urge on them respectively the necessity of completing their quotas. Congress deputed a committee of their body to reside in camp, and, in concert with Gen. Wash- ington, to investigate the state of the army, and to report sitch reforms as might be deemed expe- dient. 'Ihis committee, known by the name of •9 8S Till'. LIFE OF *' The Committee of Arrangements," repaired to Valley Forge, in January, 1778. Washington lai ' before them a statement, in which a compre- hensive view of the army was lakeii, and in which he minutely pointed out what he deemed necessa- ry for the correction of existing abuses, and .for the advancement of the service. He recommend- ed, " as essenti.sily necessr.rj^ that in addition to present compensation, piovision sliould be made by half pay, and a pensionary establishment lor the future support of the ofiicers, so as to render thtrir commissions valuable." He pointed out '' the insufiicieiicy of their pay, espcei"lly in its present state of depreciition, for their decent sub- s'u^tencc ; the sacrifices ihty had already made, and the i!nteasoMa!)ieness of expecting that they wouid eoniinue patiently to bear such an over pro- portion of the common calamities growing out of the necessray war, in which all were equally in- terested ; the miiny resignations that had already taken place, and the probability that more would follow, to the great injury of the service ; the im- possibility of keeping up a strict discipline among orbxers whose commissions, in a pecuniary vie>\', were so far from Ixing woith holding, that iney were the means of in^poverishingthem." These, and other weighty considerations, were aceon t pa- nic d with a declaration by Gen. Waslncgton, " tliat he neither could r.or would receive the S'.naliest benefit from the jaoposed establishment, and that he had no other inducement lii iirgmg it, f^ut a full conviction of its utility and propiieiy." In the snme statement the comniander in t liief CKplaiaed to the committee of Congresji the defects GEOIir.K WASI.'IXGTON. 37 in the quarter masters, and other departments con- nected widi the supjxjrt and comfort of the army; and also urged the necessity of each state com- ])leting its quota by draughts from the mihtia. The statement concUidcs with these impressive words ; *' Upon tlie whole, gentlemen, I doubt not you are fully impressed with the defects of our pres- ent military system, and with the necessity of spee>- dy and decisive measures to place it on a satisfic- tory footing. The disagreeable picture I have gi\e!i you of the war-ts and sufterings of the ami}'", and the discontents reigning among the officers, is a just representation of evils equally melancholy and important ; and unless effectual remedies be applied without loss of time, the most alarming and ruinous consequences arc to !3e apprehended." The committee were fully impressed with the cor- rectness of the observations made by the com- mander in chief, and grounded their report upoii them. A general concurrence of sentiment took place. . Congress passed resolutions, but with sun- dry limitations, in favour of half pay to their offi- cers for seven years after' the war ; and gave their sanction to the other measures suggested l)y Wash- ington, and recommended by tluu' connnittee. But, from the delays incidental to large bodies, either deliberating upon or executing public busi- ness, much time necessarily elapsed before the ar- my received the benefits of the proposed reforms ; arid in the mean time their distresses approached to such a height as threatened their immediate dis- solution. Respect for their commander attached both oOiccrs and soldiers so strongly to h.is person^ us enabled him to keep them togeiher under privet- 88 1 HP, I.II'K OF tiorrs almost too nuich for human nature to bear. Their ettectivc force througliout the winter was little more than five thousand men, though their numbers on paper exceeded seventeen thousand. It was well for them ihw the British made no at- tempt to disturb them while in this destitute con- dition. In that case the Americans could not have kept their camp for want of provisiotis ; nor could they have retreated from it without the certain loss of sonic thousands who were barefooted and oth- Oi'wise almost naked. Nciiher could they have risked an action with any probable hope of suc- cess, or without hazarding the most serious con- sequences. The historians of the American revolution will detail the particulars of a treaty entered into about this time between France and the United States, . :nid also that thereupon the government of Great Britain offered terms to the Americans equal to all th.c-y had asked anterior to their declaration of independtnce. The lirst certain intellii^ence of these oilers was received by Gen, Washington in a letter from Major General Tryon, the British Governor of New York, enclosing the conciliato- ry proposals, and recommending " that they should be circulated In' Gen. Washmgton among the of- iicers and privates of his army." Instead of com- plying with this extraordinary request, he forward- ed" the whole to Congress. The offers of Great Britain, \\hicli, if made in due time, would have >?revented the dismemberment of the empire, w-erc promptly rejected. The day after their rejection a resolution formerly recommended by Washing- ion was adopted by Congress, in which they urged GfiOROK WASHINGTON. 80 upon the different states " to pardon, under cer- tain limitations, such of their misguided citizens as liad levied uT.r against the United States." Cop- ies of this were struck off in English and German, and Gen. Washington was directed to take meas- ures for circulatiiig them among the American lev- ies in the British army. lie munediately enclos- ed them in a letter to Tryon, in which he acknowl- edged the receipt of his late letter covering the British conciliatory bills, and requesting their cir- culation in the American army ; and in the way of retort requested the instrumentality of Tryon in making the resolves of Congress known to the Americans in the British army, on whom they were intended to operate. Aijout this time Sir William Howe resigned the command of the British army, and returned to Great Britain. His successor. Sir Henry Cliiiton, Jiad scarcely entered on the duties of his office, when he received orders to evacuate Piiiladelphia. This was deemed expedient fiom an apprehen- sion that it would be a dangerous position in case a French fleet, as was expected, should arrive in the Delaware to co-operate with the Auericans. The design of evacuating Philadelpliia was soon discovered by Washington ; but the object or course of the enemy could not be precisely ascer- tamed. Their ])repanitions equally denoted an expedition to the soutii i an embarkation of thv.'»r whole army for New York ; or a march to thiit city through New Jersey. In the two fust cayes Washington had not the means of annoyance ; but as the probability of the last daily increased, he di- rected his chief attenlion to that point, Geiir '•^'^ . I'flK LIFE OJ'- Maxwell, with the Jersey brigade, was ordered over the Delaware to take 'post ai)oiit Mount Hol- Iv, and to co-operate with Gen. Dickinson at the head of the Jersey militia, in obstructing the pro- gress oftiic royal army till time should 'be gained for Washington to overtake them. The British crossed the Delaware to Gloucester Point, on the 18th. of June, 1778 ; the Americans in four days after, ai Corryei's ferry. The general officers of the latter, on being asked wliat line of conduct they deemed most advisable, had previously, and with one consent, agreed to attempt nothing till the evacuation of Philadelphia was completed; but after the Dela-vvare was crossed, there was a diversity of sentiment respecting the measures proper to be jnn-sued. Gen. Lee, who, havins: been exchanged, joined the army, was of opinion that the United States, in consequence of their late Ibreign connexions, ^vere secure of their indepen- dence, unless their army was defeated ; and that under such circumstances it w^ould be criminal to hazard an action, unless they had some decided advantage. Though the numbers in both armies were nearly equal, and about ten thousand effect- ivemcn in each, he attributed so much to the su- periority of British discipline, as made him appre- hensive of the issue of an engagement on equal ground. /J'hese sentiments were sanctioned by tlie voice of a great majority of the general officers. Washir.gton was nevertheless strongly inclined to risk an action. Though cautious, he was enter- prising, and could not readily believe that the ehances of war were so much"^against him as to thi-eiiten consequences of the alarming magnitude GEORGF- WASmXOTOX. 91 which had been announced. There was a gener- al concurrence in a proposal for strengrhening the corps on the left flank of the enemy with fifteen hundred men, to improve any partial advantages that might oBer, and that the main body should preserve a relative position for acting as circum- stances might require. When Sir Henry Clinton had advanced to Al- leniovvn, he determined, instead of keeping the di- rect course toward Staten Island, to draw toward the sea coast, and to pusli on toward Sandy Hook. Vv'ashington, on receiving intelligence that Sir Henry was proceeding in that direction toward Monniouth courthouse, despatched one thousand men u ercition of sor:ie parties of infantry, effectually stop- , pcd the udvatice of the Biitish in that quarter.; Geu. Greene took a very advantageous position on the riviic ^f lord Surling. The British attempted to turn the kit fiank of the Americans, but were GEOIKiR WASMXt.TOX. 93 i-epulsed. They also made a movement to the rigiit, with as little sticeess ; for Greene, ^vit.h ar- tillery, disappointed their design. Wayne advanc- ed with a body of troops, and kept up so severe and well directed a fire, that the British were soon compelled to give way. They retired, and took the position which Lee had before occupied. V/ashington resolved to attack them, and ordered Gen. Poor to move round upon their right, and Gen. Woodford to their left ; but they could not get within reach before it was dark. These re- mained on the ground which they had been di- rected to occupy, during the night, with an inten- tion of attacking early next morning ; and the main bt}dy lay on their arms in the field to be ready for supporting them. Gt^n. Washington, after a day of great aciivity and iiuich personal dan- ger, reposed among his troops on his cloak under a tree, in hopes of renewing the action the next d iy. But these hope-j were frustrated. The Brit- ish nvarelKd awa} in ine night in such silence, that Gen. Poor, tliough he lay very near them, knew notlung of their departure. They left be- hind tiieni four officers and about forty privates, all so badly wounded that they could not be re- moved. Then- other woinided were carried off. The British pursued their march without farther interruption, and sooii reached the nsrighl)Ourhood of Sand}' Hook, wichont the loss of enher tiicir covering party or bairgage. The A niericim Gen- eral dechiied ail farther pursuit of the royal army, and soon after drew off his tr®ops to the borders of the North River. The loss of the Americans in killed and wounded was about two hundred and 94 THE LIFE OF fifty. The loss of the royal army, inclusive of prisoners, was about three hundred and fifty. On the ninth day after this action. Congress unanimously resolved, " that their thanks be giv- en to Gen. Washington for the activity with which he marched from 'the camp at Valley Forge in pursuit of the enemy ; for his distinguished exer- tions in forming the line oi" battle ; and tor his great good conduct in leading on the attack, and gaining the important victory of Monmouth, over the British grand army, under the command of Gen. bir Henry Cliaton, in their march from Phi- ladelphia to New York." It is probable that Washington intended to take no further notice ot Lee's conduct in the day of action, but the latter could not brook the expressions used by the form- er at their first meeting, and wrote him two pas- sionate letters. This occasioned his being arrest- ed, and brought to trial. The charges exhibited against him were, 1st. For disobedience of orders in not attacking the enemy on the 28th. of June, agreeable to re- peated iristructions. 2dly. For misbehaviour before the enemy on the same day, by making an unnecessary, disor- derly, and shameful retreat. • i • <• 3dly. For disrespect to the commander in chiet in two letters. . After a tedious hearing before a court martiaU of which lord Stirlir.g was president, Lee was found guilty, and sentenced to be suspended ironi ajv command in tlie armies of the United States for ^iic term of one year ; but the second charge wao softened by the court, wh.ch only found him GEORGE WASrT!XCTON. 95 guilty of misbehaviour before the eaeniy, hy mak- iu,^ j;i uiijiecessar}'', and, in soiiic few instafices, a distjrd.-rly retreat. S'.jori alter the battle of Mon noiith the Ameri- can uriny took post nt the Whta Pi ;i s, .ind re- mitintd tiiere, u.vi in tae v^;hii.v, h ' uNnn!^ was far advaticed, ••ix! ih--:- '.i;;.;d lo .' iiddteo'-ook. in Neu' Jersey. D-.i..' );■• uk. ^ .i ikV, nodiingof more importance ocearred ui-m skirmishes, in which Gen. Washington was not particularly engaged. He was nevertheless fuiiy enipiov^d. His mild conciliatory manners, and the most perfect sub- jection of nis passions to. reason, together with the soundness of his judgment, enabled him to serve his country with equal effect, thoiig'i with less splendour than is usually attached to military ex- ploits. The French fleet, the expectation of which had induced the evacuation of Philadelphia, arrived too iaie for attacking the Britiah m the DeUiw-ire. It uas also deemed unadvisable to attempt New York ; but the Biitish posts on Rhode Island were judged proper objecis of a conjunct expedition with the sea and land ibrees of France and Amer- ica. I'his being resolved upon, Gen. Sullivan vv.v a'orointcd to conduct the operations oi ilie A >; ; i , i ,. When tlie preparatior.s for commenc- ing- iiiv au.ijk were neii.iy completed, a British fleet apjjeuted :;i sight. D'Estaing, who commauded the French fleet, put out to sea to engage them ; but a storm came on which crippled both fleets cO such an extent, as induced the one to go to N \v \ork, and ihe other to Boston, for the purpose of being repaired. While the tieets were out of 96 THE LIFE or sight, Sullivan bad commenced the siege, and flat- tered himsdf that a few days co-operation of the returned French ships could not fail of crowning him with success. The determination of I>'l^:s- taing to retire to Boston instead of co-operating m the siege, excited the greatest alarm in Sullivan's army. Bv this dereliction of the original plan, the harbours of Rhode Isl .nd were left free and open for reinforcements to the British, which might be easily poured in from their head quarters in New York. Inste..d of anticipated conquests, Sullivan had reason to fear for the safety of his ar- 111)-. Irritated at the departure of D'Estaing, he expressed in general orders lo Ins army, " his hope that the event would prove America able to D) ocure that, by her own arms, which her allies refused to assist in obtaining." These expres- sions were considered as imputing to D'Kstaing and the French nation a disinclination to promote the interests of the Umted Siutes. When eiitrea- ties f liled of persuading D'Estaing to return to the siege, a pai)er was drawn up and signed by the princip\il officers of the Americans, and sent to him, in which they protested against his taking the fleet to Boston, *' as derogatory to the honour of France ; contrary to the intentions of his most Christian Majesty, and the interest of his nation ; destructive to the wcllarc of the United States, and highlv injurious to the alliance between the two nations." So much discontent prevailed, that se- rious apprehensions were entertained that the means Of repairing the French tleet would not be readn^ obtained. GEORGE WASHINGTON. 97 Washington foresaw the evils likely to result from the general and mutual irritation which pre- vailed, and exerted all his influence to calm the minds of both parties. He had a powerful coad- jutor in the Marquis de la Fayette, who was as de- servedly dear to the Americans as to the French. His lirst duties were due to his king and country ; but he loved America, and was so devoted to the com.mander in chief of its armies, as to enter into his views, and second his softening conciliatory measures, with truly filial affection. Washington also wrote to Gen. Heath, who commanded at Boston, and to Sullivan and Greene, who commanded at Rhode Island. In his letter to Gen. Heath, he stated his fears *' that the de- parture of the French fleet from Rhode Island, at so critical a moment, would not only weaken the confidence of the people in their new allies, but produce such prejudice and resentment as might prevent their giving the fleet, in its present dis- tress, such zealous and eflectual assistance as was, demanded by the exigence of aftairs, and the true interests of America ;" and added, '! that it would be sound policy to combat these effects, and to give the best construction of what had happened ; and at the same time to make strenuous exertions for putting the French fleet as soon as possible, in a condition to defend itself, and be useful." He also observed as follows ; " the departure of the fleet from Rhode Island, is not yet publicly an- nounced here ; but when it is, I intend to ascribe it to necessity produced by the damage received in the late storm. This it appears to me is the idea which ought to be generallv propagated. As 10 98 ■ THE LM E Ol I doubt not the force of tlicse reasons will strike you equally with myself, I would recommend to you to use your utmost ir.fluence to palliate and soften matters, and to induce those whose business it is to provide succours of every kind for the fleet, to employ their utmost zeal and activity in doing it. It is our duty to make the best of our misfor- tunes, and not suffer passion to interfere, with our •interest and the public good." In a letter to Gen. Sullivan, he observed, " the disagreement between the ariuy under your com- mand and the fleet, has given me \'qv^' singular un- easiness. The continent at large is concerned in our cordiality, and it slioukl be kept up by all possible means consistent with our honour and pol- icy. First imprco.sions are generally longest re- tained, and will serve to fix in a great (''grce our national character with the Fieneh. In our con- duct toward them, we should remember, that they are a people old in war, \'ed by ^Vashingtou was GEORGE WASHINGTON. lU far short of what economy, as well as sound poli- cy , required. The American army in these years was not only deficient in clothing, but in food. The sea- sons both in 1779 'and 1780, were unfavourable to the crops. The labours of the farmers had of- ten been interrupted by calls for militia dut}'. The current paper money was so depreciated as to be deemed no equivalent for the productions of the soil. So great were the necessities of the American army, that Gen. Washington \vas oblig- ed to call on the magistrates of the adjacent coun- ties for specified quantities of provisions, to be sup- plied in a given number of days. At other times he was compelled to send out detachments of hi^ troops to take provisions at the point of the bay- onet from the citizens. This expedient at length failed, for the country in the vicinity of the army afforded no further supplies. These impressments were not only injurious to the morals and disci- pline of the army, but tended to alienate tlie aftcc- tions of the people. Much of the support which the American General had previously experienced from the inhabitants, proceeded from the diflcr- ence of treatment they received from their own army compared with what they suffered from the British. The General, whom the inliabitants hith- erto regarded as their ])rotector, had now no al- ternative but to disl)an{l his troops, or to support them by force. Tiie army looked to him for pro- visions ; the inhabitants for protection of their property. To supply the one and not offend the other, seemed little less than an impossibility. Tq. preserve order and subordination in an army of 112 THE LIFE OF free republicans, even when well fed, paid, and clothed, ViOidd iiave been a Mork of difficulty ; but to retoin them in service and restrain them with discipline, when destitute not only of the Gomforls, bat olten of ti^.e necessaries of life, re- quired address and abilities of such mag-nitude as are rarely found in human nature. In this choice of diBiculries, Gen. Washington not only kept lys army together, but conducted with so much dis- cretion as to command the approbation both of the army and of the citizens. Nothing of decisive importance could be at- tempted with an army so badly provided, and sa deficient in numbers. It did not exceed thirteen; thousand men, while the British, strongly fortified in New York and Rhode Island, amounted to six- teen or seventeen thousand. These were support- ed by a powerful fleet, which, by commanding the coasts and the rivers, furnished easy means for concentrating their force in any given point before the Americans could march to the same. This disparity v/as particularly striking in the movements of the two armies in the vicinity of the Hudson. Divisions of both were frequently posted on each side of that noble river. ^Vhile the British could cross directly over and unite their forces in any enterprise, the Americans could not safely effect a correspondent junction, unless they took a consid- erable circuit to avoid the British shipping. To preserve West Point and its dependences, was a primary object with Washington. To se- cure these he was obliged to refuse the pressing applications from the neighbouring states for large detachments from the continental army for their GEORGE WASHINGTON. US local defence. Early in the year, Sir Henry Clin- ton made some movements up the North River, which indicated an intention of attacking the posts in the Highlands ; but in proportion as these were threatened, Washington concentrated his force for their defence. This was done so effectually, that no serious direct attempt was made upon them. Clinton, hoping to allure the Americans from these fortresses, sent detachments to burn and lay waste the towns on the coast of Connecticut. This was done extensively. Norwalk, Fairfield, and New London, were destroyed. Washington, adhering to the principle of sacrificing small ob- jects to secure great ones, gave no more aid to the suffering inhabitants than was compatible with the security of West Point. Though the force under his immediate com- mand throughout the campaign of 1779, was un- equal to any great undertaking, yet his active, mind sought for and embraced such opportuiiities for offensive operations, as might be attempted without hazarding too much. The principal expedition of this kind, was di- rected ag-ainst tJie Six Nations of Indians, who in- habited the fertile country betu'een the western settlements of New York and Pennsylvania, and the lakes of Canada. These, from their vicinity and intercourse with the white people, had attain- ed a degree of civilization exceeding what was usual among savages. To them, many refugee lories had fled, and directed thcni to the settle- ments, which they laid waste, and at the same time massacred the inhabitants. In the early pe- riod of Washington's life, while commander of the ■ 11* 114 THE lAVli OF Virginia troops, he had ample experience of tiie futility of forts for defence against Indians, and of the superior advantage of carrying offensive opera- tions into their towns and settlements. An inva- sion of the country of the Six Nations being re- solved upon, the commander in chief bestowed much thought on the best mode of conducting it. The instructions he gave to Gen. Sullivan, w^ho was appointed to this service, were very particu- Tar, and mucli more severe than was usual, but not more so than retaliation justified, or policy recom- mended. Sullivan, with a considerable force, penetrated into tlie country of the Indians in three directions, k id waste their crops, and burnt their towns. His success was decisive, and in a great measu-'C secured the future peace of the frontier settlements. The late residence of the savages was rendered so fir uninhabitable, that they were reduced to the necessity of seeking an asylum in the more remote western country. While the British w^ere laying waste Connecti- cut, Washington, after reconnoitring the ground in person, planned an expedition against Stony Point, a commanding hill projecting far into the Hudson, on the top of wh;ch a fort had been erected, which was garrisoned with about six hun- dred men. One of the motives for assaulting this work, was the hope that, if successful, it might in- duce the detachment which had invaded Connect- icut, to desist from their devastations, and to re- turn to the defence of their own outposts. The enterprise was assigned to Gen. Wayne, who com- pletely succeeded in reducing the fort and captur- ing its garrison. GEORGE WASHINGTON. . 115 Sir Henry Clinton, on receiving intelli^gence of W ayne's success, relinquished his views on Con- necticut, and made a Ibrced march to Dobb's fer- ry, twenty six nu'es al:)ove New York. I'he reduction of Stony Point was speedily fol- lowed by the surprise of the British garrison at Panics Hook. This was first conceived and plan- ned by ;Vhijor Heniy Lee. On being sul^mitted to Gen. Washington, he favoured the enterprise, but withheld his full assent, till he was satisfied of the practicab lity of a retreat, cf which serious doubts were entertained. Lee, with three hun- dred men, entered the fort about three o'clock in the morning, and with very inconsiderable loss, took one hundred and fifty nine prisoners, and brought them off in safety from the vicinity of liirge bodies of the enemy. The reasons already mentioned, for avoidivigall hazardous offensive operations, were strongly en- forced by a well founded expectation that a French licet would appear on the coast, in the course of the year 1779. Policy required that the Ameri- can army should be reserved for a co-operation with their allies. The ffeet, as expected, did ar- rive, but in the vicinity of Georgia. The French troops, in conjunction with the southern army, cowimanded by Gen. Lincoln, made an unsuccess- ful attempt on the Biitish po^t in Savannah. This town had been reduced in December, 1778, by- Col. Cajnpbell, who had proceeded so far as to re-establish British authority in the state of Geor- gia. Soon after the defeat of the combined forces before Savannah, and the departure of the French fleet from the coast, Sir Henr}- Clinton proceeded 116 TIIR LIFE or with the priiicli)al part of his army to Charleston, and conrnicd his views in New York to defensive o])crations. The eampuign of 1779 terminated in the north- ern stales as has been related, without any great events on either side. Washington defeated all the projcels of the British for getting possession of the Highlands. 'I'he Indians were seourged, and a lew brilliant strokes kept the public mind from despondence. "J'he Americans went into winter quarters when the month of December was far advanced. I'hese were chosen for the conve- nience of wood, water, and provisions, and with an eye to the protection of the country. To this end, the army was thrown into two grand divisions. The northern was put under the command of Gen.. Heath, and stationed with a view to the security of West Point, its dependences, and the adjacent country. The other retired to Morristown in New Jersc}'. In this situation, which was well calculated to secure the country to the southward of New York, Washington, with the principal di- vision of his army, took tlieir station for the win- ter. The season followmg their retirement, was uncommonly severe. The British in New York and Siaten island no longer enjoyed the security which their insular situation usually ail'orded. The former suliered from the want of fuel, and other supplies from the country. To add to their difli- cuities, Washington so dis])osed his troops as to give the greatest possible obstruction to the com- numication between the Britisli garrison, and such of the iniiabitants witliout their lines as were dis- posed to taipply their wants. This brought on a GEOItGR \Vy\STIINGTON. 117 partisan war, in which individuals were killed, but without any national effect. Had Washiiiii^ton been supported as he desired, the weakness of the British army, in consecjuenee of their large de- tachments to the southward, in conjunction with the severity of the winter, would have given him an opportunity for indulging his native ap'ini of enterprise. But he durst not attempt any thing on a grand scale, for his army was^ot only mferior in number to that o[:>posed to him, init so destitute of clothing as to bu unequal to a winter canipiUgn. 118 THE LIFE OF CHAPTER Vn. been in a great meivsurc exchanged for state estab- lishments. Tiiis mischievous measure partly orig- inated from necessity ; for state credit was not quite so much depreciated as continental. Con- gress not possessing the means of supporting their army, devolved the business on the component parts of the confederacy. Some states, from tlieir internal ability and local advantages, furnished their troops not only with clothing, but with manjr conveniences. Others supplied them with some- necessaries, but on a more contracted scale. A few, from their particular situation, could do Ht- tle, or nothing at all. The officers and men in the routine of duty mixed daily, and compared circumstances. Those who fared worse than others, were dissatisfied with a service which made such injurious distinctions. From causes of this kind, superadded to a complication of wants and suflerings, a disposition to mutiny began to show itself in the American army. Very few of the officers were ricli. To make an appearance suit- able to their station, required an exnenditure of the little all which most of them possessed. TIic supplies from the public were so inade(|uatc as to compel frequent resignations. The officers of wliole lines announced their determination to quit the service. The personal influence of General ^V'ashington was exerted with the oflicers in pre- venting their adoption of such ruinous me;isures, and with the states to remove t'ne causes which led to them. Soon after the surrender of the whole southern army, and at the moment the northern was in t!ie greatest distress for the necessaries of life, Gtn. 124 TflB LtFE OF Knipliausen passed from New York into New Jer- sey with five thousand men. These were soon re- inforced with a detachment of the victorious troops returned with Sir Henry CHnton from South Car- olina. It is difficult to tell what was the precise object of this expedition. Perhaps the ro3'al com- maviders hoj)cd to i?;et possession of Morristown, and destroy the American stores. Perhaps they liattcred themselves that the inhabitants, dispirited by the recent fall of Charleston, would submit without resistance ; and that the soldiers would desert to the ro}'al standard. Sundry movements took place on both' sides, and also smart skir- mishes, but without any decisive effect. At one time Washington conjectured that the destruction ^of his stores was the object of the enemy ; at an- other, that the whole was a feint to draw off his attention, while they pushed up the North River from New York, to attack West Point. I'he American army was stationed with a view to both objects. The security of the stores was attended .to, and such a position taken, as would compel the British to fight under great disadvantages, if they risked a general action to get at them. The American General Howe, who commanded at the Highlands, was ordered to concentrate his force for the security of West Point ; and Washington, with the principal division of his army, took such a middle position, as enabled him either to fall • back to defend his stores, or to advance for the defence of West Point, as circumstances might require. The first months of the year were spt nt in these desultory operations. The disasters to tlie south produced no disposition in the north t(5 UFCJKGE WASHINGTON. 125 give up the contest ; but the tardiness of Congress and of the states ; the weakness of government, and the depreciation of the money, deprived Wash- ington of all means of attempting any thing be- yond defensive operations. In this state of languor Marquis de la Fayette arrived from France, with assurances that a French fleet and army might soon be expected on the coast. This roused the Americans from that leth- argy into which they seemed to be sinking. Re- quisitions on the states for men and money, were urged with uncommon earnestness. Washing- ton, in his extensive correspondence throughout the United States, endeavoured to stimulate the public mind to such exertions as the approaching crisis required. In addition to arguments form- erly used, he endeavoured on this occasion, by a temperate view of European politics, to convince his countrymen, of the real danger of their inde- pendence, if they neglected to improve the advan- tages they might obtain by a great and manly ef- fort, in conjunction with the succours expected from France. The resolutions of Congress for this purpose were slowly executed. The quotas assigned to the several states were by their respect- ive legislatures apportioned on the several coun- ties and towns. These divisions were again sub- divided into classes, and each class was called up- on to furnish a man. This predominance of state systems over those which were natioiial, was fore- seen and lamented by the commander in chief. In a letter to a member of the national legislature, he observed, " that unless Congress speaks in a more decisive tone ; unless they are vested with. 12* 126 THE LIFE OF powers by tlie several states competent to the great purposes of the war, or assume them as mat- ttr of right, and they and the states respectively act with more energy than hitherto, they have done ; our cause is lost. We can no longer drudge on in the old way. By ill timing the adoption of measuTfS ; by delays in the execution of them, or by unwarrantable jealousies, we incur enormous expenses, and derive no benefit. One state will comply with a requisition from Congress ; another neglects to do it ; a third executes it by halves ; and all differ in the manner, the matter, or so much in point of time, that we are always working up hill ; and while such a system as the present one, or rather want of one, prevails, we ever shall be unable to apply our strength or resources to any advantage. " I'his, my dear sir, is plain language to a mem- ber of Congress ; but it is the language of truth and friendship. It is the result of long thinking, close application, and strict observation. I see one head gradually changing into thirteen ; I see one army branching into thirteen ; and, instead of looking up to Congress as the supreme controlling power of the United Slates, considering themselves as dependent on their respective states. In a word, I see the power of Congress declining too fast for the consequence and respect which are duq to them as the great representative body of Amer- ica, and am fearful of the consequences." From the en;barrassments which cramped the operations of Washington, a partial temporary re- lief was obtained from private sources. When Congress could iieither coiinuand money nor cred- GEORGE WASHINGTOX, 127 it for the subsistence of their army, the citizens of Philadelphia formed an association to procure a supply of necessary articles for their suffering sold- iers. The sum of three hundred thousand dollars was subscribed in a few days, and converted into a bank, the principal design of which was to pur- chase provisions for the troops in the most prompt and efficacious manner. The advantages of this institution were gieat, and particularly enhanced by the critical time in which it was instituted. The ladies of Philadelphia, about the same time, subscribed large donations for the immediate re- Jief of the suffering soldiers. These suppli-es, though liberal, v/ere far short of a sufficiency for the army. So late as the 20th. of June, Gen. Washington informed Congress that he still hi- boured under the piiinful and humiliating embar- rassment of having no shirts to deliver to the trQops, many of vvhom were absolutely destitute of that necessary article ; nor were they much bet- ter supplied with summer overalls. " For the troops to be without clothing at any time, he add- ed, is highly injurious to the service, and distress- ing to our feelings ; but the want will be more pe- culiarly mortifying when tlicy come to act with those of our allies. If it be possible, I have no doubt immediate measures v.'ill be taken to relieve their distress. *' It is also most sincerely to be wished that there could be some supplies of clothing furnished to the officers. There are a great many whose con- dition is miserable. This is, in some instances, the case with whole lines. It would be well for their own &akes, and for the public good, if they 128 - riiK UFK or could be furnished. They will not be able, when our friends eonie, to co-operate with us, to go on a common routine of duty ; and if they should, they must from their appearance be held in low estimation." The complicated arrangements for raising and supporting the American army, which was voted for the campaign, were so tardily executed that when the summer was far advanced, Washington was uninformed of the force on which he might rely ; and of course could not fix on any certain plan of operations for the combined armies. In a letter to Congress he expressed his embarrass- ment in the following words ; " The season is come when we have every reason to expect the arrival of the Reet ; and yet for want of this point of primary conseciuence, it is impossible for me to form a system of co-operation. I have no basis to act upon, and of course were this generous suc- coiu- of our ally now to arrive, I should find my- self in the most awkward, embarrassing, and pain- ful situation. The General and the Admiral, as soon as tncy approach our coast, will recjuire of me a plan of the measures to be pursued, and there ouglit of riglit to be one prepared ; but circum- stanced as 1 am, I cannot even give them conjec- tures. From these eonsulerations I yesterday sug- gested to the committee the indispensable necessi- ty of their writing again to the states, urging them to give immediate and precise information of the measures they have taken, and of the result. The interest of tiic states ; the honour and reputation of our councils ; the justice and gratitude due to our alliesj all require that I siiould without delay GKOHfiK WASIITXGTON'. 129 be enabled to asccrtiiin and inform them what we can or cannot undertake. There is a point which ouglit now to be determined, on the success of which all our future operations may depend ; on which, for want of knowing our prospects, 1 can make no decision. For fear of involving the fleet and army of our allies in circumstances which would expose them, if not seconded by us, to ma- terial inconvenience and hazard, 1 shall be com- pelled to suspend it, and the delay may be fatal to our hopes." In this state of uncertainty, Washington medi- tated by night and day on the various contingen- ces which were probable. He revolved the pos- sible situations in which the contending armies might be placed, and endeavoured to prej^are for every plan of combined operations which future contingent events migiit render advisable. On the lOth. of July the expected French fleet and army appeared on the coast of Rhode Island. The former consisted of seven sail of the line, five frigates, and live smaller vessels. The latter of six thousand men. The Chevalier 'lYrney and Count Rochambeavi, who commanded the fleet and army, immediately transmitted to Gen. Wash- ington an account of their arrival, of their strength, their expectations, and orders. At that time not more than one thousand men had joined the Amer- ican army. A commander of no more than com- mon firmness, would have resigned his commis- sion in disgust, for not being supported by his country. Very diflcrent was the hne of conduct adopted by Washington. Trusting that the jiroia- ised support would be forwarded widi all possible 13© iTtE LIFE Qh\ despatch, he sent on to the French commanders by the Marquis de la Fayette, definite proposals for commencing the siege of New York. Of this he gave information to Congress in a letter, in the following words ; " Pressed on all sides by a choice of difficulties, in a moment which required decision, I have adopted that line of conduct which comported with the dignity and faith of Congress, the reputation of these states, and the honour of ©ur arms. I have sent on definitive proposals of co-operation to the French General and Admiral. Neither the period of the season, nor a regard to decency, would permit delay. The die is cast ; and it remains with the states either to fulfil their engagements, preserve their credit, and support their independence, or to involve us in disgrace and defeat. Notwithstanding the failures pointed out by the committee, I shall proceed on the sup- position that they will ultimately consult their own interest and honour, and not suffer us to fail for the want of means, which it is evidendy in their power to afibrd. What has been done, and is do- ing by some of the states, confirms the opinion I have entertained, of sufficient resources In the coun- try. Of the disposition of the people to submit to any arrangement for bringing them forth, I see no reasonable ground to doubt. If v.-e fail for want of proper exertions in any of tlie governments, I trust the responsibility will fall where it ought, and that I shall stand justified to Congress, my coun- try, and the world." The iitih of the next month, August, was nam- cd as the day when the French troops should em- bark, and the American army assemble in Mot- GEORGE WASHINGTON. 131 risanja, for the purpose of commencing their com- bined ojjeratioas. Very soon after the arrival of the French fleet, Adtniral Greaves reinforced the British naval force in the harbour of New York, with six ships of the line. Hitherto the French had a naval superiority. Without it, all prospect of success in the proposed attack on New York was visionary ; but this being suddenly and unex- pectedly reversed, the plan for combined opera- tions became eventual. The British Admiral hav- ing now the superiority, proceeded to Rhode Isl- and to attack the French in that quarter. He soon discovered that the French were perfectly secure from any attack by sea. Sir Henry Clinton, who had returned in the preceding month with his vic- torious troops from Charleston, embarked about eight thousand of his best men, and proceeded as far as Huntingdon Bay, on Long Island, with the apparent design of concurring with the British fleet in attacking the Frencli force at Rhode Island. When this movement took place, Washington set his army in motion, and proceeded to Peekskill. Had Sir Henry Chnton prosecuted what appeared to be his design, Washington intended to have at- tacked New York in his absence. Preparations were made for this purpose, but Sir Henry Clin- ton instantly turned about from Huntingdon Bay toward New York. In the mean time, the French fleet and army being blocked up at Rhode Island, were incapac- itated from co-operating with the Americans. Hopes were nevertheless indulged, that by the ar- rival of another fleet of his Most Christian Majes- ty, then ill the West Indies, under the command 132 tHE LIFE OF of Count de Guichen, the superiority would be so much in favour of the allies, as to enable them to prosecute their original intention of attacking New York. When the expectations of the Americans were raised to the highest pitch, and when they were in great forwardness of preparation to act in concert with their allies, intelligence arrived that Count de Guichen had sailed for France. This disappointment was extremely mortifying. Washington still adhered to his purpose of at- tacking New York at some future more favoura- ble period. On this subject he corresponded with the French commanders, and had a perbonal inter- view with them on the twenty first of September, at Hartford. The arrival of Adinirai Rodney on the American coast, a short time after, with eleven ships of the line, disconcerted for that season, all the plans of the allies. Washington felt with in- finite regret, a succession of abortive projects throughout the campaign of 1780. In that }ear, and not before, he had indulged the hope of hap- pily terminating the war. In a letter to a frit ltd, he wrote as follows ; " We are now drawing to a close an inactive campaign, the beginning of which appeared pregnant with events of a very favoura- ble complexion. I hoped, but I hoped in vain, that a prospect was opening which would enable me to fix a period to my military pursuits, and re- store me to domestic life, 'i'he favourable dispo- sition of Spain ; the promised succour from France ; the combined force in the West Indies ; the dec- laration ol Russia, acceded to by other powers of Europe, huniiiiating ilie naval pride and power of Great Britain ; the superiority of France and Spain ! . KOIIKE WASUIXGTOX. 133 by sea, in Europe^ the Irish claims, and English disturbances, formed in the aggregate an opinion in my breast, which is not very susceptible of peaceful dreams, that the hour of deliverance vi^as not far distant ; for that, however unwilling Great Britain might be to yield the point, it would not be in her power to continue the contest. But, alas ! these prospects, flattering as they M^ere have proved delusory ; and I see nothing before us but accumulating distress. We have been half of our time without provisions, and are likely to continue so. We have no magazines, nor money to form them. We have lived upon expedients until we can live no longer. In a word, the histo- ry of the war is a history of false hopes and tern-* porary devices, instead of system and economy. It is in V lin, however, to look back ; nor is it our business to do so. Our case is not desperate, if virtue exists in the people, and there is wisdom among our rulers. But, to suppose that this great revolution can be accomplished by a temporary army ; that this army will be subsisted by state supplies ; and that taxation alone is adequate to our wants, is, in my opinion, absurd." 134 I'HE LlFli OK CHAPTER VIII. CAMPAIGN OF 1781. 'he Pennsylvania line njutinies The Jersey troops follow theii- exam- ple, but are quell id by decisive measures... .Gen. Washington com- mences a military journal, proved the late events, by writing circular let- ters to the states, urging them to prevent all future causes of discontent by fulfilling their engagements with their respective lines. Some good effects wcvii prodnced, but only temporary, and far short of the well founded claims of the army. Their wants with respect to provisions were only par- tially supplied, and by expedients, from one short time to another. The most usual was ordering an officer to seize on provisions wherever found. This differed from robbing only in its being done ,by authority for the public service, and in the offi- cer being always directed to give the proprietor a certificate of the quantity and quality of what was taken from him. At first, some reliance was placed on these certificates, as vouchers to sup- port a future demand on the United States ; but they soon became so common as to be of little value. Recourse was so frequently had to coer- cion, both legislative and military, that the people not §nly lost confidence in public credit, but be- came impatient under all exertions of authority 13* 138 rilE LITE Oi' for forcing their property from them. About thi time Gen. Washington was obliged to apply mm thousand dollars sent by the state of Massachu- setts, for the payment of her troops, to the use of the Quarter Master's department, to enable him to transport provisions from the adjacent states. Be- fore he consented to adopt this expedient, he had consumed every ounce of provision which had been kept as a reserve in the garrison of West Point, and had strained impress by military force to so great an extent, that there was reason to ap- prehend the inhabitants, irritated by such frcquewt calls, wonld proceed to dangerous insurrections. Fort Schuyler, West Point, and the posts up the North River, were on the point of being abandon- ed by their starving garrisons. At this period there was little or iio circulating medium, either in the form of paper or specie, and in the neigh- bourhood of die American army, there was a real want of necessary provisions. The deficiency of the former occasioned many inconveniences, but the insufficiency of the latter had well nigh dis- solved the army, and laid the country in every di- rection open to British excursions. On the first of May, 1781, Gen. Washington commenced a military journal. The following statement is extracted from it. " I begin at this epoch a concise journal of military transactions, &c. I lament not having attempted it from the commencement of the war, in aid of my memory ; and wish the multiplicity of matter which contin- ually surrounds me, and the embarrassed staie of our afiairs, which is momentarily calling the at- tention to perplexities of one kind or another. GEORGE WASIIINGTOK. 139 may not defeat altogether, or so interrupt my present intention and plan, as to render it of little avail. p. " To have the clearer understanding of the en- tries which may follow, it would be proper to recite in detail, our wants and our prospects ; but this alone would be a work of much time and great magnitude. It may suffice to give the sum of them, which I shall do in k\v words; viz. " Instead of having magazines filled with pro- visions, we have a scanty pittance scattered here and there in the distant states. " Instead of having our arsenals well supplied with military stores, they are poorly provided, and the workmen all leaving them.* Instead of having the various articles of field equipage in readiness, the Quarter Master General is but now applying to the several states to provide these things for their troops respectively. Instead of having a regular system of transportation estab- lished upon credit, or funds in the Quarter Mas- ter's hands to defray the contingent expenses thereof, we have neither the one nor the other ; and- all that business, or a great part of it, being done by impressment, we are daily and hourly oppressing the people, souring their lenipers, and alienating their aftections. Instead of hi.ving the regiments completed agreerible to the requisitions of Congress, scarce any state in the union has at this hour one eighth part of its quota in the field, and there is little prospect of ever getting more than half In a word, instead of having any thing in readiness to take the field, we have nothing ; and, instead of having the prospect^of a glorious 140 THE LIFE OF offensive campaign before us, we have a bewildci ed and gloomy piospect of a defensive one ; unless we should receive a powerful aid of ships, troops, and money, from our generous allies, and these ajLu present are too contingent to build upon." While the Americans were suffering the com- plicated calamines which introduced the year 1781, . their adversaries were ciirrying on the most exteii- 1[ sive plan of operarions ag.iist them v.hich had.'i ever been attempted. It had often been objected |j to the British commanders, that they had not con- | ducted the war in the manner most likely to effect 1 the subjugation of the revolted provinces. Mil- j itary cri;ics found fault with them for keeping a 1 large army idle at New York, which, they said, if properly applied, would have been sufficient to make successful impressions at one and the same time on several of the states. ' The British seem to have calculsted the campaign of 1781, with a view to make an experiment of the comparative merit of tliis mode of conducting military opera- tions. The war raged in tiiat year not only m the vicniity of the British liead quarters at New York, but in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and in Vuginia. In this extensive warfare, Washington could have no i : nu diate agency in the southern depart- ment. Hi-) aclxice in corresponding with the offi- cers comniaiidiiig in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia, was freely and beneficially given; and as large detach agents sent to their aid as could be spared eons'stently with the security of VWst Poin*. 'n couincting the war, his invariable max- im was, to buiier the devastation of property, rath- tiLOllC.E WASHINGTON. 141 cr than hazard great and essential objects for its preservation. While the war raged in Virginia, the Governor thereof, its representatives in Con- gress, and other influential citizens, urged his re- turn to the defence of his native state. But, con- sidering America as his country, and the general safety as his object, he deemed it of more impor- tance to remain on the Hudson ; tlvjre he was not only securing the most important post in the Unit- ed States, but concerting a grand plan of combin- ed operations, which, as shall soon be related, not only delivered Vn^giuia, but all the states, fromi the calamities of the war. In Washington's disregard of property when in competition with national objects, he was in no respect partial to his own. While the British were in the Potowmac, they sent a flag on shore to Mount Vernon, his private estate, requiring a supply of fresh provisions. Refusals of such de- mands were often followed by burning the houses and other property near the river. To prevent this catastrophe, the person intrusted with the management of the estate, went on board with the flag, and carrying a supply of provisions, request- ed that the buildings and improvements might be spaied. For this he received a severe reprimand in a letter to him, in which the General observed; " That it would have been a less painful circum- stance to me to have heard, that, in consequence of your noncompliance with the request of the British, tlvjy had burnt my house, and' laid my plantcition in ruins. You ought to have consider- ed yourself as my repicstntative, and should have reflected on the bad example of communicating 142 riiK LIFE OF with the enemy, and making a voluntary offer of refresliment to them, with a view to prevent a con- flagration." To the other difficuhies with which Washing- ton had to contend in the preceding years of the war, a new one was about this time added. While the whole force at his disposal was unequal to the defence of the country against the common enemy, a civil war was on the point of breaking out among his leliow citizens. The claims of the inhabitants of Vermont to be a separate indeperident state, and of the state of New York, to their country, as within its chartered limits, together with open offers from the Ro^al Commanders to establish and defend them as a British province, produced a s<.rious crisis, which called for tlic interference of the American chief. This was the more nec- essary, as the governments of New York and of Vermont were both resolved on exercising a juris- diction over the same people and the same terri- tory. Congress, wishing to compromise the con- troversy on middle ground, resolved, in August, 17rtl, to accede to the independence of Vermont on certain conditions, and within certain specified limits, which they supposed would satisfy both parties. Contrary to their expectations, this me- diatorial act of the national legislature was rejected by Vermont, and yet was so disagreeable to the legislature of New York as to draw from them a spirited protest against it. Vermont complained that Congress interfered in their internal police ; New York viewed the resolve as a virtual dis- memberment of their state, winch was a constitu- ent part of the coniederacy. Washington, anxious GEORGE WASHINGTON. 143 for the peace of the union, sent a message to Chittenden, (jovernor of Vermont, desiring to know "what were the real designs, views, and intentions, of the people of Vermont ; whether they would be satisfied with the independence proposed by Congress, or had it seriously in con- templation to join with the enemy, and become a British province." The Governor returned an unequivocal answer ; " that there were no people on the continent more attached to the cause of America than the people of Vermont ; but they were fully determined not to be pnt under the government of New York ; that thcv would op- pose this by force of arras, and would join with the British in Canada rather than to submit to that government." While both slates were dissatisfied with Congress, and tb.eir animosities, from increas- ing violence and . irritation, became daily more alarming, Wasliington, aware of the extremes to which all ^rtics were tending, returned an answer to Gov. Chiitcnden, in which were these expres- sions. " It i:> not my bubiness, neither do I think it necessary now to discnss the origin of the right of a number of inhabitants to that tract of country fortnerly distinguished by the name of the New Hampshire grants, and now known by that of Vermont. I will take it for granted that their riglit was good, because Congress by their resolve of the 7iii. iVugust, imply it, and by that of the 21st. are willing fully to confirm it, provided the new state is confined to certain described bounds. It appears therefore to me, that the dispute of boundary is the only one that exists ; ai^that be- ing removed, all other difficulties would be remov- 144 THE LIFE or ed also, and the matter terminated to the satisfac- tion of all parties. You have nothing; to do but-, withdraw your jurisdiction to the confines of your ' old limits, and obtain an acknowledgment of inde- pendence and sovereignty, under the resolve of the 21st. of August, for so much territory as does not interfere with the ancient established bounds of New York, New Hampshire, and Massachu- setts. In my private opinion, while it behooves the delegates to do ample justice to a body of 'l people sufficiently respt^ctable by their numbers, ^ and entitled by other claims to be admitted into that confederation, it becomes them also to attend to the interests of their constituents, an4 see tha|||| under tlie appearance of justice to one, they do no^ materially injure the rights of others. I am apt • to think this is the prevailing opinion of Con- gress." The impartiality, moderation, and good sense, of this letter, together with a full convidKon of the disinterested patriotism of the wiiter, brought round a revolution in the minds of the legislature of Vermont ; and they acctpted the propositions of Congress, though tliey liad rejected them four months before. A truce among the contending parties followed, and the storm blew over. Thus the personal influence of one man, derived from j his pre-eminent virtues and tiieritonoiis services, ^ extinguished the sparks of civil discord at the time they were kindling into flame.* * For more particulars, see Williams's Historv of Vermont ; a work •wliicli, for itiPhperior mt-rit, deserves a place in cver\ Libi-ary. If the Author had becu an European, tliis would probabl/ have beeu the case GEORGE WASHINGTON-. 145 ThoTioli in conducting* the American war, Gen. Wa siiia,ijjtoa often acted on the Fabian system, by evacLiuing, retreatiiu^, and avoiding decisive en- gao;enients; yet this was much more the result of necessity than of choice. His uuifonn opinion was in favour of energetic offensive operations, as the most effectual means of bringing the war to a termination. On this j^rinciple he planned at- tacks in almost every year on some or other of the British armies or strong posts in the United States. He endeavoured, from year to year, to stimulate the public mind to some great operation ; but was never properly supported. In the years 1778, 1779, and '1780, the projected combined opera- tions with the French, as has been related, entire- ly miscarried. The idea of ending the war by some decisive militiny exploit, continuallv occu- pied his active mind. To ensure success, an-.val superiority on the coast, and a loan of money, u'ere indi>pens.'.b}y necessary. The last was pariicuiar- I\- so in the year 1731 ; for the resources oi the United States were then so reduced, as to be une- qual to the support of their army, or even to the transportation of it to aiiy distant scene of acclon. To obtain these necessary aids, it was dctermi^i d to send an envoy extraordinary to the court of Versailles. Lieut. Col. John Laurens was select- ed for this purpose. He w:is in every respect quilified for the important mi:3sioi». In addition to the most engaging personal address, his con- nexion with the commander in chief, as one of his soon after liis enlightened philosopliu-al H'story iiad crossed the Atlarti**, ji'ail made its appearance lu tlie United States. 14 146 XJIE LIFE OF aids, gave him an opportunity of being intimately acquainted with the military capacities and weak- nesses of his country. These were also particu- larly detailed in the form of a letter to him from Gen. Washington. This was written when the Pennsylvania line was in open revolt. Among other interesting matters it stated, " That the ef- forts already made by the United States exceeded the natural ability of the country ; and that any revenue they were capable of making would leave a large surplus to be supplied by credit; that ex- perience had proved the impossibility of support- ing a paper system without funds, and that domestic loans could not be effected, because there were few men of monied capital in the United States ; that from necessity recourse had been had to mil- itary impressments for supporting the army, which, if conti:\ued longer, or urged farther, would proba- bly disgust the people, and bring round a revolu- tion of public sentiment. " That the relief procured by these violent means was so inadequate, that the patience of the army v/as exhausted, and their discontents had broke out in serious and alarniing mutinies ; that the relief necessary was not within the power of the United States ; and that from a view of all circumstances, a loan of money was absolutely necessary for reviving public credit, and giving vigour to future operations." It was farther stat- ed, "that next to a loan of money, a French naval superiority in the American seas was of so much (Consequence, that without it nothing decisive Qould be undertaken against tiie British, wiio were ill the e;reatest force on and near the coasts." GEORGE WASIIIXGTON. 14: The future capacities of the United States to repay any loan that might be made, were partic- uhirly stated ; and tliat " tliere was still a fund of resource and inclination in the country equal to great exertions, providcel a hberal supply of money would furnish the means of stepping the progress of disgust which resulted from the un- popular mode of supplying the army by requisi- tion and impressment." Such interesting statements, sanctioned by the American chief, aiul enforced by the address of Col. Laurens, directly from the scene of action., and the influence of Dr. Franklin, who, for the five preceding years, had been minister plenipo- tentiary from the United States to the court of Versailles, produced the desired effect. His Most Christian Majesty gave his American allies a subsidy of six millions of livres, and became their security for ten millions more, borrowed for their use in the Uniied Netherlands. A naval co- operation was promised, and a conjunct expedi- tion against their common foes projected. 'i'he Ameiican war was now so far involved in the consequences of naval operalioris, that a su- perior French fleet seemed to be the hirgc on which it was likely soon to take a favourable turn. The Britisli army being parcelled in the diflercnt seapoits of the Uniied States, any division of it, blocked up by a French fleet, could not long r-e- sist the superior combined force which might be bi'onght to operate against it. The Marquis de C.istries, who directed the ifiaii'., <>[ France witli great precision, CuicuiaLcd the naval force which 148 THE LIFE OF the Britihh could concentre on the coast of the United Slates, and disposed his own in such a manner as ensured him a supeiiorit}'. In coa- formity to these principles, and in subseiA iencv to the desic;n of the canipaiLni, M. de Grasse sailed in INiarcl-, 1781, from Brest, with twenty five sail cf the line, several thousand land forces, and a large eonvc}- arr.ounting; to more than two hun- dred ships. A tniall part of this force was des- tined :<:; li^e I'^a^l Indies ; but M. de Grasse with the s^i cater pai t sailed for Martinique. I'he i3ritish fieet then in the West Indies had b'.en previously weakened by the departure of a squadron for the protection of the ships wl ich were employed m carrying to England the booty which had been trken at Sr. FAistatius. The I rri-h Admirals Hood and Drake were detached te . . . .rpt the outward bound French fleet, com- n.a.iacd by M. de Cirasse; but a junction bc- t\veen his foi :c and eight ships of the line, and ore of fifty guns, v%hich were previously at Mar- tinique and St. Domiiigo, was nevertheless effect- ed. By this combination of fresh ships from Eu- rope, with the French fleet previously in the West Indies, they had a decided sujwiority. M. de G';:sse ^iu^■i^g finished liis business in the West L.^.i.es, s,."ikd in tlie beginning of August with a piOCi^!;;i(jus convey. Afier seciMgthis out of dan- ger, I'.e divucicel his course for the Chesapeak, and arrived there on the thirtieth of the same monih. Five days before his arrival in the Ches-' apeak, the French fleet in Riiode Island sailed for the same place. These fleets, notwithstanding GEOUGE WASHINGTON. 149 their original distance from the scene of action, and from each other, coincided in their operations in an extraordmary manner, far be} ond the reach of mihtary calculation. They all tended to one object, and at one and the same time ; and tliat object was neither known nor suspected by the British, till the proper season for counteraction was elapsed. This coincidence of favourable circumstances extended to the marches of the American and French land forces. The plan of operations had been so well digested, and was so faithfully exe- cuted by the difierent commanders, that Gen. Washington and Count Rochambeau had passed tlie British head quarters in New York, and were considerably advanced in their way to Yorktown, before Count de Grasse had reached tlie Ameri- can coast. This was effected in the following manner ; Mons. de Barras, appointed to the com- mand of the French squadron at New Port, ar- rived at Boston with despatches for Count de Ro- chambeau. An interview soon after took place at Weathersfield, between Generals Washington, Knox, and du Portail, on the part of the Ameri- cans, and Count de Rocharnbeau and the Cheva- lier Chastelleux, on the part of the French. At this interview an eventual plan of the whole cam- paign was fixed. This was to lay siege to New York, in concert with a French fleet, which was to arri\e on the coast in the moiith of August. It was agreed that the French troops should march toward the North River. Letters were addressi d by Gen. Washington to the executive officers of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Conuccticut,aajJ 14-* si 50 - THE LIFE Of New Jersey, requiring them to fill up their f:)attal- ions, and to have their quotas of six thousand two hundred militia in readiness within a week of the time they might be called for. Conformably to these outlines of the campaign, the French troops marclud from Rhode Island in June, and early in the following; month joined the American army. At the same time Washington marched his army from their \vinter encampment near Peekskill to the viciiiity of Kingsbridge. Gen. Lincoln fell down the North River with a detachment in boats, and took possess/ion of tb.e ground where Fort Independence formerly stood. An attack was made upon him, j but was soon discontinued. The British about this ' time retired v/iih almost the whole of their force to York Island. Washington hoped to be able to commence operations against Ktw York about the raiddle, or at farthest tlie latter end of July. Flat bottomed boats sufficient to transport five thousand men v.-ere built ne ir Albany, and brougiit down ihe North River to thentighbourhood of the Amer- ican army before New \'oi k. Ovens wei'e erected opposite to Staten Island for the use of the Fren-. h troops. Every movement introductory to the com- mencement of the siege w'as made. To the grei'.t mortification of Washington, he four.d himself on the 2d. of August, to be only a few^ hundreds strong- er than he was on the day his army first moved from their winter quarters. To have fixed on a plan of operations with a foreign officer at the head of a respectable force ; to have brought that force f?om a considerable distance in confident expecta- tion of reinforcements sufficiently large to com- mence effective operations against the commoii GEORGE WASHlXXTON, 151 enemy ; and at the same time to have engagements in behalf of the states violated in direct opposi- tion to their own interest, and in a manner derog- atory to his personal honour, was enough to have excited storms and tempests in any mind less cahii than that of Gen. \\ ashington. He bore this hard trial with his usual magnanimity, and contented himself with repeating his requisitions to the states ; and at the same time urged them by every tie to enable him to fulfil engagements entered into on their account with the commander of the French troops. That tardmess which at other times had brought the Americans near the brink of ruin, was now the accidental cause of real service. ILid they sent forward their recruits for the regular army, and their quotas of militia, as was expected, the siege of New York would have commenced in the latter end of July, or early in August. While the season was wastir-g away in expectation of these reinforcements, lord Cornwallis, as has been men- tioned, fixed himself near the Capes of Virginia. His situation there ; the arrival of a reinforcement of three thousand Germans from Europe to New York ; the superior strength of their g.irrison ; the failure of the states in filling up their battalions and embodying their militia ; and especially recent intelligence from Count de Grasse, that his des- tination was fixed to the Chesapeak, concurred about the middle of August to make a total change of the plan of the campaign. The appearance of an intention to attack New York was, nevertheless, kept up. While this de- ception was played off, the allied army crossed i5S THE LIFE OE the North River, and passed on by the way of Philadelphia tluoiigh the intermediate country to Yorktovvn. An atttnipt to reduce the British force in Virginia promised success with more ex- pedition, and to seciu-e an object of nearly equal importance as the reduction of New York. While the attack of New York was in serious contemplation, a letter from Gen. Washington, detailing tlie particulars of the intended operations of the campaign, being intercepted, fell into the hands of Sir Henry Clinton. After the plan was changed, the royal commander was so much under the impression of the intelligence contained in the intercepted letter, that he believed every move- ment toward Virginia to be a feint calculated to draw off his attention from the defence of New York. Under the influence of this opinion, he bent his whole force to strengthen that post ; and suffered the American and French armies to pass him without molestation. When the best oppor- tunity of striking at them was elapsed, then for the first time he was brought to believe, that the allies had fixed on Virginia for the theatre of their com- bined operatioiis. As truth may be made to an- svver the purposes of deception, so no feint of at- tacking New York could have been more success- ful than the real intention. In the latter end of August, tb.e American ar- my began their march to Virginia from the neigh- bourhood of New York. Washington had ad- vanced as far as Chester, before he leceived the news of the arr'-val of the fleet commanded by M. de (jrasse. The French troops marched at the same tmie, and for the same place. Gen. Wastr- GliORGE WASHINGTON. 153 iog'ton and Count Rochamhcau with Generals Cha^telkux, du Portail, and Knox, proceeded to visit Count dc- Grasse on board his ship, the Ville dc P.ii is, and agreed on a plan of operations. Tiic Count afterward wrote to Washington, that in case a IVitish fieet appeared, " he conceiv- ed that he ought to go out and meet them at sea, instead of risking an engagement in a confined situation.." This alarmed the General. He sent the Marquis de la Fayette with a»!etter to dissuade him from the dangerous measure. This letter, and the persuasions of the Marquis, had the de- sired effect. Tlie combined forces proceeded on their way to Ycrhtown, partly by land, and partly down the Chesapeak. The whole, together with a body of Virginia militia, under the command of Gen. Nel- son, rendezvoused at Williamsburg, on the i25th. of September, and in five days after moved down to the investiture of Yorktown. The French fieet at the same time moved to the mouth of York river, and took a position which was calculated to prevent lord Cornw^allis eitlier from retreating, or receiving succour by water. PievioUsly to the march from Williamsburg to Yorktown, Wash- ington gave out in general orders as follows ; " If the enemy should be tempted to meet the army on its march, the General particularly enjoins the troops to place their principal reliance on the bay- onet, that they may prove the vanity of the boast, which the British make of their particular prowess, in deciding batdcs with that weapon." The works erected for the security of York- town on the right, were redoubts and batteries, 154 ilJE LIFE OF w ith a line of stockade in the rear. A marshy ra- vine lay in front of the right, over which was placed a large redoubt. Th(* morass extended along the centre, which was defended by a line of stockade, and by batteries. On the left of the centre was a horn\vork with a ditch, a row of fraize, and an abbatis. Two redoubts were ad- vanced before the left. The combined forces ad- vanced, and took possession of the ground from which the British had retired. About this time the lep;ion cavalry and mounted infantry jjassed over the river to Gloucester. Gen. de Choisy invested the British post on that side so fully, as to cut oflf all communication between it and the country. In the mean time, the royal army was straining every nerve to strengthen their works, and their artillery was constantly employed in im- peding the operations of the combined army. On the nmth and tenth of October, the Americans and French opened their batteries. They kept up a brisk and well directed fire from heavy cannon, from mortars, and howitzers. The shells of the besiegers reached the ships in the harbour ; the Charon of foity four guns, and a transport ship, were burned. The besiegers commenced their second parallel two hundred yards from the works of the besieged. Two redonDts which were ad- vanced on the left of the British, greatly impeded the progress of the combiiied armies. It was thereforo proposed to carry them by storm. To excite a spirit of emulation, the reduction of tiie one was committed to the French, of the other to the Americans. The assailants marched to the assault with unloaded arms ; having passed the GEORCxE WASniXGTON. 155 abbatis and palisades, they attacked on all sides, and carried the redoubt hi a few minutes, with the loss oi" eight men killed, and twenty eight woiKidid. The French were equally successful on their part. Tht y carried the redoubt assigned to them With rapidity, but lost a considerable number of men. Thtse two redoubts were included in tlie second parallel, and i'aeihiated the subsequent op- erations of the besiegers. By this time the batteries of the besiegers were covered with nearly a hundred pieces of heavy ordnance, and the works of the besieged were so damaged that they could scarcely show a single gun. Lord Cornwallis had now no hope left, but from offering terms of capitulation, or atiempiing an escape. He determi.ied on the latter. This, thougii less practicable than when liist proposed, was not altogether hopeless. Boats xA'ere prepar- ed to receive the troops in the night, and totn.ns- port them to Gloucester point. After one whole embarkation had crossed, a violent storm of wind and rain dispersed the boats, and frustrated the whole scheme. The royal army, thus weakened by division, was exposed to increased danger. C)rders were sent to those who had passed, to re- cross the river to Yorktown. Widi the failure of this scheme, the last hope of the British army ex- pired. Longer resistance could answer no good pur!)ose, and might occasion the loss of uiany val- uable lives. Lord Cornwallis therefore wrote a letter to Gen. Washington, requesting a cessation of arms for twenty four hours ; and th;it commis- sioners might be appointed to digest terms of ca- 156 THE LIFE OF pitulation. This was agreed to, and in conse queuce thereof, the posts of York and Glouce^; cr ■were surrendered on certain stipulatioiis ; ihe piii- cipal of which were as follows ; " The troops to be prisoners of war to Congress, and the naval force: to France; the officers to retain their side uims' and private property of every kuid but every ihi^gi obvir)u.sly b^longins^ to the inhabicants of the Unit- ed States, to be subject to be reclaimed ; tlic sol'Ju rs to be kept m Virginia, Maryland, and Pcnns) Ivania, and to be supplied with tiie same ra- tions a^ are allowed to soldiers in the service of Congress ; a ])roportion of the offi.:ers to m:irch into the country with the prisoners, the rest to be allowed to proceed on parole to Europe, to New Yoik, or to any other American maritime post in posses-.ion of the Britisii." The honour of march- ing out with colours flying, which had been refus- ed to Gen. Lincoln on his giving up CliarlestoHj Was now refused to Earf Cornwalhs ; and Gen. Lincoln was appointed to receive the submission of the royal army at Yorktown, precisely in the same way his own had been' coiKlucted about eighteen months before. Tlie regular troops of America and France, em- ploved in tiiis siege, coiisistcd of about five thou- saiid five hundred of the former, and seven thou- sand of the latter, and ihry were assisted by a'oout f')..n' tnousand militia. On the part o; the cf>:n- biiied army, about tlnx-e hundred were killed or wound<-d. On the part of the British about iivc hundred, and seventy were taken in the redoubts, which were carried by assault on the 14.h. of Oc- tober. The troops of every kind that surrendered GE0R<;E AVASIiiiNCTOlN. 157 prisoners of war, exceeded seven thousand men ; but so great was the number of sick and wound- ed, that there were only three thousand eight hun- dred capal^le of bearing arms. Congress honoured Gen. Washington, Count de Rochambeau, Count de Grasse, and the officers of tlie different corps, and the men under them, v/itii thanks for their services in the reduction of lord CornvvalHs.' The whole project was conceiv- ed with profound wisdom, and tlie incidents of it had been combined with singular propriety. It is not therefore wonderful, that from the remarka- ble coincidence in all its parts, it was crowned with unvaried success. General Waslnngton, on the day after the sur- render, ordered " that those who were under ar- rest, should be pardoned and set at liberty." His orders chised as follows ; " Divine service shall be performed to.norrow in the different brigades and divisions. The commander in chief recom- mends ih.it all the troops that"are not upon d»ity, do assibt at it with a serious deportment, and that sensibility of heart '.vhicii the recollection of the surprising and particular interposition of Provi- dence in our favour claims." • The interesting event of captivating a second royal arnxy, produc- ed strong emotions, vviiich broke out in all the va- riety of vvays in which the most rapturous joy usually displays itself. After the capture of lord Cornwallis, Washing, ton, with the greatest part of his army, returned to the vicinity of New York. In the preceding six yeais he had been accustomed to look forward and to provide for all possible events. In the hub- 15 158 THK IJI F, Ot' it of striip;|^'lin{r with diflicultlcs, his courage at all times i^rcw with the dant>'ers which siirroundecll him. In the mostdisastnuis situations lie was iar removed from despair. On the otlier hand, those fortunate events wliicli induced many to belie\ e that the revohitlon was aeeomphshed, never op- erated on liim s(i far as to relax his exertions or precautions. Tli()vii;h complete success had been obtaint d by tlic allied arms in Virgmia, and great advantages had been gained in 1781 iji the Caio- linas, yet Washington urged the necessity of being- prepared for another Ciimpaign. In a letter to ( ien. Greene he observed, " I shall endeavoiu' to stimu- late Congress to the best improvement of our late success, by taking the most vigoions and eflectual measures to be ready for an early and decisive campaign tlie next year. My greatest fear is that, viewing this stroke in a jioint of light u hieh may too nuieh magnify its importance, they may think our work too nearly closed, and fill into a state ol languor and relaxation. To prevent this error, 1 shall employ every means in my power ; and if unh ippily we sink into this fatal >i\istake, no part of the blame shall be mine.'* (.KOUOK WASillNmON. 159 CHAPTER IX. 17b2:w] irW. ProxpectH <)f peace languor of llic .Statx;B ....Di«contPnUiof the army. (.en. VVa»iliiii(;f.oii preninU the adoptif/n of ranh raeanurc* Some new levies in I*eur)»ylvania mutiny, anrl are rjiicllcd .. .Wa»hingU>n rccornrocri<)» measures for the prc»ervatiori of iftrlcpcn<]erice, peace, . liberty, anrl happine** DiKmissc-fi hi* array Knters New York- Takes leave of hi» ofiiceri .Settles his accounts Hepairs to Annap- olis Resigns his comrijisslon ItctircK to Mount Vernon, and iC- (ui/ies his agricultural pursuits. T/iiv military establishment Tor 1782, was passed with unusual celerity shortly alter the surrender of lord Cornvvallis ;but no exertions of :\merica alone could do more than confine the British to the sea coast. To dislodi^e them from their strong hf)lds in New York and Charleston, occupied the unceasing attention of Washington. While he was concerting plans for fartlier combined opera- tions with the French, and at the same time en^ dcavouring Ijy circular letters to rouse his coun» trymen to spirited measures, intelligence arrived that sundry motions for discontinuiiig the Amerir can war had l)een debated in the British Parlia- ment, and nearly carried. Fearing that thib would 160 lilE LII'K OF relax the exertions of the states, he added in his' circular letters to their respective Governors, " I have perused these debates with great attention and care, with a view, if possible, to j)enetrate their real design ; and upon the. most mature delibera- tion I can bestow, I am ol)liged to declare it as my candid opinion, that the measure, in all its views, so far as it respects America, is merely de- lusory, having no serious intention to admit our independence upon its true principles ; but is cal- culated to produce a change of ministers to quiet the minds of their own people, and reconcile them to a continuance of the war ; while it is meant to amuse this country with a false idea of peace, to draw us from our connexion with France, and to lull us into a state of security and inactivity ; which taking place, the ministry will be left to prosecute the war in other parts of the world with greater vigour and effect. Your excellency will permit me on this occasion to observe, that even if the nation and parliament are really in earnest to ob- tain peace witii America, it will undoubtedly be wisdom in us to meet them with great caution and circumspection, and by all means to keep our arms firm in our hands ; and instead of relaxing one iota in our exertions, rather to spring forward with redoubled vigour, that we may take the ad- vantage of every lavourable opportunity, until our wishes are fully obtained. No nation yet suffered in treaty by preparing, even in the moment of ne- gotiation, most vigorously for the field." Early in May, Sir ( iuy Carleton, who had suc- ceeded Sir Henrv Clinton as commander in chief OKOKOR WASHINGTON. 161 of the British forces in America, arrived in New York, and announced in successive communica- tions, the increasing prob;ibilily of a speedy peace, and his disapprobation of fanherhostilities, which, he observed, " could only tend to multiply ihe mir^erits of individuals, without a possible advan- tage to either nation." 'Ihe cautious temper of Washington gradu.ill} yielded to increasing evi- dence that the Biitish were seriously inclined to terminate the war; but in proportion as thisopin- ion prevailed, the exertions of the states relaxed. Not more than eighty thousand dollars had been received from all of them, when the month of August was lar advai;ccd. Every expenditure yielded to the subsistence of the army. A suffi- ciency of money could scarcely be obtained for that indispettsably necessary purpose. To pay the troojjs was in)j)ossible. Washington, whose sagacity anticipated events, foresaw with concern the probable consequences likely to result from the tardiness of the states to con^ply with the requisitions of Congress. These had been an, pie. Eight millions of dollars had been called ior, to be paid in four equal fjuarterly instalments, for the service of the year l'"82. In a confidential letter to the Secretary of War, Wash- ington observ ed, " 1 cannot help fearing the re.- su't of reducing the army, where I see such a innnber of men, goaded by a thousand stiiigs of refii.clion on the past, and of anticipation on the furure, about to be turned into the world, soured by penury, and what they call the ingratitude of the nuliiic ; involved in debts without one far- thing of money to carry them honie, after having 15^' 162 THE LIFE ()J< spent the flower of their days, and many of theiu their patrimonies, in establishing the freedom and independence of their country, and having suffer- ed every thing which human nature is capable of enduring on this side of death. I repeat it, when I reflect on these irritable circunisiances, I cannot avoid apprehending that a train of evils will follow, of a very serious and distressing nature. " I wish not io heighten the shades of the pic- ture so far as the real Hse would justify me in do- ing, or I w^ould give anecdotes of patriotism and distress, w^hich have scarcely ever been par^uU h d, never surpassed, in the history of mankind. But you may rely upon n ; the j)atience and long suffer- ance of this army are abnost exhausted, and there never was so great a spirit of discontent as at this instant. Wiiiie in the field, it may be kept from breaking out into acts of outrage ; but when we re- tire into winter quarters, unless the storm be pre- viously dissipated, I cannot be at ease respecting the consequences. It is high time for a peace." These apprehensions were well founded. To watch the discontents erf his troops, the American chief continued in canp after they had retired in- to winter quarters, though there was no prospect of any military operation which might require his presence. Soon after their retirement, the officers presented a petition to Congress respecting their pay, and deputed a committee of their body to so- licit their interests while under consideration.* Nothing had been decided on the claims of the army, v/hen intelligence, in March, 1783, arrived, that prelnninary and eventual articles of peace * See the Appendix for this petitiorr. GEORGPi WASHINGTON. 168 between the United States and Great Britain bad been sit^ned on the 30th. of the preceding Novem- ber, in which the independence of the United States was amply recognised. In the general joy excited by this event, the army partook ; but one unpleasant idea mingled itself with their exul- tations. They suspected that as justice had not been done to them while their services were indis- pensable, they would be less 1 kt.l to obtain it when tht-y ceased to be necessary 'J'heir fears on this account were increased by a letter which about the same time was received from their committee in Philadelphia, announcing that the objects wMuch they had solicited from Congress had not yet been obtained. Smarting as they were under past suf- ferings, and present wants, their exasperation be- came violent and almost. universal. While they were brooding over their gloomy prospects, and provoked at the apparent neglect with which they had been treated, an anonymous paper was circu- lated, proposing a meeting of the General and Field Oiiicers on the next day. The avowed ob- ject of this meeting was to consider the late letter from their committee ' with Congress, and what measures should be adopted to obtain that redress of grievances which they seemed to have solicited in vain. Oil the same day the following address was privately circulated. "TO THE OFFICERS OF THE AR.MY. "Gentlemen, " A fellow soldier, whose interest and affections bind him strongly to you ; whose p^st suft'eringsliave been as great, and whose future I'ortune may be as desperate as yours, would beg leave to address you. Age has 164 THE LIFTl OF its'claims, and rank is not without its pretensions to advise ; but thoiij:;' tli!su])ported by both, ho flatters himself that the ]»!ain language of sin- cerity and experience, will neither be unheard nor unregarded, l/ike- many of you, he loved private life, and left it with regret, lie lefi it,, determined to retire from the field with the necessity that called liini 1»d it, and not till then ; not till the enemies of his country, the slaves ot'l power, and the liirelings of injustice, were compelled to abaiidon their schemes, and acknowledge America as terrible in arms as she h;id bcii humble in remonstrance. With this object in view, he has long shared ia your toils, and mingled in your dangers ; he has felt the cold hand off poverty witliouta murmur, and has seen the insolence of wealth without: a sigh. l?iU, too much under the direction of his wishes, and sometimes . weak enough to mistake desire for opinion, he has, till lately, very lafehj, , believed in tlie justice of his country. He hoped, that as the clouds of adversity scattered, and as the sunshine of peace and better fortune broke in upon us. the coldness and severity of government would relax, and that more tlian justice, \\va\. gratitu(k \inv\i\ blaze forth upon those hands which bad ujibeld her in the darkest stages of her passage, from impending servitu(ie to acknowlecjged independence. But faith has its limits, as well as temper ; and there are points beyond which neither can be stretched, without sinking into cowardice, or plunging into cre- dulity. This, mv friends, T conceive to be your situation. Hurried to the very verge of both, another step would ruin you forever. To be tame and unprovoked when injuries press hard upon you, is more than weakness ; but to look up for kinder usage, without one manly effort of your Oiv-1, « 'luit! fix your du'riictei-. an\J show the world how richly you deserve thone rlij/ni \ m,i 'h- Av To guard against this evil, let us take a revicvv' of the gi-onnd upon which we now stand, and fi'Om thence car- ry our thoughts forward for a moment, into the unexplored field of ex- pedi'-nt. •* After a pursuit of seven long years, the object for which we set But is at length brought witliiu our reach ! Yes, my friends, that suffer- ing courage of yours, was active once ; it has contiucteil the United ; States of Viiicrioa tbrough a doubtful and a bloody war! It has placed her in the chair of iiidepeiirlency, and peace returns again to bless — whoo} ? \ country willing to redress your wrongs, cherish your wortli, and reward vour services; a coiintrv courting your return- to p^i^ ate life, willi tears of gratitude, and smiles of admiration ; longing to divide fiEORCK WASrilXGTON. 16S wilh j'OU tliat independency wliichJOiii' gallantry lias giren, and those Tidies which yoiu* wounds have preserved ? 1b ttiis the case ? or is it rather, a country that tramples upon your rights, disdains your cries, and insults your distresses ? Have you not, moie than once, suggested your wishes, and made known your wants to Congress ? Wants and wishes which gratitude and policy shouhl have anticipated, rather than evaded. And have you not lately, in the meek language of entreating memorial, begged iVom their justice, what you woukl no longer expect from their favour ? How have you been answered ! Let the letter which you ai-e called to consider tomorrow, make reply. " If this, then, be your treatment, while the swords you wear are necessary for the defence of America, what have you to expect from peace, when your voice shall sink, and your strength dissipate by division ? ** When these very swords, the instruments and companions of youi? glory, shall be taken from your sides, and no remaining mark of military distinction left, but your wants, infirmities, and scars ! can you then consent to be the only sufferers by this revolution, and retiring from the field, grow ol this ; if you have sense enough to discover, and si)irit enougli to oppose tyranny, under whatever garb it may assume ; whether it be the plaia coat of republicanism, or the splendid robe of royalty ; if you have yet learned to discriminate between a people and a cause, between men and principles; awake ! attend to your situation, and redress yourselves. If the present moment be lost, every future effort is in vain; and jour threats then will be as empty as your entreaties now. 1 would advise you, therefore, to come to some final opinion, upon wliat you can bear, and what you will suffer If your determination be iu any proportion to your wrongs, carry your appeal from the justice to the fears of gor- ernment.; change the milk and uatcr style of your last memorial j as- sume a bolder tone j decent, but lively, spirited, and determined ; and suspect the man who would advise to mere moderation and longer for- bearai.ce. Let two er tliree men, who can feci as well as write, be ap- I66r THE LIFE OF pointed to draw up your last remoiisj[.rance ; for I would no longer give it the Slicing, Boft, unsuccessful cjiithct of memorial. Let it be ri'pre-y sentcd, in language lliat will neillier dishonour you by its rudeness, nor betray you by its fears, what has been promised by Congress, and what has been performed ; how long and how patiently you have suffered ; h')vv little >ou have asked, and how nuich of that little has been denied. Tell thena that though Vou were the first, and wouldwish to be the last, to encounter danger; though despair itself can never drive you into dis- honour, it may drive you from the field ; that the wound often irritated, and never healed, may at length become incurable ; and that the slight- est mark of indignity from Congress now, must operate like the gravt^ and part you for ever ; that in any political event, the array has its al-) ternative. \f peace, that nothing shall separate you from your arms but > death; if wur, that courting tlie auspices and inviting the directions off your illustrious leader, you will retire to some unsettled country, smile in }Our turn, and " mock when their fear cometh on." But let it rep* ■ resent also, that should they comply with the request of your late rae<» • morial, it would make you more happy, and them more respectable;- that while the war should continue, you would follow their standard into tl»e field ; and when it eame to an end, you would withdraw into ) th'.' shade of private liib, and give the world another subject of wonder and applause ; un unny victorious over its enemies, victorious over it- ■ self." [Anonymous.] This artful address found in almost eveiy bo- so^n such conL!,enial sentiments, as prepared the \v;iy for it.s favourable reception. It operated like a torch on combustible materials. The passions of t!ie army qvii'kly caught the flame it was well, calculated to excite. Every appearance threaten. ed tiiat die proposed convention of the officers > would produce an explosion which might tarnish the reputation of the army, disturb the peace, of the country, and, under certain circumstances, most prnb.ibly terminate in the subversion of the recent iibertie* of the new formed states. - GEORGE WASHINGTON. 167 Accustomed, as Washington had been, to emer- gencies of great delicacy and difficulty, yet none had occurred, which called more prcssnigiy than the present, for the utmost exertion of all his pow- ers. 'He knew well that it was much easitr to avoid intemperate measures than to recede from them after they had been adopted. He therefore considered it as a matter of the last importance, to prevent the meeting of the officers on the suc- ceeding day, as proposed in the anonymous sum- mons. The sent^bilities of the army were too high to admitof this being forbidden by authority, as a violation of discipline ; but the end was an- swered in another way, and without irritation. The commander in chief, in general orders, notic- ed the anonymous summons, as a disorderly pro- ceeding, not to be countenanced ; and the more effectually to divert the officers from paving any attention to it, he requested them to meet for the same nominal purpose, but on a day four days subsequent to the one proposed by the anonymous addresser. The isitervening period wasinproved in preparing the officers for the adoption of mod- erate measures. Gen. Wushington sent for one oiik;cr after another, and enlarged in private on the f\ital conseq'iences, and particularly the loss of character, which would result froin the adoption of intemperate resolutions. His whole personal influence was excited to calm the prevailing agita- tion. When the officers assembled, their venera- ble chic f prepiiring to address them, found his eye- sight to fail him, on which he observed, *' My eyes have grown dim in my country's service, but I never doubted of its justice;" and then proceed- 1 ed as •follows ; 168 ' THE LIFE OF <' GEN ILEMEN, "By an anonymous summons, an attempt has been made to convene you together. How in- consistent with the rules of propriety, how unmili- tary, and how subversive of all order and disci- pline, let the good sense of the army decide. " In the moment of this summons, another anon- ynious production was sent into circulation, ad- dressed more to the feelings and passions than to the reason and judgnient of the army. The au- thor of the piece is entitled to much credit for the goodness of his pen ; and I could wish he had as much credit for the rectitude of his heart ; for, as men see through difilrent optics, and are induced, by the refiectmg faculties of the mind, to use dif- ferent means to attain the same end, the author of the address should have had more charity than to riiurk for suspicion, the man who should recom- mend nioderation and longer forbearance ; or, in other words, who should not think as lie tliiuks, and act as he advised; But he had another plan in view, in \vhich candoUr and liberality of senti- ment, regard to justice, and love of country, have no part ; and he was right to insinuate the dark- est sus])icion to effect the blackest design, 'i'jiat the address is dnfwn widi great ait, and is design- ed to answer the most insidious purposes ; that it is calculated to impress the mind with an idea of premeditated injustice in the sovereign power of the Uiiitcd States, and rouse all those resentments whieli must unavoidably flow fiom such a Ix lief ; that the secret mover of this scheme, whoever he may be, intended to take advantage of the pas- sions, while they were warmed by the recollection of past distresses^ without giving time for. cool, GEORGE WASiirNGTOJf. 169 deliberate thinking, and tliat composure of mind which is so necessary to give dignity and stabihty to measures, is rendered too obvious, by the mode of conducting the business, to need other proof than a reference to the proceeding. Thus much, gentlemen, I have thought it incumbent on me to observe to you, to show upon what principles I opposed the irregular and hasty meeting which was proposed to have been held on l\iesd;iy last, and not because I wanted a disposition to give you every opportunity, consistent with your own hon- our and the dignity of the army, to make known your grievances. If my conduct heretofore has not evinced to you, that I have been a faithful friend to the army, my declaration of it at this time would be equally unavailing and improper. But as I was among the first who embarked ia the cause of our common country ; as I have nev- er left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty ; as I have been the constant companion and witness of your distress- es, and not among the last to fet land acknowledge your merits ; as I have ever considered my own military reputation as inseparably connected with th.it of t'Pie army ; as my heart has ever expanded With joy when I have heard its praises, and my indignition has arisen when the mouth of detrac- tion has been opened against it, it can scarcely be supposed, at this late stage of the war, that I am indifferent to its interests. But how are they to be promoted ? The way is plain, says the anony- mous addresser. If war continues, remove into tiie unsettled country ; there establish yourselves, Jind leave an ufigrateful couatry to defend itself. 1^ 17C) TllF. I.H'K 1)1' But who are ihcy to cWund ? Our wives, our chiU clirn, our fanus, and olher property, whieh \v€ leave behind us ? Or, in this state of hostile sep. nnition, are we to take xhv two first, the latter can. not be removed, to perisli in a wilderness, with iuuii;x r, eold, and nakedness '? If peace lakes pUice. never sheath your swords, sa}s he, until you have obtained full and ample justice. This dR\ulful alternative oi' either deserting our country in the cxtremest hour of her distress, or turning our arms iigainst it, which is the apjxirent object, unless Congress can be compelled into instant compli ancc, has something so shocking in it, that lui inanity revolts at the idea. IM\' God ! wliat can ihis writer have in A'iew, by recomniendii^g such measures •? Can he be a friend to the army ? Can he be a friend to this country ? Katb.er is he not :m insidious Ibe ■? so*i\c emissary, perhaps, from iNcw York, plotting the ruin of boih, by sowing ihe seeds of discord and separatio!^ between the civil and militiuy powers of the continent ? And vhat a compliment does he pay to our understand- ings, when he recommends measures, in either alternative, inipracticalile in their nature ? But Ikic, gx^ntlemen, I will drop the curtain, because it would be as imprudent in me to assign my reas- ons for this opinion, as it would be insulting to vour conception to suppoat^ you stood in need of them. A moment's relleetion will convince eve- rv dispassionate mind of the physical impossibiUly of carrying either proposal into execution. There might, gendemen, be an impropriety in my tak- tng notice in this address to you, of an anonymous production ; but tlic manner in w hicli that per- (,KOR(.i: WA.S'II.NGTOX. 37X formancc has bctn introduced to the arrny, the cflcct it was intended to have, together with some other ciFcunistanees, will amply justify my obser- vations on the tendency of that writinj^. With? respect to tl^e advice j^iven by the author, to sus» pect the mafi who sliall recommend nKxIcrato 'measures and longer forbearance, I sj)urn it, as ev- ery rnan wlio rej^urds that liberty and reveres that justice for which we contend, undoubtedly must; for, if men arc to be precluded from oflerii;;^- their " ■■iments on u matter whicli may involve the X serious and alarminj^ consequences that can . -:e the consideration of mankind, reason is o% \.-- 'ISC to us. The freedom of speech may be taken away, and dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the slauj^Iite'r. I cannot in justice to my own belief, and wriat I have great reason to conceive is tlie intention of Congress, conclude tliis address, without giving it as my decided opin- ion, that that honourable body entertain exalted sentiments of the services of the army, arid from a full conviction of its merits and suiTerings will do it complete justice ;' that their endeavours to discover and establish funds for this purpose, has ii unwearied, and will not cease till they have *. edcd, I have not a doui)l. But like all other /: bodies, v/liere there is a variety of different csts to reconcile, tlieir dcterminauonsare slow, / then should v/e distrust them ? and in con- lence of tliat distrust, adopt measirres which . cast a sliade over that gl<^^y which has been i'lstly accjuired, and tarnish the rcputition of rmy which is celebrated through all Europe :■•: ?V,r;i^::f''" -..-A T.;.-notism '> A?. 'I. f>.r nlcr k 172 TUT; LIFE OF this done ? To bring the object we seek nearer ? No ; most certainly, in my opinion, it will ciist it at a greater distance. For myself, and I ' take no merit in giving,the assurance, being induced to it from prircipies of gratitude, veracity, and jus- lice ; a grateful sense of the confidence you have ever placed in me ; a recollection of tlie cheerful assistance, and prompt obedience 1 have e.xperi- enc^ed from you, under every vicissitude, of for- tune, and the sincere affection I feel for an army I have so long had the honour to command, will oblige me to declare in this public and solemn manner, that in the attainment of complete justice- j for all your toils an.d dangeis, and in the graiifica- i tion of every wish, so far as nniy be done consist- ' cntly with the great duty I owe my country, and those pov/ers we are bound to respect, you may freely command my services to the utmost extent of my abilities. While I give you these assuran- ces, and pledge myself in the most unequivocal manner to exert whatever ability^ I am possessed of in your f:ivour, let me entreat you, gentlemen, on your part, not to take any measure, which, viewed in the calm light of reason, will lessen the dignity and sully the glory you have hitherto main- tained ; let me request you to rely on the plight- ed fiith of your country, and place a full confi- dence in the purity of the intentions of Congress, that, previous to your dissolution as an army, they will cause all your accounts to be fairly liquidated, as directed in the resolutions which were publish- ed to you two days ago ; and that they will adopt the most effectual measures in their po'»ver to ren- der ample justice to you, for your faithful and GEOiiGE WASIHXGTOX. 17"6 meritorious services. And let me conjure you in the muTne of our common couiitr}-, as you value your own sacred honour, as you respect the rights of humanity., and as you regard the military and national character of America, to express your ut- most horror and detestation of the man who wish- es, under any specious pretences, to overturn the liberties of our country, and who wickedly at- tempts to open the floodgates of civil discord, and deluge our rising empire in blood. " By thus determining and thus acting, you will pursue the plain and direct road to the attain- ment of your wishes ; you will defeat tlie insidi- ous designs of our enemies, who are compelled to resort from open force to secret artifice. You will give one more distinguished proof of unex- ampled patriotism and patient virtue, rising supe- rior to the pressure of the most complicated suf- ferings ; and you will, by the dignity of your con- duct, afford occasion for posterity to say, when speaking of the glorious example you have exhib- ited to mankind, 'Had this day been wanting, the world had never seen the last stage of perfec- tion to which human nature is capable of attain- ing." The address being ended, Washington with- drew. No person was hardy enough to oppose the advice he had given.* I'he impression made * "It M-:is liapijy for tlie army and coiintry, tluit «Iicn his ExceJien- oy liad finisihed and wiUidr.iwn, no one i'dsc atul observed, ' That Gen- ci-mI Wasliington was about to .lait the military line laden with honour, antl that he had a considerable estate to support lii;,i with dignity, but that their case was very diftercnt.' Had such idi?as been thrown out, and properly enlarged upon, tliC meeting would probably have conclud- ed Yci-y djfierently." GordoiCs Historij, vol. 4, p. 357. 16* 174 TilK LtFK OP by his address was irresistible. The happy mo- ment was seized. While the minds of the offi- cers, softened by the eloquence of tlieir beloved commander, were in a yielding state, a resolution was ofllred and adopted, in which they assured him " tiiat they reciprocated his affectionate ex~ pressions with the greatest sincerity of which the heart was capable." Before they dispersed, they unrinirnously adopted several other resolutions, in which they deelurcd, " That no circumstance of distress or danger sh.ould induce a conduct that might tend to sully ib.e repr'ation and glory they had acquired at tlic" price of their blood and eight years faithful service; -that ihey continued to have an unshaken conudence in ihe justice of Congress and their ctkmtry ; that tley viewed with abhor- rence, and rejected v/ith disdyin, the infamous pro posi lion contained in a late anonymous address 1K) the officers of th.earnAj;." The storm which had been long gathering, was suddenly dissipated. The army acquired addi- tional reputation, and the coiijmander in chief gave a new proof of the goodiness of his heart, and the soundness of his judgment. Perh:ips in no in- stance did the Uni'.ed States receive from heaven a more signal deliverance through the hands df Washington, than in the hapj^y termination of this^ serious transaction. If ambition had possessed .a •ingle corner of his heart, the opportunity was too favourable, tlie temptation too splendid, to have been resisted. But his soul was superior to such Tiews, and his love of country so ardent, and at the s.i'.ie time so pure, that the charms of power, tbough recommended by the imposing appearance «P,ORGE WASHINGTOX. 175 of procTirins^ justice for his unrewarded army, made no impression on his unshaken mind. He viewed the character of a patriot as superior to that of a sovereign. To be elevated to supreme^ power, was less in his estteni than to be a good man. Instead of turning the discontents of an unpaid army to his own aggrandizement, he improved the late events to stimulate Congress to do them jus- tice. HiS letter to their Presideht on tliis occasion was as follows. "ST'.l, " The result of the proceedings of the gi'and convention of the officers, which I have the hon- our of enclosing to your excellency for the inspec- tion of Congress, will, I flatter myself, be consid- ered as the last glorious proof of patriotisin which could have been given, by men who aspired to the distinction of a patriot army; and will not only' confirm their claim to the justice, but Vvili increase their title to the gratitude of their country. Hav- ing seen the proceedings on the part of the army terminate with perfect unanimity, and iji a man- ner entirely consonant to my wishes ; being im- pressed with the liveliest sentiments of aiiection for those who have so long, so jxitieiitly, and so cheerfully suRlred and fought under niy immedi- ate direction ; having from motivesof justice, du- ty, and gratitude, spontaneously offered myself as an advocate for their rights ; and, having been re- quested to write to your excellency, ciiiieslly en- treating the most speedy decision of Congress up- on the subjects of the lute address from the army 176 THE LTI'E OF to that honourable body ; it now only remains for me to perform the task I have assumed, and to intercede in their belialf, as I now do, that the sovereign power will be pleased to verify the pre- dictions 1 have pronounced of, and the confidence the army have reposed in, the justice of their coun- try. And here I humbly conceive it is altogether unnecessary, while I am pleading the cause of an army which have done and suffered more than any other army ever did in the defence of the rights and hberties of human nature, to expatiate on their claims to the most ample compensation for their meritorious services, because they Are known per- fectly to the whole world, and because, although the topics are inexhaustible, enough has already been said on the subject. To prove these assertions, to evince lliat my sentiments have ever been uni- form, and to show what my ideas of tlie rewards in question have always been, I appeal to the arch- ives of Congress, and call on those sacred depos- ites to witness for me. And in order that my ob- servations and arguments in favour of a future ad- equate provision for the officers of the army may be brought to remembrance again, and considered in a single point of view, without giving Congress the trouble of having recourse to their files, I will bee: leave to transmit herewith an extract from a representation made by me to a committee or Congress, so long ago as the 29th. of January, 1778, and also the transcript of a letter to the President of Congress, dated near Pasaic Fails, October 11th. 1780. *' That in the critical and perilous moment when the last mentioned communication was made, GEOllf.E WASHINGTON. 177 there was the utmost danger a dissolution of tlie army would have taken phice, unless measures similar to those recommended had been adopted, will not admit a^tlouht. That the adoption of the resolution granting half pay for life has been at- tended with all the happy consequences I had fore- told, so far as respected the good of the service, let the astonishing contrast i etwcen the state of the army at this instant, and at the forn^cr period, determine. And that the e.vtab!ishment of funds, and security of the payment of all the just de- mands of the army, Vvill be tlie most certain means of preserving tlie national faith, and future tran- quillity of this e:itensive continer.t, is my decided opinion, " By the preceding remarks it vvill readily be imagined, tluit instead of retracling and repre- hending, fiom farther experience and reflection, the rriode of compensation so strenuously urged in the enclosures, I am more and more confirmed in the sentiment ; and if in the wrong, suffer me to please myself vvilh the grateful delusion. " For if, beside the simple payment of their wages, a fardier compensation is not due to the sufferings and sacrifices of the oflicers, then have I been niistakcn indeed. If the whole army have not merited whatever a grateful people can be- stow, then have I been beguiled by prejudice, and built opinion on the basis of error. If this coun- try should not in the event perform every thmg whicli has been requested in the late memorial to Congress, then will my belief become vain, and the hope that has been exciied, void of foundation. And if, as has been suggested for the purpose of 178 THE LIFE OP inflaming their passions, the ofliicers of the army are to be the only sufferers by this revohition ; ' if retiring from the field they are to grow old in poverty, wretehedncss, and contempt ; if they are to wade through the vile mire of dependency, and owe the miseral:)le remnant of that life to charity, which has hitherto been spent in honour ;' then shall I have learned what ingratitude is ; then shall I have realized a tale which will embitter every moment of my future life. "But I am under no 5;uch apprehensions ; a coun- try rescued by their arms from impending ruin, will never leave unpaid the debt of gratitude. " Should any intemperate or improper warmth have mingled itself amongst the foregoing obser- vations, I must entreat your Excellency and Con* gress, it may be attributed to the effusion of aa hor.cst zeal in the best of causes, and that my pe- culiar situation may be my apology ; and I hope j I need not on this momentous occasion make any new protestations of personal disinterestedness, having ever renounced for myself the idea of pe- cuniary reward. The con.sciousness of having at- tempted fluthfully to disch.arge my duty, and the approbation of my country, will be a sufticlent rec- ompense for my services. " I have the honour to be, &.c. Sec. " GEO: WASHINGTON. '' Iliri Excellency tl)c P^t•^idcnt in Congress." This energetic letter, connected Nvith recen: events, induced Congress to decide on the claims of the army. These were licpiidrited, and the GKOUGR WASHINGTON. 179 amount acknowledged to be due from the United ■States. Soon after these events, intelligence of a gener- al peace was received. The reduction of the ar- my was therefore resolved upon, but the mode of eftecting it required deliberation. To avoid the inconveniences of dismissing a great numi^er of soldiers in a bod\% furloughs were freely granted on the application of individuals, and after their dispersion, they were not enjoined to return. By this arrangement a critical u-oment was got over. A great part of an unpaid army was dispersed over the states without tumult or disorder. While the veterans servino" under the immcdi- «-> ate eye of their beloved commander in chief, man- ifested the utmost good temper and conduct, a mutinous disposition broke out among some new levies stationed at Lancaster, m Pennsylvania. About eigiity of this description marched in a body to Philadelphia, where they were joined by some other troops, so as to amount in the whole to three hundred. They marched with fixed bayo- nets to the sttite house, in which Congress and the state executive council held their sessions, 'iliey placed guards at every door, and ihreutencd the prt bident and council of the state with letting loose an enraged soldiery upon them, unless they griint- ed their demands in twenty minutes. As soon as this outrage was known to Washington, he de- tached Gen. Howe with a competeiu force to sup- press the mutiny. This was effected without bloodshed before his arrival. The mutnieerb were too inconsiderable to commit extensive mischief; but their disgraceful conduct excited the greatest 180 THK UFF. op indignation in the breast of the commander in cliKl. \NiiK-n \\\is expressed m a kiur to the pies idcnt of Congress in the fv)rio\vini^ words. *' VVhiU 1 biiifer the most poii^tiaui distress in observiiii^- thai a handful of men, et)nten\plible in numbers, and equally so in point of sei vice, if the veteran troops trom the southward have not been sedueed bv their example, and who are noi worthy to be called soldiers, should disi;Tace themselves and their country as the Perais) Ivania nuUinecrs ha\c done, by nisultinii; the sovereign antliority of the United States, and that of their own, I feci aii in- expressible satisfaction that even this behaviour cannot stain tlie nunc of the American soldiery. It cannot be imputable to, or r«. ilect dishonour on, the armv at lart^e ; but on the contrary, it will, by the striking contrast it exhibits, hold up to public riew the other troops in the most advantageous point of light. Upon taking all the cneum.stvin- ces into eonsideraiion, I cannot sullieiently express mv surprise and indignation at the arrogance, the folly, and the wickedness, of the mutineers ; nor can" 1 sullieiently ltd mire tlie fidelity, the brawry, and patriotism, which must for ever signalize the unsullied character of the other corps of our ar- my. For when we consider that these Pennsyl- vania levies who have now mutinied are recruits and soldiers of a day, who have not borne the heat atid burden of the war, and who can have in reali- ty very icw hardships to complain of; and when we at the same time recollect tivit those soldiers who have lately been furlonghed from this army, are the veterans who liave patiently er.dnicd hun- ger, nakedness, and cold ; who have suffered and Gr/;R<;E WASHIN'hed at the virtues of the latter, as we art struck with detestation at the proceedings of the former." While arranf^ements were makiuj^ for the final dismission of the army, Gen. Wa.'vhifigton was lookin}^ forward with anxiety to the future desti- nies of the United States. Ma':h of his attention was devoted to a serious consideration of such es- tablishments as the independence of his country rerinired. On these subjects, he freely communi- cated with Congress, and recomuiended that great dii'gence should \x: used in forming a well regu- lated and disciplined militia during pe.ice, as the best means for securing the fuuire tranquil lily and respectability of the nation. He also addressed the following circular letter to the Governors of each of the Slates. " IIKM) QCAKTKRfi, X';*!, is^h. Jar.- l«i, 17>X "SIR, '' The object for which I had the honour to hold an appointment in the service of my country, Ixf- ing accomplished, I am now prqjaring to resign it into the hands of Congress, and return to that dofMcstic retirement, which, it is well known, I left with the greatest reluctance ; a retirement for which I have never ceased to sigh thiough a long and painful absence, in which, remote front the noise and trouble of the world, 1 mw'iuite to p.'.sfi the remainder of hie, in a slate of undisturbed rc- ir 182 THR LIFE OF pose ; but, before I carry this resolution into ef- fect, I Think it a duty incumbent on me to i^iike this my lubt oflicial communication, to conirratn- late you on the glorious events which heaven has been pleased to produce in our favour ; to offer my sentiments respecting some important subjects, which appear to me to be intimately connected with the tranquillity of the United States; to Uike any leave of your excellency as a public charac- ter; and to give my final blessing to that country, in whose service I have spent the prime of my life ; for whose sake I have consumed so many anxious days and w^atchlul nights, and whose hap- piness, being extremt ly dear to me, will always constitute no inconsiderable part of my own. *' Impressed witli the livt liest sensibility on this pleasing occasion, I will claim the indulgence of diln'.ing the more copiously on the subject of our mutual felieitation. When we consider the mag- nitude of the prize we contended for, the doubt- ful rsature of the contest, aiid the favourable man- ner in which it has terminated ; we shciil fuid the greatest possible reason for gratitude and rejoic- ing. Tlus is a theme that will afford mfiniie de- light to every benevolent and liberal mind, wheth- er the event in contemplation be considered as a somce of present enjoyment, or the parent of fu- ture h;:pj)iness ; and '.ve shall have equal occiision to felicitate ouri,elves on'the lot which Providence has assigned us. whether \re view it in a natiual, a poli;ical, or moral point of ligh'. " The eiiizens of Americ-i, i)laced in tht most enviable condition, as the sole; lords and proj)rie- tors of a vast tract of continent, consprehending all GEORGE WASHINGTON. 18^ the various soils unci climates of the world, and abounding' witii all the necessaries and convenien- ces of life, are now, by the late satisfactory pacifi- cation, ackno\vlcdged to be possessed of absolute freedom and independency ; tiiey are from this pe- riod to be considerc d as the actors on a most con- spicuous theatre, which seems to be peculiarly de- sit^ned by Providence for the display of human greatness and felicity. Here they are not only surrounded u'itii every thini^ that can contribute to the completion of private and domestic enjoyment ; but heaven has crowned all its other blessiiigs, by givin;.^ a surer opportunity for poliiical hapj)iness, than any other nation has ever been favoured with. Nothing can iliustratethese observations more forc- ibly ll^^n a recoiiection of the happy conjuncture of times and circumstances, under which our re- public assumed its rank among the nations. The foundation of our empire was not laid in a gloomy age of ignorance and superstition, butatancpocha when the rights of mankind were better under- stood and more clearly defined, than at any former period. Researches of the human mind after so- C'il happiness have been carried to a great extent ; the treasures ot knowledge acquired by the labours of philosopbtcrs, sages, and legislators, through a lor.g succession of \ears, are laid open for us, and their collected wisdom may be happily applied in the establishment of our forms of government. The free cultivation of letters, t!ie unbounded ex- tension of commerce, the progressive refinement of manners, the growing liberality of seniiuent; arid, above ail, t!ie pure and ijenign light of rev- ekitiou;, have liad a meliorating iuiluence on mail- 184 THE UVV. OF kind, and increased the blessings of society. At this auyipicious period, the United StateiiCame in- to existence as a nation ; and if their citizens shonld not be completely free andhaj^py, the lank will be entirely their own. *' Such is our siluation, and such aie our pros- pects, ihit notwithsianding the cup ofblcsbino-is thus reached out tons; notwiihstanding- hapjuness is ours, if we have a disposition to seize the oc- casion, and make it our own ; yet it appears to nic there is an option still left to the United States ot" America, whcUier they will be respectable and pir.s[>erous, or contemptible and miserable as a nudon. This is the tinse of their political proba- tion ; this is the moment when the eyes of the whole world arc turned upon them ; this is the time to establisli or ruin their national character for ever ; this is the favourable moment to |>ivc such a tone to the federal "government, as will en- able it to answer the ends of its institution ; or^ this may be the ill fated moment for ixlaxing the powers of the union, annihilating' the cement of the confederation, and exposinor us to become the sport of Kuropeaii politics, which may play one state against another, to prevent their i^-rowingim- poriance, and to serve their own interested jnirpo- ses. i''or, according' to tlie system of policy die states shall adopt at this moment, Uiey will stand or f.-.ll ; and, by dieir confnmation or lapse, it is vet to be decided, whedier die revolution must ul- timately be .considered as a blessing or a curse ; a blessing or a curse, not to the pi-esent age alone, for with our fate will the destiny of unborn miU lions be iuvohed. f.EOrtCK WASIIINV.TON 18^' " With this conviction oftlr: importance of the present crisis, silence in nie wonld t)e a crime ; I will therefore speak to your excellency the lan- j^uage of freedom and sinceiit.y, uitliont disguise* I am aware, however, those who difF.-r from me in political sentiments may, perhaps, remark, I am stepping out of the proper line of ni}- duty ; and they may possibl}' ascrilje to arrogance or osten- tation, what I know is alone the result of the purest intention. But the rectitude of my own heart, which disdains such unworthy motives ; the part I have hitherto acted in life ; the determination I have formed of not taking any share in public bu- siness hereafter; the ardent desire f feel, andsliall continue to manifest, of cjuielly enjoying in private life, after all the toils of war, the benefits of a wise and liberal governmeiit, will, I flatter myself, soon- er or later, convince my countr men, that I could have no sinister views in delivering uith so little reserve the opinions coJitaiijcd in this address. '' There are four things which I humbly con- ceive are essential to the well being, 1 rn^iy even venture tosciy to the existence, of the United Slates as an independent power. " 1st. An indissoluble union of the states under one federal head. " 2dly. A sacred regard to public justice, " 3dly. The adoption of a proper peace estab- lishment. And, " 4thly. 'i'he prevalence of that pacific and friendly disposition aniong the people of the Unit- ed Stares, wiiicfi will induce them to forget their local prejudices and policies ; to make those mu- 17* 180 Tin: MFE OF Vj-\\ concessions ^vliich arc requisite to the genci'- ill prosperity ; and, in some instances, to sacrifice their indivitJuul advantages to tlic interest of the commnnity " Tlicse aic the pillars on which the i^lorious fabric of our independency and national cliaracter must be suj)ported. Liberty is the basis ; and whoever would dare lo s:ip the fmuKlatioji, or over- turn the structure, under whatever specious pre- text he may attempt it, will merit the bitterest ex- ccraiion, and the severest punishment, which can be inflicted by his injured country. " Oil the tliree first articles I will make a few observations ; leaving the last to the ^tj;ood sense and serious consideration of those immediately concerned. %^ *' Under the first head, although it may not be nccc^3:-ary or proper for mo in this place to enter into a particular disquisition of the principles of the union, and to take up theg'rcat question which has been frequently agitated, whether it be expe- dient and requisite for the states to delegate a larg- er proportion of power to Congress, or not ; yet it will be a part of my duty, and liuitof every true patriot, to assert, without reserve, and to insist upon tlie following positions. That unless .the states will sutler Congress to exercise those prev logatives they are imdoubtedly invested with by tlic constitution, every thing must very rapidly tend to anarchy and confusion ; that it isindispen. sal)!;^ to the happiness of the individual states, that there, sliould be lodged, somewhere, a supreme pon\r to regulate and govern the general concerns «f the confederated republic, ^vithout whidi the (.r,oi;f;r, wAsriixf/(0>r. 187 union cannot be of louj^ duration ; that there must be a t-iithful and pointed compliance on the part of every state with the late propf>sals and demands of Congress or the most fatal consequences will ensue ; that whatever measures have a tendency to dissolve the union, or contribute to violate or lessen the sovereign authority, ought to be con- sidered as hostile to the liberty and independency of America, ai-.d the authors of thetn treated ac- cordingly. And lastly, that unless we can be en- abled by the concurrence of the slates to partici- pate of the fruits of the revoluiion, and enjoy the essential benefus of civil society, under a form of governmc nt so [rtK; and uneorruptcd, so happily guarded against the danger of oppression, as has ])cen devised aiid adopted by the articles of con- federation, it will be a subject of regret, that so tnuch blood and treasure have been lavished for no i)urpose ; that so many sufferings have been encountered without a'compensation, and tliat so many sacrifices h:ive been made in vain. Many other considerations might here be adduced to prove, tliat without an entire conformity to the spirit of the union, we cannot exist as an indepen- dent power. It will be sufficient for my purpose to mention but one or two, which seem to me of the greatest importance. It is only in our united character, as an em[/ire, that our mdependence is acknowledged, that our power can be regarded, or our credit supi>orted among foreign nations. The treaties of the PUiropean powers with the United States of Ameiica, will have no validity on a dis- solution of tlie union. We shall be left nearly in a state of nature ; or we may find, by our own un- 188 THE LIFE OF happy experience, that there is a natural and nec- essary progression from tht- extreme of anarchy to the extreme of tyranny ; and that arbitrary power is most easily establishtd on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness. " As to the second article, which respects the perfornance of public justice, Congress have, in their late address to the United States, almost ex- hausted the subject; they have explained their ideas so fully, and have enforced the obligations the states are uiider to render complete justice to all the ptiblic creditors, with so much dignity and energy, that, in my opinion, no real friend to ^lie honour and independency of America can hesitate a single moment respecting the propriety of com- plying with the just and honourable measures pro- posed. If their arguments do not produce con- viction, I know of nothing that will have greatei* influence^ especially when we reflect that the sys- tem referred to, being the result of the collected wisdom of the continent, must be esteemed, if not perfect, certainly the least objectionable of any that could be devised ; and that, if it should not be carried into immediate execution, a national bat)k- ruptcy, with all its deplorable consequences, will take place before any different plan can possibly be proposed or adopted ; so pressing are the pres- ent circumstances, and such is the alternative now offered to the slates. " llie ability of the country to discharge the debts which have been incurred in its defence, is not lo be doubted ; and inclination, i flatter my- self, will not be w.uiting. The piuh of our duty is plain before us ; honesty will be found, on ev* GEORGK WAS!JIKGTO:»f. 189 ery experiment, to be the best and only true pol- icy. Let us then, as a nation, be just ; let us ful- fil the public contracts whicli Conj^ress had un- doubtLdly a right to make for the purpose of car- ryiiig on the war, with the same good fciith we suppose ourselves bound to perfcnni oui- private engagements. In the mean time, let an attentioa to the cheerful performance of tiicir proper busi- ness, as individuals, and as members of society, be earnestly inculcated on the citizens of Ameri- ca ; then will they strengthen the bands of govern- ment, and be happy under its protection. Every- one will reap the fruit of his labours ; every one will enjoy his own acquisitions, without molesta- tion and without danger. " In this state of absolute freedom and perfect security, who will grudge to yield a very little of his property to support the connnon interests of society, and ensure the protection of government? Who does not remember the frequent declarations at the commencement of the war, That we should be completely satisBe*^, if, at the expense of one half, we could defend the remainder of our pos- sessions ? Where is the man to be found, who v/ishes to remain in debt, for tiie defence of his own person and property, to the exert'ons, the bravery, and the blood of others, without making one generous effort to pay the debt of honour and of gratitude? In v^hat part of the continent shall we find any man, or body of men, who would not blubh to stand up and pro]:)ose measures pur- posely calculated to rob the soldier of his sti- pend, and the pu!)iic creditor of his due? And were it possible that such a flagrant instance of 190 THE LIFE OF injustice could ever happen, would it not excite the {>eneial indignation, and tend to bring down upon the authorb of such nieasures the aggravated vengeance of heaven ? If, after all, a spirit of dis- union, or a temper of obstinacy and pervcrseness should nianlfest itself in any of tix- stales ; if such an ungracious disposition should attempt to frus- trate all the happy effects that might be expected to flow from the union ; if there should be a refu- sal to comply wiih requisitions for funds to dis- charge the annual interest of the public debts; and if tliat refusal should revi\'e all those jealousies, and produce all those evils, which are now luppi- \y removed, Congress, who have in all their trans- actions shov;n a great dcgtee of magnanimit}' and justice, will stand justified in the sight of God and man! Wnd that state alone, which puts itself in opposition to the aggregate wisdom of the con- tine iii, and iollows such mistaken and pernicious councils, v.ill be responsible for all the conse- quences. , ** For my own part, con^ious of having acted while a servant of the public, in the manner I con- ceived best suited to pron\ote the real interests of ni} country ; having in consequence of my fixed belief, in some measure pledged myself to the ar- my, Uiat their country would finally do tliem com- plete and ample justice ; and not wishiiig to con- ceal any mstance of my official conduct from the eyes of the ^vorld, I huvc thought ]>roper to trans- miv lo your excellency the enclosed coUectioii of p;r ,'s, lelative to the half pay and eomaiUtaiion gr c(! by Congicss, to the olficer.s of tne army. From these comnumications mv decided senti- GEORGE WASniN-GTOV. 191 inent will be clearly cornprehendcd, together with the conclusive reasons whieh iuductd me, at an early period, to recommend the adoption of this measure in the most earnest and serious manner. As the proceedings of Congress, the army, and myself, are open to all, and contain; in my opin- ion, sufficient inforination to remove the prejudi- ces and errors which may have been entertained by any, i think it unnecessary to say any ihing more than just to observe, that the resolutions of Congress, now alluded to, are as undoubcedly and absolutely binding upon the United States, as the most solemn acts of conR deration or legislation. " As to the idea whieh, 1 am informed, has in some instances prevailed, that the half pay and commutation are to be regarded merely in the odi- Guj^ light of a penSiOn, it ought to be exploded for ever ; that provision should be viewed, as it really was, a reasonable compensation offered by Congress, at a time when they had nothing else to give to oilivjers of the army, for services then to be pL"rl"ormed. It was the only iiieans to prevent a total dereliction o- the service. It was a part of their hire ; I m;»y be allonx-d to siy, it was the price of their blood, and of your independeiicy. It is therefore more than a common debt ; it is a debt of honour ; it can never be considei ed as a pension, or gratuity, nor cancelled until it is fairly diseh.irged. " With regard to the distinction between offi- cers and soldiers, it is sufficient that the uniform experience oi" every nation of the world rombined with our own, proves the utihty and piopriet\ of the discrimination. Rewards in proportion to the 192 THE LIl E OF aid the public draws from them, are unquestiona- bly due to all its servants. In some lines, the soldiers hive perhaps, (generally, had as ample compensation tor their services, by the large boun- ties which have been paid them, as their officers will receive in the proposed commutation ; in oth- ers, if, beside the donation of land, the payment of arrearages of clothing and wages, m which ar- ticles all the component parts of the army must be put upon the same footing, we take into the estimate the bounties many of the soldiers have re- ceived, and the gratuity of one year's full pay, which is pro.nised to all, possibly their situation, every circumstance being duly considered, will not. be deemed less eligible than that of the officers. Should a farther rewanl, however, be judged equi- table, 1 Will venture to assert, no man will enjoy greater satisfaction than myself, in an exemption from taxes for a limited time, which has been pe^ titioned for in some instances, or any other ade- quate immunity or compensation granted to the brave defenders of their country's cause. But neither the adoption or rcjc ction of this proposi- tion will, in any manner, affect, much less militate against, the act of Congress, by which they have offered five years full pay, in lieu of the half {)ay for life, which had been before promised to the of- ficers of the army. " Before 1 conclude the subject on public jus- tice, I cannot omit to mention the obligations this country is under to that meritorious class of vete- rans, the non comn.issioned officers and privates, who i>avf been discharged for ii^iability, in conse- quence of the resolution of Congress, of the 23d. GEORGE WASHINGTON. 193 of April, 1782, on an annual pension for life. Their peculiar sufferings, their singular merits and claims to that provision, need only to be known, to interest the feelings of humanity in their behalf. Nothing but a punctual payment of their annual allowance, can rescue them from the most conipli- cated misery ; and nothing could be a more mel- ancholy and distressing sight, than to behold those who have shed their blood, or lost their limbs in the service of iheir country, without a shelter, without a friend, and without the means of ob- taiinng any of the comforts or necessaries of life, compelled to beg their bread daily- from door to door. Suffer me to recommend those of this de- scription, belonging to your state, to the warm- est patronage of your excellency and your legisla- ture. " It is necessary to say but a few words on the thi xl topic which was proposed, and which regards j)articularly the defence of the republic ; as there can be little doubt but Congress will recommend a proper peace establishment for the United States, in which a due attention will be paid to die im- portance of placing the militia of the Union upon a regular and respectable fooling. If this should be the case, I should beg leave to urge the great advantage o#it in the strongest terms. " The militia of this country must be consider- ed as the palladium of our security, and the first effectual resort in case ol hostiliiy. It is essen- tial, therefore, that the same system should per- vade the whole ; that the formation and discipline of the militia of the continent should be absolute- 18 194 T»1R UVF. OF l}-^ uniform ; and that the same species of arms, accoutrcmenls, and military apparatus, should he introduced in every part of the United States. No one, who has not learned it from experience, can conceive the diiliculty, expense, and confusion, which result from a contrary system, or the vague arrangements which have hitherto prevailed. " ii\ in treatini^- of |)olitical points, a p;reater lat- itude than usual has been taken in the course of the address; the import.mce of tlie crisis, and the magnitude of the oljccls in d.scussion, must be niv apology. It is, however, neither my wish nor expectation, i>nt the preceding observations should claim any regard, except so far as tUey shall ap- pear to be dictated by a good intention, consonant to the immutable rules of justice ; calculated to' produce a liberal system of policy, and fonndedon whatever experience nuty have been ai fjuired, by a long and close attenlion to public business. Here I might speak with more coniidence, from my actual observations ; and if it would not s\\ ell this letter, already too prolix, beyond the bounds I had prescribed myself, 1 could demonstrate to e\'ery mind, open to conviction, that in less time, and with much less expense than has been incur- red, the war might have been brought to the same happy conclusion, if the resources oBlie continent could have been proj)erly called lorth ; "that the distresses and disappointments which have very ofte.i occurred, have, in too many instances, re- sulied more froni a want of energy in the conti- nental government, than a deficiency of means in the panicular states ; that the ineiiicacy of the iiV.OlKlK WARiriNGTON. 19S measures, arisini^ from the want of an adequate auihoiity in the supreme power, from a partial compliance with the re([uisitions of Conf^ress, in some of the states, and from a failure of ])unctual- iiy in others, while they tended to damp the zeal of those who were more willing to exert them- selves, served also to accumulate the expenses of the war, and to frustrate the best concerted plans ; and that the discouragement occasioned by the complicated difKculties and embarrassments, in which our afl'airs were by this means involved, would have long ago produced the dissolution of any army, less patient, less virtuous, and less per- severing, than that which I have had the honour to command. But while I mention those tilings which are notorious facts, as the defects of our federal constitution, particularly in the prosecution of.; war, I beg it may Ijc understood, that as I have ever taken a pleasure in gratefully acknowledging the assistance and support I have derived from every class of citizens ; so shall I always be hap- py to do justice to the unparalleled exertions of the individual states, on many interesting occasions. " I have tlius freely disclosed what I wished to make known, before I surrendered up my public trust to those who committed it to me. The task is now accomplished ; 1 now bid adieu to your excellency, as the chief magistrate of your state ; at the same time, I bid a last farewell to the cares ofofiice, and all the employments of public life. " It remains, then, to be njy final and only re- quest, that your excellency will communicate these sentiments, to your legislature, at their next meeting ; and that they may be considered as the 196 TIIK LIFK OK Ifo-acy of otie who lias ardently wished, on all oc- casions, to be useful to his country, and who, ev- en in the shade of retirement, will not fail to im- plore tlie divine benediction upoji it. " I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the state over which you preside, in his holy i)roteclion ; that he would in- cline the hearts ol' the citizens to eulti\ate a spir- it of subordination and obedience to t^overnment ; to entertain a brotherly alVection a!)d love for one another ; for their fellovvcitizens of the United States at larj^e, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the field ; and, finally, that he would most i^raciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of the mind, which were the characteris- tics of the divine author of our blessed relij^ion ; without an humble imitation of whose example, in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation. '* I have the honour to be, *' with much esteem and respect, *' Sir, your excellency's most obedient, " and most humble servant, " GEO ■■ WASHINGTON " The second of November was fixed for dis- charging- that part of the army which was engag- ed to serve during the war. On that day. Gen. Washington issued his farewell orders to the ar- mies of the United States in the most endearing language. After giving tliem his advice respect- fJKOIlGK WASniNC.TON. 197 ing their future conduct, and innploring the choic- est of heaven's blessinL,^s in then- favour, he bade them an aftectionale farewell.* On the 25th. of the same month, the British evacuated New Yoik, and Gen. Washington made his public entry into it, where he was received with I very mark of respect and attention. The hour now approached in which it became necessary for the American chief to take leave of his officers who had been endeared to him by a long series of common sufferings and dangers. This was done in a solemn manner. The officers, having previously assembled for the purpose, Gen. Washington joined them, and calling for a glass of wine, thus addressed them ; " With an heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happ\ as your former ones have been glorious and honovirable." Having drank he added, " I cannot come to each of you, to take my leave, but shall be obliged to you, if each of you will come and take me by the hand." Gen. Knox being next, he turned to him Incapable of utterance, Washington grasped his hand and embraced him. The officers came up successive- ly, and he look an affectionate leave of each of them. Not a word was articulated on either side. A majestic silence prevailed. The tear of sensi- bility glistened in every eye. The tenderness of the scene exceeded all description. When the last of the officers had taken his' leave, Washing- ton left the room and passed through the corps of * Foi- tills Address, sec Appendix. 18* 198 IH^ LIFE OP lie^ht infiintry, to the place of embarkation. Tlu* oflti<"ers followed in a solemn mute procession, wiili dejected countenances. On his entering the barge to cross the North River, he turned toward the companions of his glory, and by waving his hat, bid them a silent adieu. Some of them answered this last signal of respect and affection with tears ; and all of them hung upon the barge which con- veyed him from their sight, till they could no long- er distinguish in it the person of their beloved commander in chief. The army being disbanded, Washington pro- ceeded to Annapolis, then the seat of Congress, to resign his commission. On his way thither, he, of his own accord, delivered to the comptroller of accounts in Philadelphia, an account of the expen- diture of all the public money he had ever receiv- ed. This was in his own hand writing, and every entry was made in a very particular manner. Vouchers were produced for every item except for secret intelligence and service, which amount- ed to no more than 1,982/ \0s sterling. The whole which in the course of eight years of war, had passed through his hands, amounted only to 14,479/ 18^ 9d sterling. Nothing was charged or retained for personal services ; and actual dis- bursements had been managed with such econo- my and fidelity, that they were all covered by the above moderate sum. After accounting for all his expenditures of pub- lic money, secret service money for obvious reas- ons excepted, with all the exactness which. estab- lished forms required from the inferior officers of his army, he hastened to resign into the hands of tiKoiiGK wAsriiNcrioN. 199 the fathers of his country, the powers with which thi^y had investtd him. This was done in a pub- lic audience. Conj^rcss received him as the found- er and guardian of the rcpuljiic. While he ap- peared before lhem,they silently retraced the scenes of danger and disness through which (hey had passed togethc r. They recalled to mind the bk.'is- ings of frecdf)Hi and ptace purcl^intment I accepted wilh diffidence ; a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which, however, was superseded by a confidence 200 TIIK I. IFF, OV in the rectitude of our cause, the su]iport ol" the supreme power ol the union, autl the patronage ol hLaven. '' The successful termination of the war has ver ihcd the most sanguine expectations ; and mv grat- itude for the interposition of Providence, and the assistance 1 have received from my couuuvmen, increases with every ix view of the momentous con- test. *' Wliile I repeat my obHgations to the army in general, I should do n.jus'.ice to my own feelings, not to acknowledge in this place, the jieculiir ser- vices and distinguislkd merits of liie persons who have been attaclied to ni} person during the war. It was impossible the choice of coi^fidential oflicers to compose my family should luive been more for- tunate. Permit me, Sir, to recommtind in partic- ular, those who have continued in the service to the pieseut moment, as worthy of the favourable nonce and patronage of Congress. '' 1 consider it as an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my oliicial life, by connneiuU ing the interests of our dearest country to the pro- tection of Almighty CJod, and those who have the superintendence of thtni to his holy keeping. '' Having now (inished the work assign».>d me, I retire from the great theatre of action ; and, bid- ding an ailectionare farewell to this august botly, under whose orders i have long acted, 1 here ofter my cummission, and take my leave of all the em- ployments of public iile.''"* • T\\c oitmtuission now ivUinu-tl to ron,!»rcss, luiil liccii I'l-ei-ivf d litim '•icm slioitlv alur the ouiumciicciacut o( hostilities. It was uocomps. (li-.if'.'j.i, w \-'!i*;(;'roN'. 201 This JuUlrcss Ixiiij^ crided, Gen. Washin^on advMnc( d and dtlivercd his commission into the hands of" the President of Conj^ress, who replied as I'ollovvs ; nU'i\ with an iin«fiirnon»i pfiwliifion of the delegate* of tin; L'nitfd C.i,]- Oiij x, '* 'VUut Ihey wfnilil roaintnin, »«(i»>i*t, «t«! a«lhi i«; U» (n-nif't Wadhiii^^Mi, with their livt-it uu<\ f'titnituH, in lh« canoe of Axierican lib- erty." 'I'hc c-innutrn'tou, drawn hj a (♦pceial cr>n»fiiitt«;c, wa» in the fol- lowin^j wordK ; " Tin; de!<-j^ate« of tlur (Jnilcd Colonicti of Sew narn|>«>liirc, Mansa- «h'i*ctt»' Hay, Uhodc Uland, ronnccticul^ New Vork. New .lericy, I'ctinxjivania, the eounties of New I'zitHv, Kent, and Sn»«ex, on Dela- ware ( Maryland, Vir^jinia, North Carolina, an«eu, and punctually to observe and follow such orders and di ice firms from time to time, as you shall re- eeive from lliin, or a future (Jongresi of these United (Jolonies, or aom- jiiittrc of C'ongi'csj. 202 I I IK Ml K OK " The United States in Conp;rcss nssemhlccl, re ceivc with ciDotions too aiilciins;- lor ultt raiicc, tlu soknin R'sii^iujlion of the authoritjcs ui\(icr w li'u 1 you have kd llitir troops >\ilh success, through: perilous and doubt t\il war. " Calkcl upon by your country to defend its in- vaded lights, you aeetpled die sacred charj^e be *• Tl»is coinniission lo oonlimio in fon-t", imiil rovukod bv iliis, or : future Coiig,rcss. (sis^^neil) "PKVTitX li WUOI.IMI, l»resul.M>t. (Auosi) 'v H.VKLK.S TilOMSON, Sccii-lary. ••June I7tl(. trr.i." At the'time this commission was accepted, the l^niteil Colonies had no assurance of toi> i_s;n ;issistance, auti were without estahlishc«l j^n em- inent, RiMus, inMcir armies, not >n\\\ subjected one of the hxrgest estates in Anurica to conlisialion, but his life to execution. The ilitliiience ho avowed on the occasion, vas not the oonuHon cant of successful candiihUes for promotion, nor did I it arise from apprehensions of personal danger ; hut Mas the oftsprinsjofi excessive Mjodesty. Thou.!»h «illing;to risk every thin{jubts and fesn-s wliich for son»e tiiue kept him in suspense, at length yielded to a conviction of duly, ami the earnest invitation oftViends, who jppreciattd his talents ju^re correct- ly than he tlitl himself. On the event of hisdeclii^ing; the high t'-mmis- sion, as was for some time expected, it was privately resolved tOet>nfer It on Ceu. WunI, of Massachnselia. \\ h.tt wotdd have been the issue of the military opp'»sitiim of America conducted by that much e..^teemet! officer, no one can tell ; but without invidious comparison, it nia\ !>i' S»»felv alVirmed, ihst it could ni)l h:ivc been more successful lli.in v flic auspices of Washington. f.r.oiiCK WA^:Tii\(;'roN. 203 fore it had formed alliances, and whilst it was with- out friends or a govcriimcMt to support )oii. " You have conducud ih'j^rc.it nii!iUiry contest with wisdom and fortiuid< , invariably regarding the rights of the civil power through all disasters and changes. You have by the love and confi- dence of your fcllowcilizens, enaijled them to dis- play their martial genius, and transmit their fame to posterity ; you have persevered till these Unit- ed States, aided l)y a magnanimous king and na- tion, have been enabled under a just P-ovidcncc, to close the war in safety, freedoin, and indv pen- dence ; on which happy event we sincerely join you in congratulations. " Having defend'xl the standard of liberty in this new world ; having taugiit a If sson useful to those who infliet, and to those who feel oppression, you retire Irom the great thca'.re of action with the blessings of your fellywcifizens ; but the glo- r}' of your virtues will not icrniinate with your niiU itary command, it will continue to animate remot- est ages. We feel with you our obligations to the army in general, and will particuLriy charge ourselves witflRhe irjlerest of those confidential of- fif-ers who have attended your person to this af- fecting moment. " We join you in commending the interests of- our dearest country to the proteciioi! of Ahnighty God, beseeching him to dispose the hearts and minds of its citizens to improve the o{)portunity afi'orded ih-m of becoming a h'^'ppy and respeeta- ble nation ; and for you we address to Hmi our earnest prayers, that a life so beloved, may be los- teied with all his cure ; iliat your days may be hap- 204 THE LIFE OK pv as tliev have been illustrious, niul that lie w 11, finally ,u;ivo you lliat reward which this world can not i;-ive.'" The military services of Gen. ^V^ashi^l^tc^!!, which ended with this interesting day, were as great as ever were rendered by any man to any na- tion. They were at the same time disinterested. How dear would not a mercenary man have sold such toils, such dangers, and above all, such suc- cesses ? \\ hat schemes oi' grandeur and of power would not an ambitious man have built upon the aftections of the people and of the army *? The gratitude of Ameiica was so lively, that any thing asked by iier resigning chief, would have been readily granted. He asked notiiing for himself, his family, or relations ; but indirectly solicited fa- vours for the confidential ollicers who were attach- ed to his person. Tliese were young gentlemen without fortune, who ha^l served him in the capac- ity of Aids de Camp. 'I'o have omitted the op- portunity which then ottered, of recommending them to their countn 's notice, would have argued a degree of insensibility in the bieasu^f ilu ir friend. The only priviUge distinguishing wiv\ from other private citizens, which the retiring \\'ashington did or would receive from his grateful couniry, was a right of sending and recening letters free of postage. The American chief, having by his own volun- tary act, become 'one of the people, hastened with ineflable delight to his seat at Mount Vernon, on the banks of the Potowmac. There, in a short time, the most successful Gcik ral in the woild, be- came the most diligent farmer m Virginia. GEOUOE \V\Hin:\(/r()N. ZU5 To paF:s suddenly from the toils of the first com- mibsioii in the United States to the care of a farm ; to Lxehurif^e the instruments of war, for the imple- ments of iiusbandry, and to become at once the patron and example of ingenious agricuUure, would to most men have been a difficult task. But to the elevated mind of Washint^ton, it improve" and repair such as wete old. To this radical error, which led to idleness and a vagabond dispersed j)opulation, he opposed the ^^hok weight of his influence. His example and recomnRiidations tended to revolu- tionize the agriculture of his coimtry, as his val- our had revolutionized its government. The extension of inland navigation occujiied nuich of Washington's attention, at this period of €xemptioi^ from public cares. Soon after peace was proclaimed, he made a tour as far west' as Pittsburgh, aiul also traversed the western parts of New England and New York, and examined for himself the diffieuUies of bringing the trade of the west to difiereut points on the Atlantic. Pos- sessed oi an accurate knowledge of t!ie subject, he corresponded \\ ith t!ie governors of diftercnt states, and other infiuential characters. To them he suggested the propriety of making by public au- thority, 'an appuinuiient of commissioners of integ- lity and ability, whouc duty it slioukl be, after ac- curate examination, to ascertain the nearest and best portages between such of the eastern and western rivers as headed near to each ot'ncr, though the\ lan in opi)Obii.e directions ; and also to trace the rivers west of the Ohio, to their sources and moutlis, as ihey respectively emptied either into CKoriGK WASiiixrrroy. 209 the Ohio, or the lakes of Canada, and to make an accurate map of the whole, with observatioas on the iinpcdimeiits to be overcome, and the advan- taf^es to be acquired on tlic completion of the work. The views of Washington in advocating the ex- tension of inland navigation were grand, af id mag- nificent. He considered it as an effectual mean of cementing tlie union of the states. In hi-, letter to the (Governor of Virgin'iv he observed, " 1 nctd not remark to you, sir, that tlie fl luks and rear of the United States are possessed ijy other powers, and formid.ible ones too ; nor need f press the ne- cessity of applying the cement of ifiterest to bind all parts of the union together by indis'joluble bonds ; especially of binding that part of it which lies immediately west of us, to the niiddle states. For what ties, let me ask, should we have upon those people ; how entirely unconnected with them shall we be, and what troubles may we not appre- hend, if the Spaniards on their right, and Great Biitain on their left, instead of throwing impedi- ments in their way as they do now, should hold out lures for their trade and alliance ? When they get strength, which will be sooner than most peo- ple conceive, what will be the consequence of their having formed close commerci.sl connexions with both or either oi those powers ? It needs not, in my opinion, the gift of pro|>hecy to foretell." Af- ter sUKing the same thing to a member of Con- gress, he proceeds, " It may be asked, how we are to j)revent this? liapjjily for ustliewiy is plain. Our immediate interebts, as well us re njoto^ 210 T[1E LITE OF politl'il advantages, point to If; wliilst a combi- nation of circir.nstanccs render the present time moi'e fuvoiira!)le than any other to aecomplish it. Extend the inland navigvition of the eastern waters ; coninumieate them as near as possible u ith tiiose vvlneh run westward ; oj)cn these to the Ouio ; open also such as extend Tioni the Ohio toward lake Iv'ie ; and wc shall not o;dy draw tJie pro- duce of the western settlers, but the peltry and fur trade of the lakes '^io, to our ports ; duisadd- ini^ an immense iiicrease to our exports, aiKl bind- ing t!)ose ]X'ople to us by a chain u Iiich never can be broken." The Virginia kn^-';siature acted on the recom- mendation of Gen. W^ishington, to tlie extent of his wishes ; and in coiisc-quence thereof, works of the greatest utility have been nearly accomplished. They went one step farther, and by a legislative act vested in him, at the expense of the state, one hundred and fift}^ shares in the navigation of the yivers Polo wmac and James. The act for this pu r- pose was introduced with the foilo\vii\g preamble ;, " Whereas it is the desire of the representatives of this •commonwealth, to embrace every suitable occasion of testily ing their sense of the unexam- pled merits of George VVashington, Esq. toward his coui'.try ; and it is their wish in particular that those great works for its improvement, which, both as springing from the liberty which he has been so instrumental in est.ibiishing, and as encouraged by his patronage, will be durable monuments of his glory, n;ay be made moiiuments also of the giatitude of hi:) «ountry. Be it ciiacted/' Sec. CKOIIGF, WA.SiilXGTw: 2il To the friend wlio conveyed toWasainjTtoi the firsL intclligi^icc of tiiis bill, he a plied, " It is not ea:sv for me to dcci^Je, bv wliich my mi; id was most affected upon the receipt of your letter of the sixih instant, burprisc or irratitudc. Both were greater than I had words to express. The utteii- tioii and fj;ood wishes which the assembly have evidenced by their act for vestini^ in mc one hun- dred and fifty, shares in tlic navij^atton of the rivers Potownnc and James, is more than mere compli- ment. There is an unequivocal and substantial nieaninj^ annexed. But believe me, sir, no cii*- cumstimce has happened bir.ce I left the walks of public life, which has so much emb:1l-rassed mc. On die one hand, I consider this act as a noble and unecjuivocal proof of the j^ood opinion, the afl'cc- tion, and dispo.-sition of my country to serve mc ; and I should be hurt, if Ijy declining the accep- tance of it, my refusal should be cotistrued into disrespect or the smallest slight upon the generous intention of tije legislature, or that an ostentiitioul displivy of disiiitereb'iedness or public virtue was the soui'ce of refusal. " On the other hand, it is really my wish to have my mind and my actions, which are the result of reflection, as free and independent as the air, that I may be more at liberty to expi ess my sentiments, and if necessary to suggest what may occur to me under the fullest conviction, that although my judgment may be* arraigned, there uill be no sus- picion that sinister motives had tlie smallest influ- ence in the suggestion. Not content then with the bare consciousness of my having, in all this^ navigation business, acted upon the cleiurest con* 212 TriE LIFE OF viction of the political importance of the measure, I would wjsh th.it every Individual who nriv liil copy of the aforesaid act, Washings ton replied as follows ; GKORGE WASHINGTON. 2U " Your excellency having been pleased to trans- mit me a copy of the act appropriating to my ben- efit certain shares in the companies for openuig the iiaviu^ution of James and Potovvuiac rivers; I take the liberty of returning to the general assembly, through your hands, the profound and grateful acknowledgments inspired by so signal a mark of their beneficent intentions tovvardme. I beg you, sir, to assure them that [am filled. oiUhis occasion with every sentiment which can flow from a heart warm with love to my country, seiisible to every token of its approbation and aflcction, and solici- tous to testify in every instance a respectful sub- mission to its wishes, " With these seniiments in my bosom, I need not dwell on the anxiety I feel, in beiog obliged, in this instance, to decline a favour which is ren- dered no less fluttering !)y the manner in which it is conveyed, dian it is affectionate in itself. In ex- plai'^mg this, 1 pass over a comparison of my en- deavours in the public service, with the many hon- ourable ttstimonies of approbation which have al- ready so far over rated and overpaid them ; recit- ing one consideration OiUy, wliich supersedes the iieeessi'y of recurring to eyery other. " When I was first called to die station with which I was honoured during the late conflict for our liberties, to tiie diffidence which I had so many reasons to feel in accepting it, I thought it my duty to join a firm resolution to sliut m* har>d against every pecuniary recompense. To this resolution I have invariabl}- adhered, and from it, if I 1/cid the inclination, I do not consider myself at iiberly now to depart. 214 THE LIFi: OF *' Whilst I repeat, tlKrefore, my fervent ac- knowledg-mciits to the lci>-iblalurc lor ihcir very- kind sfiitimtnts and intentions in niy favour, and at the same time brg them lo be persLUidcd, that a rcnieinhrance of this sinj^'ular proof of their goodness toward me will jkvc j ecase to eherish returns of the warniest aftcetion and gratitude ; I \ must pray tliat their act, ao llir as it has for its ob- ' ject my personal cmoiiM.-ieiit, may not have its ef- fect; but if it should ])leasc thr general assembly to jxrmit me to tum the desiinaiion of the fund vested in me, from my private emolument to ob- jects of a public, nature, it will be my study in se- leetmg these, to prove the sincerity of my gratitude for tl'.e honour conierred upon me, by preferring such as may appear most subservient to the en- lightened a -d patriotic views of the legislature." The wishes suggested in this letter were sanc- tioned by the legislature ; and, at a subseciuent time, the trust was executed by conveying the shares to the use of a seminary of learning in the vicinity of each river. Near tlie close of the revolutionary war, die of- ficers of the American army, with a view of per- petuating their fricndsliips, formed dieniselves in- to a soeiety, to be named after the famous Roman patriot, Cincinnatus. At the head of tlieir soeie- ty. Gen. W:\shington was placed. By the rules of their institution, the honours of the society were to l)e hereditary in their respective families, and distinguished individuals nught be admitted ashon- orary members tor life. These circumstances, to- gether with the union of the ofticers of the army, gave an alarm to the community j several individ- GEORCn WASTTINGTON'. 215 uals of which supposed that the hereditary part of the institution would be a germ of nobility. It was the usual policy of Washiui^ton to rtbpect the tjpinions of the people, in matters i;idifilrcnt, or of sn»aH niagiiitudt, diouj^h he mii^liithuik them mis- taken. H<' ving aseerUiined to his own satisfaction, th;it a dtgiee ol" jealousy pervaded the mass of the pe^.ple, respecting the piobctble tendency of this perpetual hcrediiary society, he successfully ex-, erted his inHuence to new model hs rules, by re- hiiq lisiiiMg .li.j hereditary principle and the power of adc»pti'.g honorary members. The result prov- ed the wisdom of the measure; for all jealousies of the sociery henceforward were done away, and the members thereof v^erc received as brethren, by the most suspicious of their fellowcitizens. . When Wasiiiiigtoii, at the close ol the revolu- tionary war, became a private citizen, his country confidently anticipated every possible blessing from peace, independence, and self government. But experience soon proved the iiKi'ricaey of existing systems for promoting national happiness, or pre- serving national dignity. Congress had rseithcr the power nor the means of doing justice to pub- lic creditors, nor of enforcing the respect of for- eign nations. Gold and silver vanished ; eom- merce languished ; property was dtpreci.iu-d ; and credit expired. The lovers of liberty a.nd in- dependence began to be less sanguine in nnir hopes [nmi the American revolution, and to Unr that they had built a visionary fabric of gov.-cn- ment on the fallacious idens ol ]jublie virtue For the first five or six years immediately loilowiu^; 21(3 THE LIFE OF peace, the splendour which surrounflcd the infant stiiTes I'rom their successful stiuggle iii thv cause of ind pcndtMiceand self t^overnmciit, w is daily d uk- ' enin^-. "his state of things could not be indifierenU to Washinj^ton. He was among the liist to dis- cover the eause, and to point out the rcmtdy. The inefficient support he received while com- mander in chief, proved the inefficacy of the arti- cles ol conic deration, for raising and supporting a reqinsite military force. The experience of the fust yciH's ol peace, proved their total inadequacy for the pHirpose of national government. Fiom want of vii^our in the federal head, the United States were fast dwindling into separate sovereign- ties, unconnected by any bond of union, equal to public exigency. 'I he private letters of Wash- ington at this time, show his anxiety for his coun- try's welfare, and his wisdom in pointivig out a remedy for its degradation. In one t)f ihem he observes, " The confederation ap'pears to me to be lilile more than a shadow without the substance, and Congress a nugatory body, their ordinances being little attended to. To me it is a solecism in politics ; indeed it is one of the most exuaor- di'iary things in nature, that we should conlederate as a nati(jn, and yet be afraid to give the rulers of thai nation, who are the creatures of our own mak- ing, appoijited for a li*nitcd aiid short duiauon, ' and who are amenable for eveiy action, rec liable at .a:} moment, and subject to all the evils which ; they may be instrumental in pr(xUicing, sufficient powers to order and dirci t die aftairs of tlic same. By buch policy the wheels of government arc (iROUGE WASHINGTON. 217 cloj^ged, and our brightest prospects, and that higli expectation which was entertained of us by the wonderitig world, are turned into astonish- ment ; and from the high ground on which we stood, we are descending into the vale of confusion and darkness.. " That we have it in our power to become one of the most respectable nations upon earth, ad- mits, in my humble opinion, of no doubt, if we would but pursue a wise, just, and liberal policy, toward one another, and woulcl keep good faith witli the rest of the world. That our resources are ample and increasing, none can deny ; but while they are grudgingly applied, or not apjilied at all, we give a vital stab to public faith, and will sink .in the eyes of Kurope into contempt." In another, " It is one of the evils of democrat- ic governments, that the people, not always seeing, and frequently misled, nuist often feel before they are set right. But evils of this nature seldom fail to work their own cure. It is to be lamented, nevertheless, that the remedies are so slow, and that those who wish to apply them seasonably, are not attended to before they suffer in person, in in-, terest, and in reputation. I am not without hopes that matters will soon take a favourable turn in the federal constitution. The discerning part of the community have long since seen the necessity of giving adequate powers to Congress for nation- al purj)oses, and those of a different description must yield to it ere long." In a letter to Mr. Jay, Gen. Washington ob- served ; " Your sentiments that our affairs arc drawing rapidly to a crisis, accord with my own:. 20 218 iHK i.ii I", (11 What the event will be, is also beyond the reach of my ibresii^-lu. ^^'c have enoi^s to correct ; we have probably IkkI too i^ootl an opinion of lunnan nature in forming- our confederation. I^xperiencc has taui;ht us that men will not adtipt and carry in- to executuMi, measures the best calculated for their own good, w ithout the intervention of coer- cive power. I do not conceive we can subsist long as a nation, without lodging somewhere a ■power which will.per\ade the whole union in ^\s energetic a manner, as the authority of the state governmc nts extends over the scvv;ral states. To be llarful of investing Congress, constituted as that body is, with an\ple authorities for national purposes, apjxwrs to mc the very climax of popu- lar absurdity and madness. Could Congress ex- ert them for the detrimei\t of the pec^ple, without injuring themselves in an e(iual or greater propor- tion ? iVre not their interests mseparably connect- ed with those of their constituents "? By the rota- tion of appointment, must they not mingle fre- quently with the nuiss of citizens ? Is it iu)t rather to be apprehended, if they were possessed of the powers before deseril)ed, tliat the indiNidual mem- bers would be induced to use them on many oc- casions, very tin\idly and incilicacionsly, for fear of losing their poi)ularity and future election ? \Vc inusi take human nature as we fmd it; perfection lalls :iot to the share of mortals. JNlany are of opinion, that Congress have too frequently inadc use of rh.c suppliant humble tone of lequisitiou, in applications to the staris, when tiicy had a rigin to assert their imperial dignity, and commiind oi)e- diencc. Be that as it may, requisitions are a per- OKOIK.K WASMINf/rO.V. 21[> feet nullity, where thirteen soverelf^n, independent, disunited .stales, are in the haljit ol discnssinj^, and rcfusinf^ or conijilyin^ with ihern at their optiotu Requisitions are actually little better than a jest and a byod that wise measures may be taken in time, to avert lire consequences we have but too much rc-aifm to apprehend." " Retired as I am'from the world, 1 Irankly acknowledge, I cannot feel myself an unconcerned spectator. Yet having happily assisted in bringing the 6hip into 220 THE LIFE OF port, and havinj^ been fairly discharged, it is not my business to embark again on a sea of troubles. • " Nor could it be expected that my sentiments! and opinions would have much weight on thej minds of my countrymen. They have been neg-i lectcd, though given as a htst legacy, in the mosti solemn manner. I had then, pcj-haps, sonic claims^ to public attentions. 1 consider myself as having; none at present." , I Illumination, on the subject of enlarging thei powers of Congress, was gradual. Washington, : in his extensive correspondeifte and intercourse with the leading characters of the different states, urged the necessity of a radical reform m the ex- isting system of government. The business was at length seriously taken up, and a proposition was made by Virginia, for electing deputies to a gen- eral convention, for the sole purpose of revising tliQ federal system of government. While this proposition wns under consideration, an event took place, which pointed out the propria ©ty of its adoption. I'he pressure of evils in a great degree resulting from the imbecility of gov-, ernment, aided by erroneous opinions, which con- found liberty with licentiousness, produced com-, motions in Massachusetts, which amounted to trea- soji and rebellion. On this occasion, Washing- ton expressed himself in a letter as follows ; " The commotions and tempei" of numerous bodies in the eastern country, present a staleof things equal- ly to be lamented and deprecated. They exhibit a melancholy verification of what our triinsatlantic foes have predicted, and of another thing perhaps, Ct.OllfiK WASHINGTON. 221 which is still more to be regretted, and is yet more unaccountable, that mankind when left ^to themselves, are unfit for their own government. I am mortified beyond expression, when I view the clouds which have spread over the brightest morn that ever dawned upon my country. In a woid, I am lost in amazementj when I behold wliat intrigue the interested views of desperate characters, ignorance and jealousy of the minor part, aire capable of effecting, as a scourge on the major part of our fellowcitizens of the union ; for it is hardly to be supposed, that the great body of the people, though they will not act, can be so short sighted, or enveloped in darkness, as not to see rays of a distant sun through all this mist of intoxication and foll}^ " You talk, my good sir, of eur; I^) ing :v'''->- ence to appease the present tumtUis ■a '^l,ib;saci;m- setts. I know not where that infliience ii. to be found, nor, if attainable, that it would be a proper remedy for these disorders. Iqifueaec is not gov- ernment. Let us have a govermy>ent by which our lives., liberties, and proper^]. >, will be secured, or let us know the worst at c\5cc. Und^r these impressions, my humble opinion iSj that there is a call for decision. Know preiiviel) what.the'in- surgents aim at. If they have rcuVg^'iCv i^'ces, re- drejiD them if possible, or aeknow! ? 'stice of them, and your inability I <'\, nt moment. If they have not, 'ud. -i' government against them at o. , i:i adequate, all will be convinced thi;: '\e supciSlt . ture is bad, or wants support. To ! o more e." ■ posed in the eyes of the world, and more cont'NUjj 20* 2^ THE LIFE OF tible, is hardly possible. To delay one or the oth- er of these expedienis, is to exasperate on the one hand, or to give eonfidence on the other, and will add to their numbers; for like snowballs such bodies increase by every movement, unless there is something in the way to obstruct and crumble them belbre their weight is too great and irresisti- ble. " These are my sentiments. Precedents are dangerous things. Let the reins of government, then, be braced and held with a steady hand, and every violation of the constitution be"^ reprehend- ed. If defective, let it be amended, but not suf- fered to be trampled upon while it has an exist- ence." • Virginia placed the name of ^^'ashington at the hc:»d of her delegates for the proposed convention. Letters 7^ured in upon him fiom all sides, urging his acceptance, of in: appointment. In answer to' one from Mr. MAdis(rh, who had been the princi- pal advocate of the m; isure in the Virginia legis- ' lature. Gen. Washington replied, " Alihough I have bid a public aiti; '. to the public walks of life, and had resolvecl neyt . "more to tread that theatre, yet, if upon any ocoaj.ion so interesting to the well beiwg of our coiui^der y, it had been the wish of the assembly thikt 1 snould be an associate in the business of revising the federal system, I should, from a sen?e of the obligation I am under for re- peated proofs of confidence in me, more than from any opii.lt.n I could entertain of my usefulness, haveobe}ed its call; but it is now out of my p^wcr to do this with any degree of consistency. The cause 1 will mention. GKOU{;i: WASHlNart of the com- munity ; the late oHicers of the American army '* The meeting of the converition was postponed to a day subsequent to that of , the meeting of the Cincinnati, 'i'his removed one of the drlHculties in the way of Washirigton's. acceptance of a seat in the convention, and, joitied with the irnporiance of the call, and his own Lvgi.f desire to advance the public interest, finally induced his compliance with the wishes of his friends. The convention met in Philadelphia, in May, and unanimously chose George V\ ashing! on their president. On the 17dv. of September, 1787, they 224 THE LIFE OF closed their labours, and submitted the result to Congress, vviih their opinion " that it should be snl)niitted to a convenrion of delegates chosen in each slate by the people thereof,, under the recom^' mendation of its legislature, for their assent and' ratification/' By this new form of government, ample powers were given to Congress without the intervention of the states, for every purpose that national digni- ty, interest, or happiness, required. The ablest pens and most eloquent tongues were employed for, and against, its acceptance. In this animated contest, Washington took no part. Halving with his sword vindicated the right of his country to self government, and having with his advice aided in digesting an efficient form of gov- ernment, which he most thoroughly approved, it would seem as though he wished the people to. decide for themselves, whether to accept or re- ject it. , The constitution being accepted by cle^jpit states, and preparatory measures being taken for biingiug it into operation, ail eyes were turned to AVar^-hip.gton, as being tlie fittest man for the of- fice of prebident of the United States. His cor-* respondents began to press his acceptance of the high office, as essential to the well being of his country. To those wlio think that Washington was, like other men, it will scarcely appear possible, that supreme magistracy possessed no charms sufficient to .tempt hnn from his beloved retirement, when he was healthy and strong, and only fifty seven GEORGE WASHINGTON. 225 years old ; but if an opinion can be formed of his real sentiments, from the tenonr of his Hfe and confidential communications to his most intimate friends, a conviction will be produced, that his acceptance of the Presidency of the United States was the result of a victory obtained by a sense of duty over his inclinations, and was a real sacrifice of the latter to the former. In a letter to Col. Henry Lee, Washington ob- serves ; "Notwithstanding my advanced season of hfe, my increasing fondness* for agricultural amusements, and my growing love of retirement, augment and confirm my decided predilection for the character of a private citizen ; yet it will be no one of these motives, nor the hazard to which my former reputation might be exposed, nor the ter- ror of encountering new fatigues and troubles, that would deter me from an acceptance, but a belief that some other person who had less pretence and less inclination to be excused, conk! execute all the duties full as satisf\\ctorily as myself. To say more would be 'indiscreet, as a disclosure of a re- fusal beforehand might incur the application of thelTable, in which the fox is represented as un- dervaluing the grapes he could not reach. You will perceive, my dear sir, by what is here observ- ed, and vvhich you will be pleased to consider in the light of a confidential comituinication, that my inclinations will dispose and decide me to re- main as 1 am, unless a clear and insurn^ountable conviction should be impressed on my mind, that some very disagreeable co'^-sequenccs musr in all human probability result from the indulgence of my wishe-s." 226 THE LIKE OP •; In a letter to Col. Hamilton, Washington ob- serves ; " If I am not grossly citrceivcd in myself, I should unfeigncdly rejoice, in case the electors, by giving their votes to some other person, would save me from the dreadful d'lemma of being forc- ed to accept or refuse. If that may not be, I am in the next place, earnestly desirous of searching out the truth, and of knowing whether there does not exist a probability that the government would just as happily and effectually be carried into ex- ecution, without* my aid, as with it. I am truly solicitous to obtain all the previous information whioh the circumstances will afford, and lo deter- mine, when the determination can no longer be postponed, according to the principles of right reason, and the dictates of a clear conscience, without too great a reference to the unforeseen consequences which may affect my person or rep- utation. Until that period, I may fiirly hold my- self open to conviction, though I allow your sentiments to have weight in them ; and I shall not pass by your arguments, without giving them as dispassionate a consideration as I can possibly bestow upon them. • " In taking a survey of the subject, in whatever point of light I have been able to place it, I will not suppress the acknowledgment, my, dear sir, that 1 have ah.vays felt a kind of gloom upon my mind, as often as I have been taught to expect I might, and perhaps, must be called ii^:)on ere long to make the decision. You will, I am well assur- ed, believe the assertion, though I have little ex- pectation it would gain credit from those who are less acquainted with me, that if I should receive GEOUGE WASHINGTON. 227 the appointment, and shouljl be prevailed upon to accept it, the acceptance would be attended with more difficulty and reluctance, than I ever expe- rienced before. It would be, however, with a fix- ed and sole deterniinaiion of lending whatever as- sistance might be in my power to promote the public weal, in hopes that at a convenient and early period, my services might be dispensed with ; and that I might be permitted once more to retire, to pass an unclouded evening, after the stormy day of life, in the bosom of domestic tran- quillity." In a letter to Gen. Lincoln, Washington ob- serves ; " I may, however, with great sincerity, and I believe without offending against modesty and propriety, say to you, that I most heartily wish the choice to which you allude, might not fall upon me ; and that if it should, I must reserve to myself the right of making up my final decis- ion, at the last moment when it can be brought into one view, and. when the expediency or inex- pediency of a refusal can be more judiciously de- termined, than at present. But be assured, my dear sir, if, from any inducement, I shall be per- suaded ultimately to accept, it will not be, so far as I know my own heart, from any of a private or personal nature. Every personal consideration conspires to rivet me, if I may use the expres- sion, to retirement. At my time of life, and un- der niy circumstances, nothing in tiiis world can ever draw me from it, unless it be a conviction that the partiality of my countrymen had made my seivices absolutely necessary, joined to a lear that my refusal might induce a belief that I pre- 228 THB LIFE OP ferred the conversatioi^ of my own reputation and private ease, to the't^ood of my country. After all, if I should conceive myself in a manner con- strained to accept, I call heaven to witness, that this very act would be the grijatest sacrifice of my personal feelins^s and wishes, that ever I have been called upon to make. It would be to forego repose and domestic enjoyment,' for trouble, per- haps for public obloquy ; for I should consider myself as entering upon an unexi)lorcd fu^ld, en- veloped on every side with clouds iind darkness. *' Fix)m this embarrassing situatioii, I had nat-' urally supposed, that my declarations at the close of the war would have saved me, and that my sin- cere intentions, then publicly made known, would have efFectualh- precluded me for ever afterward from being looked upon as a candidate for any office. This hope, as a last anchor of worldly happiiiess in old age, I had carefully preserved, until the public papers and private letters from my correspoudents in almost every quarter, ivUight me to apprehend that I might soon be obliged to answer the question, whether I would go again into public life or not." In- a letter to the Marquis de la Fayette, Wash- ington observes, " Your sentiments indeeo com* cide much more nearly with those of my other friends, than with my own feelings. In truth, my difficulties increase and magnify as I draw toward- the period, when, according to the commdn be- lief, it will be necessary for me to give a definitive answer in one way or other. Should circumstan- ces render it in a manner inevitably necessary to be in the affirmative, be assured, my dear sir, I e.Eoiir.E WASHI^•GT0^^ ^2§ shall assume the task with the most unfeigned re- luctance, and with a real diffidence, for vvhich I shall probably receive no credit from the world. If I know my own heart, nothing short of a con- viction of duty, will induce me again to take an active part in public affairs. And in that cast, if I can form a plan for niy own conduct, my endeav- ours shall be unremittingly exerted, even at the hazard of former fame or present popularit}^ to extricate my country from the embarrassments in which it is entangled through want of credit, and to establish a general system of policy, which, if pursued, will ensure permanent felicity to the com- monwealth. I think I see a path as clear and as direct as a ray of light, which leads to the attain- ment of that object. Nothing but harmony, hon- esty, industry, and frugality, are necessary to make us a great and a happy people. Happily the pres- ent posture of affairs, and the prevailing disposi- tion of my countrymen, promise to co-operate in establishing those four great and essential pillars of public felicity." Before the election of a president came on, so universal w^s the expectation that Washington would be elected, that numerous a|:»plications were made to him, in anticipation fur oflices in the gov- ernment, vvhich would be in his gift. To one of such applicants he wrote as follows ; " Should it become absolutely necessary for me to occupy the station in which your letter presupposes me, I have determined to go into it perfeedy free from all engagements of every nature whatsoever. A conduct in conformity to this resolution, would err- 21 250 THE LIFE OF able me in balancing the various pretensions of difFerent candidates for appointments, to act withi a sole reference to justice, and the public good. This is in substance, the answer that I have givcu! to all applications, and they are not few, which feave already been made." CEORGE WASHINGTON. 231 CHAPTER XI. Washington elected President On liis way to the seat of gpvePBnie»|it at New York, receives the most flattering marks of respect ....Ad- dresses Congress The situation of the Unitetl States in theii" ibrf^igu and domestic rehttioiis, at the inauguration of Washington Fills up public offices solely with a view to the puh'ic good....i*roposes a trea- ty to the Creek Indians, wliich is at first rejected.. ..Col. Willet in- duces the heads cf the nation to cotiie to New York, to treat there. The Noi-ih Western Indians refuse a treaty, but after defeating C a- ei-als liarmaraiid Sinclair, they tire dt-feated hy C.'cii Wayne ....'Vh'^y then submit, and agree to treat A new .system is introduced for me- liorating their condition. It was intep.ded that the new p'overnnient sliould o have coinnienced its operations oii the 4th. of March, 1789; but -iVoin accidental causes, ti;e election of Gen. Washington to tiie Presider.cy was not officially announced to hini ;:t Mount Ver- non, till the 14th. of next April. This was done by Charles Thomson, Secretary of the late Con- gress, who presented to him the certilicate signed by the president of the Senate of the United States, statrag that George Wasliington was auanimous- ly elected president. This unexpected delay was ^2 TlIK LIFE OF regretted by the public, but not b}' the newly elect- ed president. In a letter to Gen. Knox, he ob- served, " As to myself, the dehi} may be compar- ed to a reprieve ; for in confulence 1 tell yoii, that with the world it would obtain little credit, my movements to the chair of government will be accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a cul- prit who is goinj; to the place of his execution ; so unwilling iim 1 in the evening of life, nearly eon- bumed in public CLires, to quit a peaceful abode for an ocean of diHiculties, without tliat con^peten- cy of political skill, abilities, and inclir.ation, which are necessiuy to miin;ige the helm, I am sensible that 1 am embarking the \oice of the people, and a good name of my own, on this voyage, but what leturns will l)e made for them, heaven alone can foretell. Integrity and firnmcss are all I can prom- ise. These, be the ^■oyage long or short, shall never forsake me, aldiough I may be deserted by pU men ; for of the consolations which are to be derived from these, under any circumstances, the world cannot deprive me." On the second day after receiving notice of his appointment, Washington set out for New York, On his way tliither, the road- ^vas crowded with numbers anxious to see the man of the peojilc. Escorts of militia, and of gentlemen of the first character'and station, -attended liim from state to. state, and he was every where received with the' highest honours which a grateful and admiring people could confer. Addresses ol" congrutulation were presented to him by the inhabitants of almost every place of eonsecpicnce thiough which he pass- CKORnr, WASiiiNCiTON. 233 edy to all of which he returned such modest, un- assuming answers, as were in every respect suita- ble to his situation. So great were the honours with whicli he was loaded, that they could scarce- ly have Tailed to produce haughtiness in tlie mind oi'any ordinary man; but nothing ol" the kind was ever discovered in this extraordinary personage. On all occasions he behaved to all men with the affability of one citizen to another. lie was truly ■ great in deserving the plaudits of liis country, but much greater jn not being elated by them Of the numerous addresses which were present- ed on" this occasion, one subscribed by Dennis Ramsay, the mayor of Alexandria, in the name of the people of that city, who were the neigh!)ours of Mr. Washington, was particularly and universally- admired. It was in the following words ; 'ro GEORGE WASHINGTOV. ESq. rin',!ilUKNr OF THK UNITED b TA I'KS, iCiC. " Again your country commands your care. Obedient to its wishes, unmindful of your ease, we see you again relinquishing the bliss of retire- ment, and this too, at a pciiod of life wlien nature itself seems to authorize a preference of repose. " Not to extol your glory as a soldier ; -not to pour forth oiu' gratitude for past services ; not to acknowledge tlie justice -of the unexampled hon- our which has been conferred upr)n you by the spontarjcous and unanimous suflViigc of three mil- lions of freemen, in your election to the suprcMne magistracy, nor to admire the patriotism which directs your conduct, do your neighbours and friends now address you. , Themes less splendid, Imt more endearing, impress our minds. The 21* S34 THE LIFK OF first and best of citizens must leave us ; our as^ed must lose their ornament; our youth their model ; our agriculture its improver ; 'our commerce its friend ; our inf^mt academy its protector; our poor their benefactor ; and the interior navigation of the Potowmac, an event, replete with the most extensive utihty, already by your unremitted ex- crtions brought into partial' use, its insUtutor and promoter. - " Farewell. Go, and make a grateful people happy ; a people who will be doubh /^^rateful wiicn they contemplate this recent sacrifice for their in- terest. ^ " To that Being m ho makcth and unmaketh at his will, we commend you ; and after the accom- plishment of the arduous business to vvhicli you are called, may he restore to us again the best of men, and the most beloved feliowcitizen." To tills Mr. Washington returned the following answer ; " CEXTLli.AIKX, " Although I ought not to conceal, yet I can-, ilot describe the painful emolioiis which I felt, in' being called upon to determine \vhether 1 would accept or refuse the Presidency of the United- States. The unanimity in the eiioice ; the opin- ion of my friends communicated from different parts of Europe as well as from America ; the ap- parent wish of those who were not entirely satisfi- ed with the constitution in its preseiit forni, and an ardent desire on my own part to be instrumental , in connecting tlie good will of my countrymen to- ward each ether, have induced an acceptance. GEaiiGii WASiiixciTox. ' 235 Those who know me best, and you, my fellowcit- izcns, are, from } our situation, iu that number, know bcttter than any others, my love of retirement is so threat, that no earthly consideration, short of a conviction of duty, could have prevailed upon me to depart from n~iy resolution ' never more to take any share in transactions of a public nature ;' for at my age, and in my circumstances, what pros- pects or advantages could I propose to myself from embarking again on the tempestuous and un- certain ocean of public life ? *' I do not feel myself under the necessity of making public declarations in order to convince you, gentlemen, of my attachment to yourselves, and regard for your interests. The whole tenour of my life has been open to your inspection, and nny past actions, rather, than my present declara- tions, must be the pledge of my future conduct. " In the mean lime, I thank you most sincerely for the expressions of kindness contained in your valedictory address. It is true, just after having bade adieu to my domestic connexions, this ten- der proof of your friendship is but too well calcu- lated still further to awaken my sensibility, and in- crease my regret at parting from the er.joym.ent of private life. " All that now remains for me, is to commit myself and you to the protection of that beneficent Being, who on a former occasion hath h ippily brought us together, after a long and dislressiiiff separation. Perhaps the same gracious Provi- dence will again indulge me. Unutterable sen^ sations must then be left to more expressive si^ ^36 1»HE LIFE OP lence, while from an nchinj^ heart I bid all my af- feclionatc" t'ricr.ds and kind ncig-hboiirs fartwcU." Gray's bridge over the Sciiiiylkill, which Mr. Washinivton iiad to pass, was hit^hly decorated with laurels and evergrtens. At each end of it were erected mag-nificent arches, composed of laurels, emblematical of tJK' ancient Roman triumphal arch- es, and on each side of the bridi2;e was a laurel shrubbery. As Mr. Washinj>;ton passed the l^ridge, a youth ornamented with sprigs of laurel, assisted by machinery, let drop above his head, though un- perceived by him, a civic crown of laurel. Up- ward of twenty thousand citizens lined the fences, fields, and avenues, between the Schuylkill and Philadelphia. Through these he was conducted to the i;ity by a numerous and respectable body of the citizens, where he pariook of an elegant enter- tainment provided for him. The pleasures of the day were succeeded by a handsome display of fire- works in the evening;. Wlicn Mr. Washington crossed the Delaware,, and landed on the Jersey shore, he was saluted with three cheers by the inhaiiitants of the vicini- ty. VViicn hi? came to the brow of the hill on his way to Trenton, a triumj)hal aich was erected on the bridge by the direction of the ladies of the place. 'Fhe crown of the arch was highly orna- mented with laurels and flowers, and on it was dis- played in large figures, " December 26th. 1776." Oil the sweep oi the arch benciith, was this inscrip- tion, " The Defender of the Mothers will also protect their Daughters." On the north side were Tanged a number of female children dressed iii ci:(jiu.K WAsmxfnox. 237 white, with pjarkmds of flowers on their heads, and baskets oi" flowers on tlieir arms ; in the seeond row stood the ) oun", women, and behind them the married ladies of the vicinity. The instant he passed the arch, the cliildren began to sing the fol- lowing ode. •' Welcome niigli'ly cliief '. once more Welcome lo tliis gi-atdul shore. Now no ratrcenary foe Aiiiis again the fata! ljlo-.r. Aims at tin e tlie fut.il blow, \'ir;>;ins fair, and matrons grave, Tlicsr tliy conrjiifiiiig arai did save ! Iiuild for tliee Iri jniphal howcru j 'ilrcw, ye fair, his way wltJi flowers ; Strew your hero's way with fiowera." As they sung the last lines, they strew*cd their flowers on the road before their beloved deliverer. His situation on this occasion, contrasted with what he had in December, 1776, felt on the same spot, when the affnirs of America were at the lowest ebb of depression, filled him with sensations that can- not be described. He was rowed across the bay from Elizabelhtown to New York, in an elegant barge, l^y thirteen pilots. All the vessels in the harbour hoisted their flags. Stairs were erected and decorated for his reception. On his landing, universal joy diffused itself thrf»ugh every order of tlie people, and he \vas received and congratulated by the Governor of the state, and officers of the corporation. . He was conducted fromjthe landing place to the house which had been fitted up for his reception, and was followed by an eli/gant proces- sion of militi.i in their uniforms, and by a great 23S IIIK LllK OJ' number of citizens. In the evening tlic houses of the inhabitants were brilliantly ilhiniinuted. A day was fixed soon after his arrival, for his taking the oath of olHce, which was in tiie follow- ing words. " I do solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the UnitVd States ; and will to the best of my ability preserve, i)rotect, and delend the constitution of the United States." On this occasion he was whol- ly clothed in American manufactures. In the morning of the day appointed for this purpose, the clerg) of difiercnt denominations assen>bled their congregations in their respective places of wor- ship, and offered up public prayers for the presi- dent and i)eoi)le of the United States. About n(^oii a procession, followed by a multitude of citizens, moved noui the pre.>^ident's liouse to Federal Hall. When they came within a short distance i'rom the Hail, the troops formed a line on both sides of the way, through which Mr. Waslungton, accompa- nied by tile vice president, Mr. John Adams, pass? cd into the senate chamber. Inunediately after,, accompanied by both houses, he went into the gal- lery fronting Broadstreet, and before them and an immense concourse of citizens, took the oath pre- scribed by the constitution, which was admiiris- tered by H. R. Livingston, the chancellor of the state of New Yorl*. An awful silence prevailed among the spectiitors during this part of the cere- mom. It was a minute of the most sublime po- litical joy. The chanctllor then jiroclaiined him president of th.e United SuUes. This was answer- ed by the discharge of thirteen guns ; and by the eiiijbions of shouts from near ten Uiousand grateful •noriGE WASHIN'OTOX. Q39 and affectionate hcurts. Tlia president bowed most respLctlully to lijc people, and the air resound- ed ajr-iin with their acchunatioTis. He then retir- i ed to the Senate Chamber, where he made theiolr iovvnig speech to boUi hotises. " FcUotucitizimit of tin: Scndtf. and of t/w * /loHHc of Ituprfiicjitativct, *' Among the vicissitudes incident to life, no event coukl liave filled nie with greater anxiaics than that of which the notification was transmitted by your order, and received on the 14th. day of the jjresent month. On the one hand, I was sum- moned by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love, from a retreat which I had chosen with the fondest predilection, and, in my flattering hopes, with an immutable decision, as the asylum of my declining years ; a retreat which was rendered every &c\y more neces- sary as well as more dear to me, by the addition of habit to inclination, and of frequent interruptions in my health to the gradual waste eoniniilted on it by time. On the other hand, the magnitude and difliculty of the trust to which the voice of my country called mc, being sufficient to awaken in the wisest and most experienced of her citizens a distrustful scrutiny into his qualifications, could not but overwhelm with despondence one who, ii.iKriting inferior eridowmcnts from nature, and iwvpraetised in the duties of civil administration, ought to be peculiarly conscious of his own defi- ciencies. In this conflict of emotions, all I dare ri'.er i-^:, that it has been my faithful study to col- *40 THR LIFE OF Icct my duty from a just appreciation of every cir- cuir.stimcc by whit 1 1 ii n\ight be effected. All I dare hope is, that, il in accepting this task, I have been too nuich swayed by a grateful remembrance ol former instances, or By an affectionate sensibil- ity to this transcendent proof of the confidence of my fellovvcit:izens ; )|pd have thence too liitle con- sulted my incapacity, as well as disinclination for the weighty and untried cares before me ; my • KKKOii will be palliated by the motives which mis- led me, and its consequences be judged by my country with some share of the partiality in whicli they originated. " Such being the impressions under wliich I have, in obedience to thejniblic summons, repair- ed to the present station ; it will be peculiarly ini- propep to omit, in this first ollicial act, my fervent supplications to that Ahnigluy Being who rules ovc r the universe ; who presides in the councils of nations ; atid whose providential aids can sup- ply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the peo- ple of the United States, a government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes ; and may enable every instrument employed in its ad- ministration, to execute with success, the func- tions allotted to his charge. In tendering diis horn- age to the great Author of every public and j)ri- vate good, 1 assure myself that it expresses jour sentiments not less than my own ; nor those of my fellowciiizens at large, less than either. No peo- l)le can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every (.KOIlft^VVASlliNl.lON. 241 .^Lcp by wliichthcy hnvc advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been dis- tinguished by some token of providential agency ; and in tlie important revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government, the tran- quil deliberations and voluntary consent of so ma- ny distinct communities, from which the event has resulted, cannot be compared with the means by which most governments have been established, without some return of pious gratitude along with an humble anticipation of the luture blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflec- tions, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be sup- pressed. You will join with me, I trust, in think- ing that there are none, under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free govern- ment can more aust)ieiously eonmienee. " By the article Tstal)lishing the executive de- partment, it is u'.ade the duty of the president ' to recommend to your consideration, such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.' The circumstances under which 1 now meet you will acquit me from entering into that subject, farther than to refer to the great constitutional charter un- der which you are assembled, and which, in defin- ing yoiir powers, designates the objects to which your attention is to be given. It will be more consistent with those circumstances, and far more congenial with the feelings which actuate me, to substitute in place of a recommendation of partic- ular measures, the tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism, which adorn the 22 242 AW. ^'' chiiracters selected to devise and adopt them. In thcye honourable (lualifications, I behold the sur- est ()lc(lges that, as on one side, no local prejudi- ces or attachments, no separate views nor party- animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive arid C(iual eye which ought to watch over this s^reatas- sembl.!£i;e of communities and interests; so, on" another, that the loundations of our national poli- cy will be laid in the pure and immutable princi- ples of private morality ; and the pre-eminence of free government be exemplified by all the attri- butes which can win the affections of its citizens, and command the respect of the world. I dwell on this prospect with every satisfiiction which an ardent love for my country can inspire ; since there is no truth more thoroughly established than that there exists, in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble imion between virtue and happi- ness ; between duty and advantage ; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity ; since we ought to be no less per- suaded that the propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which heaven it- self has ordained ; and since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny* of the republican model of government, are justly con- sidered as dkkpi.v. perhaps as iinam.y, staked on the experiment intrusted to the hands of the Amer- ican people. " Beside the ordinary objects submitted to your i care, it will remain with your judgment to decide, liKOIirJK WASIIINfiTON. 243 how far an exercise of the occasional power dele- gated by the fifth article of the constitution is ren- dered expedient, at the present juncture, by the nature of objections vvhieli have been urL^-< d aj^ainst the system, or by the dei^ree of mcjuietude which has given birth to them. Instead of undertaking- particular recommendations on this subject, in which I could be guided by no lights derived from oflleial opportunities, I sliall again give way to my entire confidence in your discernment and pursuit of the public good ; for I assure myself, that whilst you carehilly avoid every alteration which Riight endanger the benefits of a united and effective government, or which ought to await the future lessons of experience ; a reverence for the characteristic rights of freemen, and a regard for the public harmon}^, will sufficiently influence) our deliberations on the question how far the formef can be more impregnably fortified, or the latter be safil}^ and advantageously promoted. " To the preceding observations I have one to add, which will be most properly addressed to the house of representatives. It concerns myself, and will therefore be as brief as possible. When I was first honoured with a call into the service of my country, then on the eve of an arduous strug- gle for its liberties, the light in which I contem- plated my duty recjuired that I should renounce every pecuniary compensation. From this reso- lution 1 have in no instance departed. And being still under the impressions wliich produced it, I must decline, as inapplicable to myself, any share in the personal emoluments which may be indis- 244 liri LIFK OF pensably included in a pcr'nanent provision for the executive dcpartn\cnt ; and must accordiiig-ly pray that the pecuniary cstiiuates lor the station in which I am placed, may, during my continuance in it, be limited to such actual expenditures as the pub- lic g-ood may be thoui^lit to require. *' Ha\ing thus imparted to you my sentiments, as the\- have been a^^•akened by the occasion which brings u-s together, I shall take my present leave ; but not without resorting once more to the be- nign Parent of the human race, in humble suppli- cation, that since he has been pleased to favour the American people with opportunities for delib- erating in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union, and the advancement of their happiness ; so his divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarg- ed views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this government must depend." In their answer to this speech, the senate say ; " The unanimous suftVage of the elective body in vour favour, is peculiarly expressive of the grati- : I ide, confidence, and affection of the citizens of .'Vmerica, and is the highest testimonial at once of your merit, and their esteem. We are sensible, sir, that nothing Init the voice of your fellowciti- zens could have called you from a retreat, chosen with the fondest predilection, endeared by habit, and consecrated to the repose of declining years. Wc rejoice, and with us all x\merica, that, in obe- dience to the call of our common couiUrv, \ ou GKORGK WASHIX(rrON. 245 have returned once more to public life. In you all parties confide ; in you all interests unite ; and we have no doubt that your past services, great as they have been, will be equalled by your future exertions ; and that your prudence and sagacity as a statesman, will tend to avert the dangers to which we were exposed, to give stability to the present government, and dignity and splendour to that country, which your skill and valour as a sol(^cr, so eminently contributed to raise to fnde- penTience and to empire." The affection for the person and character of the president with which ihe imswer of the house of rej^resentatives glowed, promised that between this branch of the legislature also and the execu- tive, the most harmonious co-operation in the pub- lic service might be expected. " The representatives of the people of the Unit- ed States," says this address, " present their con- |:^ratulations on the event by which your fellowcit- izens have attested the pre-eminence of your mer- it. * You have long held the first place in their es- teem. You have often received tokens of llieir affection. You now possess the only proof that remained of their gratitude for your services, of their reverence for your wisdom, and of their con- fidence in your virtues. You enjoy the highest, because tlie truest honour, of being the first mag- istrate, by the unanimous choice of the freest peo- ple on the face of the earth. *' We well know the anxieties with which you must have obeyed the summons from the repose leserved for vour declining vears, into public 22^ 24-6 ' THE LIFE OF scenes of which you had taken your leave for ev- er. But obedience was due to the occasion. It is ah'cady applauded by the universal joy which welcomes you to your station. And we cannot doubt that it will be rewarded with all the satisfac- tion with which an ardent love for your fellowcit- izens must review successful efforts to promote their happiness. " This anticipation is not justified merely by the past experience of your signal services. It is Dar- ticularly suggested by the i)ious impressions uffier which you commence your administration ; and the enlightened maxims by which you mean to conduct it. We feel with you the strongest obli- gations to adore the invisible hand which has led the American peoj)le through so many difficulties ; to cherish a conscious responsibility for the desti- ny of republican liberty ; and to seek the only sure means of preserving and recommending the prec- ious deposit in a system of legislation founded on the principles of an honest policy, and directed by the spirit of a diffusive patriotism. •• *' In forming the pecuniary provisions for the executive department, v\e shall not lose sight of a wisli resulting from motives which give it a pecu- liar claim to our regard. Your resolution, in a moment critical to tlie liberties of your country, to renounce all personal emolument, was among the many presages of your patriotic services, which have been amply fulfilled ; and your scrupulous adherence now to tiie law then imposed on your- self, cannot fail to demonstrate the purity, Avhilst it increases the lustre of a character which has so many titles to admiration. \ GEOUGE VVASlflN'GTON. 247 " Such arc the sentiments with which we have thous^ht fit to address you. They flow froui our own hearts, and we verily beheve that among the miUions we represent, there is not a vntuous citi- zen whose heart will disown theuj. " All that remains is, that we join in your fer- vent supplications for the blcssiai^ of Heaven on oin- country ; and that we add our own for the choi.ccst of these blessings on the most beloved of her citizens." The president and Congress then attended on divine servifx. In the evening a very ingenious and splendid show of fireworks was exhibited. Betwixt the fort and the Bowling Green stood conspicuous, a superb and brilliant transj)arent painting, in the centre of which was the portrait of iJie president, rei:)resented under the emblem of Fortitude ; on his light hand was Justice, representing the Sen- ate of the United States, and on his left Wisdom, representing the House of Representatives. When Washington commenced his administra- tion, the condition of the United States was so embarrassed as to excite many fears for the suc- cess of the new government. The treasury was cmpt}\ Large debts were due both by the old Congress and individuals to foreigners, and also from the United States to its own citizens, and from citizens to citizens. Every effort made by the former government to pay, or even to fund its debts, had failed, from the imbecility of the feder- al system. Great discontents prevailed in the United States, ibr the party opposed to the new constitution was strong and numerous. Several 248 THE LIKE OF of these were elected to s(:ats in the new Congress. Sonic were clamorous for a new eonveiuion, and the most moderate for amendments of what had been ratified. Two states, North Carolina and Rhode Island, by refusinj^ an acceptance of the constitution, were without the pale of its opera- tions. Animosities prevailed to a great degree between the Ui\ited States and ( ireat Britain. Each clwrg- cd the other with a breach of their late treaty. In support of these charges, one party urged the seveiities practised toivard the loyalists, and that some of the states h.id interposed le,^al impedi- ments to the recovery of debts due to British sub- jects. The other recriminated b}- alleging, that the Briiish, on iheir departure from the United States, had carried off with them several thousands of negroes belonging to the Americans ; and con- timitd to possess sundry posts within the acknowl- edged limits of the United States ; and that from these posts they encouraged and instigated tiie neighbouring Indians to make war on their north- western frontier settlements. Spain, from the cir- cumstance of their owning the land on each side of the n'.outh of the Tviissisippi, claimed the exclu- sive navigation of that river; while the western inhabitants of the United States looked to their countr} for a \ indication of their common right to the use of this highway of nature. The boun- daries (>f the United States toward tlie territories of Spain in the south, and toward those of Britain in the northeast, were both unsettled and in dis- pute. The whole regular effective force of the United States, was less than six hundred mei>. GF.ORGE WASniNfJTON. 249 Their trade was restricted much more than when *ithey formed a part of the British empire. They had neither money to purcluise, nor a naval force to compel the friendship of the Barbary jjowers ; and were therefore exposed to capture whenever they ventured to trade in the Mediterranean, the coasts of whieli oiTered the best marlvcts for sonic of their valuable commodities. The military strength of the northern Indians who inhabited the country between the Lakes, the Missisippi, and the Ohio, was computed at five thousand men, and of these fifteen hvmdred were at open war with the United States. The Creeks, in the southwest, who could bring six thousand fighting men into the field, were at war with Geor- gia. These were but a part of the embarrassments under which the United States laboured when Gen. Washington was called to the helm. The redress of most of them required legislative interference, as well as executive aid. To point out the partic- ular agency of the president in removing these em- Ijarrassments, and generally meliorating the condi- tion of the United States, is peculiarly the prov- ince of the biograpiier of Washington. Congress having organized the great depart- ments of government, it beeame the duty of the president to designate proper persons to fill them. In discharging this delicate and difficult trust, Washington kept himself free from every engage- .ment, and uniformly declined giving decisive an- swers to applicants, having previously resolved to nominate persons to offices with a sole view to the public good, and to bring forward those who, up- 250 TllU XAVV. 01' on every consideration, and from tlic best informa- tion he could obtiin, were in his jndgment most' likely to answer the great end. Under these impressions he placed Col. Hamil- ton at the head of the Trcasnry Department. At the head of the Department of Foreign Af- fairs, lie placed Mr. Jefferson. General Knox was continned in the Depart- ment of War, which he had filled under the old Congress. The office of Attorney General was assigned to Mr. Kdmund Randolph. These composed the cabinet council of the first president. The judicial department was filled as fol- lows ; John Jay, of New York, Chief Justice. John Rutledge, of South Carolina, James Wilson, of Pennsylvania, William Cushing, of Massachusetts, Robert Harrison, of Maryland, and John Blair, of Viiginia, Assoc'iate Judges. The officers who had been appointed b\ the in- dividual states to manage the revenue, which, un- der the old system, was paid into the state treasu- ry, were reappointed to corresponding offices un- der the new constitution, by which the revenue h.id been transferred from the local to the general treasury of the union. It was among the first cares of Washington to inake peace with the Indians. Gen. Lincoln, Mr.. Griiliii, and Col. Humphreys, very soon after the inauguration of the ])resident, Avere deputed by him to treat with the Creek Indians. These met Gi:oUfiE WAsniNr;T()N. 251 with M'Gillvray, and oilier chiefs of tlic nation, with aboi^two tlioasand men, at the Rock Land- ing, on tlWfrontiers of Oeoiji^ia. The nei^otiations were soon br(jken o(f by M'' iillvray, whose per- sonal interests and connexion with Spain were sup- posed to have been the real cause of their abrupt and unsuccessful termination. The next year brought roufjd an accomphshment of the presi- dent's wishes, which had f.ilcd in the first attempt. Pohcy and interest concurred in recommending every prudent measure for detaching the Creek Indians from all connexion with the S[)inuards, and cementing their friendship with the United States. Negotiations carried on with them in the vicinity of the Spanisii settlements, promised less than ncgoti.itions conducted at the seat of govern- ment. To induce a disposition favourable to this change of place, the president sent Col. VVillet, a gallant and intelligent oIHcer of the late army, into the Creek country, ai)j)arently on private bu- siness, but with a letter of introduction to M'GilU vray, and with instructions to take occasional op- portunities to point out the distresses which a war with the United States would bring on the Creek. nation, and the indiscreti(jn of their breaking off the negoti ition at the Rock Landing ; and to ex- hort him to rep lir with the chiefs of his nation to New York, in order to effect a solid and lasting peace. Willet performed these duties with so much dexterity, that M'Gillvray, with the chiefs of his nation, were induced to come to New York, wiiere fresh negotiations commenced, which, on the 7th. of August, 1790, terminated in the estab- lishment of peace. 252 Tiin LiiK cn-^ The pacific overtures m:ulc by \Vashinp;toii to the liulians of the Wabash and th^Iiainis, failed of success. Long experience hM taui^ht the jM-esident, that on the faihue of ueg-orialions with Indians, poHcy, economy, and even human- ity, re([uired the eniployiuent of a sufficient force to carry offensive war into their country, and lay waste their settlements. The accomplishment of this was no easy matter. The Indian nations were numerous, accustomed to war, and not with- out discipline. They were said to be furnish- ed with arms and ammunition from the British posts held within the United States, in violation of the treaty of peace. Generals Harmar and Sin- clair were successively defeated by the Indians ; and four or five years elapsed before they were subdued. This was accomplished by Gen. A\^ayMe, in 1794. Soon after that event, a peace was concluded, under his auspices, between these Indians and the United States. In the progress of this last Indian war, repeated overtures ol peace were tnade to the North AVestern Indians, but rejected. About the same period a new system was commenced for turnint;!; them off from hunt- ing to the employments of civilized life, by fur- nishing them with implements and instructions for agriculture and manufactures. In this manner, durmg the Presidency of George Washington, peace was restored to the frontier settlements both in the north and southwest, which has continued ever since, and it is likely to do so, while, at the same time, the prospect of me- liorating the condition of the savages is daily brightening ; for the system first began by Wash- f.i:ORf;K WAS/fl.VGTOV. 253 ington with the view of civilizing these fierce sons of nature, have been ever since steadily pursued by all his successors. Indian wars are no\v only known from the records or recollection of past events ; and it is probable that the day is not far distant when the United States will receive a con- siderable accession of citizens from the civilized red men of the forest. • 23 254- THE LIFK OF ClIArTER XII. Cpn. Wasliinsloii attciuls to tJie forci2;n rohilions of tl«c Unileil Stntes. Nc^^oihUos wilh Si.aiii ... Uillicultics ill the way. ...The tVec nuvig;;*. tiou of the Missisippi is grantcil by a treaty miulc vith Vlajor Ph.ck- ney. ...Negotiations with ttritain DifTiculties in the way War j)robable."...Mr. Jay's mission His treaty with Great Bntain . ..Op- position thereto. ...Is ratifieil. ...Wasltinprton refuses papers to Mouse of Uepresentativcs....lJrilish posts in Uuitetl States evacuated. ..^Vgo- tiations with France.. ..Genet's aVrival. .. Assumes ille;,'al powers, iu Tioiation of the neulrMity of the United States.. ..Is flattered by the l.eople, but opposed by the executive Js recalled C.en. Pinckn.y sent as public minister to adjust disputes xvUh Ffance....ls not receiv- ed -Washington declines a re-election, and addresses the people. His last avidross to the national legislature . llQCOmmends a navy, a military academy, and other public institutions. Events which had taken place before the inaupjii- ration of Washir.i^-ton, embarrassed his ncgona- tions for the ndjustment of the political relations fcetweeu the United States and Spain. In the year 1779, Mr. Jay had been appointed by the old Cons^ress to make a treaty with his Catholic Majesty ; but his best endeavours ior I GEORGE WASHINGTON. 255' more than two years were ineffectual. In a fit of despondence, while the revolutionary war was pressing, he had been authorized to agree "to re- linquish, and in future forbear to use the navi- gation of the river Missisip])i, from the point where it leaves the United Suites, down to the ocean." After the war was ended, a majority of Con[;ress had agreed to barter away for twenty- five years, their claim to this navigation, A long^ and intricate negotiation between Mr. Gardoqui, the minister of his Catholic Majesty, and the Sec- retary of Foreign Affairs, had taken place at New York, in the interval between the establishment of peace and of the new constitution of the United States ; but was rendered aijortive from the inflex- ible adherence of Mr. Gardoqui to the exclusion of the citizens of the United States from navigat- ing the Missisippi below their southern boundary. This unyielding disposition of Spain, the inability of the United States to assert their claims to the navigation of this river, and especially the facility which the old Congress had shown to recede from it for a term of years, had soured the minds of tiie western settlers. Their impatience transported them so far beyond the bounds of policy, that tliey sometimes dropped hints of separating fron\ the Atlajuic States, and attaching diemselves to the Spariiards. In this critical state of things, the president found abundant exercise for all his pru- dence. The western inhabitants were, in fact^ thwarting his views in their favour, and encour- aging Spain to persist in refusing that free navi- gation, which was so ardently desired both by thi; 256 riii: LiFR OF president and the people. The adherence ol Spain to the exclusive use of the lower Missisip- pi, and the impolitic discontents of the western inhabitants, were not the only cnibarrassnients of Washington, in negotiating with the court of Ma- drid. In 1793, four Frenchmen left Philadelphia, em- powered by Mr. (tenet, the minister of tiie French Republic, to prepare an ex])edition in Kentucky against New Orleans. Si)ain, tiien at war with France, was at j^eace with the United States. Washington \\'as oOicially bound to interpose his authority to prevent the raising of an armed force from among his fellowcitizcns to commit hostili- ties on a peaceable neighbouring power. Orders were accordingly given to the civil authority in Kentucky, to use all legal means to prevent this expedition ; but the execution of these orders was so languid, that it became necessary to call in the aid of the regular army. Gen. Wayne was ordered to establish a military post at Fort Mas- vsac on the Ohio, for the purpose of forcibly stop- ping any body of armed men, who, in opposition to remonstrances, should persist in going down that river. Many of the high spirited Kentuckians were so exasperated against the Spaniards, as to be very willing to second the views of the French minis- ter, and under his auspices to attack New Orleans. The navigation of the Missisippi was so necessa- ry for conveying to projier markets the surplus- age of their luxuriant soil, that to gain this privi- lege, others were willing to receive it from the hands of the Spaniards at the price of renouncing <5E0RGE WASHINGTON. 257 all political connexion vvilli tlie United States. While tiicjiC opposite modes of seeking u remedy for the same evil were pursuing by persons of dif- ferent temperaments, a remonstrance from the in- habitants of Kentucky was presented to :'• ashing- ton and Congress. This demanded the use of the Missisip])i as a natural riglir, and at the same time charged the government xvitli being under the in- fluence of a local policy, which had prevented all serious efforts for the acquisition of a right which was essentiil to the prosperity of the western peo- ple. It spoke the language of an injured people, irritated by the maladnunistration of their public servants ; and hinted the probability of a dismem- berment of the u5jion, if their natural lights were not vindicated by government. To appease these discontents ; to restrain the French from making war on the Spaniards with a force raist.d and em- bodied in the United States ; and at the same time, by fair negotiation, to obtain tlie free use of the Missisi})pi from the court of Madrid, was the task assigned to VVash^ng.on. Diffieult and deli- cate as it was, the whole was accomplished. An- terior to the receipt of the Kentucky remonstrance, the j)rebident, well knowing the discontents of the interior people, and that the publication of them would obstruct his views, iiad f jrected the Secre- tary of State to give assuraiices to tlic Governor of Kentucky, that every exertion was making to obtain lor the vvehjtent people the free navigation they so Uiuch desired. The strong arm of gov- ernment was successfully exeittd to fiustrate the expedition pnjectecl by the French mii.ister' against New Orleans ; and, while these muttgrs^ 23* 258 riiK LIFE or were pending, Major Thomas Pinckney was ap pointed envoy extraordinary to the court of Ma drid ; and in the year 1795. he conckided a treaty with his CathoHc Majesty, in which the claims of the United States on the subject of boundary, and the navigation of the Missisippi, were fully con- ceded. By these events, the discontents of the western people were done away. Tranquillity was restored between the Athmtic and western states ; and all points in controversy between the United States and Spain were satisfactorily ad- justed. The most important of these, the free navigation of the Missisippi, had been the subject of discussion in the hands of different negotiators, for almost the whole of the i«miediately preceding fifteen years. Great were the difficulties Washington had to cjicouwter in amicably settling all matters with Spain ; but much greater stood in the way of a peaceable adjustment of various grounds of con- troversy between the United States and Great Britain. Each of these two nations charged the other with a breach of the treaty of ])eac.e, in 1783, and each supported the charge against die otiier, with more solid arguments than either alleged in their ow^n defence. The peace terminated the calamities of the war, but was far from terminating the resentments whieh were excited by it. Maiiy in the United States believed that Great Britain was their natur- al enemy, and that her views of subjecting the United States to her empire, were only for the present suspended. Soon after the peace, Mr. OIuORM: \VASliINr,TOX. 25 S John Adams liad been deputed by the old Con- gress to ricgoliaic a treaty between the United States and Great liiitain ; l)Ut tlie latter declined to meet this advance of the former. Wlnlc he ur^i d on the court of Great Britain, the necessi- ty they were under by the late treaty to evacuate their |)osts on the south side of the lakes of Cana- da, they retorted tJiat some of the states had, in violation of the same treaty, passed laws interpos- hvr Icj^al impedi'nents to the recovery of debts due to Britisii suljjects. VVashinjijton's love of justice was not weaken- ed by partiality to his country. In a letter to fi member of Congress, he observed, *' It was im- politic and unfortunate, if not unjust, in those states to pass laws, which, by fair construction, might be considered as infractions of the treaty of peace. It is good policy at all times, to place one's adver- sary in the wrong. Had we observed good faith, and the western posts had ixen withheld from us by Great Britain, we might have appealed to God and man for justice." " What a misfortune is it," said he, in another letter, " that the British should have so well grounded a pretext for their jjalpable infractions ; and what a disgraceful part, out of tlie choice of difficulties before us, arc we to act I" In the first years of VV^tshington's presidency, he took informal measures to sound the British cabinet, and to ascertain its views respecting the United States. To Mr Gouverneur Morris, who had been carried by private business to Kurope, this negotiation was intrusted. He conducted it with ability ; but found no disposition in the court 260 TIIF- r.TFF- OP of GrcMt Britain to acctcle to the wishes of the United Stutcs. In about two 3 cms hiore, when the stability and eiitrjj^y of the j^ovcrniiient as ad- ministered by Washinji^ion became a matter of public notoriety, the British, of their own motion, sent Mr. Hanimond, their first minister to the United States. 'I'his advance induced the presi- dent to nominate Mr.vTliomas Pinckniy as min- ister plenipotentiaiy to the court of Great Brit- ain. About this time warconimenced between France and Great Britain. The correct, sound judg;ment f)i Washington instantl\ dt cided that a perfect neu- tj-ality was the right, the duty, and the interest of the United States, and of this he ^ave public no- tice by a proclaiuation, in April, 1793. Subse- quent events have proved the wisdom of this uieas- int, though it was then reprobated by many. The war ioctween the late enemies and friends of the United Slates, revived revolutionary feelings in the breasts of the citizens, and inlisted the strongest passions of human nature against the one, and in favour of the other. A wish for the suc- cess of l' ranee was almost universal ; and nitiny were willing to hazard the peace of their country, by taking an active part in the war in her favour. The proc[^imation was at variance with the feel- ings and the passions of a large portion of the cit- izens. To compel the observance of neutrality under these eircuuislances, was no easy matter. Hitherto Wushington had the people with him ; but in this case a large proj)ortion was on the other side. His resolution Was nevertheless un- shaken ; and at the risk of popuhu ity he persisted GK0R(;K WASHINGTON. 2G1 ill promoting the real ,qood of his fcllowcitizens, in oppobilion to their own mistaken wishes and Aicws. The tide of popular opinion ran as strongly against Britain as in favour (if France. Tlie form- er was accused of instigaiins^,' tlie Indians to acts of hostility at^ainst the United States ; of impress- ing their sailors ; of illegally capturing their ships ; and of stirring up the Algerines against them. The whole of this hostility was referred to a jeal- ousy of the growing importance of the United States. Motions were made in Congress for se- questering debts due to British sul>jccls ; for en- tering into commercial hostility witli Great Britain, and even for interdicting all intercourse with her, till she pursued other measures with respect to the United States. Every appearance portended im- mediate war between the two countries. The pas- sionate admirers of France wished for it ; while others, more attached to 13ritish systems, dreaded a war witli Great Britain, as being likely to throw the United States into the arms of France. In this state of things, when war seemed iiievitable, the president composed the troubled scene by nom- inating John Jay, in April, 1794, envoy extraor- dinary to the court of London. By this meas- ure a truce was obtained, and that fmaHy ended in an adjustmciit of the points in controversy be- tween the two countries. The exercise of the constitutional right of the president to negotiate, virtually suspended all hostile legislative meas- ures ; for these could not with delicacy or propri- ety be urged, while the executive was in the act of trealingfor an amicable Luljustmeutof differences. 262 THE LIFE OF A treaty between the United States and Grcafi Britain was the result of this niission. This was; pronounced by Mr. Jay, " to be tlie best that was; attainable, and which lie bclii ved it lor the inter- est of the United States to accept." Wliile thej treaty was before the Senate for consitlcration, at member, contrary to the rules of tl^it body, fur- ! nished an editor of a newspaper with a copy of it.! This beiiii;' published, operated like a spark of iire applied to combust-ble m:-.lena!s. The ang;ry pas- sions which foi some short tniie had been smoth-i ered, broke out ;iiVesh. Some went to far us to; pronounce the treaty a surrender of their powcri| to their late ene-ny, Great BriUiin, and a derelic-| tiou ci then- tried friend and ally, France. Thej nice iv.-xierir-e sa'd, tlut foo inueli was '^iven, and too liitic received. Meetinos of the people were held at Boston, !Tevv York, Philadelphia, Balti- more, Charleston, and several other places, in which t!:e treaty wae ]^ronounced to be unworthy, oi' accejtance, -iid petiaoac \\ere aj^reed upon and for^varded to tMe president, urging hini to re- fuse his signature to the obnoxious instrument. 'i'hcse agitations furnishc-.d matter for serious reflection to the president, but th.ey did not affect his conduct, though they induced a reiterated ex- amination of t'ne subject. In a private letter to a friend, aftFi- reciting the importance of the erisis,j he adcied, " There is but one straight course, audi that is to seek truth and to pursue it steadily."! It is probable that he had early n.ade up his mind to ratify tiie treaty as belter than none, and infiJ' nitely better than war ; but regretted that it was so g'enerall}- disliked, and considered by manV cts r.EORGK WASm.VOTON. 263 made with a design to oj)press the French Repub- lic. Under the wcii^hi of his high respons biiity, he consoled himself, '' that in time when passion shall have yiek!ed to reason, the current may pos- sibly turn." Peace with all the world vvas his pol- ic\ , where it could be preserved with honour. War he considered as an evil of such magnitude, as in ver to be entered upon without the most im- pel ious necessity. The mission of Mr. Jay M^ h's last effort for the prer>ervation of peace \mn Grtui Biiuiin. The rejection of the treaty which resulted from this mission, he considered as the harbinger of war ; for negotiation having failed to redress grievances, no aliernative but war was left-. By tills prudent conduct, the rising states were preserved in peace, but the bickerings of the cit- izens among themselves, and their animosities agiinst Great Britain, still continued. The pop- ularity of tiic president for the present was ditian- ished ; but on tins he had counted. In a letter to Gen. Knox, he observes, " Next to a conscien- tious discharge of my public duties, to carry along with me the approi:)atlon of my constituents, would be the highest gratification of which my mind is susceptible. But the latter being secondary, I cannot make the tormer yield to it, unless some criterion more infallible than partial, if they are not party, meetings, can be dise.ovcied as the touchstone of public sentiment. If any person oil earth could, or the Great Power above would erect the standard of intcillibihty in political opin- ions, no being that inljahi's this t<. rrestrial globe, would resort to it with inore eagerness than my- ^64 THE LIFE OF Belf, SO long as I remain a servant of the piibilc. But as I have hitherto found no better guide than upright intentions, and close investigation, I shall adhere to them while I keep the watch." After the treaty was duly ratified, an attempt was made to render it a dead letter, by refusing the appropriations of money necessary to carry it into eflVct. Preparatory to this, a motion was iimle for the adoption of a resolution to request the president to lay before the House of Repre- sentatives a copy of his instructions to Mr. Jay, together with the correspondence and other docu- ments relative to the treaty with Great Britain. This involved a new question, where the treaty making power was constitutionally lodged ? The debate was animated and vehement. Appeals were made both to reason and passion. After a discus- sion of more than twenty days, the motion was carried in the affirmative by a majority of twenty five votes. When the resolution was presented to the president, he rei)lied, " That he would take time to consider it." His situation was peculiar- ly delicate ; the passions of the people were strong- ly excited against the treaty ; the popularity of the demand being solely for information ; the large majority by which the vote was carried ; the sus- picions that would probably attach in case of re- fusal, that circumstances had occurred in the course of the negotiation which the president was afraid to publish, added to other weighty considerations, would have induced minds of an ordinary texture, to yield to the request. With Washington, pop- ularity was only a secondary object. To follow N GEOr.GE WASHINGTON. 266 the path of duty and the public good was a prima- ry one. He h id sworn to " preserve, protect, and defend the constitution."" In his opinion the trea- ty makini^ power was exckisively given by the peojile in convention to the executive, and that the public good required that it should \yc so exer- cised. Under the irifiuence of these solemn obli- gations, he returned the following answer to the resolutiion which had been prescnied to Imn. " Gentl3men of the Iktine of I?fpresi'!i!r,tivrii, *' With the utmost attention I have considered your resolution of the 24t.h. inst. requesting me to lay before your house a copy of the instructions 'to the mniister of the United Srates, who negoti- ated the treaty W'th the kiiig of Great Briuin, to- gether with the correspondence and other docu* ments relative to that treaty, excepting such of the said papers as any existing negotiation may ren- der improper to be disclosed. *' In deliberating upon this subject, it was im- possible for me to lose sight of the principle which sonie have avowed in its discussion, or to avoid extending my views to the con a qiienees which i, must flow from the admission of triat principle. [ " I trust that no part of my conduct has ever indicated a disposition to v/ithhold any informa- tion which the constitution has enjoined it upon the president as a duty to give, or which could be required of him by either house of Congress as a right ; and with truth 1 affirm, that it has been, ias it will continue to be, while I have the honour to preside in the government, my constant endeav- our to iiarmoiuze with the other brunches thereof 24 266 THE UFE OF SO for as the trust delegated to me by the people of the United States, and my sense of the obhi^a- tion it imposes, * to preserve, proteet, and defend the constitution,' will permit. " The nature of foreii^n nei^otutions requires ^ith great pow- ers ; for on the equal participation of those pow- ers, the sovereignty and political safety of the smaller states were deen-sed essentially to depend. " If other proofs tlian these, and the plain letter of the constitution itself, be necessary to ascertain tlie point ur.der cor^sideration, they may be found m the journals of the genfrcu cori^crilion., which I have deposited ia tlie olTice of the department of state. In these journals it will appear that a prop- osition was made ' thait no treaty should be bind- ing on the United States which was not ratified by a law ;' aiid tliat the pi-oposiliou was explicit- ly rejected. "■ As therefore it is pcifectly clear to my under- stuivJin;;-, dust the assent of the House of Repre- sentatives is not necessary to the validity of a trea- GE'OIcGE WASHINGTON. 260 ty ; as the treaty vvith Great Britain exhibits in it- self ail the objects requiriiiiJ^ IcL^rjlaiivc provision, ■ and on these the pajjers called for can throw no light ; and as it is essential to the due administra- tion of the government, that the boundaries iixed by the constitution between the different depart- ments should be preserved ; a just regard to the constitution and to the duty of my office, under all the circn instances of this case, forbid a compliance witli your request." Though the call for papers v/as unsuccessful, the f-ivourers of the resolution for that purpose op- posed ihe appropriations necessary to carry the treaty into effect ; but, from the firmness of the president, the ground was altered. 'I'he treaty was ratified, and proclaimed to the public as coiistiui- tionally obligatory on the citizens. To refuse ap- propriations for can} ing it into efilrct, would riot only incur the high responsibility,' oi breaking tne public iaith, but make a schism in the goveriimcnt between the executive and legislative depart. nenis. After long and vehement debates, in which a. ga- nient and passion were both resorted to, witii lae view of exposing the mer ts and deuierits of ilie treaty, the, resolution for bringing iiithe law;, nec- essary to carry it into effect, was carried by a sna- j.ority of three. Tnougli m thisd;^ioussion vVish- ington had no direct agency, yet the fi.ial resuii in favour of the treaty 'vas the consequence of the measures he had previously ado))ied. For iuiving ratified the treaty and. pu binned it to tlie world as the luw of the land, a icl iiavi ig in his answer to Ihe request of tne House of iiepresCiitatives, prov-- 270 THK TJFR OP cd that lie had a constitiuional right so to do, tho! laws necessary for Lnvinji; t(il'i:t to the treat} , could not be withheld without iiazardiiig tlic most seri- ous consequences. The treaty which was thus carried into opera- tion, ])roduced more good and less evil than was apprehended. It coMi]Momiscd ancient diiFcrcn- ces, produced amicable dispositions, and a friend- ly imercoursc. It brought round a j)caceable sur- render of the British posts, and compensation for Aincrican vessels illegally captured. Though it gave up some fovoviritc principles, and souk- of its articles relative to commerce, were deemed un- equal, yet from Britain, as a great naval power, holding valuable colonies and foreign possessions, notliing bettor, cither with or without the treaty, could have been obt;iincd. After the lapse of ten years has cooled the mipds both of the friends and enemies of the treaty, most men will acknowledge that the measures adopted by Washington with respect to it were fbunded m wisdom ; proceeded from the purest patriot- ism ; were carried liirough with uncommon lirni- ness ; and finally eventuated in advanciiig tiie in- terests of his covmtry. Thorny and diiTicult as was the line of policy- proper to be pursued by Washington with res[iect to Britain, it was much more Bo in regard to France. Tlic revolution in France, and the estab- lishment of tJK^ constitution of the United States, were nearly coten^porary events. 'J'ill about the year 1793, perfect harmony subsisted l)etween the two «ountries ; but fi'ora the commencement of GEOnGR WASTITNGTOI^: ^71 the war l)ct\vccn France and England, the great- est address was recjiiisite to prevent the United St.iies from Ixing involved in war with one or the other, and sonietinies with both. Good will to France, and hatred to Biitiiin, which had prevail- ed more or less from the peace oi' 1783, revived with a great increase of force on the breaking out of war between the two countries. These dispo- sitions were greatly increased by the arrival of Mr. Genet, the first minister plenipotentiary from the rej)nblic of France to the United States. He land- ed April 8th. 1793, at Charleston, H. C. the con- tiguity of which to the West Indies, fitted it to be a convenient resort for privateers. By the Gov- ' rnor of the state, Wm. Moultrie, and the citi- zens, he was received with ardour approaciiing to enthusiasm." During his stay, wlncli was for sev- eral days, he received unecjui vocal proofs of the warmest attachment to his person, his country, and its cause. F.ncounfged by these evidences of the good wishes of the people for the success of die French revolution, he undertook to authorize the fitting and anting of vessels in that [)ort, inlistrng men, and giving commissions to vessels to cruise and conimii hostilities on nations vviUi whom the United States were at peace, 'i'he captures made by tliese cruisers were to be tried, condemned, ;ind sold, under the authority of Cienet, who had not yet been recognised as a public minister by the govenimO.i-. Similar marks of enthusiastic attachment were lavished on Genet as he passed through the coun- try between Charleston and Philadelphiii. At Gray's lerry, over the Schuylkill, he was met by 272 TFIF, UFR 01? crowds who flocked to do honour to the first am- bassador oF a republican alliid nation. On the day after his arrival in PiuLukljihia, he re eeived addresses from societies and ihe inhabitants, who expressed their gratitude for the aids fuinislud by the French nation to the United Stales in their late Strui^gle for liberty and indejxndence, and un- bounded exultation at the success of the French arms, (icnet's ansv\ers to these addresses v\ere Avell calculated to preserve tlie idea of a complete fraternity between the two nations, and that their interests wetciupi)i'arios, the worM VOuUI have sui)ii)stil that the latlci- had the former in liis eve, when he penned his tani»us ode — "Justiitn i^ touaconi iiropositi virura Noil oiviuai aidi)r jM-ava jubonlium, Noil vultiis iiisiai.iis t> i-ami Me«le qiiatit solida ." .hOi;(.K vvasi:;n(.i (>.v. 277 r.onflict to defend It ; having, in a word, devoted the Ix-st years of my life to secure its permanent establishment in my own country ; my anxious recollections ; my sympathetic feelings ; and my best wishes, are irresistibly attracted, whensoever, in any country, I sec an oppressed nation inifurl the banners of freedom. But above all, the events of the French revolution have produced the deep- est solicitude, as well as the hitjhest admiration. To call your nation brave, were to pronounce but common praise. Wonderful peo|)le ! ages to come will read with astonishment the history of * our brilliant exploits. I rrjoice that the period /jf your toils and of your immense sacrifices is approach- ing. I rejoice that the interesting revolutionary movements of so many years have issue d in the formation of a constitution designed to give per- manency to the gre.it oljject for which you have contended. I rejoice that liberty, which you have -so loi]g embraced uiih enthusiasm; liberty, of which you have Ixen the invincible defenders, now fnidsan asylum in the bosom of a regularly organ- iz(;d government ; a govermnent, whirh, being formed to secure the happiness of the French peo- ple, corresponds w th the ardent wisiies of my heart, while it graiifi';s the pride ol ev^ry citizen of the United States by its resemblance to tlieir own. On these glorious events, accept, sir, my sincere congratulations. *' In delivering to you these sentiments, I ex- press not my own feelings only, but those of my fellowcitizens, in relulion to tlie commencement, the progress and the issue, of the French revolu- tion ; and they will certainly join with me in pur- 25 2TS THE LIFE OF est wisIks to the Supreme Being, that the citi-^cns of our sister Republic, our magnaiiinious allies, may soon enjoy in peace thai liberty vvhieli they have purchased at so great a price, aud all the hap. piness that liberty can bestow. " I receive, sir, with lively sensibility, the sym- bol of the triumphb and of the infranchiseinents of your nation, the colours of France, which you have row presented to .the United Stares. 'J he trans- action will be announced to Congress, and the col- ours will be deposited with the archives of the United States, n hich are at once the exidence and the mcnionals of their freedo.naiid independence. May these be jktjk tual ! and may the IViep.dship of the two republics be connnensurate with their ex- istence!" ' The successors of Genet continued to tread in his steps, but with less violence. The}- made fre- quent complaints of particular cases of hardship which grew out of tl^e war, and out of the rules whioh had been established l)y tile executive with regard to ships of war, cruisers, and their prizes. Tiiey complained particularly tliat in the treaty with Great Britain, the priijciple of " free ships making free goods," was given up ; and urged the injustice, while FrciK'h cruisers were restrained by treaty from taking English goods out of American bottoms, that English cruisers should be liberated from the same restraint. In vain did the execu- tive show a willingness to release France from the pressure of a situation in which she had vohmta- rily placed herself. Private explanations were made, that neither the late treaty made with Brit- ain, nor the arrangements growing out oi' it, lur- nishc'd any real cause of complaint to France. With the same conciliatory view, Washinj^on ap- pointed Gen. l^inckney minibter plenipotentiury to the IVeifch republic, " to maintain tliat good un- derstanding, vvl)ich, from the commencement of the alliance, had subsisted between the two na- tions, and to efface uiil'avourable impressions, ban- ish suspicion, and restore that cordiality which, was at once the evidence and pledge of a friendly uition." The Directory having inspected his let- terof credence, announced their haughty deter- iTiinationy^*' not to receive another minister from the United Slates, until after a redress of grievan- ces demanded of the American government, which the French re[)ubiic had a right toexj)ect from it." "i his was followed by a written mandate to Gen. Pinckney, to quit the territories of the republic. 'I'c) complete the system of hostility, American vessels, wherever found, were captured by French cruisers. From tliis mission Washington expected an -ad- justment of all points in drspute between J'V^'ice and the Uiiiled States. In Ins opinion, the failure of it was owing to a belief that the American peo- ple were in unison with France, imd jn opposition to tlieir own government ; and that high toned measures (jn the part of Frcincf, would induce a char.ge of rulers in the United Slates. Befoie the lesuk ot the mission was known, VVashinglon had at his owji request ceased to be president, iiav- ing made peace with the Indians, and udju ;ted alt matters in dispute with both Spain and Jiritain, and hoping that an accommodation would soon take place with France, alter eigljt }ears service 280 THE UFE OF in the high office of president, at the eomnnenee- ment of which period he Jfound the United States in a miserable state of depression, and at its con- cUision, left them advancing with gigantic steps in agriculture, commerce, wealth, credit, and rep- utation, and being in the sixty sixth year of his age; he announced his intention of declining a re- election, in full time for the people to make up their mind in the choice of his successor. This was done in an address to the people of the Unit- ed States in the following words ; " Friends and Fello-.ucitizens, " The period for a new election of a citizen to- administer the executive government of the Unit- ed States being not far distant, and the time ac- tually arrived when your thoughts must be em- ployed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprize you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom ihe choice is to be made. " I beg you at the same ti;ne to do me the jus- tice to be assured, that tiiis resolution has not been taken, without a strict regard to all the considera- tions appertaiijing to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country ; and that in with- drawing the tender ol service, which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no dim- inution of zeal for your future interest ; no defi- ciency of grateful respect for your past kindness ; GEORGE WASHINGTON-. 281 but am supported by a full conviction, that the step is compatible with both. '* The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the ofiice to which your suffrages have twice called me, liave been an uniform sacrifice of incli- nation to the opinion of duty, and to a deference for Vv Ikit appeared to be your desire. I constantly hoj^ed that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement from which I had been reluctantly drawn. The strengdi of my incliiialion to do this, previous to the last election, liad even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you' ; but mature re- flection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the unani- mous advice of persons entitled to my confidence, impelled me to abandon the idcip " I rejoice that the state ^^ your concerns, ex- ternal as well as internal, no long-r renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible vvith the senti- ment of duly or propriety ; and am persuaded whatever partiality may be retained for my servi- ces, that in the present circumstances of our coun- try, you will not disapprove of my determination to retire. • " The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust, were explained on the proi)er occasion. In the discharge of this trust I will on- ly say, that 1 have, with good intentions, contrib-- uted toward the organization and adm nistration of the governnient, the best exertionb of whi< h a very fallible judgtneut was caoubie. Not uncon- '25* 282 THK LIFK OF scious, in the outset, of the inferiority of my qual- ifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself; and every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more, that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Siitisfied that if any circumstances have given peculiar val- ue to ray services, they were temporary, I have the consolation to believe, that while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, pat- riotism does not forbid it. " In looking forward to the moment which is to terminate tlie career of my political life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep ac- kno^\ledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved coutitry, for the many honours it has conferred i^oon me ; still more for the stead- fast confidence ^nth"%vhicll it has supported me ; and for the opportunitfes I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and persevenrsg, though in usefulness un- equal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country fion\ these services, kt it always be re- membered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals^ that under circumstances in which the passions, iigitatcd in every direction, were liable to mislead ; amidst appearances some- tin.cs dubious ; vicissitudes of fortune often diS- couragmg ; in situations m which not unfrequent- ly want of success has countenanced the spirit of cr t c sm ; the constancy of your support was the essent al prop of the efforts and a guarantee of the plans by which they were eflected. Profoundly GEOIIGK WASHINGTON. s83 penetrated with this idea, I shall carn^ it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing wishes, that heaven may contmne to you the choic- est tokens of its beneficence ; that your union and brotherly afiection may be perpetual ; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained ; tliat its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue ; that, in fine, the happiness of the peo- ple of these states, under the auspices of liberty^ may be made complete, by so careful a preserva- tion and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will acquire to diem the glory of recommending it to the applause, the afiection, and the adoption, of ev- ery nation which is yet a stranger to it. " Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solic- itude for your welfare, which cannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger natural to that solicitude, urge me, on an occasion like the present, to ofier to your solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments, which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and winch ap- pear to me §.\[ important to the permanency of your felicity as a people. These will be ottered to you vvidi the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested warningsof a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his counsel. Nor can I forget, as an en- couragement to it, your indulgent reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar oc- casion. " Interwoven as is the love of liberty with ev- ery ligament of your hearts, no recommendaiion 284 THE LIFIi OF of mine is necessary to fortify or confii-m the at- tacliiiK'iU. " The unity of government, which constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so ; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence ; the support of your tran- quillity at home ; your peace abroad ; of your safe- ty, of your prosperity ; of that very liberty which you so higlily prize. But as it is easy to foresee, that from ditlcrent causes and from different quar- ters, mucli pains will be taken, many artifices em- ployed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth ; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of iiiternal and external enemies will be most constantly and ac- tively, though often covertly and insidiously, di- rected, it is of inlinite moment, that you should properly estimate the immense value of your na- tional union, to your collective and individual happiness ; that you should cherish a cordial, ha- bitual, and innnoveable attachment to it ; accus- toming \ ourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your- political safety and pros- perity ; watchiiig for its pi eservatio!* with jealous anxiety ; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be aban- doned ; and indignantly frowning upon the first dasvning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our countcy from the rest, or to enfeel)le the sacred ties which now link together the various parts. " For this you have every inducement of sym- pathy and interest. Ciiizc iis by biilii or choice of a common country, that country has a right to / CE(jKCL WASHINGTON. 285 concentrate your affections. The name of Amer- ican, which belongs to you in your national ca- pacity, must alwa} s exalt the just pride of patriot- ism," more tlian any appellation derived from local discriminations, \Viih slii^ht shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess, are the work of joint coun- cils, and joint efforts ; of commoir dangers, suffer- ings, and successes. " But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those which apply more immediately to your interest. Here every portion of our country finds the most commanding mo- tives for carefully guarding and preserving the un- ion of the whole. " The north, in an unrestrained intercourse with the south, protected by the equal laws of a com- mon government, finds in the productions of the latter, great additional resources of maritime and commercial enterprise, and precious materials of manufacturing industry.. The south in tiie same intercourse, benefiting by the agency of the northy sees its agriculture grcnv and its commerce expi-.nd^ Turning partly into its own channels the 5/ amen of the north, it finds its parti'-ular navigation in- vigorated ; and while it contributes, in different ways, to nourish aiid increase the general mass of the national navigation, it looks forward to the pro- tection of a maritime strength, to whicli i'.sclf is vihequaliy adapted. The tcist, in like intercourse with the xvest^ already finds, and in the progress^ 286 - r[jR LUE OF ive improvement of interior communications, by land suid water, will more and more find a valua- ble vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad, or manufactures at home. The west de- rives from the east supphes requisite to its growth and comibrt ; and what is perhaps of still greater consequence, it must of necessit} owe the secure enjoyment of indispensable outlets for- its own productions, to the weight, influence, and the fu- ture maritime strength of the Adantic side of the union, directed by an indissoluble community of interest as one nation. Any other tenure by winch the xvest can hold this essentiiil advantage, wheth-' er derived from its own separate strength, or from an apostate and unnatural comiexion with any foreign power, must be intrinsically precari- ous. "While then every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in union, all the parts combined cannot foil to find in the united mass of means and CiTorts, greater strength, greater resource, proportidnably greater security from external danger, a less frequent interruption of their i-eace by foreign nations ; and, what is of inestimable value, they must derive from union an exemption from those broils and v.-ars between themselves winch so frequently ufiiict neighbour- ing countries, not tied together by the same gov- ermnent ; which their own rivalsiiips alone would be suilicient to produee ; but whlcii oj^posite for- eign alliances, attachments, and intrigues, would stimulate and embitter. Hence likewise they will a\ Old the necessity of those overgrown military esiabiisiuiients, which, under any form of govern- GEOTIGE WASIIIXGTON. 287 ment, are inauspicious to liberty, and wluch are to be rcgiirdcd its particularly hostile to republican liberty. In this sense it is, that your union ought to be considered as a ma'n prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other. *' These considerations speak a persuasive lan- guac^e to every rejecting and virtuous mind, and exhibit the continuance oi" the union as a primary object of patriotic des.re. Is there a doubt wheth- er a common government can embrace so large a sphere ? Let experience solve it. To listen to mere speculation in such a case vv^ere criminal. Wc are authorized to hope that a proper organi- zat-on of the whole, with the auxiliary agency of governments for the respective subdivisions, will afford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well worth a fair and full experiment. With such, pow- erful and obvious mot.ves to union, affecting all pans of our country, while experience shall not have demonstrated its impracticability, ||iere w.ll always be reason to distrust the patriotism 6i iliose U'ho, in any quarter, may endeavour to weaken its bands. " In contemplating the causes which may dis- turb our union, it occurs as matter of serious con- cern, that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by geogiaphical discrim- inations ; northcin and southtrn ; Atlantic and ivestern ; whence designing men may endeavour to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, withm particL;lar dis- tricts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of ^oii THE LIFE OF othcr districts. You cannot sliield yourselves too much against the jealous.es and heartburnings which sprang from these misrepresentations ; tliey tend to render alien to each other, those who ought to he l)ound together by fraternal aftection. The inhabitants of our western country have lately had a useful lesson on this head. The\ have seen, in the negotiat.on by the executive, and in the unan- imous ratification by the senate, of the treaty with Spain, and in tlie universal satisfaction at that event throughout the United States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the suspicions propagated among them of a policy in the general goveriuuent, and jn the Atlantic states, unfriendly to their in- terests m regard to tlie Missisippi. They have been vvitnesses to the formation of two treaties, that with Great Britain and that with Spain, which secure to thcin every thing they could dcsi)e, in respect to our foreign relations, toward confirm- ing tlieir prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely ^r the preservation of these advantages on the union bv which they were procured ? Will they not henceforth be deaf t* • those advisers, if such there are, who would sever them from their brethren, and connect them with aliens '? " To the efficacy and permanency of your un- ion, a government for the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however stnct, between the parts can be an adecjuate substitute ; they must inevita- bly experience die infractions and interruptions which all alliances in all times have experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth you have im- prowd upon your first essa} , by tlie adoption of a constitution of government, better calculated than OKCRGK WASIIINXTON. '2irit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its loot in the strongest pas- sions of the human mir.d. It exists under differ- ent shipes in all governments, more or less stiiiedj controlled, or repressed ; but in those of the pop- ular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy. *• The alternate domiaati- i of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, nat- ural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has jx-rpetrated the most hornd cnormilies, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at Icngih to a more formal and perma^ 292 Dent despotism. Tl^.e disorders and mibcries which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual ; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortu- Hate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of pui)lic liberty. " WiUiout locking forward to an extremity of ^"lis kind, v/hich nevertheless ought not to be en- tirely out of sight, the common and continual mis- chiefs of the spirit of party, are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a w ise people to discour- age and restaiin it. " It serves always to distract the public coun- cils, and ejifeeble the public administration. It agitates the commui^.ity with ill founded jealousies and false alarms ; kindles the animosity of one part against another ; foments occasional riot aicd insun-ection. It opens the door to foreign influ- ence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself, tlirough the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country, 'are su!>jected to the policy and will of another. " There is an opinion that parlies in free coun- tries are useful cliecks upon the administration of the government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. Thii^^, within certain limits, is proba- bly true ; and in governments of a monarcl.ical cast, patriotisn'i ma}' look witlrindLslp^cnce, if not witli favour, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular ehiiracler, in governments purely elective, it is a sjnrit not to be encouraged, l^rom GEORHE W\SIiiXr;TON'. 293 their natural tendency, it h certain there will al- ways i)e cnoufrh of that spirit for every sahitary purpose. Ai id there behvjr constant daiif^er of ex- cess, tlie elTort ought to be, by force of public opin- ion, to mitigate and assuage it, *A fire not to be quenched, it donands a uniform vigilance to pre- vent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warm- ing, it should consume. ' It is important, likewise, tliat the habits of thinking, in a free country, should inspire caution in those intrusted wiih its administration, to con- fine themselves within their respective constitu- tional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the pow- ers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encro.ichujent tends to consohd.ite the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of pow- er, and proneness to abuse it, vvh.ch predominate in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. The necessity of recip- rocal checks in the exercise of political jjower, by dividing and d stributing it into diflereni dcj)osi- tories, and constituting each the gu irrlian of the pu;;hc weal agiinst invasions of the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern ; some of ihe(n in oiu" country and imder our own eyes. To preserve the.n must be as necessary as to institute^ them. If, in the opinion of the peo- ple, the distribution or modilic ition of tile consti- tutional powers, be in any particular wrong, U-t it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the coiistiinrion designates. But let there b- no- thange by usurpation ; for tliough this, in one iii.^- 26-* 294 1 iJ.S LTFI-l 01' Stance, liuiy l)e the instrument of good, It la the custosnary weapon by which Tree g'overnuients are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent e\il, r.ny partial or transient benefit which the use can at any lime yield. " Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are iiidi-spcnsabie supports, in vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labour to subvert tliese great pillars of human happiness; these firmest props of the duties of men and citi- zens. The mere politician, equally with the pi- ous man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, where is the securiiy for property, for rep- utation, for life, if the sense of religious ohlii^-atioii desert the oaths, which are the instruments of in- A'estigation in courts of justiee ? And let us with caution indulge the suj)posjtion, that morality can be maiiuained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the inrmence of refined education on ir.inds of peculiar structure, reason and expe- rience both forbid us to expect that national mo- rality can prevail in exclusion of religious princi- ples. *' It is substantially true, that virtue or morali- ty is a necessar,- spriiig of popular government. ihe rule indeed extends with more or less force to ever\- species of free government. Who tliat is a sincere -frier.d to it can look with indifference Bpon attempts to shake the foundation of the fab- ric ? GKOUGE WA.SHI\fiiON. 295 '' Promote, then, as an object of primary im- ])ortaPiCt.\ instil iitioi lb for tlit- i^tncjiil difi'usion of knowledge. In j)roportion as the structure of a govcniment gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlight- ened. " As a very important source of strength and security, cherish pubhc credit. Oiie method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense bycultivatmg peace; but remembering also, that timely disijursernents to |)repiire for danger, frequently prevent .much greater disbursements to rtpel it ; a^■oidulg like- wise the accumulation of deijt, not only b\ shun- ning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exer- tions in time of peace, to discharge the d( bts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing u]ion posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear. The execu- tion of these maxims belojigs to your representa- tives ; l)ut it is necessary that public opinion should co-operate. I'o facilitate to them the per- formance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind, that toward the payment of debts there must be revenue ; tjrat to have revenue there must be taxes ; that no taxes can be devised which are not more or less incon- venient and unpleasant ; that the intrinsic embar- rassment insepiu-able from the selection of tliv r;! op- er objects, which is always a choiceof diiTi uiiies, oui';ht to be a decisive motive for a candid con- struction of the conduct oi the government m mak- ing it, and l^or a spirit ol acquiescence in the meas- ures for obtaining revenue which the public exi- gencies may at any time dictate. 29& THE LTFF- OF " Observe .sjood faith imd justice toward all na- tions ; cultivate peace and harmony vvitli all ; re- ligion and morality enjoin this conduct ; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it ? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened,, and, at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the miignanimous and too novel example of a peo- ple always guided by an exalted justice and be- nevolence. Who can doubt that in the coin^se of time and tilings the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which iiiight. be lost by a steady adherence to it ? Can it be, that Providence has not connected the per- manent felicity of a na'rion with its virtue ? 'Jlie experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas !. is it rendered impossible by its vi'-es ? " In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential than that permanent inveterate an- tipathies against particular nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded ; and that in phice of them, just and amicable feelings toward all should be cultivated. The nation which induli^es toward another an habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is m some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one na-, tion against another, disposes each more readily to offt r insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbra;^e, and lo be haughty and intrac- tuble, whtii accidental or trifling occasions of dis- pute occur. •' Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, envenom- GEOUCIE WASIILNC.TON. 297 cd and bloocly contests. The nation, prompted by ill will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the [government, contrary to the best calcula- tions of policy. The government sometimes par- ticipates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion, what reason would reject; at oth- er times, it makes the animosit}^ of the nation sub- servient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious mo- tives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty of nations, has been tlie victim. " So, likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another, produces a variety of evils. Svm])athy for the favourite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infix- ing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of fhe latter, without adequate i;iducements or jus- tification. It leads also to concessions to the fa- vourite nation, of privileges denied to others, wh-ch are apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions, by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained ; and by excitmg jeal- ousy, ill w.ll, and a d.sposition to retaliate, m the parties from whom equal pr.vileges ar<- withlield ; and It gives to ambit ous, corrupted, or deluded citizens, who devote themselves to the favourite nation, fac.lity to betray, or sacrifice the interests of their own country, Without odium, r^oniet-mes even vv,th popuk.tity ; g Id'ug with the appearan- ces of a V rtuous sense of oIjI gationa commenda- ble deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal 2?)8 THE 1>IFE OF for public good, the base or foolish compliances of aniI)t'on, corruption, or infatuation. " As avenues to foreign irifluence In innumera- ble \vays, such attachments are particularly alarm- ing- to the truly enlightened and independent pat- riot. How many opportunities do they aflbrd to tamper with domestic factions, to practise the arts of seduct on, to mislead public opsn'on, to influ- ence or awe the pubhc counc Is ! Such an attach- ment of a small or weak, toward a i^reat and pow- erful nation, dooms the former to be the satellite of the latter. Against the instcLous wjles of for- e'gn mlluence, I conjure you to belseve me, fcllow- eit -zens, the jealousy of a free people ought to be con.stantly awcike ; since history and experience p^)ve that foreign influence is one of tiie most bantfiil foes of republican government. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial ; else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defence against it. Ex- cessive partiality for one foreign nation, nnd ex- cessive dislike of another, cause those whom ihey actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve, to veil and even second the artb of influence on the other. Real patriots, who may resist the in- trigues of the favourite, are liable to btcome ..us- pected and odious ; while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to sur- rcnd^r iheir interests. "■ The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extendirig our commercial relaiions, to have with them as little political con- nexion as possible. So fiir as v/e have ab'eady GKOilGE W.VSIIIXGTON. 299 formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with per- fect good faith. Here let us stop. " Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us huye none, or a very remote, relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of whieh are essentially foreign to our concerns, iienee, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial tics, in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordina- ry combinations and collisions of her friendbiiips or enmiiies. " Our detached and distant situation, invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people, under an eiBcient govern- ment, the period is not far off, when we may defy material injury from external annoyance ; when we may tiike such an attitude as will cause the nei'.trality we may at any time resolve upon, to be scrupulously respected ; when belligejent na- lix)!is, under the impossibility of nuiking acquisi- tions upon us, will not hgliily hczarcl the giving us provocauon ; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, gmdedbv justicCj shall coun- sel " Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation ? Why quit our own to stand upon for- eign ground ? W^hy, by interweaving our destiny ^\lth that of any part of Europe, cntarigle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European am- bition, rivalship, interest, humour, or caprice ? " It Is our true policy to steer clear of perma- nent alliances with any portion of the foreii;n world ; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it ; for let me not be under.'stood as capable of 300 TllK TJFE OF patronizing infidelity to exisrinjj engafi^emcnts. I hold the maxim no less appli ^ible to public t!iaa to private affiiirs, that honcstu is always tUt best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let tho^e jengage- ments be observed in their genuine sense. But in my opinion, it is unnecessary, and would be un- wise, to extend them. " Talcing care always to keep ourselves, by suitable estal^lishments, on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to teniporary allian- ces for extraordinary emergencies. *' Harmony, and a liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand ; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favours or prefer- ences ; consultmg the natural course of diings ; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means, the streams of commerce, bui forcing nothing ; estab- lish, ng, with powers so disposed; in order to give trade a stable course, to define the rights of our merchants, and to enable the government to sup- port them ; conventi{jnal rules of intercourse, the best that present circu distances and mutual opin- ion will permit, but temporary, and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied, as experi- ence and circumstances shall dictate ; constantly, keeping in view, that it is folly in one nation to locjR for disinterested favours from another ; that it must pay with a portion of its independence for whatever it may accept under that character; that by such acceptance, it may place itself in the con- dition of having given equivalents for nonnnal fa- vours, and yet of being reproached with ingrati* tiKOROE WASIIIXGTON. 301 lui-lc for not t^lving more. There can be no great- er c-.-or than to expect or calculate upon real fa- voiirslrom nadoa to nation. It i-i an illusion which ex^'criencc must cure, which a ja:^t pride ought to discard. " in offering to you, my countrymen, thes<* counsels of an old and affectionate t'rtcnd, I dare not hoi)e they will make the strong and lasting im.- prcbsion I could \vi.^h ; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our na- tion from running the course which has hitherto marked the de^iiny of nations. Dut if I may ev- en flatter mystli, that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good ; that they may now and then recur to moderate thr fury of parry spirit; to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue ; to guai'd against the impostures of [jretcnded patriotism ; this hope will l)e a full recompense lor the solicitude for your welfare, by which they li^vc been dioUited. " How iitr, in the discharge of my official du- ties, 1 have been guided by the [)rincipies which have been delineated, tke public lecordsand other evidences ot my conduct must witness to you and to the world. To myself, the assurance of my own conscience is, tViat I have at least believed my- self lo be guided by them. '' In rel.itioii to the still subsisting war in Eu- { rope, my proclamation of the 2.^d. of April, 1793, is th^? index to. my plan. Sanctioned by your ap- pr»;v;ng voice, and Ijy that of your represejjiativei I in ■.j:j'\, house':) oi Co. 'u^iess, the spirit of tnai mcas- t ure !n;, continually govMnrdmc, uninfluenced br i' anj attempts to deter or divert ine from it; 302 THE LIFE OF " After cleliherate examination, with the aid of tht I,, b' liii^nis I coiiid obtciiii, 1 was well Siitisficd tliai («UT couiis. y, under all the circumstances of the ca^-e, huCi a n}i:ht to take, and vvus bound in du- t} and nuercbi lo tiike, a neutral position. Having taken it, 1 determined, as far as sliould depend up- or. me, 'ents of interest for observing that cor.din-t will btJit be referred to your own re- flections and experience. With me, a predomi- nant motive has been to endeavour to g-ain time to our countiy to settle and mature its yet recent in- stiunions, c.v.d to progress, without interruption, to that degree of strength and consistency, which is necessary to give it, Im manly speaking, the com- mand of its own fortunes. ** Though in revitwingihe incidents of my ad- ministration, I am uncoiiscious ot intentional er- ror ; 1 am nt verdieless too sensible of nw delects not lo linnk it probable ihat I may have eomnjit- ted many errors. Whatever diey may be, I fer- eEOKGE washint;tox. 303 vently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigatG the cviib to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence ; and that af- ter fortv live years of my life dedicated to its ser- vice, with an upright zeal, the faults of incompe- tent abilities will be co^vsigned to oblivion, as my- selPniust soon be to tJie mansions of rest. " Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love toward it, which is so natural to a man who viev/s in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for sev- eral generations ; I anticipate uath pleasing expec- tation that retreat, in which I promise myself td realize, without alloy, the sweet eiijoyment of par- taking, in the niidst of my fellorwcitizens, the be- nign influence of good laws uTider a free govern- ment ; the ever favourite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I tmst, of our mutual cares, labours, and dangers. " United Statfs, Sept. 17, 179&.'* This valedictory address of the fiither of his country, was received in every part of the imiou with the most unbounded veneration, and record- ed with the most pointed respect. Shortly after, the president, for the last time, met the national legislature in the senate chamber. His address on tlie occasion was highly dignified. He congratu- lated Congress on the internal situation of the United States ; on the progress which had been made for preserYing peace with the Indians, imd melioratitig their concliiion ; and, afier-Stating the measures which h:id been adopted in execution of the treaties with Britain, SpLun, and Algiers, and 304^ THE LIFE OF the negotiations which were pendinjy with Tunis and Trip®!!, he observed ; " To an active exter- nal commerce, tlie protection of a naval force is in- dispensable. I'liis is nianifvst uiih regaid to wars in which a state is itself a party. Eut beside tliis, it is in our own experience, that the most sincere neutrahty is not a snfiicient guard agr.inst the dep- redations of nations, at war. To secure re3]iect to a neutral flag requires a naval force, organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or agj^ession. Tiiis may even prevent the necessity of going to war, by divcom i.ging belligerent po^^ ers from com- mitting such vioIaLo'jjs of the rights of the neutral party, as may fnst or last leav-.- \a) otV-rr option. Fi'oin the best inibrniatifcn I have Ix-.n ■ ble to ob- taii-, it would seem cis if our trade to the Mediter- ranean, ^\ iihout a protecting force, will always be insecure, and our citizens exposed to the calami- ties from which numbers of them have but just been relieved. " These considerations invite the United States to look to die meiuis, and to set about the gradu- al creation of a navy. 'I'he increasing progress of their navigation, promises them at no distant peri- od, the requisite supply of seamen, and their means in other- respects, favour the undertaking. It is an encouiT.gemer-t likewise, that their particular situation will give weight and influence to a mod- erate naval force in their hands. Will it not then be adviseabie to begin without delay, to provide and lay up the materials for the building and equip- ping of ships of war, and to proceed in the work by degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it practicable, without inconvenience ; so GEOTIGR WASHINGTON. 305 that a future war of Europe may not find our com- mt rre l;i the same unprotected state in which it wh:^ found by the present ?" H then recomniended the establishment of na- tion;.! works for maiuitaciunn?^ implements of de- fe'^.cf ; of an institution for the improvenuTjt of agriculture; and poniied out the advantages of a mihtar}'- academy; of a national univt-rsity ; and the necessity of augmenting the salaries of ilie of- ficers of the United States, In respect to the disputts vvith France, he ob- served : " ^*'v'i-!» \n our external relations some seriou . ci'ces and eaibarrassments have been ov ].<;•;:, and others lessened, it is with much pain and deep regret 1 mention, that cir- cumstances of a very uavwlcoiue nature Iiavc late- ly occurred. Our tr:ide has su Hired, and is suf- fenrig, extensive injuries in the West Indies, IVom the cruisers and agents of the French repul.^lic ; and communications have been received fro:!n its min-srer here, which indicate the danger of a I'ur^ thf.r disturbance of our commerce by its authorif v ; and which are in other respects far from agreea« ble. " It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in conformity with that of our nation, to " maintain cordial Iiarmony, and a perfectly friend- ly understanding with that republic. This wish remains uiiabared, and I shall persevere in the en- deavour to fulfil it, to the utmost extent of what shall be consistent with a just iuid indispensable regurd to the rights and honour of our country ; nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation, that a spirit of justice, candour, and fi'iendsbio, on 27* ' ^ 306 THE LIFE OF the part of the republic, will eventually ensure suc,- «CSb. *' In pursuing this course, however,. I cannot fbrgct what is due to the character of our govern- ment and natioi!, or to a full ajid entire coniicknce, in the good sense, patriotii.m, sell respect, and for- titude of my countrymen." This address was concluded in the following pathetic terms ; " The situation in which I now stand for the last time, in the midst of the representiitivts of the peo- ple of the U'nitcd Siates, naturally recalls the peri- od when the adn)inistration of the present form of government con.menced ; and 1 cannot omit the occasion to congratulate }ou and my eountjy on the success of the experiment, nor to repeat my Ibrvent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the universe, and sovereign arbiter of nations, that his providential care may still be extended to the Unit- ed States ; that the virtue and happiness oi the people may be presei ved ; and that the govern- ment which they have iiistitnttd for the protcctioa 9f their liberties may be perpetual." GEORGE WASHINGTON. 307 CHAPTER Xin. Washiijgtoa rejoices at tLe prospect of retiring Writes to the Secre- tsivy of State, ilcnving the authenticity of letters saitl to be IVuni him %o J P. C.iiis ar.(i Lund Washington, ia 1776 Fays rcspeei to his sucstigiior. Ml'. John Adains Review of Wasihingtoa's administration. Ho retire* to Mount Vcraoii iicsumci agricultural pursuits... .Heurs •with rfgrct the nggressioa of llu; French repnblic. . .Corresponds on the «>irjeet of his taking the cornniantl of an army to oppose the French ... Is appointed Lieutenant Gc.ieral !Iis commission is Sent to him by the Secretary of War-. ..His letter to President Adams on the receipt thereof ....Directs the orgsuization of the proposed army. Th.-ee Envoys Bxtraordinury sent to Franca, who adjust all disputes witli iion.ip;»rte, after the averthrov/ of the Directoi-y Gen. Wash- ington dies Is honoured by Congress, and by the citizeus U?3 character. Thv. pleasing emorions wliich are excited in ordina- ry men on llicir acquisition of power, wcreinreri- or tO those which W.-shmj^ton felt on the resigna- tion of It. To his uit d friend, Gen. Knox, or- ihe duy preceding the termination of his ofiice, he oh- S( vcd in a letter ; " To the weary travelier who set ;> a resting place, and is bendn g ins !)odv there- on, I now coinpare myself. Aiinougii the pros- 308 THE LIFK OF pect of retirement is most s^rutefiil to my soul, and I hdve not a wish to »nix dj^ain i* th^- i^rcat vvo-ld, or to partak<' in its politics, yrt I am not without' regret at p.irting with, ptrliaps nevtr more to meet, the few iutimati-s whom I love. A.:*o!ig these be assured you are one." The numerous calnnmies of which -A'ashington was the subject, drew from him no public animad- versions, except in one case. A vohjme of let- ters, said to be from Gen. Washington to John Parke Custis and Lund Washington, were pub- lished by the Briush, m the year 1776, and were given to the public as being found in a small port- manteau, left jn the care of his servant, who it was said by the editors, had been taken prisoner in Fori Lee. These letters were intended to ptcKlucc in the public mind, impressions unfavoutuble to the integrity of W^ashington's motives, and to rep- resent his inelinations as at variance with his pro'- fession and duty. When the first edition of thc^sc spiuious letters was forgotten, they were repub- lished during Wrisinngton's civil administration, by some of his fellowcitizens who differed from him in politics. On the morning of the last <.\'dy of his presidency, he addressed a letter to the Sec- retary of Stale, in which, after enumerating all the facts and dates connected with the f(jrger\-, and decLuing that he hud liiiherto deemed it unneces- sary to take any formal notice of the iaiposition, he concluded as follows ; " But as I cannot know hov. soon a more serious event n\ay succeed to thot which will 'Jiis day take place, I have diought it a duty that lowed to myself, to my country, CEOllGR WASHINGTON. 30§ and to truth, now to detail iht cjrcunistanccsabov* reciit-d, and foadd my sokiua dtxlarniiou, tiiar the letters herein de5>cribed, arfi a base ron2;ery ; and tlijat I never saw or heard of them until they ap- pcaj-ed in print. The present letter I coininit to your care, and desire it may be depoj-iied in the oHice of the department of stiite, as a tehtiniony of the truili to the present generation and to pos- ter, ty." The moment now approached wine]) was to ter- miirate the officialcivaractcr of Washington, and in which tliat of his successor, John Aciatus, ^vas to commence. T'le old and new president wdk- ed in together to the Mouse of Representatives, where ihv o;.th of (Mcq waf, administered to the lattrr O ) this oce:;-.;:.;;! Mr. Adams concluded an impressive speech \\hl\ a handsome compli- ment to his predecessor, by observiiig, thr.t though he was about to retire, " his name nuiy still be a rampart, and the knowledge that he lives a biiL wark ag-ainst all open or secret enemies of his con:Ury." 'I'he itnmense concourse of citizens who were present, gazed with love ai:d affection on the re- tiriiig Washington, while cheeriulness overspread liis countenajiee and joy filled his heart, on seeing anoth.tr invested wi.ih the high auihojiti'. s he so long exercised, ;;nd the way ojx^ned for hisretuni- ii!g lo the long wished ibr happiness of domestic private lift-. After paying his most jespectful compliments to the new presidepii, he set out for MouTit Veriion, the scxr.L- ol" enj^jytncnt which he preferred to all others. His wishes to travd pri-' Sl# 'PHS LIFE OP Yately were in vain ; for wherever he passed, the gentlenicn of the country took every occasion of testifying their resp:*"t lor hi.n. in his retire- ment he continued to receive the most flattering addresses from leg siativc bodies, and various class- es of his fellovvcitizens, Duiiiig tiu- eig!it years ad.i»inistration of Wash- inj^t )fi, the Urnvcd States enjoyed prosperity and happii.ess at honie ; and, by the energy of the gov- enunent, regained amcmg ibreigner.s that inipor- tan^e and reputation, which, by its weakness, they had iost. 'i'h^ debts contracted in the revolu- tioinry w.-.r, whicii, from the imbecility of the old govv rruiu nt, h-d d^prtu iatcd to afi insignficant sum, uere funded; and ^A\ch ample revenues [vro- vided for tl)e paynicsi!: of the iiiterest ar.dthe gr.id- ual t-xductiou of the prmcipal, tliat their real and noijiaial value were in a little time nt-aj'ly tiie same. Tile govern ;Vient was so finnly established as to hv cheerfully and universally obeyed. The only exeepiion was an insurrection m the western coun- ties of Pennsylvania, which was quelled without bloodshed. Agriculture and commerce were ex- tended f.ir beyond what had ever before taken place. The Indians on the frontiers had been first comjx-iled by force to respect the United States, and to continue in peace ; and afcerwiu-d a humane systena wascomnjenced for teaching diem to exchange the tomahawk and hatchet for the plough, the hoe, the shuttle, and the spinningwheel. The free navigation of the Missisippi had been ac- quired xvith the consent of Sp.iin, and <:"11 diltcren- c^s compromised with that power. The military SEORGE WASHINGTON. 311 posts which had been long held by Britain within the UiMtcd Slates, were peaceably given up. Tlic Mediterranean was opened to American vessels in coriAquence of treaties made with the Baibanr powers. It deed, differences with all powers, eith- er contiguous to or connected with the U;nted States, had Ixen amicably adjusted, with the ex- ception of France, To accompiibh this very de- sirable ol^j( ct, Washington made repeated advan- ces ; bui it could not be obtained v/ithoul surren- dt liiig the inde|:>endencc of the nation, and its right of self government. WasiiLigton, on returning to Mount Vernon, rcbunied a!.;iicultural pursuits. These, with the so.'ie'y of nicii and books, gave to every Ivjur in- nocetn and interesting einploynierit, aijobes iai- be} o.id liic reach pf human ken, to slaughter her own citizens, and to disturb the- repose of ali the world beside. From a V5CVV of the past; from the prob;>tct of ihe pres- ent ; and of that vUiich sctms to be expected, it is not easy for me lo decide satisfactorily on the pai'l it might best become me to act. In case of actual invasion by a formidable force, I certainly should not intrench myself under the cover of a^-c and retirement, if my services should be required by my country to assist in repelling it. And if there be good cause to expect such an event, wliich ecu.iiui3* must ht bciier known to the gov- ernment than to private citizens, delay in prepar- ing; fo; il may Ive d:i!iLi:erou'~:, improper, and not to bc-jits^i-e. !!< pnicl ^,;'e. '.'";-• !!e._>T' •i.:^v, hovv- eve' ■; <■ i tl.v. i.tutr J la jii} muKl, CiXaLes my. em- GEORGE WAS lire CTON. 313 barrassment ; for I cannot bring it to believe, re- gardlfbs as the French are of treaties and of the laws of nations, and capable as I conceive them to be of any species of despotism and injustice, that they will attempt to invade this country, after such a uniform and unequivocal expression of the de- termination of the people in all parts to oppose them with their lives and fortunes. That they have been led to believe by their agents and par- tisans among us, that we are a divided people ; that the latter are opposed to their own govern- ment ; and that the show of a small force would occasion a revolt, I have no doubt ; and how far these men, grown desperate, will further attem|]tt to deceive, and may succeed in keeping up the de- ception, is problematical. Without that, the folly of the Directory in such an attempt would, I con- ceive, be more conspicuous, if possible, than their wickedness. '' Having with candour made this disclosure of the state of my mind, it remains only for me to add, that to those who know me best it is best known, that should imperious circumstances in- duce me to exchange once more the smooth paths of retirement for the thorny ways of public life, at a period too when repose is more congenial to na- ture, that it would be productive of sensations which can be more easily conceived than express- ed." To the Secretary of War, writing on the same subject, Wasiiington replied ; " It cannot be nec- essary for me to premise to you, or to others who know my sentiments, that to quit the trinquiility of retire iiKut, and enter die boundless field of re- 28 314 THE LIFE OF sponsibility, would be prodactive of sensations which a better pen than I possess would find it difficult to describe. Nevertheless, the principle bv '.vhich my conduct has been actuated through life, would not sufter me, in any great emergency, to withhold any services I could render when re- quired by my country ; especially in a case where its dc^arest rights are assailed by lawless ambition and intoxicated power, in contempt of every prin- ciple of justice, and m violation of solemn com- pact, and o^ laws which govern all civilized na- tions ; and this too with the obvious intent to sow thick the seeds of disunion, for the purpose of sub- jugating our government, and destroying our in- dependence aud happiness. *' Under circumstances like these, accompanied by an actual invasion of our territory, it would be difficult for me at any time to remain an idle spec- tator, under the plea of a;2;e or retirement. VVith sorrow, it is true, I should quit the shades of my peiiceful abode, aiid the ease and happiness I now cpiov, to encounter anew the turmoils of war, to which possibly my strength and powers might be found incon^petent. Tb.cse, however, should not be stucibiiiig blocks irj my own way." President Adams nonsiunicd Washington with the rank of Lieutenant General, to the chitf com- mand of all the armies raised and to be raised in the United States. His commission was sent to him by Mr. M'Henry, the Secretary of War, who was directed to repair to Mount Vernon, and to conter on the arrangements of the new army with its commander in chief. To the letter which pres- ident Adams sent with the commission by the GEORGE WASHINfjrON'. 315 Secretary of War, Washington, in two days, re- plied as follows ; " f had the honour, on the evening of the 11th. instant, to receive from the liand of tlie Secretary of War, your favour of the 7th. announcing that )'ou had, Willi the advice and consent of the Sen- ate, appointed me ' Lieutenant General and Com- mander in Chief, of all the armies raised, or to be raised, for the service of tlie United States.' " I cannot express how greatly affected 1 am at this new proof of public tonfidence, and the high- 1}' fl ittering manner in which you have been pleas- ed to make the commiinication. At the same time I must not conceal from you my earnest wish, ihat the choice had fallen upon a man less declined in years, and better qualified to encounter the usual vicissitudes of war. *' You know, sir, what calculation I had made relative to the probable course of events, on my retiring from oiFice, and the determinaiion I had consoled myself with, of closing the remnant of my days in my present peaceful abode. You will therefore be at no loss to conceive and appreciate the sensations I must have experienced, to bring my mind to any conclusion that would pledge me, at so late a period of life, to leave scenes I sincerely love, to enter upon the boundless field of public action, incessant trouble, and high re- sponsibility. " It was not pos'sible for me to remain ignorant of, or indifferent to, recent transactions. The conduct of the Directory of France, toward our country ; their insidious hostility to its govern- ment ; their various practices to withdraw the af- 316 THE LIFE or fections of the people from it ; the evident tendeti- ey of their acts, and those of their agents, to coun- tenance and invigorate opposition ; their disregard of solemn treaties and the laws of nations ; their M'ar upon our defenceless commerce ; their treat- ment of our ministers of peace ; and their de- mands, amounting to tribute, could not fail to ex- cite in me corrtrsponding sentiments with those my countrymen have so generally expressed in their aifectionate addresses to you. Believe me, sir, no one can more cordially approve of the wise and prudent measures of your administration. They ought to inspire universal confidence, and will, no doubt, combined with the state of things, call from Congress such laws and means, as will enable you to meet the full force and extent of the crisis. " Satisfied, therefore, that you have sincerely wished and endeavoured to avert war, and exhaust- ed, to the last drop, the cup of reconciliation, we can with pure hearts appeal to Heaven for the jus- tice of our cause ; and may confidently trust the final result to that kind Providence who has here- tofore, and so often, signally favoured the people of these United States. " Thinking in this manner, and feeling how iur cumbent it is upon every person of every descrip- tion, to contribute at all tin-ies to his country^s welfare, and especially in a moment like the pres- ent, when every thing we hold dear and sacred is so seriously threatened ; I have finally determined to accept the commission of Commander in Chief of the armies of the United States ; with the re- serve only, that I shall not be called into the field ti'OliGK WASHINGTON. 317 until the army is in a situntion to require my pres- ence, or it becotnts iridi^pcnsabk by the urgency of circumstances. *' lii nuikins^ this reserv.'.tion, I beg it to be un- derstood, that I do not mean to withhold any as- sistance to arraiH>;e and otg.inize the army, which you^may diink I can aflord. I take the liberty also to mention, that 1 must decline having my acceptance considered as drawing after it any immediate charge upon the public ; or tiuit I can receive any emoluments annexed to the appoint- ment, before entering into a situation lo incur ex- pense." The time of '* Vashington after the receipt of this appointment, was divided between agricultural pursuits, and the cares and attentions which were imposed by his new office. The org;mization of the army was, in a great measuie, left to him. Much of his lime was emplo* t d in making a prop- er selection of officers, and arr.iP.ging the whole army in the best j)ossible mansier to meet the in- vaders at the water's edge ; for he contemplated a system of continued attack, and frequently observ- ed, " that tiie enemy nuist never be permitted to gMin foodiold on the siiores of the United States." Yet he always thouglit that an actual invasion of the country was verv miprolxible. He believed that the hosiile measures of France took their rtse from an expectalion that these measures wouid produce a revolution of power in the United Scates, favourable to the views of the French repuolic ; and that when the spirit of the Americans Was roused, the French would give up ttie contest. Evtnts soon proved that these opuuons were vveU 28* 318 THE LIFE OP founded ; or no sooner had the United State** armed, than they were treated with respect, and an indirect communication was made that France would acommodate all matters in dispute on reas- onable terms. Mr. Adams embiactd these over- tures, and made a second appointment ol' tliiee en- voys extraordinary to the Frencli republic. Tijese, on repairing to France, foinKl the Directory over- thrown, and the government in the hands or Bo- naparte, who had taken no part in the disputes wliich had brought the two countries to the verge ot war. With him Jiegotiations were commenc- ed, and soon terniinated in a pacilic settlement of all difterences. 'I'he joy to which this event gave birth was great ; but in it General Wastungtou did not partake, for before accounts arrived of this amicable adjustment, he ceased to be numbered tvilh the living. On the i3ili. of December, 1799, his neck and hair were sprmkkd with a light rain, while he was out of doors attending to some improvements on his estate. In the following night he was seized with an inflammalory alfection of the windpipe, at- tended wi*h pain and a difiicuit deglutition, winch was soon succeeded by fever, and a laborious res- piration. He was bled in the night, but would not permit his family physician to be sent for beiore day. About 11 o'clock, a. m. Dr. Craik arrived, and rightl}j ndging that the ease was serious, rec- ommended that two consuliiug pliysicians should be sent for. '1 he united i)owers of all three were in vain ; in about twenty lour Ikhu's from thet;me he was in his u^.ual health, he expired without a struggle, and in the pericct use of his reason. GEORGR WASHINGTON'. 319 In every stage of his d sorder lie u:^lleved that he should die, and he was so much under this im- press on, that he subiiiiittd to the prescriptions of his physicians more from a sense of duty than ex- pectation of rel cf After he had given them atri- al, he expressed a wish that he might be permit- ted to die without fartiier interruption. Toward the close of his Jlness, he undressed himself and went to bed, to die there. To his frend and phy- sician, Dr. Crak, he smd, " I auidynig, and have been dynii^ for a lon.i>- time, l)ut I am not afraid to die." The eqiianiniiiy wiii; h attended hm through life, did not iorsake hm in deatii. He was the same in that moment as in all the paj-;t, magnani- mous and firm ; confid'.ng in the mercy and re- sigjied to the will of Heaven. He submlted to the inevitable stroke with die dignity of a man, the calmness of a philosopher, the re^jignatiOn and confidence of a eiiristian. Oil the 18th. h s body, attended ')y military hon- ours and the ollices of religion, was depob.ied m the family vault on hss estate. When intelligence reached Congress of the death of Washington, they instantly adjourned until the next day, when John iVIarsliall, tiien a Uiember of the House of Representatives, and si ii,:e C;iiary wur, W:isiiiiintoii obsci'vcil ; " Sti'siuge '.is it iriay stt-ui, it is nevertlielcss true, tlint it w-.s not uiilil iately I co'ild .;>;et llie bi-tloi- Of my iisii;)! custoii of rLiniinaliiig as s<:on as I a'vokt' in the rafn-ning;, on the Diiainess of liie enMiiu;^ ilay ; an-i of ,uy sur[)r;^ie at fiuiiiny:, a.ter re- volvini^ many things in my mind, tli'it I was no longer a public man, or had any thing to do vvit'i public transactions." 29* 330 TIIK LIFE OF tunit}'- to strike an important blow was ever neg- lected. In the most ardent moments of the con- test, his prudent firmness proved the salvation of his coui^try. The whole range of history does not present a character on which we can dwell with such entire unmixed admiration. His qualities were so hap- pily blended, and so nicely harmonized, that the result was a great and perfect whole. The integi'ity of Wasliington was incorruptible. His principles were free from the contamination of selfish and unworthy passions. His real and avowed motives were the same. His ends were always upright, and his means pure. He was a statesman without guile, and his professions, both to his fellowcitizcns and to foreign nations, were always sincere. No circumstances ever induced him to use duplicity. He was an example of the distinction which exists between wisdom and cun- ning ; and his manly, open conduct, was an illus- tration of the soundness of the maxim, " that hon- esty IS the best policy." The learning of Washington was of a particu- lar kind. He overstepped the tedious forms of the schools, and by the force of a correct taste and* sound judgment, seized on the great ends of learn- in^'", without the assistance of those means which have been contrived to prepare less active minds for public business. By a careful study of the E)i"-lish language ; by reading good models of fine wri?ing, and above all, by the aid of a vigorous mind,"he made himself master of a pure, elegant, and cUiSsicai style. His composition was all nerve ; full of correct and manly ideas, which were ex- GEORGE WASHLNCnON. 3ol pressed in precise and forcible language. His an- swers to the innumeraijle addresses whicii on all public occasions poured in upon him, were prompt- ly made, handsomely expressed, and always con- tained something appropriate. His letters to Con- gress ; his addresses to that body on the accept- ance and resignation of his comvnission ;' his gen- eral orders as Commander in Chief; his speeches and mes:*iges as president ; and above all, his two farewell addresses to the people of tlie United States, will remain lasting monuments of the goodness of his heart, of the wisdom of his head, and of the el- oquence of his pen. The powers of his mind were in some respects peculiar. He was a great, practical, self taught genius ; with a iiead to devise, and a hand to ex- ecute, projects of tlie lirst magnitude and greatest utility. There are few men of any kind, and still fewer of those the world calls great, who ha\'e not some of their virtues eclipsed by corresponding vices. But this was not the case u'ith Gen. V/aslvtngton. He had religion without austerit}^, dignity without pride, modesty without diffidence, courage widi- out rashness, politeness without affectatioii, afili- bility without familiarity. His private. character, as well as his public one, will bear the strictest scrutiny. He was punctual in all his engagements ; upright and honest in his dealings ; temperate in his enjoyments ; liberal and hospitable to an emi- nent degree ; a lover of order ; systematical and methodical in all his arrangements. He was the friend of morality and religion ; steadily attended 332 THE LIFR OP on public worship ; encouraged and strengthened the hands of the clergy. In all his public acts, he made the most respectful mention of Provi- dence ; and, in a word, carried the spirit of piety wiih ]iim both in his private life and pubhc ad- ministration. Washington had to form soldiers of freemen, mnny of whom had extravagant ideas of their per- sonal rights. He had often to mediate between a starving army, and a high spirited yeomanry. So great were the necessities of the soldiers under his immediate command, that he was obliged to send out detachments to seize on the property of the fanners at the point of the bayonet. The Ian. guagc of the soldier was, " Give me clothing, give me food, or 1 cannot figi^t, I cannot live.'" The language of the farmer was, " Protect my proper- ty." In this choice of difficulties, Gen. Washing- ton not only kejit his army together, but conduct- ed w th so much prudence as to connnand the ap- probatjon both of the army and of the citizens. He was also ckperident for much of his support on the cor.currence of thirteen distinct, imconnect- ed legisluiures. Animosities preva led between his southern and northern tioops, and there were strong jealousies between the states from which tliey respectively came. To harmonize these clashing interests, to nidke uniform arrangements from such discordant sources and materials, re- quired no conunon shaie of address. Yet so great was the effect of the modest unassuming mann.ers of . en Washington, that he retained the affection of all his troops, and of all the states. GEOEiGE WASmXGTOK. 53: He also possessed equanimity in an eminent de- gree. One even tenour marked the greatness of his mind, in all the variety of scenes through which he passed. In the most trying situations he nev- er despaired, nor was he ever depressed. He was the same when retreating through Jersey from be-' fore a victorious enemy with the remains of his broken army, as when marching in triuraph into Yorktown, over its demolished fortifications. The honom-s and applause he received from his .^ate- ful countrymen, would have mrvcle almost any oth- er man giddy ; but on him they had no mischiev- ous effect. He exacted none of *hose attentions ; but when forced upon him, he received them as favours, with the politeness of a well bred man. He was great in deserving thern, but much great- er in not being elated with them. The patriotism of Washington vi^as of the most ardent kind, and without alloy. He was very dif- ferent from those noisy patriots, who, with love of country in their mouths, and hell in their hearts, lay their schemes for aggrandizing themselves at every hazard ; but he was one of those who love their country in sincerity, and who hold themselves bound to consecrate aU their talents to its service. Numerous were the dificulties with winch he had to contend. Great were the dangers he had to en- counter. Various \yere the toils and services in which he had to share ; but to all dilHcuities and dangers he rose superior. To ail toils and servi- ces he cheerfully submitted for his country's good. In principle, Washington was a federal republi- can, and a republican federalist. Li-bcrty and law, the riglits of man, and the control of govern- 334 THE LIFE OP ment, were equally dear to him ; and in his opin- ion, equally necessary to pohtical happiness. He was devoted to that system of equal political rights on which the constitution of his country was found- ed ; but thought that real liberty could only be maintained by preserving the authority of the laws, and giv ng tone and energy to governnicnt. He conceivt^d there was an immense difference be- tween a balanced republic and a tumultuous de- mocracy, or a liiction calling themselves tlie peo- ple ; and a still greater between a patriot arid a demagogue. He highly respected the deliberate sentiments of the people, but their sudden ebulli* tions made no impression on his uell balanct^d mind Trusting for support to the sober second thoughts of the nation, he had the magnanimity to pursue its real interests, in opposition to prevail- ing prejudices. He placed a proper value on pop- iii;thened the tone of public manners. He had more real enjoyment la the bosom of his family, than in the pride of mili- tary command, or in the pomp of sovereign power. On the whole, his life alFords the brightest mod- el for imitation, not only to warriors and states- men, but to private citizens ; for his character was a constellation of all the talents and virtues which dignify or adorn human nature. " He was a man, take Iiim for all in all, We ne'er shall look upon his like again." Shakespeare^ APPENDIX. (NO, I.) [Referred to in page 162.] TO THE UMITED STATES, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED. The Address and Petition of the Officers of the Army of the United States, KUMBLY SHOWETH, That we, the Officers of the Army of the United States, i in behalf of ourselves and our brethren the Soldiers, beg leave, with all proper deference and respect, freely to state to Congress, the supreme power of the United Suites, the great distress under Avhich we labour. At this period of the war, it is with peculiar pain we find ourselves constrained to address your august body, on matters of a pecuniary nature. We have struggled with our difficulties year after year, under the hopes that each would be the last ; but we have been disappointed. We find our embarrassments thicken so fast, and have become so complex, that many of us are unable to go further. In this exigence we apply to Congress for relief, as our head and sovereign. To prove that our hardships are exceedingly dispropor- tionate to those of any other citizens of America;, kt a re- currence be had to the paymaster's accounts, for lour years past. If to this it should be objected, that the respective states have made settlements, and given securities for the pay due for part of that tinie, kt the present value of tnose nominal obligations be ascertained by the monied men, and they will be found to be worth little indeed j and yet,. 30* 342 APPENDIX. trifling as they are, many have been under the sad necessi-, ty of parting with them, to prevent their families from ac- tually starving. We complain that shadows havebeen offered to us, while the substance has been gleaned by others. Our situation compels us to search for the cause of our extreme pover- ty. The citizens murmur at the greatness of their taxes, and are astonished that no part reaches the army. The nu- merous demands which are between the first collectors and the soldiers, swallow up the whole. Our distresses are now brought to a point. We have borne all that men can bear ; our property is expended ; our private resour- ces arc at an end ; and our friends are wearied out and disgusted with our incessant applications. W^e therefore most seriously and earnestly beg, that a supply of money may be forwarded to the army, as soon as possible. The uneasiness of the soldiers, for want of pay, is great and dan- gerous ; any further experiment on their patience, may- have fatal effects. The promised subsistence or ration of provisions, consisted of certain articles specified in kind and quality. This ration, without regard, that we can con- ceive, to the health of the troops, has been frequently al- tered, as necessity or conveniency suggested ; generally losing by the change some part of its substance. On an average, not more than seven or eight tenths have been issued ; the retained parts were, for a short time, paid for ; but the business became troublesome to those who were to execute it. For this, or some other reason, all regard to the dues, as they respected the soldiers, has been dis- continued, now and then a trifling gratuity excepted. As these dues respected the officers, they were compensated during one year and part of another, by an extra ration. As to the retained rations, the account for several years remains vmsettled ; there is a large balance due upon it, and a considerable sum for that of forage. The clothing was another part of the soldier's hire. The arrearages on that score, for the year 1777, were paid oft' in continental money, when the dollar was Avorth about fovirpence ; the arrearages for the following years, are un- liquidated, and we apprehend, scarcely thought of, but by 'the army. Whenever there has been a real v/ant of means, 's^tl disf^et in system, or neglect in execution, in the de- APPENDIX. 343 partments of the army, we have invariably been the suffer- ers- by buptrcr and nakedness, and by languishing in an hospital. We beg leave to urge an immediate adjustment of all dues ; that as great a part as possible be paid, and the remainder put on such a footing as will restore cheer- fulness to the army, receive confidence in the justice and generosity of its constituents, and contribute to the very desirable effect of re-estublishing public credit. We are grieved to find, that our brethren, Avho retired from ser- vice on half pay, under the resolution of Congress, 1780, are not only destitute of any effectual provision, but are become the objects of obloquy. Their condition has a very discouraging aspect on us, who must sooner or later retire, and from every consideration of justice, gratitude, and policy, demands attention and redress. We regard the act of Congress, respecting half pay, as an honourable and just recompense for several years hard service, in which the health and fortunes of the officers have been worn down and exhausted. We see v/ith chagrin, the odi- ous point of view, in which the citizens of too many of the states endeavour to place the men entitled to it. We hope, for the honour of human nature, that there are none so hardened in the sin of ingratitude, as to deny the justice of the reward. We have reiison to believe, that the objec- tion generally is against the mode only. To prevent there- fore, any altercations and distinctions, which may tend to injure that harmony which we ardently desire may reign throughout the community, we are willing to commute the half pay pledged, for full pay, for a certain number of years, or for a sum in gross, as shall be agreed to by the com- mittee sent with this address. And m this we pray, that the disabled officers and soldiers, with the widows and or- phans of those who have expended, or may expend, tneir lives in the service of their country, may be fuily compre- hended. We also beg, that some mode n.ay be pomted out for the eventual payment of those soldiers, who are the subjects of the resolution of Congress of the 15th. May, 1778. To the representation now made, the army hiive not a doubt that Congress will pay all that attention, which the serious nature of it requires. It would be criminal in the officers to conceal the general dis.satibtaction vhich prevails, and is gaining ground in the army, trom the pres.. 426 APPENDIX. sure of evils and injuries, which, in the course of seven long years, have made their condition, in many instances, wretched. They therefore entreat that Congress, to con- vince the army and the world, that the independence of America shall not be placed on the ruin of any particular cliiss of her citizens, will point out a mode of immediate redress, H. KnoX; Majo^ General^ ~\ John Patterson, Brigadier Gen.\ ^j^^ ^^^^^^ J. G^EATON, Co/.ne/, > Ma^sachuscmline. John Crane, Colonel^ \ H. MrVXWELL, LieutenafK Colonel J J. Huntington, Brigadier General,~] H. Swift, Colonel, \on the part of the Samuel B. Webb, Colonel, [ Connecticut line. E Huntington, Lieutenant Cot. J P. CoRTi.ANDT, Colonel, on ilic part oflhe Neio York line. T T.T /-< / • /-. ; ? on the part of the John N. Cumminos, Lieutenant Col. ^ ^^^^ j^^,^^^ ^.^^^ c T r ■ 7 on the part of the A''ew William Scott, Major, \- ,f ^ ,/ ,. ' -^ '5 hampshire line. -.^7 T- TT i -^ 7 c ? on the part of the- W. EusTis, Hospital Surgeon, ^ ^^^^^^/^^ ^^^^^.^^^^ Moses Hazen, Brigadier General. Cantonment!, Hudson's Kiver, Dec. 1782. (NO. II.} [Referral to in page 197.] FAREWELL ADDRESS OF GEN. WASHINGTON, TO ITiE AR-MIES OF THE UiNlTED STATES. Rocky Hill, near Princeton, November 2, 1783. The United States in Congress assembled, after giving the iiiost hojiourabk'. testimony lo the merits of the federal armies, and presenting them with the thanks of their coun- APPENDIX. 345 try, for their long, eminent, and faithful service, having thought proper, by tlieir proclamation, bearing date the 18th. of October last, to discharge such part of the troops as were engaged for the war, and to permit the officers on furlough to retire from service, from and after tomorrow ; which proclamation having been communicated in the pub- lic papers, for the information and government of all con- cerned, it only remains for the Commander in Chief to address himself once more, and that for the last time, to the armies of the United States, however widely dispers- ed individuals who compose them may be, and to bid them an affectionate, a long farewell. But before the Commander in Chief takes his final leave of those he holds most dear, he wishes to indulge himself a few moments in calling to mind a slight view of the past. He will then take the liberty of exploring, with his mili- tary friends, their future prospects ; of advising the gen- eral line of conduct, which, in his opinion, ought to b© pursued ; and he will conclude the address, by expressing the obligations he feels himself under for the spirited and able assistance he has experienced from them, in the per- formance of an arduous office. A contemplation of the complete attainment, at a period earlier than could have been expected, of the object for which we contended, against so formidable a power, can- not but inspire us with astonishment and gratitude. The disadvantageous circutm stances on our part, under which the war was undertaken, can never be forgotten. The sig- nal interpositions of Providence, in our feeble condition, were such as could scarcely escape the attention of the most unobserving ; while the unparalleled perseverance of the armies of the United States, ttirough almost every possible suffering and discouragement, for the space of eight long years, was little short of a standing miracle. It is not the meaning, nor within the compass of this ad- dress, to detail the hardships peculiarly incident to our ser- vice, or to describe the distresses which, in several instan- ces, have resulted from the extremes of hunger and na- kedness, combined with the rigours of an inclement sea- son ; nor is it necessary to dwell on the dark side sf our past affairs, 346 APPENDIX. Every American officer and soldier must now console himself for any unpleasant circumstance which may have occurred, by a recollection of the uncommon scenes in which he has been called to act no inglorious part, and the astonishing events of which he has been a witness; events whicli have seldom, ifevev before, taken place on the stage of human action ; nor can they probably ever happen again. For who has before seen a disciplined army formed at once from such raw materials ? Who that was not a wit- ness could imagine that the most violent local prejudices would cease so soon, and that men who came from the dif- ferent parts of the continent, strongly disposed by the hab- its of education lo despise and quarrel with each other, ■would instantly become but one patriotic band of brothers ? Or who that was not on the spot, can trace the steps by whieh such a wonderful revolution has been effected, and such a glorious period put to all our warlike toils ? It is universally acknowledged, that the enlarged pros- pects of happiness, opened by the confirmation of our in- dependence and sovereignty, almost exceed the power of description ; and shall not the brave men who have con- tributed so essentially to these inestimable acquisitions, retiring victorious from the field of war to the field of ag- riculture, participate in all the blessings which have been obtained ? In such a republic, who will exclude them from the rights of citizens, and the fruits of tlieir labours ? In such a country, so happily circumstanced, the pursuits of. commerce, and the cultivation of the soil, will unfold to industry the certain road to competence. To those hardy soldiers who are actuated by the spirit of adventure, the fisheries will af!brd ample and profitable employment ; and the extensive and fertile regions of the Avest, will yield a most happy asylum to those who, fond of domestic enjoy- ment, are seeking personal independence. Nor is it pos- sible to conceive that any one of the United States will prefer a national bankruptcy, and the dissolution of the union, to a compliance with the requisitions of Congress, and the payment of its just debts ; so that the officers and soldiers may expect considerable assistance, in recom- mencing their civil occupations, from the sums due to them from the public, -whioli must and will most inevita- bly be paid. APPENDIX. 347 In order to effect tliis desirable purpose, and remove the prejudices which may have taken possession of the minds of any of the good people of the states, it is earnest- ly recommended to all the troops, that, uith strong attach- ment to the union, they should carry with them into civil society the most conciliating dispositions, and that tliCy should prove themselves not less virtuous an«l useful as citizens, than they have been victorious as soldiers. What though there should be some envious individuals, who are unwilling to pay the debt the public has contracted, or to yield the tribute due to merit ; yet, let such unworthy treat- ment produce no invective, or any instance of intemperate conduct. Let it be remembered, that the unbiassed voice of the free citizens of the United States, has promised the just reward, and given the merited applause. Let it be Jlnown and remembered, that the reputation of the feder- al armies is established beyond the reach of malevolence ; and let a consciousness of their achievements and fame, still excite the men who composed them to honourable ac- tions, under the persuasion that the private virtues of econ- omy, prudence, and industry, will not be less amiable in civil life, than the more splendid qualities of valour, per- severance, and enterprise, were in the field. Every one may rest assured, that much, very much of the future hap- piness of the officers and men, will depend upon the wise and manly conduct which shall be adopted by them,w]ien they are mingled with the great body of the community. And, althougn tne General has so frequently given it as his opinion, in the most public and explicit manner, tliat iTuless the principles of the federal government were prop- erly supported, and the powers of tiie union increased, the honour, dignity, and justice of the nation, would be lost forever; yet he cannot help repeating, on this occasion, so interesting a sentiment, and leaving it as his last injunc- tion to every ofiicer and every soldier, who may view the subject in the same serious point of light, to add his best endeavours to those of his worthy feliov/ citizens, tov/ard effecting these great and valuable purposes, on which our very existesice as a nation so materially depends. The Command;^/ in Cmef conceives little is now want- ing to enable tne soldier to change the military character into that of the citizen, but that steady, decent tenour of 348 APPENDIX, behaviour, which has g^enerally distinguished not only the army under his immediate command, but the different de- tachments and armies, through the course of the -war. From their good sense and prudence he anticipates the happiest consequences; and while he congratulates them on the glorious occasion which renders their services in the field no longer necessary, he wishes to express the strong obligations he feels himself under, for the assist- ance he has received from every class, and in every in- stance. He presents his thanks in the most serious and affectionate manner, to the general officers, as well for their counsels on many interesting occasions, as for their ardour in promoting the success of the piuns he hud adopt- ed ; to the commandants of regiments, and corps, and to the other officers, for their ze^l and attention in carrying his orders promptly into execution ; to the staff, lor their alacrity and exactness in performing the duties of their several departments ; and to the noncommissioned officei-s and private soldiers, for their extraordinary patience and suffering, as well as tiieir invincible fortitude in action. To tiie vaiioub branches of the army, the General lakes this last and solemn opportunity oi professing his inviola- ble attachment and fnendslup. tie wishes more than bare professions were in his power, that he was really able to be useful to them all in future lite. He flatters him- self, however, they will do hnn the justice to believe, that whatever could with propriety be attempted by him, has been done. And being now to conclude these his last public orders, to take his ultimate leave in a short tiu.e of the military character, and to bid a final adieu to the armies he has so long had the honour to command, he can only again offer in their behaii, his recommendations to iheir grateful country, and his prayers to the God of armies. May am- ple juscicc be done them here, and m.iy tlie choicest of Heaven's favours, both here and hereafter, attend those who, under the divine auspices, have secured innumera- ble blessings for others. With tliese wishes, and this ben- ediction, the Commancicr ia Chief is about to retire tVoni se.vice. TiLC curtain oi b^paraiiou wii; soon be ciravvn, «Kl the aiiiitury scene to hiai will bo ciosed for ever. APPENDIX. 349 (NTO. III.) GEN. WASHINGTON'S WILL. riRGLYIA, Fairfax y ss. 1, George Deneale^ Clerk of Fairfax County Court, do cer-- tify, That the subsequent cofnj of the last Will arid Testa- ment o/George Washington, deceased, late President of the United States of America, with the Schedule annex- if(/j is a true copy from the origi7ial^ recorded in my office. In testimony ivhereof I have hereunto set my hand, /his 23d. day of Januaru, 1800. GEO." DENEALE, C. F. C. /.V THE jYJME of GOD, Amen. I, GEORGE WASHINGTON, of Mount Vernon, a cit= ixen of the United States, and lately piesi'lent of the same, Do make, ordain, and declare this Instrument, whicli is written with my own hand, and every page thereof sub- scribed with my name,* to be my last will and testa- ment, revoking all others. Imjirimis. All my debts, of which there are but few, and none of magnitude, are to l)e punciuaily and speedily paid ; and the legacies herein after bequeathed, are to be discharged as soon as circumstances will permit, and in the manner directed. Item. To my dearly beloved wife, Martha. Washington.^ I give and bequeath the use, profit, and benefit of my whole estate, real and personal, for the term of lier natural life, except such parts thereof as are specially disposed of here- * In the original raaniiscript, (Ieorce Washington's name fs ivritteu at the bottom of every page. 31 350 APPENDIX. after. My improved lot in tlic town of Alexandria, situ- ated OP Pitt arid Cumeron streets, I give to her and her heirs for ever ; as I also do my household and kitchen fur- niture o. every sort and kind, with the liquors and groce- ries which mc y be on hind at the time of nty decease, to be used and disposed of a3 she may think proper. Item. Upon the decease of my wife, it is my will and desire, that all tiie slaves which I hold in vnj oum right, shall rece ve thvir freedom. To emancipate them during her life, would, though earnestly wished by me, be attend- ed with such insuperable difficulties, on account of their intermixture by marriages with the dower negroes, as to excite the n.ost painful ser.sations, if not dis|igreeable con- sequences to the latter, while both descriptions are in the occupancy of the same proprietor; it not being in my power, under the tenure by which the dower negroes arc held, to manun)it them. And whereas, among those who •w'iW receive ticedom according to this devise, there may be some who, from old age or bodily infirmities, and others who, on account of their infancy, will be unable to support themselves, it is my will and desire, tliat all who come un- der the first and S3C!)ik1 descriptioii, shall be comfortably clothed and fed by my heirs while they live ; and ihat such of the latter dcsciipi.ion ciS have no parentri living, or, if living, are unable or unwilling to provide for them, shall be bound by the court until they shall arrive at the age of twenty five years ; and in cases where no record can be produced, whereby their ages can be ascertair.ed, the j'odg- jneiit of the coint, upon its own view of the subject, shall be adequate and final. The negroes thus bound, are, by their masters or mistresses, to be taught to read and v.rite, and be brought up. to some useful occupation, agreeably lo the laws of the comnionweultii of Virginia, providing for the support of orphan and other poor children. And I do hereby expressly forbid the sale or transportation out of the said con. mon wealth, of any slave 1 m.ay die possess- ed of, under any pretence v.'hatsoever. And 1 do more- over most pointecily and most solemnly enjoin it upon my executors hereafter named, or the survivors of them, to sec that thin clause respecting slaves, and every part there- of, be religiously fuitiiled at the epoch at whicii it is di- rected to take place, without evaaion, neglect, or delay, APPENDIX. 351 after the crops which may then bs on the ground are har- vested, particularly as it respects the aged and infirm ; seeing that a regular and pcimanent fund be established for their support as long as they are subjects requiring it, not trusting to the uncertain provision made by individu- als. And, to my mulatto man, William, calling himself William Lee, I give immediate freedom, or if he should prefer it, on account of the accidents which have befallen him. and which have rendered him incapable of walking, or of any active employment, to remain in the situation he now is, it shall be optional in him to do so ; in either case, however, I allow him an annuity of thirty dollars during his natural life, which shall be independent of tiic victuals and clothes he has been accustomed to receive, if he choos- es the latter alternative ; but in full vvith his freedom, if he prefers the first ; and this I give him as a testimony of my sense of his aitachincnl to rnc, and for his faithful ser- vices during the revolutionary war. Item. To the trustees, governors, or by whatsoever other name they may be designated, of the academy in the town of Alexandria, I give and bequeath, in tru ,t, four thousand dollars, or in other words, twenty of the shares which I hold in the bank of Alexandria, toward the sup- port of a free school, established at, and annexed to, the said academy, for the purpose of educating orphan chil- dren, or the children of such other poor and indigent per- sons, as are unable to accomplish it with their own means, and who, in the judgment of the trustees of the said sem- inary, are best entitled to the benefit of this donation. The aforesaid twenty shares I give and bequeath in perpetuity, the dividends only of which are to be drav/n for, and ap- plied by the said trustees, fur the time being, for the uses abovementioned ; the stock to remain entire and untouch- ed, unless indications of failure of the said bank should be so apparent, or a disconlinuancc thereof should ren- der a removal of this fund necessary. In either of these cases, the amount of the stock here devised is to be vested in some other bank, or public institution, whereby the interest may with regularity and certainty be drawn and applied as above. And, to prevent miscojiception, my meuniing is, and is hereby declared to be, tha these twen-> ty shares are in lieu of, and not in addition to, the lOOOl. 352 APPENDIX'. given by a missive letter some years ago, in consequence whereof an anraiity of 501. has since been paid toward the support of this institution. Itein. Whereas by a law of the commonwealth of Vir- ginia, enacted in the year 1785, the legislature thereof was pleased, as an evidence of its approDation of the services 1 had rendered the public during the revolution, and part- ly, I believe, in consideration of my having suggested the vast advantages which the community would derive from the extension of its inland navigation, under legislative patronage, to present me with one hundred shares of one hundred dollars each, in the incorporated company estab- lished for the purpose of extending the navigation oi James river, ivoxn the tide water to the mountains ; and also with fifty shares, of !00l sterling each, in the corporation of another company, likewise established for the similar pur- pose of opening the navigation of the river Potonvmac^ivova. the tide water to Fort Cumljcrland ; the acceptance of which, although the oficr was highly honourable and grate- ful to ruy feeiings, was refused, as inconsistent with a prin- ciple which I had adopted, and had never departed from ; namely, not to receive pecuniary compensation for any ser- vices I couUl render my country in its arduous struggle with Great Britain for its rights, and because I had evad- ed similar propositions from other states in the union; adding to this refusal, however, an intimation, that, if it should be the pleasuie of the legislature to permit me to appropriate the said shares \o /tnblic uses^l would receive them on those terms w ith due sensibility ; and this it hav- ing consented to, in flattering terms, as will appear by a subsequent law, and sundry resolutions, in the most am- ple and honourable manner. T proceed, after this lecital, for the more correct luulerstanding of the case, to declare, That as it has always been a source of serious regret with me, to see the youth of these United States sent to foreign countries for the purposes of education, often before their minds were formed, or they had imbibed any adequate ideas of the happiness of tlieir own ; contracting, too Ire- quently, not only habits of dissipation and extravagance, but Jirincifiles unfriendly to refniblican government^ and to the true and genuine liberties of mankind, which, thereafter, arc rarely overcome. For these reasons, it has been my APPENDIX. 353 ardent wish to see a plan devised, on a liberal scale, which would have a tendency to spread systematic ideas through all parts of this rising empire, thereby to do away local at- tachments and state prejudices, as far as the nature of things would, or indeed ought to admit, from our national councils. Looking anxiously forward to tbe accomplish- ment of so desirable an object as this is, in my estlniution, my mind has not been able to contemplate any plan more likely to effect the measure, than the establishment of a university in a central part of the United St.itcs, to which the youths of fortune and talents from al' parts thereof, might be sent for the completion of their education in all the branches of polite literature, in the arts and sciences, in acquiring knowledge in the principles of politics and good government ; and, as a matter of infinite inii:)crtancc in my judgment, by associating with eacii other, and form- ing friendships in juvenile years, be enabled to free them- selves, in a proper degree, from tliosc local prejudices and habitual jealousies whicji liave just been mentioned, and which, when carried to excess, are never failing sourc- es of disquietude to the pulilic mind, and pregnant of mis- chievous consequences to this country. Under these im- pressioiis, so fully dikaed, Item. I give and bequeath, in perpetuity, the fifty shares which I hold in the Poton'.n.iC ccMiipany, under the afore- said acts of the legisluture of Virgiiiia, toward the endow- ment of a university, to be estciblished within the limits of the district of Coiumbia, under the auspices of the gener- al government, if that government should incline to extend a fostering hand toward it ; and until such seminary is es- tablished, and the funds arising on these shares shall be required for its support, my further will and desire is, that the profit accruing therefrom, shall, whenever the divid- ends are made, be laid out in purchasing stock in the bank of Columbia, or some other bank, at the discretion of my executors, or by the treasurer of the United States for the time being, under the direciion of Congress, provided tliat honourable body should patronize the measure ; and the dividends proceeding from the purchase of such stock are to be vested in more stock, and so on, uiuil a sum adequate to the accomplishment of the object is obtained, of wiiich I have not the smallest doubt before many yeurs pass tiWiiy, 31* 354 APPENDIX. even if no aid or encouraqcrrtent is a;iven by legislative au • thority, or from any other source. Item. The hundred shares which I hold in the James river company, T have given, and now confirm, in perpe- tuity, to and for the use and benefit of Liberty Hall Acad- emy, in the county of Rockbridge, in the commonwealth of Virginia. Item. I release, exonerate, and discharge, the estate of rny deceased brother, Savuiel JVas/ihigro?!, from the pay- 'inent of the money which is due to me for the land I sold, to Philip Pendleton, lying in the county of Be re kky, who assigned the same to him, the said Samuel,v'Uo,hy agree- ment, was to pay me therefor ; and whereas by some con- tract, the purport of wliich was never communicated to me, between the said Samuel and his son ThurntAtn Waah- ington^ the latter became possessed of the aforesaid land, without any conveyance having passed from me, either to the said Pendlelcn, the said Samuel, or the said Thorritoriy and without any consideration having been made, by which neglect, neither the legal nor equitable title has been ali- enated ; it rests therefore with me, to declare my inten- tions concerning the premises ; an'l these are, to give and bequeath the said land to whomsoever the said Thornton IFa-'i/iingio//, who is also dead, devised the same, or to his heirs for ever, if he died intestate, exonerating the estate of the said Thornton.^ equdly with that of the said Samuel, from payment of the purchase money, which, with inter- est, agreeably to tlie original contract with the said Peii- dleton., would amount to more than loooi. And wliereas, two other sons of my said deceased brother Samuel^ name- ly, George Steptoe Washington., and Laivrence Augustine Washington., were, by the decease of those to whose care they were committed, brought under my protection, and, in consequence, have occasioned advances on my part for their education at college and other schools, and for their ])Oard, clothing, and other incidental expenses, to the amount of near five thousand dollars, over and above the sums furnished by their estate ; which sum it may be in- convenient for them or their father's estate to refund. I do, for these reasons, acquit them and the said estate from the payrnent thereof; my intention being, that all accounts between them and me, and their father's estate and me, shall stand balanced. APPENDIX. 355 Item. The b'^lance due to me from the estate of Bar- tholomeiv Dandridge., deceased, my wife's brother, and which amounted, on the first day of October, 1795, to 4251. as will appear by an account rendered by his deceased son, John Dandrrdge., who was the acting executor of his fath- er's will, I release and acquit from the payment thereof. Aiid the negroes, then thirty three in number, formerly belonging to the said estate, who were taken in execution, sold, and purchased in on my account, in the year ., and ever since huve remained in the possession and to the use of Mary, widow of the said Burth. Dmidridge, with their increase, it is my will and desire, shall continue and be in her possession, \\ ithout paying hire, or making com- pensation for the same, for the time past or to come, dur- ing her natural life ; at the expiration of which, I direct, that all of them who are forty years old and upward, shall receive their freedom ; all under that age and above six- teen, shall serve seven years, and no longer; and all un- der sixteen years, shall serve until they are twenty five years of age, and then be free. And to avoid disputes re- spcctirig the ages of any of these negroes, they are to be taken into the court of the county in which they reside, and the judgment thereof, in this relation, shall be final, and record thereof made, which may be adduced as evi- dence at any lime thereafter, if disputes should arise con- cerning the same. And I further direct, that the heirs of the said Barth. IJandridgc^ sliall equally share the benefits arising from the services of the said negroes, according to the tenor of this devise, upon the decease of their mother. Item. If Charlfn Carter, who intermarried with my niece Betty Lewis, is not sufficiently secured in the title to the lots he had of me in tlie town of f'redericksburg, it is my will and desire, that my executors shall mr-k( -,uch con- veyances of them as the law requires to render it perfect. Ite?}i. To my nephew, IVilliam AugunUne It'ush'ugton, and his neirs, if he should conceive them to be olijects worth prosecuting, a lot in the town of Manchester, oppo- site to Richmond, No. 265, drawn on my sole account, and also the tenth of one or twa hundred acre lots,%nd two or three half acre lots, in the city and vicii;iv ri Richmond, drawn in p.atncrsLu, wii.i. uiiic oiheib ^li ii. the lottery of the deceased \Viiiium JtJird, are given ; as is also a lot 356 API'RNDIX. which I purchased of John Hood, conveyed by William Wiliio and Ssmuel Gordon, trustees of thf- said John Hood, lauv.bcicd 139, in the town of Edinburgh, in the county of PviiiCe George, stale of Virginia. Item. To my nepliew, Dufthrod Va.'hini^tov^ I give and bequeath all the papers in my possession which relate to my civil taid military administration of the affairs of this country ; I leave to him also such of my private papers as are worth preserving ; and, at the decease of my wife, and before, if she is not inclined to retain tlu. m, I give aiul be- queath my library of books and pamphlets of every kind. Itc?v. Having sold lands which I possessed in the state of Pennsylvania, and part of a tract held in equal right with George Clinton, late governor of New York ; my share of land and interest in the Great Dismal Swamp, and a tract of land Ivhich I owned in the countv of Glouc- ester ; withhoiding'the legal titles thereto, unti the con- sideration money should be paid ; and having moreover leased, and conditionally sold, as will appear by tbe tenor of the said leases, all my lands upon the Great Kenhawa, and a tract upon DiiTicuit Run, in the county of Loudon, it is my will and direction, that whensoever the contracts are fully and respectively complied w iib, according to the spirit, true intent, and meaning thereof, on the part of the purchasers, their heirs or assigns, that then, and in that case, conveyances are to be mtide, agreeable to the terras of the said contracts, and the money arising therefrom, when paid, to be vested in bank stock ; the dividends whereof, as of that also which is alrcdy vested tberein, is to inure to my said wife during her life ; but the stock it- self is to reiiiain and be subject to the general distribution hereafter directed. Item. To the Earl oj Buchan, I recommit " the box made of the oak that sheltered the brave Sir William tl'al- lac;' after the battle of Falkirk," presented to me by his lordship in terms too flattering for me to repeat, with a request " to pass it, on the event of my decease, to the man in my country who should appear to merit it best, Tipon the skme conditions that have induced him to send it to me." Whether easy or not, to select the man who might comport with his ioi'dship's opinion in this respect, is not lor me to say j but conceiving that no disposition API^ENIJIX. 357 of this valuable curiosity can be more eligible than the re- commitment of it to his own cabinet, agreeably to the orig- inal design of the Goldsmith's company of Edinburgh, who presented it to him, and, at his reciuest, consented that it should be transferred to me. I do give and bequeath the same to his lordship; and, in case of his decease, to his heir, with my grateful thanks for the distin.guishcd hon- our of presenting it to me, and more especially for the fa- vourable sentiments with which he accompanied it Item. To my brother, Charles lVa- the back line or outer boundaiy of tne tract between Thomas Mason and myself; thence with thut line easterly, now double ditching, with a post and ruil fci.cc thereon, to the run of Li tlvj Hur.ting creek ; thfvxJ w^ih that rvt.i, wiach is the boundary betvveen the lands of the late H. Pcake and APPENDIX. 359 •jr. c, to the tidewater of the said creek; thence by that •water to Potowmac river ; thence with tlie river to tlie mouth of Dogue creek, and thence with the said Dopue creek to the place of beginning at the aforesaid ford ; con- taining upward of four thousand acres, be the same more or less, together with the mansion house and all other buildings and improvements thereon. Second. In consideration of the consanguinity between them and my wife, being as nearly related to her as to my- self, as on account of the aft'cction I had for, and the obli- gation I was under to, their father, when living, who irom liis youth, had attached himself to my person, and follow- ed my fortunes through the vicissitudes of the late revo- lution, afterward devoting his time to the superintendarice of my private con^.erns for m.any years, whilst my public employments rendered it impracticable for me to do it myself, thereby affording me essential services, and al- ways performing them in a manner the most filial and re- spectful. For these reasons, I say, I give and bequeath to George Fayette Washington^ and Lawrence duguntine Washington^ and their heirs, my estate east of Little Hunt- ing creek, lying on the river Potowmac, including the farm of three hundred and sixty acres, leased to Tobias Lear^ as noticed before, and containing in the whole, by deed, two thousand and tvvcnty seven acres, be it more or less ; which said estate it is my will and desire should be equitably and advantageously divided between them, ac- cording to quavitity,q>iali;y, and other circumstances, when the youngest shall have arrived at the age of twenty one years, by three judicious and disinterested men ; one to be chosen by each of the brothers, and tt.e third by these two. In the nitan time, if the termination of my wife's interest therein should have ceased, the profits aii;ing therefiom are to be applied for their joint uses and benefit. riiir :. And whereas, it has always been my intention, since my expectation of having issue has ceased, to consid- er the grand children of my wife, in the same light as I do my own relations, and to act a friendly part by them, more especially by the two whom we hi.ive raised from their earliest infancy ; namely, Eleanor Park Cuaiis., ar.d George WuK/iingion l-'a<'k Cujititt ; and whereas, the form- er of these hath lately intermarried with La-wrcnce LexuiSf 360 APPENDIX. a son of my deceased sister, Betty Leivis^hy which union the inducement to provide for them both has been increas- ed ; wherefore I give and bequeath to the said Latvrence Z.eTjis, and Eleanor Park Lewis his wife, and their heirs, the residue of my Mount Vernon estate, not already de- vised to my.nephew, Buslirod r/avA/^/jj-^c?/, comprehended ■within the following description, viz. All the land north of the road leading from the ford of Dogue run to the Gum Spring, as described in the devise of the other part of the tract to Bu^.hmd Waff prolixity, perhaps of tautology, 1 hope and trust, that no disputes will arise conceriung them ; but if, contrary to expt ctation, the case should be otherwise from the want of legal expression, or the usual techriical terms, or because too much or too lit- tle has been said on any oi'the devises to be consonant v. uh law, my will and direction expressly is, that all disputes, if unhappily any t^uld arise, shall be decided by three impartial and intelligent men, known for their probity and o-ood understanding; two to be chosen by the disputar.ts, each having the choice of one, and the third by those two ; vMich three men thus chosen shall, unfettered by law or leeai consu'uctions, declare the sense of the testator's in- APPENDIX. 36f3 tentions ; and such decision is, to all intents and purpo- ses, to be a- binding on the parties as if it had been given in the supreme court of the United States. In witness of all and each of the things herein contained, I have set my hand and seal, this niiith day of July, in the year one thousand seoen hundred and ninety,* and of the inde/iendence of the United States the tnventy fourth. GEORGE WASHI.VG TOM * It appears the testatoi" omitted the word 77ine. 364 APPENDIX. SCHEDULE ^f property comprehended in the fores^oing IT'iH, directed to be solcf, and some of it conditiouallj is sold; with descriptive and explanatory notes thereto. IN VIRGINIA. Acres. Prite. DoUavs. Ij^oudon CO. Difficult Run, 300 6,666« Loudou and Faquier, Ashby's Bent, 3,481 10(/. 24,810^ . 885 8 7,0805^ Chattin's Run, Berkley, S. fork of Bouliskin, 1,600 Head of Evan's m. 453 In Wormley's line, 183 2,236 20 Frederick, bought from Mercer, 571 20 Hampshire, on Potowmac river, • above B. * 240 15 Gloucester, on North river, ' 400 Nansemond, near Suffolk, one third of 1,119 acres, 373 Great Dismal Swamp, my dividend thereof, Ohio river, Round Bottom, 587 Little Kenhawa, 3,314 Sixteen miles lower down, 2,448 Opposite Big Bent, 4,395 about about i.-',744 Dollars. 10 GREAT KENHAWA. Near the north west, 1 0, 1 80 East sid& above, 7,276 Mouth of Cole river, 2,000 Opposite thereto, 2,960 > Burning Spring, 125 5 3,075 44,r20c ll,420rf 3,6O0e 3,600/ 2,984,sr 20,G00A 97,440i 200,000y(- ' APPENDIX, 26B MARYLAND. Acres. Price. Dollars Charles county, 600 6d. 3,600/ Montgomery, ditto, 519 13 6,228??z PENNSYLVANIA. Great Meadows, 234 6 1,404« NEW YORK. Mohawk river, about 1000 6 6,OOOo NORTH WEST TERRITORY. On Little Miami, 339 Ditto, 977 Ditto, 1,235 Rough creek. Ditto adjoining, ,251 KENTUCKY. 3000 2000 16,251/2 5000 3 LOTS, viz. CITY OF WASHINGTON. Two near the capitol, square 634, cost 963 dol- lars, and with buildings, N^s- 5, 12, 13, and 14, the three last water lots on the Eastern Branch, in square 667, containing together 34,438 square feet, at twelve cents, ALEXANDRIA. Corner of Pitt and Prince streets, half an acre laid out into buildings, three or four of which are let on ground rent at three dollars per foot, WINCHESTER. A lot in the town, of half an acre, and another in the commons, of about six acres, supposed BATH OR WARM SPRINGS. Two well situated, and had buildings to the a- mount of 1501. 32* 10^0009 15,000r 4,132s Dollars. 4000^ 400 ?/ 800v 366 APPENDIX. Six per cent. Ditto deferred, Tiiree per cent. STOCK. UNITED STATES. 3,746 POTOWMAC COMPANY. Twenty four shares, cost each lOOl. sterling, JAMES RIVER COMPANY. Five shares, each cost 100 dollars, BANK OF COLUMBIA. One hundred and seventy shares, cost §40 each BANK OF ALEXANDRIA. Beside twenty shares to the free school — 5. STOCK LIVING, viz. One covering horse, five carriage horses, four riding ditto, six brood mares, twenty working horses and niares, two covering jacks, and three young ones ; ten she asses, forty two working mules, fifteen younger ones, three hundred and twenty nine head of horned cat- tle, six hundred and forty head of sheep, and SI large stock of hogs, the precise number un- known. ICT* My manager has estimated this live stock at 7,0001. but I shall set it down, in order to make a round sum, at Dollars. 6,246w 10,666:c 500y 6,800z 1000 15,655 Aggregate amount, 530,000 NOTES. e. This tract for the size of it, is valuable, more for its ^Situation than the quality of its soil, though that is good for farming; with a considerable proportion of ground that might very easily be improved into meadow. It lies on APPENDIX. 367 the great road from the city of Washington, Alexandria, and George Town, to Leesburgh and Winchester, at Dif- ficult Bridge, nineteen miles from Alexandria, less from the city and George Town, and not more than three from Matildaville, at the great falls of Potowmac. There is a valuable seat on the premises, and the Avhole is condition- ally sold for the sum annexed in the schedule. b. What the selling prices of lands in the vicinity of these two tracts are, I know not ; but compared with those above the ridge, and others below it, the value annexed will appear moderate ; a less one v, ould not obtain them from n.e, c. The surrounding land not superior in soil, situation, or properties of any sort, sells currently at from twenty to thirty dollars an acre. The lowest price is affixed to these. d. The observations made in the last note, apply equal- ly to this tract, being in the vicinity of them, and of simi- lar quality, although it lies in another county. e. This tract, though small, is extremely valuable. It lies on Potowmac^iver, about twelve miles above the town of Bath, or Warm Springs, and is in the shape of a horse- shoe, the river running almost around it. Two hundred acres of it are rich low gi'our.ds, with a great abundance of the largest and finest walnut trees, which, with th€ pro- duce of the soil, might, by means of the improved naviga- tion of the Potowmac, be brought to a shipping port with more ease, and at a smaller expense, than that which is transported thirty miles only by lund. f. This tract is cf second rate Gloucester low grounds. It has no improvements thereon, but lies on navigable wa- ter, abounding in fish and oysters. It was received in pay^ ment of a debt, carrying interest, and valued in the year 1789, by an impartial gentleman^ at 6001. N. B. It has lately been sold, and there is due thereon, a balance equal to what is annexed in the schedule. g. These three hundred and seven.ty three acres are the third part of undivided purchases made by the deceas- ed Fielding Lewis, Thos. Walker, and myself, oxi full con- viction that they would become valuable. The k.nd lies on the road from Sufiblk to Nortolk, touches, if I am not mistaken, some pan of the navigable water of Nunsemond 368 APPENDIX. river. The rich Dismal Swamp is capable of great im- provement ; and, from its situation, must become extreme- ly valuable. h. This is an undivided interest which I held in the great Dismal S,v-uiip Company, containing? about four thousand acres, with my part of the plantation and stock thereon, belonging to the company in the said swamp. I. These several tracts of land are of the first quality on the Ohio river, in tiic par s where they are situated, being almost, if not altogether, river bottoms. The smallest of these tracts is actually sold at ten dollars an acre, but the consideration therefor not received. The rest are equal- ly valuable, and will sell as high, especially that which lies just below the Little Kenhawa ; and is oj.iposite to a thick settlement on the v/est side of the river. The four tracts have an aggregate breadth upon the river of sixteen miles, and are bounded there by that distance k. These tracts are situated upon the great Kenhs^wa river, and the first four are bounded thereby for more than forty miles. It is acknowledged by all who have seen them, and of the tract containing ten tlipusand nine hun- dred and ninety acres, which I have been on myself, I can assert, that there is no richer oi more valuable land in all that region. They are conditionally sold for the sum mentioned in the schedule, that is, two hundred thousand dollars, and if the terms of that sale are not complied with, they will coiiimand considerable more. The tract, of which the one hundred and twenty five acres is a moiety, •was taken up by General Andrew Lewis and myself, for, and on account of a bitununous spring which it contains, of so inflammable a nature as to buin as freely as spirits, and is nearly as difficult to extinguish.^ /. I am but little acquainted with this land, although I have once been on it. It was received, many years since, in discharge of a debt due to me from Daniel Jenifer Ad- ams, at the value annexed thereto, and nmst be worth more. It is very level ; lies near the river Potowmac. m. This tract lies about thirty miles- above the city of Washington, not f^r from Kitoctan. It is good farming land, and by those who are well acquainted with it, I am informed that it would sell at twelve or fifteen dollars per acre. APPENDIX. 369 «. This land is valuable on account of its local situation and other properties. It affords an exceeding good stand on Braddock's road from Fort Cumberland to Pittsburgh ; and, beside a fertile soil, possesses a large quantity of nat- ural meadow, fit for the silhe. It is distinguished by the appellation of the Great Meadows, where the first action with the French, in the year 1754, was fought. 0. This is the moiety of about two thousand acres which remains unsold, of six thousand seventy one acres on the Mohawk river, Montgomery county, in a patent granted to Daniel Coxe, in the township of Coxborough and Car- olina, as will appear by deed, from Mariiuis Willet and wife, to George Clinton, late governor of New York, and myself. The latter sales have been at six dollars an acre, and what remains unsold will fetch that or more. //. The quality of these lands and their situation, may be known by the surveyor's certificates, which are filed along with the patents. They lie in the vicinity of Cincinnati ; one tract near the mouth of the Little Miami ; another seven, and the third ten miles up the same. I have been informed that they will readily command mere than they ai'c estimated at. g. For the description of those tracts in detail, see Gen. Spotswood's letters, filed with the other papers relating to them. Beside the general good quality of the land, there is a valuable bank of iron ore thereon, which, when the settlement becomes more populous, and settlers are mov- ing that way very fast, will be found very valuable, as the Rough creek, a branch of Green river, affords ample wa- ter for furnaces and forges. LOTS, viz. CITY OF WASHINGTON. r. The two lots near the capitol, in sqv.are 534, cost me nine hundred and sixty three dolktrs only ; but in this price I was favoured, on condition that I should build two brick houses three stories high each ; without this reduc- tion the selling pi-ices of these lots wonld have cost me about one thousand three hundred and filly dollars These lots, with the buildings on them, when completed will stand nne in fift';en thousand dollars at least. 370 APPENDIX. s. Lots N«* 5, 12, 13, and 14, on the Eastern Branch, are advantageously situated on the AViter; and although many lots much less convenient have sold a great deal higher, I will rate these at twelve cents the square foot only. ALEXANDRIA. t. Eor this lot, though unimproved, I have refused three thousand five hundred dollars. It has since been laid off into proper sized lots for building on, three or four of which are let on ground rent for ever, at three dollars a foot on the street ; and this price is asked for both fronts on Pitt and Prince streets. WINCHESTER. u. As neither the lot in the town or common have any improvements on them, it is not easy to fix a price ; but as both are well situated, it is presumed the price annex- ed to them in the schedule is a reasonable valuation. BATH. v. The lots in Bath, two adjoining, cost me to the best of my recollection between fifty and sixty pounds, twen- ty years ago; and the buildings thereon 1501. more. Whether property there has increased or decreased m its value, and in what condition the houses are, I am igno- ^ rant ; but suppose they are not valued too high. STOCK. TO. These are the sums which are actually funded, and thoui^h no more in the aggregate than seven thousand five hundred and sixty six dollars, stand me m at least ten thousand pounds, Virginia money ; being the amount ot bonded and other debts due to mc, and discharged during the war, when money had depreciated in that rate ; iCT&na was so settled by public authority. , .u ' ^ ^ The value annexed to these shares is what they ac- tually cost mc, and is the price affixed by law ; and al- though the present selling price is under par, my ndvice APPKNDIX. 371 to the legatees, for whose benefit they are intended, esne- cua y tnose wno can afford to lie out of the money, s!that each Should t.ke .nd hold one ; there being a mora ' er tau.tyofa great and mcreasiag profit arising from them m tie course ot a few years. y. It !s supposed that the shares in the James River Cornpany .uust also be productive ; but of this I can give no deeded opinion, lor want of more accurate infonC z. These are the nominal prices of the shares \^^ tK^ b.nks 01 Aicxand.ia a,.cl Cofumbia; .l,e s 11^. " ices GEORGE WASHINGTON. Mount Vernon, July 9, 1799. i'LNlS. S. Edig-id)jyjr. Printer. ^ *'? f