George Washington to Richard Henry Lee

If any thing of greater moment than declaring that every word contained in the Pamphlet, you were obliging enough to send me, was spurious, had occurred, I should not have suffered your favor of the 6th instant to remain so long unacknowledged. These letters are written with a great deal of art. The intermixture of so many family circumstances (which, by the by, want foundation in truth) gives an air of plausibility, which renders the villainy greater; as the whole is a contrivance to answer the most diabolical purposes. Who the author of them is, I know not. From information, or acquaintance, he must have had some knowledge of the component parts of my family; but he has most egregiously mistaken facts in several instances; Tho’ the design of his labors is as clear as the sun in its meridian brightness.

The favourable issue of our negotiation with France is matter for heartfelt joy, big with important events, and it must, I should think, chalk out a plain and easy road to independence, from which I hope we shall not depart, from a mistaken opinion, that the great work is already finished; or, to finish it, adopt measures of precipitation. That G. Britain would have submitted to any indignity from France, in or to reek her vengeance upon America, I have not the smallest doubt, but since the declaration of the King of France through the Marquis de Noailles, they have no choice but war; But how under their present circumstances, how they will conduct it, is a matter not so easily understood, as all their ways have been ways of darkness. That they will be under a necessity of giving up the Continent, or their Islands, seems obvious to me, if the accounts we have received of the French force in the West Indies be true. Hallifax and Canada will, I presume, be strengthened; and if they can afford a garrison sufficient, they may attempt to hold New York, unless every idea of subjugating America is given up, in that case their whole resentment will be levelled at France.

The enemy are making every preparation for, and seem to be upon the point of leaving Philadelphia. In my own judgment, and from many corresponding circumstances, I am convinced they are bound to New York; whether by land or water, whether as a place of rendezvous, or to operate on North River, is not yet clear. Our situation here, on account of the sick and stores, is embarrassing, as I dare not detach largely to harass the enemy, in case of a land movement through the Jerseys, before they have actually crossed the Delaware; and then it will be too late, as their distance to South Amboy will be much less than ours, and nothing to obstruct, To which may be added the advantage of a day’s march, which they must gain of us. Were it not for the number of our sick (upwards of 3000 in camp), and security of stores, which are covered by our present position and strength, I could take such a post in Jersey, as would make their passage through that State very difficult and dangerous to them. But the impracticability of doing this, without exposing this camp to insult and injury is well known to them; and some part of their conduct justifies a report, that, in all events, they will aim a blow at this army before they go off.

If Congress were fully impressed with the disadvantages, and real injury which the service sustains for want of the regimental regulations, the inconvenience to, and dissatisfaction of the officers, on account of the uncertainty they are under with respect to their continuing, or not, when the reduction of Regiments and Officers in each Regiment are made. I think they would not delay from day to day for upwards of three Months, a Measure which a few hours if set about would accomplish; but I have so often, and so fully represented this matter that I shall give them no further trouble on this head as a body. happy I own it would be, if the regulations and our Military arrangements were made, it would be a Means of relieving me from a number of perplexing applications, and the service of much embarrassment.

I am Dr. Sir, etc.