The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

150 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. [1775.
its operations, than in providing for its existence, and
preserving from derangement and ruin its various parts.
His perplexities were often increased by the distance at
which he was stationed from Congress, the tardy movements of that body, and the long time it took to obtain
the results of their deliberations. By a constant watchfulness and forethought, and by anticipating the future
in his communications, he contrived to lessen this inconvenience as far as it could be done.
Besides his unceasing intercourse with Congress, he
was obliged to correspond with the heads of the provincial governments, and afterwards with the governors
and legislatures of the States, with conventions, committees, and civil magistrates. In these were really vested
the executive powers of the confederated government.
Congress recommended, advised, resolved; they voted
men and supplies, assigning due proportions to the
respective States; here their authority ceased. The
rest was left to the will of the people, exercised through
their representatives in the State legislatures. These
bodies required the perpetual promptings of the Commander-in-chief, with forcible representations of the
weakness and wants of the army, and appeals to all the
motives which could stimulate patriotism or touch the
springs of interest. One advantage, however, attended
these harassing relations, which might compensate for
so extraordinary a weight of care and responsibility.
They brought him into more direct contact with the
sources of power, and enabled him to extend his influence, and the fruits of his wisdom, into channels where
they were most needed, and would produce the best
effects; thus enlarging the compass of his own consideration, and promoting public harmony and union.
He had not been long in camp, when he was called
upon to exercise his firmness in a manner, that for a