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.

AET. 44.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 203
great delusion to the British ministers almost to the end
of the war. They flattered themselves with the belief,
that a large part of their army might be recruited among
the loyalists in America. Clothes and equipments were
abundantly supplied for this purpose, and extravagant
bounties were offered. The generals on the spot, being
soon undeceived, remonstrated against so fallacious a
dependence; but the ministers closed their ears to such
counsel, and persevered. Plans were repeatedly formed
by the generals, and approved by the cabinet, on the
basis of a certain number of troops; but, when the time
of execution came, the men sent from Europe fell far
short of the number promised, and the commander was
instructed to make up the deficiency with American
recruits. If the inquiry were pursued, it would be
found, that the ill success of the British arms, and the
defeated expectations of the government, are often to
be traced to this cause alone. Hence both Howe and
Clinton, the principal commanders in America during
the most active period of the war, became dissatisfied,
requested their recall long before it was granted, and
finally went home to receive the censures of their
countrymen and the neglect of the court.
The subject, which now engaged the most anxious
thoughts of Washington, was the situation and prospects
of the army. We have seen that the establishment
formed at Cambridge was to continue for one year, and
the time of its dissolution was near at hand. He had
often called the attention of Congress to this important
subject, and pressed upon them the necessity of some
radical alterations in the system hitherto pursued. By
the experience of the past year all his first impressions
had been confirmed, and all his fears realized, in regard
to the mischievous policy of short enlistments, and of
relying on militia to act against veteran troops. Dis