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.

382 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. [1782.
"This must have shown to all, and to military men
in particular, the weakness of republics, and the exertions the army have been able to make by being under
a proper head. Therefore I little doubt, that, when
the benefits of a mixed government are pointed out,
and duly considered, such will be readily adopted. In
this case it will, I believe, be uncontroverted, that the
same abilities, which have led us through difficulties,
apparently insurmountable by human power, to victory
and glory, those qualities, that have merited and obtained the universal esteem and veneration of an army,
would be most likely to conduct and direct us in the
smoother paths of peace. Some people have so connected the ideas of tyranny and monarchy, as to find
it very difficult to separate them. It may therefore be
requisite to give the head of such a constitution, as I
propose, some title apparently more moderate; but, if
all other things were once adjusted, I believe strong
arguments might be produced for admitting the title
of KING, which I conceive would be attended with
some material advantages."
To this communication, as unexpected as it was extraordinary in its contents, Washington replied as follows.
"Newburg, 22 May, 1782.
" SIR,
"With'a mixture of great surprise and astonishment,
I have read with attention the sentiments you have
submitted to my perusal. Be assured, Sir, no occurrence in the course of the war has given me more
painful sensations, than your information of there being
such ideas existing in the army, as you have expressed,
and I must view with abhorrence and reprehend with
severity. For the present the communication of them
will rest in my own bosom, unless some further agitation
of the matter shall make a disclosure necessary.