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.

124 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [T. 23.
will, I hope, be instrumental in animating the younger
officers to a laudable emulation in the service of their
country. Not that I apprehend any of them can be
guilty of offences of this nature, but there are many
other misdemeanors, that will, without due circumspection, gain upon inactive minds, and produce consequences equally disgraceful.
I would, therefore, earnestly recommend, in every
point of duty, willingness to undertake, and intrepid
resolution to execute. Remember, that actions, and
not the commission, make the officer, and that more is
expected from him, than the title. Do not forget, that
there ought to be a time appropriated to attain knowledge, as well as to indulge in pleasure. And as we
now have no opportunities to improve from example, let
us read for this desirable end. Bland's and other treatises will give the proper information.
I think it my duty, gentlemen, as I have the honor to
preside over you, to give this friendly admonition; especially since I am determined, as far as my small
experience, my abilities, and interest in the service may
dictate, to observe the strictest discipline. On the other
hand, you may as. certainly depend upon having rigid
justice administered to all, and that I shall make it the
most agreeable part of my duty to study merit, and reward the brave and deserving. I assure, you, gentlemen,
that partiality shall never bias my conduct, nor shall
prejudice injure any; but, throughout the whole tenor
of my proceedings, I shall endeavour, as far as I am
able, to reward and punish, without the least departure
from equity.
communicating this sentence, the commander addressed to the officers
generally the above remarks and admonition.