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.

PART I.] THE FRENCH WAR. 139
further sum of twenty thousand pounds, and voted the
augmenting of our forces to two thousand men, from
whom, under good regulations, we may have some expectations, if they are properly appointed. For this
purpose, as I have not heard your Honor offer your
opinion, I have been free enough to propose a scheme,
which is now enclosed. The plan is to have the whole
two thousand formed into one regiment consisting of
two battalions, of ten companies each, with five fieldofficers, each of whom to have a company; and every
other company to consist of one captain, two lieutenants,
one ensign, four sergeants, four corporals, two drummers, and eighty-seven private men. This will save to
the country the annual sum of five thousand and six
pounds, sixteen shillings, and eight pence, and we shall
be better established, and appointed more after the
British manner, than we now can, or should be, if
formed into two regiments, or into one regiment with
only fifty men in a company. And I humbly conceive,
where we can pattern after our mother country upon as
easy terms as pursuing plans of our own, that we should
at least pay that deference to her judgment and experience.
The country will save the pay of many commissioned,
as well as non-commissioned officers, who are the persons that enhance the expenses. For, the whole annual
pay of the two thousand men, including all the staff-.
officers, and other commissioned officers, sergeants, corporals, drummers, and private men, amounts only to
thirty-four thousand one hundred and forty-five pounds
ten shillings; whereas, were they formed into regiments, or into one regiment of fifty in a company, (but
that would be quite incongruous,) the expense would
amount to thirty-nine thousand one hundred and fiftytwo pounds, six shillings, and eight pence, which makes