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 1.] THE FRENCH WAR. 177
has also contributed to cause the nakedness of the soldiers. The officers are almost as uneasy and dispirited
as the men, doing every part of duty with languor and
indifference. When ordered to provide themselves
with suitable necessaries, they complain of an uncertain
establishment, and the probability of being disbanded,
and the things rendered useless. So that I really and
most heartily wish for a change. The surgeon has entreated me to mention his case, which I shall do by
enclosing his letters. He has behaved extremely well,
and discharged his duty, in every capacity, since he
came to the regiment. He has long discovered an inclination to quit the service, the encouragement being so
small; and I believe he would have done it, had not the
officers, to show their regard and willingness to detain
him, subscribed each one day's pay in every month.
This, as they are likely to be so much dispersed, and
can receive no benefit from him, they intend to withdraw, and therefore he begs me to solicit the gentlemen
of the Committee in his behalf; otherwise he will be
obliged to seek some other method of getting his livelihood.
I beg, Sir, with'very great earnestness, that the
gentlemen of the Committee will communicate their
sentiments fully upon all these several matters, and approve or disapprove every thing therein. I only wait to
know their intention, and then to act in strict conformity
with it.
If the Committee find my account satisfactory and
distinct, as I have no doubt they will, it would be conferring a great obligation, if they would make a final
settlement to that date, and begin a new account, as it
would be the means of keeping matters more clear and
intelligible hereafter. Long accounts, and references to
doubtful points, instead of gaining any light, are but
vol.. II. 23