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. 197
I passed by, I saw but one or two that had their captains present, they being absent chiefly on their own
business, and had given leave to several of the men to
do the same. Yet these persons, I will venture to say,
will charge the country their full month's pay.
Thirdly, the wretched and unhappy situation of the
inhabitants needs few words, after a slight reflection on
the preceding circumstances. They are fully sensible
of their misery; they feel their insecurity in relying on
militia, who are slow in coming to their assistance, indifferent about their preservation, unwilling to continue,
and regardless of every thing but their own ease. In
short, they are so affected with approaching ruin, that
the whole back country is in a general motion towards
the southern colonies; and I expect that scarce a family
will inhabit Frederic, Hampshire, or Augusta, in a little
time. They petitioned me in the most earnest manner
for companies of the regiment. But alas! it is not in
my power to assist them with any, unless I leave this
dangerous quarter more exposed than they are. I
promised, at their particular request, to address your
Honor and the Assembly in their behalf, that a regular
force may be established in lieu of the militia and ranging companies, which are of much less service, and of
infinitely more cost to the country. Were this done,
the whole would be under one direction, and any misbehaviour could never pass with impunity. Whereas
the others are soldiers at will. And, indeed, the manner in which some of the ranging captains have obtained
their commissions, if I am rightly informed, is by imposture and artifice. They produce a list, I am told, to
your Honor, of sundry persons, who are willing to serve
under them. One part, it is said, consists of fictitious
names; another, the names of persons who never saw
the list; and the remainder are persons drawn into it
Qo