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. 203
you on the subject. I therefore thought I might be
less explicit, and not incur this censure by that means.
I seem also to be reprimanded for giving a vague account of my tour to the southward. I was rather fearful
of blame for prolixity and impertinence, in meddling
with matters with which I had no immediate concern;
and I related them rather as hints, to set you upon
inquiring, than as a circumstantial account of the facts.
This I chose more especially to do, as Colonels Lewis
and Buchanan were there, from whom, being heads of
the militia, these representations, fully authenticated,
would more properly come. WVhen I went to Augusta,
it was with the good design to relieve, if possible, a
much distressed settlement; but, finding this impracticable without men, and hearing some complaints of
Captain Hogg, and at the same time being desirous of
seeing in what manner he proceeded, I continued onward
in no small danger; yet pleased with executing this extraordinary duty, and bringing myself more intimately
acquainted with the situation of our frontiers, which,
Sir, I related as well as I was capable, with a design,
from which I have never intentionally swerved, to serve
my country. And I am sorry to find, that this, and my
best endeavours of late, meet with unfavorable constructions. What it proceeds from, I know not. If my
open and disinterested way of writing and speaking has
the air of pertness and freedom, I shall correct my error
by acting reservedly, and shall take care to obey my
orders without offering any thing more.
When I spoke of a chaplain, it was in answer to
yours. I had no person in view, though many have
offered; and I only said, if the country would provide
subsistence, w6 could procure a chaplain, without thinking there was offence in the expression.
So soon as I march from Winchester, which will be