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. 267
troops in the universe can guard against the cunning
and wiles of Indians. No one can tell where they will
fall, till the mischief is done, and then it is in vain to
pursue. The inhabitants see, and are convinced of this,
which makes each family afraid of standing in the gap
of danger; and by retreating, one behind another, they
depopulate the country, and leave it to the enemy, who
subsist upon the plunder.
If we pursue a defensive plan -next campaign, there
will not, by the autumn, be one soul living on this side
of the Blue Ridge, except the soldiers in garrison, and
such of the inhabitants as may seek shelter therein.
This, Sir, I know to be the immovable determination of
the people; and, believe me, I have been at great pains,
before I could prevail on them to wait the consultations
of this winter, and the events of the spring.
I do not know on whom these miserable, undone
people are to rely for protection. If the Assembly are
to give it to them, it is time that measures were at least
concerting, and not when they ought to be going into execution, as has always been the case. If they are to seek
it from the Commander-in-chief, it is time their condition was made known to him; for I cannot forbear repeating again, that while we pursue defensive measures
we pursue inevitable ruin, the loss of the country being
the inevitable and fatal consequence. There will be
no end to our troubles, while we follow this plan, and
every year will increase our expense. This, my dear
Sir, I urge not only as an officer, but as a friend,
who has property in the country and is unwilling to
lose it. This it is, also, that makes me anxious for
doing more than barely to represent these matters,
which is all that is expected of an officer commanding.
It is not possible for me to convey a just sense of the
posture of our affairs. It would be vain to attempt it.