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.

300 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [ET. 26.
having conversed with all the guides, and having been
informed by others, who have a knowledge of the country, I am convinced that a road, to be compared with
General Braddock's, or, indeed, that will be fit for transportation even by packhorses, cannot be made. I have
no predilection for the route you have in contemplation
for me, not because difficulties appear therein, but because I doubt whether satisfaction can be given in the
execution of the plan. I know not what reports you
may have received from your reconnoitring parties; but
I have been uniformly told, that, if you expect a tolerable road by Raystown, you will be disappointed, for no
movement can be made that way without destroying our
horses.
I should be extremely glad of one hour's conference
with you, when the General arrives. I could then explain myself more fully, and, I think, demonstrate the
advantages of pushing out a body of light troops in this
quarter. I would make a trip to Raystown with great
pleasure, if my presence here could be dispensed with
for a day or two, of which you can best judge.*
I am, my dear Sir, with most sincere regard, your
very obedient and affectionate servant.
" In reply Colonel Bouquet wrote;- -" Nothing can exceed your generous dispositions for the service. I see with the utmost satisfaction, that
you are above the influences of prejudice, and ready to go heartily where
reason and judgment shall direct. I wish, sincerely, that we may all entertain one and the same opinion; therefore I desire to have an interview
with you at the houses built half way between our camps. I will communicate all the intelligence, which it has been in my power to collect; and,
by weighing impartially the advantages and disadvantages of each route,
[ hope we shall be able between us to determine what is most eligible,
and save the General trouble and loss of time."'
An interview accordingly took place, at which the subject was fully discussed.