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.

332 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS r[ET. 2&
in point of health by his trip to England. The longing
desire, which for many years I have had, of visiting the
great metropolis of that kingdom, is not in the least
abated by his prejudices, because I think the small share
of health he enjoyed, while there, must have given a
check to any pleasures he might anticipate, and would
render any place irksome; but I am now tied, and must
set inclination aside.
The scale of fortune in America is turned greatly in
our favor, and success has become the companion of our
fortunate generals. It would be folly in me to attempt
particularizing their actions, since you receive accounts
in a channel so much more direct than from hence.*
I am now, I believe, fixed at this seat with an agreeable partner for life, and I hope to find more happiness in
retirement, than I ever experienced amidst the wide and
bustling world. I thank you heartily for your affectionate wishes. Why will you not give me an occasion of
congratulating you in the same manner? None would
do it more cordially than, dear Sir, your most obedient
and obliged servant.
TO RICHARD WASHINGTON.
Mount Vernon, 10 August, 1760.
DEAR SIR,
The French are so well drubbed, and seem so much
humbled in America, that I apprehend our generals will
find it no difficult matter to reduce Canada to our obedience this summer. But what may be Montgomery's
fate in the Cherokee country I cannot so readily deter* During this year Ticonderoga had been taken by General Amherst,
Niagara by Sir William Johnson, and Quebec had fallen in consequence
of the splendid victory of Wolfe on the Plains of Abraham.