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.

354 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [AET. 37.
fortune, and such a thought the world must not harbour."
He continues his course, till at last his estate comes to
an end, a sale of it being the consequence of his perseverance in error. This I am satisfied is the way,
that many, who have set out in the wrong track, have
reasoned, till ruin has stared them in the face. And in
respect to the needy man, he is only left in the same
situation that he was found in, -better, I may say, because, as he judges from comparison, his condition is
amended in proportion as it approaches nearer to those
above him.
Upon the whole, therefore, I think the scheme a good
one, and that it ought to be tried here, with such alterations as our circumstances render absolutely necessary.
But in what manner to begin the work, is a matter
worthy of consideration. Whether it can be attempted
with propriety or efficacy, further than a communication
of sentiments to one another, before May, when the
Court and Assembly will meet at Williamsburg, and a
uniform plan can be concerted, and sent into the different counties to operate at the same time and in the
same manner everywhere, is a thing upon which I am
somewhat in doubt, and I should be glad to know your
opinion.* I am, &c.' The following is an extract from Mr. Mason's reply to this letter,
dated the same day.
"I entirely agree with you, that no regular plan of the sort proposed
can be entered into here, before the meeting of the General Court at least.
if not of the Assembly. In the mean time it may be necessary to publish
something preparatory to it in our gazettes, to warn the people of the impending danger, and induce them the more readily and cheerfully to concur in the proper measures to avert it; and something of this sort I had
begun, but am unluckily stopped by a disorder, which affects my head and
eyes. As soon as I am able, I shall resume it, and then write you more
fully, or endeavour to see you. In the mean time pray commit to writing
such hints as may occur.'" Our all is at stake, and the little conveniences and-comforts of life,