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. 17
TO GOVERNOR DINWIDDIE.
Youghiogany, 18 May, 1754.
SIR,
I am heartily concerned, that the officers have such
real cause to complain of the Committee's resolves; and
still more to find my inclinations prone to second their
just grievances.
I have endeavoured, as far as I was able, to see in the
best light I could the trifling advantages that may accrue;
yet nothing prevents their throwing down their commissions, (with gratitude and thanks to your Honor, whose
good intentions of serving us we are all well assured of,)
but the approaching danger, which has too far engaged
their honor to recede till other officers are sent in their
room, or an alteration made regarding their pay,,during
which time they will assist with their best endeavours
voluntarily, that is, without receiving the gratuity allowed
by the resolves of the Committee.
Giving up my commission is quite contrary to my
intention. Nay, I ask it as a greater favor, than any
amongst the many I have received from your Honor, to
confirm it to me. But let me serve voluntarily; then I
will, with the greatest pleasure in life, devote my services to the expedition without any other reward, than
the satisfaction of serving my country; but to be slaving
dangerously for the shadow of pay, through woods,
rocks, mountains, - I would.rather preier the great toil
of a daily laborer, and dig for a maintenance, provided I
were reduced to the necessity, than serve upon such
ignoble terms; for I really do not see why the lives of
his Majesty's subjects in Virginia should be of less value,
than of those in other parts of his American dominions;
especially when it is well known, that we must undergo
double their hardship.
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