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.

PARTII.1 THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 351
and there is no doubt but she would, for her pride
and ambition are unconquerable, no nation would credit
our professions, or grant us aid. At any rate, her
favors would be obtained upon the most disadvantageous and dishonorable terms.
I sincerely wish the provision for officers, so long
the subject of discussion, was established. It is certainly equitable, and in my opinion essential. Day after
day and hour after hour produce resignations. If they
were confined to bad officers, or to those of little or no
character, they would be of no consequence. But it is
painful to see men, who are of a different cast, who
have rendered great services to their country, and who
are still and may be most materially wanted, leaving
the army, on account of the distresses of their families,
and to repair their circumstances, which have been
much injured by their zeal and the part they have
taken in defence of our common rights. The provision,
if adopted, would not produce present relief, nor a
present expense; yet it would be a compensation in
future for their misfortunes and their toils, and be some
support to their injured constitutions.
If the measure is to be submitted to the legislatures
of the several States for their concurrence, the delay,
supposing it should be assented to, will I fear be attended with effects, that will only be regretted when
too late. But the chance in such case will be rather
against the adoption; for there are but few of the legislatures, which are impressed with the real state of
things, or which can without difficulty be fully informed
of them; and while this matter is held in suspense,
every thing is at a stand, and the most fatal consequences may result from it. I do not to this hour
know whether, putting half-pay out of the question,
the old or new establishment is to take place; how to