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.

400 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [E T. 46
King's speech to Parliament and their addresses upon
the occasion. If one were to judge of the temper of
these courts from the above documents, war I should
think must have commenced long before this time; and
yet the commissioners say, that it had not taken place
on the 28th of April, and that the differences between
the two courts were likely to be accommodated. But
I believe not a word of it.
I am sorry to hear of Billy Washington's ill health,
but hope he is recovering. Mrs. Washington left
this place the day before yesterday for Mount Vernon.
My love to my sister and the family is most sincerely
offered, and I am, with the truest regard and affection,
yours, &c.
TO THIE PRESIDEiANT OF CONGRESS.
11 June, 1778.
DEAR SIR,
I thank you for your favor of the 8th, which was
duly received. I must take the frieedom to hint to
you, that if in the packets transmitted by this conveyance there are any letters for persons, with whom you
are not acquainted, or in whose firmness and attachment you have not an entire confidence, it may not
be improper to open them. This, I am persuaded,
would be the case. However, I am the more induced
to mention it, as the obvious, nay almost sole design
of several letters, which have come to my hands, is to
give the commissioners the most favorable characters
for candor and integrity, and to establish a belief, that
they have the most competent and extensive powers.
The letters coming sealed was sufficient to awaken
my suspicions, and I shall not transmit a single one