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.

APPENDIX.] CONWAY'S CABAL. 491
considerations of a public nature, I care not; for it is well known,
that neither ambitious, nor lucrative motives led me to accept my
present appointments; in the discharge of which, I have endeavoured to observe one steady and uniform system of conduct, which I
shall invariably pursue, while I have the honor to command, regardless of the tongue of slander or the powers of detraction. The
fatal tendency of disunion is so obvious, that I have in earnest terms
exhorted such officers, as have expressed their dissatisfaction at
General Conway's promotion, to be cool and dispassionate in their
decision upon the matter; and I have hopes that they will not suffer
any hasty determination to injure the service. At the same time, it
must be acknowledged, that officers' feelings upon these occasions
are not to be restrained, although you may control their actions.
" The other observations contained in your letter have too much
truth in them; and it is much to be lamented, that things are not now
as they formerly were; but we must not, in so great a contest, expect
to meet with nothing but sunshine. I have no doubt that every thing
happens for the best, that we shall triumph over all our misfortunes,
and in the end be happy; when, my dear Marquis, if you will give
me your company in Virginia, we will laugh at our past difficulties
and the folly of others; and I will endeavour, by every civility in
my power, to show you how much and how sincerely I am your affectionate and obedient servant."
GEORGE WASHIINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.' Valle?y Forge, 4 January, 1778. - Sir; Unwilling as I am to
add any thing to the multiplicity of business, that necessarily engages
the attention of Congress, I am compelled by unavoidable necessity
to pass my answer to General Gates through their hands. What
could induce General Gates to communicate to that honorable body
a copy of his letter to me is beyond the depth of my comprehension,
upon any fair ground; but the fact being so, must stand as an apology for the liberty of giving you this trouble, which no other consideration would have induced me to take. With the greatest
respect, Sir, I am, &c."
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO HORATIO GATES.
"Valley Forge, 4 January, 1778. - Sir; Your letter of the Sth
ultimo came to my hands a few days ago, and to my great surprise
informed me that a copy of it had been sent, to Congress, for what