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.

508 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS [APPENDIX.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON TO GEORGE CLINTON.
"Head-Quarters, 13 February, 1778. - Dear Sir; There is a
matter, which often obtrudes itself upon my mind, and which requires
the attention of every person of sense and influence among us; I
mean a degeneracy of representation in the great council of America.
It is a melancholy truth, Sir, the effects of which we daily see
and feel, that there is not so much wisdom in a certain body as there
ought to be, and as the success of our affairs absolutely demands.
Many members of it are no doubt men, in every respect, fit for the
trust; but this cannot be said of it as a body. Folly, caprice, a want
of foresight, comprehension, and dignity, characterize the general
tenor of their actions. Of this, I dare say, you are sensible, though
you have not perhaps so many opportunities of knowing it as I have.
Their conduct, with respect to the army especially, is feeble, indecisive, and improvident; insomuch that we are reduced to a more
terrible situation than you can conceive. False and contracted views
of economy have prevented them, though repeatedly urged to it, from
making that provision for officers, which was requisite to interest
them in the service. This has produced such carelessness and indifference to the service, as is subversive of every officer-like quality.
They have disgusted the army by repeated instances of the most
whimsical favoritism in their promotions; and by an absurd prodigality of rank to foreigners, and to the meanest staff of the army.
They have not been able to summon resolution enough to withstand
the impudent importunity and vain boasting of foreign pretenders;
but have manifested such a ductility and inconstancy in their proceedings, as will warrant the charge of suffering themselves to be
bullied by every petty adventurer, who comes armed with ostentatious
pretensions of military merit and experience. Would you believe it,
Sir? it is become almost proverbial in the mouths of the French
officers and other foreigners, that they have nothing more to do, to
obtain whatever they please, than to assume a high tone, and assert
their own merit with confidence and perseverance. These things
wound my feelings as a republican more than I can express, and in
some degree make me contemptible in my own eyes.
" America once had a representation, that would do honor to any
age or nation. The present falling off is very alarming and dangerous. What is the cause? and How is it to be remedied? are questions
that the welfare of. these States requires should be well attended to.
The great men, who composed our first council, - are they dead, have
they deserted the cause, or what has become of them? Very few are