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 CA BAL. 513
of the envious partisan. I really cannot tell who is the writer of this
letter, which not a little perplexes me. The handwriting is altogether strange to me.
"To give you the trouble of this gives me pain. It would suit
my inclination better to give you some assistance in the great business of the war. But I will not conceal any thing from you, by
which you may be affected; for I really think your personal welfare
and the happiness of America are intimately connected. I beg you
will be assured of that high regard and esteem, with which I ever am,
dear Sir, your affectionate friend and very humble servant."
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO HORATIO GATES.
V' alley Forge, 24 February, 1778. - Sir; I yesterday received
your favor of the 19th instant. I am as averse to controversy as any
man; and, had I not been forced into it, you never would have had
occasion to impute to me even the shadow of a disposition towards it.
Your repeatedly and solemnly disclaiming any offensive views, in
those matters which have been the subject of our past correspondence, makes me willing to close with the desire you express, of burying them hereafter in silence and, as far as future events will permit, oblivion. My temper leads me to peace and harmony with all
men; and it is peculiarly my wish to avoid any personal feuds or
dissensions with those, who are embarked in the same great national
interest with myself, as every difference of this kind must in its consequences be very injurious. I am, Sir, your most obedient servant."
PATRICK HENRY TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
" Williamsburg, 5 March, 1778. - Dear Sir; By an express,
which Colonel Finnie sent to camp, I enclosed to you an anonymous
letter, which I hope got safe to hand. I am anxious to hear something that will serve to explain the strange affair, which I am now
informed is taken up respecting you. Mr. Custis has just paid us a
visit, and by him I learn sundry particulars concerning General
Mifflin, that much surprised me. It is very hard to trace the schemes
and windings of the enemies to America. I really thought that man
its friend; however, I am too far from him to judge of his present
temper.
" While you face the armed enemies of our liberty in the field, and
by the favor of God have been kept unhurt, I trust your country will
never harbour in her bosom the miscreant, who would ruin her best
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