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.

PART II.] THIE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 115
tion. I flattered myself with the hope of an opportunity of personally acknowledging the atentions, which
I received from you during your presidency; but as I
find you could not with convenience make a visit to
the army on your way home, I am constrained to
take this method of returning my thanks and expressing my sincere wishes for the reestablishment of your
health. I am exceedingly happy to hear, that our political affairs begin to assume a new and pleasing appearance, which, if continued, will I hope have an influence upon the military. That department is yet
laboring under every difficulty and distress, and there
seems to me little chance of its being relieved from
the debility to which it is reduced; for, notwithstanding my pressing requisitions, and the more pressing
occasion which there is for recruits at this moment, I
may almost say I have not received one man since
my last demand.
The station, which you have lately filled with so
much honor, has given you an opportunity of making
yourself intimately acquainted with our real situation;
and a representation from you to your State will naturally have more weight, than that of a stranger to public affairs. Be assured, Sir, you cannot employ your
time better at home, than in constantly impressing all
ranks with the necessity of recruiting and supplying
the army. I have the honor to be, &c.
cannon, which had not been provided. The party retreated and reimbarked. Two or three men were wounded by a cannon-shot from the
fort. The enemy's vessels went up a river beyond the reach of the
French frigates, so that no damage was done to them. The expedition was throughout a failure. - MS. Letter of Count de Barras, July 15th,