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.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 27
of your rank to the command of it, or in it, would, I
am certain, involve me in a difficulty of a very disagreeable and delicate nature, and might perhaps lead
to consequences more serious than it is easy to imagine. While I adhere firmly to the.right of making
such appointments as you request, I am at the same
time obliged to reflect, that it will not do to push that
right too far, more especially in a service like ours, and
at a time so critical as the present.
I am convinced, that no officer can with justice dispute your merit and abilities. The opposition heretofore made has not been for the want of those qualifications in the gentlemen, who are and have been the
objects of discontent. The officers of the line contend, without having reference to particular persohs,
that it is a hardship and reflection upon them to introduce brevet officers into commands, of some permanence, in which there are more opportunities of
distinguishing themselves, than in the line of the army
at large, and with the men they have had the trouble
to discipline and prepare for the field.
My principal concern arises from an apprehension,
that -you will impute my refusal of your request to
other motives, than those I have expressed; but I beg
you to be assured I am only influenced by the reasons, which I have mentioned. I am, dear Sir, &c.
TO COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU.
New Windsor, 30 April, 1781.
SIR,
I assure your Excellency, that I feel extreme pain at
the occasion of that part of your letter of the 26th
instant, which relates to an intercepted letter of mine