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.

PARTII.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 359
of America were much raised in consequence of the
change of the British ministry, and the measures of
Parliament; but events have shown that our hopes have
risen too high. The death of the Marquis of Rockingham, the advancement of the Earl of Shelburne,
and the delays of negotiation, have given us very different impressions from those we at first received.
We now begin again to reflect upon the persevering
obstinacy of the King, the wickedness of his ministry,
and the haughty pride of the nation, which recall to
our minds very disagreeable recollections, and a probable continuance of our present troubles. The military
operations of the campaign are drawing to a close without any very important events on this side of the water,
unless the evacuation of Charleston, which is generally
expected, but not yet known to me, should take place,
and form a paragraph in the page of this year's history.
The British fleet from the West Indies still continues
in New York. I have not been able yet to decide on
the enemy's intentions there. It is generally thought,
that a detachment of their troops will sail, when the
fleet returns to the West Indies, where it is conjectured their efforts for the winter will be prosecuted
with vigor. I have the honor to be, &c.
TO GOVERNOR CLINTON.
Head-Quarters, 19 October, 1782.
SIR,
I have received your favor of the 15th instant with
the enclosures; and, though at the same time it is true,
I have the general command of the allied army, as to
all its movements and operations, yet I have never considered myself as having an absolute right to interfere