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.

414 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [YET. 51.
I have already observed, that the determination of
Congress, if they have come to any, respecting the
army, is yet unknown to me. But, as you wish to be
informed of every thing that concerns it, I do, for your
satisfaction, transmit authentic documents of some very
interesting occurrences, which have happened within
the last six months. But I ought first to premise, that,
from accumulated sufferings and little or no prospect
of relief, the discontents of the officers last fall put on
the threatening appearance of a total resignation, till the
business was diverted into the channel, which produced
the address and petition to Congress, which stand first
on the file herewith enclosed. I shall make no comment on these proceedings. To one so well acquainted
with the sufferings of the American army as you are,
it is unnecessary. It will be sufficient to observe, that
the more its virtue and forbearance are tried, the more
resplendent it appears. My hope is, that the military
exit of this valuable class of the community will exhibit
such a proof of amor patrice, as will do them honor
in the page of history.
These papers, with my last letter, which was intended to go by Colonel Gouvion, containing extensive
details of military plans, will convey to you every information. If you should get sleepy and tired of reading them, recollect, for my exculpation, that it is in compliance with your request I have run into such prolixity.
I made a proper use of the confidential part of your
letter of the 5th of February.
The scheme, my dear Marquis, which you propose
as a precedent to encourage the emancipation of the
black people in this country from that state of bondage
in which they are held, is a striking evidence of the
benevolence of your heart. I shall be happy to join
you in so laudable a work; but will defer going into