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.

132 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. [1774.
people of Great Britain. "You have been told, that
we are seditious, impatient of government, and desirous
of independency. Be assured, that these are not facts,
but calumnies." That such were at this time the sentiments of the leaders in America, there can be no
reasonable doubt; being accordant with all their public acts and private declarations. Considering the
temper of the British ministry, and the length to which
their blindness and obstinacy had already carried them,
a resort to arms was probably anticipated. But it
was certainly the opinion of Washington, and, it is
believed, of all his principal coadjutors, in the earlier stages of the contest, that a course of measures so
obviously impolitic and unjust, and so hostile to the interests of England herself, would not be persevered in, and
that a reconciliation would ultimately be effected on
such terms as the colonists would accept; that is, by
desisting friom oppressive claims, and restoring things
to their original position. It was his opinion, nevertheless, that the colonists were bound, in duty to themselves and posterity, to vindicate and maintain their
ancient liberties, their rights as men and British subjects, and that they ought to be prepared, with all
their resources and strength, to meet the issue to which
stern necessity might impel them. On this ground he
stood firm, never waveringfor a moment, looking steadily at the object in view, and regarding the struggles
and hazards in attaining it as dust in the balance.
Mr. Wirt relates an anecdote of him, which shows
in what estimation he was held by the members of
the first Congress. Soon after Patrick Henry returned
home, being asked "whom he thought the greatest
man in Congress," he replied, "If you speak of eloquence, Mr. Rutledge of South Carolina is by far the
greatest orator; but, if you speak of solid information