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.

AET. 43.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 149
military power, the ambition of aspiring leaders, and the
chains that had been forged and riveted on an unsuspicious people by standing armies. These lessons made
a deep impression, and infused a distrust incompatible
with enlarged schemes or energetic action. Thus it
was, that the same ardor of patriotism, which impelled
them to encounter every hazard, operated as a check
to the only measures by which their object could be
gained.
These misgivings were early discovered by Washington. He respected the motive, although he could not
but lament its effects. Conscious, on his own part, of
the highest purity of purpose, and harbouring no latent
thought, which was not directed to the best good of his
country, if he felt wounded at this suspicion, he did
not suffer it to appear in his conduct, nor to alter his
opinion of the watchful guardians of the people's liberty.
Example, he wisely thought, would be more regarded
than complaint, more persuasive than words. If ability
and courage are necessary in a commander, he soon
saw, that, in his case at least, patience, forbearance, and
fortitude, were not less so.
A regular army and a military system were to be
created, and on such principles as would insure their
stability and continuance. This great work was to be
executed mainly by the Commander-in-chief. Congress
might approve, sanction, and aid; but it was his task to
invent, combine, organize, establish, and sustain. To
this end he kept up an unremitted correspondence with
Congress during the whole war. His letters were read
to the House in full session, and almost every important
resolution respecting the army was adopted on his suggestion or recommendation, and emanated from his
mind. He was thus literally the centre of motion to this
immense and complicated machine, not more in directing