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.

MT. 44.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 219
prisoner, and bore him off in triumph to the British
camp.
This event created a strong sensation of surprise and
regret throughout the country. The military talents,
experience, and activity of General Lee had inspired
universal confidence, and raised high expectations in
the minds of the people. He had served in America
during the last war, and afterwards with distinguished
reputation in different parts of Europe. His recent
enterprise and successes at the south had confirmed
the good opinion before entertained of his abilities and
skill. His capture, therefore, considering the circumstances, appeared inexplicable. Public sentiment, ever
prone to extremes, took a direction unfavorable to his
character. As no plausible reason could be assigned
for his conduct in exposing himself so incautiously, it
was surmised that he was a voluntary prisoner, and
sought this method of joining the enemy without incurring the odium of desertion. But there was no just
ground for such a suspicion. As a soldier, he was true
to the interests of his adopted country; as a friend to
American freedom, his sincerity may be questioned.
Harbouring the most bitter resentment against the British King and ministry, for reasons not fully understood,
he wished to see them humbled; and this motive alone
would have impelled him to embrace any cause tending
to such a result. Violent in his temper, hasty in his
resolves, reckless in adventure, possessing an inordinate
self-confidence and unbounded ambition, he looked
upon the American war as presenting an opportunity
for gratifying at the same time his animosity and his
passion for glory. He entered heartily into the measures
of opposition to the British arms, and in the first year
of the contest rendered important services; but, believing
himself superior to every other officer in the American