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.

ZET. 45.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 271
exhausted and all his hopes defeated, as the Board of
War did nothing to fulfil their promise or promote
the expedition, he returned to the camp at Valley
Forge.*
And it might here be recorded to the honor of Lafayette, if indeed his whole career in America was not
a noble monument to his honor, his generosity, and
unwavering fidelity to every trust reposed in him, that
from the very first he resisted every attempt that was
made by the flatteries of Conway, and the artifices of
others, to bring him into the league. In the earliest
stage of the cabal, before it had been whispered to the
public, he wrote to Washington, stating his opinion of
Conway, and his fears for the unhappy consequences
that might flow from his conduct. "I need not tell
you," said he, "how sorry I am at what has happened; it is a necessary result of my tender and respectful friendship for you, which is as true and candid
as the other sentiments of my heart, and much stronger
than so new an acquaintance might seem to admit.
But another reason for my concern is my ardent and
* Before Lafayette commenced his journey to Albany, he rode to Yorktown, for the purpose of making arrangements with the Board of War.
As soon as he arrived, he called on General Gates, whom he found surrounded by his friends seated at a dinner-table. They greeted him with
much cordiality. He joined them at the table, the wine passed round,
and several toasts were given. Determined not to' act under disguise,
and to take the first opportunity of letting his sentiments be known, he
called to them, just as they were about to rise, and observed that one
toast had been omitted, which he would propose. The glasses were filled,
and he gave as a toast, "The Commander-in-chief of the American
armies." It is needless to say, that it was coldly received; and it is
possible, that this early and bold avowal of his predilections had sonle
influence in damping the ardor, with which the leaders of the faction had
planned this abortive Canada expedition. Conway was appointed second
in command; but Lafayette insisted that the Baron de Kalb, in whom
he had confidence, should be one of the officers, which was granted, but
not without evident reluctance. Baron de Kalb, being higher in rank
than Conway, was thus the second in command, and Conway the third.