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.

PART 1.J THE FRENCH WAR. 31
ment of their pay, which we neither have in one sense
nor the other. We are debarred the pleasure of good
living; and, Sir, I dare say you will acknowledge, that,
with one who has always been used to it, it must go
somewhat hard to be confined to a little salt provision
and water, and to do duty, hard, laborious duty, which is
almost inconsistent with that of a soldier, and yet have
the same reductions as if he were allowed luxuriously.
My pay, according to the British establishment and
common exchange, would be near twenty shillings per
day; in the room of which, the Committee (for I cannot
in the least imagine your Honor had any hand in it) has
provided twelve shillings and sixpence, so long as the
service continues, whereas one half of the other is confirmed to British officers for life. Now if we should
be fortunate enough to drive the French from the Ohio,
as far as your Honor would please to have them sent, in
any short time, our pay will not be sufficient to discharge
our first expenses.
I would not have you imagine from this, that I have
said all these things to have the pay increased, but to
justify myself, and show you that our complaints are not
frivolous, but founded upon strict reason. For my own
part, it is a matter almost indifferent whether I serve for
full pay, or as a generous volunteer; indeed, did my
circumstances correspond with my inclinations, I should
not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter; for the
motives that have led me here are pure and noble; I
had no view of acquisition, but that of honor, by serving
faithfully my king and country.
As you have recommended Mr. Willis, you may
depend I shall with pleasure do all I can for him.
But above all, Sir, you may rely, that I shall take
all possible means of procuring intelligence, and guarding against surprises; and be assured nothing but