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.

160 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [_AT. 45.
France and Great Britain? If these are questions,
which can be answered with propriety, I shall be glad
of a solution of them, and am, with sincere regard,
dear Sir, &c.
TO MAJOR-GENERAL PUTNAM.
Head-Quarters, 19 November, 1777.
DEAR SIR,
I am favored with yours of the 14th. I could have
wished that the regiments I had ordered had come on,
because I do not like brigades to be broken by detachment. The urgency of Colonel Hamilton's letter was
empire would admit, her imperial Majesty has in the fulness of her affection for the British nation, and gratitude for the benefits she received
under her late difficulties, made the most explicit declaration, and given
the most emphatic assurances, of letting us have any number of infantry
that may be wanted." — J MIS. Letter, September 5th, 1775.
" You will see by his Majesty's speech, that mention is made of negotiations with foreign powers for auxiliary troops; but it is with great
concern that I acquaint you, that our prospect of success in our transactions with the Empress of Russia, of which we had so good an expectation, is at best but doubtful, and in the present situation is a circumstance
of much disappointment and embarrassment." - October 27th, 1775.Almon's Parliamentary Register, Vol. XI. p. 304.
Notwithstanding this early decision of the point, the rumor was continued for two or three years, that reinforcements to the British army
were expected from Russia, and it excited from time to time a good
deal of apprehension in America.
On this subject of reinforcements, Sir William Howe had already become greatly dissatisfied. Neither his requisitions nor his anticipations
had been in any degree realized, and he had even asked his recall in
a letter dated October 22d, in which he wrote to Lord George Germain;
"' From the little attention, my Lord, given to my recommendations
since the commencement of my command, I am led to hope that I may
be relieved from this very painful service, wherein I have not the good
fortune to enjoy the necessary confidence and support of my superiors,
but which I conclude will be extended to Sir Henry Clinton, my presumptive successor, or to such other servant as the King may be pleased
to appoint. By the return therefore of the packet, I humbly request I