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.

246 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [ET. 46.
TO BRYAN FAIRFAX.*
Valley Forge, 1 March, 1778.
DEAR SIR,
Your favor of the 8th of December.came safe to my
hands, after a considerable delay on its passage. The
sentiments you have expressed of me in this letter are
highly flattering, and merit my warmest acknowledgments, as I have too good an opinion of your sincerity
and candor to believe that you are capable of unmeaning professions, and of speaking a language foreign to
your heart. The friendship, which I ever professed and
felt for you, met with no diminution from the difference
in our political sentiments. I know the rectitude of my
own intentions, and, believing in the sincerity of yours,
lamented, though I did not condemn, your renunciation
of the creed I had adopted. Nor do I think any perservice. The masters are allowed at the rate of one hundred and twenty
pounds for the most valuable slave, and in proportion for those of less
value. The number of slaves in the State is not great, but it is generally thought that three hundred and upwards will be enlisted." - S.
Letter, February 23d.
- An early and intimate friendship subsisted between Washington and
Bryan Fairfax, which does not appear to have been at any period of
their lives interrupted, although they differed widely in their political
sentiments. This was illustrated in a striking manner by the letters,
that passed between them in the year 1774. (See Vol. II. p. 388.) Mr.
Fairfax considered the pretensions of Parliament unjustifiable, and believed there were many grievances, which ought to be redressed; but he
could not reconcile to himself the idea of taking up arms against the
King. Differing thus from the majority of his countrymen and from
his friends, he thought it his duty to go to England and remain there
during the contest. With this aim he repaired to New York, having
obtained a passport from the Commander-in-chief. But when he arrived there, he was diverted from his purpose by having certain oaths
prescribed to him, which his conscience would not allow him to take,
being afraid they might prevent him from ever again seeing his wife
and children. This hesitancy excited a prejudice against him, which he
thought unreasonable, and he obtained permission from the British commander to return to his family. On his journey he again visited General