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 II.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 253
regulated and enforced, as to produce, not only the
greatest harmony and good understanding, but the
truest happiness and comfort to each. Depending,
therefore, upon a due and early attention to this important business, and promising myself no small relief
from our present difficulties, I remain, Sir, with due
respect and regard, yours, &c.
P. S. Since writing the foregoing, I have received
a letter from Colonel Gibson at Lancaster, dated the
2d instant, an extract from which, with his brder to the
quartermaster and the answer, I enclose, to show how
much we are distressed even in small matters; but
our sufferings in' camp, for want of forage and wagons,
are beyond all description.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Valley Forge, 7 March, 1778.
SIR,
I take the liberty of transmitting to you copies of
three letters from General Howe, of the 14th and 21st
ultimo, and of the 2d instant, with their enclosures.
The unhappy violation of the flag of truce has laid us
under no small embarrassments, and has afforded the
enemy good grounds for complaint and triumph at the
same time. This however is the natural consEaluence,
and must ever be the case, where different powers
counteract each other in matters of the most delicate
importance. There are some circumstances attending
this affair, which it may possibly be in the power of
Congress to throw light upon. If they can, I shall be
obliged by their assistance.
VOL. V. V