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.

PAr II.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 17
take upon you the command of the northern army accordingly. Wishing you success, and that you may
speedily be able to restore the face of affairs in that
quarter, I am, with great regard, Sir, yours, &c.
TO TIHE COUNCIL OF SAFETY OF NEW YORK.
Philadelphia, 4 August, 1777.
GENTLEMEN,
The misfortune at Ticonderoga has given a very disagreeable turn to our affairs, and has thrown a gloom
upon the prospect, which the campaign, previous to
that event, afforded. But I am in great hopes, that the
ill consequences of it will not continue long to operate,
and that the jealousies and alarms, which so sudden
and unexpected an event has produced in the minds
of the people, both in your State and to the eastward,
will soon subside, and give place to the more rational
dictates of self-preservation, and a regard to the common good. In fact, the worst effect of that event is,
that it has served to produce those distrusts and apprehensions; for, if the matter were coolly and dispassionately considered, there would be nothing found so
formidable in General Burgoyne and the force under
him, with all his successes, as to countenance the least
degree of despondency; and experience would show,
that even the moderate exertions of the States, more
immediately interested, would be sufficient to check
his career, and, perhaps, convert the advantages he has
gained into his ruin. But while people continue to view
what has happened through the medium of suspicion
and fear, there is no predicting to what length an enterprising man may push his good fortune. I have the
fullest confidence, that no endeavours of the Council
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