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.

266 WASHINGTON'S WvRITINGS. [ET. 46.
TO MAJOR-GENERAL SULLIVAN.
Head-Quarters, 10 March, 1778.
SIR,
In pursuance of a resolve of Congress, dated the
21st of February last, by which I am directed to order
a major-general to take the command of the troops in
the State of Rhode Island, in the place of MajorGeneral Spencer, who has resigned, I have appointed
you to that duty, and you are to proceed with all
convenient despatch to enter upon it.
Congress have not communicated any thing to me
on the subject of instructions. If they have any new
object, which will occasion an alteration in those given
to your predecessor, it is probable that they will make
you particularly acquainted with their views. I am, &c.
TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL BURGOYNE.
Head-Quarters, 11 March, 1778.
I was only two days since honored with your very
obliging letter of the 11th of February. Your indulgent
opinion of my character, and the polite terms in which
you are pleased to express it, are peculiarly flattering;
and I take pleasure in the opportunity you have afforded me, of assuring you, that, far from suffering the
views of national opposition to be embittered and debased by personal animosity, I am ever ready to do
justice to the merit of the man and soldier, and to
esteem where esteem is due, however the idea of a
public enemy may interpose. You will not think it the
language of unmeaning ceremony, if I add, that senti