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.

316 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [AET. 46.
myself of the advantages of their services, which were
essential both for the security of my camp, and stopping the intercourse with the city; but for what purpose did I do this? Why to furnish the officers and
men, it seems, with opportunities of galloping about the
country, and, by neglect of the horses, reducing them
to a worse condition than those, which have been kept
upon constant and severe duty the whole winter. How
you can reconcile this conduct to your feelings as an
officer, and answer it to your country, I know not.
I am, Sir, &c.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Valley Forge, 18 April, 1778,
SIRn
On Thursday evening I had the honor to receive
your two letters of the 14th instant. I am much
obliged by the fresh assurances, which Congress are
pleased to make me of their confidence; and they
may be satisfied that I wish nothing more ardently,
than that a good and perfect agreement should subsist
between us. The negotiation between the commissioners is ended without effecting a cartel; nor do I
suppose, from the information I have received on the
subject, that there is any good prospect that one will
ever be formed, or at least for a great while, on a
liberal and extensive plan. A report of the proceedings of the commissioners on our part, at their several
meetings, I take the liberty to enclose. The old agreement, I presume, continues; and under it we must
carry on exchanges.*
" Commissioners from General Washington and General Howe met
at Germantown on the 31st of March, where they remained three days.