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. 331
occasion, and for the several States to hold out pardon
to all delinquents returning by a certain day? * They
are frightened, and this is the time to operate upon
them. After a short consideration of the matter, it
appears to me, that such a measure would detach the
Tories from the enemy, and bring things to a much
speedier conclusion, and of course be a means of saving much public treasure.
I trust you will excuse, not only the length of my
letter, but the freedom with which I have delivered
my sentiments. The subjects struck me as important
and interesting, and I have only to wish, that they
may appear to you in the same light.
I am, dear Sir, with great regard, &c.
TO GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON.
Head-Quarters, 22 April, 1778.
DEAR SIR,
Enclosed I transmit to you a Philadelphia paper, containing the drafts of two bills, introduced into Parliament by Lord North, and his speech upon the occasion.
Their authenticity is not questioned in Philadelphia;
and I have not the smallest doubt, but there will be
some overtures made to us similar, or nearly so, to the
propositions held forth in the drafts. You will see that
their aim is, under offers of peace, to divide and disunite us; and, unless their views are early investigated
and exposed in a striking manner and in various shapes
by able pens, I fear they will be but too successful,
and that they will give a very unhappy if not a ruinous
cast to our affairs. It appears to me, that we have
" This measure was adopted by Congress, two days after the above
letter was written. —Journals,.April 23d.