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.

PARTII.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 363
zeal. He appears very desirous of rendering his services to the States, and of being employed; and at the
same time he does not discover any ambition for high
rank. Congress will herewith receive a letter from
him; and I doubt not they will make such provision
for him, as they may think proper and suitable.
I take pleasure in transmitting a Philadelphia paper
of the 9th, which came to hand yesterday evening,
containing a message from his Most Christian Majesty
to the court of London, in consequence of the treaty
between him and these States, and his Britannic
Majesty's Address to the Lords and Commons. The
message is conceived in terms of irony and derision,
more degrading to the pride and dignity of Britain,
than any thing she has ever experienced since she has
been a nation. It is not an actual declaration of war,
but it certainly must produce one.
I have the honor to be, &c.*
TO GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON.
Valley Forge, 12 May, 1778.
DEAR SIR,
I was a few days ago honored with yours, informing
me of the probable strength of militia, which might be
collected in your State, if called upon. This was a
piece of information, which I wanted more for my
guidance in future, than for any sudden plan. There
are several matters, which render the drawing together
of a large body of forces just at this time impracticable.
The deranged state of the commissary and quartermaster-general's departments, with which you are well
" See the Message and Address in the Jdnnual Register, for the Year
1778, pp. 290, 291.- Almon's Remembrancer, Vol. V. p. 119.