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.

486 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [APPENDIX.
mention, should have been so impolitic, or have possessed so little of
the philosophic spirit, as to provoke a gentleman of your acknowledged merits, by illiberal reflections; however, I must declare to
you, that I firmly believe there would be more greatness in continuing to serve the States, notwithstanding the provocation you think
you have received from one of their principal members, than in resigning the commission you hold. Capricious or disgraced warriors
so often leave the army, that I do not wish to see the name of Conway on the list of officers, who have withdrawn from the service of
our republic. I hope the result of your considerations on this subject will retain in our service an excellent officer, who has already
exposed his life in our defence; and that you will believe I am with
the purest esteem, dear General, your most humble and most obedient servant."
"' P. S. This moment I received a letter from our worthy friend,
General Mifflin, who informs me, that extracts from your letters to
me had been conveyed to General Washington, and that it occasioned an eclaircissement, in which you acted with all the dignity of
a virtuous soldier. I intreat you, dear General, to let me know
which of the letters was copied off. It is of the greatest importance,
that I should detect the person, who has been guilty of that act of
infidelity. I cannot trace him out unless I have your assistance."
HORATIO GATES TO THOMIAS MIFFLIN.
"Albany, 4 December, 1777. - Dear General Mifflin; Yesterday
yours of the 28th of November reached my hands. Its contents have
inexpressibly distressed me; for, though to this moment I have been
ruminating who could be the villain, that has played me this treacherous trick, yet I can find no clue to a discovery. There is scarcely
a man living, who takes greater care of his papers than I do. I
never fail to lock them up, and keep the key in my pocket. I assure
you, my dear General, I am as cautious to whom I show a private
letter, as any of my most sensible and scrupulous friends. Yesterday
the original of the enclosed to General Conway was sealed up to be
sent, when I received yours, which caused the postscript to be added
to it. This untoward affair makes me the more unhappy, as a very
valuable and polite officer was thrown into a situation, which must
increase his disgust.
" No punishment is too severe for the wretch, who betrayed me;
and I doubt not your friendship for me, as well as your zeal for our
safety, will bring the name of the miscreant to public light. To