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.

12 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [.,ET. 49.
provision and transportation, would have been common
to any other body of troops. They will I know be
great, but I depend much upon your assiduity and
activity.
If the most distant prospect of such an operation as
you speak of had been in my mind, I should have
looked upon your detachment as essential to the undertaking; but I can assure you, without entering into
a detail of reasons, which I cannot commit to paper,
that I have not at present an idea of being able to
effect such a matter. This had very great weight in
the determination of the general officers and myself;
for we should have been very happy in an opportunity
of succouring the southern states by a diversion, could
it have been attempted with any tolerable hope of
success.
The small remains of the- Jersey line seem necessary.to form a head, to which the recruits, if any are
obtained, may unite themselves. That line stands next
for detachment, and therefore it is more than probable that it may soon become necessary to send the
whole to the southward. But the reason, which I have
just mentioned, operates in favor of keeping the remainder as long as possible. I.shall be glad to hear
from you, as to the time of your setting out from Elk,
your prospects of getting forward, and the temper of
the troops; and, above all, I shall ever be happy in
knowing that you are well, and that every thing contributes to your happiness and satisfaction, being very
truly and sincerely, my dear Marquis, &c.