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 1I.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 213
themselves down in quiet with a delusive hope of the
contest being brought to a close. I hope this may not
be the case. To prevent so great an evil shall be my
study and endeavour; and I cannot but flatter myself,
that the States, rather than relax in their exertions, will
be stimulated to the most vigorous preparations for
another active, glorious, and decisive campaign, which,
if properly prosecuted will, I.trust, under the smiles of
Heaven, lead us to the end of this long and tedious
war, and set us down in the full security of the great
object of our toils, the establishment of peace, liberty,
and independence.
Whatever may be the policy of European courts
during this winter, their negotiation will prove too precarious a dependence for us to trust to. Our wisdom
should dictate a serious preparation for war, and in that
state we shall find ourselves in a situation secure
against every event.
Your Excellency's wish for some ships of our allies
to be stationed at New London, I should have been
happy to promote, if circumstances would have permitted; but Admiral de Grasse has taken almost all
his ships of war with him; and, except a frigate or
two left in York River for the security and aid of the
French troops, who will have their winter-quarters in
the vicinity of Yorktown, not a ship of force is left
upon the American station. The supply of fresh beef
to the Island of Martinico is certainly a desirable object to our allies, and is worthy of attention, but no
security can be given to its transportation from the
quarter you mention. I am, &c.