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.

220 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [.AET. 49.
in our hands. I consider the sufferings of the seamen
for some time past, as arising in a great measure from
the want of that general regulation, which has been
spoken of, and without which there will constantly be
a great number remaining in the hands of the enemy
I have the honor to be, &c.
TO MAJOR-GENERAL LINCOLN, SECRETARY AT WAR.
Philadelphia, 30 December, 1781.
MY DEAR SIR,
You have enhanced the value of the trophies, with
which Congress have been pleased to honor me in
their resolve of the 29th of October, by the polite and
affectibnate manner of presenting them.* When I consider how much I am indebted, for this singular mark
of public esteem, to the exertions of the generals, and
indeed of all the other officers, who accompanied me
to that field of glory to the allied armies, I feel a sensation of gratitude, which I cannot express. Believe me
sincere when I assure you, that I hold myself under
very particular obligations for your able and friendly
counsel in the cabinet and vigor in the field. I am
with truth, my dear Sir, your very affectionate humble
servant.
TO THOMAS CHITTENDEN, VERMONT.t
Philadelphia, 1 January, 1782.
SIR,
I received your favor of the 14th of November, by
Mr. Brownson. You cannot be at a loss to know why
* As secretary at war it devolved on General Lincoln to present to
the Commander-in-chief two of the enemy's standards taken at Yorktown,
which had been assigned to him by Congress.
t Mr. Chittenden had been chosen governor of Vermont by the people