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.

266 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [_T.50.
to the exchange of Lord Cornwallis upon any terms;
and that it was not till after I had combated their objections in different ways, and at several meetings of
their committees, that I got the matter placed upon such
a footing, as to leave me at liberty to negotiate the exchange of that officer at any rate. The principal difficulties are now so far removed, as to admit commissioners on each side to meet, and they are now sitting
at Elizabethtown for the purpose of exchanges (in
which Mr. Laurens's is particularly given in charge),
and for settling of accounts; and I hope, unless some
untoward impediment should intervene in the prosecution of this business, that you will soon meet the accomplishment of your wishes.
It has been my uniform opinion since the capitulation
of Yorktown, that, unless the enemy can send such
reinforcements to this continent, as will in their judgment place their two principal posts of New York and
Charleston in a state of perfect security, or unless they
are sure of having a naval superiority on this coast
during the operations of the campaign, they will concentre their force at one of those points; and further
it has as invariably been my opinion, that New York
will be the last hold they will quit in the United States.
If I am mistaken in the first, I shall believe, that a negotiation of peace or a truce is near at hand, and, that
they hazard much for the uti possidetis, which, from
present appearances, and my conception of the views
of the British government, I have not the smallest idea
of; I mean peace this year.
With the greatest truth and sincerity,
I am, dear Sir,
your most affectionate servant.