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 II.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTPION. 331
TO COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU.
Newburg, 16 August, 1782.
SIR,
Were we certain, that a pacification had advanced so
far as your Excellency thinks it has, or could we be
assured that the British ministry were really sincere in
their offers, which have been communicated through
their Commander-in-chief, Sir Guy Carleton, I should
think you might, without any inconvenience or danger,
await the orders of your court where you now are,*
and dismiss all your wagons. But when we consider,
that negotiations are sometimes set on foot merely to
gain time, that there are yet no offers on the part of
the enemy for a general cessation of hostilities, and that,
although their commanders in this country are in a
manner tied down by the resolves of their House of
Commons to a defensive war only, yet they may be at
liberty to transport part of their force to the West Indies, I think it highly necessary, for the good of the
eral Lincoln has acquainted me, that it is your Excellency's desire to
know, if I wish to take command in the army this campaign. I beg your
Excellency to believe, that I am always ready to obey your commands,
and shall be most happy when I can execute them to your satisfaction.
I have but to entreat, that no attention to me or my rank may interfere
or break in upon any part of your arrangements. My zeal for the public
interest makes me exceedingly anxious to be present at the great concluding stroke of this war." —MS. Letter, Philadelphia, A.ugust 17th.
Since the unfortunate battle of Camden, General Gates had been in
retirement at his seat in Virginia. The court of inquiry, ordered by
Congress to examine into that matter, had never been'convened. The
subject was at length brought forward anew, and it was resolved, " That
the resolution of the 5th of October, 1780, directing a court of inquiry on
the conduct of Major-General Gates be repealed; and that he take command in the army as the Commander-in-chief shall direct." - Journals,.August 14th. This resolution passed with only three dissenting voices.
He rejoined the army on the 5th of October, and took command of the
right wing as senior officer.
* At Baltimore.