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.

PARTII.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 385
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Head-Quarters, Newburg, 25 February, 1783.
SIR,
I am sorry to acquaint your Excellency, for the information of Congress, that a project, which I had formed for attacking the enemy's post at Oswego, as soon
as the sleighing should be good and the ice of the
Oneida Lake should have acquired sufficient thickness
to admit the passage of the detachment, has miscarried.
The report of Colonel Willett, to whom I had entrusted
the command of the party, consisting of a part of the
Rhode Island regiment, and the State troops of New
York, in all about five hundred men, will assign reasons
for the disappointment.
Although the expedition has not been attended with
success, the officers and soldiers employed on it are
entitled to great credit for the spirit, activity, and patience exhibited by them in the course of the attempt;
and, I am certain, nothing that depended upon Colonel
Willett to give efficacy to it was wanting.*
Major Tallmadge, whom I had placed contiguous to
Commander-in-chief, from the firm, steady, persevering, and able manner
he had conducted the war; his known integrity, wisdom, and virtue, gave
him more influence over the legislature of Vermont, than any other man
in existence." p. 223.
* The expedition failed through the treachery or ignorance of an Indian guide. Colonel Willett approached with his party in the night
within five miles of Fort Oswego, when his principal guide lost his way,
and the darkness and extreme fatigue of walking on snow-shoes prevented their discovering the fort, till the morning dawned, and it was
necessary to retire. In reply to Colonel Willett's letter reporting the
result, General Washington said; "I cannot omit expressing to you the
high sense I entertain of your persevering exertions and active zeal in
this expedition, and begging you to accept my warmest thanks; and that
you will be pleased to communicate my gratitude to the officers and
men under your command for the share they took in that service."March 5th.
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