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 H.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 417
the firm basis of mutual interest and good will, it may
prove as lasting as it is happy.
I have the honor to be, &c.
TO BARON STEUBEN.
Head-Quarters, 14 April, 1783.
My. DEAR BARON,
A committee of Congress is appointed to consider
what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the
different departments with reference to a peace. Colonel Hamilton, who is chairman of this committee, has
written to me on this subject, wishing to know my
sentiments at large on such institutions of every kind
for the interior defence.of these States, as may be
best adapted to their circumstances, and conciliate security with economy and with the principles of our
government.
I wish, therefore, to be favored with your thoughts
on this subject, as soon as possible, that I may compare
them with my own, and be able to comply with the
request of the committee, in as full a manner and with
as little delay as.can be. I am, &c.*
* The same request was communicated to all the principal officers of
the army then in camp, and also to Governor Clinton. Several of them
presented memoirs of considerable length, entering into comprehensive
and detailed views of what was called a peace establishment. From these
papers a letter was framed extending to twenty-five' folio pages, which
was forwarded by the Commander-in-chief to the committee of Congress.
The report handed in by Colonel Pickering, then quartermastergeneral to the army, is interesting from the manner in which many
topics are discussed, and particularly from the suggestions it contains
respecting the establishment of a military seminary at West Point.
After combating the idea of instituting academies for military purposes
at the different arsenals in the United States, a scheme that' had gained
favor with some of the officers, he proceeds to say;
" If any thing like a military academy in America be practicable at
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