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.

438 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [AET. 51.
sentiments of the generals and officers, commanding
regiments and corps, before Congress; they are expressed in such a decent, candid, and affecting manner, that I am certain every mark of attention will be
paid to them. I have the honor to be, &c.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Newburg, 7 June, 1783.
SIR,
I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency the
copy of an address to me, from the generals and officers commanding regiments and corps, together with
my answer to it. These enclosures will explain the
distresses, which resulted from the measures now carrying into execution, in consequence of the resolution
of the 26th of May; but the sensibility occasioned by
a parting scene under such peculiar circumstances will
not admit of description.
The two subjects of complaint with the army appear to be, the delay of the three months' payment,
which had been expected, and the want of a settlement of accounts. I have thought myself authorized
to assure them, that Congress had attended and would
attend particularly to their grievances, and have made
some little variations respecting furloughs from what
was at first proposed. The secretary at war will be
able to explain the reason and propriety of this alteration.
While I consider it a tribute of justice on this occasion, to mention the temperate and orderly behaviour
of the whole army, and particularly the accommodating
spirit of the officers in arranging themselves to the
command of the battalions, which will be composed
of the three years' men, permit me to recall to mind