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 REVOLUTION. 39
to maintain our posts, and keep the army from dispersing.
The resolution of Congress to appoint ministers of
war, foreign affairs, and finance, gave, as far as I was
able to learn the sentiments of men in and out of the
army, universal satisfaction. Postponing the first, delaying the second, and disagreeing about the third, have
had the directly contrary effect; and I can venture
to assure you, not friom random guess or vague information, that the want of an able financier, and of a
proper plan for the disposition of foreign loans, will be
a greater bar to the obtaining of them than perhaps
Congress are aware. I could say more on this subject,
were I at liberty; but I shall only add, that there is
not in my opinion a moment to be lost in placing a
proper character at the head of our finance, that he
may as soon as possible enter upon the duties of his
office. I am, &c.
TO MAJOR-GENERAL LINCOLN.
Head-Quarters, New Windsor, 11 May, 1781.
DEAR SIR,
I am pleased to hear so flattering accounts of the
prospects of obtaining men and some kinds of supplies; but so great are my apprehensions, on the score
of provisions, that I am sending General Heath purposely to the eastern States to represent our distresses, and to endeavour to fix a plan for our regular
supply in future. I refer you to him for particulars,
which I do not choose to trust to paper. After General Heath has finished this business, his private affairs will detain him some time at home; and, as he
will be able at the same time to attend to what you