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.

80 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [.ET. 49.
I will also take the liberty to suggest, whether an
additional security might not be afforded to those posts,
which are exposed to the ravages of the enemy, by
my sending a Continental officer to assist in rousing
and assembling the force of -the country, and to put
himself at the head of such militia and volunteers, as
might be drawn together on an emergency from the
district of country called Vermont; and whether, in that
case, Brigadier-General Stark would not be a proper
character to employ on this service, especially as he
has already obtained a reputation from his successes
in that quarter, and is undoubtedly a man of bravery,
and has been accustomed to command irregular troops
in action. It appears to me, that a popular officer in
that situation would be extremely advantageous on
many accounts. Whether there may be reasons of
state against it, I know not. I have, therefore, submitted it to your consideration. I beg your opinion
freely on the subject, and have the honor to be with
great respect, &c.
TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL IRVINE.
New Windsor, 23 June, 1781.
DEAR SIR,
I can easily conceive the disappointment and mortification you have suffered, upon finding the flattering
prospects of filling your line so unexpectedly blasted,
by the anxious sensations I have experienced on the
same subject. If what has been so often urged and
repeated will not excite the States to the most strenuous exertions, in completing the Continental battalions,
I almost despair of success from any thing I can add to
my former representations, arguments, and entreaties.