it Sketches of Gen. Washington's Private Character. 
4 
and he wrote with ease, but generally with deliberation. This — 
was, once, so well known to me, that I could, most generally, — 
distinguish it, though copied in another hand. Whatev he 
fact, of many public papers being wholly or partially written by 
his able friends, or ministers, as it is naturally to be supposed _ 
that they so were ; I only speak of what, I know. This de- ss 
Be ae 
ducts nothing from his candour, or clearness of judgment. 
I neither affirm nor deny, any such positions. But this must _ 
be allowed ; that his selection of papers deservedly celebrat- 
ed, was a striking evidence of the strength of his mind, and. 
“n 
oe 
+ 
ma 
discriminating faculties. An acute lawyer has credit for 
drafting a perfect instrument; but it is the worth and esti- | 
mation of the name to the seal, which gives it force, cur- | 
rency, and value. It is an old and well known saying of 
a British crowned head, when the credit of measures was 
attributed to the administration ; that “a foolish king never | 
chose wise ministers.” I cite this observation, not for its — 
royalty, but its consistency with common sense. 
I wish to repel any idea of my claiming merit, or impor- 
tance, from the small assistance I could give him, on any 
occasion. : 
If I wanted proofs to fortify my own convictions (for I 
presume not to decide for others) of the truth of my assertions, 
as to his literary capacities, I could find them plentifully m- 
terspersed through more than fifty of his original letters, in 
his own hand writing, now on my table. They were written, 
during a course of several years, to confidential friends (the 
most of them to one on whom he placed much reliance) on 
the most important, as well as less prominent, occurrences, 
of the arduous struggle, in which he was so eminently dis- 
tinguished. No rhetorical flowers, or finery of diction, will 
be perceived. But they display a clear and correct judgment, 
a constant and unshaken fortitude, a liberal mind, disinter- 
ested patriotism, and extensive views. They prove, invaria- 
bly, that the achievement of the liberty, union and happiness 
/ 
