ii Sketches of Ge7i, IVashmgtoris Private Character, 



and he wrote with ease, but generiUly with deliberation. This 

 was, once^ so well known to me, that I could, most generally, 

 distinguish it, though copied in another hand. Whatever be the 

 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- 

 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 

 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, w^hich 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 

 <^L")se wise ministers." I cite this observation, not for its 

 "^ v>Jty, but its consistency with common sense. 



; ,< :sh to repel any idea of my claiming merit, or impor- 

 t<a»icfc., from the small assistance I could give him, on any 

 occa$ion. 



Tf I i\'^?nted proofs to fortify my orvn convictions (for I ^ 

 presume uO<- to decide for others) of the truth of my assertions, 

 as to his I'l 'ary capacities, I could find them plentifully in- 

 ters^t ' ed through more than fifty of his original letters, in 

 his o.vv! hand WTiting, 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- 

 blv, that the achievement of the liberty, union and happiness 



