

Sketches of Gen, Washington's Private Character, v 



But he would not, — unnecessarily for any public purpose, — 

 develope the real state of the transaction. He bore unmerited 

 reflections, patiently and silently. He had suspended his bet- 

 ter judgment, in deference to the opinions of others (good and 

 true men) with whom his situation compelled him to advise. 

 A resolution of Congress, too, was indirectly justificatory of 

 the advice which produced hesitation, as to his peremptorily 

 enforcing his own opinion. This he calls "a foible." He had 

 given plain and explicit orders j but he had left the time and 

 manner of execution, in a degree, discretionary. Yet the 

 disobedience of an able and worthy general officer (who after- 

 wards became eminent, and deservedly distinguished) was 

 strictly unjustifiable. The disaster was heavy, and irretriev- 

 able. The error flowed from well intentioned motives ; 

 and the character of the officer was unimpeachable. He thus 

 writes, in the letter cited : — " But this concern received ad- 

 *' ditional poignancy, from two considerations which were 

 " but little known,-— and one of them never will be known 

 " to the world ; — ^because I never shall attempt to palliate 

 " ?7zz/ oivnfoiblefi^ by exposing the error of another. Nor in- 

 '' deed could either of them come before the public ; unless 

 " there had been such a charge, as must have rendered an 

 " inquiry into the causes of this miscarriage necessary." 



Those only who knew his private life^ had the complete 

 opportunity and gratification, of admiring his private virtues ; 



On the subject of his cautious, and finally successful conduct (mistakenly, and sometimes ma- 

 levolently, turned against him) he writes, in a letter, dated from " Middle Brook, June 23d 1777 ; 

 " We have some among us, who wish to make themselves popular at the expense of others ; or 

 *' rvho think the cause is not to be advanced othenvue than by fighting. The peculiar circumstances 

 '*under which it is to be done, and the consequences which may follow, are objects too tri\'ial for 

 "their attention. But as I have one gi-eat end in view, I shall, maugre all the strokes of this kind, 

 " steadily pursue the means, which, in my judgment, lead to the accomplishment of it. Not doubt- 

 " ing, but that the candid part of manliind, if they are convinced of my integiity, will make proper 

 " allowances for my inexperience and frailties. I will agree to be loaded with all the obloquy they 

 ** can bestow, if I commit a wilful mistake." 



It is well known,— and he mentions it in several of these letters— that nothing but a sense of duty, 

 and the universal wishes of his countiy, induced linn to accept his arduous, thomy, and highly i-e- 

 •;?onsible appointment. 



