vi Sketches of Gen* Washington^ Private Character. 



and unassuming, though unaffectedly dignified, manners. He 

 had been engaged in so many difficult and important trans- 

 actions through his life, that he had acquired an habitual 

 thoughtfulness, which gave a pensive cast to his features. 

 But no person more relished cheerfulness, pleasantry, and 

 disengaged conversation, when his undeviating attention to 

 business and aifairs, permitted relaxation. I mention this to 

 shew, that his character in this respect has been, by many, 

 mistaken ; and that he was not, in his disposition, gloomy, 

 or saturnine. His countenance would brighten, and light 

 up, with cheerful and innocent pleasantry ; — ^but no person 

 ever saw, in his features, depression, despondency, or want 

 of equanimitv, under the severest embarrassments and dis- 

 asters ; which were, at frequent periods in our revolu- 

 tionary affairs, but too common. Correct in his religious opi- 

 nion^, he was exemplary in the unostentatious performance of 

 his religious duties. Always, and openly, acknowledging in 

 prosperity, the favours and blessings of the omnipotent and be- 

 nevolent BEING, from whose bounty, life and all its enjoy- 

 ments are derived; he was submissive to his will in adver- 

 sity. No unreasonable, or boasting, exultation, was ever 

 perceived in his conduct, expressions, or correspondence, in 

 military success ; nor did any querulous or unworthy bewail- 

 ings appear, under defeat or disappointment. Yet he was 

 neither insensible to the one, nor callous under the other. =* 



'*His magnanimity under misfortune, \vas unifonnlj- observed. But the pleasure he received, on any 

 great event favourable to his counti-y , was at 07ice perceived. A distinguished veteran of our revolu- 

 tion, lately informed me, that, after the battle of Gennanto>TO, the American army had retired, up 

 the Skippack road, 18 or 20 miles from Philadelphia; and my informant was at head quarters, when a 

 letter arrived announcing the captiu-e of General Burgojnie's army. It was put into General Wmh- 

 ington''s hands to read ; it being a private letter. The General's sensibilities were so excited, and he 

 was so deeply affected with the importance of the intelligence, and the great advantages deri\ed 

 from it, tluit he returned the letter to Col. Palfrey, who had presented it to him (being himself unable 

 to proceed) and desired him to finish it. My wortliy old patriot and friend, obs ervetl to me, w ith 

 much emphasis ;— " Here were displayed the strong feelings of genuine patriotisni I of a mind inca- 

 " pable of en\-5- ;— transported w ith joy at a Aictoiy, the honour of which would be another's ; but 

 •' which gave earnest of eventual success, in the gneat object of the war !" 



