Newburgh, March 12, 1783.
Dear Sir:
When I wrote to you last, we were in a state of tranquillity; but after
the arrival of a certain gentleman, who shall be nameless at present,
from Philadelphia, a storm very suddenly arose, with unfavorable
prognostics; which, though diverted for a moment, is not yet blown
over; nor is it in my power to point to the issue.
The papers which I send officially to Congress, will supersede the
necessity of my remarking on the tendency of them. The notification and
address, both, appeared at the same instant, on the day preceding the
intended meeting. The first of these I got hold of the same afternoon;
the other not till next morning.
There is something very mysterious in this business. It appears reports
have been propagated in Philadelphia, that dangerous combinations were
forming in the army; and this at a time when there was not a syllable
of the kind in agitation in camp. It also appears, that upon the
arrival in camp of the gentleman above alluded to, such sentiments as
these were immediately circulated: That it was universally expected the
army would not disband until they had obtained justice; that the public
creditors looked up to them for redress of their own grievances; would
afford them every aid, and even join them in the field, if necessary;
that some members of Congress wished the measure might take effect, in
order to compel the public, particularly the delinquent States, to do
justice; with many other suggestions of a similar nature.
From this, and a variety of other considerations, it is firmly believed
by _some_, the scheme was not only planned, but also digested and
matured, in Philadelphia;[19] but my opinion shall be suspended till
I have better ground to found one on. The matter was managed with
great art; for as soon as the minds of the officers were thought to be
prepared for the transaction, the anonymous invitations and addresses
to the officers were put in circulation through every State line in
the army. I was obliged, therefore, in order to arrest on the spot,
the feet that stood wavering on a tremendous precipice, to prevent the
officers from being taken by surprise, while the passions were all
inflamed, and to rescue them from plunging themselves into a gulf of
civil horror from which there might be no receding, to issue the order
of the eleventh.
This was done upon the principle that it is easier to divert from a
wrong, and point to a right path, than it is to recall the hasty and
fatal steps which have been already taken.
It is commonly supposed, if the officers had met agreeably to the
anonymous summons, with their feelings all alive, resolutions might
have been formed, the consequences of which may be more easily
conceived than described. Now they will have leisure to view the matter
more calmly, and will act more seriously. It is to be hoped they will
be induced to adopt more rational measures, and wait a while longer a
settlement of their accounts, the postponing of which appears to be the
most plausible, and almost the only article of which designing men can
make an improper use, by insinuating (which they really do) that it is
done with design that peace may take place, and prevent any adjustment
of accounts; which, say they, would inevitably be the case, if the
war was to cease to-morrow: or, supposing the best, you would have to
dance attendance at public offices, at great distances, perhaps, and
equally great expenses, to obtain a settlement, which would be highly
injurious, nay, ruinous to you. This is their language.
Let me beseech you, therefore, my good sir, to urge this matter
earnestly, and without further delay. The situation of these gentlemen,
I do verily believe, is distressing beyond description. It is affirmed
to me, that a large part of them have no better prospect before them
than a jail, if they are turned loose without liquidation of accounts,
and an assurance of that justice to which they are so worthily
entitled. To prevail on the delegates of those States, through whose
means these difficulties occur, it may, in my opinion, with propriety
be suggested to them, if any disastrous consequences should follow, by
reason of their delinquency, that they must be answerable to God and
their Country for the ineffable horrors which may be occasioned thereby.
I am, dear Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
G. Washington.
P. S. I have received your letter of the fifth, and have put that
matter in train which was mentioned in it.