Philadelphia, March 25, 1783.
Sir:
The inclosed I write more in a public than in a private capacity. Here
I write as a citizen, zealous for the true happiness of this country;
as a soldier who feels what is due to an army which has suffered every
thing, and done much for the safety of America.
I sincerely wish _ingratitude_ was not so natural to the human heart
as it is. I sincerely wish there were no seeds of it in those who
direct the councils of the United States. But while I urge the army to
moderation, and advise your Excellency to take the direction of their
discontents, and endeavor to confine them within the bounds of duty,
I cannot, as an honest man, conceal from you, that I am afraid their
distrusts have too much foundation. Republican jealousy has in it a
principle of hostility to an army, whatever be their merits, whatever
be their claims to the gratitude of the community. It acknowledges
their services with unwillingness, and rewards them with reluctance.
I see this temper, though smothered with great care, involuntarily
breaking out upon too many occasions. I often feel a mortification,
which it would be impolitic to express, that sets my passions at
variance with my reason. Too many, I perceive, if they could do it with
safety or color, would be glad to elude the just pretensions of the
army. I hope this is not the prevailing disposition.
But supposing the country ungrateful, what can the army do? It must
submit to its hard fate. To seek redress by its arms would end in its
ruin. The army would moulder by its own weight, and for want of the
means of keeping together: the soldiery would abandon their officers:
there would be no chance of success, without having recourse to means
that would reverse our revolution. I make these observations, not that
I imagine your Excellency can want motives to continue your influence
in the path of moderation; but merely to show why I cannot, myself,
enter into the views of coercion which some gentlemen entertain. For I
confess, could force avail, I should almost wish to see it employed.
I have an indifferent opinion of the honesty of this country, and ill
forebodings as to its future system.
Your Excellency will perceive I have written with sensations of
chagrin, and will make allowance for coloring: but the general picture
is too true. God send us all more wisdom.
I am, with very sincere respect,
Your Excellency’s
Obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
To his Excellency General Washington.