Newburgh, March 31, 1783.
Dear Sir:
I have duly received your favors of the seventeenth and twenty-fourth
ultimo. I rejoice, most exceedingly, that there is an end to our
warfare; and that such a field is opening to our view, as will, with
wisdom to direct the cultivation of it, make us a great, a respectable,
and happy people: but it must be improved by other means than State
politics and unreasonable jealousies and prejudices; or (it requires
not the second sight to see that) we shall be instruments in the hands
of our enemies, and those European powers who may be jealous of our
greatness in union, to dissolve the Confederation. But to attain this,
although the way seems extremely plain, is not so easy.
My wish to see the union of these States established upon liberal and
permanent principles, and inclination to contribute my mite in pointing
out the defects of the present constitution, are equally great. All
my private letters have teemed with these sentiments; and whenever
this topic has been the subject of conversation, I have endeavored to
diffuse and enforce them; but how far any further essay, by me, might
be productive of the wished for end, or appear to arrogate more than
belongs to me, depends so much upon popular opinion, and the temper
and disposition of people, that it is not easy to decide. I shall be
obliged to you, however, for the thoughts which you have promised me on
this subject, and as soon as you can make it convenient.
No man in the United States, is, or can be, more deeply impressed with
the necessity of a reform in our present Confederation, than myself; no
man, perhaps, has felt the bad effects of it more sensibly: for, to the
defects thereof; and want of powers in Congress, may justly be ascribed
the prolongation of the war, and, consequently, the expenses occasioned
by it. More than half the perplexities I have experienced in the course
of my command, and almost the whole of the difficulties and distress of
the army, have their origin here: but still, the prejudices of some,
the designs of others, and the mere machinery of the majority, make
address and management necessary, to give weight to opinions which are
to combat the doctrines of these different classes of men, in the field
of politics.
I would have been more full on this subject, but the bearer (in the
clothing department) is waiting. I wish you may understand what I have
written.
I am, dear Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
G. Washington.
To the Hon. Alexander Hamilton.