Newborgh, April 16, 1783.
Dear Sir:
My last letter to you was written in a hurry, when I was fatigued by
the more public, yet confidential, letter, which (with several others)
accompanied it. Possibly, I did not, on that occasion, express myself
(in what I intended as a hint) with so much perspicuity as I ought:
possibly, too, what I then dropped, might have conveyed more than
I intended; for I do not, at this time, recollect the force of my
expression.
My meaning, however, was only to inform, that there were different
sentiments in the army, as well as in Congress, respecting Continental
and State funds: some wishing to be thrown upon their respective
States, rather than the Continent at large, for payment; and that,
if an idea should prevail, generally, that Congress, or part of its
members, or ministers, bent upon the latter, should _delay_ doing
them justice, or _hazard_ it in pursuit of their favorite object; it
might create such divisions in the army, as would weaken, rather than
strengthen, the hands of those who were disposed to support Continental
measures; and might _tend_ to defeat the end they themselves had in
view by endeavoring to involve the army.
For these reasons I said, or meant to say, the army was a dangerous
engine to work with, as it might be made to cut both ways; and,
considering the sufferings of it, would, more than probably, throw its
weight into that scale which seemed most likely to preponderate towards
its immediate relief, without looking forward (under the pressure of
present wants) to future consequences with the eyes of politicians. In
this light, also, I meant to apply my observations to Mr. Morris, to
whom, or rather to Mr. G---- M----, is ascribed, in a great degree, the
groundwork of the superstructure which was intended to be raised in the
army by the anonymous addresses.
That no man can be more opposed to State funds and local prejudices
than myself, the whole tenor of my conduct has been one continual
evidence of. No man, perhaps, has had better opportunities to _see_,
and to _feel_, the pernicious tendency of the latter than I have; and
I endeavor (I hope not altogether ineffectually) to inculcate them
upon the officers of the army, upon all proper occasions: but their
feelings are to be attended to and soothed; and they assured, that if
Continental funds cannot be established, they will be recommended to
their respective States for payment. Justice must be done them.
I should do injustice to reports, and what I believe to be the opinion
of the army, were I not to inform you, that they consider you as a
friend, zealous to serve them, and one who has espoused their interests
in Congress, upon every proper occasion. It is to be wished, as I
observed in my letter to Colonel Bland, that Congress would send
a committee to the army with plenipotentiary powers. The matters
requested of me, in your letter of the , as chairman of a committee,
and many other things, might then be brought to a close, with more
despatch, and in a happier manner, than it is likely they will be by
an intercourse of letters at the distance of one hundred and fifty
miles: which takes _our_ Expresses, a week, _at least_, to go and come.
At this moment, being without any instructions from Congress, I am
under great embarrassment with respect to the soldiers for the war;
and shall be obliged, more than probably, from the necessity of the
case, to exercise my own judgment without waiting for orders, as to the
discharge of them. If I should adopt measures which events may approve,
all will be well. If otherwise, Why and by what authority did you do so?
How far a _strong_ recommendation from Congress, to observe _all_
the Articles of Peace, as well as the , may imply a suspicion of good
faith in the people of this country, I pretend not to judge: but I am
much mistaken, if something of the kind will not be found wanting; as
I already perceive a disposition to carp at, and to elude, such parts
of the treaty as affect their different interests; although you do not
find a man, who, when pushed, will not acknowledge, that, upon the
_whole_, it is a more advantageous Peace than we could possibly have
expected.
I am, dear Sir,
With great esteem and regard,
Your most obedient servant,
G. Washington.
To the Hon. Alexander Hamilton.