214 SKETCHES OF THE
forded on this occasion, makes me peculiarly so. The favourable light in which you hold me is truly flatter- ing; but I should feel much regret, if I thought the happiness of America so intimately connected with my personal welfare, as you so obligingly seem to consider it. All I can say is, that she has ever had, and I trust, she ever will have my honest exertions to promote her interest. I cannot hope that my services have been the best, but my heart tells me they have been the best that I could render.
" That I may have erred in using the means in my power for accomplishing the objects of the arduous, ex- alted station with which I am honoured, I cannot doubt: nor do I wish my conduct to be exempted from the re- prehension it may deserve. Error is the portion of hu- manity, and to censure it, whether committed by this or that public character, is the prerogative of freemen.
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" This is not the only secret, insidious attempt, that has been made to wound my reputation. There have been others equally base, cruel, and ungenerous; be- cause conducted with as little frankness, and proceeding from views, perhaps, as personally interested. " I am, dear sir, &c.
" Geo. Washington."' " To his excellency Patrick Henry, esq. governor of Virginia/^
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