***George Washington to David Humphreys, Oct. 22, 1786***

> Mount Vernon, October 22, 1786.

My Dr. Humphreys: Your favor of the 24th. ulto. came to my hands about
the middle of this month. For the enclosures it contained I pray you to
receive my warmest acknowledgments and thanks. The Poem, tho\' I profess
not to be a connoisseur in these kind of writings, appears pretty in my
eye, and has sentiment and elegance which must I think render it
pleasing to others.

With respect to the circular letter, I see no cause for suppressing or
altering any part of it, except as to the place of meeting.
Philadelphia, on three accots. is my opinion must be more convenient to
the majority of the delegation, than New York. 1st. as most central.
2dly. because there are regularly established packet-boats, well
accommodated for Passengers, to it from the Southern States; and 3dly.
because it appears to me that the seat of Congress would not be so well
for this meeting. When you have digested your thoughts for publication,
in the case of Captn. Asgill, I would thank you for a copy of them;
having arrested the account I had furnished Mr. Tilghman, with an
assurance of a more authentic one for his friend in England.

I am pleased with the choice of Delegates which was made at your State
meeting; and wish the Representatives of all the State societies may
appear at the Genl. Meeting, with as good dispositions as I believe they
will. It gives me pleasure also to hear that so many Officers are sent
to your Assembly: I am persuaded they will carry with them more
liberality of sentiments, than is to be found among any other class of
Citizens. The speech of our friend Cobb was noble, worthy of a patriot
and himself; as was the conduct of Genl. Sullivan. But for God\'s sake
tell me what is the cause of all these
commotions:[^33^](http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mgw:@field(DOCID+@lit(gw290023))#N0062-41%23N0062-41)
do they proceed from licentiousness, British-influence disseminated by
the tories, or real grievances which admit of redress? If the latter,
why were they delayed \'till the public mind had become so much
agitated? If the former why are not the powers of Government tried at
once? It is as well to be without, as not to live under their exercise.
Commotions of this sort, like snow-balls, gather strength as they roll,
if there is no opposition in the way to divide and crumble them. Do
write me fully, I beseech you, on these matters; not only with respect
to facts, but as to opinions of their tendency and issue. I am mortified
beyond expression that in the moment of our acknowledged independence we
should by our conduct verify the predictions of our transatlantic foe,
and render ourselves ridiculous and contemptible in the eyes of all
Europe. My health (I thank you for the enquiry) is restored to me; and
all under this roof join me in most affectionate regards, and in
regretting that your letter has held out no idea of visiting it again
this winter, as you gave us hope of doing when you left us. To all the
gentn. of my acquaintance who may happen to be in your circle, I beg to
be remembered with sincere regard. To assure you of the sincerity of my
friendship for you, would be unnecessary; as you must I think be
perfectly satisfied of the high esteem and affection with which, I am,
etc.

**[The George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress,
1741-1799](http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/gwhtml/gwhome.html)**

**The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript
Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.**