Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1827-05-25

ferent lines. Use will also he made Of large and
valuable collection OF materials, which have OBJ
tanned BY persos inspection of the revolutionary
papers in tie ppNic offices of all the old states. As
these are manuscripts, and have never been print
ted, it may be presumed, that they will not be
suited without profit The private papers of seve-
raj of the major generals of the army members of
the old congress- have likewise been examined, and
the results will he rendered subseryient to the
purpose. The papers fthe old congress itself have
all been kept, and are now in the office of the Sc
cretary OF state. They are of the highest npor-
tance in connection with this subject, and will be
carefully consulted. 10 guard against the danger
of redundance, where the theme is 50 fertile and
matter full, shall endeayor TO confne the notes
strictly to facts and plain deductions illustrative of
the text, keeping clear Of corjectures, spcculaons,
and theories which may safely be left to the imagi
nation of the reader. A few incidents, which pro-
considerable excitement when they took place,
and in which the character of Washington
cerned, will perhaps be examined anew, such as
the of Andre and of Asgll the affair OF Com
way and Gates, and that of general Charles Lee.
The original papers relating to these ubjccs,
of which We're never published, are on file. The
policy Of Washington, in few of his military move
mens, may also receive further Investigation. But
these only hints, and to what extent they will be
PART Ill.
Pricate Correspond ace on Pubhie .4Rairs.
You are already informed, that. after the Revolu-
ton, Washington took deep interest in public con
Germs, although living and acting in retirement. His
letters hetray the secret workings oil his mind, and
the painful emotions with which he contemplated the
prospects of the country under the Old Confedera
ton, To his friends in Europe and America. he
NM and InpliprIy fhis culpct lot
upon the internal navigation of the States may
likewise be considered of public nature and par
ticaarly his correspondence with several PEI
the Convention for forming the new Constitution.
and the progress of the State Conventions for adopt
ing the same. 10 the letters of thi, description.
which will come under this third division, may be
added, his private letters to our Ministers in for
eign countries, to the members of the Cabinet. and
to several of his other intimate friends while he was
President. If there were any such thin. as Sc
cret history of Washington's Administration. il
might be expected to be developed in this corie,pon-
dence-but in truth. there is no such thing. The
contents OF these letters it is true. have not been
made known, and his is the whole amount of thei.
secrecy when taken in connection with one another.
no caution is required. III submitting them TO the
public eye and to Withhold them, would be to keep
out of sight Of the strongest testimonies of his
singular virtue and patriotism. Another class Of let
teis, WHICH may pe i"hheu uHel ms leau are tno-e
written to President Adams Col Pickering and the
other Heads of Departments, and also, to IIamiI
ton and Pnckney, during the two last years Of hi
life.
Parts of this division will require good man
notes, especially the letters to Ministers abroad AM
the Members of the Cabinet These involve topics
that will need further explanation than is con
tanned in the letters themselves, but which may u
ten be derived from the answers. and other iocu
ments. The records of intercourse between tn
Presidents and the departments mentioned in m
last letter. will be consulted for the same purpose
and also the official correspondence during Nasl
inson's Presidency. on file in the Office of the 81
creary Of State.