The native American., 1838-11-17
THE NATIVE AMERICAN.

dor October on Mr.. Sparks Life of ashlngton,
sas published in the National Intcgenccr of the
lob instant.
We do not select This passage because il is the
most interesting but because it is appropriate TO
our purpose. Oar object is to show the propriety
of that disrus, of foreigners which the discern
ment and prudence of Washington saw the ne
cessily of, in regard to stations of trust and nnu-
ence. Nor should we have thought it necessary
TO refer back 10 the period Of the Revolution for
confirmation of this Fact, as we might safely rest
the point and maintain our position, on the
strength of our arguments, and still more on the
intrinsic merits of the question itself but for the
lille and silly question, propoundcd to us by our
enemies, ""ho helped 10 gain your indepen-
dence?" which they themselves, with the same
unmeaning ignorance, have answered, 'JcrHg1-
ers," forgetting or not knowing that this was the
commencement Of lis as a nation-that the colo
nies then generally agreed to unite in the one
common ohject-hat each individual had equal
rights and stood OH the same footing with the
rest of the members of the same family engaged
in the struggle. Not only so, hut as very large
proportion of this family men of foreign
birth, and did not admit therefore of any discrim-
nation between them.
But from whatever country they came, they
united on this grand design, they accomplished it
and organized government, and this is the point
of time from which we start as nation. Those
who composed the nation had the right. and their
Il, al ,.rl, ~,
terms on which others should be admitted as
members of this family, or to reject them alto
gc,her, if policy, founded i'll sef-prcscrvation,
make it necessary eXpedicnt. This we hold,
and so we act, believing il to have become abso-
htely necessary to restrict and qualify the adj
mission Of foreigners among us. But to tie sub
ject more Immediately in hand.
In the whole history of the Revolutionary war,
however Heterogeneous the materials MI ght have
been, there but one conspiracy to undermine
the reputation and ruin the prospects of our re-
vered Pater patria; and it is remarkable, though
not surprising, that the instigator and most ma
llgnant agent in it was an Tishn1an. Hence,
when this people shall hereafter WELD the hon
ored name of Montgomery as a weapon against
us, let them recollect with what countervaing
effect the villainous name of Conr0y might be
used. But the high character of Washington, for
honor, integrity and patriotism, trampled over
this plot, and doomed his enemies to the morti-
fcation of total defeat as we'll as obloquy.'
mo possessed a penetration into character more
intultlse; and there was 40 subject on which Washing
ton necessarily alive than the npioyment
foreign officers The correspondence of Washington and
Lafayette IS now spread out to the world; and from the
moment their acquaintance commenced to the death OF
Wasingon, IN all the trying of the Revolutionary
and those, still more trying in which Lafayette was
afterwards plunged it does not appear that the shadow of
a cloud passed between them. As for the public
services OF Lafayette 10 America, they have never been
not in the ervo of his triumpha pogress-at all
exaggerated Looking back upon the history of TIE
French alliance under all the lights that have been thrown
upon il by the publications OF late years re
main Of the opinion that Lafayette greatly and per
scnalty nsrum tai in rendering It, under proyi-
tlence it was the means Of bringing the Revolution to a
successful issue Tins and every other point relating to
Lafayette az far compo ted with his design has
been placed in proper light by Mr. Sparks ami few parts
Of his work will be read with greater satis!action
The 'Cabal of Conway, usually called is treated
by MIR. Sarks, in the Lille of Washington, and in the
progress OF the Corr sponence with equal interest and
discretion. If it be probable that there is vet portion
Of undivnlged secret history relative TO that incident
must be lett TO be brought 10 light alter longer lapse Of
time, and by the gradual appearance of the letters still in
manuscript, OF the leading personages OF that CaV 1t
will be 10 matter of regret, should time and events, in
stead OF disclosing what is Yet unknown Of that nsac
ton, bury it s deeper oblivion The CabAl OF Con.
way shori!!v and feeble intrigue; short lived not
because those employed in it wanted the disposition to
work permanent mischief and feeble because they
were OF mean station or conemptibie parts, but be
the object at which they struck firmly es-
,a5is,ed on the rock OF principle, that the plot ocd
with the first hint OF its existence Nlpped in the bud.
some mystery has been thought 20 hang its precise
ob"cis and The motives of those concerned in it: and
general Impression, OF avague and underlined char
has gonc abroa! that faction existed in Congress and
the agas General Washing on. Of which Conway
was agent and Gates member We imagine, how
ever that the utire comprehension Of the plot stated
letter OF Washington himself to Patrick Henry, OF the
25lh Of March, I71S:
4 cannot precisely mark thn extent Of their views but
appeared in general that General Gates to be
Ate, O. the ruin OF my reputation and influence. Gen
Ain, i. is commonly supposed, bore the second part in
the caoa'; and Gen. Conway, know, active and
malignant partsau.'-Nol. v. D. SIS.
IS probable that the dsafcction, at its outset mad
debate views According Mr.. Sparks il is supposed
iA had us origin IN disappointment experienced
ny Gates and MiiLn in the army at Cambridge. Gates
hrd Tue Office OF adiu'ant general of the army with the
rank c brgad"r. Ml!in an aid de camp of the
Commander .inchet. by whom, under the authority of
Congress he was appointed qnatermaster general with
IN" rank of colonel On the organization Of the Grs
mental army these officers desired commands in t,c
Gates appIlrl for brjpade. NJ nlin