Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-12-14
THE PATRIOTISM OF WASHINGTON.


In one of the Lectures recently delivered by MIR.
Sparks before the New York Historical Society, Mr.
Sparks gave it hiS opinion, that the purity ana
patriotism Of Washingons character were never 1niy
appreciated by the Congress of the Revolution I'M
lustration he produced the following historical anec'
dote worthy OF the character Of that ustrlous man,
and sufficient, singy 10 entitle his memory 10 Inc
honor which the Congress of the present day has rem
dered by the erection OF noble Statue 10 II IN the
very centre Of the Capitol:
at was a remarkable proof of Washington modesty
that the subjoned letter never published during
his lifetime, although copies Of it were earnestly so
cited council was held privately by some men oil
influence; every point of their deplorable situation
was discussed and was proposed to tell thelr views
and hapes, and fears, TO Washington One man, Co-
lionel Nicola, chosen to write letter expressive
ofther views which letter was to be sent TO wash
ngton and in this letter it was stated that nothing
short OF monarchca system could save the country
from the anarchy and disasters which threatened III
and they proposed 10 Washington that such system
should be established, and that he should take the
head Off, with the power and title Of KING In car.
rying out this plan they promised Washn gton thal
he should have the support of the Army and OF many
men of influence and powers
"Now mark the reply Washington made to this
"NrwBuRc, 22d May, 1882.
ITO Colonel Lewis Nicola
"Sir-With mixture Of great surprise and ason'sll-
ment, have read with attention the sentiments you
occurrence in the course Of the has given me more
painful sensations than your information OF there De-
ing such ideas EXISTING liz tie Army as you have eN'
pressed and must view with adherence and repre-
hcnd with severity For the present the communi-
cation Of them will rest in my own bosom, unless some
further agitation OF the matter shall make disclosure
| necessary.
81 am much at loss TO conceive what part OF my
conduct could have given encouragement to an aa-
dress, which TO seems big with the greatest ms
ceiyed in the knowledge myself you could not nave
agreeable. .r
aAt the same time, in justice 10 my own feelings,
must add that no man possesses sincere wish to
see ample Justice done to the Army than do; and as tar
as nv powers and influence in a constitutional way,
extend, they shall be employed TO the utmost OF my
abilities to effect it, should there be any occasion Let
me conure you, then, if you have any regard tor
your country, concern Cor yourself pos,erity OF
respect for me- TO Danish these thoughts from your
mind and never communicate as from yourself or
any one else, sentiment of the like nature.
81 am, sir, your most obedent servant
| GEORGE WASHINGTON.
9This remarkable letter ia transcript from the mrs
draft in Washngton's handwriting. The following
certificate is appended TO it, and is also in the same
hand writing, except the signatures which are auto
phs of the signers:
! THE foregoing is exact copy of letter when
we sealed and off to Colonel Nicola at the reques
| Of the writer oft.
"D. HUMPHREYS, 4. D. C.
JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Jr, Secretary.
The Naval Court of Inquiry at New York, of whicl
u H..