Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1842-01-25
INCIDENT OF THE REVOLUTION
WASHINGTON WOULD NOT
BE A KING.

HAOt1lINu ION "OOLD NOl
BE A KING.
Mr.. Sparks, in recent lecture, deliv.
cred in New York, related the following
incident:
Mr.. Sparks gavo it as his opinion, that
the purity and patriotism Of Washington's
character, were never fully appreciated
by congress. The following incident full
Iy illustrates the character of that noble
man. 1t was a remarkable proof of his
modesty, that the subjoined letter was
never published during his life time, al.
though copies of il were earnestly solic-
tied. A council was held privately by
some men Of influence; every point Of
their deplOrable situation was discussed,
and il was proposed to tell their views,
hopes, and fears, TO Washington, One
man, Col. Nicola, was chosen 10 write
letter expressive of their views, which
letter was to be sent to Washington, and
in this il was stated that nothing short Of
a monarchcal system could save the
country from the anarchy and disasters
which threatened il; and they proposed
to Washington that such system should
be established, and that he should take
the head oft, with the power and title
Of KINS. In carrying out this plan,
thoy promised Washington thathe should
have tho support of the army, and many
men of influence and power.
Now, mark the reply Washington made
TO this. Here it is:
To Colonel Lewis Nicola.
NEWARK, 22d May, 1889.
"SGR-With mixture of great sur
prise end aslonishnent, have read with
attention the sentiments you have sub.
mitted to my psrusal. Be assured, sir,
no occurrence in the course of the war
has given me more painful sensations,
than your information of there being such
ideas existing in the army, as you have
expressed, and | must view with abhOr!
renee and reprehend with severity. For
the present, the communication Of them
will rest in my own bosom, unless some
farther agitation Of the matter shall make
a disclosure necessary.
81 am much at loss to conceive what
part Of my conduct could have given en-
couragement TO an address, which to me
seems big with the greatest mischiefs that
can beial my country. III am not de-
ceived in the knowledge of myself, you
could not have found person TO whom
your schemes were more disagreea.
BILE.
"At the same time, in Justice to my
own feelings, | must add, that no man
possesses more sincere wish 10 see am
pie justice done TO the army than do,
and, as far as my powers and influence in
constitutional way, extend, they shal!
be employed to the utmost of my abilities
TO effect it, should there be any occasion.
Let me conJure you, then, it you have
any regard for your country, concern for
yourself or prosperity, or respect for me,
10 Danish these thoughts from your mind
and never communicate, as from your
sell or any one else, sentiment OF the
like nature.
~ am, sir, your most ob't serv't.
"GEoReE WAsnINeroN."
This remarkable letter IL n tranacrint
fFomthe first draft in Washinpton's hand.
writing. The following certificate Is an.
pended 10 IL, and Is also in the same hand
writing, except the signatures, which are
autographs ofthe signers.
''The foregoing is an exact copy of a
letter which we sealed and sent off to
Colonel Nicola, at the request Of the wri-
Ter oft,
ID. Humphreys, A. D. G.
"Johna,han Trumbull, jr, Sec'y."