Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-07-07
LETTER OF GEORGE WASHINGTON TO GOV
ERNOR NORRIS.

EHNOR MOhhIS. - =
WHITE PLAINS; oath July, 177s =
DEAR Sir :-Whether you are indebted to me, or
to you, for letter, know not, norris matter of
much moment. The design of this Is to touch cur
soriy upon subject of very great Importance TO
the well being of the United States much more SO
than will appear at first view mean the appoint
ment of so many foreigners to office of high rank
and trust in our service The lavish manner In
which rank has hitherto been bestowed on these
gentlemen, will certainly be productive of one or
the other of these evils-ethersto make despica-
bic in the eyes of Europe, or to become the means
of pouring them an upon like torrent, and ad-
ding to our present burden.
But it is neither the expense nor trouble OF them,
that most dread. There is an evil more extensive
in it's nature, and fatal in its consequences to be
apprehended, and that is, the driving OF our own
officers out of the service, and throwing not only
our army, but our military councils entirely into
the hands of foreigners. The officers, my dear sir,
on whom you must depend for the defence of this
cause, distinguished by length OF SERVICE their con-
nections, property, and in behalf of many, may
add, military merit, will not submit much, " any
longer to the unnatural promotion of men over them
who have nothing more than little plausbility,
unbounded pride and ambition, and a perseverance
in application not to be resisted but by uncommon
frmness, to support their pretentions; men, who
in the first instance tell you they wish for nothing
more than the honor of serving in so glorious a
cause volunteers the neat day solicit rank with
out pay, the day following want money advanced to
them and in the course of week want further
promotion, and are not satisfied with anything y0u
hitting to these appointments, let me be under
stood to mean, that they have more doubt of
their right to resign, when they think themselves
aggrieved than they have of power in Congress to
appoint.
Both being granted, them, the expediency and the
policy of the measure remain to be considered, and
whether is consistent with justice prudence to
promote these military ortury hunters, at the hazard
Of your army. They may be divided into there
classes namely mere adventures without recon-
mendaton, recommended by persons who do not
know how else to dispose of or provide for them
men of great ambition, who would sacrifice every
thing to promote their personal glory; mere
spies, who sent here to obtain thorough know
ledge of our situation and circumstances in the
execution of which, am persuaded, of them
are faithful emssaries, as do not believe single
matter escapes unnoticcd, unadvised at foreign
court. l could say greatdeGt on this subject, but
will add no more at preset
am led to give you this trouble at this time by
gerry handsome certificate shown to me yesterday in
favor of NJ. MELVILLE, written II belive by himself,
and subscribed by Gen. Parsons, designed as am
informed for foundation of a supersturcture of
brigadiership.
Baron Stuben, now find is also wanting to quit
his inspectorship for command in the line. This
will be produ, tive of much discomfort to the brga
diers. In a word, although think the baron
ceent officer, do most deooutly aoish that had
not single foreigner amongst us, except the Mar
quis Lafayette, who acts upon Ue7y different princi
plies from those which govern the rest. Adieu.
l am most sincerely yours, &c.
(Sgned0 GEORGE WASHINGTON.