The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1855-07-11
LETTER OF GEORGE WASHINGTON TO
GoUVERNEUR MORRIS.
!" White Plains, 2ita july, IRIS.

"Whte Plains, 2fta July, IT'S.
DEAR SIR: Whether you are indebted to
me, or to you, for letter, know not, nor
is it matter Of much moment. The design
OF this is 20 touch cursorily upon a subject Of
very great importance to the we'll being Of
these States much more so than will appear
at first view. mean the appointment OF SO
many foreigners to offices Of high rank and
trust in our service. The lavish manner in
which rank has hitherto been bestowed on
these gentlemen, will certainly be produc,
tive of oneyor the other of these two evils,
either to make it despicable in the eyes of
Europe, or become means Of pouring them
IN upon as like torrent, and adding to our
present burden.
But it is neither the expense nor trouble Of
them, that most dread. There is an evil
more extensive in its nature, and fatal in it's
consequences, to be apprehended, and that
is, the driving Of all 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 dele, ce
OF this cause, distinguished by length of SER
vice, their connections, property, and in be-
half of many, may add, military merit, will
not submit much, if any longer 10 the unnat.
ural promotion OF men over them, who have
nothing more than little pausibility, un-
bounded pride and ambition, and perseyer-
ance in APPLICATION not to be resisted but by
uncommon firmness, to support their preten.
slOns men, whoi in the first instance, tell you
they wish for nothing more than the honor Of
serving in so glorious a cause as volunteers,
the next day solicit rank without pay, the
day following want money advanced TO them,
and in the course Of week want further pro-
motion, and are not satisfied with ANYTHING
YOU can do for them. When speak Of Off
GERS not submitting to these appointments,
let me be understood to mean, that they have
no more doubt of their right to resign, when
they think themselves aggrieved, than they
have OF power in Congress to appoint.
considered, aud whether II Is cOnsIstent witn
justice or prudence to promote these militia
~ fOrtune-hunters, at the HAZARD OF your ar
my. They may be divided into three class
es, namely, mere adyenturers without recon-
mendaton, or recommended by persons who
do not know how else to dispose Of or provide
for them; men Of great ambition ,,who would
sacrifice everything to promote their own per-
i SOlal ElOTN OF mere spies, WIN dIc stHL hciC
Il obtain thorough knowledge of our situa-
ton and circumstances, in the execution Of
which avn persuaded, some of them are
faithful emissaries, as DO not believe sim
gle matter escapes unnoticed, or unadyised az
foreign court. could say great deal on
this subject, but will add no more at pre-
sent.
am led to give you this trouble at this
! time, by a very handsome certificate showed
10 me yesterday in favor Of M. Neuyille,
written, Il believe by himself, and subscrib-
ed By Gen. Parsons, designed, as am inform
ed, iur the foundation Of the superstructure
Of brgadiership.
/ Baron Steuben, now find, is also wanting
! to quit his inspectorship for command in
| The lire. This will be productiye'of much
discomfort to the brigaders. In word, al
though think the Baron an exssllent officer,
+ do most deyouty wish that We had not a
single foreigner among US, except the Mar
quis de Lafayette, who acts upon very difer'
, ent principles from those which govern the
|, rest. Adieu.
am most sincerely yours, Sc''
[Noie By Eaitr--Jired SpGrks.l
d. Although this letter was written to Mr.. Morris il
bis private capacity u il evidently INTENDED 10 pro