George Washington Papers
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Permanent link for this document:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-16-02-0242

To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 2 August 1778

From Gouverneur Morris

Philadelphia 2 Augt 1778.

Dear General

I was in your Debt. It is my Fate always to be so with my Friends. But beleive me my Heart owes Nothing. Let me add that you can do me no Favor so great as to comply with your Wishes except an Opportunity to serve the Public which indeed is your highest Wish as you have evidenced fully to all the World & particularly to your Friends. I feel the full Force of your Reasoning.1 The Faith of Congress is in some Measure plighted to Mr De la Neuville but it is not their Intent that his Brevet shall give Command. I will take Care to get this expressed by a particular Resolution. The Baron has a Claim from his Merit to be noticed but I never will consent to grant what I am told he requests & I think Congres will not. At least they wont if I can help it. I this Instant was informed of the Opportunity for Camp which goes immediately—Let me however congratulate you on the Affair at Monmouth On the whole Affair. It might have been better it is said. I think not for you have even from your Enemies the Honor of that Day. You have Enemies. It is happy for you that you have. A Man of Sentiment has not so much Honor as the Vulgar suppose in risquing Life & Fortune for the Service of his Country. He does not Value them as highly as the Vulgar do. Would he give the highest Evidence let him sacrifice his Feelings. In the History of last Winter Posterity will do you Justice. Adieu. Beleive me sincerely yours

Gouvr Morris

ALS, DLC:GW.

1Morris was referring to the ideas contained in GW’s letter to him of 24 July.

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