September 27th
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“Precedents, as you justly observe, are dangerous things, they form the arm which first arrests the liberties and happiness of a Country.”
“In republican Governments it too often happens that the people (not always seeing) must feel before they act: this is productive of errors and temporary evils, but generally these evils are of a nature to work their own cure.”
To Sir Edward Newenham
Mount Vernon, 25 November 1785
The opposition which the virtuous characters of Ireland have given to the attempts of a British Administration’s interfering with its manufactures, fettering its commerce, restraining the liberties of its subjects by their plan of reform &ca. &ca., will hand their names to posterity with that veneration and respect to which their amor patriae entitles them.
Precedents, as you justly observe, are dangerous things, they form the arm which first arrests the liberties and happiness of a Country. In the first approaches they may indeed assume the garb of plausibility and moderation, and are generally spoken of by the movers as a chip in the porrage (to avoid giving alarm), but soon are made to speak a language equally decisive and irresistible; which shews the necessity of opposition in the first attempts to establish them, let them appear under what guise or Courtly form they may; and proves too that vigilance and watchfulness can scarcely be carried to an excess in guarding against the insiduous arts of a Government founded in corruption.
The President’s House, Philadelphia
Annals of Philadelphia
I do not think there is as much wisdom and sound policy displayed in the different Legislatures of these States as might be; yet I hope every thing will come right at last. In republican Governments it too often happens that the people (not always seeing) must feel before they act: this is productive of errors and temporary evils, but generally these evils are of a nature to work their own cure.
The situation of affairs in Ireland, whilst the propositions were pending in the Parliament of it, would, I concluded, be a means of postponing your voyage to this Country; but as these seem to have met their quietus, I hope nothing else will intervene to prevent your fulfilling your expectation of coming in the Spring; the season will then be favourable for crossing the Atlantic.
Had I been present and apprized of your intention of making an aerial voyage with Monsr. Potain, I should have joined my entreaties to those of Lady Newenham to have prevented it.* As yet, I see no object to warrant a gentleman of fortune (happy in himself, happy in a family wch. might be rendered miserable by a disaster, against which no human foresight can guard) running such a risk. It may do for young men of science and spirit to explore the upper regions: the observation there made may serve to ascertain the utility of the first discovery, and how far it may be applied to valuable purposes. To such alone I think these voyages ought at present to be consigned, and to them handsome public encouragements should be offer’d for the risk they run in ascertaining its usefulness, or the inutility of the pursuit.
Early Balloon Designs
Library of Congress
I have neither seen, nor heard of Mr. Thorpe, the stucco worker mentioned in your letter of the 23d. of July. A good man acquainted with that business would have come very opportunely to me, as I had, and now have a large room which I am about to finish in this way. I have at length engaged a person to do it; who from having no rival, imposes his own terms, which I think are exorbitant; good workmen of any profession, would meet encouragement in these States.
For the many marks of attention which you have been pleased to bestow on me, I feel myself your Debtor: could my picture which is placed in a group with Dr. Franklin, the Marqs. de la Fayette and others in your library, speak the sentiments of the original, it would salute you every morning with its acknowledgements. I have never seen more than one picture of Genl. Green, and that a mezzotinto print, sent to me a few days ago only, by the publisher a Mr. Brown at No. 10 George Yard, Lombard street, London; taken it is said from a painting done at Philada.
The Magazines, Gazettes &ca. which you had the goodness to forward to me, came safe, and I pray you to accept my thanks for them. My best respects, in which Mrs. Washington joins, are presented to Lady Newenham and yourself. With sentiments of great esteem and regard, I am Dr Sir Yrs &c.
G:o Washington
* voyage by balloon; the first manned free ascent hot air balloon flight having occurred 21 November 1783 in France
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