February 3rd
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“We have some among Us, and I dare say Generals, who wish to make themselves popular at the expence of others; or, who think the cause is not to be advanc’d otherwise than by fighting.”
To Joseph Reed*
Middle Brook, 23 June 1777
Dear Sir,
Your favors of the 12th. and 18th. Instt. are both before me; and, on two Accts. have given me concern; first, because I much wish’d to see you at the head of the Cavalry, and or secondly by refusing of it, my arrangements have been a good deal disconcerted. As your motives for refusing the appointment are, no doubt, satisfactory to yourself, and your determination fixed, it is unnecessary to enter upon a discussion of the point; I can only add, I wish it had been otherwise, especially as I flatter myself, that my last would convince you, that you still held the same place in my Affection that you ever did. If Inclination, or a desire of rendering those aids to the Service which your abilities enable you to do, shd. lead you to the Camp, it is unnecessary for me I hope to add, that I should be extremely happy in seeing you one of my Family whilst you remain in it.
. . .
Artist: Charles Peale. NPS
It gives me pleasure to learn from your Letter that the reasons assignd by me to Genl. Arnold for not attacking the Enemy in their Situation between the Raritan and Millstone met with the approbation of those who were acquainted with them. We have some among Us, and I dare say Generals**, who wish to make themselves popular at the expence of others; or, who think the cause is not to be advanc’d otherwise than by fighting; the peculiar circumstances under which it is to be done, and the consequences which may follow, are objects too trivial for their attention, but as I have one great end in view, I shall, maugre all the strokes of this kind, steadily pursue the means which, in my judgment, leads to the accomplishment of it, not doubting but that the candid part of Mankind, if they are convinc’d of my Integrity, will make proper allowances for my inexperience, and Frailties. I will agree to be loaded with all the obloquy they can bestow; if I commit a wilful error.
* Reed served on Washington’s staff in the early months of the war, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (resigned). He later became Adjutant General (5 June 1776—22 January 1777) with the rank of Colonel, and then president of Pennsylvania (governor) from 1 December 1778 to 15 November 1781. He died in 1785. — BD & NGA
** Thomas Conway and Horatio Gates were the most prominent generals in this category; Conway was involved in the Conway Cabal a few months later. The Conway Cabal was an attempt by members of Congress and a number of generals to remove General Washington from command and replace him with Horatio Gates. The Cabal’s actions were primarily driven by the Continental army’s defeat at the Battle of Brandywine which resulted in Congress fleeing as the British occupied Philadelphia.
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