e you sufficient
pleasure in every circumstance of life. But I cannot help
assuring you, on this occasion, of the high sense of
gratitude which all ranks of men in this our native country
bear to you. It will give me sincere pleasure to manifest my
regards, and render my best services to you or yours. I do
not like to make a parade of these things, and I know you
are not fond of it; however, I hope the occasion will plead
my excuse. Wishing you all possible felicity, I am, my dear
Sir, your ever affectionate friend and very humble servant.

Before Washington received this second letter, he had already begun to
write the following reply to the first:--

GEORGE WASHINGTON TO PATRICK HENRY.

VALLEY FORGE, 27 March, 1778.

DEAR SIR,--About eight days ago I was honored with your
favor of the 20th ultimo. Your friendship, sir, in
transmitting to me the anonymous letter you had received,
lays me under the most grateful obligations, and if my
acknowledgments can be due for anything more, it is for the
polite and delicate terms in which you have been pleased to
communicate the matter.

I have ever been happy in supposing that I had a place in
your esteem, and the proof you have afforded on this
occasion makes me peculiarly so. The favorable light in
which you hold me is truly flattering; but I should feel
much regret, if I thought the happiness of America so
intimately connected with my personal welfare, as you so
obligingly seem to consider it. All I can say is, that she
has ever had, and I trust she ever will have, my honest
exertions to promote her interest. I cannot hope that my
services have been the best; but my heart tells me they have
been the best that I could render.

That I may have erred in using the means in my power for
accomplishing the objects of the arduous, exalted station
with which I am honored, I cannot doubt; nor do I wish my
conduct to be exempted from reprehension farther than it may
deserve. Error is the portion of humanity, and to censure
it, whether committed by this or that public character, is
the prerogative of freemen. However, being intimately
acquainted with the man I conceive to be the author of the
letter transmitted, and having always received from him the
strong