est professions of attachment and regard, I am
constrained to consider him as not possessing, at least, a
great degree of candor and sincerity, though his views in
addressing you should have been the result of conviction,
and founded in motives of public good. This is not the only
secret, insidious attempt that has been made to wound my
reputation. There have been others equally base, cruel, and
ungenerous, because conducted with as little frankness, and
proceeding from views, perhaps, as personally interested. I
am, dear sir, with great esteem and regard, your much
obliged friend, etc.

The writing of the foregoing letter was not finished, when Governor
Henry's second letter reached him; and this additional proof of
friendship so touched the heart of Washington that, on the next day,
he wrote again, this time with far less self-restraint than before:--

GEORGE WASHINGTON TO PATRICK HENRY

CAMP, 28 March, 1778.

DEAR SIR,--Just as I was about to close my letter of
yesterday, your favor of the 5th instant came to hand. I can
only thank you again, in the language of the most
undissembled gratitude, for your friendship; and assure you,
that the indulgent disposition, which Virginia in
particular, and the States in general, entertain towards me,
gives me the most sensible pleasure. The approbation of my
country is what I wish; and as far as my abilities and
opportunities will permit, I hope I shall endeavor to
deserve it. It is the highest reward to a feeling mind; and
happy are they, who so conduct themselves as to merit it.

The anonymous letter with which you were pleased to favor
me, was written by Dr. Rush, so far as I can judge from a
similitude of hands. This man has been elaborate and studied
in his professions of regard for me; and long since the
letter to you. My caution to avoid anything which could
injure the service, prevented me from communicating, but to
a very few of my friends, the intrigues of a faction which I
know was formed against me, since it might serve to publish
our internal dissensions; but their own restless zeal to
advance their views has too clearly betrayed them, and made
concealment on my part fruitless. I cannot precisely mark
the extent of their views, but it appeared, in ge