legislative powers, and to act themselves in the
judiciary, as judges in questions of fact; that the range of their
powers ought to be enlarged,' &c. This gives both the reason and
exemplification of the maxim you express, 'that they ought to possess as
much political power,' &c. I see nothing to correct either in your facts
or principles.

You say that in taking General Washington on your shoulders, to bear him
harmless through the federal coalition, you encounter a perilous topic.
I do not think so. You have given the genuine history of the course of
his mind through the trying scenes in which it was engaged, and of the
seductions by which it was deceived, but not depraved. I think I knew
General Washington intimately and thoroughly; and were I called on to
delineate his character, it should be in terms like these.

His mind was great and powerful, without being of the very first order;
his penetration strong, though not so acute as that of a Newton, Bacon,
or Locke; and as far as he saw, no judgment was ever sounder. It was
slow in operation, being little aided by invention or imagination, but
sure in conclusion. Hence the common remark of his officers, of
the advantage he derived from councils of war, where, hearing all
suggestions, he selected whatever was best; and certainly no General
ever planned his battles more judiciously. But if deranged during the
course of the action, if any member of his plan was dislocated by sudden
circumstances, he was slow in a re-adjustment. The consequence was, that
he often failed in the field, and rarely against an enemy in station, as
at Boston and York. He was incapable of fear, meeting personal dangers
with the calmest unconcern. Perhaps the strongest feature in his
character was prudence, never acting until every circumstance, every
consideration, was maturely weighed; refraining if he saw a doubt, but,
when once decided, going through with his purpose, whatever obstacles
opposed. His integrity was most pure, his justice the most inflexible I
have ever known, no motives of interest or consanguinity, of friendship
or hatred, being able to bias his decision. He was, indeed, in every
sense of the words, a wise, a good, and a great man. His temper was
naturally irritable and high-toned; but reflection and resolution had
obtained a firm and habitual ascendancy over it. If ever, however, it
broke its bonds, he was most tremendous in his wrath. In his expenses he
was honorable, but