young life, his plans were unsuccessful. In two letters to Gen.
Washington, a few months before he fell fighting for his country, he
gave an account of the trials that beset his path, which he felt led
to honorable duty. The first bore date of May 19, 1782.

"The plan which brought me to this country was urged with
all the zeal which the subject inspired, both in our Privy
Council and Assembly; but the single voice of reason was
drowned by the howlings of a triple-headed monster, in which
prejudice, avarice, and pusillanimity were united. It was
some degree of consolation to me, however, to perceive that
truth and philosophy had gained some ground; the suffrages
in favor of the measure being twice as numerous as on a
former occasion. Some hopes have been lately given me from
Georgia; but I fear, when the question is put, we shall be
outvoted there with as much disparity as we have been in
this country.

"I earnestly desire to be where any active plans are likely
to be executed, and to be near your Excellency on all
occasions in which my services can be acceptable. The
pursuit of an object which, I confess, is a favorite one
with me, because I always regarded the interests of this
country and those of the Union as intimately connected with
it, has detached me more than once from your family; but
those sentiments of veneration and attachment with which
your Excellency has inspired me, keep me always near you,
with the sincerest and most zealous wishes for a continuance
of your happiness and glory."[572]

The second was dated June 12, 1782, and breathes a despondent air:--

"The approaching session of the Georgia Legislature, and the
encouragement given me by Governor Howley, who has a
decisive influence in the counsels of that country, induce
me to remain in this quarter for the purpose of taking new
measures on the subject of our black levies. The arrival of
Colonel Baylor, whose seniority entitles him to the command
of the light troops, affords me ample leisure for pursuing
the business in person; and I shall do it with all the
tenacity of a man making a last effort on so interesting an
occasion."[573]

Washington's reply showed that he, too, had lost faith in the
patriotism of the citizens of the South to a great degree. He wrote
his faithful frie