any body. I
take on myself, without fear, any divulgation on his part. We both know
him incapable of it. From myself, then, or my paper, this publication
has never been derived. I have formerly mentioned to you, that from a
very early period of my life, I had laid it down as a rule of conduct
never to write a word for the public papers. From this, I have never
departed in a single instance; and on a late occasion, when all the
world seemed to be writing, besides a rigid adherence to my own rule, I
can say with truth, that not a line for the press was ever communicated
to me, by any other, except a single petition referred for my
correction; which I did not correct, however, though the contrary, as
I have heard, was said in a public place, by one person through error,
through malice by another. I learn that this last has thought it worth
his while to try to sow tares between you and me, by representing me as
still engaged in the bustle of politics, and in turbulence and intrigue
against the government. I never believed for a moment that this could
make any impression on you, or that your knowledge of me would not
overweigh the slander of an intriguer, dirtily employed in sifting the
conversations of my table, where alone he could hear of me; and seeking
to atone for his sins against you by sins against another, who had
never done him any other injury than that of declining his confidences.
Political conversations I really dislike, and therefore avoid where
I can without affectation. But when urged by others, I have never
conceived that having been in public life requires me to belie my
sentiments, or even to conceal them. When I am led by conversation to
express them, I do it with the same independence here, which I have
practised every where, and which is inseparable from my nature. But
enough of this miserable tergiversator, who ought indeed either to have
been of more truth, or less trusted by his country.*

[* Here, in the margin of the copy, is written, apparently
at a later date, * General H. Lee.']

While on the subject of papers, permit me to ask one from you. You
remember the difference of opinion between Hamilton and Knox on the one
part, and myself on the other, on the subject of firing on the Little
Sarah, and that we had exchanged opinions and reasons in writing. On
your arrival in Philadelphia I delivered you a copy of my reasons, in
the presence of Colonel Hamilton. On our withdrawing, he told m