Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/457

] that had arisen about the superscription of the letter; assured him of their high regard for his personal character, and that they had no intention to undervalue his rank. It was hoped, therefore, that the et ceteras, being in use between ambassadors, when they were not perfectly agreed upon points of etiquette, would remove all obstructions to their mutual intercourse.

Washington answered, that a letter written to a person invested with a public character, should specify it, otherwise it could not be distinguished from a private letter; that it was true the et ceteras implied every thing; but it was no less true, that they implied any thing; and that, as to himself, he would never consent to receive any letter, relating to public affairs, that should be directed to him, without a designation of his rank and office. Patterson requested that this question might be waived; and turned the conversation upon prisoners of war. He expatiated in magnificent terms, upon the goodness and clemency of the king, who had chosen for negotiators Lord and General Howe. He affirmed that their desire to terminate the differences which had arisen between the two peoples, was as earnest as their powers were ample; and that he hoped the general would I consider this visit, as the first step towards it. Washington replied, that he was not authorized to negotiate; but that it did not appear that the powers of the Commissioners consisted in any more than in granting pardons; that America, not having committed any offence, asked for no forgiveness; and was only defending her unquestionable rights. Patterson remarked, that this subject would open too vast a field of discussion. He expressed his acknowledgments for the favor done him, in omitting the usual ceremony of blinding his eyes, when passing the American works. Washington invited him to partake of a collation, and he was introduced to the general officers. After many compliments, and polite expressions, and repeating his regrets, that a strict observation of formalities should interrupt the course of so important an affair, he took leave of Washington, and withdrew. This conference thus remained without result, and all thoughts were again turned towards hostilities. Congress were perfectly aware, on the one hand, of the shame they must incur, by departing from the resolution so recently taken, of asserting independence, and they feared, on the other, that the propositions of England might contain some secret poison. They caused an exact relation to be printed of the interview between the commander-in-chief and the English adjutant-general.

As stated on a previous page, (p. 374) the American army had retreated from Canada, in a state of great suffering, and their condition was very naturally a source of anxiety to Congress. General Schuyler was in command of the northern division of the army, his headquarters being at Albany. In June, Gates was raised to the rank of brigadier-general, and appointed to the command of the forces in Canada. A reinforcement of six thousand men was voted, in the hope that Gates might retrieve some of the severe losses of the