Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/558

 aims and unscrupulous conduct, soon produced an unlocked for termination of his career. Excessively unpopular in the army, he threw up his office of inspector-general, and in the latter part of February, he was wounded in a duel with General Cadwalader. Supposing his wound to be mortal—though he afterwards recovered—under the influence of sudden remorse, he wrote to Washington in the following terms: "I find myself just able to hold the pen during a few minutes, and take this opportunity of expressing my sincere grief for having done, written, or said any thing disagreeable to your Excellency. My career will soon be over; therefore, justice and truth prompt me to declare my last sentiments. You are, in my eyes, the great and good man. May you long enjoy the love, veneration, and esteem of these States, whose liberties you have asserted by your virtues."

It is superfluous, perhaps, to call the reader's attention to the fact, but no one, we are sure, can examine this portion of our country's history, without a feeling of profound respect and admiration for the magnanimity, the moderation, the self-command, and the nobility of soul which marked the whole course of Washington during this painful and vexatious trial. May his example never be without effect upon those who glory in the name of countrymen of Washington!

As has been already intimated, in speaking of the foreign relations of the United States, France was only waiting for some positive surety, that the Americans would sustain the contest against the mother country, before she was willing openly to enter the field as the ally of the new republic. Although the Americans had not faltered, or manifested any disposition to yield to England, yet the issue was still somewhat uncertain. It was not impossible, that the colonies might be induced to come to terms with the mother country, even if they were not reduced by force of arms. The French ministry were apprehensive, that so soon as France should join the Americans, England might see fit to concede every thing asked for by the colonies, and thus England and America being at peace, France might have the war on her hands alone, and without any purpose to be gained worthy of the struggle. Hence her policy was so shaped, that she held out encouragement, just in proportion to the news of success, or failure, in the contest with England.