16 Text as printed by Mr. Reed. — and will be led naturally to conclude that bold and confident assertions, uncontradicted, must be founded in truth. — but however convenient it may have been for his purpose to establish this doctrine — — I will defy any person out of my own family to say, that I have ever mentioned his name after his trial commenced, if it was to be avoided; and when it was not, if I have not studiously declined — — as I never entertained any jealousy of, or apprehension from him, so neither did I ever do more than common civility — — but the affairs of the army requires a constant attention and presence, and circumstanced as matters are at this juncture — — as peace and retirement are my ultimate aim, and the Text of the Letter-Books. — and will be led naturally to believe that bold and confident assertions, uncontradicted, must be founded in truth. — but however convenient it may have been for his purposes to establish this belief — — I will defy any person out of my own family to say, that I have ever mentioned his name, if it was to be avoided ; and, when not, that I have not studiously declined — — as I never entertained any jealousy of, or apprehended from * him, so neither did I ever do more than common civility — my text.” I did not intend to express any doubt. I said only, that “ logged” in the Letter-Book was written “ log’d ” in his manuscript. The printers dropped the last syllable, aifd made it log houses, perhaps for the same reason that they print brick or stone houses, instead of bricked or stoned houses. * This phrase was omitted by me, doubtless because a blunder of the transcriber left it without meaning in the Letter-Book. Mr. Reed's copy makes the sense clear. — but the affairs of the army require my constant attention and presence, and circumstanced as matters are at this time — — as peace and retirement are my ultimate aim, and the
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