Remarks on a Reprint of the Original Letters of Washington to Joseph Reed

33 Judge Marshall’s Text. to fight them on their own terms, or surrender at discretion ; or, if that shall be deemed more advisable, by a brilliant stroke endeavor to cut this army to pieces, and secure the possession of arms and stores, which they well know our inability to replace. “ Having their system unfolded to us, it becomes an important consideration how it could be most successfully opposed. On every side there is a choice of difficulties, and experience teaches us, that every measure on our part (however painful the reflection) must be taken with some apprehension, that all the troops will not do their duty.” — Vol. II. p. 466. Text of the Letter-Books. on their own terms, or surrender at discretion, or by a brilliant stroke endeavor to cut this army in pieces and secure the collection of arms and stores, which they well know we shall not be soon able to reptlace. “ Having therefore their system unfolded to us, it became an important consideration how it could be most successfully opposed. On every side there is a choice of difficulties, and every measure on our part (however painful the reflection is from experience') to be formed with some apprehension, that all our troops will not do their duty.” LETTER TO GENERAL ARNOLD. “ They might possibly be successful, but the probability would be infinitely against them. Should they be imprudent enough to make the attempjt, I shall keep ' close upon their heels, and will do every thing in my power to make the project fatal to them. 5 June 17, 1777. “ They might possibly be successful, but the probability would be infinitely against them. Should they be imprudent enough to do it, I shall keep close upon their heels, and do every thing in my power to make the project fatal to them.

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