THE materials for the following sheets were collected in the years 1782, 1783, 1785, and 1786; in which years, as a member of Congress, I had access to all the official papers of the United States. Every letter written to Congress by General WASHINGTON, from the day he took the command of the American army till he resigned it, was carefully perused, and its contents noted. The same was done with the letters of other general officers, ministers of Congress, and others in public stations. It was intended to have enlarged the work by the insertion of state papers, as proofs and illustrations of my positions. This I could easily have done, and shall do at a future time, and in a separate work, if the public require it. At present I thought it prudent to publish little more than a simple narrative of events, without introducing my authorities. Several of these are already in my History of the Revolution of South-Carolina, and such as are printed may be found in the periodical publications of the day. I have endeavored to give much original matter at a small expense. As I write about recent events, known to thousands as well as myself, proofs are at present less necessary than they will be in future. I appeal to the actors in the great scenes which I have described, for the substantial truth of my narrative. Intentional misrepresentations, I am sure there are none. If there are any from other sources, I trust they will be found in small circumstances, not affecting the substance. October 20, 1789. |