rkest suspicion to effect the
blackest design. That the address is drawn with great art, and is
designed to answer the most insidious purposes; that it is
calculated to impress the mind with an idea of premeditated
injustice in the sovereign power of the United States, and rouse
all those resentments which must unavoidably flow from such a
belief; that the secret mover of this scheme, whoever he may be,
intended to take advantage of the passions while they were warmed
by the recollection of past distresses, without giving time for
cool, deliberate thinking, and that composure of mind which is so
necessary to give dignity and stability to measures, is rendered
too obvious, by the mode of conducting the business, to need other
proofs than a reference to the proceedings.

"Thus much, gentlemen, I have thought it incumbent on me to observe
to you, to show upon what principles I opposed the irregular and
hasty meeting which was proposed to be held on Tuesday last, and
not because I wanted a disposition to give you every opportunity,
consistent with your own honor and the dignity of the army, to make
known your grievances. If my conduct heretofore has not evinced to
you that I have been a faithful friend to the army, my declaration
of it at this time would be equally unavailing and improper. But,
as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common
country; as I have never left your side one moment, but when called
from you on public duty; as I have been the constant companion and
witness of your distresses, and not among the last to feel and
acknowledge your merits; as I have ever considered my own military
reputation as inseparably connected with that of the army; as my
heart has ever expanded with joy when I have heard its praises, and
my indignation has arisen when the mouth of detraction has been
opened against it, it can scarcely be supposed, at this last stage
of the war, that I am indifferent to its interests. But how are
they to be promoted? The way is plain, says the anonymous
addresser. 'If war continues, remove into the unsettled country;
there establish yourselves, and leave an ungrateful country to
defend itself.' But who are they to defend? Our wives, our
children, our farms, and other property which we leave behind us?
or