endly sentiments; if it is not, there is no
foreseeing all the consequences which may follow as it respects
Great Britain.

"It is not to be inferred from hence that I am disposed to quit the
ground I have taken, unless circumstances more imperious than have
yet come to my knowledge should compel it; for there is but one
straight course, and that is, to seek truth and pursue it steadily.

"But these things are mentioned to show that a close investigation
of the subject is more than ever necessary, and that they are
strong evidences of the necessity of the most circumspect conduct
in carrying the determination of government into effect, with
prudence as it respects our own people, and with every exertion to
produce a change for the better from Great Britain."

Randolph, at Washington's request, had made a rough draft of a memorial,
intended to meet all objections to the treaty. This had been sent to
Mount Vernon, and in reference to it the president said:--

"The memorial seems well designed to answer the end proposed; and
by the time it is revised and new-dressed, you will probably
(either in the resolutions, which are or will be handed to me, or
in the newspaper publications, which you promised to be attentive
to) have seen all the objections against the treaty which have any
real force in them, and which may be fit subjects for
representation in the memorial, or in the instructions, or both.

"But how much longer the presentation of the memorial can be
delayed without exciting unpleasant sensations here, or involving
serious evils elsewhere, you, who are at the scene of information
and action, can decide better than I. In a matter, however, so
interesting and pregnant with consequences as this treaty, there
ought to be no precipitation; but, on the contrary, every step
should be explored before it is taken, and every word weighed
before it is uttered or delivered in writing."

Washington arrived at Philadelphia on the eleventh of August. His return
was hastened by a mysterious letter from Colonel Pickering, the
secretary of war, dated the thirty-first of July. "On the subject of the
treaty," he said, "I confess I feel extreme solicitude, and for a
_special reason_, which can be communicated to you only in person. I
entreat, therefore, that you will return with all convenient speed