March, 1754.
Dear Sir,
In a conversation with you at Green Spring, you gave me some
room to hope for a commission above that of major, and to be ranked among the
chief officers of this expedition. The command of the whole forces is what I
neither look for, expect, nor desire; for I must be impartial enough to
confess, it is a charge too great for my youth and inexperience to be entrusted
with. Knowing this, I have too sincere a love for my country, to undertake that
which may tend to the prejudice of it. But if I could entertain hopes, that you
thought me worthy of the post of lieutenant-colonel, and would favor me so far as
to mention it at the appointment of officers, I could not but entertain a true
sense of the kindness.
I flatter myself, that, under a skilful commander, or man of
sense, (whom I most sincerely wish to serve under,) with my own application and
diligent study of my duty, I shall be able to conduct my steps without censure,
and, in time, render myself worthy of the promotion, that I shall be favored
with now.
I am, &c.
[GEORGE WASHINGTON.]
________
* Mr. Corbin was a member of the Governor's Council, and
connected by the ties of friendship and affinity with the Washington family.
See Marshall's Lift of Washington, 2d ed. Vol. 1. p. 3.
SOURCE: Jared Sparks, The Writings of George Washington:
Volume 1, p. 3-4
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