George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen

For Lesson Three: Integrity and Firmness is All I Can Promise:
The Washington Presidency

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George Washington Papers, 1741-1799

[Letter from George Washington to Daniel Morgan, October 8, 1794]

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NOTE: This is an excerpt. The full text version of Letter from George Washington to Daniel Morgan, October 8, 1794 is in George Washington Papers, 1741-1799.

The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 33

Carlisle, October 8, 1794.

Dear Sir: In the moment I was leaving the City of Philadelphia for this place, your letter of the 24th Ulto. was put into my hands. Although I regret the occasion which has called you into the field, I rejoice to hear you are there; and because it is probable I may meet you at Fort Cumberland, whither I shall proceed, so soon as I see the Troops at this rendezvous in condition to advance. At that place, or at Bedford, my ulterior resolution must be taken, either to advance with the Troops into the Insurgent Counties of this State, or to return to Philadelphia for the purpose of meeting Congress the 3d. of next month.

Imperious circumstances alone can justify my absence from the Seat of Government whilst Congress are in Session; but if these, from the disposition of the People in the refractory Counties, and the state of the information I expect to receive at the advanced Posts, should appear to exist the lesser must yield to the greater duties of my office and I shall cross the mountains with the Troops; if not, I shall place the command of the combined force under the orders of Governor Lee of Virginia and repair to the Seat of Government.

I am perfectly in sentiment with you, that the business we are drawn out upon, should be effectually executed; and that the daring and factious spirit which has arisen (to overturn the laws, and to subvert the Constitution,) ought to be subdued. If this is not done, there is, an end of and we may bid adieu to all government in this Country, except Mob and Club Govt. from whence nothing but anarchy and confusion can ensue; for if the minority, and a small one too, are suffered to dictate to the majority, after measures have undergone the most solemn discussions by the Representatives of the people, and their Will through this medium is enacted into a law; there can be no security for life, liberty or property; nor if the laws are not to govern, can any man know how to conduct himself with safety for there never was a law yet made , I conceive, that hit the taste exactly of every man, or every part of the community; of course, if this be a reason for opposition no law can be execd. at all witht. force and every man or set of men will in that case cut and carve for themselves; the consequences of which must be deprecated by all classes of men who are friends to order, and to the peace and happiness of the Country; but how can things be otherwise than they are when clubs and Societies have been instituted for the express purpose though clothed in another garb by their diabolical leader Gt²⁹ whose object was to sow sedition, to poison the minds of the people of this Country, and to make them discond. with the Government of it, and who have labored indefatigably to effect these purposes.

[Note 29: Genet.]

... {excerpt ends}

Questions:

• Why does Washington believe it is important for the government to act?
• According to Washington, what are the consequences of taking no action?
• What is Washington referring to when he says "we may bid adieu to all government in this Country, except Mob and Club Govt."?
• In Washington's view, once a law is passed by the Congress what is the responsibility of citizens?
• According to Washington, to what extent was Citizen Edmund Genet, the French ambassador, responsible for the discontent in western Pennsylvania?

Go to the complete interview from which this excerpt was taken.