WASHINGTON TURNS DOWN THE CROWN: WOULD IMP. TONY?

From: The World's Great Letters

Simon and Schuster, 1940

In May 1782, Colonel Lewis Nicola wrote to Washington. The letter started with some general remarks regarding the deplorable situation the officers found themselves in and Congress’ apparent inability to properly compensate them.

Nicola then turned his attention to the political. He reviewed the different forms of government and arrived at the conclusion that republics were the least stable of governments, and the least capable of protecting the freedoms that they were fighting for. 

He went on to write that he had little hope that the United States would prosper under such a form of government and that the English Constitutional Monarchy was as near perfect a political system as could be created by mortal man. He continued by writing that the American people would be more comfortable with that familiar form of government and added:

"In this case it will, I believe, be uncontroverted, that the same abilities which led us through difficulties apparently insurmountable by human power to victory and glory – these qualities, that have merited and obtained the universal esteem and veneration of an army would be most likely to conduct and direct us in the smoother paths of peace. Some people have so connected the idea of tyranny and monarchy as to find it very difficult to separate them.

 It may, therefore, be required to give the head of such a constitution as I propose some title apparently more moderate; but, if all other things were once adjusted, I believe string [stringent?] arguments might be produced for admitting the title of King, which I conceive would be attended with some national advantage."

Colonel Nicola and his supporters, of which there were many, and no doubt, some of higher rank than the Colonel, were sincere. Washington could do no wrong in their eyes, and would be as good a leader in peace as he had proven to be in war.

It must have come as a surprise to the Colonel and his confederates when they received a prompt and severe rebuke for their efforts. Washington’s response was:

Newburgh, N.Y.  May 22, 1782

Sir,

With a mixture of great surprise and astonishment, I have read with attention the sentiments you have submitted to my perusal. Be assured sir, no occurrence in the course of this was has given me more painful sensations than your information of there being such ideas existing in the army as you have express, and which I must view with abhorrence and reprehend with severity.

For the present, the communication of them will rest in my own bosom, unless some further agitation of the matter shall make a disclosure necessary.

I am much at a loss to conceive what part of my conduct could have given encouragement to an address which to me seems big with the greatest mischiefs that could befall my country. If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself, you could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. At the same time, in justices to my own feelings, I must add, that no man possesses a more serious wish to see amply justice done to the army than I do; and, as far as my power and influence will permit, in a constitutional way, they shall be employed to the utmost of my abilities to effect it, should there be any occasion.

Let me conjure you, then, if you have any regard for your country, concern for yourself or posterity, or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind, and never communicate, as from your self or anyone else, a sentiment of the like nature.

I am, Etc.

Geo. Washington