George Washington: “It was deemed proper on my part to endeavor to tranquillize the Indians by pacific measures.”

Satisfied, therefore, that you have sincerely wished and endeavored to avert war, and exhausted to the last drop the cup of reconciliation, we can with pure hearts appeal to Heaven for the justice of our cause.

I have finally determined to accept the commission of Commander in Chief of the armies of the United States.

It is with peculiar satisfaction I can say, that prompted by a high sense of duty in my attendance on public worship, I have been gratified by the liberal and interesting discourses delivered in your Churches.

To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.