An explosion followed. Gates both
denied that he had received a letter with the passage in
question, and, at the same time, charged that there had been
tampering with his private correspondence. He could not have it
both ways. Conway was merely impudent in reply to Washington, but
Gates laid the whole matter before Congress. Washington wrote to
Gates, in reply to his denials, ironical references to "rich
treasures of knowledge and experience" "guarded with penurious
reserve" by Conway from his leaders but revealed to Gates. There
was no irony in Washington's reference to malignant detraction
and mean intrigue. At the same time he said to Gates: "My temper
leads me to peace and harmony with all men," and he deplored the
internal strife which injured the great cause. Conway soon left
America. Gates lived to command another American army and to end
his career by a crowning disaster.
Washington had now been for more than two years in the chief
command and knew his problems. It was a British tradition that
standing armies were a menace to liberty, and the tradition had
gained strength in crossing the sea. Washington would have wished
a national army recruited by Congress alone and bound to serve
for the duration of the war.
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