“Now, my dear sir, I must observe to you, that much will depend on the state of Pennsylvania.  She has it in her power to contribute, without comparison, more to our success, than any other state, in the two essential articles of flour and transportation.  I speak to you in the language of frankness, and as a friend.  I do not mean to make any insinuations unfavourable to the state.  I am aware of the embarrassment the government labours under from the open opposition of one party and the underhand intrigues of another.  I know that with the best dispositions to promote the public service, you have been obliged to move with circumspection.  But this is a time to hazard, and to take a tone of energy and decision.  All parties but the disaffected will acquiesce in the necessity and give their support.

“The matter is reduced to a point.  Either Pennsylvania must give us all we ask, or we can undertake nothing.  We must renounce every idea of co-operation, and must confess to our allies that we look wholly to them for our safety.  This will be a state of humiliation and bitterness against which the feelings of every good American ought to revolt.  Yours I am convinced will, nor have I the least doubt, but that you will employ all your influence to animate the legislature and the people at large.  The fate of these states hangs upon it.  God grant we may be properly impressed with the consequences.

“I wish the legislature could be engaged to vest the executive with plenipotentiary powers.  I should then expect every thing practicable from your abilities and zeal.  This is not a time for formality and ceremony.  The crisis in every point of view is extraordinary, and extraordinary expedients are necessary.  I am decided in this opinion.”

NOTE—­No.  IV. See Page 261

Andre having been unquestionably a spy, and his sentence consequently just; and the plot in which he had engaged having threatened consequences the most fatal to America; his execution, had he been an ordinary person, would certainly have been viewed with cold indifference.  But he was not an ordinary person.  In a letter written at the time by Colonel Hamilton, who in genius, in candour, and in romantic heroism, did not yield to this unfortunate Englishman, the character of Andre is thus feelingly and eloquently drawn.  “There was something singularly interesting in the character and fortunes of Andre.  To an excellent understanding, well improved by education and travel, he united a peculiar elegance of mind and manners, and the advantages of a pleasing person.  It is said he possessed a pretty taste for the fine arts, and had himself attained some proficiency in poetry, music, and painting.  His knowledge appeared without ostentation, and embellished by a diffidence that rarely accompanies so many talents and accomplishments, which left you to suppose more than appeared.  His sentiments were elevated and inspired esteem, they had a softness that conciliated