All I would be understood to mean, therefore, is, that the gifts of Providence may not be neglected." But the light in which this subject would be viewed with most interest, and which gave to it most importance, was its political influence on the union.

"I need not remark to you, sir," said he in his letter to the governor of Virginia, "that the flanks and rear of the United States are possessed by other powers,--and formidable ones too: need I press the necessity of applying the cement of interest to bind all parts of the union together by indissoluble bonds,--especially of binding that part of it which lies immediately west of us, to the middle states.

For what ties, let me ask, should we have upon those people, how entirely unconnected with them shall we be, and what troubles may we not apprehend, if the Spaniards on their right, and Great Britain on their left, instead of throwing impediments in their way as they now do, should hold out lures for their trade and alliance?
when they get strength, which will be sooner than most people conceive, what will be the consequence of their having formed close commercial connexions with both, or either of those powers?
it needs not, in my opinion, the gift of prophecy to foretell." This idea was enlarged and pressed with much earnestness, in his letters to several members of congress.
The letter to the governor was communicated to the assembly of Virginia, and the internal improvements it recommended were zealously supported by the wisest members of that body.

While the subject remained undecided, General Washington, accompanied by the Marquis de Lafayette, who had crossed the Atlantic, and had devoted a part of his time to the delights of an enthusiastic friendship, paid a visit to the capital of the state.

Never was reception more cordial, or more demonstrative of respect and affection, than was given to these beloved personages.