It is a fact, which we [Virginia] are to lament, that, in the earlier part of our struggles, we were so wholly occupied by the great object of establishing our rights, that we attended not at all to those little circumstances of taking receipts and vouchers, keeping regular accounts, and preparing subjects for future disputes with our friends. If we could have supported the whole Continent, I believe we should have done it, and never dishonored our nation by producing accounts; sincerely assured that, in no circumstances of future necessity or distress, a like free application of anything therein would have been thought hardly of, or would have rendered necessary an appeal to accounts. Hence, it has happened that, in the present case, the collection of vouchers of the arms furnished by this State has become tedious and difficult. —

TITLE: To the President of Congress.
EDITION: Ford ed., ii, 283,
PLACE: Washington
DATE: 1779