2. Benjamin Franklin Trg%0
and enjoy, what posterity will say of Washington.
For a thousand leagues have nearly the same effect
with a thousand years. The feeble voice of those
grovelling passions cannot extend so far either in
time or distance. At present I enjoy that pleasure
for you; as I frequently hear the old generals of this
martial country, who study the maps of America, and
mark upon them all your operations, speak with
sincere approbation and great applause of your conduct;
 and join in giving you the character of one
of the greatest captains of the age.
I must soon quit this scene, but you may live to
see our country flourish, as it will amazingly and rapidly
 after the war is over; like a field of young Indian
corn, which long fair weather and sunshine had enfeebled
 and discolored, and which in that weak state,
by a thunder-gust of violent wind, hail, and rain,
seemed to be threatened with absolute destruction;
yet the storm being past, it recovers fresh verdure,
shoots up with double vigor, and delights the eye, not
of its owner only, but of every observing traveller.
The best wishes that can be formed for your
health, honor, and happiness, ever attend you from
yours, etc., B. FRANKLIN.

122