The Polynesian, Honolulu: Washington Refusing a Crown! (1845)

Washington Refusing a Crown!

The Polynesian. Honolulu: October 11, 1845.

J.J. Jarves, Editor.

The following letter has recently been brought to light by Mr. Sparks. It was written in a reply to a proposition made to Washington at the conclusion of the war, by certain officers of his army, to accept a crown. The following sentiments show the republican spirit than animated the man.

“Sir-With a mixture of great surprise and astonishment, I have read with attention the sentiments you have submitted to my perusal. Be assured, sir, no occurrence in the course of the war has given me more painful sensations than your information of there being such ideas existing in the army as you have expressed, and which I must view with abhorrence, and reprehend with severity. For the present, the communication of them will rest in my own bosom, unless some further agitation of the matter shall made a disclosure necessary.

I am much at a loss to conceive what part of my conduct could have given encouragement to an address which to me seems big with the greatest mischiefs that can befall my country. If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself, you could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable.

Let me conjure you, then, if you have any regard for your country, concern for yourself or posterity or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind, and never communicate as from yourself or any one else, a sentiment of the like nature.

I am, &c.

GEO. WASHINGTON.”