“Now, sir, we fear not the war of gold.”
“But, General,” argued Barclugh, “will not the commercial classes and the men of wealth be influenced by considerations of Britain’s gold?”
“The men of large wealth are already Tories, Mr. Barclugh, and against us. The commercial classes will be on whichever side their trade is encouraged. But the great mass of Colonists are agriculturists, whose virtue is above reproach and on whose hardihood and honesty of purpose this nation must place its reliance. If they stand firm and fight for the principles of our Declaration of Independence, this nation shall never perish, but if they allow artificial allurements of gold to buy their liberty, then we shall have expedience for our principles and laughter at our pretensions.”
Barclugh saw that principles had firm root in the Commander’s mind, but he thought that he would sound for any petty prejudice that might be lurking in his heart, so he cunningly said:
“However, you know, General Washington, that a great many Philadelphians seem to be ambitious after wealth. I have noticed some lukewarmness for the cause there.”
Whereupon Washington at once began to get reserved and continued the conversation by asking:
“Mr. Barclugh, have you any news of General Arnold?”
“Yes, the last time I met General Arnold, he complained about the great social demands upon him, and that to meet his expenses he was driven almost to distraction. I could think that this good man might be ruined in Philadelphia, by too much gayety. Then you know, General, that he was never before used to it.”
The Commander-in-Chief did not express an opinion about Arnold, but Barclugh observed that very careful mental note was made on what was said of Arnold. However, he continued by asking:
“When you have completed your mission in New York, how do you propose to return, Mr. Barclugh? I shall be pleased to serve you. I presume your mission is entirely of a business nature and you will fight shy of the military people,” in his most gracious and pleasing manner.