Patriotism: George Washington's View

Thanks to my friend David Goldenberg for posting George Washington's level-headed view of patriotism while in winter quarters at Valley Forge:

George Washington to John Banister, April 21, 1778

I do not mean to exclude altogether the idea of patriotism. I know it exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But I will venture to assert, that a great and lasting war can never be supported on this principle alone. It must be aided by a prospect of interest, or some reward.