Samuel Adams to James Warren

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My dear sir, York Town June 1, 1778 I wrote to you a few Days ago by Mr Brailsford, since which I have receivd your Favors of the 10th & 13th of May. (1) The Arts you mention as being practiced by the Tories in Boston, to prejudice the People against our new Connection, are similar to those which I find on reading a late Philada Paper, are practiced there. The Danger of Popery is particularly held up by the Partizans of that King, who would wish to drain Ireland of its Catholicks to carry on his bloody Purposes in America. I do not wonder that a certain Gentleman, though of the Character you have describd, should joyn in such an objection. He may think it will give him Popularity among a particular Class of Men, & serve one Purpose which I beleive he has constantly in View; but I am satisfied that such a Suggestion will have a different Effect.(2) I have receivd several Letters from my Friend Dr Lee since my Arrival here. Those by the Way of Boston are Duplicates, and contain Nothing of Importance more than what we receivd by Mr Dean. I wish you would revive in the House of Representatives the Proposition which was made last Winter relating to that Gentleman. I have an additional Reason inclining me to urge this Matter, which I will communicate to you at another Time, and which I am very sure you will approve of. At present I beleive you are satisfied that it is both Policy & Justice that it should be done.(3) Congress has been pleasd to put me on the Marine Committee.(4) I mention this to you, in hopes that I shall have the Pleasure of receiving your Letters the oftener on that Account, & particularly on the Subject of the Navy, which I will use my utmost Endeavors to build up. The Committee have orderd a Letter to your Board by this Post.(5) Capt Burk is to have the Command of the Resistance which may be a Step to further Promotion hereafter.(6) The French Gentleman (7) who was fed with Promises at Boston and afterwards substantially releivd by you is highly esteemd by this Committee, and will be rewarded & employed & Capt Peck is not unnoticed. The new Frigate at Salisbury, though before christned by another Name, has that of the Alliance given to her by the Committee. This Letter I intended to have finishd & forwarded by the Post, this Morning (June 2), but was prevented. Capt Barry who is to take the Command of the Raughley will deliver it to you. I am apprehensive for our Friend Mr. J. A.(8) who if I mistake not had saild 7 Weeks when the last Vessel left Nantz. The Bearer is in Haste Adieu RC (MHi). In Adams' hand, though not signed.

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1 Warren' May 10 and 13 letters to Adams are in Warren-Adams Letters, 2:9-10. 2 Adams is referring to John Hancock, who, according to Warren, had failed to attend a reception for French officers. Warren also accused the "Tories" of using "the danger of Popery" to instill "prejudices into the minds of the people against our Connections with France." Ibid., 2:9. 3 Adams was seeking a grant of land from the Massachusetts government for Arthur Lee, but not until after Lee's 1780 return to America did the Massachusetts General Court grant him 600 acres of Maine land as compensation for his services as Massachusetts agent in England before the war. Shipton, Harvard Graduates, 18:257; and Warren-Adams Letters, 2:25, 168. 4 Adams was appointed to the Marine Committee on May 27, 1778. JCC, 11:537. 5 See Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board, May 30, 1778. 6 For the appointment of Capt. William Burke, see Marine Committee to John Bradford, April 28, 1778. 7 Pierre Landais. 8 John Adams.

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett

My Dear, York Town June first 1778 I send this inclosed in a letter to Colo Langdon of Portsmouth. Hope it will find you & the family well as it leaves me. I have wrote& sent 3 letters before this Just to let you know I am well.(1) I have heard nothing from you since I left home nor Do I Expect to, till next week. I want much to hear from you all, but especially from Rhoda. Last week it was very cold here for the time of year, and a frost was Expected: if it was as much Colder with you as you are further north, I fear great hurt has been Done by the frost in New Hampshire. The lottery finished last week, and by a list of the prizes of 500 Dollars & above published in the paper I find we have not Drawn any of the great prizes; whither we have Drawn any of the Smaller prizes I shall Know in a few Days. This place appears to be more healthy than Philadela But find great Diffficulty to procure good accomodations. I put up at present at a German House. Mr. Wentworth has arrived, has had the small pox favorable. Charles Chace is well. Yours &c, Josiah Bartlett RC (NhHi). 1 Bartlett's May 17 letter to his wife has not been found, but for those of May 21 and 26, see Bartlett to Mary Bartlett, May 21, 1778, note 3.

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Josiah Bartlett to John Langdon

My Dear Sir, York Town June Ist 1778. Before you receive this, I suppose you will have rec'd the Order of Congress for going on with your ship, which is to be changed to a two decker and to carry 56 guns-viz 28 of 24 Ibs & 28 of 18 lbs.(1) Mr Wentworth was innoculated at Fishkill, rode to Reading where he remained a week, is now here and attended Congress the day before yesterday. As to news I have nothing material to write you. The substance of the treaty with France you know. The Ship which arrived from Spain only brought a duplicate of that Treaty. Spain will not accede to the treaty till the arrival of her West India fleet, unless drove to it by England. It is then expected she will act as openly as France. Our Ambassadors inform us Spain and Portugal have settled their disputes & Portugal has acceded to the family compact. The extract of a letter in the enclosed paper dated February 28th 1778 is from Mr Lee one of our Commissioners.(2) The common opinion in the army is that the enemy are about to leave Philadelphia, while some suspect it to be only a political manoeuvre to draw our army into a disadvantageous situation and to attack them. The Tories are stealing out of the City and taking the Oaths to the State. We have no further account of the famous British Commissioners who are to restore peace to America. I believe before this time they are satisfied they will effect nothing unless they enlarge the powers given by their late act of Parliament. One of our Ambassadors tells us the British Ministry publicly gave out that they have sent half a million of guineas to pave the way to a reconciliation and that Lord North informed Count Maurepas that he was sure of a majority of Congress. To such vile shifts are they drove to prevent foreign powers from assisting or acknowledging us; but all will be in vain. Give my best regards to General Whipple and remember me to all friends. I shall hope to hear from you as often as convenient. I am your friend and most obt servant, Josiah Bartlett Tr (DLC) 1 Congress had approved these revised plans for the frigate being built at Portsmouth on May 29. JCC, 11:555. See also Marine Committee to Langdon, May 30; and William Ellery to William Whipple, May 31, 1778. 2 Arthur Lee's February 28 letter to the Committee for Foreign Affairs is in Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:509-10.

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to Charles Carroll, Sr.

Dear Papa, 1778 June 1st I wrote to you yesterday by Mr. Henry; Who was to have set off this day for Annapolis but has been detained by the rain. It gives me pleasure to hear Molly continues to grow better. A letter of the 28th past from Gen. Washington was read this morning in Congress. The General is of opinion the Enemy will leave Pha. soon, but notwithstanding all the appearances of an approaching departure, there is one circumstance agt. it; they are fortifying their redoubts. Inclosed you have a letter which I lately recd. from Fitzgerald. Wishing you all perfect health I remain, Yr. affectionate Son, Ch. Carroll of Carrollton RC (MdHi).

Committee of Congress Report

[June 1, 1778] The joint Committee to whom was referred the motion respecting foreign Treaties have agreed upon the Following Report. Resolved that the Commissioners of these United States at the Courts of Versailles, Vienna & Berlin, be directed to confer with the Ambassadors or Envoys at the above Courts respectively, from those of Portugal.*(2) Russia [St. Petersburg], (3) Sweeden,* Denmark,* and the States General of Holland,* upon the Inclination that these latter States may entertain of receiving in a friendly manner Commissioners from the United States of America,* assuring the sd. Ambassadors or Envoys of the desire of this Congress to enter into the most friendly commercial Engagements with their respective Courts.* And in Case the sd. Commissioners shall find the sd. Courts or any of them inclined to enter into such friendly commercial Engagements, that then, for the Purpose of concluding such Treaties, the Commissioners [appointed to represent the United States of No. America] at the Court of Madrid shall repair to the Court of Lisbon(4) and one of the [Commissioners appointed to represent these States] at the Court of Versailles, as shall be agreed by them, shall repair if necessary to the Hague,* & Copenhagen, and the Commissioners at the Courts of Vienna & Berlin shall repair to St. Petersburgh & Stockholm. That for these Purposes Commissions be sent blank to the Commissioners at the Court of France, to be filled up as Occasion may require. That the Commissioners be directed to correspond with each

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other, and, previous to any overtures of the Court of Petersburgh, the Commissioners at the Court of Versailles be directed to consult with that Court upon the propriety of making such Overtures; and govern themselves accordingly. That whatever Treaties may be entered into in consequence of these Instructions shall be in Terms of the most perfect equality & Reciprocity, and no way repugnant to the Treaty of Paris of the 6th of February last. MS (ScHi). Written by James Lovell and annotated by Henry Laurens. 1 This report is undoubtedly the work of the "joint committee" created on June I by the addition of William Henry Drayton, William Duer, and James Smith to the Committee for Foreign Affairs. This committee was appointed to report on "the instructions to the commissioners in Europe," and it brought in this report during the afternoon of the same day. The issue was debated that day and again on June 2, but without a final result. The questions of expanded diplomatic relations, commercial treaties, and the appointment of new commissioners had been before Congress since mid-April and continued to be a major area of disagreement in Congress throughout 1778. See JCC, 10:372, 411, 414, 11:473, 505, 546 47, 559, 563. See also Henry Laurens to John Rutledge, June 3; and James Lovell to Benjamin Franklin, June 20, 1778 (not in printed text). 2 The asterisks here and below indicate points in the document where Henry Laurens wrote above the line either "Agd" or "Ay," apparently to indicate that agreement had been reached on these passages during debate in Congress on the committee report. 3 Words in brackets here and below were inserted between the lines of Lovell's draft committee report by Laurens. 4 At this point in the MS Henry Laurens placed an "A" above the line to which he keyed the following note he penned at the bottom of this document: "if necessary, otherwise to conclude a Treaty with the Court of Lisbon, at Madrid or elsewhere as the case may require with any person properly authorized for that purpose by the Court of Lisbon. Ag."

Henry Laurens to John Houstoun

Honorable Sir, 1st June 1778 I had the honor of writing to you on the 14th Ulto.(1) by Messenger Sharp & of presenting to Congress on the 25th your Honor's dispatches of the 20th March which had reached me the preceeding Evening. These were referred to a select Committee, upon whose Report the Inclosed Act of Congress of the 29th is founded, to which I beg leave to refer as containing all the Commands I have received.(2) The Enemy within the circumjacent lines of Philadelphia have for a fortnight past shewn strong marks of a design to evacuate that City, the embarkation of their Cannon & Baggage, their Horses & forage & the flight of many hundreds called Tories who flock into our Camp & into Lancaster & York in order to make their peace are evidences of such an intention, nevertheless I have doubts, & will not

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beleive Mr. Clinton going, until he shall be fairly gone. If he can get rid of all the Citizens he will have fewer mouths to consume provision now become very scarce within his narrow confines. Philadelphia will become a complete Garrison subject altogether to Articles of War & his general Orders. There will be less danger from spies & fewer critics upon his general conduct-& if further, he can so far amuse us as to retard intended reinforcements for Valley forge until he shall be Strengthened by such as he himself expects. The debarkation of Cannon & Baggage will be an easy work & he will applaud himself upon the success of his Stratagem. I am happy in finding General Washington acts as if he had also his doubts, although in the last Letter received from him he writes- "The Enemy are Still (28th May) in Philadelphia but the intelligence from thence is so clear & so Strong, it is as certain as any event can be, that is contingent, that they mean to abandon it. Against the various measures they are pursuing which point to an evacuation I can learn but of a Single circumstance opposed. They are working at their Redoubts with great industry, but this fact tho' certainly true cannot be of Sufficient weight to raise a doubt upon the subject & must be considered as merely calculated to deceive us & mask their designs, we cannot by the most diligent searches discover whether their movement will be by Land or Sea." In this State of uncertainty the General has detached General Maxwell with a large detachment to join General Dickinson in Jersey with orders to annoy the Enemy if a March through that State Shall be attempted, & has called in General Smallwood from Wilmington & I am well assured the utmost vigilance is observed in Camp. Twenty Six days have passed over Since General Howe or General Clinton or both have propagated the Report of the intended evacuation. If the object requiring their removal is important, they have certainly lingered away time in a manner apparently inconsistent with an important demand, but I will not be further troublesome with conjectures-a few days more will produce demonstration. The bustle & shew in New York is nearly similer to this in Philadelphia. There they have about 2060 British, 1250 Hessians & 2893 American Levies, & 100 Anspachers-this account may be relied on-& tis thought they mean to ascend North River by Land or Sea. If these from Philadelphia should join, the whole will be Strong, but I hope not too Strong to be Burgoyned. I should observe the computed number in Philadelphia is 8 to 9 Thousand greatly diminished lately by death & Desertion. The papers which you will receive Sir within this inclosure will convey some intelligence, the Letter from the Reverend Mr. Kirkland 3 gives a pleasing prospect of peace with the Six Nations, we are endeavoring to cultivate their present disposition into friendship by every proper means. I have the honor to be &ca.

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LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 See Laurens to Rawlins Lowndes, May 14, 1778, note 2. 2 In his March 20 letter to Laurens, John Houstoun, the governor of Georgia, complained that Gen. Robert Howe, the commander of the southern military department, had shown a lack of respect for state authority by refusing to accede to a request by the Georgia Assembly that he undertake an expedition against East Florida and asked Congress to pass an act "expressive of the Subordinate Relation in which the Military stand to the Civil." PCC, item 73, fols. 181-85. In order to substantiate his allegation against Howe, Houstoun also sent Laurens substantial supporting evidence consisting of minutes of the assembly and letters of Howe for the period January-February 1778. Ibid., fols. 141-79. Congress referred all this material to the Committee at Camp, which had been involved almost from the beginning of the year in reforming the Continental Army, and on May 29 it approved a report by the committee which stated that Continental commanders- though "amenable to the laws of the State in which they reside in common with other citizens"-still had the final say in conducting military operations, that Howe had been duly respectful to Georgia state authorities, and that measures were being considered to relieve the state. See JCC, 11:530, 553-54. This day Laurens also transmitted Congress' May 29 resolves on this issue to Gen. Robert Howe under cover of the following note. "I have barely a moment for inclosing an Act of Congress of the 29th Ulto. for declaring the sense of Congress that all Military Officers & Soldiers ought to be amenable to the Laws of the State & on your particular conduct in the State of Georgia. "I will if possible in a seperate Letter give you the Current News-here I can only add repeated assurances of being with great Regard &ca." PCC, item 13, 1:349. 3 On May 26 Congress had read and referred to the Board of War a May 4 letter from Rev. Samuel Kirkland to Gen. Philip Schuyler that contained a message to Schuyler from some Senecas describing recent dealings of the Iroquois confederation with British Indian agent Col. John Butler. See PCC, item 153, 3:326 28; and JCC, 11:536. Kirkland was a Congregational minister from Connecticut who served as a missionary to the Iroquois and also acted as an unofficial Indian agent for Congress. See these Letters, 1 :592n.

Henry Laurens to Rawlins Lowndes

Dear Sir, 1st June 1778. My last to your Excellency of the 14th Ulto.1 went by Messenger Sharp. The Committee to whom Your Excellency's Letters of the 13th & 18th April had been referred having made their Report to Congress the inclosed Act of the 29th Ulto. was thereupon produced to which I beg leave to refer.(2) Congress are truly sensible of the necessity of marking a limit to the Military in every State, be this as it may, from the tenor of a Resolve in an Act which I am to transmit to Georgia (3) there appears to me an opening for disputes between the Executive of a State & the officer commanding the Troops in such State. Even in cases where the Salvation of the State may be at hazard, a capricious, or a sensible Officer, according to my interpretation may under sanction

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of this Resolve withdraw every Troop from a State whenever he shall judge it proper to do so, notwithstanding a former instruction.(4) At best it will encourage dispute. Being restrained within my now Sphere of Duty when this was offered I could do no more than intimate in private my now feelings to one of my Colleagues & to the Member who had framed the Act.(5) As these Gentlemen received no impressions from my remarks, I therefore doubt the force of them. Nevertheless as I cannot divest my mind of its original Ideas on the subject, I take the liberty of Submitting my opinion to your Excellency. The Resolve is general, concerns the whole Union & may particularly affect the State of South Carolina. I shall therefore subjoin a Copy for the information of your Excellency & the Executive of the State. "Resolved, (29th May 1778) that all Military Officers & Soldiers in the service of the United States are & of right ought to be amenable to the Laws of the State in which they reside in common with other Citizens, but as to the propriety of undertaking distant expeditions or enterprizes or other Military operations & the mode of conducting them the General or Commanding Officer must finally judge & determine at his peril." A Commanding Officer as a little reflexion will shew, may shield himself in almost every Case by unanimity of voices in a Council of War & by means which have sometimes been practiced & which may again bc adopted. Under this Resolution I conceive every Garrison may be Stripped if not of all, of the best Men by a Commander of Troops whenever he shall determine the propriety of a distant expedition. The want of access to a Military Chest may be some Check, but if there be danger in the power adventitious Checks I humbly apprehend cannot Safely be relied on for preventing the exercise. I acknowledge I have not time at this Instant for examining & comparing the former Resolve alluded to above*--as I remember the General or Commander cannot March out of our State more than l/3d of the Troops without order of Congress or consent of the president. If this be all he can do now, why this new & general Resolve Your Excellency will judge & you will be pleased to receive this from me as a private & pardon me for making it the vehicle of the public Act first mentioned. I shall do my self the honor of writing again by Capt Cochran such intelligence as the time affords but must at present conclude, which I beg leave to do with repeated assurances of being with great Regard & Respect, &ca. LB (ScHi). 1 Although Laurens' last official letter to South Carolina president Lowndes was dated May 14, he had also written to him privately on May 17, 1778.

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2 For the various resolves pertaining to South Carolina passed by Congress on May 29. see JCC, 11:551-53. Discussions of the provenance of these resolves can be found in the editorial notes to Laurens' May 14 and 17 letters to Lowndes and in his May 18, 1778, letter to William Moultrie. Laurens also enclosed a copy of one of these resolves-requesting an account of Continental stores in South Carolina-with a brief covering letter he wrote this day to Abraham Livingston, Continental agent in Charleston. PCC, item 13, 1:349. 3 See Laurens to John Houstoun, this date, note 2. 4 Laurens inserted an asterisk at this point to key his reference to "the former Resolve" in the next-to-last paragraph of this letter. The "former Instruction" mentioned by Laurens was a June 18, 1776, resolve whereby Congress decreed that not more than one-third of the Continental troops raised in South Carolina could be removed from there 'without the express order of Congress or the consent of the president of that colony." JCC, 5:462-63. 5 Francis Dana was the author of the May 25 resolve affirming the primacy of Continental Commanders over state officials in the conduct of military operations that Laurens is discussing here. See JCC, 11:554n.1.

Henry Laurens to William Moultrie

Dear General, 1st June 1778 I beg leave to refer to my last under the 18th May by Messenger Sharp. The Committee to whom were referred the Letters from President Lowndes & your Self having made their Report Congress there upon formed an Act on the 29th Inst. a Copy of which you will receive within the present Inclosure for your information and government.(1) General Clinton makes great shew of an intention to evacuate the City of Philadelphia & for aught I know he may be Sincere, but he has been so very long abou't the business, as to Strengthen the jealousies which I had entertained from his earliest pretence. If there be an absolute necessity for his going to New York, any part of the West Indies, Ireland or England, his dilatoriness is inconsistent with the necessity. If he can so far alarm all the Tory Citizens as to get rid of them either by sending them to England & by suffering Thousands to fly to Camp & into different parts of this State he will have fewer mouths to feed, the whole City will become a Garrison governed by articles of War & his general orders-he will be less exposed to danger from Spies, & less harrassed by Complaints & applications from Cits, in plain Coats & broad Hats. If he can by all his parade of departure, prevail upon us to believe him so far as to relax our endeavours to reinforce Valley forge until the reinforcements which he expects shall arrive, his Stratagem will have succeeded. 'Tis certain that within a few days past he has been hard at work on the Redoubts-no manifest proof of a design to quit them. All therefore is conjecture-it is most consistent with Safety to believe he is attempting to deceive & to act accordingly. If he goes, he will at least give us

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Credit for good Generalship, for he is informed of every Step we take. If he stay's he will find no encouragement to attempt us by Surprise . I have the honor to be LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). Addressed: "Brigdr. General Moultrie, Charles Town." 1 For further information on General Moultrie's dispute with Pres. Rawlins Lowndes of South Carolina over the accountability of a Continental deputy paymaster to state authority, see JCC, 11:552-53; and Laurens to Lowndes, May 17, and to Moultrie, May 18,1778.

Robert Morris to Lux & Bowley

Gentn. Manheim June 1st. 1778 Please to deliver to the order of Jona Potts Esqr Dy Director General of the Contl Hospitals Two Hogsheads marked VMC [&] EC, No. 25 & 26 Contg Salt Petre and which were Imported in the Schooner Rambler, Capt Jona Buffington, from Martinico, being Shipped by Wm Bingham Eqr to your address subject to my orders,(1) & your complyance will much oblige, sirs, Your Obedt hble servant, Robt Morris. RC (Mrs. Lawrence M.C. Smith, Germantown, Pa., 1976). Addressed: "To Messrs. Lux & Bowley, Merchts., Baltimore." 1 Another document related to Morris' activities in procuring medicines for the Continental service at this time is in the William A. Smith Collection, NN. It consists of an "Invoice of Medicines Sold Doctr. Wm Shippen for use of the States of America," dated April 5, 1778, on the verso of which Morris penned the following receipt dated Manheim, June 1, 1778. "Then Received of Jona Potts Esqr. Dy Director Genl. his draft of this date on Jos. Shippen junr Esqr. Secy & paymaster of the Genl Hospital for Twenty thousand four hundred & twenty four Dollars which when pd. is in full of the within bill of Medicines Recd by order & for Acct of Messrs. Lux & Bowley of Baltimore, Robt. Morris."

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott

My Dear, York Town lt June 1778 I believe my last Letter to you was by Brown, since which nothing Material has occurred. The Enemy are Undoubtedly preparing to leave Philedelphia and probably will do so within a Week. Whether G Britain will yeild the American Contest or rather than do so will engage in a War with France is yet unknown. If she has not already She must immediately take a decided Part in this Affair. I find that I shall not Return home so soon as I expected when I wrote some of my last Letters. Mr. Ellsworth has lately wrote Me a Letter that in case Mr. Adams shall not come forward he will do so

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by the latter End of this Month. I trust that it will not be long before that I am releived. By the Enclosed Paper you will find that None of us have made our Fortunes in the Lottery. I will take an early Oppertunity to know the Real Fate of the Tickets of which I have the Numbers. This Letter goes by the common Post but I hope it may come to your Hand. My best Regards to my Family and Friends. Yours affectionately, Oliver Wolcott P.S. I was just Sealing my Letter before I tho't to Acquaint you that I have been fully informed that the Affair which was apprehended might have essentially affected my Election, had no Effect.(1) From the Circumstance of my almost forgetting to mention it, you will justly Inferr it that my own Apprehensions were such as not to have the least Infiuence upon my Mind, which I assure you was truly the Case. RC (CtHi) 1 See Wolcott to Laura Wolcott, May 17, 1778, note 2.

Elbridge Gerry to John Avery

Sir York Town June 2d 1778 A few Days ago I received by the Hand of the Secretary, an order of the Hone. Council of Massachusetts Bay relative to an Account of General Arnold's, and having examined the Files of the Treasury, find that it is transmitted to the Commissioners of Accounts in the northern Department. To accomplish the Design of the order, I have transmitted it to the Commissioners & desired them to "forward to You a Copy of the Account" without Delay.(1) You'll please to communicate this with my respectful Compliments to the honorable Board & beleive me to be with much Esteem sir your hum sert, E Gerry FC (MHi). 1 At the bottom of this sheet of paper, Gerry drafted the following undated letter to the commissioners of accounts in the northern department: "Inclosed is an Order wch I have recd from the Council of Massa Bay, relative to an Account exhibited to the State by General Arnold; I find on examining the Files of the Treasury that the Account was deliverd to Mr. Milligan for the use of the Commissioners of the northern Department, & shall be glad to have a Copy of it without Delay transmitted to John Avery Esqr. Deputy Secry of the State at Boston."

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Henry Laurens to Rawlins Lowndes

Dear Sir, 2d June [1778] I beg leave to refer your Excellency to a Letter which I had the honor of writing yesterday dispatched by Capt. Cochran this Morning & to the Sundry Copies of Papers of intelligence which will accompany this. Not withstanding all appearances, I will not trust General Clinton. I beleive he is going somewhere, I would watch him everywhere, one of the Strongest marks of his determination to go & to go by Sea too, was shipping his light Horse. These were all relanded & shod the 31st May, possibly to morrow we shall hear they are all unshod & on Ship board again. Your Excellency will see what it is Said by General Gates (1) & will by comparing Notes be more competent to judge of designs by all this apparent bustle-the present is an important moment, every succeeding second promises accounts of some great event. Is it impossible, that immediately after the retiring of General Clinton the arrival of Commissioners may be announced? Whatever shall happen shall be communicated with all possible dispatch to your Excellency by, Sir, Your Excellys. most obdt. Servt .(2) LB (ScHi). 1 This day Congress read a May 21 letter from Gen. Horatio Gates to Washington, in which he reported that the British were apparently preparing to evacuate Forts Washington and Independence in New York, as well as a May 25 letter from Gates to Gov. Jonathan Trumbull of Connecticut, in which he conjectured that the British army in Philadelphia might join with British Forces from New York City and launch an attack on either upstate New York or one of the New England states. See PCC, item 154, 1:340-42, 350-51; and JCC, 11:560. 2 Laurens also wrote the following brief letter to President Lowndes on June 3: "His Excellency President Lowndes is requested to cause Copies of the Inclosed Establishment of the Army of the United States of North America to be published in the Several Gazettes in Charles Town [and] to transmit to [two] of the Inclosed to Major General Howe, two to Brigadier General Moultrie." PCC, item 13, 1:351. For the May 27, May 29, and June 2 resolves on the Continental Army referred to by Laurens, see JCC, 11:538-43, 554 55, 560-61.

James Lovell to William Whipple

Sir,(1) June 2d 1778. I send you the only list of prizes which has been published. The remainder must be in a pamphlet as it would require 5 Gazettes complete to give out the whole. The managers are directed to make the publication immediately.(2) If the printers will not take the trouble of printing the list off in small portions till all is finished to

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oblige their customers the Loan and Post Offices must allow people to examine gratis at their several offices where Lists should be deposited. It is impossible to give you any thing determinate as to the motions of the Enemy. The last information of the General to us, made it appear very doubtful whether the enemy would go off by land or water. Every circumstance spoke the latter, except that a great number of boats were preparing at Staten Island. It is to day reported that the horses are again landed to be shod. I do not give this as certain, for there are a set of most infamous liars practising upon the public daily. My warmest regards to your dearest friends. J.L. Tr (DLC). Captioned by the transcriber: "James Lovell to (John Langdon). 1 Although the transcriber suggested that John Langdon was the recipient of this letter, it seems probable that it was actually directed to William Whipple. Lovell had long maintained a regular correspondence with Whipple, and the subject of his first paragraph, the Continental lottery, was a topic that is frequently found in their correspondence. 2 For Congress June 3 resolve ordering the dissemination of pamphlets containing the results of the recent drawing "in the first class of the lottery of the United States," see JCC, 11:564.

Robert Morris to John Brown

Dear Sir Manheim June 2d 1778 I received your favour of the 29th enclosing Doctr Craigies draft on Doctr Potts & have got an order on the paymaster of the Hospital for the Money. Mr. Mease paid your draft to Robt Gray & I thank You for sending the Money to Mr Hudson to pay Carter Braxtons draft on me, as well as for paying Colo. Banister part of his demand, be pleased to pay him the remainders, & also Mrs. Duncan for the balance due on the bills. I hope you have received the Money for Colo. Griffins draft & herein you will find John Bradfords bill dated Boston 13th May last on the Commercial Committee for 4000 Dollars in favour of Cap Patrick Brown with his blank endorsation, please to receive this Money & place it to my Credit. I expect to see you before long unless I go down to Philadelphia & am Dr sir, Your Obedt Hble servt. Robt Morris June 4th. I have now recd your letter of yesterday & herein send all the papers that are here relative to the Cargoes shipped by Messrs. Gardoqui & Sons. I wish I cou'd tell Mr Hill any fixed course of Exchange but there is no such thing at present. I wou'd not give more than 300 per Cent now if that. Please to cause the letters sent here

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with to be delivered. I hope to set out for Philada. in the morning & am Dr sir, Yours &c, RM. RC (NjP)

Samuel Adams to Baron Steuben

Sir, York Town June 3d 1778 I very gratefully acknowledge the Receipt of your Favor of the 28th of May by Mr Ternant, as well as another which was deliverd to me in Boston. It affords me great Satisfaction to find that Congress, sensible of your Merit, have put it in your Power to do eminent Service to our Country in the Army, and that your Services are so acceptable there.(1) This is the Fulfillment of my earnest Wishes when I had the Pleasure of conversing with you in Boston. May Heaven prosper you. Mr. Ternants Haste prevents my adding more than that I am with very cordial Esteem, Your affectionate very humble servt, Saml Adams RC (NN). Addressed by Elbridge Gerry: "Major General Baron de Steuben, at Head Quarters, Valley Forge, favd. per Monsr. Ternant," 1 Steuben had been appointed a major general and inspector general of the Continental Army on May 5, 1778. JCC, 11:465.

Samuel Huntington to Benjamin Huntington

Sir (1) York Town 3rd June 1778 Through the Smiles of Divine providence public affairs Seem to have taken a Surprising turn in favour of these United States. It Seems almost beyond a doubt from repeated Accounts the Enemy are about to leave Philadelphia. We expect every hour to hear the City is evacuated, but their rout or destination is unknown. The Tories are in great distress, Some in despair are taking passage to fly their Incensed Country, others coming out of the City & taking the Oaths to the Government here. We yesterday receivd advice by a Vessel arrivd at Baltimore in Sixteen days from Martinico that war was declared between France and England, but this I give you as Ship news that wants Confermation; however this may be, it is certain the favourable Sentiments of France, Spain & Other European powers with regard to these United States have Involved our Enemies in the greatest perplexity & Confusion. The State of our Currency Seems now the greatest difficulty with

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us & requires Immediate attention, tho, the Credit of Continental Bills is rising in these parts, Congress Seem to be Of Opinion that Regulating the prices of Articles by Law will be of no advantage in the present Situation of our affairs. I expect a Resolution will pass this day recommending the suspension of Such Act where it is passd and Some other measures be adopted as a more Suitable & raddical Cure of the Evil.(2) I hope Soon to be relieved by the arrival of Some one of the Delegates to take my Seat, my health requires Some relaxation from so close confinement & Fatigue in business. I am with Esteem, y our humble Servt, Samll Huntington RC (NRom). 1 Benjamin Huntington (1736-1800), a Norwich, Conn., attorney who had represented Connecticut at the New England Convention on price regulation in January 1778, was currently speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives. Although Benjamin did not become involved in national politics as early as his second cousin Samuel, he served as a delegate to Congress in 1780, 1782-83, and 1788, and represented Connecticut in the first federal Congress. He subsequently served as judge of the superior court of Connecticut from 1793 to 1798. Franklin B. Dexter, Biographical Sketches of the Graduates of Yale College, 6 vols. (New York: Henry Holt and Co, 1885-1919), 2:696 98. 2 On June 4 Congress approved the report of a committee, to which Samuel Huntington had been appointed on the third, which recommended to the states that laws regulating prices be repealed or suspended. See JCC, 11 :563, 569-70; and Henry Laurens to William Livingston, June 5, 1778, note 2. See also Henry Laurens to the States, June 10, 1778, note 1.

Henry Laurens to John Lewis Gervais

Dear Sir, 3d June 1778 My last to you was the 18th May by Messenger Sharp, Since which I have received none of your favors. The Extreme quantity of business in public duty which Commands my constant attention deprives me of that pleasure which I should receive in holding a long conversation with you. I must submit at present to the necessity of referring you to papers which will be inclosed with this for intelligence to His Excellency the president & to Mr. Wells. Communicate as much as possible & immediately to Mr. Williamson & Mr. Galphin especially the Indian Talks which will afford these friends much Satisfaction.(1) I have assisted the Chief Justice with materials & means in part & he has sketched a long Letter for general information.2 I shall very soon write to them, to Mr. Kershaw, Mr Warley, Mr. Zahn & to my Dear friend Mr. Manigault. I intreat you present me in the most affectionate & respectful terms to him & to Mrs. Manigault, I hope he

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will forgive my too long Silence. My Love, Compliments & kind salutations wherever due. I say nothing on my own affairs what can I say to the purpose. You will continue to write to me all that is needful-& now my respectful Compliments & best wishes to Mrs. Gervais & the Children concludes the present trouble from My Dear Sir Your very affectionate friend & Servant LB (ScHi). 1 This day Congress read Gen. Philip Schuyler's May 11 talk with the Oneidas and the Tuscaroras in which he informed them of the alliance between France and the United States. See PCC, item 153, 3:317-21; and JCC, 11:563. George Galphin was Continental Indian agent in South Carolina and Andrew Williamson was a South Carolina frontiersman and militia colonel. James H. O'Donnell, III, Southern Indians in the American Revolution (Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press, 1973), pp. 20-25. 2 This "long Letter" by Chief Justice William Henry Drayton has not been found, nor have any similar Drayton letters mentioned by Laurens in his subsequent correspondence with various South Carolinians.

Henry Laurens to John Rutledge

Dear Sir, 3d June 1778 I had the honor of writing to you on the 4th Ulto by Messenger Cross.(1) Every day since has been prolific of intelligence but the great event which has occupied almost every one's conversation & expectation is not yet come. The Enemy, in all the bustle of preparation for evacuating Philadelphia, remained in possession the Ist Inst. Within the present Inclosure you will find papers which will lay before you much of the Intelligence which I allude to, & from better hands. I trust Sir, you will collect from better hands such articles as are omitted in these. The Chief Justice, who has more time, is very Diligent in preparing a circular Letter full of matter, you will undoubtedly have the perusal of one of the Copies. We have before us in Congress a plan for extending Commissioners & friendly commercial Treaties at the Courts of Lisbon, Hague, Stockholm, Copenhagen & St. Petersburgh.(2) Two whole days the subject has been upon the Anvil & very laboriously hammered. I have had the presumption to wish myself on the floor once or twice, from an opinion that even the little commercial knowledge I am possessed of might have struck light. There is not a Merchant present, & not a Book in Town to assist a Speculatist, but there's another obstacle to dispatch in this point, which as a silent spectator & auditor I can see pretty clearly & half understand-a plurality of Officers partly established & further aimed at. One of the Ministers at Versailles (3) who is Minister at Madrid, is tendered as the proper person to treat with Lisbon. The Minister intended, if practicable, for Berlin & Vienna( 4) it is proposed should negotiate with the Northern

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Courts; hence those minds, disposed to assign a Minister to a Court & no more, are embarrassed. Here a kind of delicacy, mark'd in my plain vocabulary, "false," restrains them from Speaking out, hitherto therefore the contest has been confined to advanced guards & now & then upon the flanks. If it became me, I should be very apt to carry arguments home by the shortest in-offensive course-in my present situation, however important the point, I do not see my duty in interposition either within or out of Doors. The Subject which has cost already two very precious days, will probably be postponed the third & possibly a very necessary measure too long delayed because some of us are not inclined to conduct it properly. Captn. Landais a skilful Sea Officer has prevailed upon us to reduce in Stile the 74 Gun Ship which had been intended at Portsmouth. His plan which we have adopted, is to lay Decks only; to Mount on the lower 28 24 & on the upper 28 18-pounders. The building will be much less expensive-the Vessel sail faster-& be of equal force with 450 instead of 600 Men & now the workmen who had been taken off will be ordered to proceed.(5) I am thinking very seriously of an enterprize against the place where you & I Sir once sent John Burnet, we may if the British Troops should withdraw & not pay Charles Town too serious a visit obtain proper Officers & Men for beginning the operation the Ist November, the most proper Month in the twelve.(6) The Remark which I made on our Treaty of 6th Febry. respecting Bahama & the latent views of Spain, were not a little exploded here,(7) but since we have been told, that Court is desirous of repossessing Pensacola,(8) which might have been predicted without pretension to much depth in politics. Gentlemen begin to reflect our feelings however are generally porportioned to the distance from danger. New England's jealousies are excited by the proximity of Canada. Carolina sees the destruction of her Commerce, from Bahama & Florida in the hands of an Enemy, I say nothing of Georgia because she is not represented. I have the honour to be &ca. P.S. Major General Conway is just come to town in order to explain his meaning in a Letter of April, which Congress in his opinion had mistaken, and immediately notified him that his Resignation was accepted.(9) If he fails of success in that point he intimates to me his hopes of a Recommendatory Certificate of his behaviour-whether this alternative will be listned to, is doubtful. Gentlemen feel keen resentment for the unprovoked gross affronts which he offered in January last to our worthy Commander in Chief; besides, he has been strongly charged with malconduct in other respects which it seems incumbent on him to answer, before he can expect general countenance in Congress.

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P.M. The forepart of this day devoted to Selling the Bear's Skin, (l0) it might have diverted you Sir, to have heard the variety of sentiments delivered in each extreme upon this momentous Subject. The wrangling of two honest Lawyers who both mean the same thing is no novelty, but the manners of two Chief Justices (1l) in conducting their debates were curious enough, & if other people were right they were both wrong. People are anxious to know how we shall dispose of the goods, Wares & Merchandize which we shall find in the City. Some seemingly Wise, some very foolish many premature propositions must be expected in a three hours discussion of this nature. A new Report may reconcile all opinions to mine, delivered only here, & which for aught I know may be ranged in the second Class-"take especial care to guard against removal of any article after the Enemy shall have withdrawn. When the City is actually in your possession dispose of the Men & remaining property consistently with Justice, good Policy, & the Laws of the State."( l2) L.B (ScHi). 1 Laurens' last extant letter to former South Carolina president John Rutledge was actually written on May 19, 1778. 2 See Committee of Congress Report, June 1, 1778. 3 Laurens inserted an asterisk at this point in the text to key the following note at the bottom of the page: "A L"-that is, Arthur Lee. 4 Laurens inserted an "x" at this point in the text to key the following note at the bottom of the page: ' W L"-that is, William Lee. 5 See JCC, 11:555. 6 Laurens may be referring to an expedition against St. Augustine, although Congress had just sustained Gen. Robert Howe's refusal to participate in an attack on East Florida proposed by the government of Georgia. See Laurens to John Houstoun, June 1, 1778, note 2. On November 2, 1778, Congress did authorize Gen Benjamin Lincoln, Howe's successor as commander of the southern military department, to undertake an expedition against East Florida, but the British invasion of Georgia the following month thwarted the plan. JCC, 12:1091, 1116-21. 7 See Laurens to Rutledge, May 4, 1778. 8 Arthur Lee had reported this intelligence about Spanish intentions in his February 10, 1778, letter to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, which according to the endorsement was received on May 18. See Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:491-92; and PCC, item 83, fols. 127-34. 9 For a discussion of Congress' acceptance of Gen. Thomas Conway's resignation, see Laurens to Washington, April 28, 1778, note 3. 10 Laurens' allusion to the old adage "catch the bear before you sell his skin" was stimulated by the delegates' debate this day of a committee report on the purchase of "cloathing and other Articles" for the Continental Army that might be left behind after the British evacuated Philadelphia. JCC, 11:564 65. This report was prompted by Washington's request for guidance on the subject in his May 31-June 1 letter to Laurens. Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 11:498-500. 11William Henry Drayton and Thomas McKean. 12 The resolves on this issue that Congress approved on June 4 did not precisely correspond with Laurens' suggestions. See JCC, 11:571.

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Robert Morris to Jonathan Potts

Dear Sir Manheim June 3d. 1778 Since you left this I have received a letter [. . .] from Carter Braxton Esqr of Virginia telling me, that as all the British Ships of War have left Chesapeak Bay he had thoughts of sending the Nine Packages of Medicines under his care by Water to Mr. Jonathan Hudson at Baltimore, which I mention that you may write Mr Hudson what to do with them shou'd they come there, however as I gave Doctr Shippen an order on Mr Braxton for them long since, I shou'd think that order will stop their coming by Water if he sent it forward, but you can give directions both ways & one or other will take effect. I am Sir, Your Obed hble servt. Robt Morris RC (DLC). Addressed: "Jona. Potts Esqr, Depy Director Genl of the Hospitals, York Town."

Henry Laurens to Baron Steuben

Sir, York-Town, June 4th 1778 I had the honor of your Letter of 27th May by the hands of Mr. Ternant on Sunday last, which I laid before Congress, and had appointed an hour for waiting on that Gentleman, to the Board of War, but some other circumstances engaged his time.(1) It is a very extraordinary thing for me to be a whole hour from this Table unless I am in Congress, and I was the more concerned at the disappointment, because I had intended to have introduced Mr Ternant to several of the Delegates, but indeed we are in such a place, and fare so meanly, as to render it painful to have Gentlemen introduced, because it is not in our power to shew that respect which we would wish to do to Strangers. Mr. Ternant addressed himself to the Board of War, but as his departure was more sudden than I had expected, and no report concerning him having been yet sent to Congress, I am ignorant of his proceedings there, I have often heard of Mr Ternants merit, and shall be happy on that account, as well as from my respect for you Sir, to render him any service in my power, which I must candidly inform you is as limited and circumscribed as that of any other Member of Congress. I have the honor to be with very sincere esteem &c. yours &c. Henry Laurens Tr (MH-H). 1 A transcript of Steuben's May 27 letter to Laurens, in which he announced that he was sending Jean Baptiste Ternant to York to receive "several Instruc-

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tions" from the Board of War pertaining to the inspector general's department and recommended him to Congress' "peculiar Consideration," is in the Laurens Papers, ScHi. Ternant, who was serving under Steuben as sub-inspector of infantry without rank, was commissioned a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army on September 25, 1778, and ordered to serve as 'inspector to the troops" in South Carolina and Georgia. JCC, 12:952.

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Sir. York Town 4th June 1778. Since my last under the 31st May, I have had the honor of presenting Your Excellency's sundry favours of the 21st, 28th, 28th & 31st Ulto. & Ist Inst.(1) These are dispersed in the hands of Committees and at present I have only to forward to Your Excellency, the undermentioned Papers. 1. Establishment of the American .Army by Acts of Congress of the 28th [27th] & 29 May & Ist [2d] June-about 200 Copies in two Bundles.(2) Your Excellency will be pleased to make the necessary distribution in the Army at Valley forge. 2. about 500 Copies of the Oath of Abjuration &c.(3) If Your Excellency shall find it necessary to call for more of these, be pleased to give me an early intimation, in order to set the press to work. Copies of the Establishment of the Army, I mean to transmit to morrow to General Gates, General Sullivan & General Heath, & have already sent a few to the President of South Carolina, to General Howe & General Moultrie. I have requested the president to order Copies in both Gazettes at Charles Town & I presume all the Printers in the several states will adopt them to fill up a part of their respective Publications. If any further step shall appear to be necessary I request Your Excellency will be pleased to direct me. I intend to morrow to send Copies to Maryland, Virginia & North Carolina & in due course to each of the United States, these, tho' in the line of my Duty may appear to be works of supererogation, since Your Excellency as Commander in Chief will I presume give them all the circulation that is necessary, & also that a Mode must still be adopted for carrying the arrangement into Execution. In the mean time these will serve at least for general information, & being without special direction from Congress I have done what appears to be inoffensive. I have the honour to be, With the highest Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your Excellency's Most obedient & humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress

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5th. Inclosed your Excellency will find an Act of Congress of yesterday for carrying the Establishment of the Army into Execution.(4) Your Excellency's favor of the 2d is come to hand & presented.(5) RC (DLC) 1 These letters are in PCC, item 152, 6:43, 47-48, 51, 55-57, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 11:429-30, 471-72, 498-500. The letter of the "1st Inst." was actually a postscript to Washington's May 31 letter. 2 For these resolves, see JCC, 11:538-43, 554-55, 560-61. For the John Dunlap broadside (Evans, Am. Bibliography, no. 16126) in which they were printed. For a discussion of their provenance, see ibid, p. 695n.2. 3 For the oath of allegiance that Congress decided on February 3, 1778, to require of "every officer who holds or shall hereafter hold a commission or office from Congress," see JCC, 10:114-15. 4 See JCC, 11:570. 5 Washington's June 2 letter to Laurens is in PCC, item 152, 6:59-60, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:8-9.

Daniel Roberdeau to George Washington

Sir, York June 4th, 1778 I am ever loath to intrude on your Excellency, as I well know the great embarrassments attending your important sphere do not admit of any unnecessary or fruitless Correspondence, but I am as sensible of your attention to the most minute Circumstance which has a tendancy to promote the common Cause, therefore permit me to inform your Excellency that the want of Smelters of lead is the only remora now in the way of supplying your Army in the most speedy & ample manner with that necessary Article, now transported from distant parts of the Continent, from a vein of Ore in this State, within nine miles of the navigation of a branch of Juniata. A large quantity of Ore is at the pits mouth, a mill for stamping constructed, & a Furnace will be finished, I expect within ten days from this time, but Artificers of the above Class are so scarce in this young Country, that having tryed to obtain them by advertising and from Deserters from the Brittish Army, I am at length constrained reluctantly to trouble you on the Subject. Colonel Scammell hints an expedient of sending into Philada, to bring out such, with a promise of a handsome reward. I would most cheerfully give such reward, but know not how to set about so hazardous an enterprize. My own mind has suggested the probability of such Characters being in your own Army, and whether they, only three wanted, can serve their Country equally in the capacity of Soldiers. One Edward Harris a Sergeant of the 15th Virginia Regiment has been mentioned to me as a man of sobriety, integrity and ingenuity in analyzing Metals, but does not profess to be compitent to

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the Business on a large scale, he has been spoke to in my behalf by Major Clark, and is willing to be enlarged on furlow to make a tryal. I will not trouble your Excellency by enlarging on these hints. Major Clark will proffer Encouragements if you should think proper, to issue your orders for obtaining these useful Artificers, without whom the prospect however flattering of a great internal resource of lead must fail.(1) To prevent the Evacuation of the frontier of Bedford county and for the general defence against Indian incursions I have built with Logs at the Mine in Sinking Spring Valley at the foot of Tushes Mountain, a Fort, Cabbin fashion, 50 yds. square with a Bastion at each Corner. The Fort consists of 48 Cabbins about twelve feet square exclusive of the Bastions. I left Major Robt. Clugage a discreet Officer in Command with about seventy men chiefly Mililitia, with a few Continental Troops raised to serve until the Ist Decr. next. I most sincerely congratulate your Excellency on the happy prospect of publick Affairs and am with unfeigned regard, Your Excellencys most obedient & very huml. Ser, Daniel Roberdeau RC (DLC). 1 Washingtons June 15 response, reporting that Sergeant Harris had been directed to join Roberdeau and that an inquiry was being conducted to locate two other experienced smelters, is in Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:65-66. For additional information on Roberdeaus activities in developing a lead mine in western Pennsylvania, see Roberdeau to George Bryan, May 30, 1778, note: and Darwin H. Stapleton, "Gcneral Daniel Roberdeau and the Lead Mine Expedition, 1778-1779," Pennsylvania History 38 (October 1971): 361-71.

Samuel Huntington to Jabez Huntington

Sir York Town 5th June 1778 As I have no Important Intelligence to Communicate more than is contained in my Letter to the Governor, & what you will otherways obtain, I do my self the pleasure to give you the following Annecdote. It Seems a Cowardly Tory of large Landed Estate in York County had fled to the enemy in Philadelphia the winter past, & when he discovered the movements of the enemy shiping their Stores, baggage &c of late; Indicating their departure he applied to their General to know what He should do, the General replied he was busy & sent him to an under Officer. The Tory with anxiety asked the Officer what he should do as he perceived they were going away. The officer told him He must do as they did when in difficulty make the best shift he could. The Tory Still dissatisfied told him all this was come upon him for being loyal & faithfull to the King & queried what shall I do, I expected protection. The officer replied go seek a

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passage on board some vessel &c. The Tory with vehement anxiety queried but what the Devil shall I do with my Estate, The Officer replied, Damn you! why did you not Stay at home & fight to defend it with your Country & so dismissd his applicant. Thus the Story goes; said to be reported by one who heard the Conversation, but I forbear to mention the Tories name at present. I am Sir with Esteem, your humble servant, Saml Huntington RC (CSmH).

Henry Laurens to Nathanael Greene

Dear Sir 5th June 1778 Yesterday I presented your favor of the Ist Inst. to Congress, thence it was committed to the Board of War & not yet Reported upon (1) I have therefore no Commands from the House & you will be so good as to receive this as private which I mean to convey you the Sentiments of Gentlemen who are your friends. I know you must be anxious for an answer, this is the best I can at present return. The moment Congress shall have determined on the Subject of your application you shall be properly informed. I have the honour to be LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 Quartermaster General Nathanael Greene's June I letter to Laurens-in which he requested a set of the regulations pertaining to his department and asked if he was authorized to supply Continental officers at public expense with valises and portmanteaus to store the excess baggage they had been ordered by Washington to leave behind at Valley Forge or to replace horses and riding equipment lost in the line of duty-is in PCC, item 192, fols. 5-7; and Greene, Papers (Showman), 2:420-22.

Henry Laurens to the Marquis de Lafayette

Dear Sir, 5th June 1778 (1) I have before me Your Excellency's favor of the 1st (2) which reached me late last Night & at the Same time one for General Conway which I delivered to him. Your Excellency put rather a hard task on me by desiring me Speak to Congress on behalf of General Conway after referring to Your Excellency's Sentiments of that Gentleman; nevertheless I had determined in the most proper & becoming manner to have presented the Marquis delafayette's message in his favor, had not the General himself put it out of my power.

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General Conway called on me this Morning & after some time spent in a manner which appeared to me very extraordinary he expressed his "Surprize that I had delivered to Congress his Letter of 22d April intimating his desire to resign his Commission"-said he "had intended it a private confidential Letter, that he had also written to the president of the Board of War & expected I would have conferred with him upon the Subject, instead of doing so, I had made a private Letter public."(3) All this & much more of the same specie, were expressed in manner & terms altogether dissonant from the General's former soft mode of address. I had thought that I had learned to be surprized at nothing, but in this instance I discovered my mistake, I was greatly surprized at the weakness & wickedness of the attempt. I replied to the General, "if I have erred it has been unwittingly, Your Letter appeared to me to have been intended for Congress, I never had the honor of a private Correspondence with General Conway, it would have been improper in me to have conferred with the President of the Board of War, if a conference had been expected why had not the president called upon me. You injure me exceedingly by the imputation of exposing in public what was intended to be private. I feel my self satisfied that this behaviour is unprovoked & unmeritted, but General, the Letter is at hand, let us appeal to that. I have really forgot the Contents." I then sent to the Secretary's Office for the Letter, the perusal of it Heightned my surprize. I shall take the Liberty of enclosing an exact Copy in order that you may judge Sir whether it had been designed to be private. The General has delivered me a Memorial directed to Congress,(4) I intimated that with his memorial, "I should deliver also his Letter of the 18th [22d] April & take the sense of Congress whether it was private or public, that if it should appear I had acted improperly, I would make every becoming concession." Accordingly I appealed to Congress, I could do no less under so gross a charge. The House were astonished & condescended to offer a Resolution in my favour, which I declined with thanks, adding "that their opinion was satisfactory to me without further trouble-the Letter would always Speak for itself." The General's Memorial was ordered to lie on the Table, & although I am sure there were Gentlemen present who had been disposed to speak in the General's favor, yet there was not a dissenting Voice.(5) Your Excellency as a Man of honor & feeling I am persuaded will be surprized too at this very extraordinary circumstance, but how much more when you are told that on the 18th May the General wrote to Congress & apologized for the former Letter by saying he was an Irishman & therefore hoped proper allowances would be made for his mode of expression, which had not been intended to

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give offence, or words to this effect for I have not the Letter before me.(6) The Letter in question of 22d April is undubitably public. On the 18th May the General acknowledges it to be so by apologizing for its tenor. On the 4th June he modestly avers upon his honor that it was intended to be private & in the face of the Letter maintains that position. Sir I am happy in a mind capable of forgiving the greatest injuries & incapable of Malice. I would now rather do General Conway a favor than requite his injustice but I desire never again to converse or correspond with him.(7) I request Your Excellency will be so obliging to shew this to Colonel John Laurens & also the inclosed Letter.(8) I have taken up so much of your Excellency's time & have also so many other Letters to write as renders it necessary for me to conclude. I shall have the honor of writing again in a day or two. Mean time I continue with the highest regard & Esteem. LB (ScHi). 1 Laurens may have drafted this letter on June 4, the day Congress tabled the memorial from Gen. Thomas Conway discussed in it. although he may have begun writing just after midnight the morning of the fifth. In either event, in his June 5 letter to his son John, Laurens referred to "my Letter of yesterday to the Marquis. " 2 Lafayette's June I letter to Laurens, urging him to assist General Conway in his quest for "some kind of certificate from Congress," is in Lafayette, Papers (Idzerda), 2:64-65. 3 See also Laurens to Washington, April 28, 1778, note 3. 4 Conway's June 4 memorial, in which he unconvincingly argued that Congress had misconstrued his April 22 letter to Laurens as an offer to resign from the army, is in PCC, item 41, 2:51-53. 5 See JCC, 11:567. 6 Conway's May 18 letter to Congress, which was read and tabled on May 26, is in PCC, item 159, fols. 477-79. 7 That Laurens was not the only delegate who was hostile to Conway's claims is evident from the general's own account of the reception he encountered at York at this time. "I never had a sufficient idea of Cabals," Conway explained in a letter to Horatio Gates on June 7, "untill I reach'd this place. My reception you may imagine was not a warm one. I must except Mr Sam Adams, Coll. Richard Henry Lee and a few others who are attached to you but who can not oppose the torrent. Before my arrival General Mifflin had joined general Washington's army Where he Commands a Division. One Mr Carroll from Maryland upon whose friendshipp I Depended is one of the hottest of the Cabal. He told me a few Days agoe almost Literally, that any Body that Displea'd or did not admire the Commander in chief ought not to be Kept in the army. Mr Carroll might be a good papist, but I am sure the Sentiments he expresses are neither roman nor catholick. I expect to Depart from this Court in a very few Days." Gates Papers, NHi. 8 The "inclosed Letter" was a copy of the April 22 letter from Conway to Laurens that had prompted Congress to accept the general's resignation. See Laurens to John Laurens, June 5, 1778.

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Henry Laurens to John Laurens

My Dear son, York Town 5th June 1778 I wrote you a few hasty lines this Morning, immediately after which I had occasion to wish that a little dash of hypocrisy had been thrown into my frame. In came General Conway with a Letter in his hand & in an obsequious address, different from that of yesterday, asked me if I were sending Letters to Camp. I decently replied in the affirmative, desiring him to put his Letter upon the Table, it should be forwarded with other dispatches immediately. So far duty in Office demanded good manners on my part. He then asked in a low & soft tone "did not the Marquis delafayette Mr President write you in my behalf" & was proceeding to further conversation, I felt the injury he had attempted, & instantly replied, I have really forgot General Conway & I must beg Sir you will excuse me.(1) I had informed him yesterday Morning so very explicitly that the Marquis had writ to me & he had extorted from me repetitions of the same so very often, I judged it necessary to intimate that my memory was as defective as his own, & by begging him to excuse me, I meant, from all future conversation or correspondence. If this honest & frank proceedure is censurable then I have cause to wish for a little dash of hypocrisy, but upon a fair estimate of my past life & a review of a multitude of extraordinary circumstances which have chequered it, I find a Balance largely in favor of honesty & therefore I cast out the wish. You will have seen my Letter of yesterday to the Marquis & General Conway's of the 22d April. A Copy of this shall be inclosed & also Copy of his Letter of the 18th May-lay these together & tell me if I could notwithstanding my general maxim resist against surprize at the audacity of a Man who should in rude language in my own House charge me in presence of one of my Secretaries with having made a confidential private Letter, public, to his prejudice-& repeating the same in a Memorial to Congress, charging me with the Memorial in order that I might exhibit & Read my own Indictment.(2) You will observe in this Letter of the 18th May he acknowledges the Receipt of mine the in which he had been informed that his former Letter of 18th [22d] April had been presented to Congress &c.(3) Can there be a stronger instance of effrontry than appears in his conduct by trumping up a pretence on the 4th June that his Letter was private, confidential & not intended for public view. Congress happened at the reading of his Memorial to be very full; every Member seemed struck with amazement & although there were several Gentlemen who I am sure would otherwise have pressed warmly for some kind of handsome dismission to him, there was not a dissenting voice to the Order for dismissing his Memorial

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without consideration. I' ll trouble you no longer about this compound of weakness & impudence. You will oblige me by transmitting if you can procure the Philadelphia account of the late Military excursion, particulars of General Grant &c. I am still of opinion that there is stratagem in Mr. Clinton's proceeding, possibly he may be preparing for withdrawing his Troops Upon the arrival of the expected Commissioners, from an opinion that we shall persist in our late Resolution.(4) Consider 'tis above a Month since he or his predecessor propagated the account of their intended removal, the object which required it, if any must be of importance-have his motives been consonant, certainly not. I therefore smile at the various opinions which I hear solemnly delivered, for the disposal of effects in the City & view them equally shrewd with his who sold the Bear Skin.(5) You must have another Ceremony, before he moves, for Exchange of Prisoners, he will find it very expensive to remove them by water & very troublesome & hazardous to take them a Land March through New Jersey where he must expect to be harrassed. In a word, 'tis impossible to trace minutely his designs-don't trust false fires-watch his motions & [be] double guarded. My Dear Son, I pray God to bless you. Henry Laurens [P.S.] Inclosed you will find a Dominica Gazette containing a Letter from Lancaster &c. When you have done with it I beg you will return it. Jacob Shubrick & Will Cattle, both Officers in the Carolina Regiments dead. Dick Shubrick died a few Months ago. RC (MHi: William Gilmore Simms Collection deposit, 1973). 1 See Laurens to Lafayette, this date. 2 See ibid., note 4. 3 Thomas Conway's May 18 letter to Laurens, in which he acknowledged receipt of the president's May 7 letter informing him of Congress' acceptance of his offer to resign from the army, is in PCC, item 159, fols. 477-79. 4 Laurens is referring to Congress' April 22, 1778, resolve not to enter into any negotiations with British peace commissioners unless they first agreed either to withdraw all British military and naval forces from the United States or recognize American independence. JCC, 10:374 80. 5 See Laurens to John Rutledge, June 3, 1778, note 10.

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Henry Laurens to William Livingston

Sir, 5th June 1778. I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency the 25th Ulto. by Doctr. Scudder, & since that time of presenting to Congress your Excellency's favors of the 20th & 26th of the same Month.(1) At present I have only in charge to transmit the inclosed Act of Congress of yesterday recommending a suspension or Repeal of Acts of Assembly for regulating prices of Goods in all the States where such Acts have been passed.(2) I have the honor to be [P.S.] Aside-late in the Evening. I am just now honored by Addresses from Lord Howe & Sir H. Clinton of which when matured your Excellency shall be further informed.(3) LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 In his May 20 and 26 letters to Laurens, Governor Livingston acknowledged receipt of Congress' May 6 resolves on the French alliance, May 8 address to the people of the United States, and May 11 proclamation on neutral rights and requested more "Commissions, Bonds & Instructions for Captains of Privateers." See JCC, item 67, fols. 367, 371; and JCC, 11:468-71, 474-81, 486. For Laurens' response to Livingston's request, see Laurens to Livingston, July 17, 1778. 2 See JCC, 11 :569-70. Congress passed this "Act" after reading Commissary General Jeremiah Wadsworth's May 27 letter to Laurens as well as his May 26 able to obtain beef for the army because of a state law which had set the price of memorial to the Connecticut Assembly in which he complained that he was unbeef too low. PCC, item 78, 23:499-503. See also James Lovell to Samuel Adams, April 18, 1778, note 11. 3 See William Henry Drayton's Draft Letter to Lord Howe, June 6, 1778.

Henry Laurens to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.

Sir 5th June [1778] I had the honor of the 3d Inst. of presenting your Excellency's favour of 28th Ulto. to Congress with the correspondence of Mr. Tryon inclosed.(1) Congress were well pleased with your Excellency's Reply & have ordered it to be printed. Within the present Inclosure your Excellency will receive an Act of Congress of yesterday recommending to the Several States to suspend or repeal Laws passed for regulating prices of Commodities.(2) I have the honor to be LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 Governor Trumbull's May 28 letter to Laurens is in PCC, item 66, fol. 394. Enclosed with it were copies of a May 21 letter from Gov. William Tryon to Trumbull, in which the Connecticut governor was asked to distribute copies of

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three parliamentary acts of reconciliation, and Trumbull's May 25 reply, in which the British official's request was emphatically denied. Ibid., fol. 398. For a discussion of an earlier exchange of correspondence between Trumbull and Tryon on the same issue, see Connecticut Delegates to Trumbull, May 18, 1778, note 3. 2 Laurens also transmitted a copy of this act with a brief covering letter he wrote this day to Commissary General Jeremiah Wadsworth, who was then in Connecticut trying to purchase beef for the army. John F. Reed Collection, King of Prussia, Pa.; and PCC, item 13, 1:352.

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Sir. York Town 5 June 1778. I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency under yesterdays date with a P.S. of this Morning by Saxton. A Report on Your Excellency's Letter of the Ist Inst. relative to measures necessary to be taken in Philadelphia in case the Enemy shall abandon that City had been considered in part yesterday & I had entertained hopes the whole would have been determined this Morning, but other business having interfered & occasioned delay I judge it necessary to transmit the inclosed Resolve, which, if it is ever to have operation, I apprehend cannot reach Your Excellency too soon.(1) I have the honor to be, With the highest Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your Excellency's Most Obedient servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress [P.S,] Your Excellency's favor of the 4th together with divers dispatches from Sr. H. Clinton & Lord Howe &c. came to hand late this Evening now 10 oClock, shall be laid before Congress to morrow.(2) RC (DLC). 1 See JCC, 11:571; and Laurens to John Rutledge, June 3, 1778, note 10. 2 See William Henry Drayton's Draft Letter to Lord Howe, June 6, 1778.

Thomas McKean to William A. Atlee

Dear Sir,(1) York-Town. June 5th. 1778. Upon receipt of your favour of the 26th Ulto. I applied to some of the members of the Board of war respecting the Instructions they had given to General Pulaski for inlisting Prisoners of war, and was told they had given such, and had wrote to you about it; this made me think it unnecessary to write to you, but upon examining the Acts of Congress on this head I found the Board were wrong, and that no prisoners of war can be inlisted in that Legion, or in any

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other Corps. Congress decided accordingly yesterday, of which you will be informed by the President.(2) Tho' we have a surplus of privates of the Enemy at present after exchanging our own, yet they have Citizens and may make more prisoners; besides from my knowledge of the human heart I am convinced that if these prisoners of war were to come to a close & hot engagement with the enemy, the fear of the latter in case of their being made prisoners would induce them to seek safety in flight. Your favour of yesterday is come to hand, and my opinion, respecting the propriety of admitting the persons proclaimed traitors by Council, is as follows. The Proclamation amounts to no more than a charge of treason, the not surrendering by the day prescribed is full conviction, and the Act of Assembly pronounces the judgment (if I may use the phraze) or attaints the party.(3) Now if the Evidence amounts to no more than common fame, or public notoriety, that the party named in the proclamation had left his usual place of abode and gone into the city of Philadelphia, without some proof of an Overt-Act, such as bearing arms, or annexing his person to the troops of the Enemy as a pioneer, labourer or soldier, or furnishing them with provisions, or intelligence &c and he surrenders himself within the time limited in the proclamation, I should think he ought to be bailed. The Justices of the Supream Court, in Termtime, or any one of them, in the vacation, have a discretionary power to bail in all cases whatsoever, even for murder or treason; but the general rule is, if it stands indifferent or doubtful in the opinion of the Judge, whether the party is innocent or guilty, he ought to be bailed; if the evidence of guilt preponderates it should be done with caution; if it is clear the party should be committed and no Bail taken, unless for the cause of sickness, or an infectious disease prevailing & spreading in the Goal &c. Agreeable to this opinion I have admitted James Bracken of this county (whose name is inserted in one of the proclamations) to Bail, and shall in all other cases conduct accordingly; but I am not satisfied that a Justice of the peace can take bail in these cases, I think he must either send the party to a Judge of the Supreme court for examination or commit him. After a sufficient time has elapsed for discriminating, the Sta[te may?] no doubt grant a general Pardon, excepting your cruel fellows & some men of property, whose estates really ought to be confiscated, tho' their lives are spared. Parricides should at least give some evidence of repentance before they are forgiven, and they deserve the punishment of suspence at any rate. The application and interest that will be made by the relatives & friends of the culprits for mercy will create respect to the Rulers, and their granting it on every reasonable occasion will reconcile & endear men to the

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Government: besides Pardoning is a God-like power, and a God-like virtue. I am, dear Sir, with my best respects to Mrs. Atlee, Your most obedient humble servant, Tho M:Kean RC (DLC). Addressed: "The Honoble William Augustus Atlee Esquire At Lancaster." 1 William A. Atlee (1735-93), a prominent leader of the revolutionary movement in Lancaster, Pa., during 1774-76, had been a deputy commissary of prisoners since his appointment by Elias Boudinot in August 1777. By virtue of his appointment as assistant judge of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in April 1777, he was also a judicial colleague of Chief Justice McKean. Pa. Archives 2d ser. 3:687. 2 The Board of War also instructed Deputy Commissary of Prisoners Atlee on this issue this day. "Your letter to Congress of the 2d instant," Col. Timothy Pickering wrote, ''has been referred to the board, with the sense of Congress intimated at the same thing, that prisoners of war should not be inlisted into any corps in the service of the United States. The licence given Genl. Pulaski to inlist prisoners, is to be considered as recalled. The licence was founded on a supposed intention of Congress to permit the inlistment of prisoners into that particular corps. Prisoners were in fact included in the resolve (as originally drawn up) as well as deserters; and tho' the former were finally struck out; yet the information given to the board led them to the determination mentioned in their former Ietter to you on the subject." Peter Force Collection, DLC. For a discussion of this issue, see Henry Laurens to Atlee, May 29, 1778, note 2. 3 The Pennsylvania Council's May 8 proclamation is in Pa. Council Minutes, 11 :483-85.

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott

My Dear, York Town 5 June 1778 My last to you was of the Ist instant which you probably will receive from the Post Office Hartford. Nothing Material has occurred since then. We do not hear that the Enemy have left Philadelpa, but they undoubtedly will do so in a Very few Days if they have not already done it. The most of their Ships it is said are gone down to N Castle. A most dreadfull Anxiety excercises the Philadelphian Torys. The capital ones go off with the Enemy. Others less guilty determin to trust to the Clemency of their Country. Steps are taken to Obviate some Mischief which might be apprehended upon the first Evacuation of the City-so that I hope the Disorders which might be otherwise expected, will be prevented. It is supposed the Enemy will in the first Instance go to N York-from thence it is not improbable Many will go to the West Indies. Indeed I should not think it Very Strange if the whole should leave the Continent in a short Time, for if G Britain enters into a War with France the Forces which she has here will be wanted to Defend her own Dominions. If she shall chuse to Avoid this War and shall admit our Independence, which I

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rather expect, her Troops will be unnecessary here. My own Opinion is that G Britain will not continue a Land War in this Country-and I am perswaded that the proud Spirit of that Nation is more humbled than it ever has been since it had an Existence. This great Variation in the Circumstances of our Affairs "is the Lord's Doings" and it is truly Wonderfull. May We ascribe it, to that Great Cause which produces all the Good which We Experience. I imagine that Congress will Return to Philadelphia within a forthnight or three Weeks as it is Very desirable to regain the Ground which has been lost. Altho for myself were I to continue in this Country during the summer I should much preferr being here than to be in the City. I have heard Nothing from you since Brown came down. I hope that a mercifull Providence takes care of you and the Family. I trust it will not be long before I shall see you. You will know sooner than I shall when it will be-as it will depend upon my being releived. I mentioned in my former Letter that I had been informed precisely of the Events of the last Election, by which it seems my Freind was greatly mistaken. Had it indeed been otherwise I should not have suffered but a Slight uneasiness. Oliver will attend to the objects of Peace. The War will have but a Very Short Duration in my Opinion. The Tickets of which I took the Numbers are all drawn, Blank, so that We must Venture again. I Wish as you have Opportunity that you would let me hear from you. By a Letter from Mr. Elsworth I suppose it is probable that he will not be here sooner than by the End of the present Month. A Recommendation of Congress goes by this Express to our assembly to suspend or Repeal the Regulating Act. My Love to my Children and Freinds. By the Blessing of God I do and have injoyed more Health than ever I did before on this Service. I am, Yours most affectionately, Oliver Wolcott RC (CtHi).

Draft Letter to Lord Howe

My Lord [June 6, 1778](1) I have had the honor to lay your lordships letter of the with the Acts of the British Parliament enclosed before Congress: and I am instructed to acquaint your Lordship that they have already expressed their sentiments upon (2) those Acts in a publication of the 22nd of April last.(3) Your Lordship may be assured, that when the King of Great Brit-

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ain shall be seriously disposed to put an end to the unprovoked & cruel war (that has been) waged against these United States, Congress will readily attend to such terms of Peace, as may consist with the Honor of Independent Nations, the Interest of their Constituents, & the sacred regard they mean to pay to Treaties. I have the honor to be, My Lord &c. MS (ScHi). In the hand of William Henry Drayton and amended by Henry Laurens. Endorsed by Laurens: "Draught to Ld Howe & Sir H. Clinton 6 June 1778." This is one of a number of congressional documents among Laurens' private papers that he failed to lodge with Secretary Thomson for inclusion in the PCC. 1 William Henry Drayton drafted this letter for President Laurens' signature in response to a May 27 letter from Lord Howe and a June 3 letter from Sir Henry Clinton-two members of the Carlisle peace commission. Both had forwarded to Congress two acts of Parliament embodying Lord North's latest peace proposals and a third repealing the Massachusetts Government Act of 1774. Howe's letter is in PCC, item 78, 11:299; Clinton's is in the Peter Force Collection, DLC. These letters and papers were transmitted to Congress by Washington with his June 4 letter to Laurens, which is in PCC, item 152, 6:63, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:18. Washington also sent Congress letters addressed to him by Howe dated May 27 and by Clinton, dated May 30 and June 3, all notifying him of the same three acts of Parliament. See PCC, item 152, 6:67, 71, 75. Congress read Howe's and Clinton's letters to Laurens this day and referred them to a committee made up of Drayton, Richard Henry Lee, Gouverneur Morris, John Witherspoon, and Samuel Adams, who were instructed to "retire into the next room and prepare an answer to Lord Howe and General Clinton's letters." After both Drayton and Lee had composed draft replies to Lord Howe, Congress this day approved Drayton's more moderate letter for transmittal to Howe under President Laurens' signature and directed that "a similar letter be sent to General Clinton." See JCC, 11:572-74; and Richard Henry Lee's Draft Letter to Lord Howe, this date. Laurens then sent a slightly modified version of Drayton's draft to Howe and Clinton. It is interesting to note that Laurens dated the RC's of his letters to Howe and Clinton "6th May" instead of "6th June 1778," although both letters are dated correctly in Laurens' presidential letterbook. See the copy Laurens made this date of his letter to Howe in the Washington Papers, DLC; the RC of his letter to Clinton in P.R.O. 30/55, 11:106; and PCC item 13, 1:355-56. Finally, it is also noteworthy that at least one delegate considered even Drayton's moderate draft letter to Howe and Clinton too harsh. See Charles Carroll of Carrollton to Charles Carroll, Sr., June 7, 1778. For further information on the work of the Carlisle commission, see Weldon A. Brown, Empire or Independence: A Study in the Failure of Reconciliation, 1774-1783 (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1941), chaps. 9-10; Alan S. Brown, "William Eden and the American Revolution" (Ph.D. diss., University of Michigan, 1953), chap. 5; and Alan S. Brown, "The British Peace Offer of 1778: A Study in Ministerial Confusion," Papers of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters 40 (1955): 249-60. 2 At this point in Drayton's draft Laurens added the words "bills not essentially different from." 3 For Congress' earlier response to Lord North's conciliatory proposals when rumors of them reached America in April, see JCC, 10:374-80.

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Henry Laurens to George Washington

Sir York Town 6th May [i.e. June] 1778. Referring to my Letter of yesterday's date forwarded by the hands of Messenger Davis, I proceed to inform Your Excellency that having laid before Congress the Letters from Lord Viscount Howe & Sir H Clinton I have received instructions from the House to return the necessary replies. Accordingly, Your Excellency will find within this Inclosure a Packet directed to His Lordship & another to Sir Henry which Your Excellency will be pleased to send forward. I requested permission of Congress to transmit to Your Excellency Copies of these Addresses, which Your Excellency will find inclosed in one draught admitting the proper variations of Title. I have the honor to be, With the most perfect Regard & Respect, Sir, Your Excellency's Obedient & most humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress. RC (DLC)

Richard Henry Lee's Draft Letter to Lord Howe

My Lord [June 6, 1778](1) The unprovoked and cruel war that has been waged against these States, renders every idea inadmissible, that proposes a return to the domination of that Power which by its own Acts of devastation and slaughter, has forced a separation. The Acts of the British Parliament lately transmitted by your Lordship having this domination principally in view require no further comment. But the good people of N.A. my Lord not insensible of what belongs to humanity, can forgive their enemies, and wish to stop the effusion of human blood. When therefore the king of G.B. shall be seriously disposed to peace, Congress will readily attend to such terms as may consist with the honor of Independent nations, with the interest of their Constituents, and with the sacred regard they mean to pay to Treaties. By order of Congress (H. Laurens) MS (ViU). In the hand of Richard Henry Lee. 1 Richard Henry Lee wrote this intended letter to Lord Howe as a member of the committee appointed this day to formulate a response to recently received letters from Howe and Sir Henry Clinton forwarding three conciliatory acts of Par-

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Photographic Reproduction of President Laurens' June 6, 1778 letter to General Washington, enclosing Congress' response to Lord Howe and Gen. Henry Clinton

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liment to Congress. Since the delegates approved a more moderate reply to Howe drawn up by William Henry Drayton, one of Lee's colleagues on this committee, it is possible that Lee's draft was never presented to Congress for consideration. See JCC, 11:572-74.

Daniel Roberdeau to George Bryan

Sir, York June 6th. 1778 The Delegates of this State are honored with the commands of Council respecting a supply of money for paying of Clothing; and the State of the Frontiers, these together with the petition of some of the Inhabitant of Northumberland were duely laid before Congress, and without a word of debate, refered, the former to the Treasury, the latter to the board of War, with an order to confer with the Gentlemen who were Bearers of the Petition. I expect a favorable Issue to this Business on Monday.(1) Two Letters one from Lord Howe, the other from Genl. Clinton to Congress with the three Acts of Parliament, which are the Subjects of publick speculation, were under consideration this day, and a short answer given to the Letters.(2) A copy is prohibited, as indellicate until the Letters get to hand, in substance it refers to the resolves of Congress on two Bills circulated substantially the same as two of the above, that when the King shall be seriously disposed to peace, Congress will be ready to put an End to the cruel unprovoked war waged against America, on Terms honorable to our Nation, for the Interest of our Constituents and with a sacred regard to Treaties. My Accot. exhibited to the Assembly when last in Lancaster refers to a debit of which I was not then possessed paid Capt. Piper who guarded Wm. Todd to Lancaster for his Expences, which is now before me in a proper entry £6.11.3. If that Sum could be added, and the whole remitted by you on the order in the hands of Mrs. Smith, it would be of great service as my late engagement in the Lead works has proved a moth to my circulating Cash and oblige me make free with a friend in borrowing. I hope to congratulate you soon on regaining our Capital, some step will be taken by Congress for securing property until a deliberate discrimination can be made, in which a due regard to the prerogatives of the State will be attended to.(3) I am with respectful salutation to Council, Sir, Yr. most obt. & very huml. Servt. Daniel Roberdeau RC (PHi). Addressed: "The Honorable George Bryan Esquire, Vice President of the State of Pennsilvania. Lancaster." 1 Two letters of June 5 from the Pennsylvania Council to the state's delegates were laid before Congress this day, but only the message concerning Pennsylvania's frontiers survives. For the letter "respecting a supply of money" referred

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to the Board of Treasury, see JCC, 11:574; and Auditor General John Gibson's June 10 reply to Bryan in Pa. Archives, Ist ser. 6:591-92. The letter pertaining to Northumberland County's defense is in PCC, item 69, fols. 529-30, and was printed under the date June 4, 1778, in Pa. Archives, Ist ser. 6:577. The June I petition of the Northumberland inhabitants is in PCC, item 42, 6:190-92, and was endorsed by Secretary Thomson: "referred to the board of war. The board to confer with the person who brot. this Memorial." For the Board of War's and Congress' response to the council's plea for assistance in protecting the state's frontier inhabitants, see ibid., pp. 586 87; and JCC, 11:576-77. 2 See JCC, 11:572-75 3 Congress' June 4 resolution on the anticipated evacuation of Philadelphia was apparently copied and forwarded by Roberdeau to Bryan. It was printed in Pa. Archives under the date June 5, 1778, with the following note appended. "Dr Sir, I write at a publick Table, much embarrassed, to hand you the above Copy of a Resolution of Congress. I am, very respectfully, Dr Sir, yr most obt hum. Servt. Dan'l Roberdeau. P.S. My design is that you may cast about & be in readiness to appoint proper persons." Pa. Archives, 1st ser. 6:578-79.

Daniel Roberdeau to Timothy Matlack

Sir, York June 6th 1778 If your orders are positive for returning the Books borrowed they must be complied with, but if otherwise they will be retained, as they will be useful in a very little time in determining a point on the same subject they were called for,(1) therefore I shall wait your answer as these books cannot be procured, as I know, any where else at present. My Sisters acknowledge your polite notice and hope with me to congratulate you shortly on regaining our Capital. I am respectfully, Sir, Yr. most obt. huml. Sert. Daniel Roberdeau P.S. If possible let Books remain, of which care shall be taken. Desire Mr. Foulke to buy me a few quires of good paper. RC (PHi). Addressed: "Timothy Matlack, Esquire, Lancaster." Endorsed: "Reced 11 June 1778, TM." 1 Perhaps a reference to the books that were the subject of Elbridge Gerry's letter to Thomas Wharton of November 8, 1777, in these Letters, 8:242.

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett

My Dear York Town June 7th 1778 Last Wednesday the 3d Instant I Recd yours of the 16th of May, am very glad to hear you are well & that Rhoda is rather better. I am in good health as is Charles Chace, Mr Wentworth & his man. We have procured Lodgings at a German House about a Quarter of a mile from the Court house where the Congress Sets, his name is

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Andrus Hoffman. Their manner of Cooking their victuals is very Different from the English Manner, tho they Do what they can to accomodate us. They understand but little English, Just Enough to be understood. I have wrote to you Several times the last Dated the first Instant some of which I hope you have Recd before now. Yesterday Congress Receivd letters from Lord Howe & Genl. Clinton informing us that they were two of the Commissioners appointed by Parliament to Settle the Dispute with America. But as it appears by the act of Parliament which they sent us they are not authorised to acknowledge our lndependance I Suspect a peace will not soon take place tho I believe that the fighting Business is chiefly over. I have wrote major Philbrick more fully about it.(1) I informed my Children in my last that they had not Drawn any of the large prizes in the lottery. I cannot now tell them whither they have Drawn any of the smaller prizes for I have not been able to get a Sight of the list but make no doubt I shall be able to do it in my next. I hope you & my family are Still in health & that affairs go on well. Remember me to Mr Thurston, Dr Gale, Mr Thayer, Capt Calef & all friends. I am yours &c, Josiah Bartlett RC (NhHi). 1 Not found.

to Charles Carroll, Sr.

Dr. Papa, 7th June 1778. I think I acknowledged the receipt of your letter of the 27th past in my past letter. I imagine the vines, by the dying of the old wood, must have suffered principally from the wetness of the winter, and of the month of April & if So, this mischief must have been encreased by the flatness of the beds in which they are planted. The failure of apples in the home Orchard must proceed from the nature of the Soil, and its exposition; the soil is stiff, cold, & livery. Friday evening the Congress received letters from Ld. Howe, & Sir H. Clinton inclosing 3 acts of Parliat. two of them comformable to the drafts of bills, which you have seen, & the 3d An Act for repealing the Act for altering the Charter of the Massachusets Bay. Inclosed you have copies of the above letters;(1) they were directed to Henry Laurens Esqr. President of Congress. By the Acts it appears that 5 Commissioners are to be appointed to treat under the powers within the Acts; and from the Letters of Ld Howe & Clinton you will observe that Ld Howe is one of the Commissioners, but that Sir

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H. Clinton is not, from which circumstance I conclude that Sir Henry's command is to be but temporary, and that some person of distinction is coming out to be commander in chief, probably Lord Amherst.(2) Altho' it is mentioned by Ld. Howe, or Clinton that these Acts were just recd., we know the vessel which brought them, has been arrived upwards of 3 weeks. The answer of Congress, which was sent off yesterday is short, and to this effect. The President in the name of Congress acknowleges the receipt of their letters & the Acts of Parliat. and refers them to the Resolves of Congress of the 22d April upon the bills (from which the Acts do not materially differ) for the sense of Congress upon the acts. He then informs them, that when the King of G B shall be seriously disposed to peace and to put an end to the unprovoked & cruel war which he has waged against us, we shall chearfully consent to put a stop to its calamities by concluding a peace with his B. Majesty, on terms consistent with our Independance, the interest of our constituents, and the sacred regard due to our treaties. I could have wished the words "seriously disposed," {'unprovoked" & "cruel war" had not been thrust into this, otherwise unexceptionable, letter. Ld. Howe's & Clinton's letters are polite, they seem to have cautiously avoided any terms which might give offence; in this particular I wish we had imitated their example. It is certain most of the Enemy's shipping have fallen down the river below Newcastle; it is equally certain that they have embarked their sick, wounded, heavy baggage & artillery, great quantities of military stores & merchandize, yet notwithstanding all these appearances, it is my own opinion, that the Enemy will not abandon Pha. till the fall, or till they are constrained to leave it by the superiority of our arms. If they should not acknowledge our Independance, they will take the field with their army light and unencumbered, and endeavour to try the fortune of a battle. I do not think they will acknowlege our Independance before next winter, unless the King of Prussia, and other powers of Germany should have followed the example of France. If the British Marine should not be greatly superior to that of France & Spain, it is my opinion the British court will acknowlege our Independance, & thus avoid a war with France & Spain in conjunction with us, which would probably end in the entire expulsion of the British from this Continent. Our General thinks the Enemy intend to march thro' Jersey to South Amboy. They have got and it seems are getting many boats there with an intent as it is conjectured to pass their army over from thence to Staten Island. A few more weeks, or perhaps, days will ease us of the anxiety of all conjectures on this account. Gen. Schuyler writes to Governor Morris, a Delegate from New York, that he is informed the northern Indians are disposed to quit the British interest & to embrace ours. If So, this will put a stop the

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cruelties the middle Indians are committing on the frontiers of this State. But to restrain their ravages we shall not depend on that event: a force is preparing to march agt. them to carry the war into their country. Monday morning 8th June A 52 Gun Ship is arrived from France at Hampton in Virga. assigned by Mons. de Beaumarchais to his Agent here Mr. Francy; She has brought a most valuable cargo, the prime cost of which in France Mr. Francy assured me was a million of Livres.(3)er cargo consists of a great variety of articles, amongst others 8 thousand suits of regimentals. Mr. Francy informs me that he has letters from France of the 29th March acquainting him that the King of Prussia had marched 60 thousand men into Bavaria, that they had taken possession of 3 towns & a fort from which they drove the Austrian garrisons, that the Emperor had ordered 60 [thousand] men to the support of his troops already in Bavaria. That war was declared between Russia & the Porte; that the French had detained all the English vessels in their ports in consequence of a refusal from the court of London to deliver up an American vessel taken by an English privateer on the coast of France, and which had been demanded by the Court of Versailles. I wish the war between the Prussians & Austrians may not take off the attention of the French from their marine & approaching war with England. P.M. 8 o'clock I recd. yours of the 4th instant by the post this morning. If you petition the Assembly for a repeal of the tender Law, I hope you will avoid all indecent & waste expressions in it. You may urge very forcible reasons in decent & moderate language. You ask me whether I think the continental bills will be redeemed according to their tenor? If peace should be concluded in a year from this I make no doubt, our debts will be paid off. Consider what Sums will be collected by taxes, from the amount of our own; consider the growing population of this country, the variety of its products, its fitness for navigation & commerce, and the freedom of our different governments, and then I believe you will no longer doubt the Public faith. Too many are interested in the debt not to pay it off; it will be the work of time, and perhaps a part of our paper currency may circulate in Europe; if so, the remainder will rise to par in a year or two after peace. It gives me the greatest Satisfaction to hear you continue to enjoy yr. health. I am, yr. affectionate Son, Ch. Carroll of Carrollton P.S. I beg you will send Sam up so as to be here by the 20th instant;

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send by him a £100 in large bills chiefly; every thing here is inconceivably dear; altho' I have kept no horses here my allowance will hardly make me whole; indeed I believe it will not. Sam must bring with him 3 horses. Chase I expect will be up by that time, & I shall write to him by this post to come that I may return. RC (MdHi). 1 Carroll enclosed letters from Lord Howe to Washington, May 27; from Henry Clinton to Washington, May 30 and June 3; and from Washington to Clinton, May 30, and to President Laurens, June 4, 1778. See Carroll Papers, MdHi; and William Henry Drayton's Draft Letter to Lord Howe, June 6, 1778, note 1. 2 Carroll's conjectures on this point were in error, for Sir Henry Clinton was indeed one of the peace commissioners and he retained his command until 1782. 3 For Congress' response to the arrival of Le Fier Roderique carrying a large shipment from Beaumarchais, see Committee of Congress Report, June 10, 1778.

Henry Laurens to John Laurens

My Dear son, York Town 7th June 1778. I wrote to you the 5th & the same Evening late your favor of the 4th came to hand. Casting my Eye on my Copy Book just now I was startled at the dates prefixed there to Copies of Letters which I writ yesterday to the Commander in Chief, to Lord Howe & to Sir Henry Clinton all, May, instead of June. If the originals have carried the same blunder, I shall be much ashamed. 'Tis impossible to develop the secret from my Copyists memory because admitting the first error to have been mine, if his senses had been awake he would have pointed to the error immediately. If the Letter to the General is misdated I shall conclude both the others are. You asked me some time ago why I did not employ a Secretary, I'll tell you I don't know where to get a good one-& I can't bear any other. James (1) can Copy extremely well when he is attentive, but his constitution is not the strongest, he sometimes flags & some times nods. I do not wonder at it-but I do, how I hold it out. I have a sort of Secretary, a genteel decent Young Man but I get very little from him,(2) he has been spoiled in another office & has acquired habits which are to me very disagreeable. Congress meet twice a day, the consequence of which is delay of business there and intolerable confinement to the President. The Idea of the Enemy's intended abandonment of Philadelphia, pervades every mind, & I am very certain our Cause suffers greatly from the general belief of an event being at hand, which we ought to think depends wholly on our own exertions & to act accordingly. Thirteen days have elapsed since the Enemy's draught of three days provision & Canteens filled with Rum-Women & children embarked, Hospital utensils & Boxes of Arms shiped, notice given to the Police & honest Mr. Coombes's intelligence. I should think none

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but women & Children will rely upon any thing they [say] or trust to any thing they do-yet there is such confidence in their flimsey assurances. I was going on to write you a long Letter but an opportunity instantly presenting & being anxious to acquaint his Excellency the General with a recent act of humanity on the part the Enemy in the moment of treating with us I shall confine myself to the following extract from General Sullivan's Letter 26 May, just received.(3) The Chief Justice regrets we had not this intelligence before the Letters to Lord Howe & General Clinton were sent. "I beg leave to inform Congress that on the Night of the 24 Inst about 600 British & Hessian Troops at R Id embarked on board two Ships of War, two Tenders & about 30 flat bottoms, passed up the River & landed before day between Warren & Papasquash point, at daylight marched in two bodies for Warren & the head of Kukemull River where were about 70 flat bottom boats & one of the State Gallies, they burned all the Boats, 12 escaped & set fire to the Galley, this was afterward extinguished with much hurt to the Gally-then set fire to the meeting house at Warren & to seven dwelling Houses k retreated toward Bristol where the Ships had fallen down with the Hat Bottoms to receive them. They burned in Bristol 22 Houses among which was Govr Bradford's in their Tour every species of Cruelty was displayed, 20 of the Inhabitants were taken & carried off-almost every House was plundered without distinction between friend & foes. Some Women who had been long noted as their faithful friends were compelled by the Bayonet to stand while they were robbed of their Buckles, Rings, handkerchiefs &c &c. I received intelligence of the Landing about 8 oClock, the Country was immedy. alarmed, the Troops put in motion & lest an attempt might be intended upon this place or the Western Shore some part of the Militia were called in to guard them. The rest were Marched toward the Enemy, all the Massachusetts ordered to meet & oppose them, they assembled with great alacrity & marched with much expedition. Colo. Barton ordered to Muster what force he could on the Road to assist Colo. Crary's Regiment stationed at Bristol & had [got] into the Enemy's Rear. The Colo. with Crary's Regiment & such force as he had collected in all near 200, attacked their Retreat & I believe did them much injury-the Gallant Colonel dangerously wounded in the action. I arrived on the ground l/2 past 11 oClock. The Troops from this place & a large body of Militia were about 2 Miles in the Rear, many of them had marched near 20 Miles in less than four hours. When I arrived the Enemys Rear had embarked & gone near an hour. I know nothing of their loss-we had 2 or 3 killed, several wounded & 5 taken." The Chief Justice charges me not to conclude without presenting his Compliments. Adieu, H L

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[P.S.] If the General has not received the above it will be proper to communicate it. I am very full of bodily pain but supported by Spirits which are not worn out. You will receive 4 Letters inclosed-3 I believe from Harry,(4) he writes a fine hand.(5) I am almost determined upon sending for him. A third attempt has been made to finish the destruction of Charles Town by fire. Mr. Gervais's Compliments 8th May. RC (MHi: William Gilmore Simms Collection deposit, 1973). 1 James Custer. 2 Moses Young. 3 The full text of Gen. John Sullivan's May 26 letter to Laurens is in PCC, item 160, fols. 125-26. 4 Henry Laurens, Jr. (1763-1821), Laurens' youngest surviving son, was being educated in England. David D. Wallace, The Life of Henry Laurens (New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1915), pp. 182, 188, 365n.3. 5 Laurens noted in his private letter book that he also sent John "I Packet containing a Letter from Madame Le Marchioness to Monsr. Le Marquis delafayette, I Packet containing 4 Letters for Baron Stuben [and] I small French Letter to Baron deKalb." Laurens Papers, ScHi.

Samuel Adams to Samuel P. Savage

My dear sir, York Town June 8 1778 I had the Pleasure of receiving a Letter from you while I was on my late Journey to this Place, which I do not recollect to have answerd. Last Saturday President Laurens recd a Letter from Ld Howe & another from Genl Clinton each inclosing Copy of an Act of the British Parliamt conformable to the Bills which have already been publishd. An Answer was returned to his Lordship & the General in which they are informd that "When the British King shall be seriously disposd to put an End to the unprovokd and cruel War waged against these united States, Congress will be ready to attend to such Terms of Peace as shall be consistent with the Honor of independent Nations, the Interest of their Constituents and the sacred Regard which they mean to show to Treaties."(1) Will you permit me to recommend to your Circle Mr. Doree the Bearer of this Letter. He is a French Gentleman and is mentiond to me by my Friends in this Town as very deserving of Notice. Be so kind as to call on my dear Mrs A and let her know that I am in health & have not Leisure to write to her at present. My Regards to Mrs Savage, Mr Scollay & his Family &c &c. Adieu my dear Sir, S A RC (MHi). 1 See William Henry Drayton's Draft Letter to Lord Howe, June 6, 1778.

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Henry Laurens to George Washington

Dear sir, York Town 8th June 1778 My Colleague Mr. Drayton having shewn me about a fortnight ago the draught of a Report which he had prepared, stating charges against the General Officers who lately abandoned Tyconderoga & flattering me with assurances that he would soon offer it to Congress I delayed replying to Your Excellency's favor of the 29th Ulto.(1) hoping for ground to intimate that, that business was ready to be dispatched to Your Excellency for the further necessary order. But to my great mortification it continues to be procrastinated, some of the Gentlemen of the Committee it seems are or have been desirous of new lights; in a word Sir, I am quite in opinion with those Gentlemen who say "the not proceeding in this matter is cruel & oppressive"-although I am as well convinced, the delay has not been calculated or intended to distress the parties affected-it has arisen from a vapid desultory habit, which if I am not mistaken, I have seen, squander Millions & endanger States. I speak with warmth & I believe with equal truth. On my Country's account as well as from a feeling for the Culprit Officers I am really ashamed of our conduct respecting the particular affair in question-however as I can always take a decent freedom with my Colleague, who is really a diligent Man, I will not let him pass a day unreminded of the necessity for bringing forward his report. I sent off a Messenger to day with a Letter to Lancaster (2) at his request for collecting somewhat relative to the business & I think he hinted that when that ingredient should be obtained the Report would be complete.(3) Frequent Items have been given in Public of the disagreements of our Commissioners-this day a private perusal of Papers treating on that subject gave me much pain. I fear an investigation upon the arrival of Mr. Deane who is every hour expected will spread the trouble wide. I have suppressed all that has been written to me & have sealed my Lips except to Your Excellency & one other Gentleman. I know all the Gentlemen yonder, some of them very intimately, know their tempers & habits & think I can mark out causes, but I can only deplore their impolitic & I was going to say School Boy jarrings & dread the consequences of a heated & injudicious discussion on this side. 9th. Late last Night Your Excellency's public Letter of the 7th was brought to me.(4) I shall lay it before Congress at 10 oClock. Lord Abingdon's protest does honor to Mr Morris of N. York,(5) the merit of our Resolves of 22d April is fairly to be ascribed to him.(6) I have lately much regretted that I had it not in my power to transmit to Your Excellency some of the English Papers which we had received & which indeed came originally into my own hands but

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judged it my Duty to present them to the House, where they were so, & so suddenly, dispersed as to deprive me of the reading even one of them, yet I dare not say, I'll take better care another time, my own duty will be to do, as I have done. In order to save time I have sent to the Secretary's Office a Young Man to Copy the Resolves of Congress required by Your Excellency, & which will be found here inclosed.(7) I am with the most sincere Regard & Esteem, Sir, Your Excellency's much obliged & most obedient servant, Henry Laurens [P.S.] Your Excellency will do me the honor to accept this as private. RC (DLC). 1 In a brief postscript to his May 29 letter to Laurens, Washington had expressed the wish that Congress "would lay the charge, and order tryal" of the officers involved in the loss of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence during the summer of 1777. Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 11:476. For discussions of the dilatory congressional investigation of this case, which had begun the previous August, see John Hancock to Arthur St. Clair and Philip Schuyler, August 5, 1777, note; Committee of Congress to Washington, February 7, note; and Laurens to Washington, April 4, 1778, note 2. 2 Not found. 3 William Henry Drayton's report specifying charges against Gens. Arthur St. Clair and Philip Schuyler in connection with the loss of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence was ordered to be sent to Washington on June 20. JCC, 11:593-603. The committee on whose behalf Drayton wrote this report had been appointed on April 29, 1778. JCC, 10:403. 4 Washington's June 7 letter to Laurens is in PCC, item 152, 6:83-84, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:27-28. 5 For the earl of Abingdon's March 9, 1778, protest in the House of Lords against Lord North's conciliatory bills, which argued that they did not go far enough in redressing basic American grievances, see Parliamentary History, 19:867-70. For the use Americans had previously made of Abingdon's pro-American views, see John Henry to Thomas Johnson, February 17, 1778, note 2. 6 Gouverneur Morris was the author of Congress' initial response to Lord North's February 1778 conciliatory proposals. See JCC, 10:374-80; and Morris to John Jay, May 3, 1778. 7 For the May 19, 1778, resolve on pay and rations for Continental officers, of which Washington had requested a copy, see JCC, 11:512.

James Lovell to John Adams

Dear Sir June 8th. 1778 I fear I omitted to send the Resolve of May 5th with 3 past Packets. I shall be vexed if it does not reach you with the Ratifications as, on the Timing of it depends much of its Propriety.(1) I was strangely betrayed by its having been dated the 4th in a mistaken alteration, when A.B.C. were sent Eastward.

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By Letters yesterday from Mr. Beaumarchais I find Mr. Deane is probably on this Continent so that we may know the exact State of our Account wth. Mr. Hortales.(2) The present Cargo in the fier Roderique is to be sold outright for Cash or Produce, Congress having the first Offer it belongs to Mr. Beaumarchais not to Hortales &c. I hope there is no mystery in this, for I really approve of the Thing. I am glad it does not belong to the Continent: but I wish to know whether any of those Vessels lately taken belong to Mr. B and whether this would not have belonged to H had it been lost. This may be an amusing Speculation for you. Mr. D's Recall I find is attributed very much to Plots of A L.(3) You know this to be unjust, and that Facts are as in my Letter to Dr. Franklin.(4) All things speak the Enemy's departure from Philada. Intending to pass across the Jersies to Staten Island they found the Militia to a Man ready to waylay them and that some Continentals were detached: They have therefore given an Air of Peace to their Motions, and asking for an immediate Exchange of Prisoners "because they are going away," they are levelling their Works, as we repeatedly hear tho the cautious Genl. has not yet told us the latter part but he was surprized that they "still" remained on the 1st. They meant however to celebrate the 4th there-the birthday of the foolish King. Mr. S A (5) has come forward, and Things go on very well here except that we want many Lessons on Finance. Give them to us-with a little Practicability, if you please, wrought into your nicest Systems. Affectionately, J L [P.S.] Let Mr. A.L. see the inclosed. RC (MHi). Endorsed by Adams: "Mr. Lovell, June 8 1778, ans. Sept. 25, 1778." 1 For further information on Congress' May 5 directive to the commissioners "to use their best endeavours to procure the abolition" of the 11th and 12th articles of the Franco-American treaty of amity and commerce dealing with the duty-free status of molasses imported from the French \\test Indies to America and all American merchandise exported to those islands, see Committee for Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners at Paris, May 14, 1778, note 2. This day Lovell also wrote the following note to Samuel and Robert Purviance at Baltimore requesting them to forward copies of this resolve and this letter to Adams: "I must intreat you to forward the enclosed to France, either directly, or by the Islands, giving critical instructions to keep them from falling into the hands of the Enemy. They are of great importance, and were unluckily omitted in three packets which are gone." PCC, item 79, fol. 233. 2 For further information on Congress' action on the accounts of Caron de Beaumarchais, see Committee of Congress Report, June 10, 1778. 3 That is, Silas Deane and Arthur Lee. 4 In his May 15 letter to Dr. Franklin, Lovell had explained that Deane was recalled because of congressional anger over excessive commissions issued to foreign officers, but that he was now needed to explain his transactions with Caron de Beaumarchais, Although Lovell thus shifted the responsibility for Deane's recall from Arthur Lee to himself and other dissatisfied members of Congress, the

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quarrel between the supporters of Deane and those of Arthur and William Lee had only begun to rumble through Congress. The serious nature of this coming storm can be seen in a letter written this day in Virginia by Benjamin Harrison, a former member of Congress, to Robert Morris, who with Harrison was a partisan supporter and business associate of Deane's. Concerning the Lee brothers, Harrison wrote: "You, who know them not, can form but an imperfect idea of those on that side of the water by what you have seen on this, they being much more designing, vindictive, and overbearing. Perhaps you may think this impossible, but be assured it is a fact, and that they are no more fit for the characters they bear than any man that can be thought on; however they are fixed, and I suppose America must suffer them for a season longer, as the cabal is at present too powerful to afford us the least prospect of their removal." Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:607-8. 5 That is, Samuel Adams.

Maryland Delegates to Thomas Johnson

Sir, 8th June 1778 York Your letter of the 2d instant was put into our hands this morning by Col. Smith, and referred to the board of war.(1) We sincerely wish the State of our cloathing at or near the army may be Such as to Suffer that Board to give the order in the extent you desire. Col. Smith will receive their answer tomorrow. We hope, and have the strongest reason to believe, our army will never again be exposed to the same inconveniences & distress they have hitherto suffered from the want of cloathing. We understand 8 or ten thousand suits are in the 50 gun Ship lately arrived in Virginia, and still larger supplies have arrived at the Eastward. By all accounts from Camp & Philadelphia the Enemy appear to be on the eve of evacuating that city: it is conjectured they will march thro' the Jersies to South Amboy, where it is said a number of boats are in readiness to carry them over to Staten Island. War between Prussia & Austria respecting the division of the late Elector of Bavaria's territories by the latest accounts from Europe is much to be apprehended: and Mr. Francy informed us that war was certainly declared between Russia & the Porte. The French court had detained all English vessels in their ports in a consequence of a refusal by the Court of London to deliver up an American vessel captured on the coast of France by an English Privateer. We inclose you copies of letters from Ld. Howe's & Sir Henry Clinton's letters to Gen. Washington & to Congress and our answer.(2) These may be printed if you think proper, and we beg the favor of you to lay them before the Assembly. We are with great respect, Your Excellency's Most obedt. hunble Servants, Ch. Carroll of Carrollton Geo. Plater

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RC (MdAA). Written by Carroll and signed by Carroll and Plater. 1 For the Maryland Council's June 2 letter to its delegates requesting clothing for the state's troops, see Md. Archives, 21:120-21; PCC, item 70, fols. 255-58; and JCC, 11:578. 2 These are copies of the same letters that Carroll sent to his father the preceding day. See Charles Carroll of Carrollton to Charles Carroll, Sr., June 7, 1778, note 1.

Rhode Island Delegates to William Greene

Sir, Pensylvania York Town June 8th, 1778 Mr. Marchant arrived at this Town the sixth Instant.(1) The Situation of Mr. Ellery's Family necessitates his Return in a few Days. Confederation, it is expected, will soon be taken up;(2) and if Congress should determine that, immediately upon the Completion of that Business, no State can be represented without two Members, the State we have the Honor to represent may not have that Share in the Common Counsells of the States, which Our Interests and Circumstances require. Solicitous this may not be the Case we hope One of Our Colleagues will soon give his attendance. We lament the Waste and Destruction made upon Our State by that more than Savage Barbarity peculiar to Britons; But we are utterly at a Loss to account for that cruel Desertion of Our Sister States, which has thus laid Our State bare to the Insults and Ravages of Our Enemies. This is a Subject we feel most pungently, and shall not fail to endeavour to excite in Congress a common Feeling with us, that if possible some Steps may be taken for our Relief. It is expected the Enemy will very soon leave Philadelphia, but for what Quarters is uncertain. We hope the New-England States will hold Themselves in watchful Readiness. The Enemy ought to be expected in every Quarter, that so let them come where they will, They may meet with a proper Reception. A large Ship from France of Upwards fifty Guns is arrived to the Southward, with large Supplies for Our Army. We inclose Your Excellency the last York Paper, and Are most respectfully, Your Excellency's most obedient and humble Servts. William Ellery Hy. Marchant RC (R-Ar). Written by Marchant and signed by Marchant and Ellery. 1 According to the journals, Marchant took his seat in Congress on Monday, June 8. JCC, 11:575. 2 Congress finally resumed consideration of the Articles of Confederation on June 20. JCC, 11:625, 628.

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Henry Laurens to Richard Caswell

Sir. York Town 9th June 1778. I had the honour of addressing Your Excellency the 26th Ulto. & since of presenting to Congress your Excellency's favour of 6th Inst. being the 2d of this date.(1) Within the present Inclosure will be found the following Acts of Congress. 1-27th May for an Establishment of the American Army.(2) 2-28th for reforming the North Carolina Battalions.(3) 3-4th June for suspending or repealing Acts of Assembly for regulating prices-this I believe Sir does not apply to North Carolina.(4) 4-6th June for extending subsistence Money to Officers of Militia.(5) 5-8th June for laying a General Embargo on Provisions.(6) To these & to the enclosed P.S.(7) & more particularly to a seperate Circular (8) which I shall deliver with this to Capt. Blount I beg leave to refer. Capt Blount has long been detained by the Treasury but the Afultiplicity of business there I presume has rendered an earlier dispatch impracticable .(9) I am with very great Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress. RC (DLC). 1 Governor Caswell's second May 6 letter to Laurens, recommending chevalier de Cambray "to the notice and protection of the Honorable Congress," was read by the delegates on June 4. See JCC, 11:567; and N.C. State Records, 13:123. Nine days later Congress decided to make Cambray-a French artillery and engineering officer who had arrived in North Carolina in February 1778 and had since been involved in constructing coastal fortifications for the state-a member of the "corps of engineers commanded by Brigadier du Portail, with the rank and pay of a lieutenant colonel." JCC, 11:604-5. Congress had read another May 6 letter from Caswell on May 25. JCC, 11:530. 2 See JCC, 11 :53943 3 These resolves were actually passed on May 29. JCC, 11:550-51. See also Laurens to Caswell, May 26, 1778, note. 4 See JCC, 11:569-70; and Laurens to William Livingston, June 5, 1778, note 2. 5 See JCC, 11:560-61, 573. 6 For an explanation of the passage of this embargo, see Laurens to the States, June 10, 1778. Laurens also transmitted copies of the resolves of May 27 and June 4, 6, and 8 listed here with brief covering letters he wrote this day to Govs. Thomas Johnson of Maryland, Patrick Henry of Virginia, and John Houstoun of Georgia. See PCC, item 13, 1:360-63; and Red Books, MdAA. In addition Laurens sent Henry a June 4 resolve "for appointing Commissioners for holding a Treaty with Indians at Fort Pitt on the 23d July." See JCC, 11:568. 7 See Laurens to Caswell, June 11, 1778. 8 See Laurens to the States, June 10, 1778.

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9 Capt. Reading Blount was in York to take custody of the $100,000 that Congress had agreed on May 29 to pay North Carolina to cover the cost of filling her Continental quota. JCC, 11:550-51.

Henry Laurens to George Clinton

Sir 9 June [1778] I had the honor of addressing Your Excellency on the 23d Ulto. by Barkly. The present will be accompanied by the undermentioned Acts of Congress. 1. Of 27th May-for an Establishment of the American Army. 2. Of 6 June-for extending to officers of Militia subsistence Money in Iieu of extra Rations. 3. 8 June-Laying a general Embargo on certain Articles of provision (1)-this measure appears to be so absolutely necessary as leaves no doubt but that each State whence exportation might otherwise be made will immediately adopt and strictly observe the Act. Had this bar been laid to furnishing the enemy with provision twelve months ago, St. Augustine would probably have been abandoned, the West Indies driven to great necessity, and possibly our invaders from the Continent. I shall add a printed paper containing Lord Abingdon's Speech and protest in the British House of Lords (2) which does honor to Mr Morris of New York-to him may be fairly ascribed the merit of the Act of Congress 22nd April. (3) I am with the highest Esteem &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 Laurens also transmitted copies of these three "Acts" with brief covering letters he wrote this day to Govs. William Livingston of New Jersey and Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., of Connecticut. PCC, item 13, 1:358-60. 2 Laurens inserted an "xx" at this point in the text to key the following note he wrote at the end of the LB of this letter: "words omitted, introducing the Act of Congress of the 22d April on the British Conciliatory Bills." 3 The equivalent sentence in Laurens' letter of this date to Governor Trumbull states: "I shall add a printed paper which will shew Your Excellency that the opinions of Congress on the pretended conciliatory Acts of Parliament are not confined to this side of the Atlantic." PCC, item 13, 1:359.

Henry Laurens to William Greene

Sir. York Town 9th June 1778 I had the honour of presenting to Congress your notification of being appointed to the Government of the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations,(1) permit me Sir, to congratulate with you on

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this testimony of the Esteem of Your fellow Citizens & to wish you a happy administration. Within the present Inclosure will be found the undermentioned Acts of Congress. 1 . . . 27th May for Establishment of the American Army. 2 . . . 4 June for suspending or repealing Acts of Assembly for regulating prices of goods. 3 . . . 6 June for allowing subsistence in lieu of Rations to the Militia. 4 . . . 8 June for laying a general Embargo on certain articles of Provision, 2 the absolute necessity for this measure is so extremely apparent as leaves no room to doubt of its being carried into immediate execution & strictly observed. I have the honor to be, With very great Respect, Sir, Your Excellencys Obedient humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress RC (R-Ar). Addressed: "His Excellency William Green Esquire, Governor of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations." 1 See JCC, 11 :537 2 Laurens also transmitted copies of these four "Acts" this day to the Massachusetts Council, and to Vice President George Bryan of Pennsylvania he sent three of the four. See PCC, item 13, 1:357-58; and Revolutionary Letters, M-Ar. At the same time, he also sent Massachusetts a May 30 resolve on the maintenance of the Convention Army, and instead of the June 4 resolve on price regulation. he forwarded to Pennsylvania a June 4 resolve on an Indian conference at Fort Pitt and a June 8 resolve on the defense of Northumberland County. See JCC, 11:556, 568, 576-77.

Henry Laurens to John Laurens

My Dear Son very early 9th June [1778] Late last night your favor of the 7th obliged me very much, write on & make me as well acquainted with movements of all kinds as you can. Inclosed you will find the Resolution required.(1) My duty to the Marquis. I have delivered his Letters to Mr. Cambray, Mr. Lee &ca-will do as far as in my power all he desires & commands & will have the honor of paying my respects to him to morrow. I dont much like my old friends interviews with an old acquaintance (2) whom he had so lately seen. I wish I could see you for half an hour. I pray God protect you. LB (ScHi). 1 Although John Laurens' June 7 letter has not been found, it should be noted that in his June 9 letter to his father he asked for Congress' May 21 resolves on negotiations for a prisoner exchange between Generals Howe and Washington. See JCC, 11:520-21; and Simms, Laurens Army Correspondence, pp. 178-81.

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2 Laurens is referring respectively to Lafayette and Thomas Conway. See Laurens to Lafayette, June 5, 1778.

Henry Laurens to Rawlins Lowndes

Sir, 9th June 1778 On the 3d Inst. by the hands of Captn. Cochran I transmitted to your Excellency several Copies of an Establishment of the American Army & requested your Excellency to make a distribution of some of those papers to Major General Howe & Brigadier Moultrie.(1) Orders are given by Congress for carrying this Act into execution at Valley forge,(2) the Commander in Chief may from thence extend it to all the distant posts, unless I am wrong in my opinion that a farther order of Congress will be necessary for that purpose. Please to receive Sir, with the present Inclosure the undermentioned Acts of Congress, together with Copy of a circular Letter which will be dated the 10th written by order of Congress. The Acts 1. of 4th June recommending a suspension or repeal of Acts of Assembly for regulating prices-this 1 believe will not apply to So. Carolina. 2. 6th June, for extending subsistence Money to all officers of Militia &ca. in lieu of extra Rations. 3. 8th June, for a general Embargo on provisions for a limitted time. I have the honor to be &ca. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 See Laurens to Lowndes, June 2, 1778, note 2. 2 See JCC, 11:570

Henry Laurens to Casimir Pulaski

Dear General, 9th June 1778 Inclosed I have the honor of transmitting a Letter which I lately received for you from France. I likewise inclose a Petition lately preferred by John Griffith to Congress in which he Sets forth cruel treatment which he received from some of the Officers of your Legion at Lancaster.(1) This man will wait on you in two or three days. I have given him assurances of obtaining ample redress through your Love of Justice & determination to preserve good order in the Corps, especially in the article of Money which was taken from him. Permit me to add, Sir, that the affray at Stokes's has given much

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umbrage. If the Officers of the Legion indulge themselves in such irregular sallies as these which have been complained of, the Corps will soon fall into disrepute, I am confident Sir you will take the necessary measures for laying them under proper restraints for the future. Your Letter of the 1st Inst. I had the honour of presenting to Congress the 4th when it was committed to the Board of War for consideration.(2) I am with great regard LB (ScHi). 1 John Griffith's petition is not in JCC, and his case is not mentioned in the journals. For a discussion of some other problems that Pulaski's independent corps was creating for Congress at this time, see Laurens to William Atlee, May 29, 1778, note 2. 2 Pulaski's letter to Laurens, which is dated "Baltimore the Ist May-' but which according to Secretary Charles Thomson's endorsement "shd be June," is in PCC, item 164, fols. 9-10. In this letter Pulaski asked Congress to grant commissions to a number of officers he had appointed to serve in his corps, requested additional funds to cover the cost of raising this unit, and insisted that Congress insert in his commission the date he entered Continental service. No report by the Board of War on Pulaski's letter has been found.

Henry Laurens to Meshech Weare

Honorable Sir. York Town 9th June 1778 On the 27th May by Messenger Brailsford I transmitted you an Act of Congress Recommending an exemption from Militia service [for] Deserters & Prisoners from the British Army & Navy.(1) I still remain without any of your favors & althogether ignorant whether any of my Letters & the Acts of Congress which accompanied them for upwards of seven Months past have reached your hands. The Present is intended to forward an Act of Congress of the 8th Inst laying a General Embargo on the exportation of divers articles of Provision from these states for a limited term. The reasons which preface the Act are so cogent as leaves no room to doubt that each State will carry the Act into immediate effect. I remain with great Respect, Sir, Your obedient humble servant Henry Laurens, President of Congress. [P.S.] You will likewise receive herewith two other Acts of Congress. I of the 27 May for an establishment of the Army, 1 of 2d Inst for subsistence Money in lieu of Rations to the Militia,(2) & another of the 4th recommending a suspension or Repeal of Acts of Assembly for regulating prices. RC (Nh-Ar).

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1 See Laurens to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., May 27, 1778, note 3. 2 This resolve was actually approved on June 6. JCC, 11:573. James Lovell to Horatio Gates Dear General York Town June 9th. 1778 Here we are still the Sport of Lyars. One Day we are told the Enemy are filling their Ditches and preparing to leave Philada., en Ami; in the next we are informed of new Works & fresh arrived Troops. For my own Part, I think they will aim to give us a Drubbing on one Quarter or another. We have therefore laid an Embargo on all Provisions both with a View to our own Supply and the Enemy's Distres; (1) and we shall urge the States to instant Exertions for the compleat Number of Levies.(2) I did not expect Johnston wd. have come over with the Commissioners. I think he will return with a Load of Chagrin. However, we have told Lord Howe that when the King of Gr. Br. is seriously disposed to put an End to this unprovoked & cruel War we will readily negotiate Peace on Terms consistent with the Honour of Independent States, the Interest of our Constituents and the Faith of Alliances. This answer must be under Consideration of the Commissioners Carlisle, Johnstone & Eden now here in America. I have seen a Bulletin particulaire in which you are said to have made Advances towards Peace by your Letter, which is therein published, to Ld. Thanet. And tho' Mr. Bingham mentions the French are allarmed; net the Hand Bill does you the Credit to say that you have eased the Pride of England by making the first Overture, but you have wisely done it sans compromettre Les Colonies.(3) I supsect you will get a Letter from Johnstone or Earle Thanet thro' him. I wish you may get some hearty Lads from the Eastward if it is only to make an handsome Feu dejoye upon a Peace. Little will be lost in such a Case: But much is to be gained, if War is the View of Britain. You must not think me negligent as to using a Pen, tho' your Favour has lain long by me unacknowledged, for I assure you, I have almost continually been writing since I had the Pleasure of seeing you. This kind of Apology I have made lest your next Favour should have something of "Asperity" mixt with it. I wish you may be properly purblind to the Peccadillos of your Friends till this one Campaign more is over. And then we will settle who is jealous, fretfull, misled, waspish &c. and we will be sure not to condemn ourselves but as Swift says about Hell we will conclude upon Paris or Rome and think ourselves happy that all's well at Home.

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I wish you and yours Health & every Happiness, being your affectionate, humble Servant, James Lovell RC (NHi). 1 On June 8, Congress had ordered an embargo on provisions, to be in effect from June 10 to November 15, 1778, unless Congress revoked it sooner. JCC, 11:578. 2 Congress approved the draft of a circular letter on state levies on June 10. JCC, 11 :583. 3 Gates' undated letter to the earl of Thanet, appealing to Britain to recognize American independence, was printed in the April 29, 1778, issue of the Pennsylvania Evening Post, which also contained a report of the duke of Richmond's unsuccessful effort to have the House of Lords take this proposal into consideration.

Thomas McKean to Nathanael Greene

Sir, York-Town June 9th. 1778. I just now received your favour of the 3d instant, and am not a little surprized that the Sheriff of Northampton county should have permitted Colo. Robert L. Hooper, after he was arrested by virtue of my Precept, to wait upon you until he had appeared before me.(1) You say, Sir, "Colo. Hooper waited upon me to communicate his situation, & to know if the circumstances of the army would admit of his absence, but as the army is just upon the wing, and part of it will in all probability march through his district, I could not without great necessity consent to his being absent, as there is no other person that can give the necessary aid upon this occasion." I do not think, Sir, that the absence, sickness or even death of Mr. Hooper could be attended with such a consequence, that no other person could be found who could give the necessary aid upon this occasion; but what attracts my attention most is your observation, that you cannot without great necessity consent to his being absent. As to that, Sir, I shall not ask your consent, nor that of any person in or out of the army, whether my Precept shall be obeyed or not in Pennsylvania. The warrant for the arresting Mr. Hooper being special, no other magistrate can take cognizance thereof but myself. The mode you propose of giving bail cannot be adopted for many reasons. I should be very sorry to find, that the execution of criminal law should impede the operations of the army in any instance, but should be more so to find the latter impede the former. I am, Sir, with great respect, Your most obedient humble servant, M:K. FC (PHi). 1 Gen. Nathanael Greene's June 3 letter to McKean, which had been directed to the latter in his capacity as chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court,

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was an attempt to deflect the court away from Robert L. Hooper, Jr., a deputy quartermaster general who had been in trouble with the state of Pennsylvania since mid-1777. According to Greene, "Colo Robert L. Hooper of North Hampton County, one of my Deputies in the QMG's department informs me, he has lately been served with a warrant from under Your hand, charging him with having libeled the Magistrates of this State in a Letter to Gouverneur Morris Esqr. and directing the Sheriff to bring him before you at York Town." McKean Papers, PHi . State officials Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant and John Arndt had accused Hooper of misusing government funds and property, refusing to take the state oath of allegiance, and encouraging other residents of Northampton County to refuse to subscribe to the oath, but the charges went unsubstantiated because of Hooper's intimidation of the two men. Hooper had written to Gouverneur Morris in the aftermath of a violent episode in which Hooper had severely beaten one of his accusers, Attorney General Sergeant, and threatened the other, Justice of the Peace Arndt, both of whom were also members of the Pennsylvania Council of Safety. As President Thomas Wharton complained to McKean on February 15, 1778: "An incident at Reading some days past disturbs me. Mr. Sergeant being there, as Attorney General at the Quarter Sessions, was assaulted and beaten by Robert Lettis Hooper, Esquire, on account of some information the former gave in the late Council of Safety of this State." Wharton continued: "It happened that Mr. Sergeant left Town without finishing this affidavit. Another, drawn for Mr. Arndt, of Northampton, was left in the same state. When Mr. Arndt was traveling homewards he was threatened & insulted by Hooper, & threats were also liberally made openly by him, against Mr. Sergeant. I was told that if he went to the Decemr Court in Easton he would be threshed. This however, did not happen. That Mr. Hooper by these menaces intended to prevent Evidence being collected I will not say, but that they had such a tendency is obvious." Pa.Archives, 1st ser. 6:266-67. Relations between state and Continental officials were exacerbated after Hooper wrote an intemperate letter to Gouverneur Morris, whom Hooper believed would be sympathetic to him because of an ongoing conflict between Morris and the Pennsylvania authorities over the state price control law. Morris apparently showed the letter at army headquarters, where he was serving as a member of the Committee at Camp. When Joseph Reed, a staunch Pennsylvania supporter and also a member of the Committee at Camp, saw the letter, he probably reported Hooper's written attack on the state council to McKean, who then issued a writ for Hooper's arrest. Despite McKean's desire to have him tried, Hooper was probably not brought to trial. Hooper, however, did write the following apology on August 31, 1778, to Pennsylvania Vice President George Byran. "I cannot deny to you, honourable Sir, that I have a very great contempt for Mr. Sarjent and Mr. Arndt, as private Gentlemen. They have made several attempts to ruin my reputation as an Officer in the service of the States, and have induced the honourable Council to exhibit charges against me which Mr. Sarjent & Mr. Arndt could not support. This drew me into a personal Quarrell with them, but on my honour, Sir, I don't recollect, that at the time of these disputes I ever reflected on Council, but it is true, that very soon after a dispute which happened between Mr. Sarjent and me, and whilest I was warm with resentment against him, I wrote a Letter to the Hon'ble Governeur Morris, the particular Expressions in which Letter I don't well remember, but believe, from information, that they were generally ungentlemanly and indeasent. I hope, Sir, you will believe, and that the honourable Council will believe, that I have long had a great personal regard for the late worthy President and you, and that I have ever had reason to esteem those Gentlemen in Council with whom I have the honour to be acquainted as worthy Citizens and that I am sorry to find that the expressions in that Letter may be construed to

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extend to you or them. I hope you will believe that they were not my deliberate sentiments, and that I am incapable of treating so respectable a Body with the least disrespect. "I should not have taken the liberty to trouble your honour with this Letter if you was a stranger to my general character, which I am happy to say is the reverse of what has been represented to Council-permitt me then to request you will be pleased to assure Council that I never meant to reflect on their honour's honourable body. It is extremely disagreeable to me to know that they think I have, and as (since I entered into a parole agreement with Mr. Arndt, in June, 1777,) I have assisted the Magistrates in executing the laws of the State. I mean to continue so to do, and hope by a steady, firm and just behaviour to all men to take off the prejudices conceived against my General conduct as a Citizen & an officer in the service of the United States, and finally to merit the esteem of Council." Pa. Archives, 2nd ser. 3:236-37. When Joseph Reed later became President of Pennsylvania, he renewed his attack on Hooper in a lengthy April 15, 1779, memorial to Congress which led to subsequent efforts to court-martial him. In December 1779 a committee of Congress recommended charges against Hooper, but he apparently escaped a judicial test of his public actions when his position as deputy quartermaster general was abolished in a July 15, 1780, reorganization of the army commissary system. See JCC, 12:l245-46, 13:453-54; John M. Coleman, Thomas McKean, Forgotten Leader of the Revolution (Rockaway, N.J.: American Faculty Press, 1975), pp. 225-26; Robert L. Brunhouse, The Counter-Revolution in Pennsylvania, 1776-1790 (Harrisburg: Pennsylvania Historical Commission, 1942), pp. 47-49; Max M. Mintz, Gouverneur Morris and the American Revolution (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1970), pp. 95-96; Charles Henry Hart, "Colonel Robert Lettis Hooper," PMHB 36 (January 1912): 60-91; Greene, Papers (Showman), 2:331n.2, 424 25, 429 30; Daniel Roberdeau to Thomas Wharton, January 16, note 2 and February 17, 1778, note 2; Henry Laurens' Notes of Debates, March 26, note 1;

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Thomas McKean to Sarah McKean

My dear Sally, York-Town. June 9th. 1778. Your favour of the 6th instant I received by Sam and am glad to hear you are well. As I expect to hear from the President of the Delaware State every day, & expect some money from thence; and as the boys are not equipped for their journey, I have thought it best to stay here a few days longer. When you are ready and the boys put in order for school, you will be so good as to send Sam immediately for me. It will be as convenient for us to go by the place where the boys are to stay, in our way to Newcastle county, as any rout we could take. I have tried to get you a maid, but in vain; I offered 20/ a week, but the Jades won't leave Town. Do get one for the time we shall stay in Paxton, let the price be what it may. In a very few days I expect Philada. will be evacuated by the Enemy, and on that event I must push there, and take a house, while rents are low. Lord Howe & General Clinton have at last found out the way of writing to Congress. We had a letter from each, directed to Henry

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Laurens Esquire President of Congress at York-Town, on Saturday morning; they let Congress know that they have it in command from His Majesty to lay their Acts of Parliament before Congress, and to communicate them to the Commander in chief of their Armies &c. Congress referred them to their determination on the 22d of April last, and let them know whenever their King is seriously disposed to put an end to the present unprovoked & cruel war, Congress will be ready to conclude a peace upon terms honorable to Independant Nations, and beneficial for their Constituents &c. As the answer will probably be received to day in Philadelphia I do not think they will stay three days longer. You have by Sam 1 Paper pins £ 0.15.0 2 doz shirt buttons @ 3/9 0. 0. 7.6 5 skenes of white thread @ 2/6 0.12.6 8 & 1/2 yards striped hollands @ 30/ 12.15.0 £14.10.0 No good Bohea tea at present, but shall get some soon. Coffee at Baltimore for 7/ and 6/6 a pound. There is a French ship, of 52 guns and 450 men, arrived in Virginia, with a cargo which cost one hundred & thirty five thousand pounds sterling on board. All is landed safe at Williamsburg, and many other arrivals to the Eastward. Give my love to the children, kiss Sall for me; I suppose she will walk and talk by the time I get home. Remember me to Miss Nelly Reed & Sammy Sterrett. Adieu. Your most affectionate, Tho M:Kean RC (PHi).

Gouverneur Morris to George Washington

Dear Genl. York Town 9th June 1778 I have sent to your Address three Bundles containing the several Materials collected by the Committee for arrang. the army.(1) This Business being now put under your Care I trust you will be enabled speedily to put your Army in the Situation you wish excepting always the Deficiency of Numbers which is upon the whole well enough since thereby it happens that less of the Resources of the Country are consumed and this is certainly a War of Resources. The Opinion of Congress relative to Phila. you have doubtless ere this received.(2) Mine did not arise from any Pleasure I take in the Distresses of my Fellow Creatures, still less from that horrid Love of Proscriptions which however dictated certainly disgraces human

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Nature. Simply I wished that our Enemies should be mulcted before they were received into our Bosom and that we might thereby possess ourselves of the Sinews of War.(3) Should there be still other Desiderata as to the Army which indeed I well know there are pray let me hear of them in a Letter to which I shall call the attention of the House who have now entangled themselves in such an Infinity of Matter that some Management is really necessary to lead them to the most serious and important Objects. The Committee had written to Govr. Clinton for his Assistance in Arranging the Regts not with you.(4) So much as I received in Answer to that Application you will find among the Bundles.(5) Whatever may come to Hand regarding Gansevoort's Regt. I shall do myself the Honor to transmit immediately. I am called away. Should Mrs. Washington be still in Camp which I confess is rather unlikely pray present my Respects to her. I have the Honor to be Dr General, Yours sincerely, Gouvr Morris RC (DLC). 1 See JCC, 11:570. 2 See JCC, 11:571. 3 See Morris to Washington, May 27, 1778. 4 See Committee at Camp to George Clinton, March 16, 1778. 5 See Governor Clinton's May 14 letter to Morris in Clinton, Papers (Hastings), 3:308-10.

Joseph Reed to Nathanael Greene

Dr. General Mr Henrys, June 9, 1778 By a Resolve of Congress the General, Mr. Dana & myself are appointed a Committee to arrange the Army & I have postponed my Return Home in Consequence. I suppose you will have some Direction to quarter us, but as you are pretty thick at Moore Hall I will relieve you from the Incumbrance of self & Servant for the present by remaining at Mr. Henry's. But in this Case I must beg you to send over some Oats or other Grain for my Horses as we are very destitute.(1) Your Compliance will oblige, Dr. Sir, Your Affect. & Obed, Hbble Serv, Jos. Reed RC (NHi). 1 On June 13 Reed wrote the following brief letter, from "Major Henry's," to commissary general of forage Clement Biddle on the same subject. "As I am detained here by being a Member of the Committee of Arrangement I must beg you would send by my servant some Grain for my Horses none being to be obtained on this Side the Schuykill. I wrote a day or two ago to Genl. Green on this Head not recollecting that I should have applied to you-but none being then in Camp I had only his Promise to supply me as soon as it arrived." American Manuscripts, MH-H.

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Joseph Reed to Esther Reed

My dear Hetty Mr. Henry's June 9. 1778 I got down here the Day after I left you & found a Number of Philadelphians hovering round the Camp in sure & certain Hope of soon entering the City-in which they have been much disappointed. There appeared on Friday every Reason to believe the Town would be evacuated in a few Hours, but that Evening the Commissioners arrivd, viz. Ld. Carlisle, Govr. Johnston & Mr. Eden-when an immediate Stop was put to all farther Embarkation, a great deal of Baggage was brought back & some Goods relanded. In short Appearances are now as much for their Stay as they were against it last Week. There has been no formal Annunciation as yet of the Arrival of the Commissioners but it is expected hourly. Most of those who have been mischievously active against us are going with them, but many of the Country Refugees have come out to sue for Grace & among them my Friend Lusely. Even Mr Galloway has made an Attempt for Favour, but Genl. Clinton would not permit him to go on with it, so that he is now going off with them, if they should go. On Saturday under the Protection of a Flag I went down as low as Vandering's to see what Mrs. Yard had done but found nothing. Jacob Baker has gone in to day & I have sent a Message by him to her. Mr. Pettit does not seem so well recovered as I had expected, his Hands are very much broke out, he sets out for York Town tomorrow both as a journey of Health & Business. The Army strengthens very fast & both Officers & Men make a much more reputable Appearance than they did formerly. There is the utmost Appearance of Harmony & that all Faction & Opposition of every kind has ceased. Mrs. Washington & the other Ladies except Mrs. Knox have left Camp. The Commissioners say positively that there is no French War & I am inclined to believe it. Many Persons are very sanguine that the Enemy must evacuate Philadelphia after having sent their Baggage &c. off but I doubt that Event is not so near as they wish but when the Operations of War will be & how soon the Campaign will open I am much at a Loss to determine. This Morning the current Opinion is that they will do what they should have done last Year, go up the North River & cut off our Communication with the New England States, but I do not see how they can leave this Army behind them with any Reputation, or what Success in that Quarter could ballance the Discredit of leaving Philada. & giving up the middle States. I came over from Camp on Sunday Evening with the full Intention of setting out early in the Morning for Fleming Town, when I received a Message from the General that I was appointed one of a Committee to arrange the Army with him & that the other Gentleman might be hourly expected. The next Morning I received a Copy of the Resolve & as it is a Business of much Importance & admitting of no

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Delay I concluded to stay rather than have it wait for me. I do not know how long it may take us but I should think it cannot exceed a Week-when I shall immediately return to you. By that Time some certain Judgment may be formed of the Enemy's Intentions of leaving Town on which my Journy to York Town will depend. I could wish to hear from my dear Hetty in the mean Time in which Case you will direct to me under Cover to Mr. Cox & Mr. Pettit in their publick Characters, so that it will be opened if they should happen to be absent. I have given you all the News & would have sent you a Lancaster Paper if I had one-tho I do not recollect that there is any Thing of Consequence in it. I am with Love to the Children & your Mamma, my dear Girls, ever faithful & affectionate, J Reed [P.S.] You will find in some part of the Desk in your Room some Papers wrappd in a News Paper, viz. the Establishment of the Army & others relating to the same Subject. I should be glad you would forward them by some safe Oppy-if none presents soon let them be sent to Mr. Furman to be forwarded with all Expedition. June 11 1778. I wrote the above & waited for an Oppy. to forward it which I have not met with. The other Gentleman is not yet arrived so that I am idling away my Time here. The Commissioners have formally announced their Arrival in a Letter directed to the General with all his Titles. The Congress too have all their Titles. Sr. Harry Clinton requested a safe Conduct for Dr. Ferguson Secretary to the Commission to go to Congress which has been refused. Nothing new from Philada. since I wrote the above. I am my dear Hetty's Affect. J Reed RC (NHi).

Le Fier Roderique

[June 10, 1778](1) Your Committee to whom were referred the Letter from Caron de Beau Marchais to the Committee of Commerce dated at Paris the twenty third of March last and the Letter from Chevallie to Congress dated at Hampton the 28th of May last beg Leave to report. That having considered the said Letters it is their Opinion that the Mistery in which the Transactions of the House of Roderigo Hortalez & Co. hath been hitherto involved cannot be fully cleared

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up at present and that it would be more prudent to wait the Arrival of Mr. Deane or at least of Mr. Carmichael who being more acquainted with those Affairs may throw Light upon them useful to Congress or those whom they may employ to investigate it. Your Committee are the more inclined to this from the Consideration 1. That the Continent being (upon every Principle) already much indebted to Monsr. Beau Marchais should the present Cargoe appear to be the Property of these States a proper Deduction from his Account may hereafter be made. & 2. That the Contracts entered into with his Agent Monsr. Franci will be amply sufficient for that Purpose should the Debt of these States not be so great as is above supposed.(2) Wherefore your Committee are of Opinion that without entering into an Inquiry where there is not suflicient Evidence to attain to any fixed Conclusion it will be proper to consider the Cargoe of the Ship Le Fier Roderique as the Property of the said Monsr. Beau Marchais And to purchase from his Agents such Articles as may be necessary for the Use of these States. In order to determine what Price may be given for such Articles your Committee beg Leave to observe that the Returns of the said Cargoe being to be made in Tobacco it will be necessary to estimate the same accordingly. That the Average Price of this Article formerly was about four Dollars per Ct. and at present about twelve, being three times the former Price. That if upon £100 Stg. in Commodities £100 be allowed for Charges, Freight, Insurance or Risque and Profit then calculating Dollars as high as five Shillings Sterling will be 800 Dollars which formerly would have purchased 20,000 Ibs of Tobacco and that Tobacco will now sell for 2,400 Dollars Wherefore there should be allowed from this State 2,400 Dollars for every £100 Stg. of Commodities. On the other Hand if he be allowed £300 Stg. per Ct. on the outward and the same on the homeward bound Voyage amounting to 900 Stg. or 20,000 Livres being the Price of 10,000 Ibs of Tobacco in France then Tobacco being here estimated at 12 DD the same would amount to 1200 Dollars on every £100 Stg. But further as it is the Interest of these States to state the Price of Tobacco low it may be proper to contract for it to be delivered at the Rate of 10 Dollars per Ct. in which Case the amount according to the above Calculations would be 1000 and 2000 DD per £100 Stg. Wherefore taking a Medium of 1500 may on the whole appear proper to limit the Price not to exceed the Rate 1500 D. or £450 Virginia Currency per 100 Stg. to be paid in Tobacco at a Price not less than 10 Dollars or £5 Of the same Currency. Your Committee further observe that in order to avoid all Competition between Purchasers it will be proper that as the Governour of Virginia is in Treaty for the Cargoe to apply to him to purchase

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for the united States such of the Articles as may be necessary for them under the Restrictions above mentioned. And your Committee beg Leave further to observe that the said Monsr. Beau Marchais having by his Agent offered to Congress a Contract in the Alternative either to pay in France for the Goods he shall transmit with all Costs and Charges, Freight, Insurance, Interest, Commissions &ca. or that he shall transmit the same at his Risque to be paid for in America at the current Price. And Congress having chosen the former have thereby in the Opinion of your Committee exposed themselves to great Fraud and also to the Loss of the Goods which will not probably be transported with such Care when at the Risque of these united States as when on the Account of the Individual shipping them. Besides as it is probable that Goods will become much plentier by an open Commerce with France they will probably come much cheaper purchased here than in Europe. Wherefore they conceive it would be proper to alter the Contract with Monsr. Franci if he shall incline thereto. All the above disagreed.(3) The Committee &c Report the following Resolutions (4) Whereas by the Letter (5) of Monsr. Beaumarchais it appears that (6) the Cargoe of the Ship Le Fier Rodrique is to be offered to Congress to be by them purchased or such Part thereof as they may think proper in Preference of all others: And whereas his Excellency Patrick Henry Esq Governor of Virginia is in treaty therefor with Monsr. Chevallie the Consignee of the said Cargoe (7) Resolved that Govr. Henry be requested to purchase [for] the united States the Articles contained in the List hereto annexed being part of the Cargo of the French Ship Lefier Roderiques (8) as cheap as he can not exceeding the Price following to wit £450 Virginia Money for every £100 Stg. to be paid in Tobacco at ten Dollars per Ct. And that a Letter be written to his Excellency explaining the Principles of such Limitation. Agd.(9) Resolved that the Commercial Committee be directed to confer with Monsr. Franci and if he shall incline thereto to alter the Cont[rac]t made with him on the Part of Monsr. Beau Marchais and these S[tates] so far as to adopt the Offer of the said Monsr. Beaumarchais to transport the Articles oft ordered by Congress to the Continent at his own Risque to be paid for here at the Price of such Articles when they shall arrive. List of Articles Boulets ronde de divers Calibres 33, 24, 16, 12, 8. Leaden Bullets of different Sizes Bas de Soie assortie de Laine ) aussi assortie Mens Silk and Woollen Stockings

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Burreta de Laine Woollen Caps. Boucles The different Kinds of Buckles Boutons Pour Habits complets de Msr les Officiers & Pour Uniform Buttons for Officers Habillement des Soldats and Soldiers Boutons de Manches Sleeve Buttons Cadix [... ] pour doublures Red Cadiz for the d'Habits uniformes Rouge Lining of Uniforms Chemise Garnies Fines et com- mune Coarse and fine Shirts Couvertes de Laine Fines et communes Woollen Blankets Chapeaux communes pour Soldats Soldiers Hats Draps Fins pour Habits Clothes fine for Officers Ditto d' Officers Ditto communs pour coarse for soldiers & light Do for Soldats Do Legers pour Soldats Soldiers Ecritoire de Cuivre Brass Ink Stands Flanelles de Laine Blanche White Flannell Fil assorti Sewing Thread Guetres pour Soldats Toiles Linnen spatterdashes for Soldiers Habits uniformes complets pour soldats Soldiers Cloathing ready made. Mouchoire de Soie de chollet & Facon de Beam An assortment of Handkerchiefs Poudre de Guerre Gun Powder Poignets de Chemise Wristbands for shirts Pierre a Fusils Pistolets &c Flints Sergettes pour Doublures habits d'officiers Ecarlatte, Bleu Ciel, Serget of different Colors Vertes, Brune et a la Piece viz Scarlett, sky blue, Brown & aussi pour [.... ] blanche White for Linings MS (DNA: RG 76, Beaumarchais Claims File). In the hand of Gouverneur Morris, with amendments by Henry Laurens. President Laurens undoubtedly made his amendments when this report was considered by Congress on June 10. 1 On June 8 Congress had appointed a committee consisting of Gouverneur Morris, John Banister, and Francis Dana to consider a March 23 letter to the Committee of Commerce from "Messrs. Beaumarchais & Co." and a May 28 letter from a certain "Mr. Chevallie," the supercargo of Beamarchais' ship Le Fier Roderique. Although neither of these letters is in PCC, a March 23 letter from Beaumarchais to Congress, describing his commercial dealings with Arthur Lee and Silas Deane, is in Beaumarchais, Correspondance (Morton and Spinelli),

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4:91-94. The report Morris drafted on behalf of the committee was taken up in Congress on June 10, at which time the delegates approved a considerably abbreviated version of it, which merely requested Gov. Patrick Henry of Virginia to purchase certain parts of the cargo of Le Fier Roderique at a price proposed by Morris in his report. See JCC, 11:576, 584. It seems virtually certain that Congress rejected or postponed consideration of the rest of Morris' report because of a reluctance to become further entangled at this time in the vexing question of whether it was obligated to pay for the military supplies Beaumarchais had shipped to the United States. 2 See JCC, 10:316-18. 3 Last four words added by Laurens. 4 Laurens added these words in place of Morris' original statement: "Your Committee on the whole Matter submit the following Resolutions." 5 Laurens inserted the last two words in place of "the Orders." 6 Last three words added by Laurens. 7 Laurens wrote "PPd [postponed]" between the lines above "Cargoe." 8 Last eleven words added by Laurens. 9 Word written by Laurens. See also Laurens to Patrick Henry, June 13, 1778.

Henry Laurens to the States

Sir 10 June 1778 (1) Authentic intelligence received by Congress from many quarters leave it no longer doubtful in what manner the Enemy mean to conduct their plan of Conciliation. Under delusive appearances of pacific Acts and Peace-making Commissioners, already their Military Reinforcements begin to arrive, and already they have commenced the Campaign in many places with Acts of cruelty and devastation. Indian irruptions and burning houses, in the moment of dispersing propositions for Peace, evince the insidious designs of the Enemy and demonstrate the necessity of wisdom in Council; of strength and vigour in the field. The former may be employed to distress the Enemy greatly, by withholding from them the provisions of America, and the latter by quickly collecting powerful Armies to take advantage of their present weakness.(2) The present moment unimproved may be productive of most pernicious consequences, and the public safety demands strong and united efforts. Experience hath shewn that the Marine force of our Enemies enables them to secure, for the support of their Armies, almost the whole of our exported provisions, and therefore Congress, impressed with the necessity of preventing the supplies derived to our foes from this source, and desirous of supplying the Armies of the United States, have, upon mature deliberation, laid an Embargo on provisions of all kinds, and they earnestly request the vigorous exercise of the powers of your State to carry into effectual execution this most necessary measure.

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The urgent necessity for the provisions with which your State is to furnish the Army, induces Congress to press upon you, Sir, immediate and constant attention to this important business, and the present absence of the Enemy's ships from the Bay of Chesapeak may be improved by seizing the opportunity of water conveyance to the Head of Elk.(3) LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). Endorsed: "Circular to the several States in Union including Delaware all forw[ar]d[e]d." It is significant that this letter appears in Laurens' presidential letterbook immediately after his June 14 letter to John Sullivan, for which see note 3 below. 1 This letter is based upon a draft that reflects the work of two committees of Congress. The first, which was appointed on June 3 to consider a May 27 letter from Commissary General Jeremiah Wadsworth dealing with his difficulties in procuring beef, submitted reports calling for the suspension or repeal of state laws regulating prices and for the imposition of a six-month embargo on provisions that were approved by Congress on June 4 and 8 respectively. See JCC, 11:563, 569-70, 572, 578-79; and Laurens to William Livingston, June 5, 1778, note 2. Although Congress resolved on the eighth that "it be earnestly recommended to the respective states, to take the most effective measures for carrying . . . [the embargo] into immediate execution," the task of embodying this recommendation in a circular letter to the states fell to another committee, which was appointed the following day to consider a June 3 letter from Gen. Horatio Gates, recently reappointed to the northern military department. It was this second committee that drafted the present circular letter, which won congressional approval this day, and that addressed itself not only to Gates' concerns but also to the first committee-s call for an embargo. See JCC, 11:579, 582-84; and PCC, item 154, 1:374-406. 2 At this point in the LB, Laurens inexplicably omitted a paragraph which, upon instruction from Congress, he was supposed to send to every state except North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia: "In duty, therefore, to their constituents, Congress earnestly call upon you, sir, and your State, to adopt the most effectual and vigorous measures for speedily reinforcing the continental army with your quota of troops." JCC, 11:583. An examination of some of the RC's of this letter reveals that Laurens was inconsistent in carrying out this order. For example, he left this paragraph out of the letter he sent to Pres. Caesar Rodney of Delaware but put it in the one he sent to Gov. Richard Caswell of North Carolina. See American Manuscripts, MH-H, and N.C. State Records, 13:156-58. This paragraph also does not appear in the copy of this letter in Laurens' private letterbook. Laurens Papers, ScHi. 3 Although Laurens was instructed to include the foregoing paragraph only in the letters he sent to the governors of Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, he inadvertently left it out of his letter to North Carolina, an oversight he corrected on June 14 when he wrote a brief covering letter to Governor Caswell enclosing a copy of the omitted paragraph. PCC, item 13, 1:367. As the document note makes clear, the marginal note that Laurens wrote next to this paragraph in his presidential letterbook-"this Paragraph to the Governors of Maryland, Virginia & North Carolina"-could not have been written before June 14.

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Marine Committee to the Commissioners at Paris

Marine Committee, York in Penna. Honorable Gentn June 10th 1778. There is wanted for A fifty Six Gun Ship now building at Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire, Twenty eight 24 pounders Cannon & Twenty eight 18 Pounders which we request you will order to be shipped for that Port or the Port of Boston by the first Opportunity. Should the Continental Frigates Boston and Providence be in France when this gets to hand they may take in those Cannon and in that case you will please to ship an equal number of each Size sufficient to Ballast Said Frigates, as we shall have occasion for more than will be wanted for the 56 Gun ship. We request your attention to this business and are Honorable Gentn, with great respect, Your very Obedt servants,(1) Richard Henry Lee. C. M. RC (PPAmP). In the hand of John Brown and signed by Chairman Lee. Endorsed by John Adams: "Letter Marine Comtee. June 10, 1778. for 28. 24-Pounders and 28. 18s." 1 The Marine Committee Letter Book contains the following postscript: P.S, We request you will order our ships of war to sail in company as it is the practice of the enemy so to do." Paullin, Marine Committee Letters, 1:255-56.

John Wentworth to John Langdon

Dear Sir, York Town Penna. June 10. 1778. I should have done myself the honor to have informed you of our arrival and of some other matters before this, but my worthy colleague on closing a letter a few days since acquainted me that he addressed it to you-and had given you such information respecting the ship and other affairs as he thought necessary.(1) I therefore hoped to be excused if I delayed writing for a short space. I trust the alteration in the vessel can by no means disconcert any plan of your's. How far it may benefit, or injure the public, I am incapable of Judging. The enemy at Philadelphia for three weeks past have been doing and undoing-one day extremely busy in fortifying and the next in demolishing-in short their manoeuvres are so various as to render it utterly impossible to guess what measures they mean finally to pursue. From every circumstance however their intention to evacuate the City is beyond doubt; how long that step may be retarded by the late arrival of Commissioners from England is altogether uncertain. The Commissioners have directed their General to apply to General Washington to obtain a passport for a Dr Ferguson, Secretary to

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their King's Commission, to wait on Congress. General Washington has submitted the matter, which is not yet determined upon.(2) I hardly think Congress will have the honor of seeing those gentlemen Commissioners very soon, unless they comply with measures which from the present conduct of the enemy we have little reason to expect. They have come out for the pretended purpose of settling the dispute to the mutual advantage of both parties and their army have very lately commenced another campaign with marks of cruelty peculiar to themselves. The barbarities committed on the defenceless inhabitants of the frontiers of this State and of Virginia by the savage Tories and a few of the British troops are almost incredible; means are now devising to put a stop to such tragical proceedings. I do not recollect any thing further worth communicating, but as any matters of that kind shall turn up you will doubtless have them from one or the other of us. I pursued my plan relative to the small pox and had the disorder very favorable. We had an agreeable journey enough for the times, though we were considerably hardshipped in passing through Connecticut being often pushed to find provender for our horses or entertainment for ourselves-occasioned partly by the multiplicity of travellers, but principally by the wisdom of partial regulations, that State you know having come fully into the mode of restricting prices. Before that happened I imagine a traveller must have met with most excellent fare; for we could scarcely ride a mile without reaching the sign of a sign. So powerful were the operations of the Act that nothing but the posts were left standing. I am too well acquainted with your generosity to attempt an apology for troubling you with the letter to Mrs Wentworth (3) and should she forward to your hands a letter for me, I must presume on your kindness so much further as to desire you to cover it in a line. I am Sir, with great esteem your much obliged and obt very hble servt, John Wentworth Jr Tr (DLC). 1 See Josiah Bartlett to John Langdon, June 1,1778. 2 For further information on the arrival of the British peace commissioners, see Joseph Reed to Esther Reed, June 9, 1778. Belatedly learning that the British army was preparing to evacuate Philadelphia, the commissioners hastily tried to communicate with Congress by using their secretary, Dr. Adam Ferguson, as a messenger, But General Washington refused to grant Ferguson a passport to York and sent the commissioners' request to Congress, which on June 17 approved Washington's handling of Ferguson's passport application, although the commissioners' dispatches had already reached Congress under a flag of truce on June 13. See Committee of Congress Proposed Report, June 11, 1778; and Weldon Brown, Empire or Independence: A Study in the Failure of Reconciliation (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1941), pp. 260-65. 3 Not found.

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to Charles Carroll, Sr.

Dr Papa, 11th June 1778 Mr. Stevenson going to Baltimore gives me an opportunity of informing you of the arrival of the British Commissioners Ld. Carlile, Governor Johnstone & Wm. Eden. They have demanded of Gen. Washington a pass for their Secretary a Mr Ferguson to come to Congress. The General refused the request untill the pleasure was known whether they would receive the Secretary. A committee of Congress is appointed to report on this matter. I believe Congress will not receive any message or officer from the Commissioners unless they withdraw their troops or acknowlege our Independance, at least I think they can not pursue a different conduct without being inconsistent. You have Ld. Abington's protest inclosed. My love to Molly & Mrs. Darnall & the little ones. I am, yr affectionate Son, Ch. Carroll of Carrollton RC (MdHi).

Committee of Congress Proposed Report

[June 11, 1778] The Committee to whom was referred General Washingtons letter of the 9th instant with its inclosure, beg leave to report as their opinion that Mr. President do transmit the following answer to the Generals letter.(1) Sir, York the 11th of June 1778 Your letter of the 9th instant with its inclosure from Sr. Henry Clinton notifying the arrival of Commissioners from Great Britain and desiring a passport for Doctor Ferguson has been laid before Congress. I am instructed to inform you that it is the direction of Congress you should acquaint Sr. Henry Clinton, that in letters of the sixth of this month to himself and Lord Howe, Congress have expressed their sentiments of the only admissible principles upon which they can attend to propositions for peace. If the Commissioners from the King of Great Britain, who best know their own powers, shall upon due consideration of them, be satisfied that they are adequate to the purpose of making peace upon the principles contained in the said letters, and thereupon request a Passport for Doctor Ferguson, you are at liberty to grant it. I have the honor to be &c.

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MS (ScHi). In the hand of Richard Henry Lee. 1 Washington's June 9 letter to Henry Laurens, and the copies he enclosed of Sir Henry Clinton's request for a passport for Adam Ferguson (to transmit a letter from the Carlisle peace commissioners to Congress) and of Washington's reply to Clinton (refusing the passport and explaining that the Tequest was being referred to Congress), are in PCC, item 152, 6:87-93, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:38-39. On June 11 Congress referred these letters to a committee composed of Samuel Adams, Richard Henry Lee, and Henry Marchant. The committee submitted a report on the 12th, which was then considered and postponed, and Congress had resumed debating this issue on the 13th when Washington's express arrived with a packet from the Carlisle commissioners that had been sent by Dr. Ferguson to Washington's headquarters. JCC, 11:585, 593, 6054. It is probable that this proposed report was the one read in Congress on June 12. Writing to William Heath and to Philip Schuyler on the morning of the 12th, Henry Laurens predicted that the decision on a passport for Ferguson would involve a demand to know his intended business, which was not explicitly required in this proposed report. But Laurens' comments do suggest that the question of granting a passport to Ferguson had not been decided without debate. And the fact that this report and Lee's proposed resolution on Dr. Ferguson are located among the Henry Laurens papers further supports the conjecture that both proposals were considered in Congress on the 12th. However, comments by Josiah Bartlett and by Samuel Adams on the 13th suggest that Congress was about to refuse a passport and order Washington to transmit the commissioners' letter by his own express when an express arrived at midday June 13 with the commissioner's packet, thus making the passport question moot. Nevertheless, once the proper response to the peace commissioners' letter had been determined, Congress on June 17 unanimously approved the conduct of Washington in refusing a passport to Dr. Ferguson. See JCC, 11:616; letters of June 12 from Josiah Bartlett to Nathaniel Folsom, and from Henry Laurens to William Heath, and to Philip Schuyler; Richard Henry Lee's Proposed Resolution, June 12; and Samuel Adams to James Warren, June 13, 1778. For a discussion of Congress' response to the British peace commissioners, see Samuel Adams to James Warren, June 13, 1778, note 3,

Francis Dana to George Washington

Dear Sir York June 11th 1778 I had the honor last evening of your favor of the 9th inst. requesting me to repair to camp to assist in the business of arranging the army as soon as possible.(1) Although I am impressed with the necessity of that business being finished without delay, yet I cannot in duty to the State I represent quit Congress till the Confederation is ratified, which I hope will be done in a few days. In the mean time the arrangement may go on as Genl. Reed (2) will doubtless be at hand to assist you. He has paid a particular attention to the battalions of this State; those of Maryland, on account of: their distance from your camp, the committee cou'd make no enquiry about, those also may be arranged without any assistance from me, and indeed I know nothing about either of them. Those to which I paid a particular attention were the battalions of New Hampshire, Massachusetts,

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Rhode Island, Jersey and Virginia; the last of which may be settled by conferring with the General Officers of that line, whose recommendation we followed. I will get the necessary papers from Mr. Morris and forward them to you. With the hope of taking some labour from off your hands, I should have been happy to have given my immediate attendance in camp. I trust by the time you, with the assistance of Genl. Reed, may have gone through the battalions of this State, Maryland and Virginia, to have the pleasure of affording you in this business all the assistance in my power. I am Dr. Sir, with much respect & esteem, your most obedt. & obliged hble Servant, Fra Dana [P.S.] Should Mrs. Washington be with you, you will be pleased to make my most respectful complements acceptable to her. RC (DLC). 1 On June 4 Congress had appointed Dana to the committee on arrangement of the army, and on June 9, after receiving a copy of this resolve, Washington had written to Dana urging him to come to camp "as soon as possible." See JCC, 11:570; and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:38. 2 Joseph Reed, who was already at army headquarters, had also been appointed to the committee on arrangement of the army. See JCC, 11:570; and Reed to Esther Reed, June 9, 1778.

Henry Laurens to Richard Caswell

P.S. private. 11 th June 1778 Your Excellency will find inclosed several Copies of Lord Abingdon's Speech & Protest in the British House of Lords upon the Acts of Parliament for Removing all doubts concerning Taxation &c. These as I endeavor to do all Papers proper for public information I shall disperse as extensively as possible. I shall add Copies of a late correspondence between Lord Howe, Sir H. Clinton, General Washington & Congress. Last Night late I received a Letter from General Washington. Sir H. Clinton had requested a Passport for Doct Ferguson Secretary to the Commissioners to attend Congress. General Washington demur'd until he should inform Congress-this will be subject of our consideration at 10 oClock. Doctor Ferguson was tutor to Lord Chesterfield at Geneva, where a Young Gentleman with whom I correspond in Camp knew him intimately-he says "the Doctor is known in the litterary World & whose profound knowledge makes him very respectable.''(1) "Preparations for abandoning the City still continue, the Enemy pretend 'tis impossible for them to continue there much longer, they are not to March through the Jerseys but on the Jersy side down the

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Delaware & embark at some convenient place." Very serious, pretty trifling-when they are gone, I will beleive them. I shall not be surprized if they March down & in one Weeks time return with all their Ships & a reinforcement-several Transports with 800 Troops are arrived at New York & more are daily expected. HL. RC (Nc-Ar). This is a special postscript Laurens added to the text of the June 10 circular letter to the states that was sent to Governor Caswell. 1 In this and the following paragraph Laurens is quoting from a June 9 letter written by his son John. Simms, Laurens Army Correspondence, pp. 181-83.

Henry Laurens to John Laurens

My Dear Son, 11th June 1778 I thank you much for your favor of the 9th.1 Your Sentiments are great & as I think they are just, these intelligences help me forward. Congress will send an answer & I trust, a proper answer to Sir Henry Clinton's application for a passport for your old acquaintance Doctor Ferguson. If you were here in this Room I could entertain you five minutes with description of an excellent attempt in favor of pivot which was not only ousted but brought on a proposition which, as a Man of honor he must have wished for, as a Man of politeness he must have wished for it, because all the World wished for it.(2) Your antagonists I find have not yet turned their backs, the more motions they make the more I suspect them. When they shall be fairly gone I will sing te deum, but 'till then my duty & my Interest dictate infidelity & command me to be watchful. The long continuance of repeated accounts marking their intended embarkation has injured our Cause more than you are aware of. Adieu. LB (ScHi). 1 See Simms, Laurens Army Correspondence, pp. 181-83. 2 Laurens is alluding to the call for an investigation of former quartermaster general Thomas Mifflin that Congress approved this day. JCC, 11:591-92. In previous correspondence with his son, Laurens had used the term pivot to designate Mifflin's role in the so-called Conway Cabal. That John Laurens understood the use of it in the present letter as a reference to Mifflin is indicated by this statement in his June 14 reply: "The inquiry into the conduct of the late quarter masters, must give pleasure to every man who wishes to see the betrayers of public trusts brought to condign punishment." See Simms, Laurens Army Correspondence, p. 185; and Laurens to John Laurens, January 8, 1778, note 6.

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Henry Laurens to George Washington

Sir, York Town 11 th June 1778. Late last Night I was honored with Your Excellency's favor of the 9th accompanied by Sir Henry Clinton's application for a passport for Doctor Ferguson & Your Excellency's reply-these I presented to Congress this Morning, & 'tis probable I shall receive from the House the necessary Commands to morrow. In the mean time I am ordered to transmit to Your Excellency an Act of Congress of the present date, directing an enquiry to be made into the conduct of the late Quarter Master general & other Officers in that department, which will be found within the present Inclosure.(1) I have the honor to be, With the greatest Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your Excellency's Most obedient servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress. RC (DLC). 1 The original motion on this issue offered in Congress this day called upon Washington to investigate the conduct of former quartermaster general Thomas Mifflin and his subordinates and provided that "if it shall appear that the extraordinary deficiencies thereof, and the consequent distresses of the army, were chargeable to the misconduct of the said quarter master general or any of the said officers that a court martial be forthwith held on the delinquents." Congress rejected the motion in this form by a vote of seven states to three with one divided, but then approved a slightly amended version of it, omitting the word forthwith, without a roll call vote. See JCC, 11:591-92. Congress' call for this inquiry nevertheless produced meager results, for Washington was too busy to conduct the investigation called for, and Congress refused to accede to Mifflin's request that it conduct one of its own. Consequently, Mifflin resigned from the army in August 1778 and began a newspaper campaign designed to force Congress to set up a special committee of inquiry. Although Mifflin's appeals to public opinion eventually led Congress on January 23, 1779, to renew its request to Washington to investigate the former quartermaster general, Washington demurred on the grounds that Mifflin was no longer a member of the army, and there the matter ended. For an account of this episode which concludes that Mifflin was guilty of no irregularities during his two terms as quartermaster general, from August 1775 to June 1776 and from September 1776 to November 1777, see Kenneth R. Rossman, Thomas Mifflin and the Politics of the American Revolution (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1952), chap. 12.

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Joseph Reed to Esther Reed

Qr. Master Generals Office My dear Hetty June 11, 1778, 2 oClock Upon coming over to Head Quarters this Morning I found two large Packets from England containing a very long Letter from your Brother, (1) one from Govr. Johnston (2) & several for you & your Mamma, the latter I now forward as I would do his to me but I have just received it & am anxious to forward yours to you which I do by Express. I have also some News Papers, Letters, Papers &c. all in the same Style of Penitence & Hope that we may again unite & be a happy People. Denny goes very far in his Letter. I have perused it but once & it is so long that I cannot read it again without detaining the Messenger which I do not care to do. But I beg you not to be so taken with what I send you as to forget to look for the Papers mentioned in my other Letter. I do not know when I shall be able to see you as my Colleague is not come but I will forward you all the News Papers & Papers as soon as I have perused them. I have one Peice of bad News. Johnny is alive it is true but behaves much amiss. He is idling his Time in France in very low Company instead of going to England as I expected & I fear spending me a great deal of Money. I shall write my dear Girl every few Days & oftner if any Thing occurs worth Notice. You will do the same by me as I have mentioned in my other Letter. I am my Dear Hettys very affect. J Reed RC (NHi). 1 Dennis De Berdt (ca. 1742-1817), London merchant and the last colonial agent of the New Jersey Assembly. See Roche, Joseph Reed, pp. 18-29; and these Letters, 4:489n.2. 2 For the letters of De Berdt and former West Florida governor George Johnstone, see Reed's letters to Johnstone, June 13, note 1 (not in printed text), and to De Berdt, July 19, 1778, note 1.

Josiah Bartlett to Nathaniel Folsom

Dear Sir York Town June 12th 1778 I arrived here the 21st ulto, & was obliged to put up at Stake's Tavern for several Days before I Could procure other Lodgings, I now put up at one Hoffmans on the west Side of the Bridge quite at the west end of the Town at a German House, where I am obliged to be a German in most Respects. We have been in hopes ever Since we arrived here that we should soon get back to Philadelphia, But the accounts from thence are so various & Contradictory and the arrival of the Brittish Commisrs at that place makes the Enemys Design of Removal Somewhat Problematical. If they mean to Evacuate the place, I Expect it will soon be Effected, as Genl Washington

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has Removed our army towards the City. The latter End of May Genl Clinton & Lord Howe Sent the late famous acts of the Brittish Parliament to G. Washington and Requested leave to Send out a person to him, which He Refused & informed them that if what they had to Communicate to him was what came under the military Department, He Desired it might be Sent him in writing, but if it was of any other nature their applications ought to be made to Congress; the Begining of this month they sent the same acts in a letter Signed by Ld Howe & G Clinton Directed to the President of Congress Signifying their being authentick Copies & saying they wished they might have the Desired Effect, the Congress Directed the President to inform them that when the King of England was seriously inclined to put an end to the cruel and unprovoked war he had waged against the United States they would readily concur in all proper measures Consistent with the Rights of Independant Nations, The Interest of their Constituents & the sacred Regard they owed to Treaties. The 9th Instant Genl Clinton sent a letter to G Washington informing him of the arrival of the Earl of Carlisle, Mr Eden & Governor Johnstone the Commisrs and Requesting him to grant passports to Dr. Ferguson their Secretary to repair the next morning with letters to Congress; G. Washington refused the passports till he Recd the order of Congress on that matter, the Congress have not yet Determined on it. I believe he will not be permitted to come to Congress But G Washington ordered to Receive the letters at the line & send them to us. A French Ship of 50 Guns is arrived at Virginia with Cloathing &c &c. The Congress have not yet Ratified the Confederation, two or 3 of the States not having signified their assent, I Expect it will not be long before it will be Confirmed. The Indians & some Tories have committed Depradations on the western parts of this State & Virginia, measure are taking to Chastize them I hope Effectually.(1) Give my sincere regards to the Council of Safety & accept the Same your self from him who is your sincere friend and Humble Servant, Josiah Bartlett RC (PHi). 1 On June 11 Congress had voted to send an expedition of 3,000 men against the British outpost at Detroit "and to compel to terms of peace such of the Indian nations now in arms against these states as lie on, or contiguous to, the route betwixt Fort Pitt and Detroit." See JCC, 11:587-90; and Henry Laurens to Horatio Gates, June 12, 1778, note 3.

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Henry Laurens to Benjamin Farrar

Sir 12 June [1778] Had it been in my power your Messenger should have begun his return within an hour of his arrival but it has occasioned me some messages and applications to get him away even so early as the present. I put both the letters which you favoured me with into the hands of Colonel Pickering at present first at the Board of War, said every thing I could in favor of the good intentions of Colo. Gaillard, yourself and Mr Torquand and obtained from him a promise of writing in such terms to General Hand as will take off all Embargo upon you,(1) I know he has written by the bearer and am persuaded has fulfilled his promise to me. I wish you all prosperity and continued friendship for these states & Remain Sir &c. LB (ScHi). Addressed: "Benjamin Farrar Esqr. Red Stone." 1 For information on Farrar's efforts to move from South Carolina to West Florida with his family, see these Letters, 9:235.

Henry Laurens to Horatio Gates

Sir York Town 12 June 1778 I have lately had the honor of presenting to Congress your several favors of the 27th May Committed to the Board of War (1) & 3d Inst committed to a special Committee but have not received any particular Commands.(2) I believe the Board of War have written on the former, I can detain the Messengers no longer. With this Sir, you will receive several Copies of the intended Establishment of the Army & of an Act for extending subsistence Money to Officers of Militia, to which I add Copies of Lord Abingdon's Speech & protest & to morrow I will forward the late correspondence between Lord Howe & Sir H Clinton with Congress through General Washington. I have the honor to be, With very sincere regard & Esteem, Sir, Your obedient & Most humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress (P.S.] Congress yesterday Voted 932,743l/3 Dollars for carrying the Indian War into their own Country-the Commanding Officer & I beleive Officers to be appointed by Major General Gates.(3) RC (NHi). 1 General Gates' May 27 letter to Laurens, which was referred to the Board of

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War on June 2, dealt with the state of supplies in the northern department, and the need for Congress to give some sign of favor to Thomas Comay, and the appointment of William Malcom as deputy adjutant general in place of Robert Troup. See PCC, item 154, 1:332-34; and JCC, 11:560. 2 For one step Congress had already taken in response to Gates' June 3 letter to Laurens, see Laurens to the States, June 10, 1778, note1. 3 See the report on countering "the cruelties lately exercised by the savages on the frontiers of New York, Pensylvania and Virginia" in JCC, 11:587-91. For accounts of the provenance of this report, see Laurens' letters to Philip Schuyler, April 8, note 1; to David Espy and Others, May 17, note; and to Philip Schuylel, May 28, 1778, note 1. Laurens' description of this report is not entirely accurate. Although the report called for expeditions to be mounted against the British garrison at Detroit and the Senecas in northern New York, Gates was only to be in charge of the latter. Neither of these expeditions was carried out in 1778.

Henry Laurens to William Heath

Dear sir, York Town 12 June 1778 Since my last of the 26th Ulto. (Public) I have not been honoured with any of your favors nor have I at present any Commands from Congress. The Treasury I hope have replenished the public Chest in your department, & advised of the arrival of the Money which General Burgoyne was so good as to leave for us. Inclosed with this will be found Copies of the intended Establishment of the Army & of News Papers containing Lord Abindon's Speech & Protest upon the mis-called Conciliatory Acts of Parliament. The Commissioners at Philadelphia are anxious to send a Messenger & Message to Congress if I guess right at opinions. The decision this Morning will be to demand an explanation of the business, as a preliminary. The Enemy still pretend to be moving from Philadelphia; when they shall be fairly gone, I shall beleive them. I am with great Regard, Sir, Your obedient & humble servant, Henry Laurens, Private [P.S.] 932,7431/3 Dollars Voted yesterday for carrying the Indian War into their own Country. RC (MHi)

Henry Laurens to Rawlins Lowndes

Dr sir 12 June [1778] I beg leave to refer your Excellency to my Letters by Capt. Cochran under the Ist and 2d Inst. and also to my Public Addresses

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by this conveyance under the 9 and 10 Inst. This is devoted to accompany News Papers printed and M. S. and certain Scraps below. My application to business for a few days past has been extremely intense, I dare not detain the present Messenger an hour, from these considerations I rely upon your Excellency's indulgence-and I must also rely upon the Chief Justice for giving to the Public in So. Carolina the present current interresting intelligence more copiously than my time and avocations will allow me to attempt. We have advice from Mr. Bingham Esquire agent at Martinico that many, I think he says, all American Prisoners had been discharged from confinement in the English Islands-many of them had arrived at Martinico. If I were to measure the humanity of the English Governments by the practices of British Commanders and Officers here, the conclusion would infallibly be, that scarcity of provision had produced this extraordinary mark of Clemency. The Indians Northward and Westward have taken their Lesson from the Savages at Philadelphia, New-York & R Island. In the very Act of negociating for Peace they are burning, murdering and Scalping. Congress yesterday voted 932,7431/3 Dollars for raising about 3000 men for carrying the war into the Indian Country-the proper Officers in the Northern department to be appointed by General Gates. General Mclntosh will command at Fort Pitt and against Detroit if we proceed. An Enquiry is ordered by Congress into the conduct of Major General Mifflin and the Officers in his late department of Quarter Master General. There was a violent opposition of near four hours. 'Tis amazing to me, who am persuaded as a Man of honor, the General must wish for an investigation in order to satisfy the public who at present clamor exceedingly upon the subjects of neglect, mis-application, peculation &c. An enquiry will remove every groundless imputation. The last authentic advices from Philada. are of the 9th Current. The Enemy continued their preparations for removal, at that time they pretended they were to cross Delaware, march down the Eastern shore and embark at some convenient place below, now to me this appears Childish. Why hazard the crossing a river, the fatigue of a long march in the heat of Summer, the desertions which will infallibly happen, when all might be avoided by an easy and safe embarkation at the City and march in one tide 60-and if favoured by wind 160 miles-yet people swallow this and tenfold more gross propositions. Indulging a belief of their intention to leave us wholly has much injured our recruiting service. I have the honor to be LB (ScHi). 1 See Laurens to Washington, June 11, 1778, note.

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Henry Laurens to Philip Schuyler

Sir 12 June [1778] In consequence of your favors of the 17 and 29 May which I have lately had the honor of presenting to Congress, I expect to receive commands to be transmitted to you tomorrow.(1) At present I must request you, Sir, to accept this as private, and with it a few Copies of Lord Abingdon's Speech upon the pretendedly conciliatory Acts of Parliament-the intended Establishment of the Army &c. The Commissioners at Philada. are anxious to send Doctor Ferguson their Secretary with a message to Congress. If I guess right at opinions the answer will be a demand or somewhat like one, to know his intended business. I moved Congress yesterday to call for the report on the Tyconderoga affair, it will be made this morning.(2) I Am &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 General Schuyler's May 17 letter to Laurens, in which he announced that he had informed the Iroquois of the French alliance, and his May 29 letter, in which he relayed intelligence about Seneca hostility to the United States and discussed the possibility of another invasion of Canada, are in PCC, item 153, 3:314-5, 330-33. 2 On this day Congress read a report by William Henry Drayton specifying charges against Schuyler and Arthur St. Clair for their role in the loss of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence during the summer of 1777, and eight days later ordered Washington to convene a court-martial to determine the validity of the allegations. See JCC, 11:593 603, 628. See also Laurens to Washington, June 8, 1778, note 1.

Richard Henry Lee's Proposed Resolution

[June 12? 1778](1) Resolved that as the enemy are daily practising insidious and delusive arts to impose upon the good people of these States, that whenever a Passport shall be granted for Dr. Ferguson to come to Congress, he be attended by an escort of Light Horse under the command of an Officer of politeness, discernment, and zeal, by whose vigilance improper communications may be prevented.(2) MS (ScHi). In the hand of Richard Henry Lee. 1 Lee probably offered this proposed resolution on June 12 while Congress was considering whether to grant Dr. Adam Ferguson a passport to transmit a letter from the Carlisle peace commissioners to Congress. Lee may have written this resolve on June 11 when he was drafting a proposed report for the committee appointed that day to consider this issue, and it could have been considered in

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Congress as late as the morning of June 13, but it seems likely that the resolve was penned during the debate on the 12th. 2 On the verso of the scrap of paper on which Lee drafted this resolve are two notes written by Henry Laurens and Charles Thomson. Their content and appearance suggest that the president and secretary of Congress exchanged these notes while debate on the passport request was in progress on June 12. At the top of the document Laurens penned the query: "If Doctr, Ferguson comes here will it not follow that some conference will be had & what is the conclusion?" To which Thomson replied: "I suppose he will bring a letter sealed and if sealed he should be confined to his room & an answer to the letter sent by him or by a special messenger of Congress but no conference ought or can with propriety be held with him. "Tho from curiosity I fancy conferences will be held with him by the members possibly not to any great purpose on our side."

Francis Lewis to John Langdon

Dear Sir York Town 12 June 1778 Don Juan d Miralles a Spanish Gentleman of fortune who lately arrived at Chs. Town So. Carolina from the Havanna, had at Chs. Town procured a ship laden with near 1200 Casks of Rice to be purchased for him and sent for Cadiz.(1) Don Miralles is now in this Town & yesterday receiv'd a letter from his Agent at Chs. Town advisg that his ship was taken by a British ship of War, retaken by a privateer belonging to one of the Eastern States on this Continent. The ship is called the Nuestra Senora Del Carmen, Don Francisco Pruna Masr., sail'd from Cha. Town 27th March last, she had a Spanish Register, and cleared as from the Havanna directly for Cadiz, for a covering, in case she was examined by a British armed Vessell. As it is probable this Vessell may be brought into some of the Eastern Ports, if within your district, I must desire you would enter a claim in behalf of said Don Juan D Miralles to both Vessell & Cargo, geting the salvage adjusted agreeable to the resolves of Congress. The expences shall be thankfully repaid you by, Sir, your very Huml Servt, Fra. Lewis RC (PHi). Endorsed: "Given to me by Mrs Elwyn daughter of Governor Langdon . . . R Gilmore, 1829." 1 Don Juan de Miralles, a Cuban landowner fluent in English and French, was an agent of the Spanish government who had been appointed in December 1777 by Diego Jose Navarro, the governor general of Cuba, and directed to proceed to the seat of Congress in the guise of a merchant so that he could there gather intelligence on "the present state of the war, the principal advantages gained by each party and the respective forces, the inclination of both or either to continue the war or to abandon it, and any design prejudicial to Spain and her American possessions which they may attempt." Navarro's December 17, 1777, instructions to Miralles are in Papeles Procedentes de Cuba, Legajo 1290. Archive General de

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Indias, Seville. It should be noted that Navarro launched Miralles' mission on instructions from Jose de Galvez, the minister of the Indies in Madrid, See Galvez to Navarro, August 26. 1777, ibid. For a detailed account of Miralles' career as a Spanish agent in York and Philadelphia, see Herminio Portell-Vila, Los "Otros Extranjeros" en La Revolucion Norteamericana (Miami, Fla.: Ediciones Universal, 1978), pp. 57-92. It is worth noting that Miralles was already acquainted with a few members of Congress before his arrival in York on June 9, though only two of them are mentioned by name in his correspondence with his superiors. The first was John Mathews, with whom Miralles had become acquainted during his stay in Charleston, S.C., from January to April; and the second was Francis Lewis, whom he had met in Edenton, N.C., in May while Lewis was transacting business for the Marine Committee in that state. Miralles' subsequent reports to Navarro and Galvez contain considerable information for the study of Congress and the relations of delegates with foreign agents. In his May 13, 1778, letter to Navarro, for example, written from Edenton N.C., where he arrived on May 10, Miralles explained his introduction to Lewis as follows. "The very day I arrived in this city I had an opportunity to speak to the Honourable Francis Lewis, one of the members of Congress who is commissioned by it to make certain contracts having to do with supplying the American Army. He has been very courteous to me and has introduced me to the leading citizens of the city [Edenton] . . . and he has offered to accompany me to the site of the Congress, where he is going to take his seat. I have become acquainted with more than six members of the Congress and I hope they will make possible my friendship with all the others, which will make my life in the provinces more pleasant." And he recounted another meeting with Lewis in his May 16 dispatch to Navarro. "As soon as notice of the treaty [of alliance with France] was received in this city [Edenton] the Municipal Council planned a great banquet for all citizens on the following day, which was yesterday. To it were invited the Frenchmen most conspicuous here, employees of the merchant ships of their nation come to trade here. I was invited also and they seated me on the right hand of the master of ceremonies, the Honourable Francis Lewis. It is impossible to exaggerate the universal pleasure which this news has given the inhabitants of this city, who hope that our Court will join in the treaty. After dinner there followed thirteen toasts, each one followed by thirteen cannon shots. The sixth was for the health of Louis WI, the Most Christian King of France, and the seventh for our Catholic Monarch Sire, Don Carlos 111. It did not escape notice that they had placed in the middle those worthy sovereigns with whom they should have begun." Writing from Baltimore on June 6 to Jose de Galvez, Miralles also explained an interesting conversation he had had, while passing through Williamsburg, with Gov. Patrick Henry, "who overwhelmed me with the most courteous expressions." "They all hope for war between Spain and England," Miralles reported, "and I believe that news of it would cause as much pleasure as did the alliance of France with these united provinces. "The Governor told me of having received on the 26th of last month a report that a party of men from Virginia authorized by him and another party of Americans sent by the Congress had gone down the Ohio river to the Mississippi and had captured the settlements and forts which the English had in Nachitoches and in the Illinois and had seized a 20-gun ship and other ships loaded with indigo worth 4,000 pounds sterling. Governor Henry suggested to me the ease with which the province of Mississippi or Movila, and Panzacola, which France and Spain ceded to England, could be captured by sending the Americans who are in Nachitoches and others as well if it seemed necessary down to join the garrison of Nueva Orleans, whose Governor could command the expedition. He said that the

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province of San Augustin de la Florida could be taken by part of the troops of the provinces of South Carolina and Georgia near Florida. He gave me this plan, written by his own hand, dated the 20th of last month and signed with his two initials, P.H., and told me that he would propose it to the Congress directly. I think that his plan is easy to carry out...." Miralles' letters from Edenton and Baltimore to Navarro and Galvez are in Papeles Procedentes de Cuba, Legajo 1281. For his first report to Navarro after leaching York on June 9, see Henry Laurens to Patrick Henry, June 27, 1778, note 4. Quotations from Miralles' correspondence quoted in this work have been taken from translations provided by Aileen Moore Topping, who has recently completed collecting the voluminous reports from America of Miralles and Francisco Rendon, who succeeded the former upon his death in Philadelphia in 1780.

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott

My Dear, York Town 12 June 1778 I Wrote to you about a Week ago by Skinner, informing of you that I was then well, a Favour which is still continued to me. I wish much to hear from you or rathar to Return home to my Family which I hope I may soon do. It is said that Mr. Hosmere is probably on his way, if so I suppose Mr. Elsworth or Adams is with him. Brown I suppose will be here in a few days by whom I hope to hear from you. The Schollars I see by the Hartford Paper are called upon to attend at N Haven. I imagine this Measure is an impracticable one. While Things are in their present Situation in our State I cannot believe that the Students can be Subsisted at N Haven. But you will either Send Oliver there or not as you shall judge expedient. Whatever has lately occurred here has been communicated in my Letter to Mr. Reeve.(1) The Enemy will endeavour if possible to divide the Americans, but I believe that it will not be in their Power. Congress are united and firm not to enter into any kind of Negotiation but upon the acknowledged Principles of our Independence. This is an interesting Period. But I beleive that the same Merciful Providence which has hitherto saved us will bring the present Controversy to a happy issue. My Love to my Children and Freinds. Your's Affectionately, Oliver Wolcott RC (CtHi). 1 Wolcott's letter to Tapping Reeve has not been found.

Samuel Adams to James Warren

My dear sir, York Town June I3 1778 Since my last I have seen a List of the new Councillors & Representatives of our State. I am sorry to find that your Name is

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not in the List. I presume you declind the Choice, which I still very much disapprove of, for Reasons you have before heard me mention.(1) By the inclosd News Paper you will see that the Scene begins to open. You may depend upon it that Congress will not attend to my Propositions until Independence is acknowledgd. The Day before yesterday, we were informd by a Letter from General Washington that Sr. H. Clinton had requested a Passport for Dr Ferguson Secretary to the British Kings Commissioners who was chargd with a Letter from them to Congress; and that he had acquainted Sr Henry that he could not grant the Request till he should receive the Directions of Congress. In the Midst of a Debate on the Report of a Committee on this Subject,(2) the Letters were brought in, having been receivd by our General & forwarded.(3) This Mode of Conveyance suited the Inclination of the House, they being, as I thought, at that Juncture ready to assent to a Proposition approving of the Generals Conduct in refusing to grant a Passport to the Messenger, and expressing themselves content that he should receive the Message & send it by a Messenger of his own. The Contents of the Letter, as far as they were read, appeard extraordinary indeed & showd plainly that their Design was to draw us back to a Subjection to their King. Some Expressions in the Letter gave particular Disgust to all the Members. The House adjournd till Monday when I think I may assure you the subject will be treated with becoming Spirit and Propriety. I wish you would speak to some leading Member in the House of Representatives relating to the Resolution which was offerd concerning Dr. Lee. I have a Reason which strongly influences me to wish that such a Resolution may now pass. Justice & Policy as well as Gratitude require it. There are a few bad Men, one of whom you are not unacquainted with, who, so far from desiring that Respect should be shown to that patriotick & highly deserving Gentleman would rejoyce to see him disgrac'd. My friendly Regards to your good Lady and all Friends. Adieu. RC (MHi). In Adams' hand, though not signed. 1 In a May 31 letter to Adams, which Adams obviously had not yet received, Warren suggested that John Hancock's "party" was responsible for keeping him out of the state government. "It may not satisfy you to carry it to the Account only of the versatility and Caprice of Mankind. They have had their Effects, but they would not do alone. Envy and the Ambition of some people has aided them, and the policy or rather what you will call the Cunning of a party here, who have set up an Idol they are determined to worship with or without reason has had the greatest. They have even made use of the Tories to prevent my being Chose by my Town, who made their Appearance on this Occasion for the first Time for seven Years. The partiality of you and the rest of my friends has made me an object of great Importance with this party, and every thing is done to get me out of sight. In short the plan is to Sacrifise you and me to the Shrine of

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their Idol, I hope for the sake of the Character and Interest of our Country they wont Succeed against you." Warren-Adams Letters, 2:13-14. Significantly, John Pickering, a political ally of John Hancock, replaced Warren as speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives when the general court assembled. William Fowler, The Baron of Beacon Hill. A Biography of John Hancock (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1980), p. 229. 2 See Committee of Congress Proposed Report, June 11, 1778, note. 3 Under the cover of his June 11 letter to President Laurens, Washington had enclosed a packet of letters and documents from the earl of Carlisle, William Eden and George Johnstone, the three British peace commissioners who had arrived in Philadelphia on June 6. These included a June 9 letter to Congress from the three commissioners describing the terms on which they hoped to negotiate a reconciliation and asking for a meeting with Congress "either collectively or by deputation"; a copy of their commission from the king; and texts of the three conciliatory acts recently passed by Parliament. See Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:46; and Davies, Documents of the American Revolution, 15:135-37. The RC of the commissioners' June 9 letter is in the Peter Force Collection, DLC, as are a number of other original documents pertaining to their mission. At first Congress was uncertain how to respond to the British overture. President Laurens began reading the commissioners' letter to the delegates on the same day it was received, but when he came to an insulting reference to the French alliance-"the insidious interposition of a power which has from the first settlement of these colonies been actuated with enmity to us both"-he was interrupted by Gouverneur Morris, who moved that no further action be taken on the letter "because of the offensive language against his most Christian majesty." After extended debate on this motion, however, Congress rejected it on June 16 and proceeded to read the letter from the commissioners as well as their royal commission and the three acts of Parliament. It then appointed a committee consisting of Samuel Adams, William Henry Drayton, Richard Henry Lee, Gouverneur Morris, and John Witherspoon to consider these documents. Lee and Witherspoon both produced draft replies to the commissioners, but the one Congress approved on June 17 for transmission as a presidential letter was the work of Morris and reiterated Congress' position that peace negotiations were impossible unless the British agreed to recognize American independence or withdrew their army and navy from the United States. See JCC, 11:605-6, 608-11, 614-15; Lee's and Witherspoon's Draft Letters to the Carlisle Commissioners, June 16; Laurens to the Carlisle Commissioners, June 17; and

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Drayton and Morris also replied unofficially to the commissioners in lengthy pseudonymous letters that originally appeared in the June 20 issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette and that are printed in this volume under the dates June 17 and June 20 respectively.

Henry Laurens to Horatio Gates

Sir York Town 13th June 1778 I had the honor of writing to you Yesterday by Messenger Boldon. Within the present Inclosure you will receive an Act of Congress for repelling hostilities of the unfriendly Indians by carrying the War into their Towns & granting for that purpose 932,743 1/3 Dollars. The News Paper Inclosed will shew you a late correspondence between Philadelphia & Congress.(1)

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Congress will some time to day determine on a proper answer to Sir H. Clinton's late attempt to obtain a Passport for Doctor Ferguson Secretary to the Commissioners to attend them at York Town without previously announcing the subject of his errand.* I have the honor to be, With great Regard & Esteem, Sir, Your obedient & Most humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress [P.S.] This Messenger (2) having been long detained stands in need of Money. I have supplyed him with Sixty Dollars, please to inform the proper Officer. *While Congress were this Morning in debate on this subject a large Packet from Head Quarters was ushered into the House & delivered to me. I suggested that this, holding up the Packet, might prove an attempt to mend the whole, & so it happened. Doctor Ferguson had proceeded with a Flag to Radnor but finding he could not obtain a Passport left his dispatches which were under a superb direction & triple Seals, the device of the latter, a fond Mother embracing returning Children, both, no doubt, projected for the occasion-here honour & duty bid me stop. Congress having heard me read two Pages of the Commissioners address gave me direction to seal up the whole & adjourned to Monday Morning. I have a confidence in Congress that their future determination on this important subject will give the People satisfaction & do themselves honor on both sides the Atlantic. Governor Johnson is liberal in addresses to particular persons, under his single signature, among others he has honoured me with a Letter much too polite to be sincere-he has sent me Letters from my old & best freinds in London all tending to the same point to wheedle us into resubjection, but if I do not misinterpret the intimations of one, a Man of as good sense as any in G Britain, & high in Esteem with the first Men on both sides at Court, these same Commissioners now are, or very soon will be, possessed of such Powers as will be acceptable at the Court House of York Town. You will be pleased Sir to receive this P.S. as the private respects of Your obliged & obedient servant, Henry Laurens [P.S.] Lord Carlisle & Comp the Commissioners, adventured the 10th Inst under an escort of Light Troops to take an airing as far as German Town. I am in hopes if they repeat this frolic, which is certainly calculated for shewing themselves to the people, they will be introduced to an audience under an Escort of our own. RC (NHi), 1 This day's issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette contained Laurens' recent correspondence with Lord Howe and Sir Henry Clinton on the subject of the Carlisle

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peace commission, for which see William Henry Drayton's Draft Letter to Lord Howe, June 6, 1778, note 1. 2 Identified by Laurens in the presidential letterbook copy of this letter as "Simon Crugier," the messenger who apparently was also to carry Laurens' June 14 letter to Gen. John Sullivan. PCC, item 13, 1:366, 368.

Henry Laurens to Patrick Henry

Sir 13th June [1778] I had the honor of writing to you 'the 9th by Barry.(1) In the Act for laying an Embargo then transmitted, there should have been an addition of a clause which I apprehend was omitted, and therefore I trouble Your Excellency with a Copy inclosed and beg leave to refer to it.(2) Your Excellency will also find inclosed two other Acts of Congress viz. 10th June Requesting Your Excellency to purchase under a limitation certain articles for the use of these United States from on board the French ship Le feir Roderique.(3) And I am ordered to intimate to Your Excellency to take the opinion of persons properly skilled, respecting the prime cost and a comparative quality of the Goods, particularly that of shoes. Ilth June for raising troops to repel the hostilities of Indians by carrying the War into their Countries and for granting 932,743I/3 Dollars for that purpose.(4) I have the honor to be &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 See Laurens to Richard Caswell, June 9, 1778, note 6. 2 Laurens also enclosed a text of the omitted clause of the June 8 embargo resolve with a brief covering letter he wrote this day to Gov. Thomas Johnson of Maryland. Red Books, MdAA. The clause Laurens sent to Henry and Johnson has not been identified. See JCC, 11:578-79. 3 Governor Henry's July 4 response to Laurens on the subject of this congressional request is in Henry, Patrick Henry, 3:178-79. 4 Congress agreed to postpone this expedition on July 25 after reading Governor Henry's pessimistic assessment of it in his July 8 reply to Laurens' letter. See Laurens to David Espy and Others, May 17, 1778, note.

Henry Laurens to John Laurens

My Dear Son 13 June [1778] I thank you for your very sensible Letter of the 11th which came with the General's dispatches at past 1 o'clock just as Congress were about to adjourn.(1) How came those important papers to travel so very tardily?

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Congress I think determined properly to reflect a little, and I have no doubt but that on Monday their Resolutions will be equally proper. I must in the course of duty send a special Messenger to His Excellency the General tomorrow Morning, by him I shall write again, probably he will be with you before this. This is chiefly intended to recommend to your Civilities Mons. Du Cambray and Captain Cottineau, both these Gentlemen I believe have Letters of introduction to General Washington. If a certain Gentleman(2) should again venture to Germantown I wish he may be personally introduced at your Head Quarters by an Escort of Our Light Horse. He relies much upon the Letters which he has brought to private persons, many of which will not be so frankly and openly transmitted as those to you and me. I have no doubt of his circulating such by means of a few people now in Philada. among whom in my private opinion Mr. Thos. Willing is the most dangerous. There is a connection from that Quarter which I hold to be dangerous because not enough suspected. I Am &c.(3) LB (ScHi). 1 John Laurens' June 11 letter to his father is in Simms, Laurens Army Correspondence, pp. 183-85. 2 George Johnstone. 3 This day Laurens also wrote a brief letter to Col. Leonard Marbury of Georgia, acknowledging "the favor of your Letter of the 7th Inst. together with Sundry dispatches from Georgia which have been presented to Congress." Laurens Papers, ScHi. Marbury's letter has not been found, but for a list of the documents from Georgia that he transmitted to Congress, see JCC, 11:622, which indicates that they were not presented to Congress until June 19. See also Laurens to John Houstoun, June 22, 1778.

James Lovell to Abigail Adams

June 13th. 1778 York Town Amiable tho unjust Portia! doubly unjust!-to yourself, and to me. Must I only write to you in the Language of Gazettes, enumerating, on the Part of Britain, Acts of Deceit, Insolence and Cruelty; or, on the part of America, Instances of Patience under repeated Losses, Fortitude under uncommon Hardships, and Humanity under the grossest Provocations to Revenge? Must I suppress Opinion, Sentiment and just Encomium upon the Gracefullness of a lovely suffering Wife or Mother? It seems I must or be taxed as a Flatterer. Immured for many Months in a Prison, and, upon escape from thence, confined in a narrow Circle, with He-Creatures, drudging, plodding Politicians, for an equally tedious Period of Time, I did not suspect that my Pen could now run in such a Stile of social In-

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tercourse as to provoke a delicate Judge among the Polishers of the Manners of our Race to call me Adulator. After having called you unjust, I will not set so light by my Decission as to venture to make, to you, any Remarks upon the remaining Parts of your Letter now before me, whether original or quoted. I will content myself, as I have done for a Month back, with secret Admiration. Mr. Thaxter sending a Course of printed Papers,(1) it becomes unnecessary for me at this Time to try my Hand at paragraph Writing. But I cannot omit to say that I hardly conceive it possible that your Information of the Capture of the Boston can be good, as neither the Fishkill nor Pokipsie Gazettes mention it; and their Publishers are more in the Way than you to know what is the News in the City of New York. I do not mention this to cheat you with false Hope; for, be assured, I think you qualified to hear bad News. And I will prove that this is not Flattery; for I will give you whatever comes to my Knowledge in Regard to my worthy Friend, your dearest, be it good or bad. And I will continue to esteem you for many good Qualities, though you make your Slips now and then by calling Names and misconstruing the honest Sentiments of Your sincere humble Servant, James Lovell RC (MHi). Adams, Family Correspondence (Butterfield), 3:43-44. 1 In his June 13 letter to Abigail, which is in the Adams Papers, MHi, John Thaxter inclosed copies of some Pennsylvania newspapers, probably including a copy of the Pennsylvania Gazette of June 13 containing documents relative to the Carlisle commission.

Massachusetts Delegates to Massachusetts Council

Sir York Town June 13th. 1778. The Intelligence which Congress has very lately received of the Enemies repeated Depredations in the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations gave Occasion to the passing of the inclosed Resolution:(1) But, such has been the Attention of the Massachusetts Bay to the Safety of all these united States as renders it needless for us to enlarge upon the Necessity of their turning an immediate Attention to the Relief of one in their own Neighbourhood which now bears a large Share in the Calamities of War. We request that you would lay the Resolution before the General Assembly as an Apology for this Letter. For, supposing them to have before this Time been made fully acquainted with the Circumstances of Rhode Island, we will not doubt but that they are taking such vigorous Measures in Consequence as to supersede all Necessity for the Resolve which furnishes this particular Occasion of our professing ourselves with much Respect, Sir, Your very humble Servants,

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Samuel Adams Fra Dana E Gerry James Lovell RC (M-Ar). Written by Lovell and signed by Lovell, Adams, Dana, and Gerry. 1 Earlier this day Congress had directed the delegates from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut to write to their respective states urging them to raise troops for the planned Rhode Island expedition commanded by Gen. John Sullivan. See JCC, 11:605; and Henry Laurens to John Sullivan, June 14, 1778.

Henry Laurens to George Johnstone

Dear Sir, York-Town June 14. 1778.(1) Yesterday I was honoured with your favour of the 10th,(2) and thank you for the transmission of those from my dear and worthy friends Mr. Oswald and Mr. Manning.(3) Had Doctor Ferguson been the bearer of these papers, I should have shewn that Gentleman every degree of respect and attention, that times and circumstances admit of. It is, Sir, for Great-Britain to determine whether her Commissioners shall return unheard by the Representatives of these United States, or revive a friendship with the Citizens at large, and remain among us as long as they please. You are undoubtedly acquainted with the only terms upon which Congress can treat for accomplishing this good end; terms from which, although writing in a private character, I may venture to assert, with great assurance, they never will recede, even admitting the continuance of hostile attempts, and that, from the rage of war, the good people of these States shall be driven to commence a treaty westward of yonder Mountains. And permit me to add, Sir, as my humble opinion, the true interest of Great Britain, in the present advance of the Contest, will be found in confirming our Independence. Congress in no hour have been haughty, but to suppose that their minds are less firm in the present, than they were, when, destitute of all foreign aid, even without expectation of an alliance, when, upon a day of general public fasting and humiliation, in their House of Worship and in the presence of God, they Resolved, "to hold no conference or Treaty with any Commissioners on the part of GreatBritain, unless they shall, as preliminary thereto, either withdraw their Fleets and Armies, or, in positive and express terms, acknowledge the Independence of these States," would be irrational.(4) At a proper time, Sir, I shall think myself highly honoured, by a personal attention, and by contributing to render every part of these States agreeable to you; but until the basis of mutual confidence shall be established, I believe, Sir, neither former private friendship,

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nor any other consideration, can influence Congress to consent that even Governor Johnstone, a Gentleman who has been so deservedly esteemed in America, shall see the Country. I have but one voice, and that shall be against it. But let me intreat you, my Dear Sir, do not hence conclude that I am deficient in affection to my old Friends, through whose kindness I have obtained the honour of the present correspondence, or that I am not with very great personal respect and esteem, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant, Henry Laurens Reprinted from Pennsylvania Gazette, June 20, 1778. Addressed: "The Hon. George Johnstone, Esq Philadelphia." Laurens sent a copy of this letter to Washington on June 18 that is virtually identical to the text printed here. See Laurens to Washington, June 18, 1778. 1 Laurens originally planned to send a private reply to Johnstone's June 10 letter, but because corresponding with the enemy was treasonable under Pennsylvania law and considered impolitic by many delegates, he decided instead to allow William Henry Drayton to arrange for publication of his letter in the Pennsylvania Gazette. See Laurens to John Laurens, and Thomas McKean to Ceasar Rodney, June 17, 1778. 2 Johnstone's June 10 letter to Laurens, which was also printed in the June 20 issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette, reads as follows. "I beg to transfer to my friend Dr. Ferguson, the private civilities which my friends Mr. Manning and Mr. Oswald request in my behalf. He is a man of the utmost probity, and of the highest esteem in the Republic of Letters. "If you should follow the example of Britain in the hour of her insolence, and send us back without a hearing, I shall hope, from private friendship, that I may be permitted to see the country, and the worthy characters she has exhibited to the world, upon making the request in any way you may point out." 3 William Manning's April 11 and Richard Oswald's April 12, 1778, letters to Laurens are in the Laurens Papers, ScHi. Manning, was a London banker and the father-in-law of John Laurens; Oswald, an old acquaintance of Laurens', was a Scottish merchant living in London who later served as one of the British negotiators of the Treaty of Paris. See David D. Wallace, The Life of Henry Laurens (New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1915), pp. 50, 126, 464-65. 4 For the April 22, 1778, resolve quoted here by Laurens, see JCC, 10:379.

Henry Laurens to John Sullivan

Sir 14 June [1778] I have been honoured with your several favors of the 26th and 31st May which were duly presented to Congress, the commands which I have received thereon are contained in the inclosed Resolve of the 13th to which I beg leave to refer.(1) I have sent to the Delegates of the three States mentioned in the Resolve to hasten their dispatches, and have not to add, but assurances of being, With great Regard & Esteem &c.(2) LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 General Sullivan's May 26 and 31 letters to Laurens, which were read in

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Congress on June 8 and 11, described recent British depredations in Rhode Island and the deficiency of arms among Rhode Island troops. See PCC, item 160, fols. 125-30; JCC, 11:576, 585; and Sullivan, Papers (Hammond), 2:57-59, 62-63. In consequence of these letters Congress resolved on June 13 to request the delegates of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire to urge their states to send reinforcements to Rhode Island. See JCC, 11:605. 2 Laurens noted in his private letterbook that this day he also sent Sullivan "on a quarter of a sheet the current news and a newspaper." Laurens Papers, ScHi. This "sheet" has not been found.

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Sir, York Town 14th June 1778 My last to Your Excellency went by Davis, dated the 11th. Between one & two oClock yesterday the Packet which Your Excellency sent to Congress accompanied by Your Excellency's favor of the 11th was brought into the House, among other Papers it contained an Address from the British Commissioners to Congress, at that minute Congress were determining on a proper reply to be given to Sir H Clinton's application for a Passport for Doctor Ferguson, I was ordered to read the Address, when I had advanced to the second Page, the House directed me to Seal up all the Papers & adjourned to Monday Morning. Your Excellency will be pleased to receive within the present Inclosure an Act of Congress of the 9th Inst. for adjusting Rations due to Officers in the Army-& also an Act for Repelling the attempts of hostile Indians & granting 932,7431/3 Dollars for that service.(1) Congress have ordered a Brevet to Major Mullins to Rank as Lieutt. Colonel the 11th Inst. And a Commission of Lt. Colonel the 1 3th to Monsr Du Cambray to be annexed to the Corps of Engineers.(2) I have the honor to be, With the highest Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your Excellency's Most Obedt. servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress. RC (DLC). 1See JCC, 11 :581-82, 587-91. 2 See JC C, I 1: 586, 604-5.

Joseph Reed to Robert Morris

Dear Sir Mr Nixon's Sunday Afternoon June 14, 1778]. I think the common Forms of Civility & Politeness require that I should answer Governor Johnstones Letter-but as such Correspon-

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dence is of a delicate Nature & liable to Misrepresentation I did not chuse to forward my Letter untill I had submitted it to better Judgment than my own, & have therefore taken the Liberty to leave it for your Perusal, that if there are any improper Sentiments I may revise it.1 My Boy will call for it in the Morning. I have also left the Governour's Letter as the Complimts. contained made it disagreeable to me to read it entire the other Day. I am with due Regard, Sir, Your Obed. Hbble Serv. Jos. Reed RC (DLC). 1 Reed had enclosed for Morris' "Perusal" his draft of a letter to George Johnstone written in response to Johnstone's April 11, 1778, letter to him. For the text of these two documents, see Reed to Johnstone, June 15, 1778. The following day Reed also sent a copy of this draft under cover of a similar letter to George Washington, soliciting the general's advice on the propriety of his reply to Johnstone. Reed's letter to Washington has not survived, but for Washington's June 15 reply to Reed, see Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:59.

to Charles Carroll, Sr.

Dear Papa, 15th P.M. June 1778. I have yours of the 10th. It gives me pleasure to hear Molly is well; my love to her & her Mama. I wrote to you in my last to send Sam off with my horses, so as to be here before the 20th instant imagining Chase would be here before that day; but he writes me he shall not be here before the 23d. I would not have Sam come before the 23d as it will be difficult to procure Stable room for my horses. If Sam should set off from Doohoragen the 23d he will be here time enough; Pray do not forget to send me £100 by Sam. The Commissioners Ld. Carlile, Willm. Eden, & Govr. Johnstone have written a letter to his Excellency Hen. Laurens Esqr. & the other members of Congress. Had they offered such terms before the Declaration of Independance, they would have restored peace & tranquility to the British Empire, but being short of Independance are now inadmissible. I believe we shall return an answer to morrow; it will be in the spirit of our Resolves of the 23d [i.e. 22d] April. They must either withdraw their fleets & armies, or acknowledge our Independance, otherwise we shall not treat with them. This is our ultimatum: and a good one upon every principle of justice, Policy & Interest. The Enemy still hold Pha. and perhaps, notwithstanding appearances to the contrary, they may continue to hold it until they are driven from thence by the superiority of our arms, which will not happen so soon as I could wish.

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When do you think of going to the Springs? Let me know this in your next. Wishing you health I remain, yr. affectionate Son, Ch. Carroll of Carrollton P.S. The Commissioners' letter will be published in next Saturday York Gazette. I shall send it you by the first opportunity. RC (MdHi).

Robert Morris to Joseph Reed

Dear Sir At Mr. Nixon's, June 15th 1778 I admit that a Correspondence between People in Public Stations on opposite sides of this unhappy Contest is delicate in its Nature & liable to misrepresentation, therefore I shall carefully remember the propriety of those Sentiments you have offered to Governor Johnstone in the letter you have submitted to my inspection for that purpose.(1) Persons who think so justly & express themselves so Elegantly as Mr. Reed, have little occasion for other Mens judgement on their performances & I have neither the Vanity to think myself deserving of the Compliment you are pleased to pay, nor presumption to think of amending what you have done. Indeed I am certain the Governor must approve and Your Country applaud Your Sentiments. I am Dear Sir, Your Obedt Hble Servt, Robt Morris RC (NHi). 1 See Reed to Morris, June 14, 1778.

New Hampshire Delegates to Meshech Weare

Hond. Sir, York Town Pennsylvania June 15th. 1778 Congress having receiv'd advice by Letters from General Sullivan of the late Ravages of the British Troops in his Department, & of his present inability to prevent the like in future should they come out with any considerable force have directed the Delegates of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay & Connecticutt to address the Legislatures of their respective States, requesting them forthwith to send forward their Quotas of Troops destined for the defence of the State of Rhode Island.(1) Tho' We think there is no reason to doubt but that the Quota of our State will be raised and Marched, before this reaches you: Yet, in Obedience to the Orders of Congress, we cannot do less than solicit your Attention to a Matter so important in its Consequences,

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that if by any means our State should be wanting in that respect, Your immediate Care might supply the Deficiency. We have only to add our hearty Wishes that this & every other Exertion of the State in defence of every thing valuable may be attended with the best Success. We are with great Esteem, Sir, your Obet very humle Servants, Josiah Bartlett John Wentworth Junr RC (MHi). Written by Wentworth and signed by Wentwort and Bartlett. 1 See Massachusetts Delegates to the Massachusetts Council, June 13, 1778, note.

Joseph Reed to George Johnstone

Sir Head Quarters June 13 [i.e. 15], 1778 I take the earliest Oppy. to acknowledge your Favour of the 30 April (1) & to thank you for your obliging Care in forwarding the Packets which accompanied it. The Partiality of my Friends in England has greatly overrated my Services & Consequence in the present Dispute;(2) I claim little other Merit beyond that of Zeal for the Interests of my Country & entertaining a very high Veneration for those illustrious Characters who have long tho unsuccessfully patronized her Rights & those of Mankind. America, Sir, has seen & admired your seasonable tho' unavailing Efforts to prevent the Dismemberment of the British Empire & place us on the great & generous Scale of equal Freedom with yourselves.(3) This must be your Consolation as it is your Glory, while the Event affords a most instructive Lesson to other Nations & Senates how to treat in future their Johnstone's & their Barry's, their Chathams & their Camden's. If it is within the Line of human Events to reconcile the People of this Country to a Submission to the Sovereignty of Brittain (4) the Ministry has in this Appointment (really honoured by Your Acceptance) shewn some Degree of Wisdom, as it may rescue them from the Imputation of repeating an insiduous Manuevre to divide, disarm, & enslave us.(5) But you will so soon receive the Sense of Congress on this important Point that any Opinion from me would be equally useless & improper. I will only say that after the unparallel'd Injuries & Insults this Country has received from the Men who now direct the Affairs of Brittain, a Negotiation under their Auspices has much to struggle with. I speak from no Authority but I can easily conceive that America would willingly exchange the Calamities of War for the Blessings of Peace & prove as faithful in Alliance as she has been great in Arms. If therefore the Resolution of Congress should be unfriendly to your present Views, if they should suppose

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that all Confidence & Affection the only Grounds of Harmony & surest Support of all Government are so erased as to leave no Hope of a happy Reunion, I cannot but Hatter myself that Men of Virtue & enlarged Views on both Sides of this great Question will endeavour to close the Scene of Blood on the only Terms now practicable & that Great Brittain will give up her visionary Schemes of Conquest & Empire for the solid Benefits she may yet derive from our Amity & Commerce. I will even hope, Sir, for your Aid in so good a Work. Should the same fatal Influences which blasted your firm salutary Counsils again frustrate your humane & generous Purpose, come to America, the future Asylum of the brave & virtuous from every Quarter of the Globe. She will think herself honoured to receive unto her Bosom so illustrous a Citizen, his Eloquence will not then be spent in vain nor his eminent Worth pass unrewarded. My Desire to make the earliest Acknowledgment of the Honour you have done me has prevented my troubling you with a few Lines for my Friends in England who are interested in the Welfare of my Family. My Brothers Letter (6) & the Politeness of yours encourages me to take this Liberty which I shall do by some early Oppy. Too many cannot present themselves to shew the very great Respect & Esteem with which I am Sir, Your Sincere Admirer & most Obed. Hbble Servt. Jos. Reed FC (DLC). In the hand of Joseph Reed and addressed: "The Honorable George Johnstone Esqr., One of the Commissioners &c. &c. &c." Now located in the Washington Papers, this copy is apparently the final draft of Reed's reply to Johnstone that Washington requested from Reed on June 15. It is virtually identical to the text of the reply to Johnstone that Reed published in a 1779 pamphlet except that therein he rendered the dateline "Camp at Valley-Forge, June 14, 1778." Joseph Reed, Remarks on Governor Johnstone's Speech in Parliament . . . (Philadelphia: Francis Bailey, 1779), pp. 13-16. The first draft of this letter, sharper in tone and much longer than the final draft, is in the Reed Papers, NHi. Major variations between the two are set forth in the notes below. Reed apparently sent copies of a slightly revised version of his first draft to Robert Morris and to Washington for their evaluation. One of these, in a clerical hand and signed by Reed, may be the copy that is in the Sol Feinstone Collection, DLC microfilm. It varies only slightly from Reed's first draft-except for the addition of a single sentence inserted in braces in the excerpt quoted in note 5 below. It is easy to imagine that Reed recopied his original draft (now in NHi), for either Morris or Washington, making slight revisions and adding a sentence in the process, and then employed a clerk to transcribe this copy for the other intended recipient. Morris suggested no revisions, but Washington clearly did, and Reed subsequently produced the text printed here for Washington's second perusal. See Reed to Robert Morris, June 14; Morris to Reed, June 15, 1778; and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:59. Whether this revision or another version was ever sent to Johnstone is open to question. In the postscript of his June 15 letter to President Laurens, Reed obviously had not yet made up his mind on how to respond, deciding at the time to send only "a bare complimentary Letter of Acknowledgment which is not worth troubling you with." And in his 1779 summary of the incident he wrote: "After reading [Johnstone's] letter, I gave it into the hands of General Washington, and

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two or three other Gentlemen at Head-Quarters, who returned it to me without any remark. In a few days after, I wrote an answer, which I communicated to Mr. Morris, one of the Delegates for Pennsylvania, then at camp, who returned it to me with a general approbation. I afterwards shewed it to General Washington, asking his friendly opinion of it, which he gave, by telling me, he thought some of the complimentary part might be spared. Upon which I abridged it, and having shewn it to the General, he approved it, and I left it at Head-Quarters to be forwarded with other letters. Whether this letter ever reached Governor Johnstone, I do not know, but I rather believe that it failed by some accident." Reed, Remarks on Governor Johnstone's Speech, pp. 12-13. 1 Actually Reed was responding to a letter from Johnstone dated April 11, 1778, the original of which is in the Peter Force Collection, DLC. His letter to Reed was one of several he had written to prominent Americans in his attempt to marshall support privately for the overtures being made simultaneously and officially by the Carlisle commissioners. "Your near & worthy relation Mr. Dennis De Berdt," Johnstone had written to Reed, "has made me happy by favoring me with a Letter to you. I had been informed by General Robertson of your great worth & Consequence in the unhappy disputes that have subsisted between Great Britain & her dependants. Your Pen & your Sword have both been used with glory & advantage in Vindicating the Rights of Mankind & of that community of which you was a Part. Such a Conduct as the first & Superior of all Human dutys must ever Command my Warmest Freindship & Veneration. "In the midst of those affecting Scenes my feeble Voice has not been wanting to stop the Evils in their Progress & to remove on a large and Liberal footing the Causes of all Jealousy That every Subject of the Empire might live Equally free & Secure in the Enjoyments of the blessings of Life Not one Part dependant on the Will of another with opposite Interests But a general Union on Terms of perfect Security & mutual Advantage. During the Contest I am free to Confess my wishes have ever been that America might so far Prevail as to oblige this Country to See their Error & to reflect & reason fairly in the Case of others, Heirs to the Same Privileges with themselves. It has pleased God in his Justice so to dispose of Events that this Kingdom is at length convinced of her folly & her Faults. A Commission under Parliamentary Authority is now Issued for Settling in a Manner Consistent with that Union of Force on which the Safety of both Parties Depend all the differences that have or can Subsist between Great Britain & America Short of a total Seperation of Interests. In this Commission I am an unworthy Associate, tho' no man can feel the desire of cementing in Peace & Freindship every member of what was called the British Empire Stronger than myself. Yet I am sensible it might have fallen to the Lot of many Persons better Qualified to Attain the End Proposed. All I can claim is Ardent Zeal & upright Intentions. And when I reflect that this negotiation must depend much more upon perfect Integrity than refinement of understanding where a Sensible magnanimous People will See their own Interest & carefully Guard their own honour in every Transaction I am more Inclined to hope from the good will I have always born them I am not altogether Unqualified for the Task. "If it be (as I hope it is) the disposition of Good Men in the Provinces to Prefer freedom in Conjuction with Great Britain to an Union with the ancient Enemy of both, If it is their generous inclination to forget recent Injurys & recall to their remembrance former Benefits I am in hopes we may Yet be greatly Happy. I am Sure the People in America will find in my Brother Commissioners & myself a fair & Chearfull Concurrence in adjusting every Point to their utmost wish not inconsistent as I said before of Interests wch. is the object of our commiss[ion]. "Nothing could Surpass the glory you have acquired in Arms except the generous Magnanimity of meeting on the Terms of Justice & Equality after demonstrating to the World that the fear of Force could have no Influence in that decision .

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"The Man who can be instrumental in bringing us all to act once more in Harmony & to unite together the Various Powers which this Contest has drawn forth will deserve more from the King & the People from Patriotism, Humanity, Friendship and all the Tender ties that are reflected by the Quarrel & reconciliation that ever was Yet bestowed on human Kind. "This Letter from Mr. De Berdt I Shall consider as an Introduction to you, which Line of communication I shall Endeavor by Every means to Improve by Publick Demonstration of respect or Private Freindship as your Answer may enable me." 2 Reads "in this unhappy Contest" in the NHi draft. 3 In the place of this sentence, Reed had written the following passage in the NHi draft: "But with these Sentiments I want your own elegant Pen & forcible Language to express how much I feel my Character enobled, & my Life dignified by the Approbation of a Man the Ornament of his own Country & the most endeared & approved Friend to this. America, Sir, has seen & felt with fervent Gratitude your early disinterested & unremitted Labours to avert the heavy Calamities which your enlightened Mind discerned & pointed out while at a distance; your seasonable tho unavailing Efforts to prevent the Dismemberment of the British Empire & place us on the great & generous Scale of equal Freedom with yourselves." 4 Reads "to a Reunion with Brittain" in the NHi draft. 5 At this point in the NHi draft Reed had written the two following long denunciatory paragraphs, which he only partially incorporated into the remainder of this paragraph in the final draft. "But whatever may be their Intentions the Day of Reconciliation & Dependance is past, & the Sovereignty of Brittain over this Country gone forever. The Voice of weeping Nature, true Policy & unspotted Honour bids us part-the inexorable Rigour with which our humble Petitions were treated, the cruel edicts which stain your parliamentary annals, the savage barbarities, Insults & outrages which have marked your military Proceedings & the merciless Treatment of our Prisoners, have so eradicated every Particle of ancient Affection & Respect, that there does not remain the smallest Point on which to raise the Superstructure of that Peace which is the Object of your Commission. A Series of Events in which he must be an Infidel indeed who does not discern the temper of him who governs all Nations, have so changed the Views and Inclinations of this Country that a Dependence on your Nation which was once our Glory, Happiness & our Pride would now be deemed our greatest Infamy, & deepest Misfortune. Our Engagements with other Nations who have generously assisted & inabled us to rise to our present Pitch of Respect & now on the Eve or most probably actually engaged in a War in which we are principals bind us by the most sacred Ties of Gratitude & Honour to support the Independance we have declared. It is a Principle of universal Extent (a few Parricides & contemptible Neutrals excepted) a Principle we are resolved to fight, bleed & die for & transmit with our expiring Breath to our Children after us. The Ground, Sir, is irrecoverably changed from Taxation to Empire & nothing remains but the hopeless Prospect of Conquest & unconditional Submission or a federal Union upon rational, fair & Independant Ground. That America would willingly exchange the Calamities of War for such a Peace & prove herself as faithful in Alliance as she has been brave in War, I think not to be questioned & that G. Brittain would derive great & essential Benefits from her Amity & Commerce appears to me equally clear. This perhaps may yet be attained under our present Engagements, if such a Disposition on her Part is manifested by an immediate withdraw of her Fleet & Armies; but how long even this Opportunity of stopping the Effusion of human Blood may continue is extremely uncertain, &, if lost by Delay, as those of Reunion have been, may never be retrieved-but the present Hostilities grow into inveterate Hatred & irreconcilable Enmity. {I flatter myself you will advocate this salutary measure

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from the sentiment that you have so politely and happily expressed that the decisions of a brave and magnanimous people ought not to be influenced by the fear of force.} I should be very undeserving of that Honour of your Attention & Friendship if I flattered you with the smallest Hope of Success in your Commission of reuniting America to the Crown of Great Brittain. I do not therefore animadvert upon the Acts of Parliament upon which your Powers must depend, nor am I curious to know their Extent; I shall only say that there appears no solid Security for those Privileges to which you have so long & ably contended as were justly intitled. All-All is to depend upon the future Fiat of a Parliament governed &- directed by a set of Men Authors of all the Calamities we have suffered &- whom I am at a Loss to determine whether they are most the Objects of our Hatred or Contempt. Pardon me if I say a Negotiation under such Auspices has much to struggle with. Every succeeding Day furnishes fresh Proofs with what frugal Caution a young & ignorant Country unskilled in the Arts of Treaty & Negotiation should bestow their Confidence: from authentick Documents received since your Arrival we find that the Proclamations of the former Commissioners are acknowledged by themselves to be as calculated to deceive S; betray. In their Proclamation of the 30th Novemb. 1776, Pardons were promised to all complying with its Terms without any Exception & yet in their Letter of the same Day & inclosing the same proclamation to Ld. George Germain there are these remarkable Words 'exceptions from his Majesty's Pardon as well as any Prolongation of the Time within which a Pardon may be obtained will be a Matter of future Consideration according to the Circumstances that may arise.' To the Man of Honor & Probity to whom I am now writing this Fact needs no Comment. And for the Safety & Interests of America it must be known to her remotest Shores. All Confidence, the only Ground of Harmony & sure Support of Government being lost, I cannot but hope Men of Virtue [&] enlarged Views on both Sides of this great Question will endeavour to close the bloody Scene on the only Terms now practicable & that Great Brittain will give up her visionary Schemes of Empire &- dependance for the solid Benefits she may yet derive from our Commerce." 6 See Reed to Dennis De Berdt, July 19, 1778.

Joseph Reed to Henry Laurens

Dear Sir Camp near the Valley Forge, June 15. 1778 Your Politeness & Attention during my short Stay at York Town have left such Impressions on my Mind that I cannot but take every Oppy to shew my very sincere Regard & Respect. And as the late Intelligence from England is both interesting & curious I have taken the Liberty to inclose you Extracts from a Letter received from a Relation there formerly Agent for one of the States, & a letter from Governor Johnstone one of the Commissioners lately arrived.(1) If they are not otherwise useful they will for a few Minutes soften & releive that intense Application to Business which adorns the Patriot, while it weakens the Man. To these I have also added a Copy of my Answer to the Governor. The Opinion I have given is so universal on the great Subject of their Commission, that I cannot suppose there is the least Danger that the Reply of Congress will set our Claim upon lower Ground. And as Politeness required an Answer, Sincerity & Candour would not allow me to flatter him. One Part of

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my Brothers Letter which seems to intimate the Admission of our Independance, if claimed by a new Congress chosen after the present Terms are propounded, appears to me to deserve particular Attention as an insidious Manoevre to distract & divide us. Your good Judgment will lead you to make such Use of it as you think best to guard against the Mischief intended-indeed any Use you please of the whole except printing them which I do not conceive myself altogether at Liberty to do. The Fact alluded to in my Letter & [evidence?] of the base Duplicity of the former Commissioners is proved by their Letter laid before the House of Lords last Session of Parliament & now printed in the parliamentary Register sent me among other Papers by Governor Johnstone. Unless it can receive some Explanation I am not capable of giving it I cannot conceive more palpable Treachery & ineffable Meanness. I cannot but congratulate you, Sir, on the respectable Appearance of our Army & their Improvement in Discipline & every soldierly Quality-On the Extinction of every Spark of Discontent & Faction against the best of Men & the Regularity with which the several Departments seem now to be conducted. To the latter I ascribe very much of the former, as the Attention & Care of the General being no longer called off from his Command to exercise the Duties of the Staff, his Time & Talents are devoted more directly to the military Duty of his Troops, the happy Consequences of which are more & more conspicious every Day. I have now been here near two Weeks (great Part of the Time waiting for Mr. Dana to complete the Business of the Arrangement of the Army) & can assure you that in the whole Time I have not heard a single Complaint of those Departments which formerly afforded so many, nor indeed of any other. I will not tax your Politeness with an Answer to this Letter, I know the Nature & Extent of your Engagements do not admit the Waste of a Moment, but I shall nevertheless do myself the Honour of communicating any Occurrencies here which are of Importance & not likely to reach you thro the publick Channel. With every Sentiment of Respect & Esteem I remain, Sir, Your very Obed. Hbble Serv. Jos. Reed P.S. As I have not Time to copy the Governours Letter I have inclosed the original which you will be so obliging as to return me under Cover when you have made what Use you please of it. Upon farther Consideration I have thought best to delay an Answer to the Governours Letter least as the great Subject is under the Consideration of Congress I might say too much or too little & have therefore only concluded to send a bare complimentary Letter of Acknowledgment which is not worth troubling you with. RC (NN) 1 See the preceding entry, note 1. For the "Letter received from a Relation

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there, formerly Agent for one of the States"-Reed's brother-in-law Dennis De Berdt-see Reed to De Berdt, July 19, 1778, note 1.

Joseph Reed to Esther Reed

My dear Hetty Mr Henry's June 15. 1778 I received your Favour of the l2h by the Express together with the Papers for which I thank you; tho I am sorry to learn that you do not recover so fast as you expected. I have had Thoughts of sending Home the Phaeton that you may ride out frequently which I fear you cannnot do at present, & which I think would do you a great deal of good, but the daily Expectation of finishing our Business & returning myself has hitherto prevented. But why do I say finishing--when we have not begun the other Gentleman not being yet arrived. I hope the next Time you write your Health & Spirits will admit a longer Letter, & let me know what Dennis says of himself as he refers me to his Letters to his Mamma & yourself for Family News. The two Letters which accompanied them 1 suppose from the Handwriting to have come from our new Relation. By the Time they must have been wrote, I suppose they were settled down solid Man and Wife & going on in the old patriarchal Style begetting Sons & Daughters. This is a Chance Oppy. being left at Moore Hall to find its Way to you & they are not the most careful there; on this Account I do not inclose your Brothers Letter which is very long & contains many Things both of a private & publick Nature which I would not have get out, but I will forward it by the very first Oppy. On which I can depend. If any offers from your Part of the Country I wish you would get him to call on me here. Or if you can get any Person to come on easy Terms, I want the Hessian Mare to sell & have the little old Horse for him to ride back, but he must remember to bring my Saddle & the blanket I formerly wore under it which lays in the Garret as the little Horse's Back is sore. Col. Lowry writes me he will pay you all possible Attention in any little Matters which from his former Kindness I cannot doubt. He writes me that my Horses are doing well but are very troublesome which I did not expect after making such an Alteration in their Condition. I would have Cyrus endeavour to raise them in Flesh & when he goes of Errands lead them together so as to use them to each other but on no Account to tamper with them in the Grass till I return. I have been disappointed in getting Cows from this Part of the Country so that we must either do with what we have or get them where we are. Ms. Yard has sent me out your Bobbin & a small Bottle of Howe's Acid to make Punch which I will send you by the same Oppy. as your Brothers Letter, but she cannot get out the other Things. I expect the Gentleman from Boston every Day by whom I sent for Lin-

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nen &c. As soon as he arrives will forward my dear Girl what he brings. The British Army would certainly have left Philad. if the Commissioners had not arrived as they did & the prevailing Opinion is that they will go yet-at present it seems a dead Calm. The Commissioners have announced their Arrival to Congress in Form but no Answer is yet received tho hourly expected. We flatter ourselves when the Answer comes they will go off & commence Operations in some other Part of the Country. I have such an Acct. from our Friend in Town as makes me hope this will be the Case. She has sent me a Message desiring me not to leave the Neighbourhood & to come in as soon as possible. None of the Vessels are yet returned but they get the Provisions from Hand to Mouth by Boats. Sam cannot be heard of. I fear he is pressed, but you will judge whether Hannah should know it. I think rather not. I am very impatient to see you & the dear Children, their diverting Prattle & Company makes them every Day more dear. I was very near buying a Poney for Joe the other Day but had Resolution enough to get over the Temptation; I do not know whether I should do as well if it fell in my Way again. Kiss them all for me & endeavour to keep up your Spirits. I would not have you a dull, moping, dejected Wife for the World. As we have our joys & Pleasures, my dear Creature we must not expect them unmixed with some Trouble & Sorrow. It is not the lot of human Nature nor the Portion Providence assigns its Creatures. Let us therefore be resigned & endeavour to be chearful as it conduces to our own Happiness & promotes that of those about us. I repeat again that I long to see you & shall rejoice to hear from you as often as you find Time & Oppy. & am my dear Love with unabated Affection, most sincerely yours, J Reed P.S. Since writing the above our Commissy. of Prisoners has come from Germantown & says Mr. Loring assured him they should leave Philad this Week, that he had embark'd such Prisoners as were not to be exchanged & would send out those that where [were], which he has done this Day. Many other Circumstances concur to make this credible. Their Route will be thro the Jersey but what Parts we can only yet conjecture. The Answer from Congress is momently expected. Ld. Carlisle with his Girl has taken Possession of the Front Part of Mr Powel's House much to Mrs. Powels Mortification I dare say. Once more my Love Adieu. RC (Nhi)

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Francis Dana's Notes

[June 16? 1778](1) The great point may be to draw us into a conference. For this purpose they offer to negotiate upon many matters beyond their powers under the Act of Parliamt. They guard these extra propositions by asking things they cannot imagine we shall grant. Our refusal therefore brings the real matters of negotiation within the Act. But should they accede to those extra propositions, Parliamt. might & wou'd reject them. The King has, or he has not a right to treat with us beyond the limits of the Act. If he has not, every proposition intimated as a ground of treaty without the Act is insidious. If he has, then they may be supposed to be instructed to accede to our claim of independance provided they find peace can be no otherways effected. This they may think necessary if they are informed of the substance of our treaty of Alliance. Is it not wiser for Britain to acknowledge our Independance now, than to refuse it and thereby expose the few colonies she holds in America to be added to the Union. If so we ought to conduct as if she was prepared to do it. The King I think may treat with us by virtue of his prerogative, as Independant States. For are we not in fact such? Hath not our Independance been acknowledged by France? Did she not ground her connection with us upon our having been in full possession of Independance ever since July 1776? Have we not reason to expect other Nations will follow the example of France? MS (NN). In the hand of Francis Dana. 1 These undated notes, and a similar set in the hand of Charles Thomson printed below under this same date, contain the substance of debates over Congress' response to the British peace commissioners' June 9 letter, which was debated on June 13, 15, and 16. For a discussion on the circumstances that led to these debates, see Samuel Adams to James Warren, June 13, 1778, note 3. The committee appointed on June 16 to prepare Congress' response to the commissioners included William Henry Drayton, Richard Henry Lee, Gouverneur Morris, John Witherspoon, and Samuel Adams, in the last of whose collection of personal papers these notes are now located. Dana's notes may have been prepared for a speech he delivered at this time or may simply reflect sentiments he passed on to Adams for the committee's consideration. The fact that Secretary Thomson's notes on the same subject printed below are also located in Adams' papers strongly supports the assumption that Adams made use of both documents in his work on the committee, whose draft letter for the commissioners was re-

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ported to Congress the afternoon of June 16 and adopted the following day. For additional information on Congress' response to the commissioners, see the documents of Richard Henry Lee, Charles Thomson, and John Witherspoon printed under this date; JCC, 11:605-6, 608-10, 614-15; and Henry Laurens to the Carlisle Commissioners, June 17, 1778.

Carlisle Commissioners

My Lords & Gentlemen [June 16, 1778](1) I have reced your letter of and laid it before Congress with its inclosures. In answer I am instructed to inform you, that Congress ever ready to stop the effusion of human blood have been induced to hear your letter read thro out (2) and to consider its inclosures notwithstanding the very inadmissible and offensive things that are contained in the former. Tho It is impossible Congress can fail to be affected with the highest resentment at the indignity offered them by the indecent reflections you have thought proper to make upon his most Ch. Majesty the Great & good (& faithful) ally of these States. The Commission from his Britannic Majesty under which you act, a copy of which you have inclosed, and the Acts of Parliament on which the Commission is founded, being both formed upon the idea of the good people of these States being Subjects of the Crown of Great Britain, and proposing peace upon dependent principles and a return to the domination of a power that hath accumulated every injury and insult on their unoffending States, Congress consider them both as totally inadmissible, and cannot consent to any further communication on such grounds. I am further instructed to inform your Excellency that Congress will be always ready to enter upon the Consideratn. of a Treaty of Peace, when a sincere disposition thereto shall be evidenced on the part (G.B.) of his B M by an explicit acknowledgement of the Independence of these States and by withdrawing his Fleets from our Coasts and his Armies from the 13 States. MS (PPAmP). In the hand of Richard Henry Lee and endorsed by him: "Letter from Congress to the King's commissioners." 1 Lee drafted this letter as a member of a committee appointed on June 16 to prepare a response to the Carlisle commissioners' June 9 peace overture. A comparison of the texts of the Lee draft and the committee draft prepared by Gouverneur Morris indicates that Morris followed the sequence of points presented by Lee and incorporated many of Lee's words and phrases into his own more concise and moderately toned version. Morris' draft, introduced by a preamble in Lee's hand, was reported to Congress on the 16th and approved the following day. See JCC, 11:610-11, 614-15; and Henry Laurens to the Carlisle Commissioners, June 17, 1778. For additional information on Congress' response to the British commissioners, see Samuel Adams to James Warren, June 13, note 3; and

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the documments of Francis Dana,

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, and John Witherspoon printed under this date. 2 At this point in the draft the following passage is set off by diagonal marks: " and have Considered it with a coolness that that having." Both James Ballagh and Edmund Burnett incorporated a part of this passage into their differing versions of Lee's draft, but neither seems to reflect Lee's intent. The appearance of the MS and the sense of the sentence suggest that Lee simply intended to delete these words. See Lee, Letters (Ballagh), 1:414-15; and Burnett, Letters, 3:296-97.

Richard Henry Lee to Thomas Jefferson

Dear Sir York in Pennsylva. 16 June 1778 I thank you for your favor of the 5th which I received yesterday.(1) It is the only. satisfactory account I have received of the proceedings of our Assembly. The enemy have made many insidious attempts upon us lately, not in the military way, they seem tired of that, but in the way of negotiation. Their first, was by industriously circulating the bills of pacification as they call them, before they had passed into acts, in order to prevent our closing with France. These bills received a coment from Congress on the 22d. of April, which no doubt you have seen. The inclosed paper will shew you the second attempt from Lord Howe and Gen. Clinton, with the answer of Congress. The third movement happened very lately, when Clinton dcsired a passport from Gen. Washington for Dr. Ferguson to come to Congress w ith a letter from the newly arrived Commissioners Lord Carlyle, Wm. Eden esqr. and Governor Johnston. The General refused the passport until Congress should give leave. The letter from Clinton was transmitted here, but the impatience of the Commissioners did not suffer them to wait for an answer. Thro the medium of the General, leaving their Secretary Dr. Ferguson behind, the packet arrived containing a letter from the Commissioners with a copy of their Commission. Their letter is a combination of fraud, falsehood, insidious offers, and abuse of France, Concluding with a denial of Independence. The sine qua non being withheld, you may judge what will be the fate of the rest. An answer has not yet been sent. In due time you will have both the letter and its answer. I dont know whether to call Governor Johnston an Apostate or not. He has been in opposition to the Ministry and has spoken some speeches in our favor, but I believe he has never been a friend to American Independence. However, there seems no doubt but that he has on this occasion touched Ministerial gold. The others are notorious Ministerialists. It is amazing how the Court of London does mix pride, meanness cunning, and folly, with Gasconade, and timidity. In short the strangest composition is there formed that ever disgraced and injured Mankind. The King of Prussia has declared in terms explicit, that he would follow France in acknowledging our

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Independence and his hobby horse is, to become a maritime power. Yet he seems, by his movements disposed to quarrel with the Emperor about the divisions of the Bavarian dominions, the Elector being dead without Heir of his body, the next Heir who is the Elector Palatine must loose his right between the two great Spoilers. We have been long amused with accounts of the enemy abandoning Philadelphia. I believe they will do so when they can stay no longer, but not until then They have certainly removed all their heavy Cannon, Baggage &c. And fearing a French war every Moment, they keep in readiness to depart. We did lately shatter extremely a 20 gun ship belonging to the enemy in the North river, and sent her away to York, in no condition for service. I observe by our last delegation, that my enemies have been again at work, however, they shall not gain their point of withdrawing me from the public Councils.(2) I am dear Sir your affectionate friend and obedient Servant, Richard Henry Lee RC (DLC). Jefferson, Papers (Boyd), 2:200-201. 1 Jefferson's June 5 letter to Lee is in Jefferson, Papers (Boyd), 2:194. 2 The Virginia House of Delegates had not included Richard Henry Lee's name on the list of nominees it selected on May 28 to be considered in the annual balloting for delegates to Congress. The senate added his name to the list, but in the house balloting the following day, Lee ranked sixth among the seven delegates appointed. Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 1777-81 (Richmond, 1827), May 1778, pp. 23-27. Governor Henry expressed his concern over the outcome of this election i n his June 18 letter to Lee. "I felt for you on seeing the Order in which the balloting placed the Delegates in Congress," Henry explained. "It is an Effort of that rancorous Malice that has so long followed you thro the arduous path of Duty in which you have invariably travel'd since America resolved to repel her Oppressors." Lee Papers, PPAmP. In a more accusing tone, Francis Lightfoot Lee offered the following comments in his June 25 letter to his brother. "The junto, by their Lyes & intrigues have so far carried their point, as to throw some little discredit upon us; but have missed their great aim, of removing obstructions to their jobbing schemes. I think you are perfectly right in not gratifying them, by resenting the ill treatment of the Assembly. The Esqr. says, Mr. Harvie, who got to Wmsburg after the election, was much affronted, & made those who had been taken in, by certain gentry, perfectly asshamed of themselves. I suppose they wou'd now willingly return you thanks, to make up with you; tho they will again be taken in by the same wretches." Lee Family Papers, ViU.

Gouverneur Morris to George Clinton

YorkTown 16th June 1778 I am very sorry to inform your Excellency of the Death of our Friend and my very worthy Colleague Mr. Livingston. He was from the Moment almost of his Arrival here confined to his Room and on Friday last at 4 oClock in the Morning paid the last Debt to Nature.(1) I have before me a Report on the Vermont Business.(2) I do

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Portrait of Phillip Livingston

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not think it adequate nor can I pretend to say whether it will be adopted. At present we are so plagued by Applications of the most public Nature and among others of the British Commissioners that really the most important Matters slide by. I shall take the earliest Opportunity to bring this Business on and endeavour to procure such Amendments as the Nature of the Case requires. Not having heard any Thing upon the Subject of a former Letter to you as to Money Matters I am left rather in an awkward Situation but shall nevertheless endeavour to obtain from Congress 100,000 Dollars for the State on Account.(3) If it should be disagreeable it can be paid to some of the continental Officers in the Commissary or Qur. Masters Line. We have no News here worth relating. I am your Excellency's most obt Servt. Gouvr Morris RC (MHi). 1 Upon being informed of Philip Livingston's death, the delegates had resolved on June 12 that "Congress will, in a body, attend the funeral of Mr. Livingston this evening, at six o'clock, with a crape round the arm, and will continue in mourning for the space for one month." JCC, 11:592-93. 2 This report appears in this volume as the first half of the enclosure printed with the New York delegates' July 21 letter to Governor Clinton. 3 Congress agreed on June 22 to advance 5100.000 to the New York delegates for the use of their state. JCC, 11:627, 630.

Robert Morris to Gouverneur Morris

My Dear Sir Camp at Valley Forge, June 16th. 1778 Prompted by the dictates of Justice I cannot refuse giving you the trouble of a few lines in behalf of a Man of great Merit, that now wishes to attain that rank in our Army, which his usefullness & attachment to the General made him indifferent about on former occasions, when opportunity Offered for pushing his promotion, I mean Capt Gibbs of the Generals Guards.(1) This Gentleman commenced Soldier with the Battle of Lexington and has continued in the army ever since without absenting himself from Duty one Single day since that time; by accepting his present Command he lost the line of promotion in the Troops of his own State & has the Mortification to see many Colonels at this day, that must always have been under his Command, had he continued in that line. His present Corps consists of 150 Men fine Fellows as you wou'd wish to see (100 of them was out with their Captain & Covered the retreat of the Marquis the other day). These are consequently equal in numbers to three Companies, & indeed to some of our Regiments, where then wou'd be the impropriety of appointing Capt Gibbs Colo. or Lieutenant Colo. Commandant of the Guards & of promoting his Second Mr. Livingston to be Captain therein. The Merit &

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JUNE 16, 1778 past Services of these Gentn entitle them to it, and they have no other chance of promotion, I think they are personally known to you and therefore it is the less necessary to urge the point with a Gentn. of your liberal way of thinking. I came down here about ten days ago expecting to go into Philadelphia immediately, & shou'd certainly have done so, had not the Commissioners arrived at the Critical time they did; since then I have been prevailed on to stay, day after day untill Congress give them their Answer, which, it is expected here, will be such, as will send them off immediately. After that Answer is given I shou'd like to hold an hour or two's Conversation with my Friend, Govr. Johnstone, but have not yet determined on doing so.(2) I think he will be much mortified at his disapointed embassy & I cou'd wish to convince him that Great Britain may still be happy & Continue Rich, by forming a Commercial Alliance with us, on the same broad basis that other Nations do; it will be no difficult matter to convince any reasonable Man, that Great Britain wou'd still enjoy under such Treaties the greatest share & most valuable parts of our Trade, but the best & most liberal of the British Subjects feel themselves humbled, in the Idea of quitting their Sovereignty over us, & this with many will preclude all reasoning on the Subject. Whether Govr. Johnstone is of this Number or not, I cannot tell, but we hear he is strongly opposed to our Independance, altho unbounded in offers of every thing else; No offers must tempt us; they ought not to have a hearing of one moment, unless preceeded by an acknowledgement of our Independance, because we can never be a happy People under their Domination. I have frequently ventured to assert here, that Congress will not give up one Iota of their former resolves on this Subject, nor do a thing in the least degree inconsistent with their Public faith, plighted in the ratification of the Treaty with France. I am sure you will make my words good. I think Philadelphia will be evacuated the moment the Commissioners get an Answer from Congress, I shall then go down & will inform you, Whether things are left on such a footing that Congress can be well accomodated there and if they can I hope they will remove accordingly. My time for joining you is near at hand & I had rather it shou'd be in Philada than York Town. I long to take you & Duer by the hand as also some other Worthies your associates and with sincere regard remain Dear Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant, Robt Morris P.S. Poor Phil Livingston. I am sorry for the loss of so Honest a Man & hope deserving respect has been shewn to his Memory. I hope Duer will befriend Capt Gibbs. I shou'd write to him was I sure of his being yet at York.

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RC (NNC). 1 A similar letter of recommendation in behalf of Capt. Caleb Gibbs that Morris wrote at Valley Forge this day to Elbridge Gerry is in the Emmmet Collection. CSmH. Gibbs was promoted to the rank of major on July 29. 1778. See JCC, 11:722, 730 2 Johnstone had written to Robert Morris in February in a vain effort to Stimulate support for a "proposition" he anticipated the North Ministry w as about to offer that he hoped would become "a ground of reunion" with the American colonies. For Morris' response to Johnstone's letter, which was read in Congress on April 27, see Henry Laurens to Robert Morris, April 27, 1778, note 1. By coincidence Johnstone was writing another letter to Morris on the same general subject this very day-under the dateline "Philada. June 16th. 1778"-which the latter laid before Congress on July 9 when it was resolved "That all letters received by members of Congress from any of the British commissioners . . . be laid before Congress." JCC, 11:678. The copies Charles Thomson made of Johnstone's letters are in PCC, item 78, 13:65-66, 87-88, and have been printed in Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:487-88, 616-17. The RC of the June 16 letter is in the Peter Force Collection, DLC.

Charles Thomson's Notes

[June I6, 1778] All agree the terms are inadmissible.(1) Some think the insulting way that the whole letter so far as read is an insult; First as it is grounded on a supposition that we are so devoid of understanding and every sense of honor as to violate the treaties we 'have just entered into & give ourselves up to the mercy of those, who have demonstrated that they have the will if they had but the power to reduce us to abject slavery and that they would exterminate rather than not subject us. 2. As it accompanies these inadmissible terms with reproaches against that power which steps in to rescue us from destruction thereby supposing that we have not sense to feel nor spirit to resent abuse offered to our friend. The question is in what manner to treat this letter. 1. Whether to enter into a train of reasoning & shew that from a regard to safety, & the faith due to treaties Congress cannot listen to terms short of independence, or 2. Leaving the Commissioners to draw that conclusion, to reject it on the footing of the insult contained [in] it, or 3. To unite these & comprehend both in the answer The first is a temporising method & will shew that Congress have not a full confidence in the firmness & persevering spirit of their constituents: For such a train of reasoning cannot be for the purpose of enlightening the understanding or convincing the judgment of the Commissioners but of the people of this continent. What occasion for this if they are convinced of their independence & determined to support it. Besides it will inspirit our enemes as it will

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convince them Congress have not a full confidence in the establishment of their independance or their resources for supporting it. For who but a simpleton attempts to prove a self evident proposition. Second. Rejecting the letter on the ground of the insult, which may be considered as double in offering chains to freemen & abusing our frien[ds]; will carry all the force of reasoning on the first ground: It will do more, it will appall our enemies and inspirit the friends of the cause. The Comrs. will thereby see that nothing short of Independance will be listened to & must therefore come to that or break of[f] the conference; and that even admitting independance they must treat our allies with respect. It will carry with it to the comrs a conviction of the confidence Congress have both in their cause & resources, & must therefore force them to a speedier Declaration of their future powers if any they have. 3. Mixing both will only weaken the force of the reasoning on the second ground. MS (NN). In the hand of Charles Thomson. 1 For a discussion of the circumstances that led Congress to debate the "inadmissible" terms presented by the Carlisle commissioners referred to here, see Samuel Adams to James Warren, June 13, 1778, note 3. It is not known for what specific purpose Thomson prepared this document, but it apparently summarizes the possible congressional responses considered by the delegates in the course of debates held on June 13, 15, and 16. The fact that the manuscript is located in the papers of Samuel Adams, a member of the committee appointed to draft a response to the commissioners, suggests that Thomson prepared it for the committee's use, although delegates other than Adams took the initiative in drafting the reply Congress eventually adopted on June 17 For additional information on the work of this committee, see the notes of Francis Dana and the draft letters to the Carlisle commissioners by Richard Henry Lee and John Witherspoon printed under this date.

Carlisle Commissioners

[June 16, 1778](1) I received your Letter & Papers accompanying them which have been laid before Congress and read. By them I am instructed to inform you that they are & invariably have been desirous of Peace as with all the World so more especially with Great Britain. This Desire is not yet extinguished even by the extreme Barbarity with which the present War has been carried on by the Forces of that Nation . I am particularly desired to mention to you that they are surprised how you could think that throwing out such Reflections as are contained in your Letter against the King of France with whom they are in Alliance would contribute to hasten an Accommodation.

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They are sensible of their Obligations to him & firmly resolved to abide by their Engagements. I am further desired to assure you in the most explicit Terms that Congress are determined to enter into no Treaty unless you have Powers either expressly to acknowledge the Independance of the united States of America or immediately to withdraw the British Forces from every part of these States. You know best your Instructions & reserved Powers. If therefore you think that after the above Declaration there is Room for any further Discussion Gen. Washington is directed to grant a Passport to Dr Ferguson to come to this Place. MS (NN). Written by Witherspoon and endorsed by him: ''Draught of a Letter to the Commissioners to be given in to the Committee." 1 Witherspoon drafted this letter as a member of the committee appointed this day to formulate a reply to a June 9 letter from the Carlisle commissioners asking for a meeting with Congress to discuss peace terms. It is unlikely, however, that Witherspoon's draft was ever offered to Congress, for on this day the delegates considered a draft reply to the commissioners written by Gouverneur Morris, one of Witherspoon's colleagues on this committee, that was formally approved the following day. For additional information on the work of the committee, see Samuel Adams to James Warren, June 13, 1778, note 3, and the documents of Francis Dana, Richard Henry Lee, and Charles Thomson printed under this date.

Committee of Commerce to Unknown

Sir,(1) York-Town 17th June 1778 You are desired to deliver with all possible dispatch to Mr. de Francy or order such quantity of tabacco in hogsheads as you may have in storehouses belonging to the continent, & which he may have occasion for in loading his ship "Le fier Rodrique" taking his receipt therefor. We are, Sir, your hble servants, per order of the committee,(2) Signed. Lewis, Chairman Tr (MH-H). This letter is taken from a Jared Sparks transcription of a document that was written by Jean Theveneau de Francy for his employer Caron de Beaumarchais. The transcript includes the committee letter, a French translation, and an appended note by Francy which has been translated and footnoted below, 1 In his June 11 letter to Beaumarchais, Francy reported that he would leave York as soon as he had obtained an order of Congress for the commercial agents in Virginia to deliver as much tobacco as possible to him for loading Le Fier Roderique, indicating that this remittance would either be credited against the old debt due Beaumarchais or used to pay for the part of the French cargo to be purchased by Congress And in his July 15 letter to the committee, Francy reminded them that when he met with Francis Lewis on June 18, the day before he left York, Lewis had promised that Virginia agents would be ordered to fit

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out vessels to go under convoy with Le Fier Roderique. Lewis probably gave this letter to Francy without specifying an addressee and Francy most likely showed it to Carter Braxton, Benjamin Harrison, Jr., and John Norton, as well as other Continental agents he contacted in Virginia. See Beaumarchais, Correspondance (Morton and Spinelli), 4:123. 142n.12. 2 The following note appears after the French translation of this letter and ends abruptly at mid-page. "N.B. As this order has been delivered to me after they have been informed of the sale of the cargo of the Fier Rodrique, it is clear that this tobacco has been granted to me in order to be used for the discharge of Congress's debt to you for your other shipments; thus despite the urgent representations of the honest agency of Passy, and the at least not very prudent conduct of Mr. Chevallie, I have succeeded in getting what everyone seems to wish to contest you for. This would be a very good situation to turn to good account in case of new difficulties, but from now on I hope that I will not have great obstacles to overcome considering the contract I have made and besides my claims are supported by Mr. Deane & Carmichael; the only obstacle that I will overcome with great difficulty will be my procuring ...." Ellipsis in Tr. For Francy's continuing "difficulties" in completing the transactions Beaumarchais hoped to carry out with Congress, see Henry Laurens to Francy, July 26, 1778, note 1.

Speech in Congress

[June 17? 1778](1) It is with the highest pleasure I think I have occasion to flatter myself that the view we on Saturday took of our foreign affairs, was such a view as may [have] enabled this House to distinguish objects at that distance with precision & to form their judgments in prudence & wisdom. Our foreign affairs have long been enveloped in impenetrable darkness; but the rays of light now beam in our political firmament, & reveal the objects to our sight. I trust we will not shut our eyes. We are Sir placed in the watch tower of America. We are stationed on this height, that we may seeing [see] the American affairs, interists in one grand & extensive view. We are placed high in The Imperial car of America that we may guide it with skil, lash on the sluggard, curb in the impetuous, & unharness & discharge the unruly draught. Oh Mr. P[resident] that we were wise, that we would but take notice of the precipice along which we are now driving. Oft Sir have we unknowingly in the night & in the day with our eyes wilfully shut rowled upon the extreem verge of this dreadful height-an invisible hand restrained our passing it. May I be permitted to say we have long enough trifled with Providence, trifled with our generous constituents & indulged our private feelings? I will take the liberty to say Sir, it is our indispensable duty to endeavour to conduct ourselves as may be most likely to conduce to the happiness of the People who seated us here, committing themselves to our impartiality, care & conduct.

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Sir, I know not how to account for it, but so it has happened, that it has accidentally general been my lot in every public Assembly or Council in which I have been placed, to move such subjects as draw upon the mover the displeasure of bodies of Men or of individuals. And I have done so, not I trust because actuated by a morose inclination, but because I thought it the duty of my Station. I have not stept into public life, I did not come into Congress to acquire friends but determinately & boldly to discharge the duty of a Citizen. Conscious that it is my duty to speak plainly & act decis[iv]ely I yet feel pain when in doing so any person feels distress or uneasiness. I am sensible sir, the subject I am agitating will unavoidably cause uneasiness in this House. The ties of blood like electrical conductors will convey & communicate the effects of a blow it is my duty to strike. I participate in the feelings which must arise upon this occasion: I lament the cause, I regret the consequence. But Sir, in this place I look upon every Member as connected only with the public, and unconnected with individuals abroad, especially with persons in public office, otherwise freedom of debate must be destroyed, & the public good must yield to private connections. I flatter myself therefore, that nothing I shall say will be construed as ment to give pain to any Mem[ber] I disavow any such unmanly design. MS (PPL). In the hand of William Henry Drayton. 1 On June 16 Congress had appointed a committee consisting of William Henry Drayton, Samuel Adams, and Richard Henry Lee "to prepare a resolution for preventing any correspondence with the enemy." This action was deemed necessary to counteract the efforts of the Carlisle commissioners to promote support for their mission by distributing private letters in favor of reconciliation frorm themselves and from various English correspondents to friends and relatives in the United States, both in and out of Congress. Acting with dispatch, the committee submitted a report this day, which was written by Drayton and approved by Congress, calling upon state governments to prevent the delivery of letters from England "addressed to individuals of these United States . . . through the conveyance of the enemy." See JCC, 11:608, 616. At the same time, President Laurens reported to Washington, "there was an extraordinary Motion on our floor for calling upon Members to lay before Congress such Letters as they had received from the Commissioners or other persons, meaning persons in Great Britain on Political subjects," which Congress did not approve largely as a result of Laurens' opposition. See Laurens to Washington, June 18, 1778. Although Laurens did not identify the delegate who offered this unsuccessful motion, there is reason to believe that Drayton was the one in question and that he prepared these notes to serve as the basis for a speech in Congress on this issue. To begin with, such a motion would have been a logical extension of Drayton's report on curbing correspondence with the enemy. Furthermore, his admission in these notes that "the subject I am agitating will unavoidably cause uneasiness in this House" and his statement that "I look upon every Member as connected only with the public, and unconnected with individuals abroad," both fit in well with the proposal to require the delegates to submit to Congress all letters they had received from the commissioners and from England dealing with public affairs. Finally, Drayton's mention of "the view we on Saturday took of our foreign affairs" could be a reference to the June 13 debate in Congress on the commission-

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ers' letter of June 9, which involved the issue of America's relations with Great Britain and France. Although Congress did not approve Drayton's motion this day, it did pass one to the same effect on July 9. JCC, 11:678.

Carlisle Commissioners

York Town, June 17,1778 To their Excellencies the Earl of CARLISLE, WILLIAM EDEN, and GEORGE JOHNSTONE, Esqrs. British Commissioners. As I have but a few moments that I can, in conscience, appropriate to a correspondence with your Excellencies, I trust this circumstance will, with you, excuse the abrupt manner in which I introduce myself, and my reflections, to your attention.(1) Your letter of the 9th instant to Congress, your commission, and the acts of the British Parliament upon which they are grounded, are the fashionable subjects of curious enquiry, in how many points of view they are fallacious and incompetent to the object of your ostensible negotiation.(2) Although Congress cannot condescend minutely to animadvert upon your propositions, as your Excellencies are empowered to hear individuals, I flatter myself, so anxious is your inclination to restore peace, that you will for a moment honour me with your attention. In your letter of the 9th instant, Governor Johnstone signed this position, "Notwithstanding the pretended date or present form of the French offers to North-America, yet it is notorious that these were made in consequence of the plans of accommodation previously concerted in Great-Britain, and with a view to prevent our reconciliation, and to prolong this destructive war." On the 5th of February, in the House of Comrnons, Governor Johnstone also signed this position, "I have had a hint, and have good reason to believe a proposition will be made to Parliament in four or five days, by administration, that may be a ground of reunion; I really do not know the particulars, nevertheless, as I learn some preliminaries have lately gone from France, I think it cannot be deemed unfriendly to either country, to give you notice of this intended proposition, THAT you may in prudence do nothing hastily with a foreign power.(3) The "preliminaries" mentioned by Governor Johnstone, as "lately gone from France," were at that moment at sea, with Mr. Simeon Deane, and had been so some weeks; they were to the following purpose: "That his Most Christian Majesty was determined to acknowledge our Independence, and make a treaty with us of Amity and Commerce. That in this treaty, no advantage would be taken of our present situation to obtain terms from us, which otherwise

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Portrait of William Henry Drayton 118 JUNE 17, 1778 would not be convenient for us to agree to, his Majesty desiring that the treaty, once made, should be durable, and our amity subsist for ever, which could not be expected, if each nation did not find its interest in the continuance as well as in the commencement of it. It was therefore his intention, that the terms of the treaty should be such, as we might be willing to agree to if our state had been long established, and in the fulness of strength and power, and such as we should approve of when that time should come. That his Majesty was fixed in his determination, not only to acknowledge, but to support our Independence by every means in his power. That in doing this, he might probably be soon engaged in war, with all the expences, risque and damage usually attending it; yet he should not expect any compensation from us on that account, nor pretend that he acted wholly for our sakes, since, besides his real good-will to us and our cause, it was manifestly the interest of France, that the power of England should be diminished by our separation from it. He should, moreover, not so much as insist, that, if he engaged in the war with England on our account, we should not make a separate peace for ourselves, whenever good and advantageous terms were offered to us. The only condition he should require and rely on would be this, that we, in no peace to be made with England, should give up our Independence, and return to the obedience of that government."(4) These preliminaries were, by Mons. Girard, in the name of his most Christian Majesty, announced to the American Commissioners at Paris on the 16th day of December last. And in consequence of them, the Treaty of Paris, between America and France, was actually signed on the 6th of February, 1778. It is notorious that it was on the 19th day of February that Lord North introduced his propositions to Parliament for a re-union with America. From this state of facts two points result. First, that the two positions signed by Governor Johnstone militate against each other in direct terms. Secondly, that so far were "the French offers" from being "made in consequence of the plans of accommodation concerted in Great-Britain," that the latter were made in consequence only of the former; for the French offers were made on the 16th day of December. Governor Johnstone (connected with administration) on the 5th of February expressly says, he was then ignorant of any particulars of a plan of accommodation. On the 6th of February the French offers were compleated by a treaty; and it was not till the 19th of February that any plan of accommodation was communicated to the British Parliament. Your Excellencies, however, do not scruple, even in your first address to Congress, to assert a position, the contrary to which is known to be the fact. I will not charge you with a designed falsity: The people will use their discretion. At any rate, this conduct on your part warns them to be upon their guard against you.

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Having thus vindicated the honour of our good and great ally the King of France, permit me to touch upon your propositions to Congress. Your Excellencies offer us a seat for our representatives in your Parliament. Happily for us, we are too well acquainted with the insignificancy of the Scotch representatives there, to expect that American representatives can, in the same place, possess any importance; or that America can derive any advantage from such a representation . As an alternative, you propose to send agents to our assemblies. But as we know they would be spies upon us, and agents to purchase our voices, we will have no such characters among us. You propose to concur in measures to discharge the debts of America. By this, as our subjection is implied, so are restrictions of some sort upon our trade; of necessity, so is a diminution of our ability to discharge our debts. We know you cannot discharge the debts of your own nation, we therefore cannot expect that you will, or even desire that you should, discharge any part of ours. We are willing and able to discharge our debts, without your concurrence or aid. Your offer therefore wears the appearance of being officious and idle. You propose to extend every freedom to trade, that our respective interests can require. Do we not know, that you have a natural inclination to monopolize trade? Do we not know, that your and our interest in the point of trade is in direct opposition? It is your interest that our trade should be limited-it is ours, that it should be unlimited-we there differ, toto coelo. You propose a cessation of hostilities. Withdraw your forces by land, and hostilities there are instantly ended; you need not be anxious for a cessation at sea; on that element we have every thing to fear from you. If you mean fair, why then do you delay to do that which you seem to desire, and which that it be done rests entirely with yourselves? Such are your principal offers in detail. Of how little value are they to us! But you offer us every thing short of Independence. If you are serious, of how little value must such a connection with us be to you! Will your Excellencies condescend, with me, to view Great Britain and America under one Sovereign? The sovereignty in Britain; America possessed of powers of government but short of independence. America, formed for empire, must naturally arrive at it; having tasted of it she will be ever anxious to possess it again; having by arms acquired a power but short of independence, she will encrease in reputation and ability to become independent, and this will encrease her desire to be so; her former success will possess her with

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confidence and hope; experience will make her ever suspicious of the intentions of Britain: Hence, being in possession of powers, only short of independent, she will always be prepared to assert her rights, especially having in mind her naked condition at the sudden commencement of the present war. In such a formidable situation, design, accident, suspicion, or the breath of displeasure on either side, must, in a few years, break the cobweb by which you offer to hold her under the dominion of Britain. And is the acquiring dominion to be held by such a tie worth another campaign! Can it be worth the pursuit of a man of common honesty and common sense! But supposing your offers to be, what they are not, of sterling value to America: How inadequate are your powers to the purpose of accommodation! The great Lord Abingdon puts this matter in the clearest point of view. In his most elegant protest on this subject, he says "Although the Commissioners and the Congress be agreed, such agreement is of no effect till confirmed by Parliament; which is giving such advantage to Parliament, by knowing what Congress will do, and is of such disadvantage to Congress, by not knowing what Parliament will confirm, that the very inequality of the conditions will put a stop to accommodation."(5) If America enters into terms with you, see what might be the consequence-Your Excellencies must allow, that it is our duty to avoid them. We have made a solemn treaty with France-the object is, the establishment of our Independence. If we treat with you upon the footing of Dependence, we at once break our faith with France, for ever lose all credit with foreign nations, and are, ipso facto, cut off even from the hope of foreign succour. In this situation you will absolutely hold us at mercy. Your King, Ministers and Parliament may refuse to ratify your engagements, for they have the power to do so. Governor Johnstone has long and ably pleaded the cause of America. Is he now come to our shore to invite us to surrender to the justice and mercy of our most unjust and vengeful enemies, who have for a long course of years treated us with the basest deceptions, and calumniated us throughout Europe: Enemies, who have starved to death our countrymen taken prisoners, loading them while alive and in their power with every insult. Enemies who gave stretch to their savage allies,(6) to murder our old and unarmed farmers, and their helpless women and children: Enemies who have plundered our country, burned our towns, and armed son against father, servant against master, and brother against brother, in order to subject us: Enemies who have moved even Hell itself to accomplish their purpose of blood, ruin and tyranny: Enemies utterly abandoned to corruption, destitute of public virtue, deaf to the voice of justice, and dead to the feelings of humanity; Can it possibly be expected that such enemies, after the expence of so many millions; the loss of so much of their own blood; the disgraces their arms have sustained;

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the insults to which they have been obliged to submit from foreign nations, in their pursuit of our destruction, the impending ruin under which they have been driven by our opposition; I say, can it possibly be expected, that when such enemies, so provoked, shall find us lying at their mercy, they will ratify your Excellencies terms but short of Independence, and be content to hold dominion over us by so slender a tie as a cobweb! Timeo Danaos, et dona ferentes.(7) America is independent de facto et de jure. She will maintain her station at the expence of her last drop of blood. It is in vain to solicit what your arms, when most powerful, were not able to compel. You are no longer in that situation. America is more competent to the contest than ever she has been. Our resolution is fixed, nor do we fear "the horrors and devastations of war," with which, in the conclusion of your letter, you threaten us. France has acknowledged our Independence; the great powers of Europe smile upon us; we rely upon our own virtue and the favour of Heaven. If we continue firm, we shall continue independent. Farewell. W.H.D. MS not found reprinted from the Pennsylvania Gazette, June 20, 1778. 1 This is the first of four newspaper letters William Henry Drayton wrote to the Carlisle commissioners using his initials as a signature. The other three appeared in the Pennsylvania Packet on July 18, September 12, and October 29, 1778, and are printed in this edition of Letters under the dates July 3, September 4, and October 24, 1778. Although no manuscript drafts of these letters have been found, they are obviously written by a member of Congress and the use of Drayton's initials as a signature point unmistakably to his authorship. It is pertinent to note that Drayton published these letters on his own initiative, for as Josiah Bartlett, who was in Congress throughout the period the letters appeared, observed of the third one: "The letter to the [commissioners] signed W.H.D. was wrote I suppose by Chief Justice Drayton member from So. Carolina as were the former letters under that signature." See Bartlett to Whipple, September 12, 1778. 2 For a discussion of Congress' formal response to the commissioners' June 9 letter, see Samuel Adams to James Warren, June 13, 1778, note 3. Drayton was a member of the committee appointed on June 16 to draft a reply to the commissioners' letter, and the present address probably stems in part from his work on that body. JCC, 11:610. 3 Johnstone made this statement in a letter to Robert Morris, dated "House of Commons 5 Feby 1778," read in Congress on April 27. See PCC, item 78, 13:65 66; and Henry Laurens to Robert Morris, April 27, 1778, note 1. 4 Drayton is quoting a statement that Conrad Alexandre Gerard, the French official in charge of negotiating the treaties of alliance and commerce with the United States, made to the commissioners at Paris, "by order of the king." According to the commissioners, Gerard made this statement on December 17, not December 16, 1778, as Drayton asserts in the next sentence. Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:452-53. 5 See also Henry Laurens to George Washington, June 8, 1778, note 5. 6 Drayton is referring to Gen. John Burgoyne's notorious proclamation of June 20, 1777, threatening supporters of the patriot cause with the horrors of Indian warfare. See Henry Laurens to John Lewis Gervais, August 17, 1777, note 5. 7 "I fear the Greeks, even offering presents." Virgil, Aeneid 2.49.

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Pennsylvania Gazette

Gentlemen, York Town, June 17th 1778(1) While I regret that Governor Johnstone has thought it proper to write private letters into these States, upon the subject of his public commission, and highly respect the determination of Congress to prevent a private correspondence with the enemy, I think I render a satisfactory service to the public in laying the following letters before them. The answer was written immediately after the receipt of Governor Johnstone's letter, but was not sent as was intended. However, thinking it too valuable to be lost, I prevailed upon my friend the President to allow it to be published, with the letter which gave occasion to it. I now send them for publication, and am, Gentlemen, Your most humble servant, W.H. Drayton MS not found: reprinted from the Pennsylvania Gazette, June 20, 1778. 1 Drayton's letter was printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette as a preface to George Johnstone's June 10 letter to Henry Laurens and Laurens' June 14 reply, for which see Laurens to Johnstone, June 14, 1778, note 2. Johnstone's and Laurens' letters were published after Congress refused to allow the president to correspond privately with the British commissioner. See Laurens to John Laurens, this date. It is of interest that on June 16 Drayton had been appointed to a committee "to prepare a resolution for preventing any correspondence with the enemy." JCC,11: 608.

Henry Laurens to the Carlisle Commissioners

York Town 17th June 1778 I have received the Letter from your Excellencies of the 9th Inst. with the Inclosures and laid them before Congress.(1) Nothing but an earnest desire to spare the farther effusion of human Blood could have induced them to read a Paper containing expressions so disrespectful (2) to His Most Christian Majesty the good and great Ally of these States, or to consider propositions so derogatory to the honor of an Independent Nation. The Acts of the British Parliament, the Commission from your Sovereign and your Letter, suppose the People of these States to be subjects of the Crown of Great Britain, and are founded on the Idea of dependence which is utterly inadmissible. I am further directed to inform your Excellencies that Congress are inclined to (3) Peace, notwithstanding the unjust Claims from which this War originated and the Savage manner in which it hath been conducted; they will therefore be ready to enter upon the consideration of a Treaty of Peace and Commerce, not inconsistent with

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Treaties already subsisting, when the King of Great Britain shall demonstrate a sincere disposition for that purpose. The only solid proof of this disposition will be an explicit acknowledgement of the Independence of these States or the withdrawing his Fleets and Armies. I have the honor to be, Your Excellencies Most Obedient and humble Servant. Signed by order of the unanimous voice of Congress. Henry Laurens, President Tr (PRO: C.O. 5, 180) Addressed: "To their Excellencies The Right Honorable the Earl of Carlisle, William Eden Esquire, George Johnstone Esquire, Commissioners from His Britanic Majesty." Endorsed: "Exd. a tme Copy. Adam Ferguson Secretary." This is the copy of Laurens' letter that the commissioners transmitted to England with their July 5 letter to Lord George Germain. Davies, Documents ot the American Revolution, 15:159. The letter itself is based on a draft prepared by Gouverneur Morris with the following preamble by Richard Henry Lee: "The Committee to whom were referred the Letter S; its inclosures from the Commissioners of his Britannic Majesty beg leave to make report-That Mr. President write the following letter to the British Commissioners." PCC, item 23, fols. 43-44. 1 For a discussion of the Carlisle commissioners' June 9 letter to Congress and the provenance of Laurens' reply, see Samuel Adams to James Warren, June 13, 1778, note 3. 2 Reads "terms so opprobrious" in the Gouverneur Morris draft. 3 Reads "desirous of" in the Morris draft.

Henry Laurens to Horatio Gates

Sir York Town 17 June 1778 Three days ago I had the honor of presenting to Congress your favor of the 10th with several other Papers put into my hands by Colo. Malcomb. These were committed to the Board of War with orders to act upon them without Report & I beleive what appeared to be necessary has been done by the Board from whence Colo. Malcomb intimates he has received his dispatches.(1) I have nothing to trouble you with but the Enclosed Act of Congress for adjusting the value of back Rations due to Officers in the Army,(2) which you will be pleased to communicate to the Officers in your department. I have the honor to be, With great Respect & Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient, humble Servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress RC (NH 1 General Gates' June 10 letter to Laurens, which dealt with "the Distress to which we are upon the point of being reduced to, for want of provisions, Arms, Men, Money, &c &c &c," is in PCC, item 154, 1:414-15. 2 See JCC, 11:581-82.

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Henry Laurens to Horatio Gates

Dear Sir, (Private) York Town 17th June 1778 I troubled you with a few private Lines on the 13 th by Crugier. Congress have not determined their answer to the British Commissioners Address, although I foresee it will be a very short one. When that is finished the whole will probably be published, in the meantime I consider Sir your situation & distance from the Center of intelligence & conclude that the following brief account of the Address will not be unacceptable. There is rather a repletion in the direction of the Paper leaving no room for cavil on that score. The Commissioners after the necessary preface observe (1)-"that in the present state of our affairs tho' fraught with subjects of mutual regret all parties may draw some consolation & even auspicious hope from recollecting that cordial reconciliation & affection have in our own & other Empires succeeded to contention & temporary division not less violent than those we now experience. They wish not to recall subjects now no longer in controversy, observe that the Acts of Parliament which they transmit & refer to, passed with singular Unanimity. They are willing to consent to a cessation of hostilities by Sea & Land. To extend every freedom of Trade that our respective Interests can require. Who is to adjust this point?] To agree that no Military forces shall be kept up in the States without our Consent. To concur in measures calculated to discharge the debts of America & to raise the Credit & Value of the Paper circulation. To perpetuate our Union by a reciprocal Deputation in Parliament & in the several General Assemblies. In short to establish the Power of the Respective Legislatures in each particular State, to settle its revenues, its Civil & Military establishment & exercise a perfect freedom of Legislation & internal Government so that the British States throughout North America acting with us in Peace & War and as one common Sovereign may have the irrevocable enjoyment of every privelege that is short of a total seperation of Interests or consistent with that Union of force on which the safety of our common Religion & Liberty depends." The French Court are illiberally charged with insidious practices-this gives much offence. If all the fine things now offered had been tendered some time ago, admitting their solidity, there can be no doubt but that the People of America would joyfully have embraced the proposition-but now what answer can be given but that which was returned to the foolish Virgins-"The Door is shut" more especially when we reflect that there is no solidity-because all is to be transmitted to Parliament for Ratification. "And until such Rat-

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ification no such regulation, matter or thing shall have any other force or effect or be carried further into Execution than is hereafter mentioned." Here's a Boy's Card House tumbled down by a Breath. "If," say Lord Carlisle, William Eden & George Johnstone Esquires, "after the time that may be necessary to consider this communication & transmit your answer the horrors & devastations of War should continue We call God & the World to Witness that the Evils which must follow are not to be imputed to Great Britain"-to whom are the past to be imputed? but are they not now in the very moment of pretended attempts to establish Peace burning, ravaging & murdering? They seem to mistake our understanding as once they did our Resolution. Colonel Malcom waits. I must stop short & assure you I am with great Esteem Dear Sir Your obliged & humble servant, Henry Laurens RC (NHi). 1 For the June 9 letter from the Carlisle commissioners to Congress that Laurens quotes here, see Davies, Documents of the American Revolution, 15: 135-37.

Henry Laurens to John Laurens

My Dear Son, 17th June [1778] I will endeavor to discharge my debt to your favor of the 14th & 15th both received yesterday.(1) You will know some time to Morrow the part which Congress will act respecting the late Address from the Commissioners. It is my duty to subscribe not to Comment when a Letter undergoes for two or three days the consideration & correction of a House of 31, but it is very admissible to say the long delay has given me much anxiety. I wished to have returned Govr. Johnston, Mr. Ozwald & Mr. Mannings answers, but did not think the correspondence Lawful without leave of Congress or say judged it best to apply for leave, it was not unanimously granted & I preferred with drawing my petition to a denial, because this might have ruffl'd me. You will Smile with Some contempt when I explain this matter fully. If this refusal would be productive of the expected benefits I should be content, even rejoice it would be a politic measure-in the present case, all the weak & wicked, with whom Govr. Johnstone has corresponded & will correspond, will make him flattering returns. Those Gentlemen who would attempt to open his Eyes & persuade him to undeceive himself will not be heard-honor will command Silence to the latter-the former will laugh at Proclamations. However I will en-

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deavor to Send you the Speeches which were intended to have been Spoken as well as the Letters received from Philadelphia. Possibly the General may spare time to peruse that from Mr. Oswald who, if I do not misconstrue him, only wishes for our Dependence, but does not expect it & hence I conclude the Commissioners are now or soon will be in possession of full powers to acknowledge the sovereignty of these States. I do not like the history of Doctr. W nor the lodging he took nor the present conduct of the person with whom he made his first nights quarters.(2) They are all Suspicious & one or two more-very equivocal Characters. There must be more in the Doctor's history than you have intimated otherwise he would not have found such ready access to the Table at head Quarters. This consideration suspends a full opinion but watch-watch-every thing in the shape of a Trojan Horse. I shall be glad to know your Sentiments on the reformation of our Regiments merely for my own information but the business is intirely out of my line & there is a tenacity which is not to be bent by advice, but which does extremely well when it enjoys the Seeming honor of originating. Therefore if applications on this Score shall be found necessary let them be addressed directly to the House or to Some other Member, not the President, however glad he may be to know what is in motion. You shall hear more to morrow from your most affectionate Father. LB (ScHi). 1 These letters are in Simms, Laurens Army Correspondence, pp. 185-91. 2 Dr. Robert Wellford was a military surgeon who had recently resigned from the British army because of his pro American sympathies and was currently lodging with Gen. Charles Lee. Ibid., p. 186. Contrary to Laurens' suspicions, Wellford's sympathy for the American cause was genuine. See Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 37:226.

Henry Laurens to William Livingston

Dear Sir 17 June [1778] I shrewdly suspect from the politeness of your Excellency's Address of the 8th Instant (1) which I received only last night that you mean to play the old soldier, and to give a new fashioned dunn to poor me; for upon my honor be it so, or not so, I have been labouring several days under self reproach for delinquency in respect to two Letters for which I thought myself indebted to Governor Livingston, private. Public I will not be delinquent or deficient in, errors excepted-so Sir the Beam balances the Mote, and if there has been no error, reciprocal good intentions will appear. I am sure no unjust Stewardship will be found on either side.

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The moment I now presume to steal from the Public is devoted to you-to transmit you a Copy of the answer of Congress to the Commissioners. Their Letter and other Anecdotes you shall soon have. You will admire the firmness of this Answer full as much as the composition, it was the work of 31-for a conundrum twice the number of the United States and once the Commissioners. I have only time to add what always does me honor and gives me pleasure that I Am, With the utmost Esteem & respect, Sir, Your Excellency's Obedient humble servt LB (ScHi). 1 Livingston wrote two letters to Laurens on June 8, one private and one official, for which see Livingston, Papers (Prince), 2:361-63.

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Sir. York Town 17th June 1778. On the 14th I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency & sent the dispatches by Messenger Petit. Yesterday I signed a Commission to William Malcom Esquire to Rank Colonel, by order of Congress,(1) from the 11th March 1776, & if I do not mistake Congress have agreed to confirm your Excellency's intimation relative to Colo. Campbell which rests at the Board of War-or is referred there.(2) Your Excellency will be pleased to receive within the present Inclosure 1. An Act of Congress of this date approving Your Excellency's conduct in refusing a Passport to Doctor Ferguson. 2. An Act of the same date intended to put a stop to all correspondence between the Inhabitants of these States & the Enemy;(3) Your Excellency will clearly understand the views of Congress & will take the most effectual measures for preventing the evil in Camp. I beg leave to add a Copy of the Letter which Congress has written in Answer to the British Commissioners Address-the Letter will also be inclosed with this. Your Excellency will be pleased to send it forward immediately. I have the honor to be with the highest Esteem & Regard, Sir, Your Excellency's Obedient, humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress RC (DLC). 1 Although there is no mention of this "order" in the journals, William Malcom's commission as colonel, dated June 16, 1778, is in PCC, item 78, 16:391. See also Laurens to William Malcom, June 20, 1778. 2 For the action subsequently taken by Congress in the case of Col. Richard Campbell, see Laurens to Washington, June 20, 1778, 3 See also William Henry Drayton's Notes for a Speech, this date.

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Thomas McKean to Sarah McKean

My dear Sally, York-Town, June 17th. 1778 Today I received £130, which I waited for, by Colo. George Latimer, and have sent ten thousand dollars to the President of Delaware, which, among other things, had an influence in detaining me here; I have no desire in staying here longer at this time, excepting to know whether the Enemy will evacuate Philadia. or not upon receiving the answer sent to the Commissioners to day; the result of which we shall know on Sunday or Monday next, and therefore if you can spare Sam on Monday or Tuesday, I will return home on Wednesday next, unless something extraordinary should happen. The allowance to me by Delaware will be £3 per day, most of which, if not all, I shall expend; however all I expect is to have my expences born. No other Delegate but myself from Delaware, nor likely to be for some time. The Commissioners from Great Britain are, Frederick Earl of Carlisle, Richard Viscount Howe, Sir Henry Clinton, Knight of the Bath, William Eden Esquire, one of the Lords for trade & plantations, and George Johnstone, Esquire, Captain of a man of war, commonly called Governor Johnstone. They have sent a copy of their commission from their King to Congress, with a Letter directed to "His Excellency Henry Laurens President & the other members of Congress at York-Town," and call us States (not Colonies or Provinces) throughout. My old correspondent Dennys De Bert Esquire of London has written to me a Letter of recommendation of Governor Johnstone, in very flattering terms, as he desired an intimate acquaintance with a Gentleman of such abilities &c as myself; which Letter the Governor sent with the dispatches from the Commissioners. The propositions of the Commissioners are-To cease all hostilities by sea and land-to be friendly & have the same privileges in both countries-To support and raise the credit of our paper money, to allow these States to be governed as they now are, or in whatever manner they please, as to their internal policy-To raise & pay their own fleets & armies, and that the King of Great Britain shall not hereafter keep any fleets or armies in any of the British States, without the consent of Congress, or of the respective States-to have a free trade & commerce for the mutual benefit of both Countries, and for this purpose the States to send agents to the British Parliament, who are to have a voice there, and Parliament to send agents to the respective States who are to have a voice there. In fine to any thing short of a total separation, to have the same Sovereign, the same Enemies & the same friends. To these they have received an answer-"Acknowledge our Independence, or withdraw your fleets & armies, and we will treat with

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you for peace & commerce &c." This answer was agreed to unanimously, by 31 members, the whole number in York- Town. I reced. a very affectionate Letter to day from Mr. Borden, all well except Mrs. Borden No more news. I am, dear Sally, your most affectionate, Tho M:Kean RC (PHi).

Thomas McKean to Caesar Rodney

Dear Sir, York Town June 17th. 1778. Yesterday I was favored by your's of the 11th instant, (1) inclosing a draught in my favor for £90.0.111/2, for which I have given a rect. to Geo. Latimer Esquire. He will deliver you the ten thousand dollars, deducting the above sum. This day you inform me the General Assembly are to meet. I should with pleasure attend them, but am afraid, tho' I should thereby act to the great satisfaction of many, yet some would take it amiss and charge me with deserting my Post, especially at this most critical period. I have lived to see the day when, instead of "Americans licking the dust from the feet of a British Minister," the tables are turned. The Commissioners are, Frederick Earl of Carlisle, Richd. Viscount Howe, Sir Henry Clinton, Wm. Eden Esquire (one of the Lords for trade & plantations & Brother to the late Governor of Maryland) and Captain George Johnstone, commonly called Governor Johnstone. The last Gentn. sent me a Letter from an old Correspondent in London,(2) warmly recommending him as a Commissioner of peace, and begging that I would receive him among my friends, as he most ardently desired it &c. Several Members of Congress have received such Letters; but no Answers will be given by Individuals, it being treason to correspond with Enemies by the laws of Pennsylvania.(3) The Commissioners have sent us again the three Acts of Parliament, their Commission from their Sovereign, and their Propositions; wch. in brief are, to suspend hostilities by Sea and Land immediately, to join in supporting our Paper money, to agree that we shall govern ourselves in all cases, excepting matters of trade, and for the equal adjustment of that, the British Nation shall have Agents in Congress to have a voice there, and Congress or the several States to appoint Agents in Parliament, who are to have a voice there; and in fine seem willing to any thing but a total seperation; they desire we should have the same King; the same wars and the same peace. In my opinion their propositions cannot be fully supported by the Acts of Parliament. Be that as it may, Congress will again repeat; acknowledge our Independence or withdraw your

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fleets and armies, and we will enter into treaty with you. This answer will be sent off to day, and as soon as it is received you may expect to hear the Enemy have evacuated Philadia., if that should not be done sooner. Be upon your guard with regard to Letters from the Enemy; they intend to seduce, corrupt & bribe by every method possible. Keep the whole militia under marching orders, if you have the power. Warn the people to double their vigilance, and not be lulled with these pleasing prospects, lest they meet with some terrible stroke, when they do not expect it. Present my best compliments to your good Brother Thomas, and tell him I am much instructed and obliged by his strictures on financeering and our paper money, but have not time to write to him. Also let Doctor McCall know, that I have reced. his letter, & wrote to the Commissary General of Prisoners &c. &c. and that Mr. Adams and myself will take every step in our power for the exchange of his son the Captain, and also Mr. Pope.(4) Remember me with particular attention to Messrs. Read, Killen and the Gentlemen of the Assembly. Confederation is put off 'till Friday, tho' it has been the Order of the day for two weeks. New Jersey is in my situation with regard to Powers but they expect them daily. I write in great haste, and remain, Dear Sir, with the most perfect regard, Your most obedient humble servant, Thos M:Kean P.S. Blessed is he that endureth unto the end, for he shall be saved. RC (PHi). 1 Rodney's June 11 letter to McKean is in Rodney, Letters (Ryden), pp. 2 That is, Dennis De Berdt. 3 For further information on the delegates' refusal to respond privately to the letters of George Johnstone, see Henry Laurens to Johnstone, June 14,1778. 4 No letter of McKean to Commissary of Prisoners John Beatty concerning Capts. Mark McCall and Charles Pope has been found.

Henry Laurens to John Laurens

My Dear Son 18 June [1778] I had intended to write you a Letter yesterday but was obliged to send only a half Letter; such as it is you will accept it and attend to some parts. I foresee it will not be possible now even to write an half. I must content myself with saying that I have sent several Papers to the General which will probably come within your inspection, the Originals from Govr. Johnstone, Mr. Oswald & Mr. Manning you will be so good as to collect and return. I shall have

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no objection to your reading Mr. Oswalds in which there is some covert meaning and very interresting-to the Marquis de la Fayette-(but I do not wish it to go further)-beg him ten millions of pardons that I do nothing more at this time than transmit several Letters which have just come to my hands for him. Adieu. LB (ScHi).

Henry Laurens to William Livingston

Dear Sir, 18th June 1778 I beleive all, I know most of them, meaning the papers accompanying this, are to be published, but the first of important Intelligence is of somewhat more value than even the first fruit of Cucumbers.(1) Therefore I do myself the honor of the present transmission. It would be an affront to hint, the public, I mean Congress, ought not in publication, to be forestalled. I wrote to your Excellency yesterday by Camp & sent Copy of Congress's answer to Lord Carlisle & Company. I wish I had time & good occasions for repeating every day the assurances of being with sincere Respect & Esteem, Your Excelly's obliged & Obedt. Servant &ca. LB (ScHi). 1 Laurens sent Governor Livingston a collection of documents pertaining to the Carlisle commissioners that was printed soon after in the June 20 issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette.

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Dear sir York Town 18th June 1778. It has not been in my power with any convenience to make an earlier acknowledgement of Your Excellency's favor of the 11 th. There were Letters in the Commissioners Packet only for Congress & particular Members then present in the House, one for Mr. E. Rutledge unsealed & several also unsealed were brought as being taken from the Express-the utmost caution is necessary in the present conjuncture of our affairs & therefore had any suspicious directions turned up, such should have passed under the Eye of Congress. The Idea of opening other people's Letter's is exceedingly abhorrent to me, but I think Congress have a power over Letters equal at least to that which necessity obliges them sometimes to exercise over persons; but Governor Johnson is too well hackney'd in the ways of Men to trust his deep schemes within our reach.

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His private Letter to me, by the bye, is notwithstanding all his good sense, no proof of an infallible judgement, I am sure it is one, of his having mistaken his Man, I take the liberty of transmitting it, together with my intended answer(1) & the Letters from Mr. Oswald & Mr. Manning under this Cover for Your Excellency's perusal. There are some traits in Mr. Oswald's which strongly imply a determination on the part of Great Britain but reserved as the ultimatum, to submit to our Independence, I am much inclined to beleive the Commissioners now are or soon will be vested with powers for that purpose. Mr. Oswald is a Gentleman of solid understanding & quick perception, of a very large Independent fortune much exceeding a quarter of a Million Sterling, often consulted by Administration; for the goodness of his heart I refer you to this particular part of his Character, he is no place Man, but much Esteemed by the first Men of each of the political parties-great reliance may be placed on what he writes or even hints. Yesterday there was an extraordinary Motion on our floor for calling upon Members to lay before Congress such Letters as they had received from the Commissioners or other persons, meaning persons in Great Britain on Political subjects.(2) I could not forbear offering some objections; it appeared to be a dangerous attempt to stretch the power of Congress. My Letters had been read by many Members & were at the service of every Gentleman who should request a perusal, but I could never consent to have my property taken from me by an Order from my fellow Citizens destitute of authority for the purpose. This circumstance & some remarks which followed have induced me to put Govr. Johnstone's Letter & my intended answer into Mr Draytons hands who is collecting materials for displaying the Governor's good designs & no doubt he will according to his usual tone add pretty severe strictures.(3) Among other Papers I transmit to Your Excellency Copies of the Commissioners Address to Congress & of their Commission. These are to be published by order. If no mistake was made a Copy of the Answer of Congress was sent to Your Excellency yesterday in my Public Letter. I pray God to support & direct Your Excellency in this Moment of extraordinary tryal & am with the most sincere Esteem & Regard, Dear sir, Your much obliged & Obedient humble servant, Henry Laurens RC (DLC). 1 See Laurens to George Johnstone, June 14, 1778. 2 See William Henry Drayton's Notes for a Speech, June 17, 1778. 3 For these "strictures," see William Henry Drayton to the Carlisle Commissioners, June 17, 1778.

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James Lovell to Horatio Gates

Dear General June 18th 1778 I have but few Words to write in answer to your Letter of the 13th received last Evening.(1) The Express having delivered the Letters under his Charge for Genl. Green to the Genl. himself, and Col. Malcomb having received Instructions from the Board of War, I hope every Thing will speedily be on a good Footing in your Department. No Peace can take Place in Consequence of any Powers we have seen of the King's Commissioners. Saturday's Paper will contain the whole of what has hitherto passed. I can only say, they do not allow Independence; Therefore they might have tarried at Home. They call on God to witness that future Carnage will not be chargeable against Britain, if we refuse to listen to the Terms now offered: So that upon the Appearance of evacuating Philada. you are to expect the Enemy will be restless at York Island; but such Orders are given as will counteract hostile Efforts. I have this Morning recd. a Letter of the 8th from Boston in which I am told "our Reinforcements are now beyond my Expectations. Many good Men are gone & going." I am much pleased with Col. Malcomb; and I hope you will be greatly relieved by the Service of so good an Officer. And I cannot but intreat that you would continue to count a Post of Danger a Post of the most Honour. Your Affectionate humb. Serv. James Lovell RC (NHi). 1 General Gates' June 13 letter asking Lovell to support Udny Hay's reappointment as deputy quartermaster general in the northern department is in the Gates Papers, NHi.

Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board

Gentlemen June 18th 1778 This will be handed you by Captain Peter Landais whom Congress has appointed to take Command of the new frigate Alliance.(1) We desire you will put that vessel under his care and use your utmost endeavours to have her Speedily fitted and manned for the sea. We have desired Captain Landais to proceed as far as Portsmouth in New Hampshire to give his advice as to the Construction of the 56 Gun ship now building there, he will afterwards return and attend the fitting & manning of the frigate which he is to command, and in which we doubt not you will find him very assidious. You will please to pay him the balance of his wages at the Rate of Sixty

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Dollars per Month from the date of his Commission.(2) He hath not been paid any money at this place only what we agreed to allow for his travelling Expences to Boston. Inclosed is a Resolution of this Committee passed in consequence of a Memorial from sundry Captains of French Merchant Ships which you will please to order to be duely executed.(3) We are Gentn, your Hble servants LB (DNA: PCC Miscellaneous Papers, Marine Committee Letter Book). 1 Although this letter and the committee's letter to Pierre Landais advising him of his appointment to command the Alliance are both clearly dated June 18 in the Marine Committee Letter Book, Congress did not actually approve this appointment until June 19. See JCC, 11:625. 2 In their letter to Landais the committee informed him that "We have directed the Navy Board to pay you the balance of your wages, and have agreed that the consideration of a gratuity to be made you be deffered until we shall be enabled by consulting with Silas Deane Esqr. to judge with propriety what sum will be adequate to your services." Paullin, Marine Committee Letters, 1:259. 3 This committee resolution has not been found, but it was passed in response to "a memorial from Tallemon and others, French captains in th port of Boston, . . . complaining of an affront offered by the captain of the Warren frigate to their commandant," which Congress had referred to the Marine Committee on June 16. JCC, 11:608.

Marine Committee to John Young

Sir June 1 8th 1778 We desire you will repair to Baltimore where we have ordered the Navy Board to hold a Court of Inquiry into the Cause of the loss of the late Continental Brigantine Independence under your Command,(1) and if it shall appear that the same was occasioned by your negligence or Mal Conduct or that of any of the Commissioned officers, that then a Court Martial be held for the trial of the Officer offending agreeable to a Resolution of Congress of the 6th of May last. We have directed the said Board to order Payment of your seamens wages & have agreed that your officers shall be permitted to make a voyage in private service their pay to cease during that time and when they return they are to give us notice that they may be ordered on Public service should there be Occasion for them. We are sir, Your Hble servants LB (DNA: PCC Miscellaneous Papers, Marine Committee Letter Book). 1 The committee's letter of this date to the Middle Department Navy Board, requesting an investigation of the loss of the Independence, is in Paullin, Marine Committee Letters, 1:256-57. Delayed initially by the confusion of the return of both Congress and the navy board to Philadelphia and subsequently by more pressing concerns, the inquiry into the loss of the Independence was not completed until October 1779, when Young was exonerated. For Young's activities during this period, see William Bell Clark, The First Saratoga Being the Saga of

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John Young and His Sloop-of-War (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1953), chaps. 1 and 2.

Samuel Adams to James Warren

My dear sir York Town June 19-78 I have Time only to write you a few Words by Captn Landais who is appointed by Congress to the Command of the new Ship of War Alliance.(1) This Gentleman is esteemed for his Experience & Knowledge in Marine Affairs & will go first to Portsmouth to direct in the Construction of the Ship designd to be built there. I wish you would (with the other Gentlemen of your Board) assist him with a popular as well as able Lieutenant-popular, because as he is a Frenchman, it may be difficult for him to procure a sufficient Number of American Seamen. He is in hopes of geting French Sailors out of the Vessels that are or may be at Boston &c. I will by the next Post send you a full Account of our late Transactions with the British Peace Makers which conclude with confirming on our Part our former Resolutions. We have just recd Advice that the Enemy have totally evacuated Philadelphia and we expect every moment to have the News confirmd. Mr. Hancock & Dr Holten are arrivd.(2) The last mentiond deliverd me a Letter from you which I will more fully acknowledge in my next. Adieu my Friend, S Adams RC (MHi). 1 See Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board, June 18, 1778, note 1. 2 According to the diary of Samuel Holten, he and John Hancock had left Boston on June 3 and arrived at York on the eighteenth. "Being somewhat indisposed & not havg. proper lodgings procured," Holten wrote on June 19, "I did not take my seat in Congress. We are informed by Genl. Washington that the Enemy have left the City of Philadelphia & our people have took possession. The people here are not at all obliging, I want to git from this house." Samuel Holten Diary, MDaAr; and Danvers Historical Society, Collections 7 (1919): 59-67.

John Banister to Theodorick and Martha Bland

My dear Sir York June 19th. 1778 I wrote you yesterday (1) that the Commissioners from the Court of G. Britain had received their answer which will put an End to the business of their Mission. Indeed they must have known from our repeated Answers to their General, our Observations on the bills before they had passed into acts, and the Treaty subsisting between America and France, that any Proposals short of Independence

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would be rejected here. Their Injuries have been so great & so often repeated that they could not expect our return to their domination, & therefore in my Judgement their Views in carrying the Proposals of Treaty so far, were directed to the Reconciling their own People, & to give a colouring to their own Conduct in the Eyes of the Powers of Europe. Whatever may have been their Motives for persevering to Treat on such narrow Ground knowing as they did the Temper of America, the sudden abruption of all hopes of accommodation will immediately bring on some Determinations of considerable Moment respecting the operations of their Army. If they evacuate Philadelphia, and all their Movements & Preparations concur to shew they shortly intend it, their march will be directed to New York & thence up the North River. Friday Evening the 19th. A letter from the General informs Congress that Capt. M'clean had taken Possession of Philadelphia, after the main Body had gone over to the Jersies, by the way of Coopers Ferry & three thousand had imbarked and proceeded down the River.(2) I hope we shall not expose ourselves to any danger from their Stratagems. I am anxious to know how the Commissioners received our final answer to their inadmissible propositions. These with the answers are inclosed. I wish to be informed how the People in Virginia stand affected as to the rejection of any Treaty or Communication, on the Subject of the late Acts of Parliament bearing the specious Title of Conciliation. If they could be prevailed on to make a vigorous Effort to raise a formidable army capable of resisting the augmenting powers of the Enemy, upon the principle of Self interestedness, & actual venality, as I do not expect it of them from Patriotism, they might the sooner go to the gratification of their Passionate fondness for Wealth, and the extension of that Commerce, the very Idea of which occupys every Faculty of their Souls. Nothing has occurred since writing the foregoing, respecting the Enemys motions either by Sea or Land & the inclosed Paper contains an exact State of our politicks, so that I have nothing more to add than that I am most truly yr. affect. Friend, John Banister My dear Mrs Bland (3) How is it that our correspondence is laid aside? Is it because a Person breathing this thick atmosphere, and inhabiting a Beotian Land, cannot produce a Sentiment that can claim the attention of a Lady of delicacy & Refinement? Perhaps there may be some thing in this Region unfavourable to the Flights of Fancy, & worse to the finer feelings of the Heart. The latter I am sensibly alive to notwithstanding it is not here, that Philantophy & the friendly attachments are often to be met with. Yet even here I have made some Connections that are delightful, and serve to fill up that vacancy which the absence from those I hold in the highest estimation hath occa-

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sioned. There is one Lady (Mrs Plater) in our Party. Mr. Plater & some of the first of Congress, who are indeed Men of the World, as well as of the first abilities I have met with Take notice they are not natives of this soil. Beside this particular Society we have a Saturday's Club composed of about fourteen very agreeable Members. Here we sometimes have a few Ladies to drink Tea, on an Island which for its beauty and enchanting situation we have honoured with the Name of Paphos. I had the Pleasure of seeing at Camp some of your Jersey Acquaintance, Lady Stirling, Lady Kitty, Miss Brown. His Excellency's Lady was at Head Quarters, she is an agreeable, well disposed, excellent Woman. I had the felicity of being there, when chearfulness & gaiety of Heart enlightened every Countenance-When the Promulgation of our alliance in Europe had brightened every Prospect. But how are the Ladies in your part of the World? I must return home & pay very assiduous attention to some of them, for I am wearied of my unconnected solitary State. Kiss my dear Robin in my Name. I hope he is a good Boy & deserves the Endearments & Instruction of his dear Mamma, permit me to assure you that I am with affectionate Regard Dr. Madam, yr. Obedient Servant, J Banister RC (PHi). 1 Not found. 2 Washington's letter dated ''1/2 after 11 A.M., June 18, 1778," in which he relayed early intelligence of the British evacuation of Philadelphia and reported Capt. Allen McLane's presence in the city, is in PCC, item 152, 6:115, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:82-83. 3 Martha Dangerfield Bland.

to Charles Carroll, Sr.

Dear Papa, 19th June 1778 Sam this day delivered me your letter with the £100.10. inclosed. I send him back, and I shall return as soon as Mr. Chase or some other Delegate comes up, for I shall not be able to obtain leave of absence, unless our State be represented, which it would not be if I should go away before the arrival of another member. By a letter recd. this evening from Gen. Washington we have authentic information of the Enemy's leaving Pha.; they evacuated it early yesterday morning.(1) Capt. M'Clean wrote to the General from the city of which he was in full possession. The General is not fully ascertained of the Enemy's destination: the general opinion is that certain. The General has put 6 brigades in motion towards Jersey & they are going to N. York whether by land, or by Sea was then un-

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the rest of the army was preparing to follow with all possible expedition. I desire my love to Molly & the little ones & Mrs. Darnall. I would answer little Poll's letter, but really have my hands too full. Please to present my compliments to your visitants. Wishing you health and a long enjoyment of it, I am, yr. affectionate Son, Ch. Carroll of Carrollton P.S. 20th June. I send you by Sam a packet from Joshua Johnson which Mr. Carmichael delivered to me. It contains newspapers, and I presume a letter, which I have not read, or even opened. As the perusal of the London newspapers, altho' of an old date, may afford you some entertainment, I send the packet by Sam. If the Enemy go to N. York, it is my opinion they will acknowledge the Independance of these States in 6 months time, and enter into a treaty of friendship & Commerce with us. I found my opinion on their not having declared war agt. France so late as the 28th April, when the Cornmissioners left England. Their finances are exhausted, they cannot procure Mercenaries from any Powers in Europe, their own People seem to be averse to the war; in such a juncture & situation of the affairs it would be madness to involve themselves in a war with the whole house of Bourbon, & carry on the present unjust & impolitic war agt. us. RC (MdHi). 1 One of the earliest reports of the British evacuation of Philadelphia was the following letter written by Robert Morris to Capt. Alexander Clough under the place and date line "Philada. June 18th. 1778." "I have been in this place since one oClock," Morris explained, "and am sorry some of our troops were not here at an earlyer hour as they wou'd probably have Captured many British officers, indeed we are now told that several officers & Refugees are at this moment hid in the City with intent to make their escape this Evening which might be prevented if proper Guards were posted for the purpose. There are also Sundry Public Works, such as the Bridge over Schuylkill, the Public Stables, a Wood Yard with a Considerable quantity of Wood, Forage Yard &c all of which will be destroyed, Plundered & Pilfered by the lower order of Inhabitants, unless Guards are Set over them for preservation. I know that His Exsy Genl Washington did not intend that Troops shou'd indiscriminately enter the City, but that a particular Corps destined for this Service shou'd enter it to take care of Public Stores, preserve Peace & good order and for such other purposes as the Commanding Officer shou'd find necessary & proper. The Enemies Retreat has been so sudden, that the Corps intended for this Service have not yet arrived & possibly may not this Night. Under this Idea Colo. Boudinot prevailed on Capt Dandridge & Capt McClean to Enter the City, they have been usefull but their Numbers are not sufficient. I am of opinion Your appearance here with Your whole Force, also Capt McCleans wou'd Answer the valuable ends I have mentioned, of preserving Peace, Preventing Plunder, taking Prisoners &c untill the other Corps arrives and I hope you will find yourself at liberty to comply with the Wishes of the Whigs now in this City, who probably may stand in need of your protection & who are ready to assist & support you in this business. You can if needfull produce this letter to His Excellency Genl Washington & I am confident it will have proper weight with him." Washington Papers, DLC.

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Henry Laurens to Horatio Gates

Dear sir, York Town 19th June 1778 By Colo. Malcolm yesterday I had the honor of writing you a few lines while that active Spirit sat jogging my Elbow for dispatch.(1) The contents of the several Papers which will accompany this will appear in print some time tommorrow, (2) these will probably be two or three days in front, I think Sir you are intitled to some of the first fruits of all important Public intelligence & therefore I had directed the inclosed Copies to be taken for your use. The correspondence between Govr. Johnstone & my self (3) was not intended for the Public eye but a certain Itch for knowing it both in & out of Doors combined with private considerations respecting my self which you will understand Sir, without explication prevailed on me to send it abroad in the very shape, meaning my answer, in which first impulses had formed it immediately after reading that Gentleman's Address. I am with great Esteem & Regard, Dear sir, Your obedient & Most humble servant, Henry Laurens [P.S.] Next Week will produce you curious applications to Members of Congress &c. I have an Instance before me in which a great Man concludes, "lose not the feelings of Christians in the resentment of Men and as you have nobly fought now act more nobly and forgive us."(4)® One part of the Mission is to grant Pardons. Sing tantarara All Mad.(5) RC (NHi). 1 Laurens' last extant letter to Gates is dated June 17, 1778. 2 Laurens is referring to documents pertaining to the Carlisle commissioners that were published in the Pennsylvania Gazette on June 20. 3 See Laurens to George Johnstone, June 14, 1778. 4 The quotation is from a letter to Joseph Reed from his brother-in-law Dennis De Berdt, for which see Reed to De Berdt, July 19,1778, note 1. 5 Laurens also noted in his presidential letterbook that this day he "Inclosed to [Gates] in my private letter of this date an Act of Congress of the 17th for preventing illicit Correspondence between the Enemy & the Inhabitants of these States." See PCC, item 13, 1:372; and JCC, 11:616.

Henry Laurens to the Marquis de Lafayette

Dear Si r 19 June [1778] I am honored by your favor of the 12.(1) Before this can reach Your Excellency you will have seen the correspondence between those great Personages at Philada. and some in my humble opinion not inferior at York Town. In a leisure hour I shall have the honor of learning your Excellencies sentiments. Govr. Johnstone will know

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that although I mean and endeavour to be courteous to all Mankind nature has given me understanding enough to distinguish between Freind and Enemies, true politeness and fulsome flattery. If I live to be acquainted personally with that Ciceronian Hero I think 1 shall notwithstanding all his subtilety and command of Muscles draw a Bluff upon him by recapitulating his present attempts. Mr. Carmichael had a Letter for your Excellency which I presume he has sent forward. I don't know whether he has any French Papers, but if he has the dates must be old, for he has been long arrived. Congress have done nothing yet respecting Monsr. Tousard (2) and Colo. Armand,(3) I believe the business lies in the Board of War and will enquire about it. I never heard before of Chevr. De Fayolles or it has escaped my Memory, possibly he may appear under a different appellation which I have observed frequently in the Addresses to French Gentlemen.(4) I delivered the Papers concerning the West Indies to Congress who seemed by expressions to be properly impressed with a sense of your Excellency's Zeal and good will for our Cause, but the late Treaty is a bar to an attempt at this time.(5) I have the honor to be &c. LB (ScHi). 1 Lafayette's June 12 letter to Laurens is in Lafayette, Papers (Idzerda), 2:74-76. 2 Anne-Louis, chevalier de Tousard, whose promotion from captain to major Lafayette had solicited in several recent letters to Laurens, was made a brevet lieutenant colonel by Congress on October 27, 1778, in consequence of his "Gallantry . . . in the late Action on Rhode Island." See ibid., pp. 61, 71, 76; and JCC, 12:1068. 3 For a discussion of Armand-Charles Tuffin, marquis de La Rouerie's plan to raise an independent corps, see Laurens to Lafayette, May 11, 1778, note 4. 4 In reality Laurens had already discussed the case of chevalier de Fayolles in his May 11, 1778, letter to Lafayette. 5 For a discussion of Lafayette's proposed Franco-American expedition against the British West Indies, see Laurens to Lafayette, May 29, 1778, note 3.

Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board

Gentlemen June l9th 1778 We have been favoured with yours of the 25th ultimo, 2d & 8th Current which we have considered & as we wrote to you fully by Captain Barry (1) and other late conveyances we shall now only reply to such parts of your Letters as have not been determined on. So soon as will be convenient we wish to be furnished with the Accounts of your transactions. We agree that you shall appoint a Naval Paymaster for your Department and hope you will be able to get some proper person for that purpose. It is an office of much impor-

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tance and should be filled by a man of integrity and capacity who will keep Regular and fair Books of accounts with all persons belonging to the Vessels of war within your department and pay them their wages as it may become due taking care always to keep a months pay in hand from the seamen until their time of entering is expired. Congress has not yet fixed a Salary for the Paymaster-when they do we presume it will be adequate to the importance of the Office. Before this you will know that we have appointed Captain Barry to the Raleigh & as he is an active good officer, we have strong hopes she will shortly be manned. Exclusive of the Vessels you have provided to carry dispatches to France, the sloop Providence will also be wanted for that purpose, and we request you will get her ready as soon as in your power. The Committee for foreign affairs will send off their dispatches to go by her in a day or two.(2) We have only to repeat our former request that you will use your utmost endeavours to get our Vessels fitted for Sea and sent out together as Speedily as possible. We hope the news of the Bostons safe arrival in France may be true and congratulate you on the Enemys having been obliged to evacuate Philadelphia. We are Gentlemen, Your very Hble servants P.S. We have received a Petition signed by Stephen Hill, Simon Gross, Joseph Adams, Adam Thaxter, Esek Hopkins & John Deamon. Should they not be wanted in their stations on board any of the Continental Vessels, we have agreed that they shall be at liberty to make a voyage in Private service their pay to cease during that time, which you will please to inform them. LB (DNA: PCC Miscellaneous Papers, Marine Committee Letter Book). 1 See Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board, May 30, 1778. 2 See Committee for Foreign Affairs to Benjamin Franklin, June 20, 1778 .

Marine Committee to William Smith

Sir June 19th, 1778 In a letter from the Eastern Navy Board dated the 2nd instant they write to us-"that they have already sent forward to Sinpuxent three schooners which if they arrive safe will take more flour and Iron than is already provided, and shall soon get another which will be sufficient to bring the whole quantity proposed, you will therefore please to order the remainder to be ready." It is the opinion of this committee that if there is not already at Sinepuxent a sufficient quantity of Flour and Iron (which we suppose is the case) to load these Vessels that shall be sent out for that purpose by the Navy

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Board of the Eastern Department and arrive & the navigation of the Bay should be open, they should be ordered round to Baltimore and you are desired to send your orders accordingly.(1) We are sir, Your hble servants LB (DNA: PCC Miscellaneous Papers, Marine Committee Letter Book). 1 For the committee's earlier instructions on this issue see Marine Committee to William Smith, February 24, 1778.

Samuel Adams to James Warren

Dear Sir York Town June 20-78 In my Letter of yesterday's Date, I promisd to write again by the next Post, and give you a full Account of our Transactions with the British Peace Makers. Cap Landais after the insealing of my Letter obtaind a News Paper which he intends to deliver to you. That will answer the purpose. The President has informd us of an opportunity previous to the Post which I readily embrace. It gave me much Concern to find an omission of your Name in both Houses of Assembly. I indulgd Hopes that it was occasiond by your Time and Attention being so much employd in the Affairs of the Continent, and am sorry that an opportunity was not afforded to you of declining a Seat, if you had thought it necessary, on that occasion. But, my Friend, you must expect and be content to be now and then neglected when the Influence of aspiring but worthless Men shall prevail in an Hour while your own and your Countrys Freinds are unsuspecting and unguarded. Beleive me, you cannot long be unnoticed by your Country, while she remains virtuous and wise; when a People becomes so abandoned (which I trust is far from being the Case of our Country) as to be not worth saving, no wise Patriot, will farther attempt to save them. He will then seek a Place of Retreat where he may enjoy the happy Reflections of his own Mind, and count a private Station the highest Post of Honor. But the Express waits, which obliges me to break off abruptly. Heaven knows best, how to dispose of you and me. Adieu. SA RC (MHi).

Josiah Bartlett to William Whipple

My Dear Sir, York Town June 20th 1778 I congratulate you on our army's being in possession of Philadelphia. We rec'd the intelligence this morning by express from General Washington;(1) the particulars of which important event and the

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circumstances and movements of the armies in consequence, I expect you will receive before this reaches you, and I believe we shall soon take leave of this dirty place and remove Congress to some place where we may be better accomodated. I make no doubt you have heard of the arrival of his Britannic Majesty's Commissioners, and of their letters being sent to Congress; I now enclose you a paper which will inform you of all the transactions of Congress relative to that affair which will I hope give full satisfaction to every honest American . I have the pleasure to inform you that every member of Congress was firm and steady, never to make peace, but, on the principles of absolute Independence. I am sorry that the answer was deferred some days on account of the zeal of some members for sealing the letters up and sending the letters back without reading, in consequence of some harsh expressions against the King of France; however it was overruled as you will see and a more proper method in my opinion taken. What will be their next steps, time only can discover. In the packet to Congress were inclosed a great number of letters to the separate members, Some from Governour Johnstone to such of the members as he was acquanted with, and others from other persons in England who had any acquaintance with them. The enclosed from Robert Trail (2) came directed to you as a Delegate of Congress which was opened and I now enclose it to you. As to Marine affairs, Congress are very sensible some very essential alterations are necessary and seem determined to attend to it, as soon as the Confederation and some other very important matters are finished. I wish I could inform you that I thought it would soon happen, but the multitude of business that is daily crowding upon us, and the time it sometimes takes to determine on some not very important matters makes me fear it will not take place so soon as I could wish. Besides the want of men in Congress acquainted sufficiently with Marine affairs is another great difficulty and causes that Committee to be filled with some persons like myself, unacquainted with the business they are ordered to superintend. "I heartily wish (with you) to see the American Navy respectable, and hope it will be put wholly into the hands of men whose private business does not militate with the public",(3) but I cannot be fully of your opinion that it would be for the public service to put an entire stop to privateering, as I think experience has Shewn that privateers have done more towards distressing the trade of our enemies and furnishing these States with necessaries, than continental ships of the same force, and that is in my opinion the greatest advantage we can at present expect from our Navy; for at this early period we cannot expect to have a Navy sufficient to cope with the British. However I am quite convinced that it might with proper management be in a

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much better situation than at present and should be happy to see it soon take place. The Congress is at this time pretty full. I know not whether you are acquainted with the President, Mr Laurens; I think him a very sensible, judicious man, acquainted with the world and makes an excellent President. Mr Drayton, the Chief Judge of So Carolina is a sensible judicious man, a good speaker, firmly attached to Independance and not given to the chicane common to lawyers. Mr R Morris from New York(4) is an eternal speaker, and for artifice a Duane and for brass equal to any body I am acquainted with. Mr. Adams from Virginia is a member; he informs me that he was innoculated with you at Elizabeth Town and desires to be remembered to you. On the whole I think we have a pretty good Congress and if we have nothing more to fear from British arms and policy than from their gold, I think you may make yourself perfectly easy as is your sincere friend & most obt servt, J B [P.S.] Mr Wentworth desires to be remembered to you. Tr (DLC). 1 Washington's June 18 letter containing news of Philadelphia's evacuation arrived at York the evening of June 19. See John Banister to Theodorick and Martha Bland, June 19, 1778, note 2. 2 Robert Trail, Whipple's brother-in-law and a former merchant and royal comptroller of the customs in Portsmouth, N.H., was at this time a loyalist refugee on Long Island. See Whipple to Joshua Brackett, March 17, 1776, note 3. 3 Bartlett was quoting from Whipple's June I letter to him, which is in Bartlett, Papers (Mevers), p. 183. 4 That is, Gouverneur Morris.

to Benjamin Franklin

Sir York Town June 20th. 1778 By a most unlucky Mistake I did not forward the Resolve of May 5th with the Ratifications of the Treaties sent in that Month in the Packets A.B.C.; but I have sent them in D.E. via Martinique; and now forward them in F.G. via Boston, not allowing myself to wait for the Concurrence of the Committee in a joint Letter.(1) Our Troops were in the City of Philadelphia the morning of the 18th. The Intentions of the Enemy in evacuating it cannot yet be explained. Our Army is in Motion and will press them. The Gazettes contain every Thing material. By the Arrival of Mr. Sim. Deane May 2d, Capt. Courter May 18th, Mr. Stevenson June 10th, and Messrs. Holker & Carmichael June 18th we have the Favours of yourself and other Friends in Continuance. Commissioners will be particularly nominated to transact our Affairs at Lisbon & the Hague, if those Courts are well disposed towards us.

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We are now growing anxious about our worthy Friend Adams. I am, affectionately, Your most humb Servt. James Lovell RC (PPAmP). Written and signed by James Lovell, Endorsed by John Adams: "Mr. Lovel's Letter June 20. inclosing Power to withdraw the 11. & 12 Articles." 1 For further information on Lovell's failure to transmit this resolve promptly, see Lovell to John Adams, June 8, 1778.

John Hancock to Dorothy Hancock

My Dear Dolly York Town June 20th 1778 Saturday Morng. I arriv'd at this place the 18th Inst.(1) after a most fatiguing Journey, bad Roads & miserable Entertainment, but thank God I am in tolerable Health. I long much to hear from you & the little John. I hope this will find you well over the hurry of your Week's Company, & that your health is thoroughly Establish'd. This is my fourth Letter, besides many Messages by persons who promis'd me they would Call upon you & inform you of meeting me well on the Road. Do let me know if three Sailors call'd on you with a Message from me, they had been prisoners & were returning, I gave them sixteen Dollars on the Road, & they promis'd to Call. I met Mr. Adams who keeps with my Brother, he will Call. Mr & Mrs Hillegas are well, desire their Complimts. to you, she wrote you by Mr. Adams. Capt. Landais just going off I have only time to Add my Regards to all Friends, Love to Mr Bant & my Brother, to Mrs. Brackett & all in the Family. I shall write you fully by Mr. Dodd who Sets off for Boston on Monday & shall write Mr. Bant & my Brother. Do beg them to write me & Send me the News Papers. My Dear, I must beseech you to write me often, if you wish my health you will not omit one Oppory., pray do not neglect me in that respect. I will write you particularly by Dodd. I wish you the best of Heaven's Blessings, & am with the most perfect Love, Yours for ever, John Hancock York Town 20 June, We have this moment an Accott. that the Enemy have Evacuated Philadelphia & that some of our Troops have march'd in, and taken possession of the City. J H RC (Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa., 1974). 1 Hancock took his seat in Congress on June 19. JCC, 11:621.

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Samuel Holten's Diary

June 20 [1778].(1) I have not taken my seat in Congress for the reasons mentioned yesterday.(2) I wrote to the Honl. Mr Gill at Boston, Colo. Hutchinson, Revd. Dr. Gordon, Roxbury, & to my wife,(3) the express sits out to morrow. MS (MDaAr). 1 Although Holten maintained this diary during his entire first term in Congress from June 1778 to July 1780, historians will be disappointed in its contents. "I was careful not to make any remarks upon the public affairs in this diary," he explained in a note appended to the manuscript sometime after August 1780, "for reasons I shall not mention at this time." 2 See Samuel Adams to James Warren, June 19, 1778, note 2. 3 None of these letters has been found.

Henry Laurens to William Barton

Dear Colonel. York Town 20th June 1778 I most sincerely congratulate with all your friends on your late acquisition of Glory & on your present prospect of appearing again with vigor in both fields of engagement.(1) I interest myself, I cannot help it, in the welfare & happiness of every brave Man, therefore Sir, I request you let me know as soon as you can, under your own hand, the State of your Wound & health in general. The Gazettes which I here inclose will afford you much information & an hours agreeable amusement. The Enemy have certainly abandoned Philadelphia but their movements are at present inexplicable. 3000 Troops they say are embarked & gone down the River, the rest encamped between Haddonfield & Cooper's ferry. If this be true & I have it from good authority, it gives scope to much conjecture. Beleive me Dear Colonel to be, with great Esteem & Regard, Your obedient humble Servant, Henry Laurens, private [P.S.] General Arnold is appointed to Command in the City by General Washington. RC (NN) 1 William Barton (1748-1831), a lieutenant colonel in charge of a regiment of Rhode Island militia, was wounded while repelling a British raid on Warren, R.I,, in May 1778. For the special notice Congress had previously taken of his exploit in capturing Gen. Richard Prescott the previous summer, see John Hancock to William Barton, July 26, 1777; and DAB.

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Henry Laurens to George Clinton

Sir 20th June [1778] I had the honor of writing to your Excellency under the 9th and 10th Instant, and of presenting to Congress on the 17th Your Excellency's favor of the 29th May.(1) The present serves to Cover two Acts of Congress. 1. of the 4th Instant Recommending a suspension or repeal of Acts of Assembly for regulating prices of Goods.(2) This I apprehend applies not to New York. 2. Of the 17th Instant for preventing all Correspondence between the Enemy and private persons Citizens of these United States.(3) And I take the liberty of adding four of this days Gazettes containing intelligence important and interresting to the public.(4) Your Excellency will have heard before this can reach your hands of the Enemy's retreat from Philadelphia and probably know more than I do of the motions of the Commander in Chief who decamped from Valley forge the 18th and 19th Instant. I have the honor to be &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 Governor Clinton's May 29 letter to Laurens is in PCC, item 67, 2:126, and Clinton, Papers (Hastings), 3:373. 2 See JCC, 11 :569-70. 3 See JCC, 11:616. Laurens also enclosed copies of this resolution with brief covering letters that he wrote this day to the chief executive officers of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, which are in PCC, item 13, 2:1-5; Red Series, R-Ar; Red Books, MdAA; and John F. Reed Collection, King of Prussia, Pa. 4 The Pennsylvania Gazette of this date printed a number of documents pertaining to the Carlisle peace commission. See, for example, Laurens to George Johnstone, June 14; William Henry Drayton to the Pennsylvania Gazette, June 17; and Drayton's and Gouverneur Morris' June 17 and June 20, 1778, letters to the Carlisle commissioners. Laurens also sent copies of this issue of the Gazette to the chief executive officers of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia with the letters he wrote to them this day cited above. Furthermore, he noted in his private letterbook that on this day he dispatched copies of the paper to Gov. Richard Caswell and Cornelius Harnett of North Carolina, to President Rawlins Lowndes and John Wells of South Carolina, to Samuel Chase of Maryland, and to William Smith and Francis Hopkinson of the Middle Department Navy Board. Laurens Papers, ScHi.

Henry Laurens to William Heath

Sir. York Town 20th June 1778 Since my last of the 26th Ulto. Your favor of the 25th of that Month came to hand & has been presented to Congress,(1) but I have received no Commands except the Inclosed Act of Congress of the

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17th for preventing all correspondence between the Enemy & private persons Citizens of these States. to which I add three of this days Gazettes containing very Important & Interesting Intelligence. With respect to the unhappy Culprit under sentence of Death, Mr. Hancock has said nothing since his arrival & Congress take it for granted that the Sentence will be executed on the day which you had assigned.(2) The Enemy have abandoned Philadelphia, about 3000 tis said embarked & went down the River, the rest were between Haddonfield & Cooper's ferry, movements which carry aspect of stratagem. General Washington Marched with his whole force on the 18th & 19th toward Trenton. I should acknowledge also the Rect. of your favour of the 1st Inst. & if I mistake not there is another which the Secretary has not given me the date of.(3) I have the honor to be, With great Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your most obedt. Servt, Henry Laurens, President of Congress. [P.S.] I recollect the subject of the other Letter to have been on Colo. Armand's inlisting Deserters-it is Committed & not reported. RC (MHi) 1 General Heath's May 25 letter to Laurens, which dealt mainly with the case of Ensign John Brown and was read in Congress on June 15, is in PCC, item 157, fols. 144-45. 2 The "unhappy Culprit" was Ensign John Brown of the Third Massachusetts Regiment, who had been sentenced to death for engaging in fraudulent recruitment practices and deserting his unit. Brown admitted his guilt but begged for mercy in a May 23 petition to Congress that Heath enclosed with his May 25 letter to Laurens. In that letter Heath also requested Congress to defer action on Brown's case until it had heard from John Hancock, who had promised some friends of Brown that he would intercede with the delegates in behalf of the ensign upon his return to Congress. Despite the fact that Hancock took no apparent interest in Brown's case after returning to Congress and that Laurens instructed Heath to carry out the sentence of the court-martial as scheduled, Brown was saved by the intervention of his friends, who persuaded the Massachusetts Council to order Heath to stay the execution, and by Congress' decision on July 20 to appoint a committee to investigate the ensign's case. After examining the proceedings of Brown's court-martial and considering appeals for clemency from Brown and his wife Mary, the committee recommended to Congress on November 28 that Brown be cashiered rather than executed. Congress debated this recommendation and at length decided on March 9, 1779, to grant Brown a pardon. See JCC, 11:704, 12:1174, 1184, 13:296; and PCC, item 157, fols. 129 213 passim. 3 General Heath's June I letter to Laurens, which was read in Congress on June 17, is in PCC, item 157, fol. 148. According to the journals, Congress did not read another letter from Heath until June 22. JCC, 11:629.

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Henry Laurens to William Livingston

Sir 20th June [1778] Since mine of the 9th and 10th Instant, I have had the honor of receiving and presenting to Congress Your Excellencies favors of the 4th, 11th and 15th Instant.(1) Commissions for Vessels shall be transmitted to Your Excellency when the Marine Committee shall have made certain amendments judged to be necessary and I can obtain an impression from the Printer. Your Excellency will be pleased to receive inclosed an Act of Congress of the 17th Instant for cutting off all correspondence between the Enemy and private persons Inhabitants of these States, to which I take the liberty of adding four Copies of this day's Gazette containing very important Intelligence. I Am with great Regard &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 Governor Livingston's June 11 letter to Laurens, in which he described his inability to comply with "the many applications for Commissions for privateers and Letters of marque" he was receiving, is in PCC, item 68, fol. 379. His June 4 and 15 letters are not in PCC or the Laurens Papers, ScHi.

Henry Laurens to William Malcom

Sir . York Town 20th June 1778 It is with pleasure I transmit the Inclosed Act of Congress of the 19th for enabling you to hold your Rank in the Army; & your Regiment so long as it shall be kept up(1) -to this I add half a dozen Copies of this days Gazette containing the intelligence of which you had gained but a partial knowledge when you left York. I am with great Regard, Sir, Your obedient & most humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress RC (DNA: PCC, item 78). 1 Col. William Malcom of New York, commander of one of the sixteen additional Continental regiments, was appointed deputy adjutant general in the northern military department by Congress on June 2. JCC, 11:560. Shortly before this, Malcom, who was then serving as acting adjutant general of this department at the request of Gov. George Clinton and others, had written to William Duer stating that he would continue in this office only if he could retain his military rank and command. Malcom's May 27 letters was referred on June 6 to the committee of arrangement, which advised Congress to approve the resolve on rank enclosed by Laurens with this letter. See JCC, 11:575, 625; and PCC, item 78, 15:347.

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Henry Laurens to Caesar Rodney

Sir 20th June [1778] I had the honor of writing to you the 11 th May.(1) Under this Cover be pleased to receive the following Acts of Congress. 1. 27th, 29th May and 2nd June for Establishment of the Army. 2. 4th June Recommending the suspension or repeal of Laws made in any of the States for regulating prices. 3. 6th June For extending Subsistence Money to Officers of Militia &c. 4. 8 June For laying a general Embargo on provision. 5. 17 June For preventing all correspondence between the Enemy & private Citizens of these States, to which I take the liberty of adding four Copies of this days Gazette much Intelligence of a Public and interresting nature. Some of the Acts abovementioned should have been long since sent, had they come to my hands in time. I request your Excellency will intimate to me the best method of conveying Letters with public Dispatches to your State, I have frequently apply'd without success for such Information to the honorable Mr. McKean. I have the honor to be &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). Addressed: "President Rodney, Delaware." Endorsed: "by Petit either to be conducted by himself or to request the V. Presidt. of Pennsylvania or the Secretary of Council to forward it." 1 See Laurens to George Clinton, May 11, 1778, note 2.

Henry Laurens to Philip Schuyler

Dear Sir 20th June [1778] At length I can tell you the Report of the Committee with Charges stated against the Commanding officer in the Northern department & the General Officers who were at Tyconderoga when that Post was abandoned last year is gone to the Commander in Chief.(1) I hope the Secretary will furnish me with Copies tomorrow. Whenever he shall do so one shall be immediately transmitted to you. Within the present Inclosure you will receive, Sir, six copies of this day's Gazette containing much important and interresting Intelligence. I request you to transmit one or two Copies to my worthy Friend Mr. Duane. When he knows our present circumstances, he will excuse me for not writing by the present conveyance. The Enemy have at last withdrawn from Philadelphia but their

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movements have much the aspect of stratagem. 'Tis said 3000 embarked and fell down the Delaware, the rest were Encamped between Haddonfield and Cooper's ferry. General Washington had marched the 18th and 19th towards Trenton. You will learn the progression on each side hereafter at Albany as soon as we shall in York. General Arnold commands in the City and from the numbers of People who have flocked into it within a few days past I should suppose Whigs out number Tories. When the coast is quite dear, Congress will talk of adjourning from hence, but there will be some struggle against meeting in Philadelphia.(2) I have the honor to be &c. L.B (ScHi). 1 For the report in question, which was read in Congress on June 12 and sent to Washington this day, see JCC, 11:593-603. 2 Congress adjourned in York on June 27 and resumed business in Philadelphia on July 7. JCC, 11:662, 671-72.

Henry Laurens to John Sullivan

Sir 20th June [1778] I had the honor of writing to you under the 14th Instant by Mr. Bolden. The present Cover will convey to you an Act of Congress of the 17th Instant for preventing all Correspondence between the Enemy and private Citizens of these States, to which I add four Gazettes of this date containing much intelligence very important and interresting to the Public. I do not find by my copy Book any Note, marking the transmission of the Army Arrangement under the 27th and 29th May and 2nd June nor of an Act of Congress of the 6th June for extending subsistence money to Officers of Militia &c. altho' I think it has been made, therefore I shall put under this Inclosure two Copies of each. The Enemy has certainly abandoned Philadelphia and General Arnold is appointed by the Commander in Chief to command in the City, but from the most authentic accounts we have received Mr Clinton's mode of withdrawing renders his designs extremely suspicious. About 3,000 of his Troops tis said have embarked and have gone down the Delaware, the remainder had encamped some four or five Miles from Coopers ferry in Jersey, if they mean to penetrate to Amboy why this disjunction? General Washington moved with his

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whole Army the 18th and 19th-a few days more may explain their meaning. I Am with great Regard &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13).

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Sir. York Town 20th June 1778 Yesterday I had the honor of presenting to Congress Your Excellency's favors of the 18th Inst. A M & P M.(1) At present I have only in charge to transmit the Report of the Committee appointed to examine the evidence collected & to state charges against the General Officers at Tyconderoga &c which Your Excellency will be pleased to receive indosed with this.(2) And I take the liberty of adding twenty Copies of this days Gazette containing the British Commissioners Address to Congress &c &c. I have the honor to be, With the most respectful attachment, Sir, Your Excellency's Obedient humble servt, Henry Laurens President of Congress [P.S.] Major Campbel's new Commission is "a Brevet Lt. Colonel, this Rank to have effect only in the Western department not to affect any Officer in the Virginia line nor to entitle him to any other Pay than that of Major the Rank he held previous to this appointment to rank from 20th February 1778."(3) The bundle of Papers relative to an enquiry came to hand yesterday with Your Excellency's 2d Letter.(4) RC (DLC) . 1 Washington's three June 18 letters to Laurens are in PCC, item 152, 6:109-21, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:81-85. 2 See JCC, 11 :593-603, 628. 3 At the behest of Gen. Lachlan McIntosh, Washington had urged Congress to grant this brevet to Maj. Richard Campbell of the Thirteenth Virginia Regiment before he left York to join McIntosh "in the Western department." See Washington to Laurens, June 10, 1778, in PCC, item 152, 6:97, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:41. Although there is no record of Campbell's brevet in the journals, Washington's letter of recommendation bears the following endorsement: " (Entered & Examined) Letter from Gen Washington 10 June 1778 read 15-referred to the board of war (Acted upon)." Charles Thomson wrote this endorsement except for the last two words in an unknown hand. 4 Washington sent Congress the records of a court of inquiry into the loss of Forts Clinton and Montgomery in the New York Highlands that had been held in accordance with a congressional resolve of November 28, 1778. JCC, 9:975-76, 11:629. Unfortunately these proceedings are not in PCC or the Washington Papers, DLC, but see Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 11 :69, 94, 100-102, 373, 12:85.

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Henry Laurens to Meshech Weare

Honorable Sir. York Town 20th June 1778 I had the honor of writing to you under the 9th & 10th Inst. by William Bolden.(1) The present serves to Cover an Act of Congress of the 17th for preventing a correspondence between the Enemy & the good people of these States, to which I shall add three Gazettes of the present date containing important articles of Intelligence. Permit me once more Sir to intreat you to intimate the Receipt of my Letters & of the Papers which accompanied them, half an hour on your part will cancel what I hope you will allow me to call a debt of near eight Months standing. I am with great Respect, Sir, Your most obedient servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress. RC (MHi). 1 The second letter was Laurens' June 10 circular letter to the states.

Richard Henry Lee to John Adams

My dear Sir. York in Pennsylva. 20th June 1778 Our enemies at N. York had contrived to distress us a good deal by a publication that the Boston was taken & carried into England. We were at first greatly concerned for our Friend, until we reflected on the lying genius of our enemies, and the improbability that Heaven would permit such a triumph of Vice over Virtue. Now we are made happy by an account from Boston that you are safely arrived in France. The Treaty with France was soon ratified here, desiring only that the 11th & 12th Articles might be reconsidered and omitted. Three Copies of the ratification have been sent away from hence near a month, and now 3 more are dispatching. The former dispatches would inform you the determination of Congress upon the English Acts of pacification, before we knew of our new Alliance, and these will acquaint you with the reception Messrs. the Commissioners from London have met with. The figure they cut is truly ridiculous. If this were all it would be happy for England, but she seems now to be a Setting Star. Two days ago the B. Army abandoned Philadelphia and our Troops are in possession of that City. The enemy are in the Jersies, but whether they mean to push for Amboy, or embark below Billingsport on the Delaware, is yet uncertain. The Jersey Militia are in readiness, & if our Army can cross Delaware in time, the gentry will yet get a parting blow. The friends to the future happiness and glory of America are now urging the Confederation to a dose, and I hope it will be signed in a few days.

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All but a few Delegates have powers, and those that have not, come from Small States, that will undoubtedly fall in. Our next business is Finance, and this is a momentous point indeed. Every state exclaims we are overflown with our emissions of Money, yet all seem to be going on in the same beaten Track, and will I fear until invincible Necessity shall force a change. I wish to bring you, and my brother Dr Lee to be well acquainted. Republican Spirits who have so successfully labored for the liberty of their Country, and whose sole object is the security of public happiness, must esteem each other. The Continental Army is now on a much more respectable footing, both for numbers & discipline, and supplies of every kind, than it has been since the War began. It will give me singular pleasure to hear of your happiness at all times. I am dear Sir most sincerely and affectionately yours, Richard Henry Lee [P.S.] Cannot Monsr. Beaumarchais demand against us be fully and fairly explained? There is mastery in this business that demands to be thoroughly developed.(1) Be so kind as to contrive the letters for my brothers safely to them.(2) R.H.L. RC (MHi). 1 For Lee's earlier comments on Caron de Beaumarchais' commercial "demands" on Congress, see Lee to John Adams, May 13, 1778. On Beaumarchais' accounts, see Committee of Commerce to the Commissioners at Paris, May 16; and Committee of Congress Report, June 10, 1778. 2 No June 1778 letters from Richard Henry Lee to either Arthur or William Lee have been found.

Gouverneur Morris to the Carlisle Commissioners

[June 20, 1778](1) To the Earl of CARLISLE, Lord Viscount HOWE, Sir WILLIAM HOWE (or, in his absence, Sir HENRY DINTON), WILLIAM EDEN, and GEORGE JOHNSTONE. Trusty and well-beloved servants of your sacred master, in whom he is well pleased. As you are sent to America for the express purpose of treating with anybody and anything, you will pardon an address from one who disdains to flatter those whom he loves. Should you therefore deign to read this address, your chaste ears will not be offended with the language of adulation, a language you despise. I have seen your most elegant and most excellent letter "to his Excellency Henry Laurens, the President, and other Members of the Congress."(2) As that body have thought your propositions unworthy their particular regard, it may be some satisfaction to your curiosity,

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and tend to appease the offended spirit of negotiation, if one out of the many individuals on this great Continent should speak to you the sentiments of America. Sentiments which your own good sense hath doubtless suggested, and which are repeated only to convince you that, notwithstanding the narrow ground of private information on which we stand in this distant region, still a knowledge of our own rights, and attention to our own interests, and a sacred respect for the dignity of human nature, have given us to understand the true principles which ought, and which therefore shall, sway our conduct. You begin with the amiable expressions of humanity, the earnest desire of tranquility and peace. A better introduction to Americans could not be devised. For the sake of the latter, we once laid our liberties at the feet of your Prince, and even your armies have not eradicated the former from our bosoms. You tell us you have powers unprecedented in the annals of your history. And England, unhappy England, will remember with deep contrition, that these powers have been rendered of no avail by a conduct unprecedented in the annals of mankind. Had your royal master condescended to listen to the prayer of millions, he had not thus have sent you. Had moderation swayed what we were proud to call mother country, "her full-blown dignity would not have broken down under her." You tell us that "all parties may draw some degree of consolation, and even auspicious hope, from recollection." We wish this most sincerely for the sake of all parties. America, even in the moment of subjugation, would have been consoled by conscious virtue, and her hope was and is in the justice of her cause, and the justice of the Almighty. These are sources of hope and of consolation, which neither time nor chance can alter or take away. You mention "the mutual benefits and consideration of evils, that may naturally contribute to determine our resolutions." As to the former, you know too well that we could derive no benefit from an union with you, nor will I, by deducing the reasons to evince this, cast an insult upon your understandings. As to the latter, it were to be wished you had preserved a line of conduct equal to the delicacy of your feelings. You could not but know that men, who sincerely love freedom, disdain the consideration of all evils necessary to attain it. Had not your own hearts borne testimony to this truth, you might have learnt it from the annals of your history. For in those annals instances of this kind at least are not unprecedented. But should those instances be insufficient, we pray you to read the unconquered mind of America. That the acts of Parliament you transmitted were passed with singular unanimity, we pretend not to doubt. You will pardon me, gentlemen, for observing, that the reasons of that unanimity are

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strongly marked in the report of a Committee of Congress, agreed to on the 22d of April last, (3) and referred to in a late letter from Congress to Lord Viscount Howe and Sir Henry Clinton.(4) You tell us you are willing "to consent to a cessation of hostilities, both by sea and land." It is difficult for rude Americans to determine whether you are serious in this proposition, or whether you mean to jest with their simplicity. Upon a supposition, however, that you have too much magnanimity to divert yourselves on an occasion of such importance to America, and perhaps not very trivial in the eyes of those who sent you, permit me to assure you, on the sacred word of a gentleman, that if you shall transport your troops to England, where before long your Prince will certainly want their assistance, we never shall follow them thither. We are not so romantically fond of fighting, neither have we such regard for the city of London, as to commence a crusade for the possession of that holy land. Thus you may be certain that hostilities will cease by land. It would be doing singular injustice to your national character, to suppose you are desirous of a like cessation by sea. The course of the war, and the very flourishing state of your commerce, notwithstanding our weak efforts to interrupt it, dearly shew that you can exclude us from the sea. The sea your kingdom. You offer "to restore free intercourse, to revive mutual affection, and renew the common benefits of naturalization." Whenever your countrymen shall be taught wisdom by experience, and learn from past misfortunes to pursue their true interests in future we shall readily admit every intercourse which is necessary for the purposes of commerce, and usual between different nations. To revive mutual affection is utterly impossible. We freely forgive you, but it is not in nature that you should forgive us. You have injured us too much. We might, on this occasion, give you some late instances of singular barbarity, committed as well by the forces of his Britannic Majesty, as by those of his generous and faithful allies, the Senecas, Onondagas and Tuscaroras. But we will not offend a courtly ear by the recital of those disgusting scenes. Besides this, it might give pain to that humanity which hath, as you observe, prompted your overtures to dwell upon the splendid victories obtained by a licentious soldiery over unarmed men in defenceless villages, their wanton devastations, their deliberate murders, or to inspect those scenes of carnage painted by the wild excesses of savage rage. These amiable traits of national conduct cannot but revive in our bosoms that partial affection we once felt for everything which bore the name of Englishman. As to the common benefits of naturalization, it is a matter we conceive to be of the most sovereign indifference. A few of our wealthy citizens may hereafter visit England and Rome, to see the ruins of those august temples, in which the goddess of Liberty was once adored. These will hardly claim naturalization in either of those

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places as a benefit. On the other hand, such of your subjects as shall be driven by the iron hand of Oppression to seek for refuge among those whom they now persecute, will certainly be admitted to the benefits of naturalization. We labour to rear an asylum for mankind, and regret that circumstances will not permit you, Gentlemen, to contribute to a design so very agreeable to your several tempers and dispositions. But further, your Excellencies say, "we will concur to extend every freedom to trade that our respective interests can require." Unfortunately there is a little difference in these interests, which you might not have found it very easy to reconcile, had the Congress been disposed to risque their heads by listening to terms, which I have the honour to assure you are treated with ineffable contempt by every honest Whig in America. The difference I allude to is, that it is your interest to monopolize our commerce, and it is our interest to trade with all the world. There is indeed a method of cutting this garden knot which perhaps no statesman is acute enough to untie. By reserving to the Parliament of Great-Britain the right of determining what our respective interests require, they might extend the freedom of trade, or circumscribe it, at their pleasure, for what they might call our respective interests. But I trust it would not be to our mutual satisfaction. Your "earnest desire to stop the farther effusion of blood, and the calamities of war," will therefore lead you, on maturer reflection, to reprobate a plan teeming with discord, and which, in the space of twenty years, would produce another wild expedition across the Atlantic, and in a few years more some such commission as that "with which his Majesty hath been pleased to honour you." We cannot but admire the generosity of soul, which prompts you "to agree that no military force shall be kept up in the different States of North-America without the consent of the general Congress or particular Assemblies." The only grateful return we can make for this exemplary condescension is to assure your Excellencies, and, on behalf of my countrymen, I do most solemnly promise and assure you, that no military force shall be kept up in the different States of North-America without the consent of the general Congress, and that of the legislatures of those States. You will therefore cause the forces of your royal master to be removed, for I can venture to assure you that the Congress have not consented, and probably will not consent, that they be kept up. You have also made the unsolicited offer of concurring "in measures calculated to discharge the debts of America, and to raise the credit and value of the paper circulation." If your Excellencies mean by this to apply for offices in the department of our finance, I am to assure you (which I do with "perfect respect") that it will be necessary to procure very ample recommendations. For as the En-

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glish have not yet pursued measures to discharge their own debt, and raise the credit and value of their own paper circulation, but, on the contrary, are in a fair way to encrease the one and absolutely destroy the other, you will instantly perceive that financiers from that nation would present themselves with the most aukward grace imaginable. You propose to us a devise to "perpetuate our union." It might not be amiss previously to establish this union, which may be done by your acceptance of the treaty of peace and commerce tendered to you by Congress.(5) And such treaty, I can venture to say, would continue as long as your ministers could prevail upon themselves not to violate the faith of nations. You offer, to use your own language, the inaccuracy of which, considering the importance of the subject, is not to be wondered at, or at least may be excused, "in short to establish the powers of the respective legislatures in each particular State, to settle its revenue, its civil and military establishment, and to exercise a perfect freedom of legislation and internal government, so that the British States throughout North-America acting with us, in peace and war, under one common sovereign, may have the irrevokable enjoyment of every privilege that is short of a total separation of interests, or consistent with that union of force on which the safety of our common religion and liberty depends." Let me assure you, gentlemen, that the power of the respective legislatures in each particular State is already most fully established, and on the most solid foundations. It is established on the perfect freedom of legislation and a vigorous administration of internal government. As to the settlement of the revenue, and the civil and military establishment, these are the work of the day, for which the several legislatures are fully competent. I have also the pleasure to congratulate your Excellencies, that the country, for the settlement of whose government, revenue, administration, and the like, you have exposed yourselves to the fatigues and hazards of a disagreeable voyage, and more disagreeable negociation, hath abundant resources wherewith to defend her liberties now, and pour forth the rich stream of revenue hereafter. As the States of North-America mean to possess the irrevokable enjoyment of their privileges, it is absolutely necessary for them to decline all connection with a Parliament, who, even in the laws under which you act, reserve in express terms the power of revoking every proposition which you may agree to. We have a due sense of the kind offer you make, to grant us a share in your sovereign, but really, gentlemen, we have not the least inclination to accept of it. He may suit you extremely well, but he is not to our taste. You are solicitous to prevent a total separation of interests, and this, after all, seems to be the gist of the business. To make you as easy as possible on this subject, I have to observe, that it may and probably will, in some in

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stances, be our interest to assist you, and then we certainly shall. Where this is not the case, your Excellencies have doubtless too much good sense as well as good nature to require it. We cannot perceive that our liberty does in the least depend upon any union of force with you; for we find that, after you have exercised your force against us for upwards of three years, we are now upon the point of establishing our liberties in direct opposition to it. Neither can we conceive, that, after the experiment you have made, any nation in Europe will embark in so unpromising a scheme as the subjugation of America. It is not necessary that everybody should play the Quixotte. One is enough to entertain a generation at least. Your Excellencies will, I hope, excuse me when I differ from you, as to our having a religion in common with you: the religion of America is the religion of all mankind. Any person may worship in the manner he thinks most agreeable to the Deity; and if he behaves as a good citizen, no one concerns himself as to his faith or adorations, neither have we the least solicitude to exalt any one sect or profession above another. I am extremely sorry to find in your letter some sentences, which reflect upon the character of his most Christian Majesty. It certainly is not kind, or consistent with the principles of philanthropy you profess, to traduce a gentleman's character without affording him an opportunity of defending himself: and that too a near neighbour, and not long since an intimate brother, who besides hath lately given you the most solid additional proofs of his pacific disposition, and with an unparalleled sincerity, which would do honour to other Princes, declared to your court, unasked, the nature and effect of a treaty he had just entered into with these States.(6) Neither is it quite according to the rules of politeness to use such terms in addressing yourselves to Congress, when you well knew that he was their good and faithful ally. It is indeed true, as you justly observe, that he hath at times been at enmity with his Britannic Majesty, by which we suffered some inconveniences: but these flowed rather from our connection with you than any ill-will towards us: At the same time it is a solemn truth, worthy of your serious attention, that you did not commence the present war, a war in which we have suffered infinitely more than by any former contest, a fierce, a bloody, I am sorry to add, an unprovoked and cruel war. That you did not commence this, I say, because of any connection between us and our present ally; but, on the contrary, as soon as you perceived that the treaty was in agitation, proposed terms of peace to us in consequence of what you have been pleased to denominate an insidious interposition. How then does the account stand between us. America, being at peace with all the world, was formerly drawn into a war with France, in consequence of her union with Great-Britain. At present America, being engaged in a war with Great-Britain, will probably

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obtain the most honourable terms of peace, in consequence of her friendly connection with France. For the truth of these positions I appeal, gentlemen, to your own knowledge. I know it is very hard for you to part with what you have accustomed yourselves, from your earliest infancy, to call your colonies. I pity your situation, and therefore I excuse the little abberations from truth which your letter contains. At the same time it is possible that you may have been misinformed. For I will not suppose that your letter was intended to delude the people of these States. Such unmanly disingenuous artifices have of late been exerted with so little effect, that prudence, if not probity, would prevent a repetition. To undeceive you, therefore, I take the liberty of assuring your Excellencies, from the very best intelligence, that what you call "the present form of the French offers to North-America," in other words the treaties of alliance and commerce between his most Christian Majesty and these States, were not made in consequence of any plans of accommodation concerted in Great-Britain, nor with a view to prolong this destructive war. If you consider that these treaties were actually concluded before the draught of the bills under which you act was sent for America, and that much time must necessarily have been consumed in adjusting compacts of such intricacy and importance, and further, if you consider the early notification of this treaty by the court of France,(7) and the assurance given that America had reserved a right of admitting even you to a similar treaty, you must be convinced of the truth of my assertions. The fact is, that when the British Minister (8) perceived that we were in treaty with the greatest Prince in Europe, he applied himself immediately to counteract the effect of these negociations. And this leads me with infinite regret to make some observations, which may possibly be by you considered in an offensive point of view. It seems to me, gentlemen, there is something (excuse the word) disingenuous in your procedure. I put the supposition that Congress had acceded to your propositions, and then I ask two questions. Had you full power from your commission to make these propositions? Possibly you did not think it worth while to consider your commission, but we Americans are apt to compare things together, and to reason. The second question I ask is, What security could you give that the British Parliament would ratify your compacts? You can give no such security, and therefore we should, after forfeiting our reputation as a people, after you had filched from us our good name, and perswaded us to give to the common enemy of man the precious jewel of our liberties; after all this, I say, we should have been at the mercy of a Parliament, which, to say no more of it, has not treated us with too great tenderness. It is quite needless to add, that even if that Parliament had ratified the conditions you proposed, still poor America was to lie at the mercy of any future Parliament,

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or appeal to the sword, which certainly is not the most pleasant business men can be engaged in. For your use I subjoin the following creed of every good American. I believe that in every kingdom, state, or empire there must be, from the necessity of the thing, one supreme legislative power, with authority to bind every part in all cases, the proper object of human laws. I believe that to be bound by laws, to which he does not consent by himself or by his representative, is the direct definition of a slave. I do therefore believe, that a dependence on Great Britain, however the same may be limited or qualified, is utterly inconsistent with every idea of liberty, for the defence of which I have solemnly pledged my life and fortune to my countrymen; and this engagement I will sacredly adhere to so long as I shall live. Amen . Now if you will take the poor advice of one, who is really a friend to England and Englishmen, and who hath even some Scotch blood in his veins, away with your fleets and your armies, acknowledge the independence of America, and as Ambassadors, and not Commissioners, solicit a treaty of peace, amity, commerce and alliance with the rising Stars of this western world. Your nation totters on the brink of a stupendous precipice, and even delay will ruin her. You have told the Congress, "If, after the time that may be necessary to consider this communication, and transmit your answer, the horrors and devastations of war should continue, we call God and the world to witness that the evils, which must follow, are not to be imputed to Great-Britain." I wish you had spared your protestation. Matters of this kind may appear to you in a trivial light, as meer ornamental flowers of rhetoric, but they are serious things registered in the high chancery of Heaven. Remember the awful abuse of words like these by General Burgoyne, and remember his fate. There is one above us, who will take exemplary vengeance for every insult upon his Majesty. You know that the cause of America is just. You know that she contends for that freedom, to which all men are entitled. That she contends against oppression, rapine, and more than savage barbarity. The blood of the innocent is upon your hands, and all the waters of the ocean will not wash it away. We again make our solemn appeal to the God of Heaven to decide between you and us. And we pray that in the doubtful scale of battle we may be successful, as we have justice on our side, and that the merciful Saviour of the world may forgive our oppressors. I am, my Lords and Gentlemen, The friend of human nature, And one who glories in the title of, An AMERICAN. MS not found; reprinted from the Pennsylvania Gazette, June 20, 1778. 1 This is the first of four pseudonymous newspaper letters that Morris wrote to various members of the Carlisle commission as "An American." The other three appeared in the Pennsylvania Packet on July 21, September 19, and Octo-

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ber 20, 1778, and are printed in this edition of Letters under those dates. Morris revealed his authorship of the first letter in his June 23 letter to John Jay-"The answer to the Commissioners & the annotations signed an American were the product of your friends lucubrations"-and there is a draft of the third in Morris' hand among his papers at NNC. 2 For a discussion of the formulation of Congress' official response to the Carlisle commissioners' June 9 letter, in which Morris played a leading role, see Samuel Adams to James Warren, June 13, 1778, note 3. Morris was a member of the committee appointed on June 16 to draft a reply to the commissioners' letter, and the present address probably stems in part from his work on that body. JCC, 11 :610. 3 Morris was the author of Congress' April 22, 1778, response to Lord North's earlier conciliatory proposals. See JCC, 10:374-80; and Morris to John Jay, May 3, 4 See William Henry Drayton's Draft Letter to Lord Howe, June 6, 1778. 5 This offer was made in Henry Laurens' June 17 letter to the Carlisle commissioners. 6 For a discussion of the French announcement to Great Britain of the conclusion of the treaty of amity and commerce with the United States, see Henry Laurens to George Clinton, May 11, 1778, note 3. 7 Contrary to Morris' understanding of the situation, the French had not yet informed the British of their treaty of alliance with the United States. Ibid. 8 Lord North. Joseph Reed to Esther Reed My dear Hetty Philad. June 20th. 1778 I received your Favour yesterday at this Place which the Enemy evacuated on Thursday. I came into it the same Evening & it exhibited a new & curious Scene, some gloomy Countenances but more joyful ones, few very few Quakers visible even in the Streets, Shops shut up & all in great Anxiety & Suspence. I am now at Mrs. Yards who has been good enough to compleat the Memorandum of the Things we gave her. To which I have added since I came to Town a Qr. Cask of Wine (Lisbon), Some English Cheese, Porter, Plates, Dishes & some Knives & Forks. I directed Queen's Ware but found on Inquiry that China was only a Triffle dearer on which I ordered the latter & bought them with Continental Money only as dear again as with Gold. I have now almost as many Things as will load a Waggon. You will in your next tell me which I shall send or bring up to you. I send you indosed your Brothers Letter & the Parliamentary Register. The Printer got the News Papers away & has not returned them but I will take Care that he shall. I am very glad to hear that your Brother is so happily settled. Mr. Morris has done all in his Power to get the Affair settled he mentions, but has been used exceedingly ill by his Correspondents there who have refused his Draught tho they have Money in Hand for the Purpose. I hope it will be no real Detriment to your Brother as we shall now have a better Oppy. of doing what is proper. If your Mamma chuses the 10

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Guins. you can pay her in Gold which she can do what she pleases with. The Rate of Exchange is too unsettled to put the Matter in any other Line. I have rode my Horses a great deal of late, shall therefore let them stand a few Days perhaps Tuesday or Wednesday when I hope to have the Pleasure of seeing you at Fleming Town. But as this Letter will go direct to you I shall expect a few Lines before I set out. My Love to Mamma & the Children. My dear Hetty's Affect, J Reed [P.S.] If my dear Girl would wish me to purchase any Thing more for her she will let me know. There will be Linnen enough. I thought Stockings for you had been in the Mem[orandu]m but found it not so. Would you have any & of what sort? If this reaches you before Nurse sets out she can take the Hessian Mare & send her from Cornmans to Henry Conrads who will sell her for me. I have spoke to him on the Subject-the Saddle to be left at Cornmans or rather brought to Town & left at Mrs. Fords. RC (NHi).

Rhode Island Delegates to William Greene

Sir, York-Town June 20th 1778 Mr. Collins arrived the Day before yesterday, and brought forward Instructions from the Councill of War.(1) By the last Letter from Mr. Ellery and Mr. Marchant, you'l perceive they were not unmindful of, and had not delayed to impress upon Congress the critical Situation of Our State and the late Ravages there committed.(2) There needs no Information or Complaint against the Clothier General. We shall, as soon as we have the least Prospect of Success, urge a further Supply of Monies to Our State, but it cannot immediately be done. We shall also push the Necessity of some armed Vessells for Our Bay; But we are rather fearful of not succeeding in such an Application. A Letter from Genl. Sullivan pointing out the Utillity would however strengthen Our Efforts.(3) The Enemy evacuated Philadelphia last Thursday Morning; Three Thousand of their Troops were on Board Ship, falling down the River, the Rest were in the Jerseys, nearly opposite the City, their Destination uncertain. Our whole Army were immediately on the March; Genl. Maxwells with about two thousand Men had previously been ordered into the Jerseys. Genl. Arnold was ordered with a small Detachment to take the Command of the City. Congress have given their answer to the British Commissioners. The indosed News Paper of this Day will give your Excellency the whole Proceed

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ings, which on Our Part we doubt not will be satisfactory to every American Whig. Confederation was this Day taken up by Congress, and we are in Hopes of soon seeing it completed: For this is the Grand Corner Stone. We are with great Respect to the Honorable the Genl. Assembly, Their, and Your Excellencys most obedient and very humble Servants, William Ellery Hy. Marchant John Collins RC (R-Ar). Written by Marchant and signed by Marchant, Collins, and Ellery. 1 The Rhode Island Council of War's June 11 letter to the Rhode Island delegates, which dealt mainly with the state's expenditures on Continental account, is in PCC, item 64, fols. 406-8, and William R. Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress 1765-1790 (Providence: Providence Press Co., 1870), pp. 185-86. Although Staples dated this letter June 10, the RC is dearly dated the 11th. 2 See Rhode Island Delegates to Greene, June 8, 1778. 3 For the actions Congress subsequently took on the issues discussed in this paragraph, see Rhode Island Delegates to Greene, June 27, 1778.

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott

My Dear, York Town 20t June 1778 You have I presume recd. several Letters from Me within a month, the Date of my last I do not Remember; Oliver's Letter of the 6t is recd. and I was happy to find by it that the Family was well. I am intirely Satisfied, as to his Acco. of the particular Subject which he mentions. You will probably hear before you shall receive this that the Enemy left Philadelphia the Morning of the 17t.(1) They passed over to the Jersy Side and it is said Went down to Billingsport where they have probably shipped. This last Circumstance is not fully ascertained. It is supposed that the Troops are destined for N York. Genl. Washington has moved after them. Genl. Arnold will as long as it is Necessary Command at Philadelpa. I Enclose to you the Proceedings of the Commissioners and the Answer of Congress. This Answer as it was most unanimously given, will douptless dose the Correspondence unless G Britain will accede to the Terms which it proposes. As the Commissioners are using every means to make some Impression upon the Americans, their Conduct will be carefully Watched, altho I am fully of Opinion that every Art of theirs will be totally ineffectual. No Man except he is a most hardened Tory will hesitate a Moment wheither he shall adhere to the Independency of this Country, An Independency which G Britain must and will finally acknowledge. Mr. Hosmere I hear is on his Way to Congress. But I do not hear

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wheither any other Delegate is with him. I expect to Return soon- certain Matters of an Important Nature are now in Consideration which I should be much Satisfied to see determined before I leave Congress.(2) I hope they will be so within about the Course of a Week, after which Congress will undoubtedly adjourn to Philadelphia, thro which I shall probably Return home. I hope I shall See you in about a Month. By the Blessing of God I injoy Health. May I be thankfull to that God who bestows this and every other Blessing upon me. Put your Trust in the most High whose Providence in the late Event of the Enemys leaving Philadelpha. has been most signal. After having been almost nine months in the Possession of that City, they have now left it, without Compullssion and in Apparent Terror. God will establish us in Peace and safety. My kindest Love to my Children and Freinds. Mr. Thomas Sheldon goes out of this Town this morning but as he does not expect to Return home in less Time than a Forthnight, I shall probably send you this by Mr. Kellogg of Colchester who will perhaps Return thro Litchfield. I am Affectionately Yours, Oliver Wolcott RC (CtHi). 1 That is, June 18. 2 Titus Hosmer took his seat in Congress on June 23, but it was not until July 7 that his colleagues Samuel Huntington and Oliver Wolcott requested leave to return to Connecticut. They apparently left Philadelphia on the 10th, the day after Andrew Adams joined the Connecticut delegation in Congress. See JCC, 11:632, 673, 676; and Connecticut Delegates to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., July 9, 1778.

Oliver Wolcott to George Wyllys

Sir, York Town 20 June 1778 Before you will receive this you will doubtless be informed that the Enemy evacuated Philadelphia the morning of the 17t. They passed over to the Jersy Side, and it is said they have turned down to Billingsport, where it is supposed they will ship themselves. The Route which the Enemy have taken is not fully ascertained. Their Destination in the first Instance is supposed to be N York. As I well know Sir, you wish to be informed what overtures the British Commissioners have made, and the Determinations of Congress in Regard to them, I do myself therefore the Pleasure to Endose them to you. As no comments of mine respecting this Transaction can Assist your own Reflections, I shall therefore only observe, that I am in the fullest Manner perswaded that every Veiw of the Enemy to bring about a Pacification short of Acknowledging the Independence of these States will be found totally delusive. And if a Folly of a Very

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singular Nature did not continually direct the British Councels I should flatter myself that they would admit the Independency of this Country immediately, and Avoid a War which they must otherwise be involved in, which would threaten the Very Existence of the British Nation. The Designs of these overtures might probably be, to Satisfy in some Measure the Opposition to the British Administration, accelerate their Loans, Prevent our Ratifying the Treatys with France, and divide the Americans. In every of these Veiws I trust they will be disappointed as they certainly already are in some of them. We have no recent Intelligence from Europe. Congress I apprehend will Adjourn to Philadelphia within a Week or ten days. I am Sir with respect, your most Obedient, humble Servant, Oliver Wolcott P.S. The Subject of the Confederation is now entered upon and I sincerely hope that it will be soon finished. RC (CtHi).

Samuel Adams to John Adams

My dear Sir York Town June 21 1778 Although we are exceedingly pressed with publick Business at this Juncture, I cannot omit the opportunity that now offers of writing to you. The general Scituation of Affairs, and the particular Transactions between the British Commissioners and the Congress will be transmited to you by this Conveyance, by the Committee for foreign Affairs. Since I last came to this Place from Boston, several Gentlemen have arrivd here from France viz Mr Simeon Dean, Mr Carmichael, Mr Stevenson, & Mr Holker. Mr Carmichael comes strongly recommend[ed] by Dr Franklin & Mr Silas Dean; but Dr Lee in his Letter gives Reasons why he cannot place a Confidence in him. From a long Correspondence with Dr Lee, I conceive so great an Opinion of his Candor as well as inflexible Integrity & Attachment to our Country, that I cannot entertain a Doubt that he would suffer partial Considerations to operate in his Mind to the Prejudice of any Man. Such a Difference of Sentiments concerning a Gentleman who I imagine must be of some Consequence, could not take Place without at least apparently good grounds; and it may produce such Effects on this Side of the Water as may prove uncomfortable to us if not injurious to our Cause. Would it not then be doing some Service, to exercise your Prudence in endeavoring to investigate the real grounds of it, in doing which possibly some things may open to View of Importance and at present not thought of .(1)

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Dr Lee is a Gentleman of a fair and generous Mind. I wish therefore that you would freely converse with him upon this Subject if you think you can do it with Propriety; and let him know that I have lately receivd many Letters from him, which I have duly attended to and would have acknowledgd to him by this Opportunity, if I had Leisure. By the last Accounts I have had from Braintree your Lady & Family were in Health, though anxiously wishing to hear of your safe Arrival. I shall write to you as often as I can & shall esteem my self happy in receiving your Favors. I remain very affectionately, your Friend, S A RC (Mhi) 1 For further information on Arthur Lee's criticism of William Carmichael, see James Lovell to John Adams, February 10, 1778, note 1. See also Gouverneur Morris to John Jay, August 16, 1778, note 2.

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett

My Dear York Town June 21st 1778 I have Reced your letter of the 28th of May and it gives me great pleasure to hear you & the rest of the family are in a comfortable State of health and that Rhoda gains Strength. I am well & by the favor of Providence I have had my health Ever since I arrived here, hope it will be continued to us all. The weather and air here is Dearer & I believe more wholesome than at Philadelphia. Last Thursday the 18th Inst. our army took possession of Philadelphia, we had the account of it by Express from Genl. Washington yesterday morning: I Expect you will have the particulars before you Receive this more fully than I can at present inform you. This Town is not large Enough to accomodate the multitude of people that have constantly Business with Congress. This lays us under great Difficulties and raises the price of Every thing to an Enormous heigth. Beside the Disagreable Manner in which these people Cook their victuals, and the sluttish manner of washing our linnen in Cold water only, which has already almost ruined mine, makes me willing to quit this place, tho I believe it to be a healthy place. To get rid of these & many other Difficulties and to be nearer the army which is Removed Northward, I Believe Congress will soon Remove to some other place, I Expect to the City of Philadelphia; (1) and by the time this reaches you, it is probable we shall be packing up for that purpose. The Brittish Commissrs. have sent letters with their proposals to Congress and we have given them our answer. All

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the transactions you will see in the indosed paper:(2) I think a very short time now, will Determine whither the Enemy will Remove their armies and make peace or whither they will try the fate of another Campain. Remember my love to all my Children & send Levi word that I am well; I am glad to hear that our mens Business goes on well. The Weather here has been very Seasonable, not over hot, & rather wet than Dry. I want to Know how hay is likely to be with us; how the English Corn is like to be; whither the worms Destroy the Indian Corn; how the flax is like to turn out &c &c. Remember me to David Sanborn and tell him I feel pretty Easy about my farming affairs as long as I know he has the care of it. Remember me to Mr Thurston, Dr Gale, Captn Calef, Mr Thayer &c &c &c. I have not failed to write to you as often as once a week since I Came to this place and shall Continue to write to you. Your letters Come pretty regularly to me & hope mine will Do the same to you. This letter will go in one to Major Philbrick by an Express sent by the President to Exeter & Sets off this day. I am yours, J Bartlett [P.S.] Tell Peter if he Behaves well he may Depend on my promise. RC (NhHi). 1 On June 24 Congress voted to adjourn from York on the 27th and to reconvene at Philadelphia on July 2. JCC, 11:641. 2 That is, the Pennsylvania Gazette of June 20, 1778.

to William Bingham

Sir York Town 21 June 1778 Your favors to May 10th are come to hand, and lay with different Committees of Congress.(1) Finding that Messrs. Purveyance of Baltimore have sent two Packets for our Commissioners at Paris via Martinique, I think proper at this time to acquaint you that I did not fully expect that course when I asked their care, or I should have written to you by the same opportunities.(2) Fearing now to lose the chance of Communicating some interesting Intelligence to you, if I wait for the meeting of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, I scratch these few lines to accompany the Gazettes, and am affectionately your Friend. Signed James Lovell FC (DNA: PCC, item 79). 1 Bingham's May 10 letter to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, conveying a "Dominica Gazette" with an account of the French ambassador's presentation of the French treaty with the United States to the British government, is in PCC, item 78, 2:481. His April 24, 1778, letter to the Secret Committee, discussing the

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arrival of the sloop Mesopotamia with Continental goods and his need to draw bills on the commissioners at Paris, probably arrived at the same time. It is in the Lloyd W. Smith Collection, NjMoHP. 2 See Lovell to John Adams, June 8, 1778, note 1.

Commissioners at Paris

In Committee for foreign affairs Gentlemen York Town in Pennsylva. 21 June 1778 The British Commissioners have arrived and transmitted their powers and propositions to Congress, which have received the answer you will see in the Pennsylvania Gazette of the 20th instant. On the 18th of this month Gen. Clinton with the British army (now under his command) abandoned Philadelphia, and the City is in possession of our Troops. The enemy crossed into Jersey, but whether with design to push for So. Amboy, or to embark below Bilingsport on the Delaware is yet uncertain. Gen. Washington has put his Army in motion, and is following the enemy into jersey. There has arrived here a Mr. Holker from France who has presented a paper to Congress declaring that he comes with a verbal message to Congress from the Minister of France touching our treating with Great Britain & some other particulars which for want of his paper we cannot at present enumerate.(1) The style of his paper is as from the representative of the Court, but he has no authentic voucher of his Mission for the delivery of this verbal message. We desire of you Gentlemen to give us the most exact information in your power concerning the Authenticity of Mr. Holkers mission for this purpose.(2) We are Gentlemen, with esteem and regard your most obedient and very humble servants, Richard Henry Lee Thos. Heyward Junr. James Lovell RC (PPAmP). Written by Richard Henry Lee and signed by Lee, Heyward, and Lovell. Endorsed by Arthur Lee: "Count Vergennes Answer respecting Mr. Holker was-that he was astonished that Mr. Holker had no Commission verbal or other from the Ministry; & was only desired to communicate to them his observations on the Country." 1 For the presentation of these papers to Congress on June 18, see Committee of Congress Report, June 27, 1778, note 1. 2 Upon receiving this request, the commissioners began an inquiry into the authority vested in Jean Holker by the French government, in consequence of which they transmitted the following report in their September 17, 1778, letter to President Laurens: "In observance of our instructions to inquire into M. Holker's authority, we waited on his excellency the Count de Vergennes, presented him

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with an extract of the letter concerning him, and requested to know what authority M. Holker had. His excellency's answer to us was that he was surprised, for that M. Holker had no verbal commission from the ministry; but that M. de Vergennes, being informed that M. Holker was going to America, desired him to write to him from time to time, the state of things and the temper of the people." See Wharton, Diplornatic Correspondence, 2:724; and JCC, 11:618-20. However, even before the commissioners received this request from Congress, their investigation had been rendered moot when on July 23 the French minister to the United States, Conrad Alexandre Gerard, announced to Congress Holker's appointment as "inspector general of trade and manufactures of France, and agent to the royal marine of France in all the ports belonging to the United States," as well as "consul of France in the port of Philadelphia." JCC, 11:713. In addition to these official duties, Jean Holker (1745-1822) also served as the mercantile representative of Jacques Donatien Leray de Chaumont, a French merchant who long served as a conduit for French aid to America and as a banker for the American commissioners at Paris. See Kathryn Sullivan, Maryland and France, 1774-1789 (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1936), pp. 66-83; and Adams, Diary (Butterfield), 2:297n.2, 298n.2. Despite initial doubts about Holker's credentials, Congress on July 9 directed the Committee of Commerce to contract with Holker for the purchase of hats, blankets, and shoes consigned to him. JCC, 11:679.

Henry Laurens to Joseph Reed

Dear Sir 21th June [1778] I hold myself much indebted for your very obliging Letter of the 15th and for the right of perusing the papers which it contained, a pleasure which I reserve for a very early minute tomorrow Morning. 'Till this moment I had not found time to read yours quite through, and now but slightly, nor can I do more at present than to return very full thanks and a brief reply unless I would lose the opportunity of transmitting this by Colonel Pettit. The Indosed Gazette will shew you Sir, the proceedings of Congress respecting the Commissioners, that I also have been honor'd with a Letter from Governor Johnstone introduced by two from my best Friends in England. And that you judged with Congress in with-holding an Answer to the Governor. Congress seemed by no means disposed to consent that any private Character should correspond with him and I would not hazard a denial. Some strong attempts were made to have all Letters received from Governor Johnstone and from England through him laid before Congress. Many Gentlemen had perused mine and every one who should have asked might have done the same, but I don't relish compulsion unauthorized, to avoid misconstruction therefore I submitted to a solicitation for making his Letter to me and my intended Answer just in the shape in which I had carried it to Congress Public. Mr. Manning's and Mr Ozwald's Letters are in the hands of Colo.

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John Laurens where, if your time will permit, I beg you will run your Eye over them. I think to make the latter a subject in next Gazette, if it reaches me in time, and to add an Answer which I had also written immediately after reading it, but which my Freind cannot now expect to have in any other way.(1) He will, from the tenor of his own Letter know the reply to be intended for him, although both will appear without names. I have something of another nature to communicate, but am ashamed to keep Col. Petit waiting. I must therefore defer to another opportunity and condude the present by assuring you that I am, With great regard &c. LB (ScHi). 1 No text of Laurens' intended reply to Richard Oswald has been found.

Richard Henry Lee to Samuel Purviance, Jr.

Dear Sir, York the 21st June 1778 I have taken the liberty to desire two Boxes the property of Monsr. Loyeaute a French Gentleman now in Virginia to be left in your care by a Waggon that carries them to Baltimore.(1) As Monsr. Loyeaute is a Gentleman of great worth, I wish to serve him by every means in my power and therefore I have directed his Baggage to such safe care as yours. Monsr. Loyeaute will in due time inform you what he would have done with these Boxes. The enemy have at last abandoned Philadelphia, and that City is now in possession of the American Troops. Gen. Washington is gone in quest of the enemy to the Jerseys. I expect Congress will adjourn to Philadelphia 8 or 10 days. My compliments to your Lady, your brother & his Lady. I am dear Sir your most obedient, humble servant, Richard Henry Lee RC (ViHi). 1 Anne Philippe de Loyaute had recently resigned as inspector general of Virginia artillery. See Lee to Thomas Jefferson, May 11, 1778, note 3.

Eastern Navy Board

Gentlemen York Town June 22. 1778 The bearer Mr Taylor has instructions to proceed to France immediately. This Gentleman having been a long time Confidentially employed by Mr Hancock while President of Congress, we think it

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proper that the delivery of one of the Packets sent to your care yesterday for our Commissioners in France should be intrusted to him.(1) It is not however meant that you should Suffer any delay in the Sailing of the Vessels in which you intended our dispatches F and G should be forwarded. It is only meant that you should give Mr Taylor the offer of delivering one of them personally at Paris, in preference to other persons mentioned conditionally to you when the Packets were sent. We are Gentlemen &c, Signed, James Lovell, for the Committee for Foreign Affairs FC (DNA: PCC, item 79). 1 Although the committee's June 21 letter to the Eastern Navy Board has not been found, its receipt was acknowledged in the board's July 6 letter to the committee. PCC, item 37, fol. 117.

Samuel Holten's Diary

[June 22, 1778] 22. I took my seat in Congress, and it is a very August Assembly. I wrote to Mr. Hall of Boston & to Miss Holten(1). MS (MDaAr). 1 Not found.

Henry Laurens to John Houstoun

Honorable Sir, 22d June [1778] I had the honor of writing to you the 9th & 10th Inst.(1) by Messenger Wilkinson through Charles Town & on the 14th Inst. of receiving your Honour's Letter of the 16th April. Congress were so ardently engaged in business respecting the British Commission at Philadelphia at the time your Honor's Letter reached & for a few days after as deprived me of opportunity to present it before the 19th. It was then, with General Howe's Letters & one from the Honorable Mr. Speaker Committed to a Select Committee, from whom no Report is yet come up & possibly in our present crowd of business may not be made.(2) I am persuaded it will not be taken under consideration, for Several days, Congress Seem determined to suffer no other matter to come before them if possible to avoid it until they shall have Ratified Confederation. In these circumstances I have judged it proper to return your Messenger, whose expences are in this place intolerable, & I expect to have an opportunity of writing by Colo. Marbury full as early as I shall receive commands, if it shall happen otherwise an Express Messenger shall be dispatched.

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Your Honor will be pleased to receive within the present Inclosure an Act of Congress of the 17th Inst. for preventing all correspondence between the Enemy & private persons of the good people of these States, to which I take the liberty of adding four Copies of the Pennsylvania Gazette of the 20th containing the Commissioners Address to Congress, their Commission, the Answer of Congress &ca &ca & also an hand Bill Supplement, with the Duke of Richmond's remarkable Speech of the 5th March in the House of Lords.(3) I have this Instant a Letter from General Washington dated 20th in the Evening.(4) He had then advanced within 10 Miles of Coriels ferry. General Lee with Six Brigades was to arrive at the ferry that Evening. The Enemy had advanced as far as Eyres Town & were repairing the Bridge which we had nearly destroyed for retarding their March, a pretty brisk firing had passed between the Enemy & part of Maxwell's Brigade in which a Deserter who had just come in says the former lost several Men.(5) General Dickinson writes the Jersey Militia had taken up the Alarm & were in good Spirits, the obstructed Roads & Bridges or rather want of Bridges will render the Enemy's passage difficult. (6) General Washingtons whole Army will soon be up with them, between these & the Militia 'tis probable Sir Henry Clinton must run the Gantlet, & I hope will not escape without Several lashes. However this may happen, his whole conduct Still wears the aspect of Stratagem, he had certainly two days to March ahead of our Commander in Chief, he had made no further progress than 15 Miles & General Washington had travelled 40 at least. I have likewise just received a Letter from Majr. General Gates Peeks Kill 17th June. (7) The Militia & draughts were coming in very fast & he "thanks Heaven for the precious time the Enemy had so foolishly lost." The General adds "I think all preparations for an Indian War will be unnecessary other than those I have already placed in the hands of Brigadier General Stark, I wish this Country to steer dear of that Hornets Nest the Six Nations & their Allies, the Savages from my Country are enough to deal with at one time." Thus far things in this quarter look well. I hope the prospect in the Sothern States are not more unfavorable. I am in possession of a Letter written by a Gentleman of Character in London dated 10th April introducing Govr. Johnston & I believe under the Eye of the British Ministry in which among many humiliating concessions these remarkable terms appear. "Your paper Money shall not only be funded & Secured but if desired we will lend you two or three Million-lose not the feelings of Christians in the resentments of Men, as you have fought Nobly now act more nobly & forgive us"-"and the Door was shut." People are thronging towards Philadelphia were General Arnold Commands by order of General Washington. When we know the En-

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emy are in fact going by being gone Congress will turn their faces that way. The several Boards are ordered to hold themselves in readiness. This day carried us through two or three objections to articles of confederation from Maryland, the third will be decided by a question to morrow Morning without farther debate & without alteration, admitting this, the whole will be ratified in the original form within three days, I am not apprehensive of any long debate except from South Carolina, & her delegates have full power.(8) I have the honor to be &ca. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 See Laurens' letters to Richard Caswell, June 9, note 6; and to the States, June 10, 1778. 2 On June 19 Congress read and referred to a committee consisting of William Henry Drayton, William Duer, and Thomas McKean a letter to Laurens from Georgia Governor Houstoun dated April 16, one from Georgia Assembly Speaker James Whitfield dated May 6, and two from Gen. Robert Howe, commander of the southern military department, dated April 13, 1778. See JCC, 11:622; and PCC, item 73, fols. 191-95, 207-14, item 160, fols. 444-55. These letters all dealt with the perilous state of Georgia's defenses and asked Congress to support an expedition against St. Augustine planned by the state, to provide Georgia with $1,000,000 in Continental currency to replace her own depreciated currency, to authorize establishment of an effective cavalry regiment to deter raids from East Florida, and to reimburse General Howe for cannon and stores he had purchased for the state's defense. The only action Congress took on these requests occurred on June 26, u hen the delegates denied Georgia's application for a loan of $1,000,000, but agreed instead to send her $198,400, the remainder of a $1,000,000 grant made in August 1777. JCC, 11:660. Despite Congress' failure to provide more assistance, Georgia launched an expedition against St. Augustine with the cooperation of General Howe that bogged down and had to be called off in July 1778 well short of its objective. See Kenneth Coleman, The Arnerican Revolution in Georgia (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1958), pp. 106 8. 3 For the Duke of Richmond's March 5, 1778, speech criticizing Lord North's conciliatory proposals and urging recognition of American independence, see Parliamentary History, 19:839-42. 4 Washington's June 20 letter to Laurens is in PCC, item 152, 6:125, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:97-98. 5 The July 3 issue of the Virginia Gazette (Purdie) contains portions of two letters written this day by two Virginia delegates that also dealt with the British army's evacuation of Philadelphia and retreat to New Jersey. The first, headed "Extract of a Letter from a member of Congress, dated York town, June 22," reads as follows: "I congratulate you upon the late happy turn to our affairs. On the 18th instant, at five in the morning, the enemy totally evacuated Philadelphia, and at eight of the same morning a detachment of our troops took possession. General Arnold now commands in the city, and I expect Congress will remove in a few days." The second, headed "Extract of a letter from another member of Congress, of the same date, from York town," states: "I have the pleasure to inform you, that our army has decamped, and are, in several divisions, on their way to the Jersey side of the river, in order to gall and harrass the enemy on their march through that country. General Lee's division is at Coryells ferry, the main body in the rear, about ten miles. General Maxwell

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has broke up the roads, and destroyed the bridges, and, at the head of some regulars and the Jersey militia, begins to skirmish with the enemy, who are about fifteen miles from Philadelphia, on their way to Amboy. They quitted the city on Friday last." Although neither the writers nor the recipients of these letters have been identified, Thomas Adams, John Banister, and Richard Henry Lee were the Virginia delegates in York at this time. The only known copy of this issue of the Gazette is located among the intercepted ship's papers in High Court of Admiralty 32, box 357, no. 35, P.R.O. It has been supplied through the courtesy of the Virginia Colonial Records Project and Dr. Brent Tarter of the Virginia State Library. 6 Laurens is referring to a paraphrase of Gen. Philemon Dickinson's June 19 letter to Washington in Washington's own June 20 letter to Laurens cited above. 7 General Gates' June 17 letter to Laurens was read in Congress on June 23. See JCC, 11 :632; and PCC, item 154, 1 :418-20. 8 The South Carolina delegates offered twenty-one amendments to the Articles of Confederation on June 25, all of which were promptly rejected JCC, 11 :652-56.

Maryland Delegates to the Maryland Assembly

Gentlemen, York Monday P.M. 22d June 1778 The Instructions of the House of Delegates of the 18th instant (1) we this morning received in a letter from Mr. Chase, and laid them before Congress; whereupon at our earnest desire, it was resolved to take into immediate consideration the amendments proposed by our State to the Confederation, altho' Congress had previously determined to take up the amendments offered by the several States in the order in which the States are ranged in the Confederacy, beginning first with New Hampshire, and so on. This evening the 3 amendments offered by Maryland were debated and 11 States out of the 12 present, rejected the amendments to the 4th and 8th Articles, so that our State only voted for them. The fate of the most important amendment is not yet decided, the question being put off by adjournment till tomorrow morning, when it will probably be rejected by a majority of eight States out of twelve. A Confederation at this critical juncture appears to Congress of such momentous consequence, that I am satisfied a great majority are resolved to reject the amendments from every State, not so much from an opinion that all the amendments are improper, as from the conviction, that if any should be adopted, no Confederation will take place, at least for some months, perhaps, years; and in that case, many apprehend none will ever be entered into by all of the present united States; the distractions probably consequent on such an event, and the many dangers and evils, which may arise from partial Confederacies (which you may more easily point to yourselves than we can express) have determined some States to accept the present

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Confederation altho' founded on principles not altogether consistent, in their opinion, with justice and sound policy. For if any amendments should be adopted, it will then be necessary to send the Confederation back to those States, whose Legislatures have empowered their Delegates to sign and ratify it in its present form; for instance, to New Hampshire, New York, Virginia and North Carolina, the Delegates of which States are positively instructed to ratify the Confederation, as it now stands, and some of them are directed to admit of no alterations, even litterary ones, such as would not affect the true spirit & meaning of any article, but only serve to elucidate that meaning and spirit by removing all ambiguity, and doubt. In debating our second amendment, vizt to the 8th article, it was admitted on all sides to be the true meaning & intention of that article, that all lands, not only those already granted to, or surveyed for any person, but all lands hereafter to be granted to, or surveyed for any person, should be subjected to valuation, and considered as a part of the whole wealth of the State in which they lie. It was contended by several members that the meaning of the 8th article is clearly expressed, but confessed by some to be dark and ambiguous, who nevertheless voted against the amendment, for the reasons we have already assigned. The amendment to the 4th Article was considered by every State, Maryland excepted, as unimportant; the Article not being liable, in the opinion of any other State to the objection made and consequences apprehended by Maryland.(2) 23d P.M. Our third amendment has just been rejected by a Majority of one State;(3) the division was as follows. Against the Amendt. For the Amendment N. Hampshire Rhode Island Massachusets Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania N York divided Delaware N Carolina absent Maryland South Carolina Georgia Virginia Inclosed you have a copy of Gen. Washington's letter received this morning. We are with great respect, Gent, yr. most obdt. huml. Servants, Geo Plater Ch. Carroll of Carrollton P.S. We write in great haste to be in time for the post, you will therefore be pleased to excuse all interlineations, erasures, & blots.

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RC (NN). Written by Carroll and signed by Carroll and Plater, 1 The Maryland delegates' June 18 instructions merely reaffirmed that they were to remain bound by the legislature's December 16, 1777, resolutions on the confederation, "and that they do not ratify and confirm the said articles of confederation until congress shall take the said instructions into consideration, and shall enable the said delegates of this state to give a direct and positive answer thereto, and then not without the express authority of the Legislature of this state." Votes and Proceedings of the House of Delegates of tile State of Maryland, June session, 1778, p. 129, DLC(ESR). 2 The delegates had been instructed to endeavor to amend the fourth article on "privileges and immunities" of free citizens in the several states, "by striking out the word 'paupers' and inserting a provision, 'that one state shall not be burthened with the maintenance of poor persons who may remove from another state.'" See ibid., October session, 1777, p. 48; and JCC, 9:908. 3 The legislature's instructions on this proposed amendment, which concerned the subject of western lands and ultimately delayed ratification of the Articles of Confederation until 1781, read as follows: "That this state esteem it essentially necessary for rendering the union lasting, that the United States in congress assembled should have full power to ascertain and fix the western limits of those states that claim to the Mississippi or South Sea. That this state consider themselves justly entitled to a right in common with the other members of this union, to that extensive tract of country which lies to the westward of the frontier of the United States, the property of which was not vested in or granted to individuals at the commencement of the present war.... And that [the delegates to congress from this state] use their utmost endeavours to obtain, that an article to this effect be made part of the confederation." Votes and Proceedings of the House of Delegates of the State of Maryland, October session, 1777, p. 48, DLC(ESR) .

Board of War to the Massachusetts Council

Sir War-Office York Town June 23d. 1778. Congress having been pleased to commit to this board the care of the cloathing arrived & which shall arrive at the eastward, we are under the necessity of requesting the favour of your honourable board to nominate a person of judgment, care & activity, & who, you think, will faithfully execute the trust, to take the immediate charge of such cloathing, and dispose of the same pursuant to the resolve of Congress & our instructions which will be presented to you herewith.(1) Unfortunately the business has been (from various causes) too long neglected: we hope therefore you will excuse our urging that a proper person be appointed to execute the same without any delay. We shall also thank your honourable board if they will add to our instructions, an injunction on the person appointed, to use all possible diligence in the business committed to his care. We are, very respectfully, your most obedt. servants. By order of the Board. Wm. Duer, Del. State of New York

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RC (M-Ar). In a clerical hand and signed by William Duer. Addressed: "The president of the Council of Masstts. Bay." 1 Congress' order to the Board of War, which was intended to expedite the delivery of imported clothing to Washington's troops, was dated May 28. See JCC, 11:54749; and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:445, 453.

to Charles Carroll, Sr.

Dear Papa, 23d June 1778 I shall leave Congress next Saturday, perhaps sooner. On that day, I believe, Congress will adjourn to Pha. We are now on ratifying the Confederation: it will be ratified by all the States except Maryd. and no amendments will be admitted to the present Confederation, so it will stand as it is now printed. By a letter from Gen. Washington of the 20th we learn that the Enemy had got as far as Eyres town 3 miles below Mount holly on their way to Amboy as it is presumed. Maxwell's corps has had Some skirmishing with them. They were repairing a bridge. 6 Brigades under Gen. Lee were at Corryel's ferry, the main army was then (4 o'clock P.M. 20th June) at ten miles distance from Corryel's ferry. I hope Sam has got safe home. I sent him off last Saturday. I long to be at home. My love to Molly, & her Mama. I wish you health and am, yr. affectionate Son, Ch Carroll of Carrollton R C ( MdH i) .

John Hancock to Dorothy Hancock

My Dearest Dolly: York Town, June 23rd, 1778 Mr. Taylor having agreeably to his wish been Charg'd with some Dispatches for our Commissioners in France, sets off for Boston immediately, & to Sail from thence as Soon as the Packett is ready, by him I embrace the oppor'y of writing you, altho' I wrote you Two Letters the Day before yesterday,(1) & this is my Seventh Letter, & not one word have I heard from you since your departure from Boston. I am as well as the peculiar scituation of this place will admit, but I can by no means in Justice to myself continue long under such disagreeable Circumstances, I mean in point of Living, the mode is so very different from what 1 have been always accustom'd to, that to continue it long would prejudice my health exceedingly. This moment the Post arriv'd, and to my very great Surprise & Disappointment not a single line from Boston; I am not much dispos'd to Resent, but it feels exceedingly hard to be slighted and neglect'd by those from whom I have a degree of Right to expect different Con-

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duct; I would have hir'd any one to have sent a few Lines just to let me know the State of your health, but I must Endeavor not to be so Anxious & be as easy as some others seem to be. I will expect no letters nor write any, & then there will be no Disappointment; So much for that. To be serious, I shall write no more till I hear from you, this is agreeable to my former promise. It really is not kind, when you must be sensible that I must have been very anxious about you & the little one. Devote a little time to write me, it will please me much to hear of you, I am sure you are dispos'd to oblige me, & I pray I may not be disappointed in my opinion of your Disposition . I hope this will meet you tolerably Recover'd from your late Confinement, I wish to hear of your being below Stairs & able to take the care of our Dear little one. I am much concern'd about your improving the fine Season in Riding. I am sorry I did not take hir'd horses & leave you mine, but I beg you spare no Cost in Riding for the Establishment and Continuance of your health, hire horses whenever you are dispos'd to Ride, be as frugal & prudent in other matters as is consistent with our Scituation; I wish to know every Occurrence since my departure, pray be particular as to your health in your Letters & give me an exact state of little John. Does Mrs. Brackett intend continuing with you? I beg she may at least untill my Return. My love to her, pray her to take great care of the little fellow. As soon as the City of Philada is cleansed, I judge Congress will remove thither, & as soon as we have got over the important Business now before Congress I shall solicit leave to Return home, as it will not be necessary for so many of our Members to be here, but of this more hereafter. As I have wrote so many Letters & see no Returns, & as I am called to attend Congress, I must Refer you to Mr. Taylor for every particular relative to our Scituation. My regards to Mr. & Mrs. Bant, my Brother & Sister, & indeed to all Friends as if nam'd. Remember me to Sprigs and Harry, & all in the Family. Do let me have frequent Letters, you will oblige me much. My best wishes ever attend you for the highest Felicity, & I am with the utmost Affection and Love. Yours for ever, John Hancock. MS not found; reprinted from Henry C. Walsh, "Three Letters from Hancock to 'Dorothy Q.' " New England Magazine 12 (892): 537. I Although these two letters have not been found, the following extract of Hancock's June 22 letter to Dorothy was printed in Dodd, Mead & Co. Catalog no. 61 (Nov. 1901), item 175, p. 40. "My Dear Dolly: I wrote you two Letters of yesterday's Date by Dodd who set off early this morning, & hope will get safe to you; to which & all my former Letters I pray your Answers, as you recollect our Agreement you will not hereafter

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expect more from me than to Answer the Number I Receive from you; however, as the frequent hearing of you and from you will afford me very great pleasure k satisfaction I am confident you will Indulge me as often as possible. Nothing has Occurr'd since I wrote you yesterday. I really think my journey has been serviceable to my Health, which I hope will continue to Recruit, tho' the exceeding heat of the Weather & the different mode of Living is much against me.... "I shall write you as often as I can & Expect at least the same kind Conduct from you. Pray remembr me to your Sister Mrs. Boyle, Mr. Bank, my Brother & all Friends as if nam'd. My Love to Mrs. Brackett, beg her to take care of little John & of you. I wish this may meet you in the perfect Enjoyment of health, if you are as happy as I wish you, you are happy Indeed. I must go to Congress as the hour is come, & can only add, that I long much to hear from you, & will be with you as soon as I possibly can. May a kind providence Bless & protect you. "I am with the sincerest Love, Yours for ever, John Hancock."

Samuel Holten's Diary

June 23, 1778] 23. Attended in Congress, and the chief of the day was taken up in Disputing on the Articles of confederation.(1) MS (MDaAr). 1 Congress spent considerable time on June 22 and 23 debating and rejecting amendments to the articles offered by Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. JCC, 11:629-40. For a discussion of the amendments offered by t e states, see George D. Harmon, "The Proposed Amendments to the Articles of Confederation," South Atlantic Quarterly 24 (925): 298-315, 411-36.

Henry Laurens to John Lewis Gervais

Dear Sir 23d June [1778] By Captain Cochran I troubled you with a few lines the 3d Inst. You are guarded as usual against being troubled with many at present. I cannot even acknowledge receipt of such of your favors as have since come to hand. Sitting from 10 oclock to 1/2 past 1, and from 3 to 1/2 past 6 leaves Very little interval for executing with propriety the great burthen of Public Business, none for friendly addresses with that decency which I would ever wish to preserve. My Secretaries I really believe submit to work much harder than the common tone merely out of Respect or perhaps Pity to me. Our Friend the President will shew you all I have written or transmitted to him, there are some extraordinaries contained in the collection. The Chief Justice watchful and indefatigeable as usual, will make up every dificiency of intelligence in my transmissions and you will learn the whole. Within the present Inclosure you will find about twenty Pennsylvania Gazettes and as many supplements. Distribute them for me among my Friends-Mr. Manigault, the late

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President,(1) Mr. Wells, Mr. Galphin, Mr. Williamson, Colo. Kershaw, Colo. Thomson, Mr. Ball, Mr. Zahn, Mr. Brisbane, &c. &c. &c. Give one set if you please to Mr. Loveday. God bless you all. I congratulate with you, my Countrymen and Friends, on the present fair prospect. Let us with grateful Hearts thank God, be watchful and persevere ardently in our duty not trusting to appearances nor exulting in success. This Life is chequered and three days hence may possibly bring Clouds and Storms over our heads. The Enemy is full of cruelty, subtility and mad with revengeful designs. Until Peace shall be actually proclaimed it will be our Wisdom to know that we are in the depth of War and to Act becomingly. I have sent Mr. Oswalds and Mr. Mannings Letters to General Washington and Colo. Laurens; when they are returned you shall see them. My Love and Compliments and humble respects to all my Friends. A very valuable French Ship just arrived on public Account at Portsmouth, New Hampshire with Military Stores, Cloathing &c. &c. Col. Armand tells me prizes are brought into Boston every day- The town full of Goods-And Mr Burgoyne's Saratoga Men the foreigners including Officers coming into us in great numbers and many British too. I recommend General Roberdeaus Letter to you. My Dear Friend Adieu.(2) LB (ScHi). 1 John Rutledge. 2 Laurens wrote another letter to Gervais this day in which he asked him to initiate legal action against John McNutt, who had refused to pay Laurens a debt of £410, and requested information about the clothing needs of his slaves "in order that I may if necessary write immediately to France." Laurens Papers, ScHi.

Henry Laurens to Rawlins Lowndes

Dear Sir 23 June [1778] My last private to Your Excellency is dated 13th Instant. I sent it to Governor Caswell for conveyance, as I did on the 20th one of the Pennsylva. Gazettes giving it a possible chance of reaching your Excellency earlier than this.(1) The Enemy are now certainly out of Philadelphia, but their movements still wear the aspect of stratagem, they had certainly two days start of General Washington, & according to his advice of the 20th he had marched 40 miles or very near it, Sir Henry Clinton only 15. That Letter will be inclosed for your Excellency's information. I request Sir if you cause it to be published order the title to be a Letter from Camp and no name and the same or a similar restriction respecting General Gates' Letter which will also be enclosed.(2)

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Admitting the Enemy to be in earnest meaning to penetrate the Jerseys, our affairs at present may be said to be promising. The roads in their way are much encumbered, Bridges broke up &c, surrounded by numerous hosts all in high spirits and thousands in the highest degree of resentment for great injuries received-their Officers and Men all in the dumps, and desertion determin'd upon by the latter in General and executed as often as opportunity offers. Congress had granted 932,7431/3 Dollars for defraying the expence of an Indian War, which was at that time judged to be inevitable.(3) General Gates now gives us better hopes. Rhode Island is still possessed by the Enemy and lately reinforced by some 4 or 500 Troops. General Pigot perseveres in ravaging the Country as often and as much as he can. He lately intimated by Letter to General Sullivan that as by the American Laws all Males from 16 to 60 are obliged to bear Arms he should capture as many such as he could, or all of such, which he might capture, should be considered as exchangeable for British Soldiers.(4) In pursuance of this Idea he is attempting to add Glory to his name by stealing Boys and reserving the right of ageing them to himself-this shews, to say the mildest, great distress on their part, from the detention of Mr Burgoyne's Men. I troubled your Excellency some time ago with a request to obtain certain Evidence from Captain Senff and I hope soon to receive it in confirmation of what has lately been declared by other foreign Officers respecting the Colours which ought to have been surrendred at Saratoga, and which General Burgoyne like an honest candid Man declared had been left in Canada.(5) A copy of this declaration will be found Inclosed and may, with Captain Senf''s in general Terms and even with Comments, leaving out names for the present, be published. Genl. Washington had sent on the Answer from Congress to the Commissioners who had left the City, and there the Subject rests.(6) You will observe Sir, in the Pennsylvania Gazette a Letter from Govr. Johnstone to myself, and my intended answer, made public by the great anxiety of many People to be informed, and indeed by an attempt of a Member of Congress to obtain an order that all Letters from Govr. Johnstone should be laid before the House. This appeared to me to be unjust and inefficatious. Congress have no power to compel & if the unwarrantable Order had passed, it would have produced Letters only from their Freinds who were not inclined to make them secret. Your Excellency will find within the present Inclosure Copy of a Letter from Govr. Johnstone to a friend of mine in Camp(7) together with Copy of one from a Gentleman in London to my Friend-over these I have all power except printing-even this, I expect in a few

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days, in the mean time it will serve for information to your Excellency and other Friends & fellow Citizens at home. Colo. Malcom lately informed me that having heard one of the Enemy's ships lay near in North River he caused an 18 & 24 Pounder to be dragged down in the night with 51 shot, when the flood tide had made strong he opened his little masked Battery of Bushes and at the distance of 500 to 700 yards pierced her 47 times-when he had only I shot remaining a breeze of Wind favouring, the Swift, I think she is called, of 16 Guns cut her Cable and towed off, he took up the Cable and anchor and returned without loss. The Crew of the Ship, the Colonel, says passed their time in great confusion but fired not a shot in return. We are now to the exclusion of all other business closely engaged on Confederation, if I judge right, Ratification of the original Act will be obtained in the course of this week. Were the various amendments to be fully discussed and alterations made I should not live to see Ratification. When we have evidence of the Enemy's being fairly gone, Congress will turn their faces toward Philadelphia. General Washington has appointed General Arnold to command there, and 'tis probable the City is now under Whig principles again. People are flocking that way from all Quarters, some shamefully to the neglect of the most important duties. I doubt much whether I shall have time to write to any other Freinds in Charlestown, although I must trouble your Excellency with Packets of Newspapers for a few. I add to the papers above mentioned the Duke of Richmonds very remarkable Speech of the 5th March-if your Excellency shall not have seen a copy earlier this will afford half an hours agreeable entertainment. In the first event your Excellency will be pleased to accept my meaning, and do me the Honor to believe me with great Esteem and Respect, Sir &c.(8) LB (ScHi). 1 See Laurens to George Clinton, June 20, 1778, note 4. 2 Washington's June 20 letter to Laurens, dealing with the British army's withdrawal across New Jersey, is in Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:97-98. Gates' June 15 letter to Laurens, explaining why it was unnecessary for him to carry out a June 11 resolve directing him to wage war on such tribes of the Six Nations as were hostile to the United States, is in PCC, item 154, 1:418-20. 3 See JCC, 11 :589-91. 4 See Gen. Robert Pigot's widely publicized June 3 letter to Gen. John Sullivan in Sullivan, Papers (Hammond), 2:69-70. 5 See Laurens to Lowndes, May 17, 1778, note 12. 6 See Laurens to the Carlisle Commissioners, June 17, 1778. 7 John Laurens. 8 Laurens also wrote a brief covering letter to Lowndes this day transmitting four issues of the June 20 Pennsylvania Gazette and a copy of Congress' June 17 resolve on corresponding with the enemy. PCC, item 13, 2:8.

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Henry Laurens to George Walton

Dear Sir 23d June [1778] If I had not long since lamented you as one numbered among the dead and been but lately undeceived you would have often heard from me, indeed upon the first Intelligence of that mistake I destroyed a Letter I had written to you which lay sealed on my table. Doubting whether the Correspondence would have been within order until I should learn which side of the question you had taken.(1) The subject will not admit of congratulation neither for you have gained nothing, you are but where you were. But The Intelligence which I have transmitted to Governor Houston and that which you will find within the present Inclosure furnish Sufficient matter for one days joy but let us still be watchful and persevere as becomes wise men until danger shall be wholly removed. Excuse this haste and expect to hear by Colonel Marbury or an earlier Express more fully. I heard a mischievous droll fellow say the other day that Georgia was misrepresented. Your Friend Arnold Commands in the City. I Am Dear Sir &c. LB (ScHi). 1 Laurens was evidently responding to letters from Walton of April 26 and June 3, transcripts of which are in the Laurens Papers, ScHi, in which Walton explained that he was unable to attend Congress because he needed to attend to more pressing public business in Georgia. Laurens' reference to Walton's reported demise is obviously facetious.

Richard Henry Lee to Thomas Jefferson

My dear Sir York the 23d June 1778 The inclosed Gazette will shew you the progress, and perhaps the end for some time, of our negotiation with the British Commissioners. They, with their whole Army have abandoned Philadelphia, and our Troops are in possession of that City. The enemy are pushing thro Jersey for South Amboy, and in their front is Gen. Maxwell with a brigade of Continentals and the Jersey Militia. They have impeded the enemies progress by breaking up the roads and bridges; and we have just been told that Maxwell has attacked and gained an advantage over part of their army. Gen. Washington with 13,000 men is in hot pursuit of the enemy. He was about crossing Delaware the day before yesterday. If our Army can come up with them before they embark, we may have a second edition of Burgoyne. Governor Johnsone tries every art to gain admission among us. He abuses his

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Masters, flatters America, and is willing to yield us every thing if we will be perfidious to our Ally and again submit to the domination of his King & Parliament. This Man possesses in abundance Scottish cunning and Scottish impudence. But it is too late in the day. The Sunshine of liberty and independence prevails over the dark arts of Tyranny and its Tools. We hope in 6 or 8 days to ratify the Confederation (all but two or 3 small States, at the head of which is Maryland and all of whom I have no doubt will soon fall in) without amendments-after which Congress will adjourn to Philadelphia. I am dear Sir affectionately yours, Richard Henry Lee RC (DLC). Jefferson, Papers (Boyd), 2:201-2.

Gouverneur Morris to George Clinton

Sir, York Town 23d June 1778. On the Application of the Delegates of the State of New York Congress have given a Draft on their Treasury for the Sum of 100,000 Dollars.(1) This we have properly indorsed and my worthy Colleague Mr. Duer (who by the bye I assure you hath in various Instances rendered the most essential Services not only to the State which sent him but to the united States of which Congress are fully sensible) will transact this Business and as soon as the Treasury is so much in cash as to advance a considerable Part of the Money will return to the State. I am sorry to add that I fear the Public will [be] deprived of the Use of his Zeal and Abilities. I have the Pleasure to perceive that a Spirit of Justice reigns throughout Congress inclining them to do every Thing necessary to quiet the unhappy Disturbances in the North Eastern Part of our State.(2) It is impracticable to force this Business on nor indeed can I as one Member answer it to myself to postpone the great Business of Confederation we are now engaged in even for a Moment. I enclose you the Public Prints from whence you will perceive that Matters of no small Importance occupied our late Deliberations. It is my earnest Hope that our Determinations may be agreable to those whom I have the Honor to represent. The very important Business of regulating the civil Departments of our Army and the numerous Train of et caeteras which go to the Composition of that more important Business of Finance will I hope be prosecuted with unremitted Attention upon our Arrival at Philadelphia. God knows when the great Business of this Continent will be compleated or rather arranged. Untill it is in some good Train I shall think it my Duty to exert the little share of Abilities which Providence hath entrusted to me for the Use of my Country. My Wishes as a private Man to be in

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the State of New York in this most critical Conjuncture you Sir can readily conceive. My private Wishes however have no Right to interfere with my public Character. I have the Honor to be, most respectfully, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble Servant, Gouv Morris RC (NN). 1 See JCC, 11:627, 630. 2 Congress was less willing to assist New York in her dispute with Vermont than Morris supposed. See New York Delegates to Clinton, July 21, 1778.

Gouverneur Morris to John Jay

Dear Jay, York Town 23 June 1778 I enclose you the papers. They are important & from my friendship you have a right to expect comment from me; but my friend, I am every moment employed. I am hurried & it gives me pain that a set of little whiffling incidents should deprive me of one out of the few real consolations the world affords. The answer to the Commissioners & the annotations signed an American were the product of your friends lucubrations.(1) When their insolent letter was read in Congress, I opposed going on with it, & laboured hard to send it back with contempt.(2) In this my view was to oblige them to garble it of the offensive Matter & send it back, thereby striking conviction to the souls even of Tories that G.B. is reduced to implore a peace from America. I know not where Robert is.(3) If with or near you my letter is in common. I hope to write you both before I go to Philadelphia-if not I certainly shall shortly after. Remember me to all friends. Adieu, Adieu. Yours sincerely, Gouv Morris Tr (MH-H). 1 See the letters to the Carlisle commissioners from Henry Laurens, June 17 and from Morris, June 20, 1778. 2 See Samuel Adams to James Warren, June 13, 1778, note 3. 3 Robert R. Livingston.

Samuel Holten's Diary

[June 24-25 1778] 24. Attend'd in Congress, dined with the President, & Congress did not sit in the afternoon.(1) 25. Attended in Congress. Towards night I walked out with a number of Gentlemen of Congress about a mile, to a farm house. The people was kind, we eat Charies & drank whiskey.

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MS (MDaAr). 1 After previous experiments with sessions twice daily, Congress had resolved on May 30, 1778, "That for the space of one month, commencing on Monday next, Congress meet at ten o'clock and sit till one, and on the same day, except on Wednesdays and Saturdays, meet at three and adjourn at six o'Clock P.M." June 24 was a Wednesday. See JCC, 11:558, 640-42.

Richard Henry Lee to George Washington

Dear Sir York the 24th of June 1778 I should long since have answered your favor of the 25th of May had it been worth while for any thing I had to communicate,(1) to interrupt your attention from the important affairs with which you are surrounded. It is indeed more from motives of complaisance than any thing else that I now write. But I cannot help congratulating you Sir on the enemies abandoning Philadelphia, because, let their motives be what they may, this step evidently proves their prospect of conquest here is vanished. I fancy Gen Clintons future operations depend much upon the Chapter of Accidents. A French war being avoided, efforts will continue to be exerted for sometime against us, but a foreign war must of necessity carry this Army to secure the now defenceless Islands of G.B. in the W.I. A war with France, in the better days of England, would instantly have followed the Message of Marquis de Noailles,(2) but the mean & wicked determination to enslave America, removes all thoughts of every thing but the accomplishment of their favorite object. The British Kings message to his Parliament, altho it shews mortified pride, and strong sense of insult, yet it clearly marks indicision, and doubt about the propriety of resenting the affront. We see by a publication of the enemy in the Newport paper that there is a great probability of Spain having acknowledged the Independence of these States, & joined in our Alliance. The Ambassadors of Spain & of G.B. were on the point of returning each to his respective Country. Of this event taking place, I had no doubt, so soon as the plate fleet should have reached old Spain. Should G.B. be engaged in war with the Bourbon family it [will] furnish us an opportunity of pushing the former quite off this Northern Continent, which will secure to us peace for a Century, instead of war in 7 years which the British possession of Canada, N. Sco. & the Floridas will inevitably produce. You have no doubt heard Sir that our last Assembly have voted 2000 Infantry to join the Army & a sum of money to foward Gen. Nelsons Cavalry.(3) The latter may soon be expected at Head Quarters. I am with sincere esteem dear Sir your most affct. & obedient servant, R.H. Lee

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FC (PPAmP). Endorsed by Lee: "Copy of a letter to Gen. Washington 1778." 1 For Washington's May 25 letter to Lee, see Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 11: 450-52. 2 For Noailles' "Message" to George III, see Henry Laurens to George Clinton, May 11, 1778, note 3. 3 For the acts passed during the May 1778 session of the Virginia Assembly for raising 2,000 infantry volunteers and a regiment of cavalry, see William W. Hening, Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of all the Laws of Virginia (Richmond: J. & G. Cochran, 1821), 9:445-53. In his May 25 letter to Lee, Washington had been critical of Virginia's recruiting deficiencies.

Marine Committee to John Wereat

Sir June 24th 1778 We have received your favour of the 18th May advising the Capturing of three of the enemies Vessels by the Gallies under the Command of Oliver Bowen esqr.(1) and approve of your intention to purchase the said Vessels for account of the united States which we expect you have executed and that they are employed in assisting of the Continental Troops upon the expedition to the southward. We expect shortly to have from you an account of your proceedings in that business.(2) We enclose herewith a set of Rules & Regulations for the Navy and a Resolve of Congress of the 30th of October 1776 for your government. A new set of Rules & Regulations for the Navy are now forming; when they are finished we shall send you Coppies thereof.(3) In the mean time We are with much regard, Sir, your very Hble servants LB (DNA: PCC Miscellaneous Papers, Marine Committee Letter Book). 1 HM schooner Hinchinbrook, sloop Rebecca, and a prize brig were captured on April 19 off Fort Frederica, Ga., by a force composed of Continental battalions commanded by Col. Samuel Elbert and the Georgia state galleys Washington, Lee, and Bulloch under the command of Georgia Commodore Oliver Bowen. For Col. Elbert's account of the capture, see Charles C. Jones, Jr., History of Georgia, 2 vols. (Boston: Houghton, Mifflin and Co., 1883; reprint ed., 1965), 2:288-303. The Marine Committee also wrote a brief letter to Capt. Bowen on June 24, acknowledging receipt of his letters of April 6 and 7 and May 17, 1778 (none of which have been found), and praising the efforts of the Georgia navy. "We highly esteem your prudence in the conduct of the squadron under your command and applaud the activity & Spirit of your officers and Men on a late Occasion in Capturing the enemies Vessels on the Coast of Georgia which we request you will Signify to them in the name of this Committee." Paullin, Marine Committee Letters, 1 :264. 2 For the controversy that developed between Continental agent John Wereat and Continental Army Cols. Samuel Elbert and John White over the sale of the prize vessels, see Marine Committe to Wereat, August 1, 1778, note. 3 On the revision of naval regulations, see Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board, April 6, 1778, note 10.

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Henry Laurens to George Clinton

Sir, York Town 25th June 1778 I beg leave to refer Your Excellency to my last of the 20th by Dodd. Inclosed Your Excellency will be pleased to receive a Copy of an information relative to the Colours of the Army late General Burgoyne's which ought to have been surrendred at the Convention of Saratoga.(1) General Heath is directed by Congress to continue his endeavors for obtaining further evidence & if possible the remains of the Standards.(2) I have the honor to be With great Esteem & Respect Sir Your Excellency's Most Obedient serv't, Henry Laurens, President of Congress. Reprinted from Clinton, Papers (Hastings), 3:489. 1 The enclosed "information" was a statement by three Germans captured at Saratoga that was transmitted to Congress by Gen. William Heath on June 6 in order to counteract reports that "since the Convention of Saratoga . . . the Colours of the several British & foreign Regiments were either sent to Canada or burnt." PCC, item 157, fol. 152. For the original German text of this statement, also dated June 6, and a contemporary translation, see ibid., fols. 156-57. A somewhat defective English text is in Clinton, Papers (Hastings), 3:489-90. 2 See Laurens to William Heath, June 26, 1778.

Henry Laurens to Horatio Gates

Sir York Town 25 June 1778 In a private Letter of the 19th I had the honor of transmitting you an Act of Congress of the 17th. This will serve as a Cover to an Act of the 23d authorizing you to dismiss supernumerary Staff Officers within the district under your Command.(1) We know nothing here relative to the Armies in Jersey that you will not have heard before this can reach you. I have the honor to be, With great Esteem & Regard, Sir, Your obedient & humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress. RC (NHi). 1 See JCC 11:633. Congress approved this "Act" after reading a June 13 letter to Gates from Gen. John Stark, advising Gates of the need to dismiss supernumerary staff officers in Albany, and Gates' June 17 reply, promising to lay this matter before Congress, both of which came enclosed with Gates' June 17 letter to Laurens. PCC, item 154, 1:418-20, 431-34.

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Henry Laurens to John Holt Sir, 25th June [1778] Some time ago I paid into the hands of Mr. John Browne Clerk to the Honble Robt. Morris Esquire Three Hundred Dollars which Sum by our friend Mr. Duane's direction were to be paid on your account to Mr. Morris, these were two days ago repaid to me by Mr. Browne under an intimation that your [debt?] had been discharged I think he said, Mr. Lewis or Mr. Lewis Morris.(1) Be that as it may, Three hundred Dollars your property now rest in my hands subject to your Order, which shall be faithfully complied with by Sir yours &ca. LB (ScHi). Addressed: "John Holt Poughkeepsie." 1 For further information regarding delegate efforts to assist New York printer John Holt, whose equipment had been destroyed by the British, see Laurens' letters to James Duane, December 24, 1777, and April 7, 1778.

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Sir. York Town 25th June 1778 On the 23d I had the honor of presenting Your Excellency's Letter of the 20th & last Evening of receiving one of the 22d which shall be presented this Morning.(1) Congress have been so attentive to Confederation some five or six days past, as to admit of scarcely another consideration-& have now Resolved to adjourn to Philadelphia on the 27th..(2) I therefore judge it best to return the bearer with this acknowledgement. My Prayers & Cordial wishes attend Your Excellency-& I remain Sir,Your Excellency's Obedient & Most humble servant. Henry Laurens, President of Congress RC (DLC photostat). 1 Washington's June 22 letter to Laurens, dealing with his pursuit of the British through New Jersey, is in PCC, item 152, 6:135, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:108-9. 2 Congress approved this resolve on June 24. JCC, 11:641.

Samuel Holten's Diary

[June 26, 1778] 26. Attended in Congress, and it is the hotest day I ever knew. Went & drank with the Presidt. & drank tea with the Secretary. MS (MDaAr).

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Henry Laurens to William Heath

Sir York Town 26th June 1778 I had the honor of writing to you by Messenger Dodd the 20th Inst. The testimony of the foreign Officers relative to Colours said to have been concealed by General Burgoyne's orders I have transmitted to Governor Clinton (1) & Congress request you in the most effectual manner & by all proper means, unalarming to the present Commanding Officer of the British Prisoners, to obtain further accounts of any violation of the Convention of Saratoga & particularly if possible to obtain the very Colours (2)-admitting they are carried off by General Burgoyne or destroyed before he left you a search would prove fruitless & wear an ill aspect, but getting the Colours in hand will carry proof undeniable. Colo. Armand has obtained an Act of Congress in favor of his measures which he will lay before you.(3) Inclosed will be found two Acts of Congress of the 24th, One for accepting Colo. Wm. Lee's resignation & the other for accepting the resignation of Major Swasey.(4) I have a Letter of the 24th from General Arnold Commandant in Philadelphia.(5) "The Main Body of the Army were last Night at the Black Horse seven miles beyond Mount Holly, their movements are but 7 or 8 Miles per day. Our Army was at Prince Town & in advance last Night moving on towards the Enemy with design of improving any favorable opportunity of attacking them. Near 400 Deserters from the Enemy have arrived at this place. The Rear of their Fleet was yesterday at Reedy Island, two Divisions are gone down the River to Sea."(6) I have the honor to be, With great Regard, Sir, Your obedient humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress.(7) RC (MHi). 1 See Laurens to George Clinton, June 25, 1778. 2 There is no mention of this "request" in the journals. 3 See JCC, 11:642-44; and Laurens to Lafayette, May 11, 1778, note 4. 4 See Laurens to Washington, April 8, 1778, note 3. 5 Arnold's letter is in PCC, item 162, fols. 114-16. 6 George Plater also wrote a letter this day to Gov. Thomas Johnson of Maryland, which consisted essentially of nothing more than a somewhat longer quotation from General Arnold's letter. Red Books, MdAA. 7 This day Laurens also wrote a brief covering letter to the Board of Treasury transmitting"a State of Money paid by me to Express Messengers in the public Service." PCC, item 13, 2:12. After briefly considering the matter, the board advised Congress to issue a warrant for $3,000 to Laurens so that he could pay express messengers, which Congress agreed to do this day. JCC, 11:66041.

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Committee of Congress Report

[June 27, 1778](1) The Committee to whom were referred the Letter and Papers from Mr Holker beg Leave to report. That they have considered the said Letter and Papers and conferred thereon with Mr. Holker. That it appears to your Committee that the said Mr Holker hath no Commission or Credentials from the Court of France neither doth he desire to be received in a public Character or intrusted with any Confidential Matters untill he shall have Authority from the said Court.(2) That it will be proper for Congress to take Measures either by Bills of Exchange or otherwise for the Payment of the Sum of four hundred thousand Livres mentioned in the said Papers to the owners of the Privateers Hancock and Boston of which he saith 50,000 have been advanced by a certain Mr Williams to the Commissrs. of these States at Paris and must be repaid to him. Wherefore they submit the following Resolution. That the Executive Power of the State of Massachusets be requested to make Enquiry and transmit to Congress the Names of the Owners of the Privateers Hancock and the Boston (3) and their respective Shares in the said Ships, & That a Copy of the Letter received by Mr. Holker and his laid before the House be transmitted to the said Executive Power for the Purpose of directing their Enquiry. MS (DNA: PCC, item 96). In the hand of Gouverneur Morris. 1 On June 18 Congress had appointed a committee, consisting of Thomas McKean, Gouverneur Morris, and John Witherspoon, to consider certain papers on Jean Holker, including Holker's June 16 letter to Henry Laurens, his June 16 summary of verbal instructions he allegedly received from the French court, and Jacques Leray de Chaumont's February 28, 1778, letter to Holker authorizing him to pay 400,000 livres to the owners of two American privateers. Transcripts of these documents are in PCC, item 96, fols. 1-10. The committee's report was read on June 27, but the motion to adopt the report was rejected. See JCC, 11:618-20 661. For an indication of the reasons for congressional disapproval, and information on the eventual payment of the French gratuity, see Titus Hosmer to Thomas Mumford, this date. 2 For the question of Holker's authority, see Committee for Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners at Paris, June 21, 1778, note 2. 3 Henry Laurens inserted "the Boston" in place of "Adams."

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Samuel Holten's Diary

June 27 [1778] Attended in Congress in the forenoon and they adjourned to the City of Philada. to meet on Thursday next 10 o'Clock.(1) N.B. The weather is very hot. MS (MDaAr). 1 Although Congress planned to reconvene in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 2, a quorum was not available to resume the conduct of business until Tuesday, July 7. JCC, 11:671-72. Information on the activities of a few of the delegates during the week they traveled to Philadelphia is available in the diaries of Holten, William Ellery, and Josiah Bartlett, whose entries for the period are quoted here as follows: "28. Sabbath Day. Travd. from York Town. Crossed the Susquehanna 20 miles lower than where I did before. Dined at a good Inn but have a small room to lodge in this night. N.B. & the bugs drove us out. "29. Travd. 12 miles before brakfast, brakfasted on whartelbary-Still out doors, then Travd. 7 miles, dined at a good Inn, then Travd. 15 miles to Newart in one of the lower Counties in Delaware State. "30. Travd. from Newart to Wilmanton 11 miles, had Brakfast & dined; we passed thro' part of the State of Maryland, & Wilmanton is a principal Town in the State of Delaware; The building are chiefly Bricke & very commodious; We then Travd. to Chester where we are likely to be well Accomodated. "July 1. Travd. to the City of Philadelphia 15 miles before brakfast. Dined at a public house; Then took Lodgings at the Wido Robbinson's, in Chestnut Street." Samuel Holten Diary, MDaAr. "Sat out from Yorktown June 28th, 1778, for Philadelphia in my way to Dighton, in Company, with the Honble Houston, Gerry, Dana, Delegates of Massachusetts Bay, Dined at Major Finnies about 15 miles from Yorktown, very well. From thence to McCall's Ferry on Susquahanna is about 9 miles. We took this route because the road was better than through Lancaster, and because we expected the Inns on that Road, as Congress had adjourned, and were on their way to Philadelphia, were crowded. "Lodged at McLaughan's, about 21/2 Miles from the Ferry. The house is very indifferent; but the housekeeping was very good. He is a staunch Irish true blue Presbyterian. There is a large Parish of that Denomination of Christians in this Quarter, and a very decent Meeting-house, and they are all warm Whigs. "June 29th. From thence to Warneck's where we breakfasted is 12 miles; the weather was extreme hot, and we drank our Coffee under the shady trees near the house. Were very civilly treated. From Warneck's to Richie's is 7 miles. Here we dined and were entertained very agreeably. Mr. Richie's wife's sister who kept the house in the absence of her Sister, hath an Austrian Lip so much like one I had seen before. "30th. From thence to Newark where we lodged at . . . is 13 miles. Here is good entertainment for Man and horses. To Wilmington is 12 miles. Here at Brinton's we breakfasted and dined elegantly; the Weather very hot. Sat off at 5 o'clock. From thence to Carlin's in Chester, is 13 miles. Here we found good Cyder, good lodging and good housekeeping. To Philadelphia is 15 miles, where I put up at my good friend's William Redwood. From Derby to Schuylkill, the Fencing was destroyed and the fields lay entirely open; but as the stock had been removed by the owners or taken by the enemy, the grass was luxuriant. As I passed the Schuylkill, the naked Chimnies of destroyed houses on my left expressed in emphatick language the barbarity of the British Officers and Sol-

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diery. The City however was in a much better state than I expected to have found it. At Chester heard the glorious news of the defeat of Genl Clinton at Monmouth." William Ellery Diary, PMHB 11 (1887): 476-77. "July 2nd 1778. Set out from York Town for Philadelphia, rode to Susquehannah 11 1/2 miles, Crossed, Dined at Boyds, then 11 miles to Lancaster wide. Rankin to Lodge. July] 3d, rainy, rode 7 miles to Willsons to breakfast then 10 miles to Hopkins the Bunch of Grapes, then 10 miles to the Sign of the Waggon to Lodge very rainy. [July] 4th, rode 6 miles to the Ship tavern to Breakfast then 13 miles to the Paoli then 15 miles to the Sign of the Black horse then 6 miles to Philadelphia." Josiah Bartlett Diary, Nh.

Titus Hosmer to Thomas Mumford

Dear sir York Town June 26th [i.e. 27]. 1778 (1) Immediately upon my arrival here, which was last Monday, I made it my first Care to attend to the Business you had charged me with. Mr. Holkers Advertisement in the enclosed News papers will direct you where to apply for your Money;(2) he had laid his Credentials before Congress & requested them to take measures for ascertaining the Owners of the privateers and other persons interested in the prizes & their several proportions of Interest in Order to his drawing on France in their favour, a Comittee reported a Resolve (3) referring it to the Executive Powers of Massachusetts Bay to enquire after & Certify who were Owners &c, Congress upon Consideration did not adopt the Resolve, because it was a Matter that did not concern the public Interest, & might open a Door to endless applications. Congress is adjourned to Philadelphia to meet there next Thursday, whither it is probable Mr. Holker will likewise transfer himself; it will be proper to be furnished with clear & Authentic Evidence who are Owners & proprietors of this Donation, whoever applies to him, & with full powers to act for those they represent. The News papers contain most of the news that can be sent you from Congress, I can only add that the Articles of Confederation are settled and will probably be ratified at Philadelphia next Saturday (the anniversary of our Independance) by such Delegates who are impowered to ratify them, which are all except New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia & the Delaware Counties, and it is hoped and expected that all or some of them will by that Time receive their Powers for that purpose. The Armies are in New Jersey, the British proceeds slowly, seems embarrassed & is lessened fast by numerous Desertions, Mr. Peters of the Board of war, who came in from Philadelphia this Evening reports that by their Accounts there upwards of one Thousand have deserted since they left Philadelphia, Genl. Washingtons Army is at

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and near Princeton, I cannot tell you precisely where the Enemy Are, we may expect great Events to take place in a few Days, may they be fortunate & happy for the united states. I expect the Connecticut News from You, you will please to direct to me at Philadelphia for which Place I shall leave this on Monday next. Please to make my Compliments acceptable to your Good Lady & Family, & believe me to be, with the highest Esteem, Your Friend & humble servant, Titus Hosmer RC (Robert J. Sudderth, Jr., Lookout Mountain, Tenn., 1973). 1 References in the text to specific proceedings of Congress indicate that this letter could not have been written before June 27, for it was on that day that Congress considered the report of the committee on Jean Holker's papers, agreed to adjourn to Philadelphia, and postponed signing the Articles of Confederation. JCC, 11:661-62. 2 Holker's "Advertisement" has not been found, but a paraphrased extract of Jacques Leray de Chaumont's February 28 letter to Holker is printed in the June 20, 1778, issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette. Chaumont had announced that the king of France had ordered a gratuity to be paid to the owners of two American privateers equal to the value of two prizes they had sent to Nantes in August 1777 but which had been returned to their British owners because of their false entry as Dutch vessels. Chaumont's letter to Holker, which authorized him to pay 400,000 livres to the American privateer owners, had been carried to the United States by Simeon Deane, along with the February 18 letter from the commissioners at Paris notifying Congress of the gratuity. Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 1:503. For further information on this subject, see Simeon Deane's letters to Holker of May 16 and 30, and Holker's June 19, 1778, letter to Chaumont in the Jean Holker Papers, DLC. It was not until October 1778 that Holker paid the authorized agents of the American owners in Boston. The October 17 order of the Massachusetts Council, recognizing Joseph Foster as agent for the owners of the privateer brigantine General Mercer, Capt. James Babson, called the Hancock while in France, and John Grennell and Adam Babcock as owners and agents for the other owners of the Fanny, Capt. John Kendrick, called the Boston while in France; and the October 28 notice of the agents, acknowledging receipt of 400,000 livres from Holker, are printed in the November 9, 1778, issue of the Independent Ledger, and the American Advertiser. Thomas Mumford is listed as one of seven owners of the Connecticut privateer brigantine Fanny in a December 17, 1776, memorial to the Massachusetts Council, which sought exemption from the embargo and permission to sail from Dartmouth, Mass. Morgan, Naval Documents, 7:503. 3 See Committee of Congress Report, this date.

Henry Laurens to William Greene

Sir York Town 27th June 1778 I beg leave to refer to my late address to Your Excellency under the 20th Inst. by Messenger Dodd.(1) Your Excellency will be pleased to receive under the present Cover an Act of Congress of the 25th for the better defending & pro-

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tecting the State of Rhode Island &c against the attempts of the Enemy. Also an Act of the 25th for Issuing three Warrants in favor of that State, for 250000 Dollars together with the three Warrants therein specified.(2) I have the honor to be, With great Respect, Sir, Your Excellency's humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress. RC (R-Ar) 1 See Laurens to George Clinton, June 20, 1778, note 3. 2 See JCC, 11 :64547, 659; and Rhode Island Delegates to Greene, this date. Congress actually approved the issuance of these warrants to Rhode Island on June 26.

Henry Laurens to Patrick Henry

Sir, 27th June 1778 My last to your Excellency is of the 20th Inst. by Captn. Cottineau.(1) Yesterday I had the honor of presenting to Congress two Letters from your Excellency both dated the 18th.(2) I apprehend within a few hours of that date your Excellency received my Letter of the 13th which contains a full answer from Congress respecting the purchases of goods the Cargo of Monsr. Beaumarchais Ship, Major Lee had charge of that dispatch & promised the necessary care. The bearer of this will deliver a packet directed from the Commit tee of foreign Correspondence to your Excellency,(3) another packet directed by my hand contains Letters of importance to the United States from Don Juan de Miralles which I request you Sir, to Send in company with those from the Committee.(4) I also take the liberty of requesting your Excellency to forward the inclosed Letter to the President of South Carolina by the earliest opportunity.(5) This days Gazette which will be also inclosed will give the Current Intelligence at York Town (6) except that desertions from the Enemy far exceed the Number intimated in Majr. General Arnold's Letters from Philadelphia, I have such accounts as leave no room to doubt Sir Henry Clinton's having lost upwards of 1000 Men Since he crossed Delaware. No reply from the Commissioners. I have the honor to be &ca. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 See Laurens to George Clinton, June 20, 1778, note 3. 2 Governor Henry's June 18 letters to Laurens are in PCC, item 71, 1:153 57. The longer of the two is also in Henry, Patrick Henry, 3:177-78. 3 In his July 4 reply to Laurens, Henry acknowledged receipt of "several packets for the Ambassadors of the United States at Paris" and promised to forward them to France as soon as possible. Ibid, p. 178. One of the items in question was

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undoubtedly the Committee for Foreign Affairs' June 21 letter to the commissioners at Paris. 4 Among these letters was Miralles' June 22, 1778, dispatch to Diego Jose Navarro, governor general of Cuba, which is in Papeles Procedentes de Cuba, Legajo 1281, Archive General de Indias, Seville. In this report, his first since his arrival at York on June 9, Miralles related his activities since leaving Baltimore, explained the "contradictory opinions as to what the British army will decide to do," and summarized what had transpired between Congress and the British peace commissioners from the documents that had been printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette. For Miralles' mission to America, see Francis Lewis to John Langdon, June 12, 1778, note 1. 5 See Laurens to Rawlins Lowndes, this date. 6 Laurens noted in his presidential letterbook that this day he also sent "several" copies of this issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette to Gov. Richard Caswell of North Carolina. PCC, item 13, 2:16.

Henry Laurens to Rawlins Lowndes

Dear Sir, 27th June [1778] Congress will adjourn this Morning to Philadelphia. I have many things to day & to hear in a short space of time. Your Excellency will therefore account for brevity. The inclosed Gazette of this date will give the current Intelligence but I may venture to add that the number of Deserters from the Enemy since they crossed Delaware amounts to near three times that mentioned in Major General Arnold's advice of the 24th. I expect every hour an account of an attack by General Washington & the Jersey Militia on Sir Henry Clinton whose present situation must be felt by him as extremely unpleasant. This instant a person who left Philadelphia on the 26th avers that in the Morning of that day Platoon firing on the Jersey side for two hours had been distinctly heard. After spending 4 1/2 hours in Congress I am just going to Philadelphia without Ratifying Confederation which would have been done by all the authorized Delegates about 9 or 10 States but there appeared such a number of interlineations & mistakes in the Secretary's Engrossed Copy as rendered it necessary to delay this great work. Saturday 4 July is now the order of the house.(1) I remain with the utmost respect &ca.(2) LB (ScHi). 1 In fact Congress did not resume consideration of the Articles of Confederation until July 9. JCC, 11:677. 2 A summary of this letter was printed in the July 23, 1778, issue of the South Carolina and American General Gazette under the heading "Extract of a Letter from York-Town, dated June 27, 1778."

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Henry Laurens to John Sullivan

Dear Sir, 27th May [i.e. June] [1778] Permit me to refer to my last under the 20th Inst. by Messenger Dodd. My present duty is to forward the Inclosed Act of Congress of the 25th for putting two Thousand Stand of Arms into your hands for the better defence of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations &ca.(1) This Days Gazette which I take the liberty of adding will inform you of the Current Intelligence. Congress will adjourn this Morning to Philadelphia, & I shall begin my journey in the afternoon, it is not necessary therefore to tell you that I have many things to do in a short space of time. I have the honor to be LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 See JCC, 11:646; and Rhode Island Delegates to William Greene, this date. Laurens noted in his presidential letterbook that this day he also sent "an Act of Congress of 25th for the defence of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations & a Gazette of this date" to General Washington. See PCC, item 13, 2:15; and JCC, 1 1:64547. Robert Morris to John Brown Dear Sir Manheim June 27th 1778 I wrote you yesterday (1) & must now trouble you again, to request you will send to Mr. Jona. Hudson Mercht in Baltimore the Sum of £1243.17.6 Curry on my Acct. and the further Sum of £1681.14/ Curry being the amot of that draft you recd from Young Mr Sellers to enable you to send him these Sums & perhaps some others to another Quarter, I shall inclose herein a draft on [...] which will be paid on Monday next. Mr Braxton in a letter dated the 1st Inst. which I find here, says he has transmitted the Commercial Committee his Accts and desired them to pay the balance thereof to me. He dont mention the Sum, but you will see the Acct. You may apply to the Committee for it and give them a receipt on my behalf or if they choose it I will send one & you'l inform me the Sum. I have just heard that Congress have adjourned to Philadelphia, if that be true, your stay will be short at York, therefore I will not trouble you with more business than is mentioned above. You will find herein a draft of Jos. Shippen Esqr. On Mr. Wm Smith who is the bearer of this letter in your favour for Eight thousand Dollars on my Acct. Be pleased to go with him to Mr. Helligass & receive this Money. Send the Sums I have mentioned to Mr Hudson & at your leisure send my Acct Current. I beg of you

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to present my Compliments to Mr Irwin, tell him I both wrote & Spoke to Colo Boudinot about Mr Robison and he promised to get his discharge which I hope has been done. I dont know whether I shall go over to York or not before my return to Philada. but if I do not, you will leave my Salt &c in Mr. Irwins care & bring his receipt for it. Tell him I will hereafter write him [about] that & Wine & Spirit. My Compts also to Mr Donaldson. I beg his particular care of my five pipes of Wine in his Store respecting which I will write to him hereafter. I send by Mr Smith some Public letters, please to see [. . .] & let me hear from you for I am Dr sir, Your Obedt hble servt. Robt Morris P.S. Please to forward the sundry Letters that will be delivered you herewith soon as possible. Give my Compts to Bob, tell him I have been in Philada. & that I intend to see him before I return thither again. R M RC (PHi). Addressed: "To Mr. John Brown, York town." 1 Morris' June 26 letter to Brown-reporting his return to Manheim "yesterday after these three Weeks absence, one of which I passed in Philadelphia," speculating on the effects of the British occupation of Philadelphia, and directing Brown to remit "Eighteen hundred pounds Virginia Curry . . . [to] Messrs. Hooe & Harrison's Merchts in Alexandria"-is in the Dreer Collection, PHi.

Rhode Island Delegates to William Greene

Sir, York Town June 27th 1778 Your Excellencys Letter of the 13th Instant came to Hand, as also one other of the 11th Instant from the Councill of War. Your Excellencys Letter addressed to Congress was also recd.(1) We observe a Mistake made by the Councill; In their Instructions to Us of the 4th of June (2) They say the State had advanced to the Dep. Clothr. seventy Thousand Pounds; In their Letter of the 11th Instant They say They have advanced to that Department untill Their Accounts amount to forty six Thousand, nine hundred and forty six pounds. Such material Mistakes are apt to lead us into Errors and Inconsistancy with Congress. In the last Letter from the Councill of War, They mention a Letter from Mr. Mease, which they say they enclose; but it was omitted. However we have from our first Knowledge of the late Attempts of the Enemy upon Our State, reflected upon the Subject with Seriousness, and pressed for Relief of every kind; and upon the Receipt of the Letters from Your Excellency & the Councill of War, we have again applied with Ardour and unremitted Zeal; and have obtained Warrants for 250,000 Dollars which the President will enclose to the State; also Orders for supplying the Military Chest there with 300,000

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Dollars; also an Order for 2000 stand of Arms, which Order will be forwarded by the Board of War to Genl. Sullivan. Also a Resolution for building three Gallies on certain Conditions.(3) Also an Order to Genl. Washington, to send the Rhode Island Battallion now in Camp to Our State, if it can be done consistantly with the genl. Interest.(4) We place no great Expectations from that Resolution, unless the Campaign should soon end successfully on Our Part in the Jerseys, And which by the Blessing of God we have great Hopes of. The Papers and Capt. Talbot will inform You of the State of Affairs there. We hope, if at Length Our Sister States come forward, that our long depressed State will in Consequence of these Resolutions be again put upon Ground that shall enable Her to make a powerfull and successfull Opposition to the Attacks of Our Enemies; And that by making the wisest Application of the Monies, and holding Our Hands with Resolution from continental Advances in Future, unless by immediate & express Request of Congress, that our State Financies may get into a better Situation, and in a regular Course of Reduction. The Matter respecting Cloathing advanced to Our Officers at 4/ Ster for I / is laid before a Committee; We shall give You the earliest Intelligence of the Result.(5) We are in hopes the State and the Dep. Clothr. will be justified, altho' it is said the Advance was not quite large enough. The Propriety of the Advances to Officers of State Battallions are also doubted. We shall carefully attend to it, And are most respectfully, Your Excellencys most obedt and humble Servants, William Ellery Hy Marchant P.S. Mr. Collins is gone to Philadelphia. Congress this Day will adjourn there. RC (R-Ar). Written by Marchant and signed by Marchant and Ellery. Addressed: "His Excely, Govr. Greene or Council of War, Providence." 1 Governor Greene's June 13 letter to President Laurens, dealing with Rhode Island's "extreme weak and defenceless condition," is in PCC, item 64, fols. 410-11, and William R. Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 1765-1790 (Providence: Providence Press Co., 1870), p. 187. For the letters to the Rhode Island delegates from Greene and the Rhode Island Council of War, see Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, pp. 185-86. 2 Not found. 3 See JCC, 11:646. In regard to this resolve Henry Laurens wrote the following letter this day to the Eastern Navy Board: "Within the present Inclosure be pleased to receive an Act of Congress of the 25th for building, Equipping & manning three large Gallies for the defence of Providence, Warren & Taunton Rivers & for purchasing in Lieu of the Gallies proper Vessells for that purpose." Navy Board Papers, RNHi. 4 For the resolves on the defense of Rhode Island listed here, which were approved by Congress on June 25 and 26, see JCC, 11 :645-47, 65960.

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5 Not until October 13, 1778, did Congress approve the arrangements made by Rhode Island authorities to procure clothing for the state's Continental officers. See JCC, 11:642, 12:880, 1006-7.

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett

My Dear York Town June 28th 1778 Yesterday Congress adjourned from this place to meet in Philadelphia on Thursday the 2nd of July next. The President & many of the Members are gone, and by tomorrow noon Scarcely any English person will be left in this Town, as the original Setlers here are German & talk that Language. I Expect to Set out in a few Days so that the next letter you Receive from me will likely be Dated in Philadelphia, I have not had any letter from you Since yours Dated the 28th of May; hope you have Recd mine regularly as I have wrote you almost Every week, my last was the 21st Inst Enclosed in one to major Philbrick and went by Express. I am in health & have been as well since I have been here as I am Commonly or rather better, I hope the air of Philadelphia will suit me as well, Tho I had rather not have moved there Quite so soon, till the City had been more thoroughly Cleansed. Charles Chace is well. Mr Wentworth is not well which will hinder me from going to Philadelphia for some Days at least otherways I should set off to morrow morning.(1) The Enemy left the City the 18th and the last account we have of them, they were not half the way to Amboy & our army very near them, so that it seems probable a Battle will soon take place between the two armies. God Grant it may prove Decisive in favor of America. As the armies are about 100 miles nearer you than I am, it is probable before you Receive this you will have later accounts from them than I can send you, many of the German Troops have Deserted from the Enemy Since they left Philadelphia. We happened to have sight of the Ecclipse of the Sun last Wednesday; it was so Cloudy all Monday & Tuesday & Wednesday till about 8 of the Clock in the morning that the Sun did not once appear, afterwards the Clouds broke so that we had a pritty good Sight of it. It was much the largest Ecclipse I Ever Saw, it was all covered Except a very Small rim at the Nortwest, smaller than the bright part of the moon when she first appears after the change. The weather here now is very hot & have been so for 3 Days past. June 29th. I am sorry to inform you Mr Wentworth is very sick with a fever & a Billious vomiting and Purging, and has been confined for above a week. He is not willing his friends should be informed of his Sickness which is I fear attended with great Danger.

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Remember me to all friends and particularly, Remember my Love to all my Children and my sincere affection to your self; yours, Josiah Bartlett RC (NhHi). 1 Bartlett remained in York until July 2, when John Wentworth's health appeared to improve. But illness kept Wentworth in York until early August, and although he then went to Philadelphia, he apparently did not attend Congress before leaving for New Hampshire on August 21, 1778. See Bartlett's letters to Mary Bartlett, July 6, to Meshech Weare, July 20 and September 8, and

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to William Whipple, August 18,1778.

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Administrative Reform

To the Congress. [June-July? 1778](1) In the present Situation of our Affairs it must be evident to every Observer that America must be victorious if she can prosecute the War since it is impracticable for Great Britain to pursue it much longer. Now America can prosecute the War so long as she can keep an Army in the Field, but to keep an Army it is necessary to have Men to clothe, arm, Feed & pay them. To all these Purposes Money is the great Thing needful. A Paper Circulation may depreciate to such a Degree as no longer to answer the Purposes of Money. And this hath been the Case in a great Measure from the Want of Attention, Management and Method. To look thro the Causes of our Misfortunes may lead to the Cure. The Want of Men arises from sundry Sources. Ist. the short Enlistments at the Commencement of the War. 2 ly. the Advance in the Price of Labor & Commodities. 3dly. the enormous Bounties given by several of the States. 4thly. the great Sums paid for Substitutes in the frequent Calls of the Militia. 5thly. from the Want of Discipline by which Means Soldiers not only desert in great Numbers but no Attention being paid to their Manner of Living by their Officers they loose their Cloaths become sickly & finally die or are rendered unfit for Service. 6thly. from the Want of Cloathing, Blankets and the like & lastly from the Defects of the Hospitals by which many die & the Sufferings of those who survive prevent ReEnlistments. The Money also hath depreciated from several Causes as I st. From the very Nature of it it was a Matter of very great Doubt among many whether it would not finally sink in the Hands of the Possessor hence the Aspect of our Affairs hath a manifest Influence upon its Credit. 2ly. From the many different Kinds of Paper Money Counterfeits became easy and therefore Men were less inclined to receive it. 3dly. The great Wages given to our Soldiery, The frequent

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Portrait of Gouverneur Morris

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Calls of Militia and after that every other Cause which hath caused great Emissions tends by the Quantity of the Money to lower it's Value. 4thly. The great Prices given for Commodities the natural Produce of the Country by the Servants of the Public from the Want of due Arrangement in the several Departments. 5thly. The Want of Oeconomy & Frauds in those Departments. 6thly. All those Laws which were framed to regulate Prices from that of Gold & Silver down to every other Article the necessary Consequence of which was to exclude such things or at least the greater Part of them from Commerce and therefore to raise the Price of the Remainder from the Scarcity, from the Plenty of Paper Money & from the Risque of breaking the Law. 7thly. From the Depreciation once begun arose a Depreciation consequent upon it distinct from other Causes since from thence the Possessors of Commodities would ask more than what would otherwise have been the Market Price foreseeing that tho' that Price might be the just Value at the Time of Sale it must soon become less, others also from this Depreciation would be led to engross and moneyed Men continually receiving their Debts in nominal Money of decreasing Value would be led to realize (or purchase any thing not perishable such as Land, Gold, Silver, Iron & the like) all which was taken out of the Circle of Commerce. 8thly. No Taxes having been laid and the Authority of the Governments in many Instances shaken it became doubtful with many whether even any Attempt would be made to redeem any Part of it and therefore, 9thly. When the Continent offerd to loan their own Money there being no visible Funds to pay the Interest Men were disinclined to trust them. In order to restore the Value of Money it becomes necessary to lessen the Quantity & Kinds to provide Ways and Means to procure Funds for carrying on the War and to use Oeconomy in the Expenditures. (1) To lessen the Quantity & Kinds of Money I would propose that every State should instantly by Law cry down their own Emissions and redeem them with Continental Loan Office Certificates and be duly charged by the Continent with the Interest of such Certificates. (2) If Credit can be procured in Europe (of which more presently) to absorp a considerable Quantity of the Paper by selling Bills of Exchange. (3) To gain a Credit to our Funds in Order to procure Loans and here 1st. The Payment of the Bills drawn for the Interest of the Debt will have a considerable Influence but it is necessary to extend that Influence into foreign Countries & gain Credit there, for which Purpose I propose 2ly. That the States should each pass an Act restricting their several Limits within a certain Line to be drawn for that Purpose

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and declaring that the Residue shall appertain to the Congress of the united States in Consequence of which Cession the States which really Part with Territory to receive a Compensation by the Abatement of some Part of their future Quota of the Continental Debt. From this Land I would set off a well sized State for our own Soldiers, for Deserters from the Enemy and for such Gratuities as Congress or their public Ministers may chuse to make from a proper Distribution of which Land the Men of great Influence in Europe may be brought to favor our Cause. The Remainder should be divided into other large Districts by Natural Boundaries and be called by separate Name which should denominate our Funds and supposing these names to be A,B & C any Man in Europe who put into the Fund A should be entitled at any Time to so much Land in that Country as could be purchased there at that Time for his Debt by which Means we should be able to give Security for the Principal of our Debt which no Nation in Europe can do. 3dly. It should be an Additional Article in the Confederation that an Acknowledgement of 21/2 per Cent should be paid on the Value of all Commodities imported into America from any Port not within one of the united States and that this Acknowledgement and also every other Duty for the Regulation of Trade or otherwise laid should be paid to the Continent as a sinking Fund for the Principle & Interest of Debts by them contracted during the War. This Acknowlegement alone would produce from the American Commerce in 772 £125.000 Stg. equal to 1,250,000 Dollars of our present Money at least and if we add 250,000 for what would arise from other necessary Duties over and above the Cost of collecting the Whole this would make 1,500,000 Dollars which would be the Interest of a Debt of 25,000,000 Dollars at six per Cent. The Post Office also properly regulated would in Time produce a very considerable Remedy without Burthening the Community it being rightly observed that this is the most agreable Tax ever invented. But as these would yield little or nothing at present I would propose 4thly. that a Capitation Tax of one Dollar upon every Inhabitant be paid as a sinking Fund at present and that this be faithfully and honestly applied notwithstanding any Exigency to pay the Interest & Part of the Principle or where the Interest is payable in Europe there the Principle of the public Debts at the same time taking Care that the Debt of highest Interest be paid first. (4) In Order to raise the Value of the Money which is always a saving to the public it will be proper. Ist. To take off all Restrictions upon the Sale of every Commodity Gold and Silver not expected. 2dly. As soon as a State of the public Debts can be made out after adopting the other Plans proposed to publish such State and thereby undeceive the Public who think it much greater than it really is.

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3dly. To devise a proper Mode of calling all those to Account who have received any public Monies and provide Checks in the further Issues of which more hereafter. (5) In providing Money for the public Exigencies I would observe that from January to January Congress should Vote a particular Sum, for Instance 20,000,000 Dollars of which 10,000,000 should be raised by the several States by Tax and the Remainder on Loan in America and as at present 27 Livres Tournois are equal to 15 Dollars supposing Exchange to fall so low as that a Dollar shall be worth two Livres then a Credit of 20,000,000 Livres Tournois will enable us to buy up a Sum of Paper Money equal to the whole Tax by which Means the Cash will be in the public Coffers in Advance and the Credit of the Money at Home just as high as we chuse to make it for by this Means the public will not be indebted to its own Subjects one Shilling more after borrowing 10,000,000 Dollars than before, and the circulating Medium will be 10,000,000 less and as the foreign Debt is to be paid in Produce whenever the Money is made valuable the Produce will become cheap & the Debt consequently small, for Instance, 5 Livres as above will purchase 2 1/2 Dollars which in the State of New York will purchase one Bushel of Wheat but the Money being made valuable as above the Wheat may be bought for one such Dollar, that is for the same Money two Bushels and an half of Wheat may be purchased which in France will sell for twenty Livres Wherefore 5 Livres borrowed and invested in Paper now will pay twenty Livres hereafter or in other Words the Debt is lessened 3/4 tho By pursuing the above Plan with Judgment it will be very easy to regulate the Value of our Money which ought not be very high for the following Reasons. Ist. The Pay of our Soldiery is now fixed at 6 1/2 Dollars per Mo. which at par Exchange is 1/Stg. per Day but at present about 4d 1/2 or less If Exchange be lowered to 2 l/2 Livres for I Dollar in Paper the Pay of the Soldiery will be 6d per Day. 2dly. The Money being below Par thus much, that is 2 1/2 instead of 5, We shall by paying our Interest in France give in Effect 12 per Cent which will finally bring all our Money into our own Coffers so as that our Subjects will eventually be our Chief Creditors the Good Reasons for which in sinking the Debt are obvious. 3dly. It will enable us to regulate our Contracts for Supplies to the Army as we please of which more hereafter. Many other Reasons will shew themselves in the Course of time. These Means being pursued to get Money and render it valuable the next Consideration is to be cautious in the Expenditures without which it is impossible to provide Funds even could we mortgage the Mines of Potosi. (I) The Treasurey Board, the Navy Board, and the Commercial Board, I am unacquainted with but I must confess that I wish to see all this Business executed by Commissionr[er]s. 1. The Treasury Board should consist of three Parts, the Treasurer,

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Auditor & Comptroller. The Auditor should be a Gentleman of Great Industry, Accuracy & Integrity & have in his Office at least six Gentlemen each of them a good Accomptant & faithful which six should form two Chambers, one of Dues the other of Claims. The former should adjust all Accompts brought into the Treasury for Payment, the other All Accompts unsettled where it is supposed that the Public Money lies in the Hands of Individuals. These Accompts being Adjusted should be laid before the Auditor (who should be impowered by the several States to call Persons to accompt by particular Process) and he should examine them & mark them thus Audited for the Sum of this Day of 177 , and sign it, He and the several Chambers under him always taking Care that exhorbitant Prices are not allowed if charged. Copies of these Accounts should be kept in his Office marked filed & Entries made in his Books of the Sums audited and on what Accounts and make Monthly Returns of such Entries made to Congress, then the Accounts with the Vouchers referred to should be handed over to the Comptroller whose Business it should be to examine them anew and see from whom and to whom the Sums audited are payable & pass the same and make proper Minutes thereof in his Books and draw Bills on the Treasurer comformable to the Manner in which such Accompts are passed (to which the treasury Seal is to be put) and make monthly Returns to Congress of the Accompts by him passed. The treasurer is simply to receive and pay Money taking Care that he pay it only to those duly authorized to receive it, to keep the Check Accompt of the Loan Office & the like and ought also to render monthly Accompts to Congress. The Navy Board or Board of Admiralty ought as I conceive to be submitted to five Intelligent Sea Officers well acquainted with maritime Affairs and otherwise qualified as Men of Business. Untill our naval Affairs are a little more reduced to System it must require Great Knowlege in Sea Affairs upon a large Scale to qualify a Man for a Seat at that Board. Nor shall we find for many Years Persons duly qualified to act in it from having made such things the Object of their Attention as a Branch of political Science. These Persons should from Time to Time make Report as should the Board of War, the treasury Board & the like to an Executive of which more hereafter. The Commercial Board should consist of the five most intelligent Merchants to be met with. At present it will be their Duty to attend simply to the Commercial Concerns of the Continent but such a Board ought to exist for the Purpose of continually collecting, comparing & examining the Commerce of the Several States, the Course of Exchange &ca &ca by the Help of which they would be enabled to give Information from Time to Time what Laws, Treaties & Regula-

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tions would be proper and beneficial, what Number of Seamen could be had in Emergencies & the like. The Board of War being at present in Commission I shall say Nothing upon that Chapter only that Men of Experience, of Business & acquainted with the Resources of America should be always upon that Board which for many Years Yet to come will have infinite Concerns to attend to. For whether we have Peace or not I state it as certain that we must have some Soldiers & many Magazines of Artillery, Field Equipage, Ammunition & military Stores &ca. I will here take an Opportunity to observe upon what must strike the Observation of every Gentleman acquainted with our public Affairs It is that a Body such as the Congress is inadequate to the Purposes of Execution. They want that Celerity & Decission upon which depend the Fate of Great Affairs. Other Reasons not less cogent might be adduced Wherefore it might be proper especially during the War to have either a Committee of three or a single officer such as Chief of the States Who should superintend the Executive Business, receive the Reports of the several Boards of the Secretary for foreign Affairs and the like and prepare the whole in the Form of Memorials for the House where there Authority is necessary & where it is not there to perform the necessary Acts.(2) (2) The Next Thing which demands a most serious Attention is to involve all the military Affairs of the Continent into one Department which would prevent a Variety of Abuses by which the public is injured in many Respects but particularly by the Destruction of Vast Sums of Money. Thus there are at present a Commissary's Department, a Quarter Masters Department & an Hospital Department to the Northward and no army besides the several Departments clash in Purchases double, treble or quadruple the Number of Persons are employed in procuring the same Articles and the like not to mention the absolute sineCures &ca but the Detail is infinite. (3) As to the several Staff Departments of the Army viz the Quarter Master's, Commissaries & Hospital in their order. 1. The Quarter Masters Department is open to such an Endless Train of Frauds from the very Nature of the thing that it is impossible to devise any adequate Checks. A thing which hath never as I can learn been done by any Army. The only Way to keep it within any Bounds is by examining the Accounts frequently, the Vouchers accurately, taking Care that the Purchases and Expenditures agree & that Losses, Casualties & the like be properly ascertained, after all the Head of the Department is most to be depended on if he is vigilant, industrious & honest he may do much towards preventing Frauds. Further a constant Return should be required of his Deputies, their Pay & Appointments &ca. where they are &ca. This Detail should be monthly. I would observe particularly that the Article of Forage alone is ruinous without accurate Managemt. Wherefore

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there should always be in the Army a Forage Yard and Rations of Forage delivd. with Accuracy as also at the several Magazines and Receipts taken without which the Expenditures should not be allowed. At present any of the Depy. Qur. Mrs. may purchase on the Contl. Acct. & sell on his own Acct. without being detected. 2. The Commissaries Department upon which but too much is to be said. Generally I will venture to affirm that every Step is capitally defective. Let me be indulged in a small Detail. A who is a Commissary of Purchases buys 100 Cattle whose Average Weight is in Beef 400, Hide & Tallow 100, in the whole 50,000 wt. for these he gives Certificates at 25 per Ct. Advance upon the Market Price supposing that to be 1/ then his Certificates are at the Rate of 1/3 and to color it the Cattle estimated and marked accordingly to weigh on an Average 600. 50,000 wt. @ 1/ is £2,500 to which add 1/4 or £625, the Price Charged is £3,125, the Difference he pockets by purchasing the Certificates at a Discount by the Intervention of a third Person. These Cattle are driven at the Public Expense during all Seasons favorable or unfavorable to the Camp. When they get there they consume Forage for which the Army is always in great Distress, grow lean, some of them die, some when killed returned unfit for Use, some sent out of Camp into the Country to be fattened, of the Beef, some putrifies almost all the Tallow is lost, a great Part of the Hides lost, many of them much damaged, the Heads are thrown away, the Entrails & Filth serve to generate putrid Diseases, the Horns are lost, the Feet from which Oil to curry all the Hides might be extracted are also thrown into the general Mass of Corruption, finally the Beef itself in the Hot Weather renders the troops liable to Diseases of a bilious Kind. I say Nothing of the purchases of Spirits, of Vinegar, of Bread, of Pease &ca. &ca. The Remedy I would here propose is 1st. To contract within particular Districts of Country with Individuals for the Cattle of that District as thus to be delivered at some Place on the Banks of the Rivers Susquehannah, Delaware or Hudsons (where it is to be presumed the Enemy could not penetrate) at a certain Time from so many thousand to so many thousand Wt. of Beef, the Beef to be weighed as thus, the four Quarters, the Hide & the rough Tallow at so much per Pound. At these Places should be the public works necessary and Magazines of Salt, Nitre, Allum, Pot or Pearl Ashes, Barrills &ca. &ca. The Cattle should be here killed the Beef cut into Mess Pieces of 4 1b. each and 50 Pieces put in a Barrill with a proper Proportion of Salt, Nitre (or Pot Ashes) & Allum to preserve it. The Hides taken proper Care of. The Tallow made into (Candles & Soap. The oil extracted from the Feet. The Tripe taken Care of and the Heads made into portable Soap. It is worthy of Observation that those who contract with the Crown in Ireland clear nothing but the Horns & Hoofs by their Bargain. It may be said that the Transporta-

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tion of Provisions would be by this Means rendered too expensive to which I answer that the Transportation should be by Water as much as possible and if there be 40 Miles Land Carriage for the Provision of 20,000 Men it will require daily twenty good Teams being eighty Horses whereas the same Men would require 40 large Oxen per Day and with 5 Days Provision before Hand there would be a constant Demand of Forage for 400 large Cattle instead of eighty Horses. As to Purchases of Flour they may I am confident be better made by Contract than at present as may the Baking Business for which the Contract should be that the Quarter Master provide ovens & Fuel and that the Contractor deliver so many Pounds of Bread as he shall receive of Flour. Spirits & Whiskey ought by a Resolution to be fixed at a certain Standard in the Delivery to Soldiers for otherwise great Frauds may happen of which more hereafter. Vinegar which I will venture to say is absolutely necessary to an Army should be procured by Contract in very large Quantities at different Places by which Transportation would be saved and the Article itself if not used one Year be infinitely better the next. So much for the Purchases but in the Issues a still more terrible Scene opens upon us, to trace which let us suppose a Regt. to consist of 500 Rations daily & take the year @ 350 Days, & examine the Perquisites, private & public Frauds. 1st. Perquisites. 500 Rat. Salt Prov. 50 Days is 130 Blls. in each of which is 1/4 of a Bushel of coarse Salt @ 40 Dlls per B. 1300 Dlls. 20 Rat. daily on an Average to the Sick in the whole 10,000 @ 1/5 of a Dollar 2000 Perquisites. 3300 Private Frauds. 500 Gills of Rum or Whisky for abt. 250 Days, 125,000 from which deduct 1/3 (sometimes more) and add Water leaves 40,000 say 32,000 or 1000 Galls @ 4d per Gall is 4,000 For Rat. not delivered, scant Weight & Measure &ca &ca say 20 Rat. for 350 Days, 9000 @1/5 1,400 Private Frauds. 5,400 Public Frauds. 500 Rat. fresh Beef @ 11/4 for 300 Days & usual Allowances for Wastage is abt. 200,000 from which the Real Weight killed viz 240,000 deduct 1/6 for false Returns of Wt. by issuing Comy. of Brig. is 40,000 @ 1/8 5,000 Absent on Detachments, With Leave, Deserters &ca. always

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some wherefore suppose the whole Regt. abt. 10 Days in the Year during which time they draw Provisions elsewhere is 5000 @ 1/5 1,000 For setling back Rations they give (due Bills) wherefore the whole Quantum being issued & due Bills given to such as do not draw the whole say 20 Daily for 250 Days. 5,000 @ 1/5 1,000 Public Frauds. 7,000 The Account then stands thus Perquisites 3,300 Priv. Frauds 5,400 Public do 7,000 15,700. Peculation on 500 daily, or 157 on 5 Suppose 100,000 Rat. daily issued is three Million Dollars. If to this be added the Frauds in purchasing, Losses from Mismanagemt. &ca. which may be fairly stated at two Millions more this will be five Millions, or 50 Dollars on each Ration supposing them worth 1/3 each to the Public then for a Year it is 120. Now if as the Case is at least 3 Rat. be delivered out on the Continent for every soldier actually in Service then each Soldier must be estimated at 360 Dollars per Annum to feed him from which is peculated & wasted in different Ways to the Amount of 150 Dollars, on the whole it will appear that at least 5 times as much is paid as is necessary. But to remedy this. 1. I observe that for this Purpose as well as many others, it is absolutely necessary to procure Muster Masters and Adjutant Generals well acquainted with their Business and possessing Industry and strict Integrity. These Officers are the great Checks of an Army particularly the former who should at every Muster make Return to the Genl. & to the Board of War noting in the same all Differences between the Musters and the Returns. 2. The Officers of every Rank except Genl Officers should be confined to the drawing of but one Ration which if not drawn should not be paid for and a Subsistence Money equal to their present Rations should be allowed in Lieu of what they are now entitled to Under this Head also we may comprehend another Abuse & the Remedy. No Officer should be allowed to keep a Soldier as his Servant but should be allowed the Sum of 8 Dollars per Mo. to pay & subsist his own Servant. 3. No Ration should be allowed to the sick but the same ought to be specifically drawn for by the Surgeon who in his sick Return should also return the Provisions drawn for to the End that the Orders if improper may be corrected by his Superiors and such Orders should be copied by the Clerk of the flying Hospital weekly & transmitted to the Commissary General. From this Regulation also the

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frequent Absence of Surgeons from their Regts. would be prevented a thing much to be lamented at present. 4. No Rations should be drawn unless for those present fit for Duty and where officers on Command & Detachments not joined &ca. draw Provisions either of Commys. or Inhabitants, they should be charged with the same and obliged to pay therefor unless within a Month Copies of their Receipts are by them filed with the Commissary Genl. or his Deputy or Agent, this being the only Means of checking the Waste occasioned by Detachments. 5. The present Pernicious Practice of serving out Rations to Artificers in Places where they can find Subsistence should be stopped since among many other Evils which arise from it the Infinity of Commissaries is by no Means the least. 6. The Quarter Masters in drawing Provisions should be obliged to make duplicate Returns of their respective Regts. & of the No. of Rations drawn and duplicate Receipts of the specific Articles & one Copy of each should be filed with the Adjutant Genl. who should weekly annex to the same a Copy of the Weekly Return of such respective Regt. & send the same to the Comy. Genl. who should be allowed proper Clerks of the Check to examine and check the same. 7. When any Spirits shall be delivered out below the Standard the Qur. Master should be obliged to make up in Quantity the Defect of Quality. 3dly. of the Hospital Department I will venture to affirm generally that it is replete with Abuses of the greatest Consequence. Ist. In the very great Number of Persons employd in it which partly arises from the Number of Departments into which it is divided. 2 ly. In the Ignorance of many of its Members owing to the Promotion of improper Persons to higher office originally than they had Right to expect & 31y. In the Want of Method and Arrangement throughout or rather in the pernicious Systems adapted. As this Business is not that to which I am most adequate, so on the other Hand I will venture to say that from Inquiry & Attention I have put myself in a Situation not to be quite ignorant of it. By the last Returns prior to which a great Number were discharged it appears there were in Pay of the Cont. 1 Director Genl., 3 Deputy Directors Gen., 2 Assistant Deputy Directors Genl., 3 Phisicians Genl., 3 Surgeons General, 3 Phisicians & Surgeons Genl., 3 Apothecaries General, 30 senior Surgeons, 36 Junior Surgeons, 56 Surgeons Mates and seven Apothecaries Mates over and above all the Regimental Surgeons & Mates & over and above what may be in the Southern Departt. Here it is worthy of Remark that from Ist Jany. to the Ist May all the Sick of our Army were Attended by I Senr. & 2 Junr. Surgeons as also 3000 Patients innoculated. To remedy the

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Evils in this Business, I would propose to institute a Medical Board to consist of a chief Director Genl., Inspector Genl. & chief Phisician & Surgeon. These three should examine all medical Men Candidates for Office & give Certificates according to their talents. Moreover the Chief Director should mark out the several Places for erecting Hospitals, who should attend at them and the like. The Inspector Genl. should visit & examine the Hospitals from Time to Time & the Conduct of those whose Business it might be to take Care of them & the like, and the Chief Phisician & Surgeon should receive regular transcripts of the Diseases & Wounds with the Prescriptions & Operations & examine the same. Under these Gentlemen should be one Purveyor and three Assistants, one Commissary & such Deputies as Occasion might require, 4 Surgeons & Phisicians, 8 Senior Surgeons, 16 Junior Surgeons & 32 Mates, I Apothecary, 2 Assistants & as many Mates as Circumstances might require. These with occasional Detachments from the Regtl. Surgeons in Times of great Sickness would be amply sufficient for an Army of fifty thousand Men if one-fifth were constantly in Hospital besides Accidents. By this also Men of Science might be got into the Service, a thing which would save the Lives of many brave Soldiers.(3) 4. The Cloathier Genls Department will require considerable Attention but for this Purpose it will be proper to appoint a special Committee to examine into this Matter & report some Method of putting Cloathing into the Hands of the Regt. Paymasters with the Prices to be charged the troops. Finally as to every Department. It should be an unalterable Decree that whenever any Person in the public Service either in the Quarter Masters, Commissaries or Medical Departments shall be guilty of trading or of following any other private occupation such Person should be discharged & forfeit all the Pay & Appointments of his Office. And to all this let it be added that exact Discipline in an Army is essential to Oeconomy & without it no possible Arrangments can be effectual. G.M. MS (NNC). In the hand of Gouverneur Morris. A 12-page transcript of the last two-thirds of this document, in the hand of James Custer, is in the William Gilmore Simms Collection of Laurens Papers, item 30, deposited at MHi. 1 There are few clues in this draft address to Congress for establishing precisely when Morris penned it. "The present Situation of our Affairs" to which he refers in his opening statement, for example, must remain a matter of conjecture. In the most thorough analysis of the document yet undertaken by a student of Morris' congressional career, Mary-Jo Kline concluded simply that it was composed during the period June-August 1778. Morris' reference in it to medical department returns of May I indicates that it could not have been composed before those reached Congress, which might have been several weeks after May 1. And he probably completed it before the end of July, when he was appointed to a committee on the treasury that submitted a report drafted by him which contained several features and details adumbrated in the present document.

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The use he intended to make of this proposed address also remains something of a mystery. Kline believes that Morris intended to present it as an address to Congress, but that he eventually decided not to. The document reveals Morris' remarkable knowledge of fiscal and administrative details, matters that were germane to the formulation of congressional policy, but it teems with so many facts and includes such sweeping recommendations that the delegates would certainly have been unable to respond constructively to it had he presented it as a whole. The document records the ferment of Morris' mind and the remarkable energy that characterized his service in Congress. Young, able, confident, and possessed of an extremely facile pen, he was a member of nearly a third of the congressional committees appointed in 1778 and the author of a large percentage of the reports generated by those committees. As a member of the committee at camp during the winter of 1778, he had acquired detailed knowledge of numerous problems related to the army's distress, and his admiration of Washington made him a passionate supporter of the various reforms proposed for "arranging" the army that occupied Congress into the spring and summer, including the half-pay plan that monopolized the delegates' attention in April and May. Something of an optimist by nature, he was also generally confident that America could resist British conquest. Thus when news arrived at York that a Franco-American alliance had been negotiated at Paris in February and that the North ministry was prepared to launch a new peace initiative, he apparently concluded that Britain would not long be able to prosecute the war and that America would be victorious if she could but maintain her army in the field and stave off fiscal collapse. In such a mood, Morris focused his thoughts on the reforms that would yet be required and took up his pen to set forth a comprehensive plan for Congress' consideration. Although his plan was probably never presented in this form, several of the features contained in it did find expression in proposals Morris subsequently laid before Congress during the summer and autumn of 1778. Read in this light and viewed in the context of the conditions faced by Congress and the army at this time, Morris' proposals offer many insights into the complex issues confronted by the delegates during this difficult period. For an analysis of Morris' congressional activities in 1778, several of which directly pertained to issues developed in this document, see Mary-Jo Kline, Gouverneur Morris and the New Nation, 1775-1778 (New York: Arno Press, 1978), pp. 109-26. See also JCC, 11:731, 779 86, 843, 12:929-33, 956-63; Committee at Camp to President Laurens, February 5, 6, 11,

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, 14, 24, and March 2,

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and Morris to Robert R. Livingston, August 17 1778, notes 2 and 3. 2 Morris' interest in the creation of an executive committee is also expressed in the following undated draft resolve, which is in his hand, located in the Gouverneur Morris Papers, NNC. No evidence has been found, however, to indicate that he ever submitted the motion to Congress. "Whereas Experience hath shewn that the Congress of the United States cannot go through the Variety of Business which necessarily comes before them And, Whereas in Cases which require speedy executive Acts Great Delays do at Times arise to the public Detriment, Resolved that an executive Committee be appointed to consist of Members which Committee shall do the Business of the executive Department being always accountable for their Conduct to Congress, That the said Committee shall receive the Reports of the Board of War and lay such of them before Congress as require their legislative Authority." 3 These recommendations for improving the administration of the Continental hospitals were expanded by Morris in the following proposed resolutions, which he may have drafted in connection with his official work on the Medical Committee. Although he had been a member of that committee since April 18, 1778, it seems probable that Morris penned this undated document, which is also in his hand and located in the Gouverneur Morris Papers, NNC, some time after writ-

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ing the preceding remarks on abuses in the hospital department. It is possible that this was the unidentified motion "respecting the medical department" offered in Congress on November 4, 1778, but no evidence has been found to confirm this conjecture, and it contains no specific information that can be used to determine when Morris wrote it. See JCC, 10:366, 12:1101. "Whereas it hath been found by Experience that the Rules and Regulations adopted for the Hospitals, Surgeons & other, the medical Departments within these united States are materially defective and great Evils have thence arisen to the public Service and much Expence unnecessarily accrued for Prevention thereof in future and to the End that the Officers and Soldiers who may fall sick or be wounded in the Defence of their Country may be attended and treated with the utmost Care, Tenderness and Humanity which Circumstances & Situation will admit of, It is Resolved as follows to wit. "Resolved that there be one Director of the Hospitals, one Chief Phisician & Surgeon and one Inspector of the Hospitals & Surgeons of the united States appointed by Congress that they do each of them receive the Sum of Dollars per Month Pay, Dollars per Month Subsistence, Dollars per Month for their Horses and also their reasonable travelling Charges in the Public Service. "Resolved that the said three Officers or any two of them do form a Board for the Superintendance of all the medical Affairs of these States and that they be allowed for an Office, Pens, Paper &ca the Sum of Dollars per Month and for a Clerk the Sum of Dollars per Month. That the Duty of the said Board be to examine all Candidates for any medical Office and to grant to them Certificates of their Qualifications directed to the Board of War the which Certificates shall at the Request of such Candidates be filed in the said Office there to be of Record in Case Vacancies shall offer, and where no such Recommendations be and a Vacancy shall happen when the said Board cannot in due Season be convened then any one of the said Board with the Assistance of two or more of the Phisicians and Surgeons hereafter mentioned shall be impowered to examine and grant such Certificates as aforesaid, the which Certificates shall be in the Form following. "Medical Board at the Day of 177 Present &ca. To the Board of War A B of the in the County of in the State of having been carefully examined appears to be well qualified for the Office of whereof as in Duty bound we certify you"-And the same shall be signed by such of the said Board as shall approve of the Candidate Provided that without a Majority no Certificate shall be granted. That the said Board shall meet at least once in every three Months & from Time to Time issue their Orders to the Purveyor what to provide and where to distribute the several Articles and Things by him purchased. And also shall from Time to Time make such Rules & Regulations for the Hospitals, hospital or regimental Surgeons, Apothecaries & Commissaries of the Hospital as they shall deem expedient for the public Service the which Rules and Regulations are hereby declared to be of full Force and Effect Provided always that the same shall be regularly transmitted to the Board of War and also to the Commander in Chief or of a separate Army. That the said Board whether at their regular Meetings to be by them appointed or at any special Meeting to be called by the Director for particular Purposes shall have a general Controuling Power, Superintendance & Direction not only of all Officers in the several Hospitals but also of all Regimental Surgeons & Surgeon's Mates & be impowered to remove any Phisician or Surgeon or Surgeons Mate from his Office for Neglect of Duty, Mal Conduct or Incapacity. And also that they or either of them or (if the Service shall require it and neither of them be present) one of the sd. Phisicians & Surgeons shall be and they hereby are impowered to call any of the Regimental Surgeons or Mates to do Duty in the Hospitals on special Occasions and to assign the Care of the Sick of any such Regiments to such other regimental Surgeon as shall be expedient. And also on

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Complaint made and Evidence of great Neglect, Insufficiency or Mal Conduct to the Detriment of the Public Service or of his own personal Knowl[ed]ge to suspend any Officer either of the Hospital or a Regimental Surgeon or Mate untill the Determination thereon of the Board certifying unto them such Suspension with the Cause thereof & the Evidence, which Officer so suspended shall be immediately incapable of drawing any Pay or Subsistence untill by the said Board he shall be reinstated in his Office. "Resolved that it shall be the Duty of the Director to determine and direct by and with the Advice and Consent of the Commander in Chief or of any seperate Army the Situation & Number of Hospitals and also that it shall be his Duty to direct how many and which of the Medical Officers hereafter mentioned shall attend at such Hospitals respectively And shall be impowered to appoint & remove from Time to Time or cause to be removed and appointed such inferior Officers as may be necessary at the several Hospitals. That he shall receive weekly Returns from the several superior medical officers at the Different Hospitals, Posts and Places and shall transmit General Monthly Returns to the Commander in Chief and to the Board of War. And shall direct the Distribution of such Medicines and Stores as may from Time to Time be purchased or in Possession of the proper Officers unto and among the several Hospitals and Posts. That he shall from Time to Time visit such of the Hospitals as may by him be visited consistently with his other Duties and shall certify their State and Condition to the Board of War and to the Commander in Chief by contingent Returns from Time to Time as such Visitations shall happen to be made. "Resolved that it shall be the Duty of the Chief Physician and Surgeon from Time to Time to regulate the Practice of Physic and Surgery in the Army & Hospitals of these States for which Purpose and also to prevent unnecessary and dangerous Innovations regular weekly Returns shall be made to him from every Hospital of the sick and wounded their Diseases and the Prescriptions, Operations and general Mode of Treatment as well as to Diet as Medicine to check which Returns the Prescription Books shall be delivered to him once in every six Months. That the said Chief Phisician and Surgeon shall be impowered from Time to Time to order the Purveyor to purchase and the Apothecary to dispense such additional Medicines, Stores, Instruments and Dressings as he may from Time to Time deem necessary & proper And further to make such Temporary Appointments to be afterwards approved of as Circumstances may require. "Resolved that it shall be the Duty of the Inspector constantly to visit the Hospitals, examine into all the Detail, see Whether the several Officers do their Duty whether the Hospitals are kept clean and good Order preserved in them and Whether a proper Attention is paid to the sick, wounded and convalescent Patients Upon all which he shall make special Reports to the Director to be by him laid before the Board"

John Hancock to Dorothy Hancock

My Dear, Philadelphia July 1st. 1778 The Inclos'd was design'd to have been forwarded by Mr. Fessenden, but his ill health prevented I therefore forward it by the Post, and must very earnestly request your serious Attention to its Contents; I will only Add that I am made exceedingly unhappy by not having any kind of Intelligence from you & the Family, I did not expect this Conduct after my Repeated Solicitations on this head. I had many things to propose respecting my Domestick concerns, but

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as I am kept so ignorant of the present State of them, I must Submit to suffer them to go on without my Interference. How happy should I have felt to have Experienc'd a different conduct. Absence from you is of itself sufficiently disagreeable, without any Aggravating Circumstances. I will however hope that some Friend will give me the pleasure of hearing from my Family, it would be as refreshing to me as Cool Water to a Thirsty Soul. I Congratulate you & all my Friends on the happy & glorious Issue of the Engagement on Sunday last. The Two Armies Engag'd in the Jersies, we forc'd them from the Field & Encamp'd on the Ground, The Loss on either Side not yet known, theirs much more than ours, they have lost some Field Officers, among their Slain is Col Monckton, brother to General Monckton; as soon as particulars come you shall know them. I inclose Copy of a few Lines Rec'd from General Washington.(1) Col. Walter Steward, whom you know, is wounded & several other of our Officers whose names I do not Recollect; a Captain in Col Jackson's Regimt. it is said is mortally wounded, but I cannot learn his name. Jackson's Regiment was order'd from hence to harrass the Rear of the Enemy. This will be a dear Remove to General Clinton's Army, it is the universal opinion that should Clinton reach New York, his army will be lessen'd 4000 in effective men; Desertion has taken very deep Root. This Battle has so discompos'd, & Ruin'd Clinton's Army, that it is hardly possible they should be able to effect any Operations this year; in short the Game is over with them. Do Congratulate all my Friends, give them the Substance of this Scrawl, I write in great haste, being much Engag'd in the Business I came from York Town upon. Remember me to every Friend, I will write them as soon as I get settled, have not got Lodgings, have some thoughts of Taking Mr. Williams's house, if I should, & I find I must Tarry here, I shall take the Liberty of Sending for you, but have come to no Determination. The Confederation will soon be Ratified, & a new Congress will bring on the Conclusion of my Plan. May the best of Heaven's Blessings ever attend you, My Dear, & believe me with the Strongest Affection, Yours forever John Hancock [P.S.] Do Employ some person just to let me know if all my Letters have Reach'd you. RC (DLC). Addressed: "To Mrs. Hancock At her House near the Common, Boston. Mr. Hastings is Requested to Send this Letter as soon as possible after its arrival." 1 General Washington's brief letter of June 29 reporting the battle of Monmouth on June 28 is in Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:128-29.

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Samuel Holten's Diary

[July 2-3, 1778] July 2. Attended in Congress, & Congress adjourned to 10 oClock tomorrow morning.(1) 3. Attended in Congress, & Congress adjourned to 10 o'Clock to morrow morning; This has been a very rainey day; no News material. MS (MDaAr). 1 Failing to secure a quorum until July 7, Secretary Thomson recorded the Following statement in the journals when he resumed his minutes that day: "According to adjournment, the president and a number of members met at the State House in Philadelphia on Thursday the 2d, and adjourned From day to day, to the present." JCC, 11:671.

Samuel Adams to Samuel P. Savage

My dear Sir Philade July 3d 1778 Yesterday I arrivd in this City and to day I have the Pleasure of receiving your Letters of the 10th & 18th of June, the last of which inclosd the News Papers of that Day. I observe a Paragraph under the Head of Paris the 15th of April, mentioning the Arrival of Mr Adams a few days before. I hope it is true; but I wonder that no Notice was taken of it in a Letter from Portsmouth of the 22d of the same Month, which mentions the sailing of the Commissioners from St Helens on the 21st and this was taken from a London Paper of the 25th ten days after the announcing of his Arrival in Paris.(1) Capt Courter brought us nothing new from France. You have commonly had News from Europe earlier than we, though not so authentically. Your Papers give us brilliant Accounts from that Quarter. "Spain has this day avowd her Acknowledgement and Support of the Independence of America"-"It is expected that Holland will be the next Power to recognize the Independence of America" &c &c. These Things we expected to hear of before this Time. They are the Effects of Instructions given to the Agents of Congress so long ago as while they were at Baltimore in Decr. 76, (2) and at a Time when the Enemy were striding through the Jerseys. Our Affairs were then at a low Ebb indeed; but Nil desperandum was the Motto of the true Patriots of America. Heaven has since done great Things for us, for which, I fear, we are not so thankful as we ought to be. Our Army has gaind considerable Advantages over the Enemy since they left this City. The Particulars are not yet come to Hand. You will doubtless have them before I shall be able to inform you of them. I now begin to promise my self the Pleasure of seeing the Liberties of

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our Country establishd on a solid Foundation. It will then be my most earnest Wish to be releasd from all publick Cares, and sit down with my Family and a little Circle of faithful Friends in the Cottage of Obscurity. There we will give Thanks to the God of Heaven for the great Things he has done for America, and fervently pray that she may be virtuous, without which she cannot long enjoy the Blessings of Freedom. I am greatly concernd for my dear native Town, lest after having stood foremost in the Cause of Religion & Liberty she should lose her Glory. We may say inter Nos, Her Principles & Manners have had great Influence in securing the Liberties of America. But has she not exchangd her manly Virtue, for Levity & Luxury and a Train of ridiculous Vices which will speedily sink her in Contempt. I am affraid the Cry of too many is, Quaerenda Pecunia primum est!-"Get Money, Money still, And then let Virtue follow if she will!" The inordinate Love of Gain, will make a shameful Alteration in the Character of those who have heretofore sacrificed every Enjoyment to the Love of their Country. He is the best Patriot who Stems the Torrent of Vice, because that is the most destructive Enemy of his Country. Adieu my Friend. S A [P.S.] My Friendly Regards to Mrs Savage, Mr Scollay &c &c. The inclosd Letters from General Washington have been receivd & publishd since writing the foregoing.(3) RC (MHi). 1 The news of John Adams' arrival at Paris, which was taken from a captured London newspaper, had been reprinted in the June 18 Independent Chronicle at Boston. 2 See these Letters, 5:629-35, 695-97 3 Adams is referring to General Washington's letters to President Laurens describing the battle of Monmouth, which were printed in the July 6 supplement of the Pennsylvania Packet. See Henry Laurens to Washington, July 7, 1778, note

James Lovell to Abigail Adams

Dear Madam July 3d. 1778 I have this Afternoon received your Favour of June 12th and at the same Time a Gazette from Boston, of later Date, in which I find a pleasing Entry in Regard to Mr. Adams's Arrival in France. It is so likely to be true from the blundering Manner of it that I venture to congratulate you upon it. Mr. Thaxter is not yet arrived here,(1) but is expected hourly. He will heartily participate in the Joy of your Family. Disgrace pursues the Army of our Enemies in their Passage from this City. The particulars are not yet come to Hand of the Battle at

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Montmouth; but we know it has been very fatal to the best of the British Troops. I shall communicate the partial Account this Day to Mr. Adams, and acquaint him with the Health of his dearest Friend and her little ones. Nothing can exceed the Filthiness of the Houses which have been occupied by the Enemy here; but, externally, the central Part of the City does not appear much abused. The northern Liberties as they were called are gone intirely, and Southwark has been much injured. The Schuylkill appears from five miles Distance; so totally have the Woods and Orchards been destroyed. I think you need not apprehend a Visit from the shattered Army now at Sandy Hook. The Desertion which prevails must shortly ruin it. When the foreign Troops were sent for to support the broken Grenadiers and Light Infantry of the British Divisions, it was answered that many of the Officers were willing to obey but none of the Soldiers. I am continually Yr. affectionate humble Servant, James Lovell RC (MHi). Adams, Family Correspondence (Butterfield), 3:55. 1 That is, Philadelphia.

Samuel Chase to Thomas Johnson

Dear Sir Philada. July 4th. 1778 I Received your favor by Capt. Jarrold, with one from Mr. Wallace. I have with pleasure rendered him every Service in my Power. He goes off this Morning with the Certificate of Mr Deane, Mr Carmichael, and the Depositions of the prize Master & Mr. George Digges, which sufficiently prove the Pass granted by our Commissioners. Your Letter by Mr. Randall was delivered. We advised him not to purchase any Quantity of Rum, as all articles especially West India are falling. We will attend to the Shirting. I do not believe our Army will want Cloathing this Year. It appears by the Returns of the Cloathier General, that We now have sufficient for 22,000 Men. I was yesterday favoured with your Letter of last Fryday. No Application has been made to Congress for Leave to export to Burmuda, nor do I believe it will be granted. The Virginia Delegates discredit the assertion that their State has granted Leave.(1) We have no News from Europe, except that the King of Prussia and the Emperor are going to War with each 250,000 fine Troops. No Intelligence from Rhode Island. I wish You Health & Happiness and am, Dear Sir, Your Affec- tionate, obedt. Servt. Saml. Chase

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RC (MdAA). 1 Although there is no evidence in the journals or PCC that Congress at this time received a request for or considered granting exemptions to the embargo adopted on June 8, 1778, charges that Maryland was permitting the export of embargoed products from Baltimore were aired in Congress in September. In October Congress reaffirmed its determination to maintain the embargo in force (extending it from November 15 "till the last day of January, 1779"), as it did again in November in response to a petition asking an exemption permitting the export of grain to Bermuda. See JCC, 12:903, 976-79, 1165-66; and Md. Archives, 21:195-97, 199, 202, 205-6.

Samuel Holten's Diary

[July 4, 1778] 4. It being the Anniversary of the Independence of America, the Congress dined together at the city Tavern & a number of the Council of this State, several Genl. officers & other Gentn. of Distinction, & while we were dining there was an Agreeable band of Musick, & we had a very elegant diner(1). MS (MDaAr). 1 Although a quorum of delegates had not yet gathered in Philadelphia, an informal congressional decision on the subject of the celebration of independence day was communicated to the public by means of the following notice printed in the July 4 issue of John Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet. "Friday, 3d July, 1778. Notice is given to the inhabitants of Philadelphia that the Honorable Congress does not expect they will illuminate their houses to-morrow evening. Lewis Nicola, T[own] M[ajor]." This effort to conserve candles is a reminder of the austere conditions Philadelphians faced during the period immediately following the British evacuation of their city. But those conditions by no means prevented a spirited celebration of the fourth of July, as the following vivid description by William Ellery, written sometime after his return to Rhode Island three weeks later, attests. "The glorious fourth of July, 1 celebrated in the City Tavern with Brother Delegates of Congress and a number of other Gentlemen, amounting in the whole to about 80-the anniversary of Independency. The entertainment was elegant and well conducted. There were four Tables spread, two of them extended the whole length of the Room, the other two crossed them at right angles. At the end of the Room opposite the upper Table, was erected an Orchestra. At the head of the upper table and at the President's right hand stood a large baked Pudding, in the centre of which was planted a Staff on which was displayed a crimson Flag, in the midst of which was this emblematic device: An eye, denoting Providence, a Label in which was inscribed an appeal to heaven; a man with a drawn sword in one hand, and in the other the Declaration of Independency, and at his feet a scroll inscribed 'The declaratory acts.' As soon as the Dinner began, the Musick consisting of Clarinets, Haut-boys, French horns, Violins and Bass Viols, opened and continued making proper pauses until it was finished. Then the Toasts followed each by a discharge of Fieldpieces, were drank, and so the afternoon ended. In the evening there was a cold collation and a brilliant exhibition of Fireworks. The Street was crowded with People during this exhibition. In the afternoon a strumpet, I suppose, with a head-dress in imitation of those worn by the Tory Ladies while the British Army held the City, was paraded thro' the

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Streets attended by a crowd of the vulgar. What a strange vicissitude in human affairs! These, but a few years since, colonies of Britain, are now free, sovereign and independent States, and now celebrate the anniversary of their Independence in the very city where but a day or two before Genl Howe exhibited his ridiculous Champhaitre!" Henrietta C. Ellery, ed., "Diary of the Hon. William Ellery, of Rhode Island, June 28-July 23, 1778," PMHB 11 (1887): 477-78. And the following account of this celebration by Congress of the fourth was printed in the July 6 supplement to the Pennsylvania Packet. Saturday the fourth of July, the glorious Anniversary of the INDEPENDENCE OF AMERICA was celebrated by the Honorable the Congress with a grand festival at the City Tavern in this metropolis. The principal civil and military officers and strangers in town were present at it by invitation. After dinner the following Toasts were given by the Honorable the President of Congress: "1. The United States of America. 2. The Protector of the Rights of Mankind. 3, The Friendly European Powers 4. The happy era of the Independence of America. 5. The Commander in Chief of the American Forces. 6. The American Arms by land and sea. 7, The Glorious 19th of April, 1775. 8. The Glorious 26th of December, 1776. 9. The Glorious 16th of October, 1777. 10. The 28th of June, twice Glorious, 1776-1778. 11. May the Arts and Sciences flourish in America. 12. May the People continue Free forever. 13. May the Union of the American States be perpetual."

William Henry Drayton to William Alexander

My Lord. Philadelphia July 5. 1778 While I present my thanks for your favour of the 30 ultimo, I snatch the opportunity to present my personal thanks for your distinguished services on the 28th, (1) services glorious to yourself, & truly important to the United States. The Hero Stirling has done much, very much to raise the resources of the States to Sterling value. Your Lordships name & actions are in every mouth & ear: they will give employment to the pen of the historian. My Lord, you have far advanced in the road of Fame: it is a dangerous defile: you have my most affectionate wishes, that you may pass it with glory & safety. I need not tell your Lordship, how happy you make me by honouring me with your correspondence. As I flatter myself you will continue it, I beg leave to tell you how you may make it more agreeable to me. It will be made so, by being more particular respecting your own proceedings. I am My Lord with the greatest respect, Your Lordships most obliged & humble Sert. Wm. Hy. Drayton RC (NN). 1 A reference to Alexander's conduct of the artillery at the battle of Monmouth .

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William Henry Drayton to George Washington Sir. Philadelphia July 5. 1778. While I am sensible that I hazard your Excellency's censure of my discretion; yet, I cannot resist the impulse I feel, to pay you my little tribute of thanks for the important Victory of Monmouth; and to express, how much I feel myself tenderly & anxiously interested in every thing respecting your safety and glory. Your Excellency's invariable conduct, naturally exposes you to such intrusions; and I rely upon it, that your good nature will pardon this. Personally almost unknown to you as I am, yet Sir, this obstacle is too weak to prevent a gratification on my part, which gives me the highest pleasure. Some how or other, Nature has composed me of materials, which are apt to force the bounds of common decorum, when my aflections and gratitude are excited. That your Excellency's life may long be preserved in your glorious and disinterested defence of your country; & in the enjoyment of the fruits of your labours and victories, is my most fervent prayer: being Sir, Your Excellency's most obligd & most humble sert. Wm. Hy. Drayton RC (MH-H)

Richard Henry Lee to Francis Lightfoot Lee

My dear Brother, Philadelphia 5th July 1778 I wrote you four days ago by Mr. Armstead who promised to send the letter (1) to Mount Airy by his Servant from Fredericksburg. Since that we have had a more accurate account of the battle in the Jersies from Gen. Washington. The number of the enemies dead buried by our people was 252, and several graves besides on the field in which they had buried their dead during the Action. Upon the whole, the battle was fairly won by our Army, & the best troops of Britain beaten in an open field. The whole loss of the enemy in killed, wounded, & deserters is at least 3000 since they left this City. The American Army is now at Brunswick and will presently proceed to the North river. Gen. Conway came here the other day, and having been informed of some disrespectful words spoken of him by Gen. Cadwallader, the former challenged the latter and they met on the Common yesterday morn. They threw up for the first fire & Cadwallader won it. At the distance of 12 paces he fired and Shot Conway thro the side of the face, on which he fell & was carried off the field. He is supposed not to be in danger unless an unforeseen inflamation should produce it. We had a magnificent celebration of the

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anniversary of Independence yesterday, when handsome fireworks were displayed. The Whigs of the City dressed up a Woman of the Town with the Monstrous head dress of the Tory Ladies and escorted her thro the Town with a great concourse of people. Her head was elegantly & expensively dressed. I suppose about three feet high and of proportionable width, with a profusion of curls &c. &c. &c. The figure was droll and occasioned much mirth. It has lessened some heads already, and will probably bring the rest within the bounds of reason, for they are monstrous indeed. The Tory wife of Dr. Smith, has christened this figure Continella, or the Dutchess of Independence, and prayed for a pin from her head by way of relic. The Tory women are very much mortified notwithstanding this. As we have left York, and Dunlap publishes a Gazette here, I have entered your name with him instead of Hall & Sellers, & I shall pay him for your years papers. 1 have directed him to send me your paper weekly, whilst I stay, that I may inclose it to you. We have heard nothing from the English Commissioners since our answer from York, and I suppose they conclude us less liable to be amused since the late drubbing we have given their Army. I this day went round the enemies lines. They pass from Delaware to Schuylkill so as to include Govr. Hamiltons House about 200 yards within the line, and consist of very strong redoubts at a quarter of a mile distant from each other, and the spaces between guarded by very thick Abbatis made of Apple Trees fast staked down, and the ends of the twigs sharpened. All the houses, except Bush Hill, for a considerable distance without & within the lines are burnt down. My love to Mrs. Lee and kind remembrance to all friends in Richmond. I am most affectionately yours, Richard Henry Lee RC (ViHi). 1 Not found.

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett

My Dear Philadelphia July the 6th 1778 In my last of the 28th June from York Town I informed you of the Removal of the Congress to this place & that I Should tarry there a Short time on account of Mr Wentworths Sickness: on Thursday the 2nd Inst Mr Wentworth being better, I left him & his waiter there, & arrived at this place on Saturday Evening. Yesterday I Recd yours of the 4th & of the 13th of June, and am very Sorry to be informed that Rhoda is not so well as She was for some time before. However I hope & trust She is better again, and in due time will Recover her former health & strength if it is for the best & consistent with the will of the great Ruler of all Events. If she should

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Remain in a poor State of health, I would have you use your discretion about taking the advice of Dr. Rowe or Ordway & any other you may think proper; But you know my opinion, that proper Exercise, air & Diet & to keep the mind as Easy & Contented as possible in Such Disorders, is of much more Service that a multiplicity of Medicines, Tho some I make no Doubt will be useful. I have not time to write you any news at present as I am looking out for a place to board at & find Great Difficulty in procuring a place, I write this in a tavern where I put up at present, I will try to Enclose you the latest news paper, which will inform you of the news here. Give my Respects to Mr Thurston & tell him I will Endeavor to answer his letter next post.(1) I have not had time to view the City & Know what Destruction is made by the Enemy, will inform more next post. I can now inform you & my Children that there will be no Difficulty in Deviding our prize money in the Lottery as Every one of the Tickets in our family are Blanks. The Nine that I took to Sell are all Blanks Except one I sold to Mr Peterson & one I sold to Mr Griffing, they have each a 20 Dollar prize. I Enclose you the list, a Cross is made at the End of the Blanks & the figure 20 at the End of the prizes. Tell Polly & Lois I Recd their letter and am Glad they Remember me. Yours &c J. Bartlett P.S. I had like to have forgot to tell you I am in good health. Charles Chace is well; Mr. Wentworth had a fever for about 10 or 12 Days with a Billious vomiting & purging, much like Mr Thurstons last fall, but began to mend on Tuesday & was much more Comfortable when I left him, hope he will be here in a week or ten Days from this time. I Expected to have Sent this off this morning but the post not Seting of till to morrow I have time to write a little more. Genl Washingtons account of the Battle in the Jersies I have inclosed, The Enemy are getting aboard their Ships by the last account and it is the Common opinion that the whole of them will Soon quit the United States. 2, of the Clock afternoon, the post has just arrived & Brought me your Letter of the 20th June which has made my mind Easier about Rhoda, hope She will continue to mend. I Dont think of any thing proper for me to advise her to use more than I formerly mentioned to you, The Tincture of antimony in Small Doses may likely be Serviceable, however you & Dr Gale will be able to Judge by the opperation. I hope hereafter our letters will Pass to & from Each other Quicker & more certainly than before as this place is 60 miles at least nearer to you than York Town. I hope Sally is well as hers was only a Great Cold. I am Glad to hear there is a good prospect of the fruits of the Ground; About ten

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Days preceeding last Thursday was as Severely hot, at York Town as was Ever Known so Early in the year: Thursday & Friday we had Severe Thunder & Setled to a Steady rain which Cooled the Air finely. My old Landlady where I formerly Boarded, is full of Lodgers, but I have now a prospect of being pretty well accomodated in a few Days with pretty good Lodgings. Remember me to all my Children & to all friends and accept My Sincere Love to your self, Josiah Bartlett RC (NhHi). 1 Bartlett wrote to Benjamin Thurston on July 8, according to Thurston's August 28 letter to Bartlett, but Bartlett's letter has not been found. Bartlett, Papers (Mevers), p. 217.

Titus Hosmer to Richard Law

Dear Sir [July 6? 1778](1) After a most tedious Journey thro Heat and Wet, having been sick five Days by the way, I reached York Town just soon enough to accompany Congress to this place, four Days more of travelling in the hottest Season I ever felt brought me to Philadelphia, where I am at present settled in Lodgings with Mr Sherman at his old Landladys Mrs. Cheeseman & have almost cooled down the fervor which the Extreme heat on the last Stage of my Journey had kindled in my Blood. Congress before they left York Town had gone thro and considered all the Objections & Amendments proposed by the different states respecting the Articles of Confederation, and upon the whole, to deal impartially, rejected them all and determined to adhere to the Articles as they were settled, Nine States will ratify them as they stand, the remaining four have yet neglected to Instruct & Impower their Delegates to ratify, but it is expected they will soon do it. Enclosed are printed Copies of General Washingtons Letters giving an Account of the movements of the Army in New Jersey & of the Battle of the 28th Ulto. The Genl. says five or Six Hundred Deserters is the least Number that have come into his Army, besides these, there are upwards of five Hundred which came directly to this City & here took passes for such places as they chose to retire to, and many more, it is said, are gone directly into the Country, without going to the Army or coming here, a number of which I saw myself at Lancaster. There is a Letter in Town from Lord Sterling in which he gives it as his Opinion that the Enemys Army is lessened Three Thousand by Desertion, skirmishes and in the late Battle since they left this City. The Tories here tell us that General Clinton is directly to leave

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the Continent and draw off his Myrmidons, that he has positive Orders to do it, that some are to go to the West Indies, some to England, a little Time will discover the Truth of this Story. Adieu. If you have any News in Connecticut, or if you have not a Letter will be very acceptable to your obedt. huml Servant, Titus Hosmer RC (NjP). Endorsed: "Titus Hosmer Esqr, Letter from Congress, No date Recd in 1778." 1 This letter was written no earlier than July 6 and no later than July 9. In it Hosmer mentioned enclosing "printed Copies of General Washingtons Letters" dealing with the battle of Monmouth, which were printed in a Pennsylvania Packet supplement on July 6, and he indicated that the ratification of the Articles of Confederation by certain states-an event that occurred on July 9-had not yet taken place. JCC, 11:677.

Portrait of Charles Lee

JULY 6, 1778 229 RC (Robert J. Sudderth, Jr., Lookout Mountain, Tenn., 1973). 1 See Hosmer to Mumford, June 27, 1778. 2 This reluctance to discuss Gen. Charles Lee's controversial conduct during the battle of Monmouth is also found in the surviving extract of a letter written by John Banister this day. "A few days ago," Banister explained to Theodorick Bland, Jr., "I wrote you an account of all the public concerns then appearing of moment. But the inclosed will inform you of an action, which has displayed the military abilities of our general, in the highest point of view. Its consequences on the affairs of America will necessarily be great. General Lee is under great suspicions of misconduct, and bad intentions, but being under arrest, and his trial now going on, I forbear to mention what is related by officers, who were in the battle, and were eye-witnesses of his retreat at the head of 5000 of the best troops in the American army. "The English army is supposed (not without foundation) to have been lessened in number, from its departure out of this place until this affair happened, between two and three thousand. Their best troops were engaged with our army after the select five thousand had been taken out, and in fair battle were defeated, ours keeping possession of, and sleeping on the field." Theodorick Bland, Bland Papers, ed. Charles Campbell, 2 vols. (Petersburg, Va.: Edmund & Julian C. Ruffin, 1840), 1:96. On July 1 Washington had ordered a court-martial to try General Lee on charges of "disobedience of orders, in not attacking the enemy on the 28th of June . . ., misbehaviour before the enemy on the same day, by making an unnecessary, disorderly, and shameful retreat . . ., [and] disrespect to the commander in chief in two letters." Although Lee hoped for speedy vindication, the court did not give its verdict until August 12-finding Lee guilty as charged and sentencing him to be suspended from command for one year-and it was not until December 5 that Congress ordered this sentence to be executed. See JCC, 11:824 26; 12:1184-85, 1188, 1195; and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:132-33, 147. For discussion of Lee's court-martial and the charges against him, see John R Alden, General Charles Lee Traitor or Patriot? (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1951), pp. 220-58; and Freeman, Washington, 5:57-60, 89-90.

Henry Laurens to John Laurens

My Dear son, Philadelphia 6th July 1778 I have before me your acceptable favors of the 30th Ulto. & 2d Inst.(1)-these afford subjects for the exercise of a grateful heart. I thank God for the deliverance of our great & good Commander in Chief & of our Army, from the Snare which had been set for them, for the escape of you my Dear fellow Citizen from the danger to which your duty had necessarily exposed you-& while I bless God for the providential interposition in our favor, I congratulate with my Country Men on the partial Victory gained over our Enemies on the 28th June at Monmouth. Repair your particular loss immediately by purchasing one of the very best Horses you can meet with & more than one or two if needful, draw on me for the Amount or tell me how I may remit a sufficient Sum.

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The term Snare shews the present sentiments of my mind, that my former jealousies respecting the conversation with an old friend at the lines, the reception & lodging Doctr W. (2) were not groundless- these circumstances will naturally recur to your own-but antecedently to either of these, a conversation at York Town, tete a tete which, if the Gentleman had ever been sincere, discovered a change, together with some ungracious hints applied to an Officer whom you & I love, had alarmed me.(3) You will admit too that there were grounds for my suspicions of Sir H.C.'s(4) sincerity in his pretences to leave Philadelphia, at least you will grant the justness of my observation that the whole of that Officers conduct in this City carried the face of Stratagem. Had these not subsisted, a concerted Plan by which our Army was to have been disgraced, perhaps ruined, he would not have subjected himself to the fatigue & hazards of loss by various means, in a Land March, or if necessity had obliged him to undertake it, his Army would have been far enough out of the reach of Ours. Whatever is is best. I now hold my self as much indebted to the Man I suspected, as I am to Judas-whose example in all cases ought to be followed by Men of his disposition. Certainly for my Country's sake I rejoice at the late happy event, certainly for your sake, but I have a feeling of joy respecting your General which, uncommon as such impressions are on my mind, stronger for an Individual than for a general good, for an Individual stranger than for one so very nearly bound to my heart, seems to overbound all other joy. There are rational grounds for this apparent excess which shal1 be explained to your conviction & satisfaction whenever I am so happy as to take you into my Arms. I thank you very much my Dear son for the minute Account of the transactions at Monmouth. Such intelligence enables me to make acceptable transmissions to my friends at home, & without such I should be very barren, for notwithstanding the advantages which I might avail myself of, by the first possession of public Letters from all Quarters, yet the executive parts of my Office & the constant interruptions which I am subject to from visitors, seldom leave me time enough to peruse Letters attentively before I present them to Congress, where they are parceled out to different Boards & Committees & are seen no more by me. My good friend the Chief Justice has written to you again (5) & I am sure you will make him proper returns-but enter nous, I must tell you that I expect to hold my first place in your correspondence. He has written long circumstantial Circular Letters, to which I had contributed not only all the materials in my power but assisted him also by the Loan of my Secretary which consequently increased my own labour. My Idea was that these Addresses were to have been signed by all the Delegates from So. Carolina or at least that I might upon principles of Justice claim the honor of adding my signature to his,

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& so I intimated to him. He jocularly replied, he should not labour for A B & C-& has continued to send forward his dispatches without admitting L. to a fair Coparceny or favouring him with an explanation. L. is not possessed by an appropriating Spirit, he is always happy in fair mutual communications with his friends, but when it becomes necessary he knows how to take care of himself without breaking the line of harmony. His friends in Carolina expect from him ample Accounts of all public affairs & he knows it would vex them to see him forestalled or eclipsed. The Chief Justice is collecting materials for History,(6) every Gentleman will chearfully cast in his Mite for the benefit of Posterity, none more heartily than myself, all I covet is the quiet enjoyment of my own. I often hint to my friend that he loses the enjoyment of Riches in avidity for gain. You know, moderation, & submission to events, have been the lines of my walk. You will learn from other hands that General Conway received on the anniversary of Independence a Pistol Ball on one side of his Nose which passed to the back part of the Neck where it was extracted by a very light scission. How this came to pass & the condition in which he Lies, the subject is not for me to dwell on. How can you expect me on the Banks of Rariton, not even the pleasure of riding there with you, the highest but one this World has in Store for me, can tempt me to abandon or neglect my Post, your example instructs your Father, I submit to the painful Separation with chearfulness. I must now although I have not said half I wish to say take leave of you, & address a few respectful Lines to your General, to the Marquis & to Baron Stuben but before I conclude it will be proper to assure you I shall pay every mark of respect to those worthy heroes enumerated in your Letter when opportunity presents. I now live in a House & in a stile somewhat better than those which I had patiently humbled myself in, from the 28th September to the 27th June at York Town-somewhat below the rank of my Overseers, I have now a Bed for a friend, & Board for half a dozen or more every day. Come see for a fortnight how I live, & let me tell you, you will feel it whether you come or do not come. Adieu My Dear Son. Persevere in your Duty, God will bless you & make your Father happy. Henry Laurens [P.S.] Your General transmits his dispatches by a common Messenger. I Love & reverence him. If there shall happen any remarkable circumstances in the Trial of General Lee which are not set forth in the general proceedings of the Court Martial to be transmitted to Congress I request you note them to me. Doctor Read, a young Gentleman from Georgia, with whom you

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were formerly acquainted goes to Camp with a view of improving his knowledge in Surgery by attending in the Hospitals. If you can facilitate his attempts I am persuaded you will. RC (MHi: William Gilmore Simms Collection deposit, 1973). LB (ScHi). RC damaged; missing words supplied from LB. 1 John Laurens' June 30 and July 2 letters to his father, in which he sharply criticized Gen. Charles Lee's behavior at the battle of Monmouth and urged that he "be tried for misconduct," are in Simms, Laurens Army Correspondence, pp. 193-203. 2 Dr. Robert Wellford, a recent defector from the British army and an acquaintance of Gen. Charles Lee whose loyalty to the United States Laurens regarded as suspect. See Laurens to John Laurens, June 17, 1778, note 2. 3 Laurens is referring to an otherwise undocumented conversation he had with Gen. Charles Lee at York shortly after the general's release from British captivity early in April 1778, in which Lee had apparently made some unflattering remarks about Washington. See John R. Alden, General Charles Lee: Traitor or Patriot? (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1951), pp. 190 91. 4 Sir Henry Clinton. 5 No letters from William Henry Drayton to John Laurens have been found, except for one of September 7, 1778. 6 Although William Henry Drayton's untimely death in 1779 prevented completion of his intended history of the American Revolution, the notes and documents he compiled for this purpose formed the basis for a work on the subject by his oldest son, John Drayton, entitled Memoirs of the American Revolution, from its Commencement to the Year 1776 . . ., 2 vols. (Charleston, S.C.: A.E. Miller, 1821).

Elias Boudinot to Hannah Boudinot

My dearest Love Philadelphia JULY 7th. 1778 Thro' the goodness of God, I arrived here, after a very disagreeable tedious ride, on Sunday Morning. Yesterday took my seat in Congress,(1) and am unexpectedly and happily lodged at Mr. Thomas Franklins a very agreeable family and one of the most pleasant Houses in the City. I found your two Letters here, which you wrote at Princeton, for which am much obliged, as I am by every thing that suggests my share in the affection of the dearest of Women. My Scene of Labour is opening rather larger than I could wish, but usefulness in Life & a blessed Prospect of Happiness in Death ought to be our continual desire. How much are we indebted to our gracious Protector for his amazing interposition in our favour on the fields of Monmouth; altho' I suppose you are filled with every Circumstance of that important Day, by this Time, yet I enclose the Letter of our great & worthy General, whose Modesty in the diction is only exceeded by his Bravery in the Execution of the Plan of that great Days work. My kind Love to the Family, Neighbours & friends. Kiss my dear

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Susan. My Stomach still continues disordered, and I am afraid I must have recourse to a Puke. Am my dearest Wife with a most sincere Affection & Esteem, Your loving, Boudinot RC (NjP) 1 Since Congress did not achieve a quorum after its return to Philadelphia until this day, the journals record that Boudinot first attended Congress on the seventh. JCC, 11:672.

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Dear Sir. Philadelphia 7th July 1778. I have had the honor of presenting to as many Members of Congress as have been convened in this City since the adjournment from York, Your Excellency's several favors of the 28th & 30th June & Ist Inst: & at their special Instance have caused them to be printed for the information of the Public.(1) I arrived here on Thursday last, but hitherto have not collected a sufficient number of States to form a Congress, consequently I have received no Commands.(2) Your Excellency will therefore be pleased to accept this as the address of an Individual intended to assure you Sir of my hearty congratulations with my Country Men on the success of the American Arms under Your Excellency's immediate Command in the late Battle of Monmouth & more particularly of my own happiness in the additional Glory atchieved by Your Excellency in retrieving the honor of these States in the Moment of an alarming dilemma. It is not my design to attempt encomiums upon Your Excellency. I am as unequal to the task as the Act is unnecessary, Love & respect for Your Excellency is impressed on the Heart of every grateful American, & your Name will be revered by posterity. Our acknowledgements are especially due to Heaven for the preservation of Your Excellency's person necessarily exposed for the Salvation of America to the most imminent danger in the late Action; that the same hand may at all times guide & Sheild Your Excellency is the fervent wish of, Dear sir, Your much obliged & faithful humble servant, Henry Laurens RC (DLC) 1 Washington's June 28, June 29 (not 30), and July I letters to Laurens, which dealt with the battle of Monmouth, are in PCC, item 152, 6:139 41, 143, 147-56, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:127-29, 139-46. These Laurens sent to the printer of the Pennsylvania Packet, who published them in a July 6 "Supplement" to the July 4 issue along with the following prefatory note: "Mr. Dunlap, Be pleased to print the following Letters from his Excellency

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General Washington, together with the return of the killed, wounded &c. for the information of the good people of these United States. I am, Sir, your most humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress." 2 Laurens must have written this letter early in the morning on the seventh as the journals reveal that later in the day Congress resumed business with ten states in attendance. JCC, 11:672-73.

John Mathews to Thomas Bee

Dear Sir Philadelphia July 7th. 1778 I inclose you an account of the action of the 28th June, a day that I imagine will be remembered by Clinton all his life. It is very remarkable that we have never fought a battle but what some of our General Officers have behaved ill, & thro' whose means, it has been principally owing why we have not been so successful, as the bravery of our troops have intitled us to be. Had Lee's conduct been such, as we had reason to expect from him, in this action, in all probability we should have gained a Compleat victory. The body he commanded was the cream of the army, selected for that Service. When the General came up & found him retreating he was very much provoked indeed, & when he asked Lee his reasons for doing so, he replyed: the service he was sent upon, was impracticable to be performed, & that Genl. Washington knew that he had given it as his opinion in the Council that it was so. The General ordered him to retire to the rear & with all the intrepidity, & coolness, that he so eminently possesses put himself at the head of the troops, led them back again, and conquered. The troops he had to contend against were the Granadiers, light infantry, & Cavalry of the British army, but both our Officers & Men were determined to Conquer, & nothing could stand against them, when led on, by their Great & illustrious Commander. Some of the Deserters who have come in since the action, say, that it is allowed by their Officers, they have never yet been so shamefully beaten, not that the loss of Men, have been so great, but that their choicest troops were defeated. It is said that the foreign troops peremptorily refused to fight. There was not one of the General's family, except himself, but what was either wounded, or had their horses shot. We are thrown into a good deal of confusion with regard to the Confederation. Before we left York Town, Congress proceeded to the consideration of the armendments offered by the different States to the confederation, every one of which have been rejected. It was then ordered to be ingroced, to be ready for ratification when we came to Philadelphia. Now that it is so, Mr. Laurens, Mr. Drayton, & Mr. Hutson say they will not sign it, because they do not think themselves authorized by our instructions to do so, unless the other twelve States will agree to sign it likewise. Maryland has refused to

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ratify. Mr. Heyward & myself are of a different Opinion, & think we are Authorised, notwithstanding One or even two States were to refuse, nor do I apprehend that inconsistency will arise in the Confederation, from the Defection of one or two States, which these three Gentlemen seem to imagine.(1) However they mean, I believe, to write their sentiments on the subject, either to the Presidt. or to you, to be laid before the Assembly.(2) I do not think it necessary for Heyward & myself to write on the subject, in our public Characters, as we think we are authorised to sign it, but as three are necessary to a final Ratification we must wait for your decision. This I am clear in, from what I have seen, & known, since I have been in Congress, that if we are to have no Confederation untill the Legislatures of the thirteen States agree to one, that we shall never have one, & if we have not one, we shall be literally a rope of sand, & I shall tremble for the consequences that will follow, at the end of this War. France I have good reason to think would never have entered into the Treaties, she has done with us, had she known we were not Confederated, & when the present misunderstanding comes to be spread abroad, I am afraid it will give such an Alarm that those powers, who have lately shewn so good a Disposition to an Alliance with us, will immediately fall back, & stand aloof, untill they can see on what footing our jaring interests are to stand. But suppose they were ever so well inclined who are they to enter into an Alliance with? It can't be with the United States. Nor can I conceive they will ever do it with such a body as Congress at present is, bound together by no other Law, than that of the bare necessity of the present situation of our affairs, & lyabel to fall to pieces, from the Ambition or caprice of one or two States, but the Alarm will operate still more strongly still when it is known, that we have attempted to confederate & can't. All Europe for some time past, have looked upon us, as in a State of Confederacy. But the greatest danger in my Opinion yet remains. Is not the Sovereign will & pleasure of Congress at this time the law of this Continent? Some men may deny it, & will, but a late Act of theirs (I mean the case of the Embargo) proves it beyond a doubt.(3) If they can do this, they can do anything else. Are they bound by any Law? Have they any line marked out for their Rule of conduct? No they have not. And it's my sincere belief that some men wish it to continue so. As an individual I have very strong objections to the Confederation, exclusive of what were pointed out by our State,(4) but still, I would rather have this, than none. I think it is beyond a doubt that in the course of the next six months, Great Britain would have offered us our own terms, for peace she must have. But when they come to know that we have begun to split, Why it's just the very thing they have all along been endeavouring to effect. Divide & Conquer, has been their favourite maxim. This will to be sure encourage her to risque another Campaign, it will certainly be their

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best policy to try the experiment, & they will hardly let so favourable an opportunity slip, without doing something. I have wrote to you for leave to come home in December; (5) for God's sake procure it for me, & I'll be dam'd if ever you catch me here again. Those who have dispositions for Jangling, & are fond of displaying their Rhetorical abilities, let them come. I never was so sick of any thing in my life. This is all under the rose tho', for notwithstanding it's only my private sentiments of things, yet I would not wish to impress on the mind of any one, the least disrespect of Congress. I should be obliged to you for the particulars, respecting the application now made with regard to the Confederation, when decided upon by you. The enemy are now almost all over on Staten Island. Our army are moving slowly up the No. river. I am, Dr. Sir, with the most sincere regard, your most Obed. servt. J Mathews RC (See). Although Burnett, Letters, 3:322, identified former South Carolina president John Rutledge as the recipient of this letter, it is endorsed by Thomas Bee: "1778 John Mathews from Congress July 1st [i.e. 7th] 1778." 1 Henry Laurens, William Henry Drayton, and Richard Hutson seem to have strained the meaning of the South Carolina Assembly's February 4, 1778, instruction on the Articles of Confederation, which merely stated "That the delegates of the State in the Continental Congress, or any three of them, be, and they are hereby authorized, on the part of this State, to agree to and ratify the Articles of Confederation between the United States of America." JCC, 11:670. Mathews' and Thomas Heyward's "Opinion" on this point soon prevailed within the South Carolina delegation, and accordingly on July 9 the South Carolina delegates agreed to ratify the Articles of Confederation. JCC, 11:677. 2 Bee was speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives. 3 For the embargo on certain provisions that Congress had approved on June 8, see JCC, 11:578-79. 4 On June 25 the South Carolina delegates had offered twenty-one amendments to the Articles of Confederation, all of which were rejected. JCC, 11 :652-56. 5 Not found.

Thomas McKean to William Atlee

Dear Sir, Philadelphia July 7th. 1778. On Thursday last Congress met at the State-House, when 13 cannon were discharged on Market street wharff; and on Saturday the Anniversary of Independance was celebrated at the New Tavern, where there was an elegant entertainment, & a fine band of musick. The firing of a vast number of cannon proved that there was no want of powder. My time has been taken up principally in taking the surrender of the persons proclaimed, and writing recognizances of bail. Not one has been yet committed, nor has any evidence appeared except the general charge in the proclamation, notwithstanding I sit daily in

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the Court-house from 9 to 11 oclock, and sometimes to 12, having James Young and John Ord Esquires, two of the Justices of the peace here, as assistants to inform me of the abilities of the persons who offer themselves as sureties, and to hear accusers, if any should offer. The Inhabitants appear to be either afraid of one another, or the Whigs cannot yet believe that their friends have the government of the city.(1) The General Assembly are called by the Council to meet here on the 4th day of August next, in which month we shall be obliged to hold courts of Oyer &c. for Philadelphia, Bucks and Chester. The Supream court must be held on the 24th September being the usual time, and after that we shall find it necessary to go into the other Counties. Generals Conway and Cadwalader fought a duel on Saturday on the common, as tis said, when the former was shot in the cheek bone and fell the first fire. The wound is said not to be dangerous, and I know nothing of it but by common report, and therefore have not sent for Mr. Cadwalader, especially as it might be attributed by uncharitable persons to resentment rather than justice, as, I have heard, he has made use of very unseemly expressions respecting the Government, and acted in such a manner as savours too much of weaknes and vanity. Enclosed herewith I send you the Pennsylvania Packet which give an account of the battle of the 28th last near Monmouth CourtHouse in the Jerseys. General Lee's sentence is not yet known. The Army did well, but had some officers done their duty, it would have terminated in a compleat victory. Just now I am favoured with your letter of the 3d instant, and for the reasons you assign think it would be for the public good to admit the Chalfants to bail; at all events no public injury can arise from it. James Fitzpatrick is likely to do so much mischief, that I have not a doubt if these young men apprehend him they would get a pardon. Near forty of the principal persons named in the proclamations of Council have rendered themselves to me, and are to take their trials in the city. We are likely to have business enough in our Stations. Please to present my compliments to Mrs. Atlee. Adieu, Dear Sir, Your most obedient servant Thos M: Kean RC (DLC). 1 For further information on Justice McKean's controversial handling of the hearings and trials for people accused of traitorous or disloyal activities during the British occupation of Philadelphia, see John M. Coleman, Thomas McKean, Forgotten Leader of the Revolution (Rockaway, N.J.: American Faculty Press, 1975), pp. 229-31; and Gail S. Rowe, Thomas McKean: The Shaping of an American Republicanism (Boulder: Colorado Associated University Press, 1978), pp. 112-20.

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Elias Boudinot to Alexander Hamilton

My dear Sir Philadelphia July 8 1778 I had concluded your Laurels had produced a forgetfulness of your old friend, but am now rejoicing in my disappointment having your obliging & very entertaining favour of the 5th Inst. just handed me.(1) With the utmost sincerity I congratulate you & my Country on the kind Interposition of Heaven in our favour on the 28 Ultmo. It seems as if on every Occasion we are to be convinced that our political Salvation is to be as through the fire. I scarcely know whether I am more distressed that any Person engaged in the Cause of America & to whom she has entrusted her Safety could be capable of betraying her Interest in the critical moment of decision, or more really gratifyed & pleased that the supreme disposer of human Events is continually baffling not only the formidable & open force of our Enemies, but also the more dangerous & secret Efforts of false or lukewarm Friends. The General I allways revered & loved ever since I knew him, but in this Instance he has rose superior to himself. Every Lip dwells on his Praise for even his pretended Friends (for none dare to acknowledge themselves his Enemies) are obliged to croak it forth. The share that his family (for whom I retain a real friendship) has in the Honors of the day has afforded me real Pleasure, and among the rest none more than that of your Lordship. The Congress have not made a House 'till yesterday. I am afraid I shall have my Hands full here, and I am not greatly elated at the Prospect. We have undoubted Intelligence of the sailing of a French Fleet for this Country, under the Command of Vice Admiral Count de Estang consisting of 12 Ships of the Line, 6 frigates & two xebeques. I have reason to believe the French Ambassador is on Board, an English fleet lay at St. Helena ready to follow them, consisting of Eleven Ships-I of 90-9 of 74-and one of 64 Guns.(2) I am sorry to inform you that there is also intelligence of the Settlement of Wyoming being cut off by Coll Buttler with about 1000 lndians Tories & British Troops.(3) It is supposed that Carlisle will soon be the frontier of this State as the Inhabitants are flying in from all Quarters. About 200 Inhabitants were Scalped. I must beg the favour of your presenting my most respectfull Compliments of Congratulations to his Excellency and the family, especially my worthy friend Harrison. I am Dr Sir &c FC (PHi). Hamilton, Papers (Syrett), 1:515-16. 1 Alexander Hamilton's July 5 letter to Boudinot, which contained a detailed account of the battle of Monmouth that was highly critical of Gen. Charles Lee, is in Hamilton, Papers (Syrett), 1:510-14.

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2 Congress received part of this "Intelligence" this day when it read a June 30 letter from Gen. William Heath to President Laurens and an enclosed May 18 letter from John Adams and Benjamin Franklin "to the governor or any counsellor or senator or member of any house of representatives in any of the thirteen United States of America." See PCC, item 157, fols. 165-66; and Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:589. As a result, Congress immediately ordered publication of the letter from Adams and Franklin and began to make preparations for the reception of the French fleet, JCC, 11:675-76. 3 This day Congress read a letter from Col. Zebulon Butler to the Board of War, dated "Westmoreland 3d July A D 1778," describing the devastating raid on the Wyoming Valley by a mixed force of loyalists and Indians commanded by Maj. John Butler. PCC, item 78, 2:501. Since many of the Indians involved in this raid were Senecas, Congress immediately directed the Board of War to send for some "Seneca chiefs" who had recently been in Philadelphia seeking the release of one of their warriors, but after the Senecas understandably refused to return, board members sought to excuse the failure of their mission by telling Congress they "did not think themselves authorized to use force in the case.' See JCC, 11:675, 697; and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:98-99. For an account of Butler's raid, see Barbara Graymont, The Iroquois in the American Revolution (Syracuse: Syracuse University Press, 1972), pp. 167-74. Samuel Holten's Diary [July 8, 1778](1) 8. Congress receivd. a packet from France giving an Acct. of a French Fleet comg. here. I dined with General Arnold; very hot. MS (MDaAr). 1 In his preceding entry Holten noted that on July 7 he "Attended in Congress until half past 2 o'Clock."

Henry Laurens to Israel Putnam

Sir Philadelphia 8th July [1778] On the 5th Instant I had the honor of receiving your favor of the 30th Ulto. by the hand of Major Putnam, but have not had opportunity for presenting it to Congress.(1) Until yesterday a sufficient number of States had not been convened to form a house for business, and the accumulation of Papers between our adjournment from York and meeting in this City has prepared more work than we shall be able to accomplish in two or three days. A Report I know came to my hands from General McDougall respecting the loss of Fort Montgomery &c. on North River, which Congress directed me to send to the Board of War; that Board has not yet settled in an Office, nor unpacked their Papers, therefore the Report is not accessible, as soon as it shall be so, I will procure a Copy and transmit it to you, together with such directions as I shall

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receive from Congress.(2) To detain Major Putnam in these circumstances I think would be improper: I have for this reason recommended his return, and I beg Sir, you will accept this assurance that I will not delay the necessary applications on your Business, and that I am with the highest Esteem & Regard &c. Sir &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). Addressed: "Major General Putnam, Hartford in Connecticut." 1 General Israel Putnam's June 30 letter to Laurens is in PCC, item 159, fols. 135-36. In it Putnam asked to be apprised of the result of the investigation of a court of inquiry into the loss of Forts Clinton and Montgomery, which had been captured by the British in October 1777 while he was in command of the Highlands. Laurens must have written the present letter before the delegates met this day because according to the journals the reading of Putnam's letter was Congress' first order of business on the eighth. JCC, 11:673. 2 After considering the report of the court of inquiry on the loss of Forts Clinton and Montgomery, Congress resolved on August 17 that "those posts were lost, not from any fault, misconduct, or negligence, of the commanding officers, but solely through the want of an adequate force under their command to maintain and defend them." JCC, 11:743, 8034. Gen. Alexander McDougall, Putnam's successor as commander of the Highlands, was one of the officers whom Washington had appointed to conduct this inquiry.

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Sir Philadelphia 8th July 1778 I beg leave to refer to a private Letter of Yesterday by Gray, in which I acknowledged the receipt of Your Excellency's Letters to Congress of the 28th & 29th Ulto. & Ist Inst. I should have added the 21st Ulto. which came to hand the 2d Inst.(1) With some difficulty a Congress was collected yesterday, Your Excellency's Letters were immediately taken under consideration & the House unanimously Resolved a Vote of thanks for Your Excellency's approved conduct from the time when the Army left Valley forge Camp to the conclusion of the Battle of Monmouth a Certified Copy of which I have the honor & particular happiness of transmitting within the present Cover.(2) I have likewise the pleasure of conveying an Act of the same date for thanking the Gallant Officers & Men under Your Excellency's Command who by their conduct & valor distinguished themselves in that Battle.(3) I have the honor to be, With the highest Esteem & Regard, Sir, Your Excellency's Most obedient & Most humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress. RC (DLC). 1 Washington's June 21 letter to Laurens is in PCC, item 152, 6:127-28, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:98-99.

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2 See JCC, 11:673. 3 Ibid.

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams

My Dear Betsy Philada July 9 1778 Mr McLean the Bearer of this Letter arrivd in this City yesterday, and tells me he saw you on the Day he left Boston, and that you were then in Health. He now returns in so great Haste as to afford me Time only to let you know that I still enjoy that inestimable Blessing. I now write at the Table in Congress, having just put my Hand to the Confederation with my Colleagues & the Delegates of seven other States. North Carolina and Georgia whose Members are absent have acceded to the Confederation.(1) Mr H___ has just obtaind the Leave of Absence and is going home on Account of his ill State of Health & the Circumstances of his Family. He tells me his Wife is dangerously ill.(2) Adieu my dear, S A RC (NN) 1 See JCC, 11 :677, and Henry Laurens to Certain States, July 10, 1778. 2 Congress granted John Hancock a leave of absence on this date. JCC, 11:677. It is doubtful that Adams' explanation of the reasons for Hancock's return home, which took place less than a month after he arrived in Pennsylvania, is an accurate one. In his July 1, 1778, letter to his wife, Hancock wrote that his plans for remaining in Philadelphia hinged on the ratification of the confederation, when "a new Congress will bring on the Conclusion of my Plan," but he did not explain the nature of his plan and his surviving letters to her for this brief period suggest that he was simply unwilling to settle into the drudgery of representing his state now that he was no longer president of Congress. For an examination of Hancock's abbreviated stay in Congress at this time, see William Fowler, The Baron of Beacon Hill; a Biography of John Hancock (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1980), pp. 230-32. On July 11 Hancock was appointed to the official welcoming committee for the newly arrived French ambassador, Conrad Alexandre Gerard, and thus he did not leave Philadelphia until July 15. JCC, 11:685; and James Lovell to Samuel P. Savage, July 14, 1778.

Elias Boudinot to Hannah Boudinot

My dearest Love, Philadelphia July 9 1778 It is so hot that I cannot sleep, so I must spend a few Minutes in letting you hear from me. This City is enough to kill a Horse, and if I had not been highly favoured in obtaining most excellent Lodgings, I should have been overcome with the Heat. We have recd. advice to day from France of a fleet being on our Coast consisting of

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12 French Ships of the Line, Six Frigates and two Xebeques, all under the Command of the .Admiral Count de Estang, with an Ambassador &c &c. An English fleet has followed them, so that we daily expect to hear of some bloody work. The Indians have struck on this Frontier and entirely cut off the Wyoming Settlement. It is said 200 Inhabitants were scalped. May a holy God deliver us from this barberous Enemy. Enclosed you have the publication of the Day.1 My Love to all as if mentioned. Kiss my Susan and excuse this Scrawl and believe me with cool reflection & Sincerity, Your most affectionate, Boudinot [P.S.] Shoes three Pounds a pair-Linnen 30 to 50/ per yard-wine £600 per Pipe. RC (NjP) 1 This day's issue of the Pennsylvania Packet contained among other items William Henry Drayton's June 17 letter to the Carlisle commissioners and John Adams' and Benjamin Franklin's May 18 letter to various American officials containing news of d'Estaing's fleet.

Connecticut Delegates to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.

Sir Philadelphia July 9th. 1778 We have now the Pleasure to inform You that the Articles of Confederation are ratified by nine States, to wit the tour New England States, New York, Pennsilvania, Virginia, North & South Carolina, and the Ingrossed Copy with a proper form of Ratification is signed by the Delegates of said States except those of North Carolina which were not present. The remaining four states are called upon to impower their Delegates to ratify. Georgia it is supposed will not hesitate; Maryland, Delaware & New Jersey had their Objections, but it is hoped and expected they will not prevail to prevent their uniting with the confederated States in ratifying the Articles. There were many Amendments proposed from the States, but none were adopted; it seemed to be the Opinion of Congress that an immediate Confederation was of greater Moment to the Interest of the States, than any present Alteration of the Articles to accomodate the Opinion of particular States on the Amendments proposed. Yesterday an Express arrived from Boston with Dispatches from France, which advise that the Count D'Etaing an Admiral of France sailed from Toulon with a Squadron of French Men of War consisting of twelve sail of the Line, Six Frigates and three Chebecs bound for Delaware or Chesapeak Bays on board of which is Monsieur Girard, Minister plenipotentiary from the Court of France to the

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united states. That this fleet sailed from Toulon the 15th April last, and that an English Fleet of Eleven Ships, one of ninety Guns, nine of Seventy four & One of Sixty four sailed from St. Hellens the Twenty fourth of April, and that Seventeen Sail of the Line, which were to be joined in a few days by eight more, lay in the road of Brest ready to put to sea to watch the motions of the English fleet. We are this day (1) advised by Mr. Blair McClanighan of this City a Gentleman of Character, just returned here from Maryland that the Fleet under the Count D'Etaing, mentioned above arrived off Chincioteage in Maryland two or three days ago, & proceeded directly for Sandy Hook, that it consisted of a Ninety Gun Ship, two Eighty and nine Seventy fours & Sixty fours, Six Frigates & three Chebecs, that they had four Thousand Land forces on board, this Information he had from a Gentleman, who piloted the Fleet in & was landed at Chinciotegue, who likewise informed that the Admiral told him that War was declared against England at Paris the 19th Day of May, and that this Fleet was destined to shut up Genl. Clinton in Philadelphia, but will now attempt to pound him in New York. We beg leave to Congratulate your Excellency upon this important Event.(2) Genl. Wolcott & Mr. Huntington left us this morning (3) & will be able to inform your Excellency of the State of the Armies in New Jersey, & New York better than it is in our power, and of many particulars which we have not time to write. We are &c FC (CtY). In the hand of Titus Hosmer. 1 The remainder of this letter was doubtless written on July 10. Samuel Holten's diary and letters of Henry Laurens to the comte d'Estaing and to Washington of July 10 state that Blair McClenachan's report of the arrival of the French fleet was received on that day; and Hosmer repeated the information contained in this paragraph in his July 10 letter to Richard Law. 2 At this point a formal closing was deleted and the following paragraph was added. 3 Samuel Huntington and Oliver Wolcott had been granted leave on July 7. They had delayed their departure until their colleague Andrew Adams had taken his seat on July 9 and they had been able to join Adams Hosmer and Roger Sherman in signing the Articles of Confederation on behalf of Connecticut on that day. See JCC, 11:673 676 77 19:222. Huntington's account with Connecticut which claimed "Service at Congress from the 30th of January to the 18th of July inclusive . . . 170 days at 18s" undoubtedly included his travel time. Gratz Collection Phi.

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Samuel Holten's Diary

JULY 9th, [1778] Attended in Congress, the Articles of confederation was signed by all the States that had receivd instructions for that purpose, being 8 States. MS (MDaAr).

Henry Laurens to Richard Caswell

Sir 9th July [1778] By Captain Cottineau I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency from York the 20th Ulto.(1) Inclosed herein Your Excellency will receive Copy of a Letter from the Commissioners at Paris, which I had the honor of receiving and presenting to Congress yesterday.(2) The English fleet mentioned in that Letter is supposed were equipped for intercepting a French squadron intended for some part of North America, probably Chesapeak bay. Your Excellency is therefore requested to pursue the most effectual measures to apprize the Commander of the French squadron Le Compte d'Estaing of any English ships of War which may come into any of the Harbours or Inlets of the state of North Carolina, their force, number and station, and to accommodate the squadron or any of the ships of our Ally the King of France with proper Pilots, if required.(3) Monsr. Girard in the Character of Plenipotentiary from the Court of Versailles to these states is expected in the French fleet, which consists of twelve sail of the Line, six Frigates &c. I shall add printed Papers containing much public intelligence, to which I beg leave to refer. A private Letter from Genl. Washington's Army of the 7th informs me(4) "the Army was then in motion from Brunswick for North River. The Enimy had passed the Breach between Sandy Hook and the Main, and had taken up their Bridge after them, they were embarking with the greatest expedition, had left a number of Waggons behind them, and cut the throats of many horses, three signal Guns had been fired from the fleet on the 5th and the whole were under sail the 6th in the Morning-uncertain whither bound-Colonel Morgan had taken about 30 Prisoners and received about 100 Deserters. " English Papers of the middle of April shew the Debates in both Houses of Parliament to have been on a motion for acknowledging

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American Independence,(5) and the whole Nation in great distraction . I have the honor to be &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 See Laurens to George Clinton, June 20, 1778, note 3. 2 See Elias Boudinot to Alexander Hamilton, July 8,1778, note 2. 3 See JCC, 11:675-76. 4 What follows is an accurate paraphrase of John Laurens' July 7 letter to his father. Simms, Laurens Army Correspondence, pp. 204-5. 5 For the debate in parliament on Thomas Powys' April 10 motion that the Carlisle commissioners "be authorised to declare the Americans absolutely and for ever independent," see Parliamentary History, 19:1080-88.

Henry Laurens to William Heath

Sir, Philadelphia 9th July 1778 I beg leave to refer you to my last of the 26th Ulto. by the hand of Colo. Armand. Your favors of the 19th & 30th June have been duly presented to Congress & the Inclosed Act of the 7th Inst. will shew you that your conduct respecting Major General Philips has received the approbation of the House. Your correspondence with that Officer is published by order, as you will see in the paper which will accompany this.(1) That part of your Letter of the l9th relative to Gold which you have received for supplies to the Troops of the Convention is committed to the Treasury, that Board is not yet fixed in an Office in this City, & therefore a Report cannot be expected for some days, the moment I receive Commands, I shall put them in motion towards you,(2) in the mean time I have only to repeat what I have often said with equal truth & pleasure that I am with great Esteem & Respect, sir, Your obedient & humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress RC (Mhi) 1 General Heath's June 19 letter to Laurens and accompanying enclosures, which are in PCC, item 157, fols. 283-304, dealt with the case of Lt. Richard Browne, a member of the Convention Army at Boston who had been shot to death by an American sentry on June 17 "for not stoping when repeatedly challenged as he was riding out of the lines with two Women." The day after this incident Heath informed Gen. William Phillips, the ranking officer of the Convention Army, that Browne's death would be thoroughly investigated, but Phillips infuriated Heath by replying that Browne had been murdered and by ridiculing the notion that the British could expect justice from "rebels." In retaliation, Heath ordered Phillips' movements to be confined strictly and demanded that he sign a new parole promising to remain on his good behavior. When Phillips refused to accept this parole, arguing that it violated the Saratoga Conven-

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tion, Heath had referred the matter to Congress, which on July 7 expressed its approval of his treatment of the British general. JCC, 11:672. In regard to Heath's June 30 letter to Laurens, which forwarded to Congress some recently received dispatches from France, see Elias Boudinot to Alexander Hamilton, July 8, 1778, note 2. 2 No report by the Board of Treasury has been found on Heath's inquiry about whether he should send Congress the gold that would be left over after he paid for supplies for the Convention Army.

Henry Laurens to Patrick Henry

Sir 9th July [1778] My last to your Excellency was dated at York 27th Ulto. and conveyed by the hand of Major Talbot. Within the present cover Your Excellency will receive a printed Copy of a Letter from the Commissioners at Paris of the 18th May, the original I had the honor of receiving and presenting Yesterday to Congress. Congress have directed me to request Your Excellency to take the most effectual Measures in case of the arrival of a British squadron in the bay of Chesapeak for intimating to any French fleet which may appear on the coast the number, force and station of the Enemy, and for supplying with good Pilots any French ship or fleet, whose Commander may be disposed to come within the bay.(1) Monsr. Girard, Plenipotentiary from the Court of Versailles to these United States is expected hourly, having embarked in the fleet which sailed from France the middle of April.(2) I am with very great Regard &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 See JCC, 11:675-76. 2 Laurens wrote virtually the same letter this day to Gov. Thomas Johnson of Maryland. Red Books, MdAA.

James Lovell to Abigail Adams

Dear Madam July 9th. 1778 I heartily congratulate you upon the indubitable Proofs of our Friends (1) Arrival in France. You might imagine that the Congress had received some important Intelligence in the large Packets sent lately from Boston, if I did not acquaint you that they were chiefly for Monsr. Girard who is not yet arrived. A French Fleet having sailed for America, an English One being ready to follow, and a second French One to pursue that, if there is to be a War between the two Nations, it will probably commence in our Seas.

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The Indians & Tories have cut off Wyoming; and They must be eradicated Root and Branch as soon as ever we get a little Relaxation from War on the Sea Coasts. I am not inattentive to Mr. Adams's Boxes which shall be forwarded by the first Opportunity. I presume I shall now get that which contained his Papers left under the Care of the Rev. Mr. Sprout.(2) With every friendly Attachment, I am, Dear Madam, your humble Servt., James Lovell RC (MHi). 1 That is, John Adams. 2 For the recovery of papers and personal articles which John Adams had left at York and at James Sproat's house in Philadelphia, see Adams, Family Correspondence (Butterfield), 3:121, 198.

Titus Hosmer to Richard Law

Dear Sir, Philadelphia July 10 th 1778 An Express arrived Yesterday from Boston with Dispatches brought in there by a vessell on a short passage from France. By these we learn that Admiral the Count D'Etaing sailed from Toulon the 15th of April last with a Fleet of twelve Ships of the Line, Six Frigates and three Chebecs, bound for Delaware or Chesapeak Bay. That an English Fleet of Eleven Sail of the Line sailed from St Hellens the 24th of April to intercept the French Squadron, and that seventeen Sail of the Line lay in the Road of Brest ready to put to Sea and pursue the English Fleet. This Day Mr Blair McClanighan of this City a Gentleman of Character returned here from Maryland & informs that the Count D'Etaings Squadron arrived off Chinicoteague in Maryland Three days ago, & immediately bore away for Sandy Hook. He had his Intelligence from a Gentleman who piloted the squadron in to Chinicoteague, and was landed there, who further told him that war was declared against England at Paris the l9th day of May, that Monsieur Gerard Minister Plenipotentiary from the Court of France to the united states is on board the Fleet, and may be daily expected in this City, that Four Thousand land Forces are on board the Fleet, that their Object when they left France was to shut up General Clinton in Philadelphia, the English Ministry prevented this by ordering the precipitate Retreat we have lately seen executed, that they will now attempt to block up the port of New York, & favour an attack upon the Main body of the Enemy there from our Land Army. The enclosed Newspaper will give you some Intelligence which perhaps you may not have seen, and I must add one piece of In-

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formation which you will not find any where else, the old Coat & Breeches, which you left here, have made their Escape from the British Army and are safe at Mrs Cheesemans. Would you have them sent to you? The Confederation has at length got thro' Congress. A Multitude of Amendments, Alterations and Additions were proposed from Different States, which have taken up much Time to Consider. After long Debates, all are rejected. It seems to be the Opinion of Congress that a speedy Confederation was of more Importance than to endeavour further to accommodate the Articles to the Opinion & Views of particular States. It was ratified in form by nine states yesterday, the Delegates of the remaining four, to wit, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland & Georgia, are expected soon to have powers sent them, when it will be compleated. I have only to add my Compliments to Mrs Law, & my best wishes for your Happiness. I am Dr Sir, with great Respect, your most obed & most humble servt, Titus Hosmer Tr (CtHi).

Titus Hosmer to Thomas Mumford

Dear sir Philadelphia July 10 th 1778 Tho I wrote you so lately (1) I cannot forbear availing myself of this Opportunity to give you the Important News we have just received. An Express arrived from France via Boston yesterday (2) with Dispatches for Congress. By these we learn that Admiral Count D'Etaing sailed from Toulon the 15th of April last with a squadron of Twelve sail of the Line, Six Frigates & three Chebecs bound for Delaware or Chesapeak Bay, that an English Squadron of Eleven Sail of the Line left St. Hellens the 24th of April in pursuit of them, and that 17 Sail of the Line lay in the road of Brest ready to put to Sea and Intercept the English Squadron. Yesterday we had Intelligence from Maryland that Count D'Etaing's Squadron arrived off Chinicoteague in that State three Days ago, & immediately took pilots on board & bore away for Sandy Hook, that he had four Thousand Land Troops on board, who are to act in Conjunction with our Army, while the fleet blocks up the Port and Intercepts Supplies. Our further Advice is that War was declared at Paris against England the 19th day of May (but of this I have yet some scruples)-That Monsr. Girard is on board the Count D'Etaings fleet, he comes in Character of Minister & plenipotentiary from the Court of France to the united States, and is accompanied

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by our old Friend Mr. Silas Dean, they may be expected every Day in this City. Thus you see a Grand scene is opening which, if we have Wisdom to Act our part Well, will probably terminate in the compleat Establishment of our Independence, Liberty & Happiness. I hope the Inhabitants of Connecticut, if called & needed, will exert themselves by one Vigorous push to drive this Consuming Army of Locusts from our Coasts, this Once done there is reason to hope the war will only Thunder on our Coast, and that we may be free from these Bloody, cruel, Inhuman Inmates in our Quarters. The Articles of Confederation were ratified in Form Yesterday by the Delegates of nine states. The remaining four, Viz. New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland & Georgia, are waiting for their full powers which are soon expected when that very Important Business will be compleated. My Heart bleeds for Wyoming. The Tories and Indians under Colo. Butler, the British Superintendant of Indian Affairs fell upon it the Third Instant, and have ravaged it with more than Indian Cruelty & Barbarity. Our Accounts are yet indistinct, we have Reason to fear the whole settlemt. is desolated. We hope soon, if any of the miserable Inhabitants have escaped the Carnage, to have a more full & particular Account.(3) July 11. Mr. Dean is expected here this night. We had Letters from him to Day & from Count D'Etaing.(4) The fleet have taken the Rose Frigate, an Eighteen Gun Ship & chased the Roebuck on Shore, five or six Mercht. Ships are said to be in this River coming up here. The Express is going out, accept the cordial Wishes for your Happiness of dear sir, your affectionate, Titus Hosmer RC (Robert J. Sudderth, Jr., Lookout Mountain, Tenn., 1973). 1 See Hosmer to Mumford, July 6, 1778. 2 The Boston express arrived on July 8: The "Intelligence from Maryland" mentioned below was received on the morning of the 10th. 3 For further information on John Butler's raid, see Elias Boudinot to Alexander Hamilton, July 8, 1778, note 3. 4 Comte d'Estaing's July 8 letter to President Laurens, announcing the arrival of the French fleet, and Silas Deane's July 10 letter to Laurens, requesting that pilots be sent to meet d'Estaing at Sandy Hook, were read in Congress on July 11. JCC, 11:683-84. Comte d'Estaing's letter with translation is in PCC, item 164, fols. 542-49; a transcript of Deane's letter is in PCC, item 103, fols. 109-10, Both letters are in Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:640-43.

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Henry Laurens to Certain States

Sir 10th July [1778](1) Congress intent upon the present and future security of these United States has never ceased to consider a Confederacy as the great principle of Union, which can alone establish the Liberty of America and exclude for ever the hopes of its Enemies. Influenced by motives so powerful, and duly weighing the difficulties, which oppose the expectation of any plan being formed that can exactly meet the wishes and obtain the approbation of so many States, differing essentially in various points, Congress have, after mature deliberation agreed to adopt without amendments the Confederation transmitted to the several States for their approbation. The States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Virga., North Carolina and South Carolina have ratified the same & it remains only for your State with those of and to conclude the Glorious Compact, which, by uniting the wealth, strength and Councils of the whole, may bid defiance to external violence(2) and internal dissention, whilst it secures the Public Credit both at home and abroad. Congress is willing to hope that the Patriotism and good sense of your State will be influenced by motives so important, and they request Sir,(3) that you will be pleased to lay this Letter before the Legislature of in order that if they judge it proper, their Delegates may be instructed to ratify the Confederation with all convenient dispatch, trusting to future deliberation (4) to make such alterations and amendments as experience may shew to be expedient and just. I have the Honor to be &c. P.S. to Georgia (only).(5) It cannot be doubted that Georgia so distantly situated will consider that new Delegates are to be appointed to meet in Congress under articles of Confederation on the Ist Monday in Novr. & give suitable dispatch to this important business. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). Addressed to the governors of New Jersey, Maryland, and Georgia and the president of Delaware. Endorsed: "the Blanks filled with the Names of the States Mutatis Mutandis." MS (DNA: PCC, item 47). In the hand of Richard Henry Lee, with amendments by Laurens. Addressed: "To the Speaker of the House of Representatives of New Jersey &c Mutatis Mutandis." Endorsed: "Draught of a letter to sundry states urging a Ratification of Confederation." Significant variations between the LB and the Lee draft are noted below. 1 On July 9, after eight states had ratified the Articles of Confederation, Congress appointed a committee consisting of Richard Henry Lee, Francis Dana, and Gouverneur Morris to draft a circular letter to the three states whose legislatures had not yet ratified the articles-New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland-"desiring that such states will, with all convenient despatch, authorize their delegates to ratify the confederation in the Congress of the United States." The following day the committee submitted to Congress a draft letter in the hand of Lee,

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which, after being "read and amended," was approved for transmittal by President Laurens. Laurens also sent this letter to the governor of Georgia, because although that state's legislature had authorized her delegates in February to ratify the confederation, Congress did not receive official confirmation of this until Edward Telfair arrived in Philadelphia on July 13 See JCC, 11:670, 678, 680-81; Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams, July 9; and Josiah Bartlett to John Langdon, July 13, 1778. 2 Laurens added this word to Lee's draft in place of two others that are lined out and illegible. 3 The following florid conclusion is lined out in Lee's draft: "that your Delegates in Congress may be authorized to ratify the Confederation with all convenient dispatch, trusting to future deliberation and to timidless embassadors for a more perfect accommodation of opinions." 4 Laurens added the remainder of this sentence to Lee's draft. 5 There is no postscript in Lee's draft.

Henry Laurens to the Comte d'Estaing

Sir 10th July [1778] Congress received Intelligence this Morning of the arrival on this Coast of a fleet of Men of War under Your Excellencies command.(1) The Packet which I have the honor of transmitting you herewith reached my hands on the 8th Instant, together with the Inclosed intelligence of an English squadron Iying near Portsmouth on the 18th of May, supposed to have been intended to annoy your Excellencies progress towards this shore. To the force of that squadron Your Excellency will be pleased to add the Inclosed enumeration of the English ships of War supposed to be in the harbour of New York, (2) which is the most accurate we have been able to collect. If it shall be your Excellency's design to act offensively against the British Marine, it may conduce to success that the Commander in Chief of the forces of these United States should cooperate in the measures intended to be pursued on your part. I beg leave therefore to inform you, Sir, that His Excellency General Washington with the Army under his command is at this time between Morris town in New Jersey and the North river which forms part of the waters which encircle New York. If your Excellency should be pleased to open a Communication with General Washington, your dispatches will be quickly conveyed to him by means of the Inclosed Warrant to be sent on shore with your Excellency's Packets.(3) To the several Papers already said to be inclosed with this, I add three which will lay before your Excellency the proceedings and determinations of Congress consecutive upon the various attempts of the British Parliament and Administration for effecting a Reconciliation between Great Britain and the United States of America;(4) as Your Excellency cannot have seen these papers on the other side the Atlantic, a perusal of them will afford some amusement at the same

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time that you will learn from the contents the firmness of the good People of this Country. I have the Honor to assure you, Sir, if it shall be necessary after referring to the papers last mentioned that Congress will be ready to render you every service in their power for facilitating your Excellency's operations against our common Enemy. I have the Honor to be, With the highest Esteem and Regard, Sir, Your Excellency's Most Obedient & Most Humble Servt. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). Laurens noted in his presidential letterbook that he sent the original of this letter to d'Estaing by Anthony Dougherty and a duplicate by Charles Freeman. 1 Samuel Holten noted in his diary for this date: "Attended in Congress, a man came to this city this day & informs that a France Fleet is of[f] Maryland." MDaAr. The man in question was Blair McClenachan. 2 Not found, but see also Laurens to Washington, this date. 3 For a discussion of the checkered history of cooperation between the United States and d'Estaing's expeditionary force in 1778, see William C. Stinchcombe, The American Revolution and the French Alliance (Syracuse: Syracuse University Press, 1969), chap. 4. 4 See JCC, 10:374-80, 11:574-75, 615.

Henry Laurens to Henry Fisher

Sir 10th July [1778] The Bearer hereof will deliver a Packet directed to His Excellency Count d'Estaing, Vice Admiral and Commander of a squadron of French ships of War. If it be practicable to send the Packet on board the fleet from Lewistown I request you in the name of Congress to do it without loss of time and the expences which may arise from this service shall be paid upon sight of your Account. If the Admiral shall have passed to the Northward of the Capes, and be out of reach from your station; be pleased to return the Packet by this bearer to, Sir, Your Obedient & Most Humble Servt.(1) LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). Addressed: "Henry Fisher Esquire, Lewistown." Sent "by Anthony Dougherty at half past 10 at night." 1 This day Laurens also wrote the following letter to Richard Westcott "at the Forks of little Egg Harbour": "The Bearer hereof will also deliver to you a Packet directed to His Excellency Count d'Estaing, Commander of a French fleet of ships of War which were a few days ago at Chincoteague, and said to be bound for Delaware or Sandy Hook. If the fleet shall be accessible I request you in the name of Congress to send the Packet at all expence to the Admiral, otherwise be pleased to return it by the same hand which will deliver it to you." PCC, item 13, 2:26. Sent "by Charles Freeman at 1/2 past 10 at night."

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Henry Laurens to Horatio Gates

Sir, Philadelphia 10 July 1778 The derangement of the affairs of Congress in consequence of their removal from York Town, rendered it impracticable to present Your favors of the 23d Ulto. & 2d Instant & the sundry Papers which accompanied them at an earlier day than the 8th Instant.(1) The whole were then committed to the Board of War & I have received no particular commands. I therefore judge it best to order the bearer hereof to return without further expence & dangling. No Intelligence that I can give you from the Army under His Excellency General Washington would be new to you. I shall therefore only offer you two printed News Papers parts of which may be so, & add Copy of a Letter from the worthy Govr. Johnstone to Robert Morris Esqr. which was laid before Congress yesterday & which with many other of his attempts to bribe by Gold or Hattery will soon stare him in the face & display to the World the purity of his intentions.(2) I add another Paper intimating an English fleet prepared for intercepting or annoying a French Squadron of 12 Sail of the Line, 6 or 9 Frigates & 3 Xebecs which sailed from Toulon the 15th April probably bound to Chesepeak or Delaware. I have a Packet for the Admiral Count d'Estaing & many for Monsr. Girard who is coming out in the Character of Plenipotentiary to these States. I am with the highest Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your obedient & very humble servant. Henry Laurens, Presidt. of Cong. RC (NHi). 1 General Gates' June 23 and July 2 letters to Laurens, in which he alternately described his preparations for an expedition against the Cayugas and the Senecas as called for by a congressional resolution of June 11 and suggested that the British evacuation of Philadelphia made this campaign unnecessary, are in PCC, item 154, 1:443-48, 2:3-4. A June 28 letter from Gates to Laurens on the same subject, which Congress also read on July 8, is in PCC, item 154, 2:453-54. Laurens' endorsements on the letters of June 23-"read at the State Ho. Philada 2 July, to Members"-and July 2-"Received at Noon in the Meeting House Arch Street 6 July"-suggest that the delegates did not entirely neglect official business in Philadelphia before a quorum was achieved on July 7. 2 See Robert Morris to Gouverneur Morris, June 16, note 2; and William Henry Drayton to the Carlisle Commissioners, July 18, 1778, note 8.

Rawlins Lowndes

Sir, 10th July 1778 My last to your Excellency is dated 23d June, it went forward in the hands of Messenger Richardson.(1)

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The present is intended to convey a printed Copy of a letter from the American Commissioners at Paris dated 18th May, intimating the preparation of an English squadron at the Isle of Wight, supposed to be designed for intercepting or annoying a fleet of French ships, consisting of twelve of the line, six or nine Frigates three Xebecks &c said to have sailed from Toulon the 15th of April bound to America, and probably to some port within these States, it being certain that Monsr. Girard is on board one of the ships in the Character of Plenipotentiary to Congress, for whom I have already received many dispatches from his Court. I have also a Packet for Count d'Estaing the Admiral of that Fleet. I am directed by Congress to request Your Excellency to give such Orders as will be most effectual for affording aid to our Ally should any part of his squadron abovementioned put into any of the Ports or Harbours of South Carolina or appear on the Coast.(2) I have the honor to be &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 Immediately above this paragraph Laurens wrote: "first paragraph to Governor Houston. 'My last trouble is dated with the present & relates to the Articles of the Confederation'-the remainder as below X changing So Carolina for Georgia the last Line." The "X" referred to by Laurens appears at the beginning of the second paragraph of this letter in his presidential letterbook. 2 See JCC, 11:675-76.

Henry Laurens to the Marquis de Lafayette

Dear Marquis 10th JULY[1778] I have many of Your Excellency's favors to reply to which I shall do very soon, in the mean time none of your Commands shall remain unnoticed. I have delivered Your Excellencies Letters in favor of Marquis de Vienne and Monsr. Touzard to Congress, whence the Letters were transferred for consideration and report to the Board of War.(1) I congratulate with your Excellency on the partial victory over the Enemy on the 28th Ulto. at Monmouth; to intimate why it had not been more brilliant might in this moment seem inviduous. I regret, however, that Your Excellency had not continued in the Command of the Van and every body appears to be of my opinion. A large Mail arrived a few days ago in Congress from France, I found it to contain many Packets for Monsr. Gerard but not one for my noble friend Marquis de la Fayette, this deficiency will probably be made up by the arrival of Monsr. Le Compte d'Estaing and Monsr. Gerard, a circumstance on which I have the honor of offering my congratulations. 'Tis highly probable you will have heard of it before this can reach you, we must now expect some important

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event. If the Brest fleet have restrained that of the Enemy which was Iying at St. Helens the middle of May, the English ships of War on this Coast will be in a piteous plight, but if that squadron shall speedily join these, the Tables may be reversed to our disadvantage. I will not indulge a fear of this kind. A few days more will produce some grand stroke. One of the Gentlemen in the American Commission at Paris sent me the few French Papers which I present to Your Excellency under this cover and I can only repeat that I continue with the highest Esteem and Regard, Sir, Your Excellency's &c. [P.S.] We are told from on board the French squadron that War was to be declared against England by France and Spain l9th May.(2) LB (ScHi). 1 In one of his two June 23 letters to Laurens, Lafayette urged Congress to accept the services of Louis-Pierre, marquis de Vienne, a major of dragoons in the French army. On July 15, after reading an undated petition from Vienne asking permission to raise "a body of Two hundred and Eight Dragoons," Congress approved a motion to grant him "the brevet commission of a colonel, without army pay annexed to the said rank," though not before first rejecting a proposed amendment to make him a lieutenant colonel instead. See JCC, 11:692-94; PCC, item 42, 8:29-30; and "Lafayette-Laurens Letters," SCHGM, 9:67. For the action Congress later took in the case of the chevalier de Tousard, see Laurens to Lafayette, June 19, 1778, note 2. 2 See also Richard Henry Lee to Francis Lightfoot Lee, July 12, 1778.

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Sir, Philadelphia 10th July 1778. I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency by Major Putnam the 8th Inst. Congress while sitting before Noon received intelligence of the following import. Mr. Blair McLenahan said he had seen a Capt. Selby or Selwin off Chincoteague who had fallen in with the French Fleet Eastward of Bermuda. The Admiral had taken him on board & injoin'd him to Pilot the fleet to this Coast, the fleet arrived near Chincoteague in the Evening of the 5th Inst. There they found the Ship Lydia of 26 Guns from New York on a Cruise-she was sunk by a French Frigate of 36 Guns. On Monday Capt. Selby was sent on Shoar in order to procure Pilots; he engaged six to go on board the French fleet upon Wednesday. The Fleet consisted of the Admiral Count d'Estaing of 90 Guns-2 Ships of 80-8 of 74-1 of 64-4 of 36, & said to have 12,000 Men. They had taken a Ship of 18 Guns from Providence before they had made the Land. War was to be declared against England by France & Spain on the

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l9th May. They had originally intended for Delaware but hearing that the Enemy were gone to New York they required Pilots to conduct them to Sandy Hook, they had then six Months provision on board. Your Excellency will perceive by the inclosed Printed Paper that a Fleet had been prepared at Portsmouth in order to intercept or annoy this Fleet of which 'tis possible the Count d'Estaing may be ignorant as he sailed from Toulon the 13th April.(1) 'Tis possible also that a Check may have been put upon that by a Fleet from Brest. Be that as it may, Count d'Estaing should be apprized of this important circumstance & also of the strength of the British Marine power in New York, which from the best accounts we have been able to collect is made up of the following Ships. Boyne 70 Guns. Experiment 50. Phcenix 44. Eagle 64. Preston 50. & many Frigates St. Alban 64. Renown 50. Ardent 64. Chatham 50. Sommerset 64. Isis 50. Trident 64. Vigilant formerly 64. Centurion 50. Roebuck 44. I shall endeavor to reach Count d'Estaing with the necessary advices on the Coast of New Jersey or off the Capes of Delaware. Your Excellency will, if he shall have proceeded nearer Sandy Hook endeavor to meet him with a Letter where it may reach him, & you will also concert measures for improving the force under Your Excellency's immediate Command & that under the direction of Major General Gates, in the present critical conjuncture. Your Excellency will also if you have a more exact Account of the British Fleet at New York make proper corrections upon the list above enumerated. I have the honor to be, With the highest Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your Excellency's Most obedient & most humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress [P.S.] It is almost unnecessary to intimate to Your Excellency the propriety of opening & keeping up a correspondence with the Admiral Count d'Estaing. RC (DLC) 1 For the May 18 letter from John Adams and Benjamin Franklin to which Laurens is referring, see Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:589.

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Robert Morris to Jonathan Hudson

Sir Philada. July 10th. 1778 I wrote you a few days since & have since supplyed Mr. Blake with £2226.15.0 this Cury on Your Acct. with which he is gone down to Egg Harbour in expectation of buying a Bermuda Sloop respecting which he will doubtless inform you particularly. I find since my return here, a prospect of having my time & attention much engaged for a few Months in Public business, consequently that I shall not be able to mind my private affairs as they shou'd be. I have therefore entered into a Concern with Mr. Peter Whiteside who will henceforward Correspond with you relative to Speculations, purchases, Sales &c &c under the Firm of Peter Whiteside & Company. This Concern & Jona. Hudson & Compy may be of great material advantage to each other by Constant Correspondence, joint Concerns & frequent intelligence of prices &c. You may place entire Confidence in them as they will in your concern & by this means I shall be personally released from the Correspondence except when particular Circumstances may render it necessary. I have advised Mr. Whiteside to write you immediately to Commence a purchase of Tobacco on the joint Accts. of these two Concerns to be sent to him here for Sale as soon as possible. It will be a good Speculation and I beg you will attend to the order.(1) I am Sir, Your obedt hble servt. Robt. Morris. RC (PHarH). Addressed: "Mr. Jonathan Hudson, Mercht,, Baltimore." 1 A mutilated letter that Morris wrote to Hudson on July 13 discussing similar affairs is in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Naval History Collection, NHpR. In it he explained that "I am not very fond of your plan for purchasing up Rum &c to the Southward unless it can be bought very reasonably, because that Article is lyable to great changes and I think it probable that the French Fleet will send in large supplies in Prizes," and cautioned Hudson not 'to pursue with eagerness the purchase of Goods until we see what may be the Issue of the Count d'Estaings attack on the Ships at New York, for if he succeeds there he will take ample supplies of every kind which will reduce prices immediately." He also reported that he expected tobacco prices "will keep up," and that because Carter Braxton was planning a trip to Philadelphia he would soon be able to discuss "complaints" against him and have an opportunity to see "all these things settled properly."

Joseph Reed to Charles Lee

Dear Sir Fleming Town July [10?]1778 (1) I did not receive your Letter of the 3d Inst. till yesterday & then it came accompanied with the News Paper from Trenton containing your Note to the Printer respecting the Publication in his preceding Paper.(2) I cannot but feel myself exceedingly hurt by the Manner in

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which you have treated this Matter while you supposed me the Author of the whole Publication. The Terms of your Letter to say nothing of the Publication seem to me to be such a Deviation not only from the Line of Frindship but even of Civility which I might have expected from you as can only be excused by the Embarassments & Anxiety of your Situation. But while I truly regret the Occasion I cannot discern the Prudence or Wisdom of diminishing the Number of your Frinds at such a Time-& especially those who have Seats in Congress where alone you can expect to have those "enormous Injuries" redress'd of which you complain. The Additions & Corrections I made to the Acct. received from Gov. Livingston by the Printer were made in such Haste that I did not pay so much Attention to the Performance as I have since done; but now upon a careful Perusal (I find my Opinion confirmed by that of every Gentleman & I have spoke to several that) I am totally at a loss to discover where there is the least disrespectful Mention of you or a Fact related from which a censorious Enemy could have extracted an unfavourable Idea of your Conduct. I am very sure so far as my Pen was concerned nothing of that kind was intended, but the reverse. Tho not a Soldier by Profession I have seen enough of Armies to caution me against forming hasty Judgments of Men or Actions from mere Report. Tho I heard much therefor on that Day I suspended my Opinion & if you will again read the Paper with Attention which I cannot think you yet have done I am sure you will see a favourable Construction put on every Part of your Conduct. When compared with the official Account since published by Congress it must appear even to yourself to contain Matters of Praise & Approbation. It says that you did attack & drove the Enemy for some Time & at last only retired toward the main Army on Account of the Enemy's great Superiority of Force. It made your Numbers short I believe of the Reality but therefore more favourable to your Conduct. What does the Acct. sanctified by publick Authority say, that you brot 5000 instead of 1500 Men, that you retreated without making any Opposition except by a small Party under Col. Butler which was successful & in short that your Conduct was Matter of Surprize & Mortification to the Commander in Chief. It is admirable to every person I have conversed with first & will be so to the whole world. In what Circumstance the first Publication was unfavourable to you & secondly, Why you should attempt to destroy the Veracity of That Account & thereby fully establish the Credit of one which so much wound your Feelings so sensibly. Upon the whole tho I cannot admit that the Epithet you have applied to it as invidious, dishonest & false are by any Means proper & as you have only made a general Charge without pointing out wherein it is false & dishonest I cannot tell how much of this unhandsome Language I am to take to myself or whether any. But this I can & shall say that the Additions & Alter

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ations I made were strictly true & founded chiefiy upon my own Observation & you will excuse me for differing entirely with you in supposing I could possibly know nothing of the principal Part of the Action as that I believe will be allowed to have been after I met you [. . .] from which Time till the Close of the Affair I was either with the General at his Desire or reconnoitering in Front but chiefly the former where all Intelligence came & from whence the Movements were directed. I am at a loss to know what Individuals you mean whom you censure as directing & giving Opinions without Authority. If you had any Reference to Gen. Cadwallader & myself I shall not hesitate to say the Charge is unwarrantable as we gave no Directions nor did we on any Occasion offer an Opinion but when requested by the Commander in Chief. As Gentlemen of the Country we had a Right to attend the Army as Volunteers & as Frinds to the General to Attend him at his Desire without being liable to Censure for either. That I entertained a very high opinion of your talents & Abilities in common with my Countrymen & that they were displayed much to the Advantage of this Country & your own Honor during our Retreat from Kingsbridge to Peeks Kiln in 1776 are sentiments which I have on every Occasion expressed & that in the Affair of Fort Washington Genl W. manifested an Indecision of Mind which if unamended would shade the brighter Parts of his Character are Facts equally true: but I can easily conceive that more Experience & happier Arrangements may have given him greater Confidence in his Troops as well as in his own Judgment. From long Acquaintance & (close Observation I think him to [. . .] clearly of Opinion) FC (NHi). 1 Reed wrote this letter the day after he received a copy of the July 8 issue of Isaac Collins' New-Jersey Gazette, "the News Paper from Trenton containing your Note to the Printer" mentioned by Reed in the first sentence below. Reed had moved his family to Flemington, N.J., twenty miles north of Trenton, in April, and had joined them there for a brief stay after the battle of Monmouth before he returned to Philadelphia, where he resumed his seat in Congress on July 15. See Roche, Joseph Reed, pp. 128-30; and JCC, 11:688. 2 The July 1 issue of the New-Jersey Gazette contained a lengthy report on the battle of Monmouth which Lee assumed Reed had written and which he denounced as "a most invidious, dishonest, and false relation" in a letter to the printer that Collins published in the Gazette's July 8 issue. For a discussion of Lee's response to this report and his relations with Reed and various delegates to Congress at this time, see John R. Alden, General Charles Lee, Traitor or Patriot ? (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1951), pp. 243-49.

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Josiah Bartlett to Meshech Weare

Hond. Sir Philadelphia July 11th 1778 This is Just to inform you that a French Squadron of 12 ships of the Line & 4 frigates under the Command of vice admiral Count De Estang is arrived off the Capes of Delaware & finding the Brittish Fleet & army had Escaped from this City Sailed last Thursday Morning for New York, with orders to Cooperate with us for the Destruction of the Brittish fleet & army in America. They have taken the Rose Frigate, Sunk a 30 Gun Ship, taken several prizes & run aground & taken the Roebuck in the Capes of Delaware. Monsier Girard Ambassador & Plenipotintiary from the Court of France Came in the fleet, has sent to Congress to notify his arrival and He is expected in this City tomorrow, Mr. Deane is with him. An Officer from the admiral is now here to procure fresh Provisions (for which they will pay the Hard money). There are so many Landmen & marines on Board that they Can land four Thousand Troops on occasion. In order if Possible to put an End to the Brittish Fleet & army before the arrival of Succors the Congress have authorised Genl. Washington to call on any or all the States he may think proper from New Jersey to New Hampshire Inclusive for the assistance of militia & voluntiers. If he should Call on our State I hope they will Exert themselves to the utmost & at once put a final End to the Power & hopes of our Enemies in America.(1) Mr Wentworth had a fever at York Town, was pretty bad. I tarried with him 4 days after the Congress adjourned, left him better Thursday the 2nd Instant, have not heard from him since. Hope he will be here the begining of the week. I am Sir with great Respect, your most obedient Servant, Josiah Bartlett [P.S.] I would not have you consider this as a publick letter as I write in the greatest haste as tis 10 at night & the Express Setting off cannot correct much less copy it.(2) J.B. RC (MHi). 1 See JCC, 11:683-85; and Henry Laurens to Washington, this date. 2 This day Bartlett also wrote the Following brief note to his wife: "I have time only Just lo inform you that I am in health, for news must refer you to Mr. Thurstons letter [not found] which I Send open that you may See it. Have Recd 3 letters from you Since I Came here, wrote you answers by the post the 7th Instant to which I Refer you." Watt Collection, NhHi.

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Samuel Holten's Diary

[July 11, 1778] 11. This day was the first time that I took any part in the debates in Congress.(1) We have certain Accts. of the Arrival of a France Fleet of[f] the Delaware, 12 ships of the line & 4 Frigats. MS (MDaAr). 1 No other infonnation has been found to determine the nature of Holten's participation.

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Sir, Philadelphia 11th July 1778. I beg leave to refer Your Excellency to the contents of a Letter which I had the honor of writing to you last Evening by Barry The present Cover will convey to Your Excellency two Acts of Congress of this date 1. Empowering Your Excellency to call in the Aid of such Militia as shall appear to be necessary from the four Eastern States, from New York & New Jersey for carrying on operations in concert with Count d'Estaing. 2. Intimating the desire of Congress that Your Excellency Co-operate with Vice Admiral Count d'Estaing in the Execution of such offensive operations against the Enemy as shall appear to be necessary.(1) Congress have directed me to propose for Your Excellencys consideration an attack by Vice Admiral Count d'Estaing upon the British Ships of War & Transports in the harbor of Rhode Island, by which possession of a safe Port may be gained & the retreat of the British forces on that Island be cut off, as an alternative to a hazardous or ineligible attempt upon the British Squadron within Sandy Hook. I have the honor to be, With the highest Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your Excellency's Most obedient & most humble servant. Henry Laurens, President of Congress. [P.S.] Sometime ago I informed Your Excellency that Congress had adopted the Stile of "North America" to these States-this day that Resolution was reconsidered & reduced to the former mode of "America."(2) Congress Resolved on the 9th Instant that the Committee appointed to arrange the Army do repair without delay to Head Quarters for that purpose as Your Excellency will perceive by the Inclosed Certified Order.(3)

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RC (DLC). 1 See JCC, 11:684 2 See JCC, 11:683; and Laurens to Horatio Gates, May 19,1778, note 1. 3 See JCC, 11:676.

Henry Marchant to William Greene

Sir, Philadelphia July 11. 1778 GLORIOUS NEWS. I have but a few Moments before the Express goes off, to inform You-That a French Fleet is arrived on this Coast commanded by the Count De.Stang, 1 Ship of 90 Guns, 4 Do. of 80 Do., 2 of 74 and 5 of 64 and four Frigates. Congress this Day recd. a Letter from the adml. dated Delaware Bay. The French Ambassador Monsr. Gerard & Mr. Deane in a Frigate are now coming up the River. The adml. also forwarded Us a Letter directed to Congress from the King of France & signed by His Majesty addressing us in the most respectful and tender Manner.(1) The French Fleet have sailed for, and before this are at Sandy Hook, to attack the British Fleet. Genl. Washington is pushing forward in order to cooperate with the Admiral. Another British Fleet is however hourly expected-So that it's possible How's Fleet may refuse to give Battle, & should the other British Fleet come on the Coast, The Count De. Stang may put into Newport Harbour. Congress have hinted this to Genl. Washington to be improved upon, so that Measures may be taken to call in a Force sufficient to opperate agt. the British Forces on the Island, but this upon a Supposition that the Count De.Stang should think proper to push for Newport Harbour. I give you a hint of this, That Genl. Sullivan and the Force he has may be preparing for such a possible Event, and that our Millitia may be called upon, not merely as in Course of Duty, but as Volunteers, upon so glorious an Occasion to stand ready to step forward if called upon which I have not a Doubt they will to a Man, to rid Themselves at once by an easy Effort under the Blessing of Heaven, of the vilest Banditty that were ever suffered to curse the Earth. I have the Honor to be your most humble Servt. Hy. Marchant P.S. The Rose Frigate formerly commanded by Wallace was taken by One of the French Frigates upon Their arrival off Chesepeak Bay. The Roebuck of 44 guns at the Mouth of Delaware was drove on the Maryland Shore. Her Crew cut her Masts & fled a Shore where they must fall into Our Hands, & the Ship as she is one of the finest in the British Navy will be a fine Acquisition. The Frigate coming up the River, has two Prizes with her, They sunk a British Privateer of 26 Guns, just as they made Land. H.M.

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You'l Excuse a Scrawl for the Love of the Matter. RC (R-Ar) 1 Louis XVI's March 23 letter to Congress, announcing Conrad Alexandre Gerard's appointment as minister plenipotentiary to the United States, is in PCC, item 111, fols. 4-5, and Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:521,

Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board

Gentlemen Philada July 11th 1778 Your Several Letters lately received have not been considered because of the obstructions created by a removal of Congress from York Town to this place where as yet the committee have not been able to get themselves properly fixed for business. The sense entertained of the increasing importance of your Department will secure a close attention to it from this Committee and every care shall be taken to furnish you with the money requisite for the proper Accomplishment of the ends proposed by your appointment. The immediate design of this Letter is to inform you of the arrival on the Coast near the Capes of Delaware of a French squadron consisting of 12 ships of the Line and four frigates under the command of the Count D Estaing Vice Admiral of France who is proceeding immediately to Newyork there to act in conjunction with the Army of the united states for destroying the fieet & army of the common enemy in that Harbour. Congress being determined to give every possible aid to the execution of so salutary a purpose has directed us to order all the Continental frigates and armed Vessels within your Department to be immediately made ready for Sea and dispatched one after another as soon as each can be prepared, to join the Squadron of France and to act in such manner as the Count D Estaing shall judge most proper for distressing and destroying the enemys force upon the Coast of North America. (1) Congress trust to the bravery and good disposition of the American seamen that they will on this great occasion step forth with alacrity and exert themselves in supporting our freinds who have come so far to assist us to vanquish an enemy too long triumphant upon the Sea. The expence attending this business no doubt will be considerable, altho we are well assured your (Economical wisdom will lead you to abridge it as far as may be possible. We shall without delay forward you as large A Sum of Money as can now be spared, and in the mean time desire you will on the credit of the States push the business forward with all possible vigor.(2) We are to observe to you that the French fleet is more than fully manned, so that some small aid in way of seamen may be expected, and we mention this that you may not wait for the most compleat

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manning of every Vessel altho we wish you to procure as many Seamen as you can consistant with the great object we have in view viz a speedy junction of our force with that of France.(3) We are Gentlemen, Your very hble servts LB (DNA: PCC Miscellaneous Papers, Marine Committee Letter Book). 1See JCC, 11:685. 2 On July 16 Congress granted the Marine Committee $524,000 for the use of the Eastern Navy Board. See JCC, 11:696; and Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board, July 24, 1778. 3 As chairman of the Marine Committee, Richard Henry Lee wrote the following letter to Gov. Patrick Henry this date: "A French Fleet of 12 Sail of the Line and 4 frigates being on the Coast near the Capes of Delaware under command of Count D'Estaing vice Admiral of France which is proceeding to New York in order to co-operate with the American Army in destroying the Sea and Land force of our enemy in that Harbor and it being understood here that some of the French Ships now in Virginia were desirous of joining the Admiral when he came here; the Marine Committee request of you Sir, that you will be pleased to give immediate Notice to Such French Vessels. that they may if they choose proceed to assist in the Accomplishment of the great work meditated against the common enemy." Paullin, Marine Committee Letters, 1:261 65.

Henry Laurens to Certain States

Sir or Honorable sir, 12th July [1778] The present circumstances of public affairs afford me barely time for referring you to the inclosed Act of Congress of yesterdays date, empowering General Washington to call on the state of New Hampshire and other States therein enumerated for such Militia as he shall think requisite for co-operating with Count d'Estaing commander of the French Fleet arrived on this Coast against the Enemy, and earnestly recommending to each State the forwarding with the utmost dispatch such force as shall be called for by the Commander in Chief.(1) I expect Monsr. Girard in the character of Plenipotentiary from the Court of Versailles in Philadelphia early this Morning, a novelty in these infant States which cannot but occasion some uncommon and extraordinary movements, among those whose proper business it is to pay due attention to the first European Ambassador to Congress. I have the Honor to be &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). Addressed to the governors of Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey and the presidents of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. 1 See JCC, 11:684. Laurens made the following notation about this "Act" in his

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presidential letterbook: "Memorandum-The abovementioned Act of Congress having been sent to me from the Secretarys' Office unsigned by the Secretary; I have certified each in my own name." PCC, item 13, 2:29.

Henry Laurens to William Heath

Dear sir, Philadelphia 12 July 1778 I have barely time to intimate in this private, that Your last correspondence with Major General Philips met the approbation of Congress as the former had done.(1) Vice Admiral Count d'Estaing with a formidable French fleet of I Ship of 110 Guns called 90-2 of 80-8 of 74-I of 64, 4 of 36 & said to have 12000 Men on board were at the Capes of Delaware two days ago & are now probably at Sandy Hook. On the Voyage hither this fleet took a privateer of 26 guns from New York cruising on the Virginia Coast, a Ship from New Providence bound to London & Recaptured a French Snow laden with dry Goods. These two are now coming up the River. They have also driven on Shoar & destroyed a British Ship supposed to be the Roebuck. Mr. Girard Plenipotentiary from the Court of Versailles will be here some time to day, he arrived at Chester in a French Frigate last Evening, Mr. Silas Deane accompanies him. Having no public Commands you will do me the honor to accept this as the private Offering of, Dear sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt, Henry Laurens RC (MHi). 1 See Laurens to Heath, July 9, 1778, note 1.

Richard Henry Lee to Francis Lightfoot Lee

My dear brother, Philadelphia 12 July 1778 I had prepared a letter for you three days ago intending to have sent it to Chantilly by a Mr. Muse, but he slipt me without calling for my letter. Since that the Count D'Estaing, with a French Squadron under his command, has arrived in Delaware Bay, and last Thursday morning he proceeded to N. York with determination to loose no time in attacking the English in that Harbour. On the 19th of May he declared war against G. Britain on board his fleet then at Sea, and since that he takes every English Vessel that he meets with. The strength of this fleet is one 90, one 80, Six 74, Three 64 & one 50 with 4 frigates and between 10 & 12,000 men on board. In this fleet came the French Ambassador Monsr. Gerard who is

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expected in Town every hour Carriages being sent to Chester for him. Silas Deane is also arrived in this fleet, and I expect that he & Carmichael will soon begin to intrigue. We have received a very polite Address from the Count D'Estaing inclosing us a copy of his powers from the King of France which are plenipotentiary to treat with Congress. The King styles us his most dear friends and great Allies. The Count says that nothing but the necessity of immediately executing the duties of his Office as Commander of the Fleet would have permitted him to delay paying his respects to Men famous thro Europe for their wisdom and firmness. We have been very busy in Marine Committee this morning, altho 'tis Sunday, directing fresh provisions and Water to be sent to this fleet.(1) Gen. Washington is directed to Cooperate with Count D'Estaing in offensive operations against the common enemy. We may expect good events from this if Keppel with his 11 sail of the Line do not interrupt us too soon. He was in St. Helens the 19th of May bound to N. America. But we expect he will be narrowly watched by the Brest fleet which consisted of 25 Sail of the Line ready for Sea. Thus the Ball begins to open, and the guilty Sons of G. Britain upon the eve of making severe retribution for the heavy crimes both in the east and the west. The Ambassador is arrived, and during the course of dinner I have had an opportunity of conversing largely with him.(2) I find that the King of France considers the King of Englands message upon Marquis Noailes communication of our Alliance as anouncing hostility and determines to act accordingly. With effective hostility indeed, but witht. a formal declaration of war in Europe, for this he says, we must wait until Spain is ready. The flota was not arrived on the 10th April. Monsr. Gerard seems rather above 50 years of age, is as grave as a Frenchman can be, and he is a wise well bred Gentleman. We are told that many of the first Nobility of France solicited his mission in vain. I am much grieved to hear that my honored friend Colo. Tayloe grows worse. Is it impracticable for him to visit the Springs? The Indian irruptions I expect will be presently quieted by the Army under Mc.Intosh going to Fort Detroit, and the expedition into the Seneca Country. These must wall and keep every Indian at home. My love to Mrs. Lee and respects to all friends. Most affectionately yours, Richard Henry Lee P.S. The post this day brings me no letters from the N. Neck except from my friend Mr. Page.(3) I have none from Susquehannah or Potomac. From Boston we learn of a quick arrival that brings account Lord Chatham died on the Ist of May, he was forming a party against the Independence of America, which he has lately thunder'd against in Parliament and was opposed by the Duke of Richmond with great spirit & force of reason.(4) Stocks fallen greatly, and the

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Kingdom in much confusion-40 frigates recalled from N. America. But Count D'Estaing wont let them get out of the Harbor of N. York. [It is?] true that Capt. Jones has carried a 20 gun Ship of the Tyrants into Brest with 3 other prizes. He had a severe conflict with the Ship of War & killed the Captain & first Lieutenant, killed & wounded 42 men, lost 8. He landed at Whitehaven & fired the shipping in the Harbour, and did them other damage, where he also spiked 30 or 40 pieces of Cannon.(5) R.H. Lee RC (ViU). 1 See Marine Committee to the Comte d'Estaing, this date. 2 Lee had been appointed on July 11 to the committee to receive Gerard. JCC, 11:685 3 Probably Mann Page's June 23 letter, in which he expressed the hope that Congress would not deal with the Carlisle commissioners. Lee Papers, PPAmP. 4 Lord Chatham died on May 11, 1778, but he had fallen ill in Parliament on April 7 while debating a motion of the Duke of Richmond that advised the king to withdraw British forces from the United States. See Parliamentary History, 19: 1012-31. 5 For John Paul Jones' account of his raid on Whitehaven, England, and his capture of the HMS Drake, see Gerard W. Gawalt, ed. and trans., John Paul Jones' Memoir of the American Revolution (Washington: Library of Congress, 1979), pp, 17-21, See also Samuel Eliot Morison, John Paul Jones (Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1959), pp. 138-42, 156-62.

Marine Committee to the Comte d'Estaing

Sir Philadelphia July 16th [i.e. 12?] 1778(1) The marine Committee of Congress have received information that the Squadron under your Excellencies command has occasion for a supply of water and fresh provisions, and they have taken proper measures to furnish both with all possible expedition. The frigate Chimere, and the two Vessels with her, will be dispatched immediately with as much water as we can find Casks for; the enemy lately here having destroyed every thing of this kind that they could discover. The same vessels will bring your Excellency some hundred barrels of bread and flour, with a small supply of fresh provisions. A Commissary has orders quickly to collect near Shrewsbury and the Hook 50 Bullocks, 700 Sheep, with a quantity of vegitables and a number of poultry; and he will wait on your Excellency to know your pleasure concerning the particular place on the water where he must bring them to be shipped. The same Commissary has general orders to furnish your Excellency [with] such further supplies as you may please to direct. The accidents of wind and weather may possibly prevent the Chimere from arriving with water so soon as it shall be wanted, and therefore I am to inform your Excellency that in Little Egg harbor

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or Thoms river, neither of them far from the Hook, fresh water [may] be conveniently obtained. The Pilots on board the Fleet will conduct Vessels sent for the purpose to either of these places. Your Excellency may be assured that Congress is disposed to supply your Excellency, and the Squadron under your command, with every thing in their power that may conduce to the accomplishment of the valuable ends you have in view against the common enemy. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your Excellencies most obedient and most humble servant, Richard Henry Lee, Chairman of the Marine Committee RC (Archives Nationales: Archives de la Marine, B4:146. Written and signed by Richard Henry Lee, 1 Although Lee dated the RC of this letter "July 16th," it is dated "July 12th" in the Marine Committee letterbook, where it is followed by Lee's July 17 letter to d'Estaing, which begins "I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the 12th instant about the means of procuring fresh Water and the measures taken by the Marine Committee of Congress to furnish fresh provisions for the squadron under your Excellencies Command." Furthermore, on July 12 Lee reported to his brother: "We have been very busy in Marine Committee this morning, altho 'tis Sunday, directing fresh provisions and Water to be sent to this fleet." Considering this flurry of Sunday activity, and the urgency of provisioning the fleet, it seems unlikely that Lee waited four days before sending off this letter to d'Estaing. It is more likely that he inadvertently misdated the RC. PCC Miscellaneous Papers, Marine Committee Letter Book, fols. 163-64; and Richard Henry Lee to Francis Lightfoot Lee, July 12, 1778.

Josiah Bartlett to John Langdon

Dear Sir Philadelphia July 13th 1778 I this day rec'd your favor of the 20th ulto.(1) The account of the money you rec'd of the Marine Committee I procured and was enclosed in Mr Wentworth's letter to you of the 20th ult (2) which I hope you have rec'd. Your letter to the Marine Committee of the 20th ulto came by today's post and will be considered as soon as opportunity permits: the removal of Congress to this City has greatly retarded business. We have not yet procured proper offices for our several Boards and Committees-hope in a few days we shall be better accomodated and attend with more alacrity to business. The Congress meets in the College Hall, as the State House was left by the enemy in a most filthy and sordid situation, as were many of the public and private buildings in the City. Some of the genteel houses were used for stables and holes cut in the parlor floors and their dung shovelled into the cellars. The country Northward of the City for several miles is one common waste, the houses burnt, the fruit trees and others cut down and carried off, fences carried away,

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Photographic Reproduction of College Hall 270 JULY 13, 1778 gardens and orchards destroyed-Mr Dickenson's and Mr Morris' fine seats all demolished-in short I could hardly find the great roads that used to pass that way. The enemy built a strong abattee with the fruit and other trees from the Delaware to Skuylkill and at about 40 or 50 rods distance along the abattue a quadrangular fort for cannon and a number of redoubts for small arms; the same on the several eminences along the Skuylkill against the City. Mr Wentworth was taken Sick the 21st ulto, with a fever and a bilious vomiting and purging which lasted him near ten days and hindered me from leaving York Town till the 2d inst. when I left him better-have not heard from him since-hope to see him here in a few days. The confederation was Signed last week by the delegates of the New England States, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and South Carolina; North Carolina have sent their ratification of it, but had no delegates in Congress to sign it. This day a delegate is arrived from Georgia (3) who says he is authorised to sign it in behalf of that State. New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland have objected to it and not authorized their delegates as yet to sign it. Congress have wrote to them and I have reason to think they will accede to it. In forming a plan of Govt. for our State, I hope particular care will be taken to form a proper Executive Body to see the Laws carried into execution; our present plan is more deficient in that, than in any thing else. When I came to Congress the President asked me if our Govr. had rec'd any letters from him for eight months past, and seemed very uneasy that he had rec'd no answers to his letters; I excused the matter as well as I could-but really Sir, is it to be expected that our very worthy president (who by the way is only paid by the day as other members, a small sum not sufficient to half maintain himself) should be at the trouble to receive, file, copy and answer from time to time all such public letters without any compensation; to do it properly he ought to be allowed a Clerk for the purpose and receive something handsome for his own time. No State in the Union is without some such executive officer or body and I am persuaded no State can long exist with any tolerable degree of order and dignity without it. Some supreme executive power must be somewhere lodged separate from the Legislature, no matter by what name it is called, whether Governor, President of the Council, or Executive Council; but such a power there must be to act, when the Legislature is separate and cannot act, otherwise there is at such times a partial dissolution of the Govt. Beside the impropriety and danger many States think there is in the Leglislative and Executive being lodged in the same body. Such a sort of Executive as the Governor of Connecticut is possessed of, I should think would answer the purpose very well. The occasion of my writing the above is owing to a paragraph of

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a letter I received from Major Philbrick wherein he informs me the Convention voted that the Supreme Executive should not be wholly separate from the Leglisative. As to news here I beg leave to refer you to my letter of this date to General Whipple (4) and request you to inform him of such parts of this as you may think worth communicating. I am with respect your friend & humble servt, Josiah Bartlett [P.S.] Pray did Mr Paine, Woodward and the others on Connecticut River join you in Convention? How did they like what was done? Will they join in forming a plan of Govt. &c. &c.(5) Tr (DLC). 1 Langdon's June 20 letter is in Bartlett, Papers (Meters), pp. 188-89. 2 Not found. 3 That is, Edward Telfair. See JCC, 11:685. 4 Not found. 5 Elisha Payne and Bezaleel Woodward were leaders of the effort to join 16 New Hampshire towns east of the Connecticut River to Vermont. They did not attend the constitutional convention then meeting in Concord, N.H. E.P. Walton, ed., Records of the Governor and Council of the State of Vermont, 7 vols. (Montpelier: J. and J. M. Poland, 1873), 1:275-78; and N.H. State Papers, 9:833-37.

Samuel Holten's Diary

[July 13, 1778] 13. Yesterday Monsieur Gerard the French Ambassador Arrived here, and I waited on him this day & welcomed him to these united states of America. MS (MDaAr).

Henry Laurens to Patrick Henry

Sir 13th July [1778] I had the honor of writing to your Excellency by Jones the 9th Inst. The inclosed Act of Congress of this date requests Your Excellency will spare for the use of the Army all the Vinegar purchased by Virginia in the Cargo of the Ship Rodorique.(1) If success shall attend this application I presume payment and directions for transportation will immediately follow. I am with the highest Esteem &c. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 See JCC, H :686.

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Nathaniel Scudder to John Hart

My Dear Sir, Freehold July 13th. 1778 I do myself the Honor to address you upon an affair to me of the most serious and alarming Importance. The Honorable Council and Assembly of this State have not thought proper to invest their Delegates with Power to ratify and sign the Confederation; and it is obvious that unless every of the thirteen States shall acceed to it, we remain an unconfederated People. These States have actually entered into a Treaty with the Court of Versailles as a Confederated People and Monsieur Girard their ambassador Plenipotentiary to Congress is now on our Coast with a powerfull Fleet of Ships, which have taken Pilots on Board for Delaware. He probably may be landed by this Time, and will at all Events be in Philadelphia in a few Days. How must he be astonished & confounded? and what may be the fatal Consequences to America, when he discovers (which he will immediately do) that we are ipso facto unconfederated, and consequently, what our Enemies have called us, "a Rope of Sand"? Will he not have just Cause to resent the Deception? and may not insidious Britain, knowing the same, take Advantage of our Disunion? For my own Part I am of Opinion She will never desist from her nefarious Designs, nor ever consider her Attempts upon our Liberties fruitless and vain, untill she knows the golden knot is actually tied. I left Congress last Wednesday Evening. The Affair of Confederation was to be taken up next Day. The Magna Charta of America was amply engrossed and prepared for signing. Ten States had actually authorised their Delegates to ratify; a Delegate from an eleventh (vizt. Georgia) declared he was so fully possessed of the Sense of his Constituents, that he should not hesitate to subscribe it.(1) New-Jersey and Maryland only stood out.(2) Mr. Chase, one of the Delegates from that State, told me the Day I left Philadelphia, that he imagined the Determination of Maryland would depend much upon that of New-Jersey, and thought if our State should acceed, theirs would also-he therefore concluded to go immediately down and try what could be done. I at the same Time assured him I would write you on the Subject on my Return. I ought to inform you, Sir, that the Objections stated by New-Jersey were read and considered by Congress, and after being entered at large on their Minutes, a Question was taken, whether Congress at that Time judged it expedient to take up the said Objections so as to admit any Emendations in the Plan of Confederation, or not? and it passed in the Negative.(3) In Consequence of which they remain both upon the Journal and Files to be taken up and considered at any future Time when they may be called for. I expect my Colleagues will soon address you on this Subject. I

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left Doctr. Witherspoon, Doctr. Elmer &c Mr. Boudinot at Philadelphia, whither I expect to return in a few Days. I should have been much more uneasy, when I was last at Princeton, and should have taken more Pains to convince the Members of the Necessity of granting the Powers of Ratification to their Delegates, had I not been encouraged to expect, that the Legislature would not rise without doing it; at the same Time supposing the Reason, why they were witheld at that Juncture, to be, that their Objections might have the greater Weight with Congress. Indeed I all along expected Doctr. Witherspoon would have brought on such Powers with him, especially as I hoped the Honorable Houses would be clearly of Opinion, that it were better to confederate under all the Disadvantages they apprehended, than that the general Union should be broken or even greatly endangered. I know not Whether I ought to say any Thing respecting the Objections themselves; some of them are perhaps not very essential. The Obtaining an Admission of several of them would doubtless be of great local Advantage to this State; but every State must expect to be Subjected to considerable local Disadvantages in a general Confederation. Indeed upon the whole I am fully [of] Opinion, that no Plan can or will ever be adopted more equal, or less generally injurious to the confederating States than the present. I also declare it as my Opinion that if the general Business of Emendation were to be fairly taken up in Congress to morrow, several Alterations would be made exceedingly disadvantageous to the smaller circumscribed States, and which perhaps might more than counterbalance the obtaining what we apply for. As to the grand and capital Objection respecting the Lands &c.(4) I will only observe, that in Case we never obtain an original Quota of them, we shall only loose a Share in the prime Sales of them, which will probably be very low, while we shall inevitably reap a permanent and encreasing Benefit from the rapid & enormous growth of the larger States; for surely in Proportion to their Extent and Population their Quota of the public Expence & Debt will be encreased, while ours will be proportionably diminished. What avails it therefore to us, whether five Pounds of our national Debt be paid by the Accession of a Subject to this State, or whether our Quota be really lessined five Pounds by the Settlement of a Person in the State of Virginia at the Distance of a thousand Miles from the Atlantic? For my own Part I think we shall have greatly the Advantage of these enormous unwieldy Governments; nor do I judge it unlikely they will soon find it necessary to sue for the curtailing their own extravagant Jurisdiction. In the Settlement of our Soldiery & the foreign Deserters at the Expiration of the War, we shall incur considerable Disadvantage; however as the larger States will doubtless rejoice to have their Frontiers immediately enlarged, and will vie with each other in

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Courting so great an Accession of Inhabitants, there will probably be no greater Expence than barely that of locating the Lands, our Quota of which cannot be any very considerable Sum. I congratulate you on the signal Success of our Arms in this Neighbourhood on the 28th of June. Great Plunder and Devastation have been committed among my Friends in this Quarter, but through the distinguishing Goodness of Providence my Family & Property escaped, & that almost in a miraculous Manner. I wish you to take the above Representation into your serious Consideration, and, if with me you shall judge it a Matter of sufficient Importance, that the Legislature may be as speedily as possible convened to deliberate and determine thereon.(5) I am Dear Sir with great Esteem Your most Obedt. Hble Servt. Nath. Scudder RC (Nj) Addressed "Honorable John Hart Esqr, Speaker of the Assembly of the State of New Jersey " 1 Edward Langworthy was the Georgia delegate in question, though it is not clear when he made this remark 2 Delaware had also not yet authorized her delegates to ratify the Articles of Confederation JCC, 11 677 3 For New Jersey's objections to the Articles of Confederation and Congress' June 25 decision not to consider them, see JCC, 11:648-51. 4 New Jersey insisted that the Articles of Confederation should vest Congress with authority over crown lands to facilitate the payment of the expenses of the war "and for other such public and general purposes" See JCC, 11:650. 5 On November 20, 1778, the New Jersey legislature authorized the state's delegates to ratify the Articles of Confederation, which they accordingly did six days later See JCC, 11: 1161-64

Samuel Adams to James Warren

My dear sir Philade July 14 1778 I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your favors of the 26th & 28th of June. (1) I have long been apprehensive, you know, that false Ideas of Politeness would injure the Minds of our Countrymen and prove destructive to Morals and Liberty. But I own, I did not expect that the most ridiculous Folley would have taken so early and large a Stride as it appears to have done in the Instance you mention.(2) It cannot in my opinion be supported by any Principles of Truth & Propriety and discovers a Degree of Servility shocking to sober Humanity. And yet a Conduct so void of common Sense will find Advocates among many who never had and never can have a Spark of that Republican Feeling which you have always possessd. These People are formd to be Asses & Slaves; Let them remain so. But surely they ought not to be advanced to Places of Influence, to spread by their Examples, the Principles of Servility and Slavery

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among the People. I will take an Opportunity when I am at Leisure to answer your Letter of the 26, which I have communicated to my Friend Colo Lee.(3) Yesterday I made a short Visit to Monsr. Gerard. If I can form any Judgmt of him, his Manners would suit our Country. But I expect to be better acquainted with him soon. Mr H____has asked & obtained Leave of Absence & is going home! Adieu. RC (MHi) 1 Warren's letters of June 26 and 28 are in Warren-Adams Letters, 2:24-29 2 In his June 28 letter Warren had complained about the fraternization of Americans with captured British officers of the Convention Army in Massachusetts Ibid, p 28 3 In his June 26 letter, Warren had reported his efforts in the Massachusetts legislature to reward Arthur Lee and had voiced dissatisfaction with the Marine Committee's refusal to delegate the power for appointing ship captains to the regional navy boards Ibid, pp. 24-27. See also Adams to Warren, July 20, 1778, note 7.

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett

My Dear Philadelphia July the 14th 1778 I had not the pleasure of Receiving any letter from you by yesterdays Post, Shall Expect one by the next. It give pleasure to hear from my family more Especially to hear they are well. By the favor of Heaven I have had my health as well since I came from Home as I had it for sometime & I think rather better than usual. Hope it will be Continued if for the best. God grant you & the Rest of my family may Enjoy an Equal Share of Health of Body & peace & contentment of mind. We have had some Exceeding Hot weather here, it is now a little Cooler. We are troubled with one of the Plagues of Egypt which the Enemy left here when they Evacuated this place, I mean Swarms of flies. They are much lessened Since cleansing the place of the Filth & Dung &c &c Tho they are still very troublesome. I wrote you the 6th Inst. soon after I came here & a Line with Mr Thurston the 11th by Express which I hope will Come Safe to your hand. On Sunday about two o'Clock Mr Girard the French Ambassador made a Publick Entry into the City from Chester 15 miles Down the River where the Ships Stopt for want of wind to bring them up. He was attended by three members of Congress who were ordered to Conduct him to Lodgings here. 13 Cannon were fired when He Dismounted at his Lodgings. I was introduced to him the same Day at the Presidents Lodgings about an hour after his arrival where he Came to pay his Respects to our President. He is a pretty Large Man not very fat about 50 years old as I guess, Speaks English tollerably well

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for a Frenchman, was Richly but Decently Dressed, Behaved with Ease &c Dignity without any of the foppish airs of your low bred French men. He has the Sole power of ordering the Count de Estaing the French admiral with his Squadron as he pleases. The names of the French Line of Battle Ships in the Squadron are, the Languedock 90 Guns, Tonant 80, Caesar 74, Zele 74, Hector 74, Protector 74, Marselles 74, Guerrier 74, Fantesque 64, Province, 64, Valliant 64, Sagittaire 50 Guns. RC (NhHi).

Elias Boudinot to Hannah Boudinot

My dearest Love Philadelphia July 14th. 1778 I am distressed to account for your total Silence, not having recieved a Line from Home since my departure: my [fears] are raised in proportion to my Anxiety for your welfare and Comfort. I have wrote you several Letters lately, by different Opportunities. Yesterday I had the Honor to dine with La Sieur Gerard Minister plenipotentiary to his most Christian Majesty. He is about 50 Years of Age, appears to be a Modest, Grave, decent, cheerfull Man-highly pleased with our Country and the Struggles we have made for Liberty. A Committee of Congress were appointed to wait on him at Chester.(1) On their Arrival a Barge with 12 Oarsmen dressed in Scarlet trimmed with Silver, were ready to recieve them. When the Barge was half way to the Ship, she lay on her Oars and fifteen Guns were fired. When they came to the Ship her Sides were Manned & our Committee were recieved on the Deck by the Marines with posted Arms. At the Gang way they met the Plenipotentiary &c &c and were conducted into the great Cabbin, where the Compliments of Congratulation being given they returned to the Shore in the same Manner and with the same Ceremony, accompanied by the Sieur Gerard, Mr Deane &c &c. Here were four Coaches with four Horses our Committee had prepared, in which they returned to this City, when they were saluted with 15 Guns. We have had an Acct. yesterday, that one of our Armed Ships called the Ranger of 18 Guns & 123 Men, being on the Coast of Ireland, the Drake a frigate of 20 Guns & 158 Men was sent out to take her, but after an Engagement of 65 Minutes, she struck to the Ranger, Capt. Jones-having lost the Capt., Lieut. & 42 Men. Capt. Jones lost the Cap of his Marines and about 8 Men. After this the Ranger sailed into Whitehaven, burned all the Ships in the Harbour, and spiked up about 30 Cannon in the fort & came off. [During?] his Passage he took 5 Prizes besides the Drake. Whitehaven is on the Coast of England in the Irish Channel.

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I am very happily situated here, considering my absence from a beloved Wife. Am under great Obligations to Mrs. Franklin for her kind attention. I shall soon be quite settled when I hope to have some leisure, to write you fully. We are preparing for a publick Reception of the Sieur Gerard when he will have a publick Audience. I will let you know the Ettiquette used on this Occasion. I know it will tend to divert your lonely moments, altho' I confess I should prefer another mode, was it in my Power. My most affectionate Love to Susan-remember me to all as if named-And believe me to be with very peculiar Esteem, My dearest Love, Your highly [. . .] Husband, Boudinot RC (NN) 1 See JCC, 11:685. For Gerard's arrival in America, and his July 15 report to the French foreign minister Vergennes on his trip to Philadelphia, see John J. Meng, "Philadelphia Welcomes America's First Foreign Representative," records of the American Catholic Historical Society 45 (March 1934): 5147.

James Lovell to Samuel P. Savage

Sir, July 14th. 1778 Yesterday came to hand the Letters which you were so obliging as to inclose to me the 2d Instant. I thank you for your Care and congratulate you upon the fair Prospect of ruining the Plans of our Enemies if not of also destroying many of themselves by the Cooperation of General Washingtons Army with the Fleet under Count D'Estang wch. is before this Time at Sandy Hook. The Count is plenipotentiary as to military Operations. Should he find it best to visit Rh Island first I hope you can find Voluntiers enough to cooperate instantly with him. A small spirited Number would be sufficient for the Purpose. Every armed Vessel which you have in port should be ready for Business. First Moments are precious. The Enemy must not have Time to recover from the Surprize which this unexpected Activity of France will occasion. Several of their Vessels have been taken by this Fleet of our Allies. Mr. Hancock setts off Tomorrow and will give you many particulars which I now omit. Your obliged, humble Servant, James Lovell RC (Mhi).

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James Lovell to William Whipple

Dear Sir, July 14th. 1778. Your Satyrveimic favor of the 30 of June came yesterday to hand. I enviously thank you for it; for you write like a man happy by the side of a charming woman, and whom nothing can vex. I will now only say you ought to be here at this period as a balance to the days of vexation you have formerly known in the service of your country in this rotten hearted State. Though our own Navy has dwindled Sadly, we now hold up our heads upon the strength of our allies by sea. The Count d'Estang is plenipotentiary for co-operation with General Washington and has proceeded immediately to Sandy Hook. The Languedoc is a very swift sailor, and though called a 90, has upwards of 100 carriage guns and 1200 men. The enemy have many ships, but their fifties half manned will not be able to stand an engagement with double manned 74's & 64's of the French. Mr. Hancock sets out for Town to morrow and will probably gain Some intelligence in his rout which being published in the Gazettes at his arrival will reach you and discover interesting events of the joint operations of France and America. Nine States have Signed the Confederation and there is no doubt but Georgia, Delaware and Jersey will soon sign. Maryland will take airs and plague us, but upon our determination to confederate anew, 12 will do as She has always done before-come in without grace. J. P. Jones has behaved to your liking-his conduct alone will make England keep her ships at home. My love to your friends, J.L. Tr (DLC).

Henry Marchant to John Carter

Sir,(1) Philadelphia July 14th. 1778. Your agreable Favour of the 2d Instant, I recd. yesterday. As Congress was designed by its Institution to be a true Representation of the Minds of its Constituents; So that Body finds itself happy when Acts and Resolutions of material Consequence, merit the Universal Approbation. The Scene brightens, grows more and more interesting, and calls for new and fresh Exertions of Senatorial Wisdom. We advance into the Circle and Standing of mighty Nations-Adepts in all the Pollicy of Peace and War. May Heaven protect Our Youth and prove the Friend, Protector and Councellor of America!

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I shall inclose you the Paper of this Day; which will render many Observations useless.(2) I had the Honor last Sabbath of welcoming in Person the Plenipotentiary of France to these United States. Grand and important is the Year 1778. We behold with Wonder and Astonishment a Leap of at least a Century. Sturdy indeed and wonderfully Successfull thro' Divine Assistance, have been the efforts of the well sinewed American Confederacy. As I was present at, so I never was Witness to a more elevating and unspeakably joyous Interview than that between the Plenipotentiary of His most Christian Majesty, and the President of Congress in the Name and Behalf of the thirteen United States of America. It was reciprocally easy, graceful, Endearing and Noble. May it presage a happy Issue to the American Struggle and a growing and undecaying Glory that shall diffuse its grateful Influences thro' the World. You inform me the Enemy are mowing the Islands (for us I hope). I expect They will soon leave Rhode Island. They must gather in their Forces-and I hope They will find enough to do beyond Our Coasts. I should be surprised indeed to find The Towns in our State at present not in a Situation to be taxed, thrown out of a Representation. Can there be a Man that apprehends the Doctrine of Taxation & Representation used agt. Great Britain, to be in Point. Who are the greatest Sufferers, those who pay Taxes, or those whom the Enemy have deprived for the Present of any Ability to pay any? Who may be presumed to be most attached to Our Cause-or can it be supposed that with Their Estates they have lost the Powers of Wisdom to advise in Councill, or Hands to fight in the Field? Tenderness to Tories uniformly Enemies to Our Existance, and Listening Ears to the Female Prophetess, are dangerous Symptoms. I am greatly pleased that Genl. Sullivan's Exertions gains him Confidence and Honor with our State. Should the British Troops continue there still-And the French Fleet by & by enter our Harbour-I hope the Genl. will signalize himself, and will have a noble Train of Volunteer Spirits following his Example and supporting his Measures. I have in my Turn Sir to acknowledge Your Politeness, for a Long Time while in another publick office in the State, and during the Time I have had the Honor of a Seat in Congress, in favouring me with your interesting Paper. As I know you would choose to be informed, that so abuses may be rectified if possible, The Post before the last, of yesterday, & the Post before that brought me no Paper; which from the regular manner in which you have pleased to supply me, I attribute to some Abuses in the Post-Offices. I have given you a long galloping Letter, but as I have not often Time enough to oblige You to submit to so great a mispenditure of Time in reading, You'l excuse it.

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My compts. to Mrs. Carter and all enquiring Friends. I am Your Friend & Servt. Hy Marchant RC (R-Ar). 1 John Carter (1745-1814) was the printer of the Providence Gazette. DAB. 2 This day's issue of the Pennsylvania Packet contained an account of Gerard's arrival in Philadelphia.

Henry Marchant to William Greene

Sir, Philadelphia, July 14th, 1778. As I shall enclose to your Excellency the newspaper of this day, I have no occasion to add, but that I had the honor of being present the last Sabbath at the most interesting interview that ever took place in America, or perhaps in the world, between Monsieur Gerard, the Plenipotentiary of France, and the President of Congress, on the part of the Sovereign, Independent United States of America. This interview was most cordial, generous and noble. In my turn, I had the honor of personally congratulating his Excellency upon his safe arrival, and giving him a hearty welcome to the United States of America. I am in daily expectation of hearing that Rhode Island is evacuated. Most respectfully I am, Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant, H. J. Marchant. MS not found; reprinted from "Revolutionary Correspondence from 1775 to 1782," Collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society 6 (1867): 215.

Samuel Adams to James Warren

My dear sir, Philade July 15 1778 Mr H. (1) informs me that he will certainly set off for Boston immediately after Dinner, and being now in Congress I have Time only to write you a short Letter. The Sieur Gerard will soon have an Audience in Congress, in the Stile of "Minister Plenipotentiary of his most Christian Majesty the King of France." Would you think that one so little of the Man of the World as I am should be joynd in a Committee to settle Ceremonials. It is however of some Importance that we agree upon Forms that are adapted to the true republican Principles; for this Instance may be recurrd to as a Precedent in Futurity. The Articles of Confederation were signd last Week by seven States. North Carolina has sent a full Ratification of it, so the Mem-

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bers of that State will sign when they arrive which is expected in a few Days. Congress has written a Letter to the States of Georgia, Maryland, Delaware & Jersey pressing them to authorize their Delegates to joyn in this most necessary Transaction.(2) I believe there will [be] no Difficulty except with Maryland, & she will finally accede. The Articles have undergone no Alterations. The French Minister arrivd in this City on Lords Day, and the day following, last Monday, the Delegates of Massachusetts Bay paid him their Compliments in Town. I know not that those of any other State have observd this Ceremony. It appeard to us highly proper. We were receivd with Politeness and heard some handsome Things said of the State we have the Honor to represent. The Minister plenipotentiary deliverd to Congress a Letter from his Sovereign expressd in the strongest Terms of Affection & Friendship. I can at present add no more than to inform you, that your Nephew, the son of my old Friend James Otis Esq, came into this City a few Days ago with the Intention of purchasing some Necessaries, but being destitute of Cash his Friends were under a Necessity of supplying him with the Sum of twenty pounds Lawful Money for the Repayment of which I have taken his written Request to his Grandfather, agreably to his own Proposal. I have indorsd the order and inclosd it in this Letter. I know not whether this will altogether meet with Approbation. I was the rather inclind to interrest my self for this young Gentleman, because I have been satisfactorily informd that he has behavd well in his military Character. I gave my best Advice respecting his Morals When you receive the Money you will please to repay to Mr. Hancock fourteen Dollars and thirteen & two thirds to Mr Dana, (both which Gentlemen will be at Boston shortly) and the Remainder to Mrs A., upon Notice of which I will account with two other Gentlemen concernd, Mr Holten & Col Pickering.(3) I remain Your very affectionate, S A [P.S.] Mr Dana desires his particular Respects to you. RC (MHi). 1 That is, John Hancock. 2 See Henry Laurens to Certain States, July 10, 1778. 3 The younger James Otis was also the subject of a special entry in the diary of Samuel Holten: "July 14, 1778. 1 let the Hon. Samuel Adams, Esqr. have £4. of which he is to pay unto James Otis (a minr) being my part of what the Delegates of our State have agreed to advance to sd minr., and Mr. Adams is to write to his friends and procure the money, & acct with me for the same." MdaAr.

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Henry Laurens to John Lewis Gervais

Dear Sir 15th July [1778] I confirm and beg leave to refer to the preceding duplicate of a letter which I had the honor of writing to you the 23d June by way of Maryland. I could now if circumstances permitted fill two or three pages with important Intelligence and nothing would give me more pleasure than devoting an hour or two to your service or amusement, but I am limited. I was not allowed to write a single line to any body by Mr. Archibald Brown who left me the 9th Instant, and I believe waited on the road a day in expectation of Letters from me. At present I must be brief and refer you for particulars where you can find them in papers which will be wrapped up with this, and to our friend Mr. Lowndes, to whom I shall send other papers and write a little more copiously. You will learn also almost every thing from the Chief Justices communications, he devotes all his leisure minutes to collecting and transmitting news, and I help him upon all occasions with materials. He is a perfect Miser in gathering but very liberal in diffusing and by his means Carolina will be fully informed, the great end will therefore be answered and I must avail myself of the advantage of so good a Colleague. If I have any objection to his conduct 'tis that he will not frame public Letters to be subscribed by all the Delegates which ought to be done, but here he is a Miser again, why should I write, says he, for A.B.C. From one and another you must therefore expect to collect all that is fit and necessary to offer. You will have such free access to the Papers in the hands of His Excellency as will save you the trouble of reading here, what passes away like a shadow, news only begets appetite for more and never satisfies. When you are told that Monsr. or Le Sr. Gerard is arrived, you will be anxious to learn the reception he has met, and the important concerns he is charged with-That Monsr. Le Count d'Estaing had passed Barnagat and had anchored off Sandy Hook, there will be a chasm, and a painful one too on your mind until you hear whether he has Burgoyned the British Fleet and Army at New York or caught a Tartar. Informing you that I have transmitted orders to General Washington to co-operate with the French Vice Admiral to dispose of the Army under General Gates at North River, and to call in the aid of the Militia from the six northern and eastern States (1)-the wonder will be, whether General Pigot surrendered his garrison at Rhode Island, or made his escape, or maintained his ground? When I tell you that hitherto Congress have only talked of a Table but seem to evade all Measures for covering one, either with an House or Viands,(2) that I am forced every day to entertain Delegates, Strangers

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and sometimes Minister plenipo. you will naturally ask, will Mount Tacitus, Mepkin &c support the expence? I can assure you their produce must be uncommonly ample if they answer in the affirmative. If my diurnal Account amounted at York Town to near fifty Dollars, what will be the sum in Philadelphia, I hope not much more. Be that as it may, I must bear it until the Celebration of All Saints-the first time I ever wished for the arrival of a Saints day since I left school; then by the Grace of God I mean to break Up.(3) You will see that Your friend Colo. Laurens has again been in the way of danger and honor, besides having his horse fall under him by a deadly shot he has received a slight contusion from a spent ball which he has not mentioned. I learnt it from Colonel Boudinot. When General Lee's tryal is ended, you shall be informed of certain particulars which had excited my jealousy of my old friend antecedent to the march from Valley Forge-he has written two Pieces and caused them to be published in the Jersey Gazette relative to the Battle of Monmouth. I have not read them, but have been informed they contain no proofs of his discretion.(4) I intend to draw on Mr. Nutt for eight hundred and ten Pounds Sterling,(5) which will produce me here at least ten thousand two hundred and sixty dollars, perhaps five hundred and forty more. I am offer'd 475 Currency for 1 Sterling, and am taught to expect five for one. You will take this under consideration in lodging the attachment, if he pays my Bill the expence of the attachment will of course be mine, e contra, the precaution will be found to have been necessary.(6) LB (ScHi). 1 See Laurens to Washington, July 10, 1778. 2 For further information on this point, see Laurens to Rawlins Lowndes, May 17, 1778, note 9. 3 All Saints Day, which falls on November 1, would mark the first anniversary of Laurens' election as president of Congress. 4 See Joseph Reed to Charles Lee, July 10, 1778. 5 See Laurens to John Nutt, July 21, 1778. 6 For the continuation of this letter, see Laurens to Gervais, July 18, 1778.

Henry Laurens to Rawlins Lowndes

Dear Sir 15th July [1778] I had the Honor of addressing your Excellency the 27th Ulto. through the hands of Governor Henry via Williamsburg. On that day I left York Town and arrived here the 30th-from various impediments I could not collect a sufficient number of States to form a Congress earlier than the 7th Instant; one was the offensiveness of the air in and around the State House, which the Enemy had made

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an Hospital and left it in a condition disgraceful to the Character of civility. Particularly they had opened a large square pit near the House, a receptacle for filth, into which they had also cast dead horses and the bodies of Men who by the mercy of death had escaped from their further cruelties. I cannot proceed to a new subject before I add a curse on their savage practices. Congress in consequence of this disappointment have been shuffling from Meeting House to College Hall the last seven days & have not performed half the business which might and ought to have been done, in a more commodious situation. The several Papers which your Excellency will receive within the present cover, No. 1 to No. 15 will contain much Intelligence of our Public Affairs, and more minutely than my time will allow me to repeat in a Letter, wherefore Sir, I beg leave to refer to these and to request you will communicate to Mr. Wells all that your Excellency shall judge proper for publication, he is very good in sending me his Gazettes and other Intelligence and my duties will not always permit me to make exact and direct returns. On Sunday last the Committee appointed for the purpose received Monsr. Gerard at Chester, and under a respectible Cavalcade conducted him to temporary Apartments at General Arnold's, where the Committee, a few other Members of Congress including myself dined with him. On Monday he dined with me, walk'd an hour in the Evening and yesterday Morning Monsr. Girard breakfasted with me and explained his Mission for the information of Congress. He intimated to me his powers for appearing in the Character of Minister Plenipotentiary, or more simply a Resident; "that which he should assume awaited the determination of Congress respecting the public Character of their Minister or Ministers at the Court of Versailles, who without full powers would in many instances find themselves incapable of accomplishing essential services to these States." He marked the distinction of Ambassador, a character in which he did not appear, and put into my hands Copy of the Kings' sign Manual appointing him Minister Plenipo: another by which he is appointed Consul General in the several United States with powers to depute and several other Papers,(1) Copies of some of these Your Excellency will find among the numbers abovementioned. No. [ ] respecting Prizes which may be made by American Vessels of War is another mark of the good will of our illustrious Ally and ought to be published immediately.(2) These Papers I laid before Congress and reported all the necessary articles of conversation with Monsr. Girard. A Committee of three are appointed for considering & reporting upon the subject and upon a proper mode for receiving Monsr. Girard in form.(3) The Court of France probably could not have discovered a Man in Europe so equal to the task assigned the Minister Plenipotentiary

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as is Monsr. Girard-a Man of Politeness, Good Breeding and affability without troublesome ceremony. Of good sense and quick perceptions without shew or ostentation, and well read in the History of Man. Very seldom, Sir, do I suffer myself to pronounce an opinion of any Man upon so short and slight an acquaintance; even the present Case, although I have seen many marks which induce me to believe well of this Gentlemans candour and integrity of Heart, I proceed in my judgment not a step beyond visibility, and keep as I hold we ought all to keep upon every Stranger in high Character, all the necessary Guards awake. One article of Conversation with Sier Gerard I ought not to omit, I think it important, and that it will please Your Excellency. With a view of learning what reception at home those French Gentlemen had met, who had returned some eight or nine Months ago murmuring and dissatisfied; I took occasion to intimate some concern at the disappointment which many of them had suffered, and in honor of Congress added brief Accounts of what had been granted to numbers of French Officers now in our Army, that it had been impossible to gratify the wishes of every one for grade, that in general such as had been Commissioned by Congress had performed good service, and done honor to their Nation, that some of these Gentlemen from their bravery and propriety of conduct were held in the highest esteem &c. &c. Mr. Gerard replied, The Court had seen with pain so many French men applying for permission to resort to the American Army, very few of whom had received encouragement, the Court were sensible that crouds of Foreigners applying for Commissions would tend to embarrass Congress, that since his arrival in Philadelphia there had been many applications made to him for recommendations, every one of which he had refused to listen to, and that I might rest satisfied Congress would never be troubled with Petitions under his auspices. Mr. Silas Deane is returned to Congress in pursuance of an Order in the last Winter, the dissentions among our croud of Commissioners at Paris are become notorious and I was going to add scandalous, particulars have been imparted to me in several Letters, but I have hitherto sealed my lips, and I hope Congress will, by a judicious seperation, supercede the Call for investigation and avert the impending evil of keeping jarring minds in one employ. Mr. Deane has delivered me an handsome testimonial in his favor from Monsr. Vergennes, one of the Ministers at the Court of Versailles, signed by the Kings order and accompanied with his Majestys' Picture in a Gold Box, superbly surrounded by two rows of Diamonds.(4) Le Sier Gerard speaks of and entertains him with distinguishing respect. Doctor Franklin has also written to me, expressing an high sense of Mr. Deane's merits (5)-those who differ in opinion with the Doctor, say all these recommendations are mere etiquette

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and partiality. I shall form no conclusion until I learn much more than has hitherto come to my knowledge. I believe they are all good Men, but I know there are in some of them vile tempers, which alloy their general goodness. Inclosed herein your Excellency will find a Bill dated 4th June 1778 by the Marquis de la Fayette on Messrs. John Crips and Comp. for seven thousand dollars, and a Promisary Note by Archibald Browne Esqr. 7th July for £1726.5.-Carolina Currency, sums which I supplied those Gentlemen respectively as a good means of removing so much out of the public treasury here into our own, and shall with the concurrence of my Colleagues remit all that remains after ascertaining a sum necessary to be reserved for the use of the Delegates, unless Your Excellency and the Privy Council shall otherwise direct. I had relied on my Colleague the Chief Justice for the frame of a general Address from the Delegates from our State to Your Excellency, accounting for our proceedings respecting Confederation, but am disappointed, I believe he has written fully on the subject in his private Letters to Your Excellency,(6) to his Advices therefore I beg leave at present to refer, but I shall urge the propriety and necessity for laying before the Legislature from whom we derived our authority, a proper report of our conduct. I foresee I shall be obliged to detain this Messenger a day or two, in which time articles of Intelligence will accumulate, whatever happens worthy Your Excellencys notice shall be transmitted in the Packet which shall be kept open to the last moment. I have taken the liberty to refer the late President (7) and Mr. Gervais as well as Mr. Wells to Your Excellency for news, in my present circumstances 'tis barely possible for me to keep pace with my public duties, my own private concerns receive not the smallest attention from me. Your Excellency's favors of the 28th May and 17th June lie before me, (8) and I had intended to pay the respect due to them by this Messenger, but 'tis now impossible. I therefore intreat your indulgence, Sir, until the next-and that you will be assured I Am with very great Esteem and Respect, Sir, Your Excellency's &c. LB (ScHi). 1 The March 28 documents authorizing Gerard to act as minister plenipotentiary and consul general are in JCC, 11:753-54, and Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:522. 2 This day Congress ordered publication of part of a July 14 letter from Gerard to Laurens stating that American vessels could retain custody of any British ships they captured while operating with d'Estaing's squadron. See JCC, 11:691; and Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:645 46. 3 See JCC, 11:688, 696-701, 703, 707-8, 753-57. 4 Vergennes' "testimonial" on Deane's behalf is in Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:519-20

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5 See Franklin's March 31 letter to Laurens in Franklin, Writings (Smyth), 7:128. 6 No letters from William Henry Drayton to President Lowndes have been found . 7 John Rutledge. 8 There are transcripts of these letters in the Laurens Papers, ScHi. Although both letters were private, on July 11 Laurens had read to Congress extracts of the June 17 letter "respecting the cloathier's department in South Carolina, and . . . some practices relative to loan office certificates," which were then referred to appropriate committees for action. See JCC, 11:682.

John Penn to Richard Caswell

Dear Sir, Philada July l5th 1778. Colo. Williams never gave me the certificate of our appointment untill a few days ago when we parted, he chusing to be inoculated for the small pox at Alexandria. I was then hurried & did not examine it, not having the least reason to doubt but that the powers given to the Delegates were the same as usual, however on producing the Commission it was so worded as to make it absolutely necessary that all the Members should be present to give us a right to vote. As it may be a long time before Mr. Harnet arrives or Colo. Williams gets over the Smallpox I have thought it my duty to write to you by express, requesting that your Excellency would be pleased to mention whether one Gentn. by the design of the Genl. Assembly cannot vote, if so you will be pleased to send a Commission for that purpose; but if no alteration can be made pray inform Mr. Harnet that it is absolutely necessary for him to repair to Philada. without delay. I find my self in a disagreeable situation wch. is the reason of my application to you, I was told that the Assembly expected that the Delegates were upon the same terms as formerly.(1) Mr. Gerrard a French Minister is here He is to reside in America. War is declared by France against England-a large Fleet from that Nation arrived at Sandy hook several days ago & are gone to New York to take possession of the British Fleet there, we expect to hear of an action every hour General Washing has crossed the No. River, & General Gates is in the neighbourhood of King's bridge with a considerable body. Our force will be upwards of 20,000. The French have 3 or 4000 men more than they want to man their ships who may be disposed of as Genl. Washington thinks proper, so that most Gentn. are of opinion we shall soon be in possession of New York, in short our affairs seem to be in as good away as we could wish. Mr. Deane is in Town, he is highly recommended by the King of France. I beg your Excellency will let me hear from you as soon as possible. I had almost forgot to tell you that Genl. Lee is under an

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arrest, what the sentence will be is not known, however he has made it a quarrel with Genl Washington & of course you know he must fail. I shall write you by every opportunity. I am with due respect, Your Excellency's most obt. hble Servt. John Penn P.S. Some matters of very great Importance will soon come on, it is the wish of the Southern States that No. Carolina should vote as I am confident it was not the design of the General Assembly to alter our old mode of one Delegate's representing the State, I hope your Excellency will send a Commn. for that purpose, however the Clerks may have expressed the resolution of the Assembly, or we shall have nothing to do or say this year. Inclosed is a news paper. J.P. RC (NcU) 1 The somewhat ambiguously worded May 22, 1778, credentials of the North Carolina delegates are in JCC, 11:695. In response to Penn's plea for clarification of them, Governor Caswell wrote to him on August 13 and enclosed a new commission raising the number of North Carolina delegates from three to five and authorizing any two of them to cast the state's vote in Congress. N.C. State Records, 13:207-8, 467-68. Long before these documents reached Philadelphia, however, Penn began to cast North Carolina's vote after Congress decided, on July 24, that "any one of the delegates of North Carolina is empowered, when only one is present, to give the vote of that state." JCC, 11:715, 718.

Jonathan Bayard Smith to Caesar Rodney

Sir Philadelphia July 15th. 1778 I am informed that a party of the militia of your State has destroyed all my buildings on Bombayhook; & it is said to have been done by your orders on an idea of its being necessary for the public service.(1) In this case I would not presume to suppose you judged wrong, & my uniform opinion has been that private interests must give way to the public necessities. But as I have also been informed that it was a voluntary sacrifice on the mere inconsideration of the persons who made it; & some suggestions have been intimated that personal & interested motives had some influence with the party, I beg the favor of your Excellency to indulge me with information of the orders under which the militia acted, if they had any. The loss of the buildings, of the current rents, & of considerable arrearages which must take place is considerable, & not merited by a person who has sacrificed already so much of his interest, & his whole time for several years to the service of his country. I beg your Excellencys pardon for giving you this trouble, and shall only add that if you, or the government of your state have directed the measure, I shall have the fullest confidence in its having been proper & necessary.

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With very great Respect, I am, your excellencys most humble servant, Jona. B Smith RC (PHi) 1 President Rodney's August 11 letter explaining that Continental, not Delaware, troops had been responsible for the destruction of Smith's property at Bombay Hook, Newcastle County, Del., is in Rodney, Letters (Ryden), pp. 278-79,

William Henry Drayton's Draft Address to

Conrad Alexandre Gerard

[July 16-30, 1778](1) Fully sensible of the blessings which are likely to flow from the treaties between France & these United States, it is with true pleasure Congress view those engagements at once demonstrating his wisdom & magnanimity & commanding the Reverence of all Nations. His beneficent attention to the rights & Happiness of Mankind has gained to him the veneration of the virtuous Citizens of America & intitle him to gratitude of their latest posterity. It is the hope & opinion of Congress that the Confidence His Majesty reposes in the firmness of these States will receive additional strength from every day's experience of their conduct. Had the Independence & Repose of America depended solely on the King your Master, there is no doubt, but that both had been long since established. That lust of domination which has drawn so much blood, must ever be detested.(2) By deception, fire & sword these States were driven to assume a station among the Nations of the Earth to which they were intitled by laws human & divine.(3) They could not but virtuously endeavour to sustain a war brought upon them from afar: a war arising from a lust of domination ever to be deplored: a war prosecuted by the enemy with a degree of outrage & cruelty, as disgraceful to their arms & counsels, as unprecedented among civilized Nations. Maturely reflecting upon the ruinous consequences of a passive conduct America met the attack aimed at every thing her People held valuable & dear, when she scarce had arms to oppose the shock:(4) the unexpected conflict reduced her to the last extremity, but relying upon the justice of her cause she had no apprehension for the event. During the progress of the war the Divine interpositions in her favour became manifest; & in no instance more conspicuous than in moving the heart of your Sovereign in favour of our exertions. He has the glory of being the first Prince in Europe who declared himself a friend & ally to the oppressed United States alone struggling in defence of rights not confined to them but extended to all mankind. That same lust of domination which origi-

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nated the war yet prolonges & extends its calamities. America wishes to sheathe the sword & stop the further effusion of blood. The King of G. B. pretends to have sent commissioners to restore peace;(5) but such a peace as would benefit these United States is not in their hearts-at least they have not acceded to any condition preparitory to that end, which Congress has proposed. Hence it is with pity & concern Congress view the necessity of continuing the war & they are determined by every means in their power to fulfill those eventual engagements formed between France & these United States which from the hostile measures & designes of the common enemy have compleatly acquired positive & permanent force & operation. The arrival of the Naval force so wisely sent by His Most Christian Majesty to cooperate with the arms of these States under God promise the speedy establishment of that Peace which is the object of the Alliance between the two Nations. The common enemy deaf to the voice of reason, are to be roused to a sense of justice only by the din of Arms. We trust that our combined efforts will secure the Independence of N. America in a peace promoting the true interests of France, America, Europe & Mankind. Nor do we doubt but that those who administer the powers of government within these United States will in all things labour to confirm & cement that Union with the Subjects of France, the beneficial Effects of which have been already so sensibly felt. Informed of your past conduct in the affairs of these States, it is with the most cordial pleasure Congress receive you Sir, as His M. C. M. Minister Plenipotentiary, & they are perfectly satisfied that you will endeavour to obey your instructions in such a manner as will intitle you to the confidence & friendship of the Representatives of the United States of America. MS (PPL). In the hand of William Henry Drayton. 1 The provenance of this document is obscure. On July 16 Gerard submitted to Congress a copy of the speech he intended "to deliver at his public audience," which was referred to a committee consisting of Richard Henry Lee, Gouverneur Morris, and John Witherspoon. This committee, on July 25, reported a draft reply to Gerard's speech, but their effort was found inadequate and Congress instead referred the matter to a second committee consisting of Joseph Reed, Francis Dana, and Witherspoon. The following day, July 30, Congress approved "a new draught" submitted by this committee, which was used by President Laurens on August 6 during Gerard's public reception in Congress. See JCC, 11:695, 722, 726, 730, 733, 753-57. William Henry Drayton's draft reply to Gerard is a longer version of the one President Laurens used on August 6-and therein lies the mystery. For Drayton was not a member of either of the committees appointed to draft a reply to the French envoy, and there is no evidence in other surviving papers of the delegates that he took part in this process. Yet a careful comparison of Drayton's draft reply with the one approved by Congress clearly shows that the latter borrows heavily from the former. In the absence of positive evidence, one can only conjecure that either President Laurens, a fellow South Carolinian, or a member of

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one of the aforementioned committees solicited Drayton's ideas on a proper response to Gerard. In any event, it seems that Drayton prepared this manuscript sometime between the appointment of the first drafting committee on July 16 and the approval of the second draft on July 30. 2 Drayton originally wrote "That lust of domination which has drawn so much blood, 8¢ prolonged 8<< aggravated the miseries of mankind is to be lamented deplored: we" and then altered it to read as above. 3 After this sentence Drayton first wrote and then deleted: "The blood that has been shed lies upon the heads of those who." 4 At this point Drayton first wrote and then deleted: "and but relying on the justice of her cause, altho' reduced to the last extremity she never relaxed in her exertions in defence of her rights." 5 At this point Drayton first wrote and then deleted: "they have applied to Congress upon this subject."

Samuel Holten's Diary

JULY 16 [1778] Attended in Congress; I was invited to dine at the city Tavern with Monsr. Gerard, but declined on account of my health. (1). MS (MDaAr). 1 Holten had also commented on his health in his diary entry for the 15th. "Attended in Congress, am some better as to my health. I sent a Packet of Letters by Mr Hancock to Mrs. Holten."

Letter to Francis Dana

[July 16, 1778](1) Dear Sir, Private. Philadelphia June 10th 1778. It gives me great pleasure to find your name among the list of Congress, because I am persuaded from personal knowledge of me and my family and connections you can entertain no jealousy that I would engage in the execution of any commission that was inamicable to the rights and privileges of America or the general libertys of mankind. While on the other hand your character must be so well known that no man will suspect you will yield any point that is contrary to the real interest of your country and therefore it will be presumed we will loose no opportunity from false punctilio of meeting to discuss our differences fairly, and that if we do agree, it will be on the most liberal, and therefore the most lasting terms of union. There are three facts I wish to assure you of. First that Doctor Franklin on the 29th of March last in discussing the several articles we wish to make the basis of our treaty was perfectly satisfied they were beneficial to North America and such as he should accept.

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Second that this treaty with France was not the first treaty that France had exacted and with which Mr. Simeon Dean had put to sea, but granted and acceded to after the sentiments of the people of Great Britain had fully changed, after the friends to America had gained their points for reconciliation, and solely with a view to disappoint the good effects of our endeavors. You will be pleased to hear the pamphlet wrote by Mr. Pulteney (2) was a great means of opening the minds of the people of England to the real state of the question between us, and that it has run through 13 editions. The third fact is that Spain unasked, had sent a formal message disapproving of the conduct of France. These I will engage to prove to your satisfaction. I beg to recommend to your personal civilities my friend Doctr. Ferguson. He is a man of the greatest genius and virtue and has always been a steady friend to America. Private.(3) ....................................................................................................... ... If you follow the example of Britain in the hour of her pride, insolence, and madness and refuse to hear us, I still expect, since I am here, to have the privilege of coming among you and seeing the country, as there are many men whose virtues I admire above Greek or Roman Names that I should be glad to tell my children about. I am with esteem & affection, Dear Sir, your friend and servant, Geo. Johnstone. The Substance of the above Letter is truly diverting. Let it be remembered that it is to a Member of Congress and informs him of what? Why that Doctor Franklin on the twenty ninth of March, approved the Propositions of which Govr. Johnstone was the Bearer. At the Moment of receiving this Letter the Gentleman to whom it was directed had before him the Treaties executed with France & signed by Doctor Franklin. One of two Things must be the Case either Govr. Johnstone believes what he says or he does not; if the latter he is a Knave if the former a Dupe. The next piece of Information is that France exacted as he is pleased to express himself another Treaty which had been sent to Sea by Simeon Deane. Unfortunately again Mr. Simeon Deane was on the Spot to meet the false Allegation. But the third glowing glaring Stroke of Intelligence is the Conduct of Spain. Govr. Johnstone will learn in a very few Weeks what will be the Conduct of his most Catholic Majesty. And I venture to pledge myself that it will be found as different from his Representation as Light from Darkness. MS (DLC). Although Morris' appended notes are in his own hand, this text of George Johnstone's letter to Francis Dana is a transcript in a clerical hand. For Dana's copy of this extract of Johnstone's letter, see William Henry Drayton to the Carlisle Commissioners, July 18, 1778, note 5. 1 On this day Francis Dana submitted to Congress the following extract-"as far as relates to public matters"-of a June 10 letter he had received from George

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Johnstone, an action prompted by Congress' July 9 order requiring the delegates to lay before it all letters addressed to them by "any of the British commissioners or their agents, or from any subject of the king of Great Britain, of a public nature." See JCC, 11:678, 694. Although Morris' notes were obviously intended to serve as the basis for a newspaper essay on Johnstone's letter, he probably decided not to expand them for publication because of William Henry Drayton's comprehensive refutation of Johnstone's allegations in his July 18 letter the Carlisle commissioners. 2 See William Johnstone-Pulteney, Thoughts on the Present State of Affairs with America, and the Means for Conciliation (London: J. Dodsley and T. Cadell, 1778). Johnstone-Pulteney was a member of the House of Commons and the brother of George Johnstone. Gerrit P. Judd, IV, Members of Parliament, 1734-1832 (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1955), p. 243. 3 This word was inserted in the extract to indicate the omission of an indeterminate part of Johnstone's letter pertaining to private affairs

Henry Laurens to William Livingston

Sir 17th July [1778] Your Excellency's Letter of the 25th Ulto. reached me in this City.(1) Here many impediments prevented the forming Congress earlier than the 7th Instant. On the 8th I had the honor of presenting that Letter and the pleasure of perceiving an high degree of indignation kindling in the minds of Members as I advanced in unfolding the villianous attempts of the Enemy against Your Excellencys' Person. This indignation was discernable even in Gentlemens countenances, but more strongly marked in expressions suitable to the occasion which broke forth from many quarters of the House. The Letter was committed, but our attention almost ever since that period has been drawn to the businesses which Your Excellency well knows, naturally arise from the arrival of a Minister Plenipotentiary in the City where Congress sit-And the fleet of an Ally on the Coast which Congress wished to have cleared of Enemies-from these considerations Your Excellency will not be surprized that a report has not yet come up from the Committee. A Gentleman who says he is of Jersey, has pressed me closely for a Commission and instructions for a private ship of War equipped by him in that State. In order to put the business in the best course I have in a seperate Packet folded four Commissions, Instructions and Bonds and directed the Packet to Your Excellency. From you, Sir, this Gentleman may, if it shall be proper, obtain a Commission and Instructions upon executing a Bond in due form. I should, if I were hastily to gratify his importunity, act blindfold. I Am, With the highest Esteem & Regard LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 Governor Livingston's June 25 letter to Laurens is not in PCC or the

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Laurens Papers, ScHi. Although this letter was referred to a committee on July 8, there is no evidence in the journals that Congress took further action on it. JCC, 11:674.

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Sir. Philadelphia 17th July 1778. Your Excellency's favor of the 14th Inst. which came to hand pretty late last Evening I shall have the honor of presenting to Congress this Morning.(1) At present I have no other Commands on me, but to transmit the Inclosed Act of Congress of the 15th Inst. for receiving & subsisting Prisoners of War which may be taken by the Squadron under the Command of Vice Admiral Count d'Estaing, to which I beg leave to refer.(2) And remain, With the most sincere Regard & Respect, sir, Your Excellency's Most obedient & most humble servant, Henry Laurens, President of Congress. RC (DLC). 1 Washington's July 14 letter to Laurens, dealing with his plans for cooperating with the comte d'Estaing, is in PCC, item 152, 6:167-68, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:180-81. 2 See JCC, 11 :690-91.

Marine Committee to the Comte d'Estaing

Sir July 17th 1778 I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the 12th instant about the means of procuring fresh water and the measures taken by the Marine Committee of Congress to furnish fresh provisions for the squadron under your Excellencies Command. The Casks that could be obtained here since the late ravage of the enemy are delivered to the Chimere, and the three Vessels with her. They will bring the Squadron a present supply of water and I am informed that in future this article can be obtained easily and near to Sandy Hook as I formerly wrote your Excellency. The Chimere brings likewise Bread, flour, fresh meat, and vegitables for the fleet, which we hope may answer present purposes; until the larger quantity shall be carried thro the Jersey and taken on board the Squadron at such places as your Excellency shall appoint for the Commissary to deliver them at . (1) I am desired by the Marine Committee to request your Excelly will be pleased to accept from them a small present of live Stock and vegitables in testimony of the high respect the Committee entertain for your Excellencies character.

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I must beg leave Once more to repeat the Assurances already made, that the Marine Committee will at all times have pleasure in directing such further Provisions for the Squadron as you shall think proper to desire. I have the honor to be with great respect your Excellencies Most obedient & Most Hble servant, Richard Henry Lee Chairman of the Mar. Comee. LB (DNA: PCC Miscellaneous Papers, Marine Committee Letter Book). 1 The following list of provisions, in the hand of secretary John Brown and signed by Richard Henry Lee, is dated "Marine Committee July 16, 1778." "A List of Provisions to be furnished by the Commissary for the use of the French Squadron under the Command of Vice Admiral D'Estaing Hundreds Avoirdupois Wt Bread 11,000 Salt Pork 1,771 Hogs heads & feet 332 Salt Fish 221 Cheese 221 Peas, Beans, Caravances 1,960 Rice 185 Mustard seed 6 Beer 6110 Casks of 480 Pints or 60 Galls. ea Vinegar 60 Do...... Do "The Third part of these Provisions, Partictllarly of the Biscuit must be immediately provided taking proper measures to procure the remainder Successively at the Time the Commander of Squadron may Appoint. All the above articles Are to be procured Specifically if possible. If any of them cannot be obtained, the deficiency is to be made good by adding to those that can observing always that vinegar is indispensible. If the Commissary should find that son e of the Articles of Provisions are much dearer in Proportion to the rest, he will diminish the quantity of such articles, and add to the Others. Richard Henry Lee, Chairman M. C." Slack Collection, OMC. This list is probably based on Gerard's "memorandum of the provisions which will hereafter be necessary" that Congress referred to the Marine Committee on the 16th. JCC, 11:695-96.

Carlisle Commissioners

Philadelphia, July 18, 1778 To their Excellencies the Earl of CARLISLE, Sir HENRY CLINTON, and WILLIAM EDEN, and GEORGE JOHNSTONE, Esquires, British Commissioners. Your letter to Congress of the 11th instant, induces me again to request your Excellencies attention to the reflections of an individual.(1) If I can penetrate the sentiments of Congress, I may assure you that your reply was unexpected; for it was with reason imagined you

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would have understood their answer of the 17th of June: (2) That was a full and plain return to your letter of the ninth; and it was taken as a natural consequence, that the correspondence between the Congress and your Excellencies was then ipso facto suspended, until you, being fully authorized to do so, had acceded to one or other of the explicit preliminaries they proposed. It appears your Excellencies discernment has been misconceived-I am sorry for it. You say, Congress propose to you, as matter of choice, one or other of two alternatives, as preliminaries necessary even to the beginning of a negociation for peace; one, "an explicit acknowledgment of the Independence of these States;" and you add, "you are not inclined to dispute with Congress about the meaning of words." Why then do you construe that explicit alternative as applicable to an inexplicit dependence upon Britain? By your construction, our ideas of language are totally different. We cannot conceive that a state of independence can possibly admit of an state of dependence: If you called the night, day, we should as clearly understand you. I beg your Excellencies will allow me to throw out another reflection upon this abstruse subject. "You are not inclined to dispute with Congress about the meaning of words; but so far as by the independence of these states Congress mean the entire privilege of the people of North America to dispose of their property, and to govern themselves without any reference to Great Britain, beyond what is necessary to preserve that union of force, in which our mutual safety and advantage consist;" so far their independence, you say, is fully acknowledged in your letter of the 10th of June, you forget, it is dated the ninth, adding you "are willing to enlarge that independence." In the first place, I would ask your Excellencies, whether you mean to include the people of the two Floridas, Nova-Scotia and Canada, under your terms, "the people of North America." I believe you do not; but we mean to raise them to the rank of independent freemen. Again, you say, you have offered us such an independence, as is calculated but to preserve the union of the force of America and Britain in the hand of the latter, and you now offer "to enlarge that independence." If you are serious and mean something, you must mean the independence we mean, which is, to preserve the force of America independent of Great-Britain, not in union with Great Britain and in her hand. There can be no intermediate degree of independence between that which is but calculated to preserve the union of the force of America and Britain, and the degree we demand. If you enlarge that degree, which is but sufficient to preserve that union, the union cannot be preserved, and the independence of consequence becomes compleat: We ask nothing more; we will accept nothing less. If you understand the term independence as we do, why are you not explicit? If you do not, why do you

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delay to draw the line between the independence you offered and the enlarged independence you offer? You ought to do this; we are plain men, and cannot divide that, which from the nature of it we think indivisible. As to the other alternative of withdrawing your fleets and armies, you openly and at once refuse "to begin with this measure." Here we understand each other clearly, and this point is settled at once. This proceeding on your part is conspicuous, because it is singular; and as it deserves, so it receives my commendation. Your reasons, in support of your decision, are of no consequence to Congress: I believe they neither asked, expected or wished for them. It was their business to demand; their reasons remained with themselves; it was your business to grant or refuse. It was known you would not grant the demand if you could possible avoid it; and it was not doubted but that your ingenuity would furnish you with reasons for your refusal. However, as Congress have nothing to do with the principles of your conduct, I will dismiss them without any further observation upon them. "In making your declarations, you do not wait for the decision of any military events;" but "shall abide by the declarations you now make in every possible situation of your affairs." I admire the magnanimity of your sentiments; they are worthy an old Roman, or modern American; you will be pleased to pardon me if I add, they are not a la mode d'Anglaise; and also, not to be offended at this phrase of expression: For as all America is intent upon learning the elegant language of our ally of France, in order to improve our friendly correspondence, so such phrases naturally slip from our tongues and pens. The air of America seems to have produced a sudden effect upon your Excellencies; indeed, all animals feel the effect of a change of climate. The rulers in England, as they are in a very different climate from that which you now enjoy, so they are in a habit of thinking and acting very different from yours. They regulate their demands, refusals and concessions, according to the "situation of their affairs;" you declare you will not. As this is a striking contrast, perhaps it may be disputed; and as I know your Excellencies are able disputants at the point of the tongue, pen and sword, I think it is but prudent to place the subject out of all dispute; I shall endeavour to do this, by drawing it up in the following manner: In the years 1774 and 1775, when America was destitute of arms, your King and Ministers were deaf to her supplications for redress of grievances. In the years 1776 and 1777, when America had but a raw soldiery, and scarce the appearance of a regular army, your king and Parliament having 45,865 and 48,616 effective regular forces, amply supplied in every respect, besides 22,337 seamen assaulting these United States on all sides, your rulers breathed nothing but unconditional

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submission on our part. On the ninth of March, Lord Camden declared in your House of Lords, that this high tone continued so late as the 16th day of February last, and that it was suddenly altered on the 17th, when your rulers resolved, to use his Lordships expression, "to bend their knees before America." The alteration of the situation of their affairs, was the occasion of this sudden change. At this point of time, by the returns from America, it appeared that the British army had by death, desertion and otherwise, lost 19,581 men; that 5336 men had been taken prisoners, that the sick amounted to 4639; and that the navy had lost 4314 seamen.(3) Capitals as these losses were, yet the men in power breathed unconditional submission, till finding that a treaty between France and America had been signed on the 6th of February, and feeling the mortal blow to their tyranny, on the 17th of February Lord North and his coadjutors, goaded by the situation of their affairs, bent their knees before America, upon the bills which your Excellencies presented to Congress in the form of acts of Parliament. It is thus plain to a demonstration, that your rulers are deaf, demand or concede, according to the situation of their affairs; and notwithstanding your heroics, you must concede, for you are but instruments in their hands. On the 28th of June last, you sunk beneath the arm of America; (4) France now confines your haughty flag to the port of NewYork, and threatens you with destruction. But you would have the treaties entered into by Congress communicated to you, both for your own consideration and that of the constituents of Congress, who you say are to judge between them and you. Your Excellencies are then inclined to appeal from Congress to their constituents? How little are you acquainted with the disposition of the people of America! Sir Henry Clinton has seen a similar appeal by Lord and General Howe in their proclamation dated the 19th of September, 1776; our affairs were then in the most ruinous situation; and are you yet to learn that the appeal was rejected! Can you gravely expect that your appeal will now be sustained, now that our affairs are not only en bon train, but that we have every moral assurance of decisive victory, and success! Are we not masters of the field, which we never before have been? Are we not in pursuit of your forces? Has not your grand army retired to Islands for safety? Are you not at war with the House of Bourbon? Does not the House of Bourbon prosecute the war in conjunction with the United States? The fleet of France at this moment holds you blocked up at New York, and daily seizes your ships in sight of your flags displayed in vain parade. Your inferior army is full reduced by draughts to the defense of your capital in Europe; a proof that you will receive no more land reinforcement. You are upon the brink of perdition, and yet you pretend to hold dominion over us, and to reason us into an independent dependence-a jargon of words-a very chaos of ideas.

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Your Excellencies have been so long in the school of deception, and seem so fond of the art, that for want of other subjects to practice upon, you are resolved to deceive yourselves. If this contributes to mitigate the uneasiness of your present situation, continue to enjoy the artifice a little longer, I cannot but pity your distress. You think yourselves intitled to a full communication of the powers by which Congress conceive themselves authorized to make treaties with foreign powers, and you add, you do not find promulgated any act or resolution of the Assemblies of particular States, conferring this power on them. Whatever you may think upon this point, I believe I may venture to assure you, Congress do not conceive themselves answerable to you on the subject. They know their own powers, they know they are answerable to their constituents for the due exercise of them. However, I will endeavour to satisfy you substantially in this point, and to do it the more agreeably, I will state a fact and use your own stile of argument. On the sixth of May, Congress announced to the United States, that they had ratified treaties of alliance and commerce with France: This is the 18th of July, and have your Excellencies heard that any one of the United States has {'promulgated" any censure upon Congress for such ratification? As, because you do not find promulgated any act or resolution of the Assemblies of particular States conferring this power on them, you infer, they have no such power: is it not more reasonable, that as two months and an half have passed since Congress announced their act to their constituents, and you do not find promulgated any act or resolution of the Assemblies of particular States censuring Congress for this exercise of power, therefore you ought to infer, that the constituents of Congress think they did not exceed their authority? Politicians should never say more at any time than is necessary. You produce a negative argument, and an answer in the same manner is quite sufficient. Having thus far touched the subject of your Excellencies letter, I take the liberty of addressing myself in particular to his Excellency Governor Johnstone, and that in presence of his colleagues. I have no ambition to have a tete a tete with the Governor. A letter has been laid before Congress, signed Geo. Johnstone, dated Philadelphia, June 10, 1778, directed to the Honorable Francis Dana, Esq; (5) and among other things the writer says, "there are three facts I wish to assure you of." First, "That Doctor Franklin on the 29th of March last, in discussing the several articles we wish to make the basis of our treaty, was perfectly satisfied they were beneficial to North America, and such as she should expect." Decisively to destroy this position, I have only to state two or three points. The Honorable Silas Deane has informed me, that a secret negoci-

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ator from Britain did arrive at Passy, immediately preceding the 29th of March last, and applied to Doctor Franklin. That he himself left Paris the first of April, in order to embark at Toulon for America. That at Toulon he received a letter from Doctor Franklin, dated the 7th of April. Mr. Deane put the letter into my hand, and with his permission I extracted the following paragraph. "The negociator is gone back apparently much chagrined at his little success. I have promised him faithfully, that since his propositions could not be accepted they should be buried in oblivion".(6) With every American I have no doubt but this testimony by Doctor Franklin, will greatly outweigh the testimony given by Governor Johnstone and his negociator, who has divulged the propositions he desired the Doctor to bury in oblivion. But there was design in this conduct-it is so obvious that I need not point it out. Second, "That this treaty with France was not the first that France had exacted, and with which Mr. Simeon Deane had put to sea, but granted and acceded to after the sentiments of the people of Great Britain had fully changed," meaning with regard to the measures to be pursued with America, conciliation instead of coercion. Upon this second article I must observe, that the Honorable Silas Deane, to whom I read it, and who was at the Court of France during the whole time of any negociation there for a treaty between France and America, assures me that France never "exacted" any terms from America but those contained in the treaties of the sixth of February, and that Mr. Simeon Deane had never put to sea with any other treaties. That it is true he had put to sea preceding this period, but only charged with the declaration of the Court of France, delivered by Monsieur Girard on the 16th of December to the American Commissioners, of whom Mr. Deane was one, and with letters from the Commissioners informing Congress, that the treaty would be formed agreeable to that declaration, a declaration which I have already stated in my letter to your Excellencies, of the 17th of June, at York-Town. And thus from the express authority of the Honorable Mr. Deane, Governor Johnstone stands fully confuted. As for the third fact "that Spain unasked had sent a formal message disapproving of the conduct of France," I have only to say, that as I cannot offer evidence against it, for argument I will admit the fact may be so; and what then? Will governor Johnstone pretend to say, Spain now disapproves the conduct of France? It is known to the world that France and Spain are in the most perfect confidence together. France is now at war with Great Britain. Governor Johnstone now knows this fact, and I assure myself that he does not doubt that Spain is either at this moment also at war with Great Britain, or very shortly will be. A few weeks will ascertain this matter, and demonstrate that the Governor is content to catch at a

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straw. When his Excellency wrote this letter on the 10th of June, he had then to learn, that the Count D'Estaing had sailed from Toulon; and that the Spanish plate fleet had arrived at Cadiz. I now call upon Governor Johnstone relative to a more serious subject. His personal honour is interested: The following particulars are not unworthy his notice. A letter signed by him, dated Philadelphia, June 16th, 1778, and directed to the Honourable Robert Morris, contains the following paragraph: "I believe the men who have conducted the affairs of America uncapable of being influenced by improper motives. But in all such transactions there is risque; and I think whoever ventures should be secured, at the same time that honour and emolument should naturally follow the fortune of those who have steered the vessel in the storm, and brought her safely to port. I think Washington and the President have a right to every favour that grateful nations can bestow, if they could once more unite our interest and spare the miseries and devastations of war."(7) Than this I cannot conceive a more genteel bidding for secret services. The offer by common implication reaches every Member of Congress; every man entrusted with public authority for the maintainance of the independence of America. The attempt is horrid! Has not Governor Johnstone for years past declaimed against bribery, corruption, undue influence! Then he was anti-ministerial-now he feels the effects of ministerial favour. But if this does not shew the Governor in a clear point of view, let him be seen through another medium: The Honourable General Reed inclosed to me the following particulars signed with his name: "On Sunday the 21st June, a few days after the evacuation of the city of Philadelphia by the British troops, the subscriber received a written message from a married lady of character, having connections with the British army: expressing a desire to see him on business which could not be commited to writing. Attending the lady agreeable to her appointment, in the evening, after some previous conversation respecting her particular connections, the business and characters of the British Commissioners, and particularly of Governor Johnstone, were the subjects of general conversation, which becoming more confined, the lady enlarged upon the great talents and amiable qualities of that gentleman, and added, that in several conversations with her he had expressed the most favourable sentiments of the subscriber, and it was particularly wished to engage his interest to promote the object of their commission, viz. a reunion between the two countries if consistent with the subscriber's principles and judgment; and in such case, it could not be deemed unbecoming or improper in government to take a favourable notice of such conduct, and that in this instance the subscriber might have l0,000£. Sterling, and any office in the colonies in his Majesty's gift.

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To which, finding an answer was expected, he replied, he was not worth purchasing, but such as he was the King of Great Britain was not rich enough to do it. Here the conversation ended. JOS. REED. (8) It is needless for me to make any reflections upon such particulars. I bid your Excellencies farewell. W.H.D. MS not found; reprinted from the Pennsylvania Packet, and Daily Advertiser, July 21, 1778. 1 The RC of the Carlisle commissioners' July 11 letter "To His Excellency Henry Laurens The President and other The Members of Congress" is in the Peter Force Collection, DLC, and bears the following endorsement by Charles Thomson: "Letter from Carlisle, H Clinton, Wm Eden, Geo Johnstone. New York 11 July 1778. Read 18." Congress resolved this day not to answer the commissioners' letter because they failed to accept either of the congressional preconditions for peace negotiations-recognition of American independence or withdrawal of the British army and navy from the United States-and then ordered this resolve and the commissioners' letter to be published. As a result, both appeared in the July 21 issue of the Pennsylvania Packet, together with Drayton's open letter to the commissioners of this date. For a discussion of Drayton's series of newspaper letters to the Carlisle commissioners, of which the present letter is a part, see Drayton to the Carlisle Commissioners, June 17, 1778, note 1. See also Gouverneur Morris' Proposed Resolves, this date. 2 See Henry Laurens to the Carlisle Commissioners, June 17, 1778. 3 Drayton derived his statistics on British military and naval forces in America from a lengthy motion that was offered in the House of Lords by the Duke of Richmond on April 11. Parliamentary History, 19:1012-21. For Lord Camden's March 6 remarks on Lord North's conciliatory bills, see ibid., pp. 860-65. 4 A reference to the battle of Monmouth. 5 On July 16 Francis Dana had submitted to Congress a letter written to him on June 10 by George Johnstone and Congress had directed that an extract of it be lodged in Secretary Thomson's office. JCC, 11:694. This extract, in Dana's hand, is in the Peter Force Collection, DLC, and bears the following endorsement by Thomson: "a true copy compared with the original. Examined in Congress July 16 1778. Chas. Thomson secy." See also Gouverneur Morris' Notes on George Johnstone's Letter to Francis Dana, July 16, 1778. 6 In a section of his December 21, 1778, memorial to Congress that first became available in 1928, Silas Deane offered a fuller account than Drayton of British efforts to enlist Benjamin Franklin's support for Anglo-American peace negotiations: "Within a Day or two of the Commissioners being presented at Court, which was on the 19th of March, 1778, Doctor Franklin informed me of the arrival of an Agent from the british Ministry, with proposals, which were to be made secretly to him. Doctor Franklin after waiting on him shewed me a Copy of them which he afterwards gave me to bring to America. The Fleet from Toulon then ready for sailing, and his Excellency Monsr Gerard, & myself on the point of setting out from Paris, Doctor Franklin waved giving him a positive Answer, until we should be well on our Journey. On the 7th of April, he wrote me as per Letter of that Date, that having engaged that the proposals should not be communicated, as he had positively rejected them-he desired me instantly to destroy them without either copying or communicating them to any one. I complied instantly on the Receipt of his Letter, with his request. On my arrival in America, I was informed that the british Commissioners had declared that those Propositions had been shewn privately to Doctor Franklin at Paris, & that he approved of them. To contradict this Assertion, I have produced Doctor Franklin's Letter,

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& related the Circumstances of that Transaction in as few words as possible." Charles M. Andrews, ed., "A Note on the Franklin-Deane Mission to France." Yale University Library Gazette 2 (1928): 59-60. The relevant section on this issue in Franklin's April 7 letter to Deane reads: "The Negociator is gone back apparently much chagrin'd at his little Success. I have promised him faithfully that since his Propositions could not be accepted they should be buried in Oblivion. I therefore desire earnestly that you would put that paper immediately in the Fire on receipt of this, without taking or suffering to be taken any Copy of it, or communicating its Contents." Ibid., pp. 65-66. Although neither source identifies the British "Negociator" who approached Franklin, Samuel F. Bemis has plausibly conjectured that the person in question was Paul Wentworth, a British agent who before the conclusion of the Franco American alliance had been employed to sound out Franklin and Deane as to the prospects for a settlement between Great Britain and the United States. Samuel F. Bemis, The Diplomacy of the American Revolution (New York: D. AppletonCentury Co., 1935), pp. 58-60, 68n.21. 7 See Robert Morris to Gouverneur Morris, June 16, 1778, note 2. 8 A text of this statement in Joseph Reed's hand is in the Pierre Eugene Du Simitiere Papers, PPL. For a discussion of George Johnstone's effort to bribe Reed through the agency of Elizabeth Graeme Ferguson, a Philadelphia loyalist, see Roche, Joseph Reed, pp. 13741. Mrs. Ferguson was the wife of Hugh Ferguson, a former commissary of prisoners for Gen. William Howe, and the sister- in-law of Adam Ferguson, the Carlisle commission's secretary. Ibid., p. 138.

Samuel Holten's Diary

[July 18, 1778] 18. Congress received a letter from the Comrs. of the King of Great Britain, but it was couched in such terms, no Answer is to be given. MS (MDaAr).

Henry Laurens to John Lewis Gervais

[July 18, 1778] 18th. My Letter has been kept open, and the Messenger detained in hopes of procuring one Morning or Evening for filling a page or two of News to you, but all such expectations are vain. I must therefore, again refer you to my Friend; to his Excellency as first Magistrate without attention to my respect for the Man, he is justly entitled to the first fruits of intelligence-you will there learn all I could say in a dozen sheets. Your friend Colonel Laurens is detached upon a very honorable Embassy by his General to Count d'Estaing, (1) his knowledge of the French tongue in some measure qualifies him for the errand and I

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trust he will not be found deficient in other necessary qualifications, making reasonable considerations for his Youth, when I learn particulars from him, you shall be informed. 'Tis highly probable, Count d'Estaing's squadron will capture many English Vessels while Iying at Sandy Hook, but I have doubts concerning their getting within; the large Men of War draw 25 to 27 feet water-if they fail at that place, I think Rhode Island must be their next object, there they must succeed. My best Compliments, Love and Respects to Mrs. Gervais, Mr. and Mrs. Manigault &c. &c. &c. My Dear friend, Adieu LB (ScHi). A continuation of Laurens to Gervais, July 15, 1778. 1 John Laurens had recently been chosen by Washington to establish liaison with the comte d'Estaing. See Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 12:175, 179-80, 186, 206, 208-10.

Henry Laurens to John Houstoun

Dear Sir 18th July [1778] I had the honor of addressing you under the 10th and the same date in public letters which this will accompany. The subjects contained in those are now obsolete, nevertheless I do not think it proper to suppress them. Georgia has at present only one Delegate in Congress who alone cannot on her part ratify confederation.(1) I am very unhappy from having received no further commands from Congress respecting poor little Georgia; in hopes of such I had detained the Bearer three days, but the arrival of a French squadron and a Minister Plenipotentiary has accumulated the labours of Congress insomuch that many necessary considerations for the benefit of particular States unavoidably lie dormant. The First hour of leisure I will give Mr. Telfair all the aid in my power to bring his state on the tapis. Count d'Estaing is exceedingly chargrined at the impracticability of attacking the English ships of War, who lie in his sight within Sandy Hook-his large ships draw too much water for the Bar and keep him without where prizes are daily dropping into his net, and not a few very valuable. I presume he has already lessened the number of British Seamen 500. If he proceeds to Rhode Island he will probably recover that place, capture the Garrison said to be upwards of 3000, make prizes of some ships, and secure a good Harbour. I shall have the honor of writing to you again in a few days, at present must content myself with subscribing Dr. Sir, With great Regard and Esteem, Your Obedient Humble Servt. P. S. I send you a few News papers.

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LB (ScHi). 1 Edward Telfair, who had taken his seat in Congress on July 13, was the only Georgia delegate in attendance at this time. JCC, 11:685. On July 24 Telfair and John Walton, who had arrived in Congress the day before, ratified the Articles of Confederation on behalf of Georgia. JCC, 11:712, 716.

Henry Laurens to the Marquis de Lafayette

Sir 18th July [1778] I have with pleasure executed an Order of Congress by signing and delivering a Brevet to the Marquis de Vienne to rank Colonel in the Army of the United States of America.(1) My pleasure as an individual would not have been less if my name had been ordered to a full Commission. Such an one I make no doubt will be readily granted if the Marquis de Vienne shall think it more valuable than the present, when he shall be returning to his Native Clime. Your Excellency cannot conceive the embarrasment which is often occasioned to Congress by granting Commissions to foreign Gentlemen to the prejudice of rank to many of our own home born Officers who have served the public with honor from the very commencement of the War. The Board of War have not yet reported on the application in favour of Monsr. Touzard, possibly there may be policy and good will towards that Gentleman concealed in the delay-requests do not so well succeed, when crouded together.(2) Be this as it may for I know not how it be, when Gentlemen recommend an A or B a Foreign Gentleman of great merit to receive a Commission far above any which he had formerly enjoyed it is natural, and Your Excellencys Candour will admit that it is also just, for other Gentlemen to produce in contrast the merits of American Officers in the Army who are and must be content to wait for grade until they shall be entitled to advancement in due course. When it is urged that French Gentlemen have come a long Voyage and at great expence to serve the United States the reply without observing that the Act was voluntary is that many of our American Officers have abandoned their Homes, all their domestic happiness, the education of their Children, the improvement of their fortunes &c. &c. and in the course of three years hard duty have advanced gradation to the heighth of Captain or Major and have the mortification of being commanded by Gentlemen who had held Lieutenancies in their Native Country, and who were promoted here after one battle to Lieutenant Colonels, Colonels, and in some instances As it is said to higher ranks-such opposition my dear Marquis, is not to be answered by an ingenious mind. Your Excellency must not think me from these observations less devoted to your serv-

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ice upon every occasion in which your own impartiality and wise discernment shall be pleased to command. The Marquis de Vienne is so polite as to afford me the present opportunity of Paying my respects to your Excellency and at the same time of acknowledging the receipt of your Excellencys favor of the 15th Instant.(3) Conscious of being greatly in arrears, I am grieved that I cannot go back to several Letters which your Excellency has lately honored me with, and which require such notice as my present circumstances will not allow me to go into. Surely I shall be Blessed with one day in the course of next week which may be applyd to a serious review of the Marquis de la Fayette's Letters, I will embrace the first leisure hour for this purpose. I know I am immensely in debt, I do not want candour to acknowledge, and I trust Your Excellency will find that I am not deficient in honesty to pay to the utmost of my abilities. At present indulge me Dear Sir, in confining myself to that which lies immediately before me. I have the satisfaction to assure Your Excellency that from the first moment we were apprized of the arrival of Count d'Estaings squadron on this coast, Congress have vigorously pursued every measure for facilitating and effectuating the Vice Admirals operations against the Enemy. We were not unmindful of the great utility of Advice Boats-but alass! such are not to be built in so short a time as we can write the name, and you well know Sir, the Enemy while they had possession of this river stretched an unsparing firebrand over all our navigation which they could reach and could not carry off, consequently they have left us very little, and none of the sorts which you allude to. I have great hopes that Count d'Estaing will find means for supplying himself with necessary Vessels for contingent services upon the Coast and within the Harbour of New York. In the mean time Congress will in every respect contribute to his success and the mutual honor and benefit of the Alliance. But here comes Alarquis Vienne and indeed has been waiting half an hour in the Audience Room, theres for you Dear Marquis. I am not quite so squeezed up as at York Town where Miss Katy and your Humble Servant lay within very narrow bounds and without the smallest breach of decorum. Yes Sir, I have now what Mr. Burgoyne could not obtain in America, a little Elbow room. How happy should I be to be honored with the Company of the Marquis de la Fayette at the consumption of a great Turtle tomorrow in addition to Monsr. Girard &c. &c.-but I flatter myself the time will soon come, when without impeachment of honor or danger to the State Your Excellency may sit quietly under the Roof of Your Excellencys much obliged &c. [P.S.] And longer under your own.

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LB (ScHi). 1See JCC, 11:692-94; and Laurens to Lafayette, July 10, 1778, note 1. 2 See Laurens to Lafayette, June 19, 1778, note 2. 3 Laurens is undoubtedly referring to Lafayette's July 14 letter, for which sec "Lafayette-Laurens Letters," SCHGM 9 (1908): 61.

Henry Laurens to William Livingston

Dear Sir 18th July [1778] I take particular pleasure in laying before Your Excellency a second production from the Bed of British Commissioners which Your Excellency will find within Copy of a Letter addressed to Congress dated New York 11th Instant and signed by four of that honorable group of Itinerants. Upon a very cursory view of the performance I pronounced it exceedingly childish and a little insolent. The opinion of Congress will be seen in a transcript of their Act upon this occasion, which will be also inclosed. I think I can guess what Your Excellency's opinion will be. You see Sir, it is to be published, and therefore it is wholly at Your Excellency's disposal.(1) When Congress were on the point of adjourning, Your Excellencys' Letter of the 17th was brought in to me, and I immediately presented it to the House, but I received no order, therefore I speak to it only private. Your Excellency's opinion respecting common Lands will have my simple voice, provided we agree in the necessary preliminary Lines.(2) The Inclosed Courier de L'Europe (3) was sent to my Lodge, intended as I have learned for Doctor Witherspoon who had promised to say Grace for me at Dinner today, but went suddenly out of town. I have a right to convey it to the Dr. through the best Channel, this will Answer two good purposes. Believe me Sir, I continue with the most perfect Esteem and Regard, Your Excellencys' &c. LB (ScHi). 1See William Henry Drayton to the Carlisle Commissioners, this date, note 1. 2 In his July 17 letter to Laurens, Governor Livingston promised that he would submit to the New Jersey legislature Laurens' July 10 circular letter urging prompt ratification of the Articles of Confederation, and added "but I sincerely hope that this State will never ratify it, till Congress is explicit in doing us that Justice respecting the common Lands, which I think no man of common Sense, or the least acquainted with human Nature would trust to the future deliberations of any Body of Men (I speak it with the highest respect for that assembly which I verily believe to be the most illustrious upon earth) a considerable part of which must necessarily be gainers by a contrary determination." PCC, item 68, fols. 391-93. See also Nathaniel Scudder to John Hart, July 13, 1778. 3 Courier de l'Europe, a French language newspaper which Samuel Swinton had been publishing in London since June 1776.

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Henry Laurens to John Rutledge

Dear Sir 18th July [1778] The Respect and Esteem I bear for you will not allow me to suffer a good opportunity to pass without some demonstration. I had intended by the present to have filled a sheet of Intelligence addressed immediately to yourself. I am in possession of sufficient matter, but time, precious time, has flown from me and left but a moment to intimate that I have particularly requested His Excellency the President to communicate to you the whole of my transmissions to him. The arrival of a French squadron and a French Minister Plenipotentiary have added much to the labours of Congress in general, and not a little to those of one who had been before sufficiently loaded. You will readily under these circumstances excuse, Dear Sir, Your Obliged and Respectful Humble Servant. LB (ScHi).

Henry Laurens to George Washington

Dear Sir. Philadelphia 18 July 1778 Yesterday I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency a public Letter by James Martin, & also of presenting to Congress Your Excellency's favor of the 14th which the House received with satisfaction Permit me Sir, to recommend to Your Excellency's protection two Packets from the Sieur Gerard to Count d'Estaing, which will accompany this, I have assured Monsr. Gerard that it is altogether unnecessary to urge Your Excellency to give these dispatches the quickest safe passage to the Vice Admiral. Prizes are finding the way into Delaware, one laden with Rum, Limes &c. intended for the Enemy's refreshment embraced one of our Wharves the Evening before last & I learn a Rich Ship is on her way up. I have this moment Received a second Letter from the British Commissioners. If I dared to venture an opinion from a very cursory reading of the performance, it would be that this is more puerile than any thing I have seen from the other side, since the commencement of our present dispute, with a little dash of insolence, as unnecessary as it will be unavailing. If the Marquis de Vienne will indulge me till I return from Congress Your Excellency will find a Copy of that Letter within this. At present as he is on the Wing I must send to obtain his permission & in order to be quite ready in case he shall refuse to wait, conclude this with respected assurances

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of being, with the highest Esteem & Respect, Dear sir, Your Excellency's Obliged & Obedient, humble servant, Henry Laurens, Private. [P.S.] Returned from Congress 3 oClock-A Resolve relative to the Commissioners Letter that it ought not to be answered &c. with the Letter will appear in Print. RC (DLC).

Henry Laurens to John Wells

Dear Sir 18th July [1778] Although I have detained this Bearer in hopes to have written to many of my friends in South Carolina, and to yourself in particular a full Letter of News, I must send him away without gratifying my own desires. I thank you for your late favors, and will soon take a more respectful notice of them. I have enquired but cannot learn where Mr. Rittenhouse is to be found, as I was writing this a Gentleman informs me he is returned to Philadelphia. Depend upon it I will apply to him immediately for an Ephemeris-another opportunity will offer to me about seven days hence. I have sent abundance of Intelligence to his Excellency President Lowndes, and particularly requesting him to give you access to the whole. Hence you will be as well supply'd as if the whole had been sent directly to yourself; and within the present cover you will receive a few printed Papers, with which be content for the present and expect more by every Post which now seems to go and come with tolerable vigor. I remain with great Regard, Sir, Your Obedient &c. LB (ScHi).

Gouverneur Morris' Proposed Resolves

[July 18? 1778] A Remonstrance &ca &ca being read Congress took the same into Consideration and thereupon Resolved that on the 4th Day of July 1776 The Colonies of New Hampshire &ca &ca being duly represented by their Delegates in Congress did declare themselves to be sovereign, free and independent States-That being in full Possession of the Independence so declared these united States by their Commissioners at Paris there

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unto duly authorized did on the [6th] Day of February 1778 enter into Treaties of Commerce and Alliance with his most Christian Majesty thereby further asserting and being admitted to their Station among Sovereign Powers-And therefore that the said united States are entitled to and in possession of all the Dignities and Privileges which appertain to such Powers by the Laws of Nature and Nations. Resolved that it is the indispensible Duty of Congress to claim and maintain the Dignities and Privileges aforesaid in their fullest Latitude & Comprehension. Resolved that no Person can (have Authority or) be authorized or admitted to treat with or make Propositions to any Prince or State on Behalf of the King or Kingdom of Great Britain unless by Powers derived from the said King in the Manner and Form customary and acknowledged among Nations. Resolved that neither (2) of the Commissioners abovementioned appears to be duly impowered either as an Ambassador, Minister Plenipotentiary Resident or otherwise to represent the King of Great Britain to these united States.(3) Wherefore Resolved that Congress can by no Means hold any Treaty with or answer any Propositions which may be made by the said Commissioners or either of them. MS (ScHi). In the hand of Gouverneur Morris and endorsed by Henry Laurens: "Mr. Morris's Motion for ansr to Commissrs." 1 Although the provenance of these resolves cannot be established with certainty, it is probable that Morris wrote them in response to the Carlisle commissioners' July 11 letter, which Congress read this day and refused to answer. See JCC, 11:701-2; and William Henry Drayton to the Carlisle Commissioners, this date, note 1. In any event, they bear directly upon a request in that letter for "a full Communication of the Powers by which you [Congress] conceive yourselves Authorized to make Treaties with Foreign Nations"-an issue the commissioners did not raise in any of their other letters or manifestos to Congress. Peter Force Collection, DLC. The resolves' location among President Laurens' private papers may indicate that Morris submitted them to Congress this day but that the delegates chose to ignore them because they had no desire to explain their treaty making authority to the commissioners, deciding instead that a summary refusal to answer their letter was the best course to follow. Despite the fact that the brief entry on this issue in the journals gives the impression that Congress decided not to reply to the July 11 letter almost immediately after reading it, the delegates may in fact have discussed this matter at length before reaching a decision. Secretary Thomson commonly omitted recording motions in the official record that failed of adoption. 2 Morris must have meant none because all of the communications from the Carlisle commission to Congress were signed by at least three commissioners. 3 This statement is a bit puzzling. George Ill's commission to the Carlisle commissioners, dated April 13 and read in Congress on June 16, 1778, specifically authorized them to act in his behalf, though it did add that any settlement reached with the United States had to be ratified by Parliament. See JCC, 11:605-6, 610. The text of the royal commission that was actually sent to Congress is in the Peter Force Collection, DLC.

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Joseph Reed to Dennis De Berdt

Dear Dennis Philad. July 19, 1778 The Inspection which this Letter may probably undergo will restrain me from answering fully yours received by Gov. Johnstone.(1) The Sentiments it contain'd are in my Opinion not unworthy your Character as a Friend to America or a Patriot of Brittain, but as the Passions of Men on both Sides the Atlantick are highly fermented, I have only made such Use of it as a prudential Regard to all Circumstances would require. The Object of it both at the Time of writing & ever since has been unattainable. America will endure the Extremity of human Woe before she will ever submit to the Sovereignty of that Power which has so oppressed, insulted & distress'd her. My Opinion is with my Countrymen fully upon this Point & therefore I cannot give the Commissioners the smallest Encouragement. To a Heart so open, candid, & generous as yours I do not wonder that the Professions of great Men apply with greater Efficacy than they ought. The Voice of Peace is soothing to a humane Mind, but a Peace which does not at least promise permanent Tranquillity by being founded on mutual Interest or reciprocal Affection has nothing which can attract the Wishes of a wise Man. We rnay possibly forgive you the Injuries we have received but it is not in your Power to forgive us. You must be sensible that you have given us Cause of such lasting Enmity that you neither can nor ought to trust us. But I am entering upon a Subject which I had determined to avoid. As I have not nor shall see Governor Johnstone in his publick Character I shall only say that his Attachment to our Cause had very much endeared to this Country & I should feel a real Concern if he should be found to be one in the long List of Apostates from Virtue & publick Honour which have blackned the English History for 50 Years past. If any Thing could sanctify the insidious Manuoevre the Agency in it of such Characters would do it, but we are got far beyond the Influence of private Characters. Measures not Men are attended to & if the whole Knot of illustrious Characters who have so ably contended for our Rights & those of Mankind had landed on this Shore with the same Terms they would have met with the same inauspicious Reception. I had answered very shortly Govr. Johnstones Letter before some Transactions were disclosed which give too much Reason to suspect he has deviated from that Line of Integrity which adorns a publick Character. The Touch of Corruption has been tried under his Auspices, & to the eternal Honour of my Country as well as Reproach to the Seducer without the least Success. You know the Correspondence I held with Ld. Dartmouth before these unhappy Contests & with what honest Sincerity I warn'd him of the Consequences of those fatal Measures. I have not lost all Affection for England nor Feeling for my Friends in it. I would therefore urge them

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by every Motion dear to the human Heart to lose no Time in closing the Scene of Blood on the only practicable Terms of a foederal Union. A thousand Circumstances concur to give you a great Share of our Trade, our Remittances in my Opinion will be better than formerly & we are not so fond of War as to continue it one Moment beyond the severest Necessity. You have made a sufficient Sacrifice of human Blood & Treasure on the Altar of false Dignity-the farther you proceed the more disgraceful will be your Fall-for nothing short of Omnipotence can now check the rising Glory of this Western World. Your truest Policy is therefore to call Home your Fleets & Armies, acknowledge our Independance & as you have been such unfortunate Gamesters Try now for a saving Game of your Islands in the West Indies & your Debts in this Country. Now as to private Affairs-your Situation as to Mr. Thompson has given me much Concern. From the Situation of the two Countries it was impossible to make your Remittances, & our not being possessed of the Deeds is an insuperable Bar to our drawing the least Benefit from the Purchase.(2) In the Year 1775 I remember I desired you to forward them to Barbados but I have never heard that it was done. I wish you had taken the Advantage of the Oppy. by Govr. Johnstone as he sent me all your Packets with great Politeness unopened. I must now repeat my Request that you would either by conveying Duplicates to France to be forwarded hither or by some other Oppy. enable us to relieve you from your Embarassment. In the mean Time you may rely upon it that every possible Step will be pursued for this Purpose. The Dutch will undoubtedly preserve a Neutrality, perhaps you could get them conveyed to some Dutch Island or to St. Croix where the Name of Willing & Morris is well known & much respected. I have now intirly taken Leave of the Army having had another Escape on the 28th June in the Battle of Monmouth when my Horse was again shot under me, & have taken my Seat in Congress of which I have been a Member now more than a Year. I have also been strongly sollicited to accept of the Government of this State to which I can be unanimously appointed, but now the Liberties of my Country are secured & its Independance established my Ambition & present Intentions are to remain a private Citizen & attend to the Advancement of my Family & Fortune both which have been neglected while I attended to the publick Interests. I wrote you so fully the State of my Family in my last(3) that I need say no more than that they are well & remain in their Country Situation till the Fall. Your Mother & Sister were made very happy by yours & Sirs. D B's. Letters & could they have availed themselves of this Oppy. would have said every Thing tender & affectionate to you both. The Intrest we take in your Happiness must naturally excite the most pleasing Sen-

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sations to see you thus possessed of one of the finest Means of it-for after all it is The cordial Drop which Heaven in our Cup has thrown To make the nauseous Draught of Life go down. The great Events which have happened in this Country within a few Weeks will I hope e'er long open a surer & more frequent Channel of Correspondence, which I doubt not you will improve as I need not say that we wish to hear from you as frequently as possible. In Consequence of your Letter I have received from Mr. Miller 4800 Dolls. Continental Money which he reckons at 4/6 Stirlg. making in that Case £1080 Stg. but as that is not the current Exchange I have only given him a Receipt for so many Continental Dollars. In the Uncertainty of the Payment of British Debts & a general Opinion that at most they are only Debts of Honour I did not chuse to return the Money but rather to leave it to future Settlement, for it is certain that it would take 19,200 Dollars to purchase £1080 Stg. At all Events by this Mode you cannot lose your whole Debt & if a better Mode takes Place with others I will endeavour to avail myself of it-if not you must submit. I shall put it into our Funds in your Name & keep the Certificates by me subject to your Order. I am much grieved at the Account you give me of my Brother John. Aware of his Failings I put him into a Line of Duty & Expence which I supposed he had sufficient Capacity for, but as he has no Fortune & is only a half Brother I do not mean to subject myself to a fruitless Expence in attempting to raise what I fear is naturally groveling & low. I shall therefore be glad you would if possible fall upon such Measures for preventing any farther Expence as you think most effectual & not suffer him to contract Debts unauthorized upon the Presumption of my Payment on Acct. of his Connection. I have educated him & done all in my Power to enable him to provide for himself, all at a considerable Expence & with very little Prospects of his Advancement in the World. My own Family now has its Demands upon me which I must comply with. You desire me to pay your Mamma 10 Guineas which I will do as soon as I can procure them, but they are now in this Country as Medals in yours-not to be procured but at a great Expence of our Paper as you may judge by the Rate of Exchange. As she does not therefore stand in any immediate Want of any Thing & every Day appreciates our Paper in which my Money lays I will do it whenever she requires it. As this is an unexpected Oppy. I have wrote in great Haste & in many Places I fear scarcely legibly which in such Case you will excuse. Every kind Wish & most affectionate Regard attend you & Dr. Mrs. DBerdt from Yours most sincerly, JR

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P.S. The Messenger waiting a little longer I take up my Pen again to advise you to lose no Time in making such Arrangement of your Affairs as will enable you to profit from the future Trade to this Country it will be very great & very lucrative. The first Step will be to establish as far as Circumstances will permit a Connection in the several trading Cities in Europe especially in France, Spain, Holland & Portugal which will give you Weight & Credit here. And if availing yourself of whatever Knowledge you could procure of the pacifick Intentions of your Court & leading to a Settlement of the Dispute you could send out a parcel of Goods chiefly Woollens, hard Ware & Manchester Manufacturies & to arrive as early as possible directed to my Order it might produce you something very handsome. If you have any Doubts I will take equal Risque with you-for tho my Profession has not been of much Service to me lately-my Fortune has not been impaired by the War but otherwise from Circumstances not within the Compsass or Propriety of a Letter.(4) RC (PHi). Endorsed: "Joseph Reed, Philada. July 19th, Received Sept. 15." 1 Reed was responding to his brother-in-law's letter to him of April 10, 1778, for which see Reed's letters to Esther Reed of June 11 and July 21, 1778. De Berdt's letter to Reed has been printed in William B. Reed, Life and Correspondence of Joseph Reed, 2 vols. (Philadelphia: Lindsay and Blakiston, 1847), I :372-77. 2 A reference to Reed's purchase-through De Berdt's efforts and in partnership with Robert Morris and Thomas Willing in 1774-of a claim to a neglected title to a 10,000-acre tract of land held by the heirs of a Major Robert Thompson, whose grant rested upon a 1686 conveyance from William Penn. Reed and De Berdt were also shareholders in the West Jersey Society, formed in 1692 by a group of London investors who acquired extensive tracts in East and West Jersey and Pennsylvania, whose claims the two men pursued intermittently from 1772 until Reed's death in 1784. For an account of much of this activity, derived from the recently discovered records of the society located in the Treasury Solicitor Papers of the P.R.O., see Frederick R. Black, "The West Jersey Society, 1768-1784," PMHB 97 (July 1973): 388-406. 3 Not found. 4 Reed's closing line is obscured by a fold in the manuscript.

Samuel Adams to James Warren

My dear sir Philada. July 20 1778 (1) Last Saturday a Letter was brought into Congress from the British Commissioners. You have it in the inclosd News Paper with a short Resolution upon it.(2) This shuts the Door and it will remain shut till they will be pleasd to open it again. Governor Johnston has acted so base a Part as to hint the offer of Bribes to the President and every other Member of Congress, as well as the General, as you will see in the printed Letter to Mr. R. Morris. By this he has in my Opinion forfeited the Character of an honest Man and exposed himself to

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the just Comtempt of the World.(3) I hope some Strictures will be made in the News Papers on this, as well as the disrespectful and even insolent Language in the Commissioners Letters, not so proper to be noticed by Congress. I have lately been well assured that a Bribe of ten thousand Guineas has been offerd to a Gentleman of Station & Character here. He refusd it, as you might well suppose, with proper Resentment, telling the Lady who negociated this dirty Business, that the British King was not rich enough to purchase him.(4) Mr D,(5) of whom I may hereafter have much to say to you, is arrivd with the Sieur Gerard. I have long ago made up my Opinion of the American Commissioner, & have not yet alterd it. That of the French Minister is a sensible prudent Man, not wanting in political Finesse, and therefore not to be listend to, too implicitly. The French Squadron lies off Sandy Hook. I have inclosd the Names & Rates of the Ships that compose it; together with those of the British Ships in the Harbour of N York as deliverd to the Marine Committee by a Prisoner lately escaped from thence. Their Force bears no Proportion to each other. I am told that this is a favorite Expedition of Count DEstaing himself, proposd by him (6) to the French Court, and that his Reputation depends upon the Issue of it. What Foundation there is for this, I do not know. From the Character of this Admiral, I make no Doubt he will fully answer the reasonable Expectations of the King his Master and of America. Mr. Ds political and commercial Friends, some of whom I suppose are in Boston, are disposd to give him great Eclat, on Account of the Aid afforded us in sending this Squadron. His Interest is represented as having been very forceable in procuring it, and the News Papers mention the Tokens of great Respect shown to him by the King & his Ministers at Versailes. The Truth, as I conceived it is, The total Overthrow of Burgoyns Army was an Event which it was thought, would produce Overtures from Britain, and France was apprehensive of our listening to Terms and compromising Matters. Hence it was, more than from any other Cause or the Interest of any Individual, that a Treaty was facilitated and agreed to; and to secure us in their Alliance and support us in our Independence was, I suppose, their Intent in sending this Squadron as well as the Purpose of Mr Gerards Mission.(7) I have not yet answerd your Letter of the 26th of June. I declind it until I could assure you that the Sum you wishd for, for the Use of your Department, was granted.(8) I now have the Pleasure of acquainting you, that it is done and the Money will be orderd on as soon as it arrives here from York Town, which is every hour expected.(9) I am in Pain about the Ship in your Harbour. Her Owners neglect to put her into Repair, and I fear, some of her officers for Want of Skill and Experience will be at a Loss what to do with her

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if she should meet with a Storm. What a Pity it is that an honest old Pilot, who used to steer successfully through Rocks and Quicksands has lately been dischargd from Service! And that he should suffer this hard Usage, only because unknown to him, One who was a hearty well wisher to the Voyage, and was anxious that Capacity and Merit should always govern Promotions, had ventured to declare him the fittest Man to take the Command, when it was thought a Commander would be wanted. Vanity and Avarice, which create an insatiable Desire of Places and Preferment, without Ability or Intention to fulfill the Duties of them, if gratified, would effect the Ruin of a Country. It would be the Glory of the American Republick, to find Men having no ruling passion but the Love of our Country, and ready to render her the most arduous Services, with the Hope of no other Reward in this Life, but the Esteem of their Virtuous Fellow Citizens. But this, some tell us, is to wish for more than it is in the Power of human Nature to give. I find Mr Dana an excellent Member of Congress. He is a thorough Republican, and an able Supporter of our great Cause. I am satisfied it would be for the great Benefit of our Country if you and he were to form an intimate Connection with each other. This I am the more desirous of, because I have no Idea of your being long secluded from the publick Councils. He will go home shortly. Adieu My Friend. S A. P.S. I shall take it as an Act of Kindness if you will call on Mrs A & let her know I am well-not having Leisure to write to her by this Post. RC (MHi). FC (NN) 1 The FC of this letter, whose form Adams altered considerably when he redrafted it to send to Warren, was dated simply "July 1778" in Adams, Writings (Cushing), 4:45-48. 2 For the documents printed in the July 21 issue of the Pennsylvania Packet, see William Henry Drayton to the Carlisle Commissioners, July 18, 1778. 3 See Robert Morris to Gouverneur Morris, June 16, 1778, note 2. 4 On the attempted bribe of Joseph Reed by George Johnstone, see William Henry Drayton to the Carlisle Commissioners, July 18, 1778, note 8. 5 That is, Silas Deane. 6 Adams had added "& not Mr. D" in the FC. 7 In the FC Adams had added: "We are informed that Eleven Sail of Merchantmen & a Frigate have fallen into his Hands." 8 On July 16 Congress had ordered that $524,000 be sent to the Eastern Navy Board. JCC, 11: 696. 9 At this point in the FC Adams wrote, "The Marine Committee have agreed that the Navy Board shall appoint Commanders for Vessels of War under Twenty Guns," for which see Adams to Warren, July 14, 1778, note 3. See also Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board, July 24, 1778, note 4.

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Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett

My Dear Philadelphia July 20th 1778 Last week I had not the pleasure to Receive any letter from you, but as many things might occur to prevent it, I was not very uneasy about it, fully Expecting to Receive one by this Days post, but to my great mortifycation, the Eastern Post is arrived & I have no account of the Situation of my family, and what gives me the more uneasiness is, that in the last letter but one I have Recd, you informed me that Rhoda was worse & some others of the family unwell. I well know, that, at the Distance I am, my fears & apprehensions about you, will Do you no Service, and that we must Leave our affairs to the Government of the Great Supreme Disposer of all Events; Humbly Hoping that He will order all things so as shall be for the Best; Yet, Some how or other, my fears & anxiety is Such that I shall not be able to get rid of them, till I hear from you, which I have no reason to Expect till the arrival of the Post next Monday. This will seem a long week to me, and hope I shall then hear from you let your Situation be what it will, And in the mean time will Hope, it is owing to the miscarriage of your Letters, and not to the bad State of my family that I have not heard from you the two last weeks. I have the pleasure to inform you that I am well, and as our publick affairs wear a good aspect, I should be as Happy as my Distance from my family would permit me to be, Did I know you & my family were well and under no Special misfortunes. Pray write me as offten as you can & inform me of your welfare. Mr. Wentworth who I left Sick at York Town is not arrived here, nor have I heard from him Since I left him. Charles Chace is well. As to news nothing material has turned up Since I wrote you last week, Shall inclose you some newspapers for your perusal. Remember my Sincere Love & affection to all my Children and Believe me to be, affectionately yours, Josiah Bartlett RC (NhHi).

Josiah Bartlett to Meshech Weare

Hond. Sir Philadelphia July 20th 1778 I have Received your favor of the 3d Inst. This Day with the order of the Committee of Safety to Mr Wentworth & my Self to apply to Congress for Two Hundred Thousand Dollars in behalf of our State, And will take the Earliest oppertunity to lay the Same before Congress.(1)

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The Enormous Sums of money it takes to Supply the army & navy at the present advanced price of things, and the great Desire of Congress to avoid as much as possible the Emission of more bills of Credit, will I fear retard the Business, and perhaps lessen the Sum granted, But I shall use my best Endeavors that the Requisition may be Complied with. The former commissions and instructions for armed vessels being Judged very Defective, The Congress some time ago appointed a Committee to make a new Draft & lay it before the Congress for their approbation, but by reason of the multiplicity of Business, it has not yet been Done; as soon as any are printed, I will Endeavor to send some forward to our State.(2) I am sorry to inform you, that Mr Wentworth is not yet arrived here from York Town; He was taken Sick about the 20th of June with a fever & a Bilious vomiting & purging, Remained bad about ten Days, and occasioned my tarrying with him till the 2nd Inst. when I left him better, and was in hopes to have seen him here before this time, But I was Just now informed by Secratary Tompson's Lady who left York Town last Wednesday, That a few Days after I left him, He had a Relapse, but was again better before she left the place. The Confederation is agreed to by all the States, Except New Jersey, Delaware & Maryland, and I have Signed it in Behalf of our State, but as the Power to Ratify was Given to the Delegates in Congress, I have some Doubt (as have some others) whether my Signing it is a Sufficient Ratification notwithstanding our appointment authorises us severally to Represent the State in Congress, and if Mr Wentworth should not be able to Come here soon & sign it, I Earnestly Request the State to give some order about it. As I am informed that the Legislature of our State is to meet the Begining of next month, I Desire their attention to the appointment of Delegates to meet in the new Congress that is to be Convened the first Monday in November, agreable to the Confederation: and I would Beg leave to Remind them, that after that time no State Can be Represented by less than two Delegates at a time in Congress, so that if two Delegates only are Sent, and Sickness or any other misfortune should prevent the attendance of one of them in Congress (as has unhapily been the case most of the time since my arrival) the State will have no vote. Your answer to several letters sent by the President of Congress to our State has been Receivd & read, and I am glad to be informed by you that in future all such letters will Receive an answer as soon as may be after their Receipt.(3) I am Sensible Sir, that the present Plan for the Government of our State is in nothing more defective than in the want of a proper Executive power whose Duty it should be to Receive & answer all

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letters sent to the State, and see its good Laws Carried into Execution: Ours is the only State in the union (I Believe) who are destitute of such a power and I sincerely hope our Convention will take proper care of that very necessary & important article in their Plan for the future Government of the State. I am with greatest Esteem & Respect, your most obedient Servant, Josiah Bartlett RC (MHi). FC (PHC). 1President Weare's July 3 letter to the New Hampshire delegates, directing them to obtain $200,000 from Congress, is printed in Bartlett, Papers (Mevers), p. 193. Not until October 5, 1778, did Congress advance this sum to New Hampshire. JCC, 12:981-82. 2 Congress had instructed the Marine Committee on March 5 "to revise the commission and instructions" for privateers. JCC, 10:255. 3 Weare's July 4, 1778, letter to President Laurens, which acknowledged his obligation to communicate more frequently, is in PCC, item 64, fols. 33-34.

Josiah Bartlett to William Whipple

My Dear Sir, Philadelphia July 20th 1778 Since I wrote you last week nothing very material has happened. Mons Girard has informed Congress that the King his master, has left it to Congress to receive him as Minister Plenipotentiary or as a simple resident; that he had two commissions and would produce that which would be most agreeable; that it was expected our Ministers at their Court would be entrusted with the same commission we should choose to receive Mr Girard in; signifying at the same time, that it was the wish of the French Court he should be received as Minister Plenipotentiary, as it would be doing more honor to these States, and would be entrusted with greater powers, which would be a great advantage at the distance the two States were from each other and he likewise requested a public audience as soon as convenient. The Congress have agreed to receive him as Minister Plenipotentiary but the adjusting the ceremonial has taken some time and is not yet agreed on, nor the day appointed. Beside he will be rec'd in the State House which was left by the enemy in a most filthy situation and the inside torn much to pieces and is now cleansing and repairing for the purpose. Mons Girard is appointed Consul General for the United States, with power to appoint others under him at the several respective ports. The conduct of the French Court at this time, the several letters from the French King to Congress and the behavior of Mons Girard seems to indicate a greater degree of sincerity in that Nation than my prejudices formerly allowed them. In short I believe they design to attach us firmly and fully to their interest hereafter.

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Last Saturday we rec'd another letter from the British Commissioners dated at New York the 11th inst: they seem much dissatisfied with our answer to their former letter, dispute our authority to make treaties, demand to know the nature of the treaties we have entered into, intimate that we are not the representatives of the people and threaten to submit to the people at large to judge between the Congress and them. The Congress resolved that as the Commissioners had not complied with the terms we had laid down in our answer to their last, no answer ought to be given to this and ordered it to be published. If it comes out before the post goes out, I will try to send it for your perusal. Sundry letters rec'd by private members from the Commissioners are ordered to be printed, which will I think convince the world (if it is not already convinced) of the meaness and depravity of the Commissioners. They have not only in a polite manner in some of their letters hinted at bribes to be given to bring their purposes to pass, but have actually (by means of a woman in this City) offered ten thousand guineas to one of the members of Congress and any office he should choose, for his assistance in carrying their plan of reconciliation into effect. Probably similar offers have been made other persons who may not yet have informed of it. As the Commissioners are now to apply to the people at large, since they find they have nothing to hope for from Congress, probably the leading men in the different States may have an offer of some of their gold; So you had best prepare yourself for the attack. The French fleet have taken a number of British vessels and are sending the prisoners by land to this city and the French Minister has requested Congress to provide for them which cost he will pay. I am Sir, your friend and humble servant, Josiah Bartlett Tr (DLC).

Board of War Lease

Philadelphia July 20, 1778. It is agreed this day between Messrs. Wm. Duer, Timothy Pickering, and Richard Peters, members of the Board of War empowered by a Resolution of Congress(1) to engage a House for Monsr. Gerard the French Minister, on the one part, and Mr. John Dickinson on the other part, in the following Manner-Mr. Dickinson leases his House & Lott on the North side of Chestnutt street and adjoining Sixth Street, to Messrs. Duer, Pickering and Peters for one year from the Date, paying to him five hundred pounds, for the Rent, and they

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engage that the Premises shall be put to no other use, than for the Residence of the Said French Minister. And as the House has been damaged by being used as a Hospital in the Service of the United States, the Said Members engage that the House shall be perfectly cleaned and repaired without any expence to Mr Dickinson, or any deduction to be made from the Rent above mentioned, on account of such cleaning and repairing, or of any addition which the said Members may think proper to make for the convenience of the person residing there. Wm. Duer. Tim. Pickering Richard Peters Test. Geo. Morgan MS (PHi). In a clerical hand and signed by Duer, Peters, and Pickering. Endorsed by John Dickinson: "Lease to Messrs Duer, Pickering & Peters for Congress. "Settled with the Sieur Conrad Alexander Gerard Minister of France for this Year's Rent-recd. 4 Bills of Exchange for one hundred pounds Sterling payable in Paris. "NB. I have conveyed one Half of this House & Lott to my Brother-& We have this Day 27th July 1779 let the same from this Day to the said Minister for another Year at the Rent of Three hundred pounds Sterling." 1 See JCC, 11:685. For additional information on steps taken by the board to assist in preparing a residence for Gerard, see also PCC, item 147, 2:215-20.

Samuel Holten's Diary

[July 20, 1778] 20. Attended in Congress, wrote to Mr. Hall of Boston; (1) & recd. an Acct. that the France Adml. is sending a number of Prisoners here. MS (MDaAr). 1 Holten's letter to Joseph Hall has not been found. In a separate note in this diary, Holten listed the men who "have asked me to Correspond with them from York Town," and then tabulated in the margin the number of letters he wrote to each while he was in Congress. The tabulation is rendered here by the number in brackets. The last name on the page and the tabulation for the correspondents at the bottom of the list cannot be determined because the manuscript is damaged; and the number of letters written to Batchelder, Huntington, and Hall have had to be estimated for the same reason. "The Revd Dr. Wm. Gordon of Roxbury [7] The Revd. Mr. Wadsworth, Danvers [9] Honl. Tho. Cushing, Boston [9] Moses Gill, Boston [4] Joseph Palmer, Braintree [13] Josiah Batchelder Junr. Esqr., Beverly [11?] Colo. Israel Huntington, Danvers [12?]

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Capt. George Williams, Salem Capt. Wm. Shillaber, Danvers. Amos Putnam Esqr., Danvers. Joseph Hall of Boston [6?] Nathl. Appleton, Boston."

Richard Henry Lee to Thomas Jefferson

Dear Sir Philadelphia July 20th 1778 The condition of our affairs is much changed since last I had the pleasure of writing to you, as by the favor of his Most Christian Majesty we now are become Masters of the Sea, on our own Coast at least. Ten days ago arrived in the Delaware a French Squadron commanded by Count D'Esteing consisting of 12 sail of the Line and 4 frigates, having of Seamen and land Troops 11,000 Men on board. There is one Ship of 90 guns, one of 80, 6 of 74, three of 64 and 4 frigates. Having missed the English here, they have proceeded to N. York in quest of them, and are now before that Harbour, the depth of water being unfortunately insufficient to admit such large Ships. The English, whose fleet is inferior, are well contented to remain within the Narrows, and suffer Monsr. the Count to intercept every Vessel coming to N. York. He has already taken 15 Sail. But the French Admiral being an Officer of great activity and spirit, he seems not content with this small work, and therefore I believe he will go immediately to R. Island where he can easily destroy the Ships, and with the assistance of our force there, make prisoners of 2000 British Troops on that Island. With this Squadron came Le Sieur Gerard Minister Plenepotentiary from his most Christian Majesty. He is a sensible well bred Man, and perfectly well acquaint with the politics of Europe. From him I learn that the Court of France consider the Message of the King of England to his Parliament and their answer, upon the Count Noailles notification of our Alliance, as a denunciation of War on the part of G. Britain, and that they mean to Act accordingly, without an express declaration, leaving this last to England. We are busied now in settling the Ceremonials for the reception of foreign Ministers of every denomination. And I assure you it is a work of no small difficulty. When this is finished, Monsr. Gerard will have his audience in Congress-I suppose this week.(1) Gen. Washington has crossed the N. River, and will cooperate with the Admiral in Measures to be concerted against the Common enemy. The B. Commissioners have sent us a second letter, very silly, and equally insolent. The preleminaries insisted on by Congress (an acknowledgement of Independence or a withdrawing of their fleets and Armies) not having been either of them complied with, this letter is to receive no answer. We have detected

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and fully exposed Govr. Johnstone, who under the plausible guise of friendship and Virtue, has endeavored to bribe Members of Congress-The whole body indeed as well as individual Members. The confederation is ratified by 10 States, (2) there remains only Jersey, Delaware and Maryland; but I suppose their obstinacy will e'er long submit to their interest, and a perfect coalition take place. I am, much hurried, tho with great esteem, dear Sir your most obedient Servt, Richard Henry L[ee] RC (DLC). Jefferson, Papers (Boyd), 2:204-5. 1 Lee had been appointed to a committee on July 14 that was charged with reporting on "the time and manner of the public reception of Mons. Gerard." After considering the cormmittee report on the 16th, 17th, and 18th, Congress approved the protocol for receiving a minister plenipotentiary on the 20th but postponed consideration of codes and rules for receiving officials of other diplomatic ranks. Gerard was received in Congress on August 6. See JCC, 11:688, 696-701, 703, 707-8, 753-57. 2 Delegates from North Carolina and Georgia ratified the Confederation on July 21 and 24, respectively. JCC, 11:709, 716.

Henry Marchant to William Greene

Sir, Philadelphia July 20th 1778. I this Day recd. Yours of the 10th Instant. I am glad to find the Warrants came safe to Hand, and that thereby aided by the other Resolutions obtained of Congress, the aspect of publick Affairs in Our State is much altered for the better. My most unremitted Endeavours shall be continually exerted for the Relief of the State I have the Honor to represent. The Request relating to the Depy. Clothier has been committed. I have hitherto been unable to procure a Report, but I am in Hopes it will be favourable throughout.1 I am glad to hear the Spirit for Taxation continues, it ought to encrease at least in Proportion as Prices rise. For till Prices fall, it is evident there is too much money out, and therefore, that Taxes should encrease. The French Fleet have taken off the Hook, ten or twelve Sail of Ships, four from Cork, & others from the West Indies, with valuable Cargoes and also a Frigate of 32 Guns their Convoy. I expect the French Fleet will soon sail for Rhode Island, and I am in daily Expectation of hearing that Rhode Island is evacuated. I enclose your Excellency the Paper of the Day and am most respectfully your Excellencys most obedient and very humble Servt. Hy. Marchant RC (R-Ar) 1 See Rhode Island Delegates to Greene, June 27, 1778, note 5.

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Henry Marchant to His Children

Dear Children, Philadelphia July 20th 1778 I recd. your endearing Letter of the 7th of July this Day and you can't conceive what a heartfelt Satisfaction it gave me; go on my dear Children and strive to excell in all useful Knowledge, especially such as relates to God and that other World, where we are all to go. To them that behave well in this World, the next will be a World of Happiness indeed-but to such as do ill here, it will be a world of everlasting Torment. God grant that when we have all left this World, we may not be parted from each other in the World to come; but that all, Father and Mother, Brother and Sisters, may meet together, never to part again, but live a whole Eternity with God and Christ-with Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, and all other good Men & Women and Children who have gone there before us. Remember that God hates a Lye, and every thing that is dishonest-and that you must always be chearful and willing to do your Duty to God and Man, and to your Parents and to love one another and all good People, and that you must try to perswade naughty Children to behave better and to quit all their wicked words and ways, if they would ever expect to be happy. I was pleased to see Billys Mark, He will in good Time I hope learn to write his Name. I wish Miss Sally & Betsy may begin to learn him his Letters, and how to spell. Betsy I think minds her Hand-and I think considering the Length of the Letter Miss Sally needed no Appology. I have shewn the Letter with great Pleasure and it is much admired. There was but two or three Words misspelt, and one or two Errors in Grammar, and which I am sure Miss Sally could correct herself if She had had Time to look it over again. For Instance She spelt the word School-Skool. Miss Sally has been very industrious to have read the Books She mentions twice over. I rejoice that She does not forget her Bible-her Catechism & Prayers. I am glad to find Mr. Pemberton has been with and that he kindly advises you. I will agree with him, that You may not make a Task of your Grammar. Indeed my dear Child I know you love your Book so well, that I think it needless you should task yourself with any Book. I think a good and edifying Book will never be a Task to Miss Sally, I hope it will not with Miss Betsy. A little Exercise in Cyphering now and then I think is very well. I am also pleased that You take such Notice of the Business of the Farm, and that you are able to give me so good an Account of it. Your Curiosity is excited to know the Meaning of the Tow upon some of the Trees. I got some small Twigs from Trees of another Sort of Apples and Pears and cut off a Limb and stuck the small Twiggs into it, to grow, and wrapt the Tow & Clay round to keep

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the Rain out. Mr. Webster will explain it to you further if you ask him. Are you like to have a good many Pears, Peaches, and Apples? have you any Currants? And how have You been for Strawberries, huccleberries and Blackberries? I hope I shall continue to receive Letters from You. We have a Gentleman from France called a Plenipotentiary, that is, having full Powers and Authority from the King of France to join with us, his advice and to assist us against Our Enemies-And the King of France has also sent us a great many large Ships, to assist in taking the British Ships & People, and to drive them away from this good Land which Heaven gave to Our Fore-Fathers, and to us their Children, and which the King of England and his wicked People have been endeavouring to take from Us-And I hope by the Blessing of God that We shall by & by have Peace thro' all this Country, and that you may live to grow up and enjoy it with Thankfulness to God, and never forget what great Things the Lord hath done for You. Was it not for this Hope my Dear Children, I could never consent to leave you & your good Mamma so long year after year. Hoping we may soon meet & praise God for his great Goodness to Us all, I remain Your affectionate Father, Henry Marchant RC (RHi). Addressed: "Miss Sally, Miss Betsy, and Mr. [Billy] Marchant."

Samuel Holten's Diary

[July 21, 1778] 21. Colo. Partridge from our Court paid me a visit & informed me he was charged with several Public matters from said Court to Congress.(1) I wrote to Miss Holten by Post.(2) MS (MDaAr). 1 George Partridge, who previously had come to Congress in November 1776 to defend Massachusetts' recruitment practices, was now supporting the state's requests for money and for the allocation of clothing to Massachusetts troops. These requests had been submitted in a June 23 letter from President Jeremiah Powell to Henry Laurens, which is in PCC, item 65, 1:320. On August 5 Congress allotted $300,000 to Massachusetts; and in response to the clothing request, on August 8 ordered the Board of War to "take such measures and give such orders thereon as they judge proper." JCC, 11:709, 750, 767. 2 Not found.

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Henry Laurens to John Nutt

Dear Sir(1) Philadelphia 21st July 1778 As I have not had the pleasure of a line from you since I left London in October 1774, I know nothing more of my Account than appears in the state which you delivered to me while I was with you, except that the Ship Heart of Oak had been sold and one fourth part of the Amount passed to my Credit. The former balance 1/4 of the ships value together with growing Interest according to my computation will Amount upward of £850 Sterling. You cannot have forgot the motives which induced me to leave a balance in your hands for a considerable time before I left England as well as at the time of my departure. You had repeatedly intimated to me that the use of the Money would be a convenience to you and you know I had another friend who would have been equally glad to have had the little deposit lodged in his hands, but delicacy towards you forbad my drawing it out of yours. The same consideration for you has restrained me from securing myself and giving your honor or Credit the smallest wound by means which have been often practised on both sides the water. I reflected that the use of such means being extreamly expensive in these times would also give a deep wound to your Purse. The time is come when I find it convenient to myself to draw for a part of the sum which I suppose stands to my Credit in your Books. I have therefore under the present date passed a Bill on you payable at thirty days sight to the Order of Sarah Yard for eight hundred & ten pounds to which you will give due honor, and pay the whole,(2) if the balance due to me extends so far or so much of it as my said balance will reach, and send the remainder of the whole as you shall judge proper to determine to my friend William Manning Esquire, who I am sure will find means for shewing my Draft compleat honor, but I dare not indulge a thought so injurious to your Character as a Man of Honor and gratitude as that you will send the bills out of your own house, even admitting it shall appear I have overdrawn a few Pounds. The time is not very far distant when a free correspondence will be opened between your kingdom and these Confederated United States. In the mean time let our whole conduct distinguish between private mutual faith and honor, and the necessary unavoidable Acts of authorized public seizures and hostilities. I have been tenacious on my part in all my proceedings during this little War to avoid every Act which might prove a Bar to a revival of those happy friendships in Great Britain which I had long enjoyed. Under a persuasion of your having been actuated by the same principles, I freely and respectfully subscribe, Dear Sir, Your Most Obedient and Most Humble Servt.

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LB (ScHi). 1 John Nutt was a London merchant with whom Laurens had had commercial dealings for over twenty years. Henry Laurens, The Papers of Henry Laurens, ed. Philip M. Hamer et al. (Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 1968-), 2:47, 52-53. 2 Laurens entered a copy of this "Bill" just above the text of the present letter in his private letterbook.

Gouverneur Morris to the Earl of Carlisle

To the EARL of CARLISLE. My Lord, [July 21, I778] As you, in conjunction with your brother Commissioners, have thought proper to make one more fruitless negociatory essay, permit me, through your lordship, once more to address the brotherhood. It is certainly to be lamented that gentlemen so accomplished should be so unfortunate. Particularly, my Lord, it is to be regretted that you should be raised up as the topstone to a pyramid of blunders. On behalf of America I have to intreat that you will pardon their Congress for any want of politeness in not answering your letter.(1) You may remember, that in their last letter they stated certain terms as preliminaries to a negociation.(2) And I am sure your lordship's candor will do them the justice to acknowledge that they are not apt to tread back the steps they have taken. In addition to this it so happens that they are at present very indifferent whether or not your King and Parliament acknowledge their independency; and still more indifferent as to withdrawing his fleets and armies. You mistake the matter exceedingly when you suppose that any person in America wishes to prolong the calamities of war. No, my lord, we have had enough of them in all conscience. But the fault lies on you or your master, or some of the people he has about him. Congress when Sir William Howe landed on Staten-Island, met him with their Declaration of Independence. They adhered to it in the most perilous circumstances. They put their lives upon the issue; nay their honor. Now in the name of common sense how can you suppose they will relinquish this object in the present moment? I am fully of your lordship's opinion, when you decline any dispute with Congress, about the meaning of the term Independence. They would have infinite advantage over you logically, but what is worse, they are politically in capacity to put upon the term just what construction they please: Nay, my lord, eventually Great-Britian must acknowledge just such an independence as Congress think proper; they are now in the full possession and enjoyment of it. How idle in you to talk of insuring or enlarging what is out of your power and cannot be encreased. You give two reasons for not withdrawing your fleets and armies.

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The first is, that you keep them here by way of precaution against your ancient enemies. Really, my Lord, I was at a loss for some time to comprehend the force of this reasoning, or how a body of men in this country and a large fleet could protect you against an invasion from France. And I am even now perhaps mistaken, when I suppose your sea and land forces have been kept here to draw the attention of your enemies to this quarter, and leave their coast exposed, that so you may have an opportunity of invading France. If this was the object, it hath had the desired effect. Your armies are doubtless assembled in readiness for the descent, which, considering the unprovided state of that country, cannot but prove successful; and therefore I congratulate your lordship on the fair prospect you enjoy of seeing your Sovereign make his triumphant entry through the gates of Paris. Your second reason for staying here is to protect the Tories. Pray, my lord, ease your mind upon that subject. Let them take care of themselves. The little ones may be pardoned whenever they apply. The great ones have joined you from conscientious or from interested motives. The first in having done what they thought right will find sufficient comfort. The last deserve none. I offer you this consolation, my lord, because we both know that you cannot protect the tories, and because there is every reason to believe that you cannot protect yourselves. You have, it seems, determined your judgment by what you conceive to be the interest of your country, and you propose to abide by your declarations in every possible situation. I rather imagine that you are determined by your instructions; but if otherwise, surely, my lord, you are not to learn that circumstances may materially alter the interest of your country and your conceptions of it. The decision of some military events which you did not wait for, would put you in a situation to speak to Congress in much more decent terms than those contained in your last letter. But you want to know, my lord, what treaties we have entered into. In pity to your nerves Congress have kept this knowledge. It will make the boldest among you tremble. As we are not about to negociate at present, there is no need of the communication. However, to satisfy your curiosity as far as an individual can, I pray you to recollect, that the Marquis de Noailles told you his Court, when they formed an alliance with America, had taken eventual measures.(3) You cannot but know that a French fleet is now hovering on the coast near you-draw your own conclusions, my lord. It is a most diverting circumstance to hear you ask Congress what power they have to treat, after offering to enter into treaty with them, and being refused. But I shall be glad to know by what authority you call on them for this discovery. The Count de Vergennes had a right to it, but the Earl of Carlisle certainly has not. Let me

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add, my lord, that in making the request there is a degree of asperity not suited to your situation. When you were in the arms of victory we pardoned an insolence which had become habitual to your nation. We shall revere it if preserved when you are reduced to the lowest pitch of wretchedness. But in the present moment, when you certainly cannot terrify, and have not suffered so as to deserve pity, such language is quite improper. And it forces from me certain facts which I am sorry to mention, as they shew your masters to be wicked beyond all example. When they found that an alliance was actually on the carpet between his Most Christian Majesty and these States, they offered to cede a part of the East-Indies, to give equal privileges in the African trade, and to divide the fisheries, provided they might be at liberty to ravage America. And when that would not do, they told the French Ministry that it was absurd to treat with Congress; that they were faithless; nay, that the bargain was actually struck for the purchase of America, and money, to the amount of half a million, sent over to pay the price. These, my lord, are facts-facts which will hang up to eternal infamy the names of your rulers.(4) The French, my lord, laughed at the meanness and falshood of these declarations. But they suffered themselves to appear to be deceived. They permitted you to flounder on in the ocean of your follies and your crimes. You and your brethren, I find, are directed to play the same game here; to call our allies faithless; to tell an hundred incoherent fictions about our treaties, the substance of which you confess yourselves at this moment ignorant of. And what is the very complication of absurdity, you pretend to tell Congress the manner in which the negociations were carried on, when Mr. Deane, the principal negociator, on their part, is on the spot to give information. For shame. For shame. It is for these reasons that Congress treat you with such utter contempt. There is but one way left to sink you still lower, and, thank God you have found it out. You are about to publish! Oh my lord! my lord! you are indeed in a mighty pitiful condition. You have tried fleets and armies, and proclamations, and now you threaten us with news-papers.(5) Go on, exhaust all your artillery, But know, that those who have withstood your flattery and refused your bribes, despise your menaces-Farewell. When you come with better principles, and on a better errand, we shall be glad to meet you: Till that moment, I am your Lordship's most obedient And most humble servant, AN AMERICAN.(6) MS not found; reprinted from the Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, July 21, 1778. 1 Morris is referring to the Carlisle commissioners' July 11 letter to Congress, for which see William Henry Drayton to the Carlisle Commissioners, July 18, 1778, note 1.

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2 See Henry Laurens to the Carlisle commissioners, June 17, 1778-a letter Morris himself drafted. 3 See Henry Laurens to George Clinton, May 11, 1778, note 3. 4 Sometime near the end of 1777, according to a statement made by the French foreign minister Vergennes to the Spanish ambassador in Paris, count dsAranda, Great Britain offered to grant France, if French ports were closed to American shipping, Cape Bretons Nova Scotia, and a liberal share of the Newfoundland fisheries. Edward S. Corwin, French Policy and the American Alliance of 1778 (Princeton: Princeton university Press, 1916), p. 6n.11. This seems to have been the only basis for Morriss otherwise unsubstantiated description of British overtures to France prior to the conclusion of the French alliance with the United States For a brief account of other British efforts to prevent French assistance to the United states, see Samuel F. Bemis The Diplomacy of the Arnerican Revolution (New York: D. Appleton-Century Co., 1935), p. 20n.11. 5 "As we have Communicated our Powers to you, the Carlisle commissioners had written to congress on July 11, "and mean to proceed without reserve in this business we will not suppose that any objection can arise on your part to our communicating to the Public so much of your Correspondence as may be necessary to explain our own proceedings." Peter Force Collection, DLC. 6 For a discussion of the newspaper letters Morris wrote to the Carlisle commissioners using the pseudonym "An American," see Morris to the Carlisle commissioners, June 20. 1778, note 1.

New York Delegates to George Clinton

Sir, Philadelphia 21st July 1778. Just before we left York Town (in Conjunction with our Colleague Mr. Lewis) we moved for, and obtained from the Congress, an advance of 100,000 Dollars for the Use of the State, and for which they are to be accountable.(1) The Reasons were as follows: We found, by various Intelligence laid before Congress, that the Savages were about making an Irruption upon our Frontiers, & from the probable Evacuation of Philadelphia, it was not unlikely that the British General would again pursue his favorite Object of Hudson's River. In this Situation of Affairs, it appeared to us that money might be wanting in our Treasury, which we had Reason to believe was not very full; and, further, we were informed that our militia remained unpaid for Services formerly done, and, therefore, might not turn out with their usual Alacrity. These Things were laid before Congress, and they, (surprized at the moderation of a Demand which we venture to say from any other State in similar Circumstances would have been at least three Times as great), instantly made the Grant: The adjournment to Philadelphia, the Change of political Circumstances by the Battle of Monmouth, and arrival of the French Squadron (on both of which Incidents we heartily congratulate your Excellency) and the want of a safe Opportunity, have delayed the sending forward of the money. We have further to observe to your Excellency, that the Com

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plaints of our Fellow Citizens who are unpaid by Commissaries, Quarter Masters and the like, have been laid before Congress; but unfortunately the Complaint is universal, &, therefore, it is objected that a general Remedy is necessary. In this Situation, we have it in View, to obtain a Recommendation to the State to liquidate and adjust those accounts, in like manner as their own accounts are liquidated and adjusted, and this money may be of Use in discharging them. Besides this, it is to be further observed that the Continent are very considerably indebted to our State, and the accounts will be settled with greater Ease full than empty handed. Mr. Duer would have gone forwards long ago, but Mr. Lewis was under the Necessity of going to Baltimore to bring up his Family, and the State would have been unrepresented if Mr. Duer had left this Place. We hope that the arrival of Genl. Schuyler or of Mr. Lewis will soon put it in his Power to return to the State.(2) We do ourselves the Honor to enclose to your Excellency, a Report brought in but never yet read upon our Vermont affairs.(3) We think it short of what is necessary, and shall, therefore, urge Congress to such amendments as may render it more equal to the Purposes proposed to be answered by it. It is possible, Sir, that our Constituents may be led to believe, that there hath been a Remissness in their Delegates in not urging this Business with a Degree of Rapidity which in their Opinion would have ill answered the wise Purposes of the application. Your last Letter on this Subject is now before us,(4) and we shall do ourselves the Honor to present it, as soon as the matters necessary to the audience of the French Minister shall be adjusted, which is not yet done, so dilatory are the Proceedings of our Body. The Presenting your Excellency's Letter, will afford a proper Opportunity to call for and urge the Report; the amendments to which will be, if within our Power such as are stated on the enclosed Paper. We are with greatest Respect Your Excellency's most obd't & humble Serv'ts. Wm. Duer, Gouv'r Morris, ENCLOSURE (Copy) The Committee to whom was referred the letter from Gov'r Clinton, of the 7th of April, A. D. 1778, with the Proclamation enclosed, take leave to report the following resolutions, viz:(5) Resolved, that the independent government attempted to be established by the people styling themselves the inhabitants of Vermont cannot derive any countenance or authority from the Congress of the thirteen United States of America. Resolved, that no number or body of people within any part of the United States can be justified in attempting to form & establish any new independent State within any part of these United States,

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without the consent of the State or States in which they are & were included at the time the Congress were at first elected & convened for the Safety & defence of these United States, & the approbation of Congress.(6) And it is recommended, in the Strongest terms, to the people aforementioned, & all other the good people of these United States & any particular State interested or claiming to be interested in the premises, to refrain from all acts of violence & coercive measures, as they regard the peace & welfare of these States. The Committee who brought in this report were: Mr. Huntington, of Connecticut, Mr. J. B. Smith, of Pennsylvania, & Mr. Francis Lightfoot Lee, of Virginia. Amendments intended to be proposed to the Report: Resolved, that no man or body of men can of right on any territory within North America form or establish any State, (other than those which were called the British Colonies, Provinces, or Plantations in North America,) without the Special consent of that State within which such territory shall lie, & the approbation of Congress. Resolved, that Congress do highly reprobate all attempts to set up, form, or establish any new State or government, as tending to break the Union of the States they represent, to produce civil wars, & to destroy the peace, freedom, & happiness of America. Resolved, that Congress have not given & will not give any countenance or authority to the discontented subjects of the State of New York, Styling themselves the inhabitants of Vermont, but do disapprove of their proceedings. Resolved, that it be most earnestly recommended to the persons aforesaid, forthwith to submit peaceably & quietly to the jurisdiction, government, & authority of the said State of New York, & that they represent unto the said government any grievances they may labor under. Resolved, that the State of New York be requested to forbear, for the present, all coercive measures to compel the submission of their discontented subjects, & also, on a proper representation, to redress the grievances they labor under, if any there be.(7) Reprinted from Clinton, Papers (Hastings), 3:567-70. Enclosure: ibid., pp. 569-70. According to an editorial note the enclosure is a "copy . . . in the handwriting of George W. Clinton." Ibid., p. 569n. A draft of the body of this letter, unsigned but in the hand of Gouverneur Morris, is in the James Duane Papers, NHi. The same collection also contains a draft in the hand of Samuel Huntington of the first four paragraphs of the enclosure. 1 See JCC, 11 :627, 630. 2 Although Francis Lewis returned to Congress later in July, William Duel continued to serve as a delegate until November 1778. But Philip Schuyler-whose March 25, 1778, election as an "additional Delegate" was not noted by Burnett- did not attend Congress until 1779. Burnett, Letters, 3:1vi-lvii. An important reason for General Schuyler's delay was that he was yet awaiting the outcome of the

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inquiry into his role in the loss of Fort Ticonderoga in 1777, the effect of which was discussed by James Duane in an August 22, 1778, letter to John Jay, See Jay, Papers (Morris), 1:492-93. 3 There is no evidence in the journals of when this report was submitted to Congress. 4 Governor Clinton's July 8 letter to the New York delegates on the "late extraordinary Proceedings of the Government of the pretended State of Vermont in ordering Drafts to be made in that Quarter for filling up the Continental Regiment, commanded by Col. Warner," is in Clinton, Papers (Hastings), 3:532. For a letter of the same date from Clinton to President Laurens on the same issue see ibid., pp, 533-35 5 For a discussion of the committee that had been appointed on April 20 to consider Governor Clinton's April 7 letter to President Laurens and his enclosed proclamation on the vexing issue of New York's claim to govern Vermont, see Henry Laurens to George Clinton, April 20. 1778, note 2. 6 Immediately after this paragraph in the text of the committee report written by chairman Samuel Huntington, the following paragraph is lined out. "Resolved that a Copy of these Resolutions be forthwith Transmitted to the people Sailing themselves Inhabitants of Vermont & that they be directed to lay before Congress the Causes & reasons of their proceedings in attempting to Establish a new Government to this end that Such proceedings may be had thereon as to Right & Justice Shall be found to appertain." 7 For a series of resolves on the Vermont issue that the New York delegates offered to Congress on May 22, 1779, which represent an amalgam of the resolutions of the committee that considered Governor Clinton's April 7 letter and the amendments to them proposed by the New York delegates, see JCC, 14:631-33

John Penn to Richard Caswell

Dear Sir, Philadelphia July 21st. 1778 I wrote to you the 15th Inst. by an express informing you, that by the Commission Col. Williams obtained it would require the three Delegates to be present before the State could have a Vote, and then indeed we must be all of one Opinion. As there are several Gentlemen here that represent the State they belong to singly, and as I proposed to our Assembly that they would choose four Delegates confining two to be here at a time, which was not done, the Members saying they would proceed the old way, I am induced to wish that your Excellency would send a Commission giving all or either of us a right to vote until November, when I think the confederation directs two (1) I mention this again lest some accident should happen to the Express. Monsr. Gerard the French Minister is here, he is a very polite well bred man, Mr Deane says he has been our first friend in France. The French Fleet cannot get nearer to New York than Sandy Hook, on account of their size, they have lately taken thither Transports loaded with provisions going to Lord Howe. We had a curious letter from the Commissioners lately, calling upon us to know by what authority we presume to make treaties with the King of France, or any

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other foreign power, declaring we had no authority delegated to us for that purpose by the Assembly's of the different States, before or since the supposed confederation; the answer was short, "that the British Fleet and Army not being sent away, nor the Independence of America acknowledged, no answer be given."(2) Enclosed is a News paper. I hope Sir you will forward a Commission by the first Opportunity as desired unless you find some express resolution to the Contrary, of the Assembly. Indeed I am perfectly satisfied from what I heard when at New Bern, that no alteration was intended. I feel myself in an awkward situation not having a right to vote, matters of importance will soon be debated. I have the honor to be with due respect your Excellencys most Ob. Servt. J. Penn Tr (Nc-Ar). 1See Penn to Caswell, July 15, 1778, note. 2 See JCC, 11:701-2.

Joseph Reed to Esther Reed

My dear Hetty Philad. July 21 [1778] I send you inclosed all the News Papers published since I wrote you last by Capt. Mercers Harry. You will in the last Paper find Govr. Johnstones Letter to me published by Order of Congress. I had some Difficulty to prevent the Extracts from your Brothers Letter published in the same Paper.(1) You will perhaps wonder at this as supposing it contains nothing disadvantageous to him, but I assure you a very different Idea was entertained of it in Congress & I only got it withdrawn on the Plea of personal Favour. I hope my Disclosure of Govr. Johnstones Transactions will not injure your Brother in England as he cannot be in any Degree affected by it, & I could not but think it a point of publick Duty.(2) Least the Mention of your Brothers Name in Govr. Johnstones Letter may prejudice him here I shall publish such Parts of his Letter to me as will do him Service here without Prejudice in England. We have no authentick Acct. of the Proceedings of the French Fleet at New York farther than that they cannot get into the Harbour for Want of Water. They take Prizes hourly of Vessels arriving from every Part of the World & a great Number of Prisoners are now on the Way to this City. Mrs. Yard not remaining in Town,(3) after much Deliberation upon all Circumstances I have concluded to go into Mr. Cox's House which is now in my Possession with vvhat necessary Furniture Mrs. Yard spares me-to get Numa to keep a sort of Batchelor Table for me. My Reasons are that in the Ist Place it is very difficult to get

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good Lodgings even at 30 Dollars per Week, the few Boarding Houses being extremely crowded. I pay Rent for this House if unocupied & as a Number of Persons are continually calling on Business of various Kinds I must have some Persons to give Answers. You when you come or any of the Family in the mean Time will have a House to come to. In short tho it may be somewhat more expensive it will be attended with Conveniences. Mr. Pettit is soon expected in Town who will also want such a Home. Numa had done nothing with your Memorandum but I have since taken it in Hand-tho Prices are yet very extravagant but for your Comfort they are falling. I wish to have my Books got down as Oppy. offer & for that Purpose would have you write to Mr. Forman that whenever he sends empty Waggons towds Trenton he would direct them to call upon you when you can occasionally forward the Books & such Articles as you do not want to Trenton where the Shallops can take them up. I am in some Expectation of going to Camp to finish the Business which the moving of the Army interupted. If so I shall see you pretty soon. If not I fancy the Month will come round, but whether present or absent I am my dear Hetty's faithful & affect. J. Reed P.S. I wonder Mr. Lowry does not come down. It is absolutely necessary & that the Things at Quaker Town be got down as soon as possible. He knows what I mean. I have an Oppy. of getting you a tolerable Assortment of Queens Ware-if you chuse it & will send me a List of Particulars will endeavour to please you. Let me hear from you frequently. Kiss the Children for me. I shall not forget them.(4) RC (NHi) 1 For the efforts made by Congress on July 9 and 16 to examine all correspondence "of a public nature" recently received by delegates from British subjects, see JCC, 11:678, 694; Gouverneur Morris' Notes on George Johnstone's Letter to Francis Dana, July 16; and Joseph Reed to Dennis De Berdt, July 19, 1778, note 1. 2 For Reed's "Disclosure of Govr. Johnstones Transactions," see William Henry Drayton to the Carlisle Commissioners, July 18, 1778, note 8. 3 Reed had written the following brief letter to Sarah Yard on July 19. "Mr. Reed begs the favor of Mrs. Yard to take up any letters of a private nature she may find for him in New York, and if she meets with any difficulty in that or any part of her own business, Mr. Reed will presume so much upon the politeness of Gov. Johnstone as to request his favor to her as Mr. R.'s friend. Should she wait on Gov. Johnstone in this, or any other occasion, Mr R. begs her to present him respectfully to that gentleman, and acquaint him that Mr R. received his letter and did himself the honour of answering it from General Washington's head-quarters, at the Valley Forge the latter end of last month. Mr. R. wishes her a good journey, and a safe return with all possible success in her business." Reed Papers, NHi. 4 Reed wrote to Esther again the following day, but reported only the following public news. "Our News besides what you have in the Paper herewith is that

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the Count d'estaing is yet at the Narrows taking British Vessels every Day-that Genl. Washington was as far down as The White Plains & that Gen. Clinton had moved out of New York to Kingsbridge with his whole Force. We had a Report of two English Frigates cruizing between our Capes but they prove to be French Prizes." Reed Papers, NHi.

Andrew Adams to Oliver Wolcott

Sir Philadelphia 22d July 1778 The Arival of the French fleet added to the Battle of Monmouth seams to put our affairs upon a respectable Footing and Difuses a general Joy among the friendly Inhabitants of this City. However I must freely own I dont feel myself so compleatly flushd. upon this Occation as many do: I cant say but it may be attended with the happy Consiquences expected, but when I view the Matter upon a larger Scale sundry Questions suggest themselves for our Consideration. I was fully of Oppinion that the War was drawing to a speedy issue. I lookd. upon the present Campaign as the last & that we had before us every prospect of Success, and our Independe as fixd. Upon this View of the Case I would quere whither the arival of this Fleet will not be a Means of lenghtening out the War, and also lay us under an Obligation of affording France an armd. force in Case they Need it which as the Case may be circumstanced as to time, place &c may be very disagreable to our Northern people. Besides would it not be much to our Advantage had we settled the present Controversy in our favour without a foreign Aid. Under such Ideas I have never been fond of the assistance of any foreign power. However I am no adept in Politicks, nor do I pretend to determine those Questions either Way. I only hint some things that have ever been upon my Mind & leave the Decission to abler Politians or future Time. Should be glad of your Sentiments upon those Matters. The Seiur Gerard with Mr. Dean arived in this City (if I mistake not) the 12th instant;(1) he has not as wet been admitted to an Audience. The Cerimonials for that purpose are fixd. and that will now be done, in a very few Days. He is not to be recd. as Ambasador but as Minister Plenipontentiary. Have just recd. Intelligence that there are three English Ships of force now Iying in Delaware Bay, for other News must beg Leave to refer you to yesterdays paper which I have inclosed in a Letter to Miss Adams(2) designd. to have inclosed one to you but was disappointed. Hope you had an agreable Journey home as the Weather was much more favourable than I expected.

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I am Sir with great Esteam & Regard, Your very Obedt. hum Servt. Andw Adams. RC (CtHi). 1 In a letter dated Philadelphia, July 19, 1778, and directed to an unknown correspondent, Adams' colleague Titus Hosmer also reported the recent arrival of Gerard and Silas Deane, but only the following brief extract of it has been found. "I am plunged in the Ocean of Congress, it is a maze, a Labyrinth of which I have not yet got hold of the Clue; some Business is done in Congress some in Committees, and Boards, I am labouring to explore these different powers, S: provinces . . . our Friend Mr. Dean is here, with a Minister from France to Congress, he has the most decisive proofs of the Friendship of the King & Court of France . . . he is well received here by a considerable Number of Gentlemen who within are full of Envy, Malice, and all uncharitableness towards him." The Collector 61 (June 1948), p. 135, item M1098. 2 Not found.

Elias Boudinot to Hannah Boudinot

My very dearest Love, Philadelphia July 22d 1778 I wrote you an hour ago in great Haste, (1) since which our door keeper has brought me your kind & obliging favour of the 18th Inst. which is the first Syllable I have recd. from Home for 23 long days. I have wrote you at least 8 or 10 Letters in that time,(2) and one particularly by Mr. Handcock who promissed me faithfully to deliver it as he passed, and yet find by your Letter that he neglected it, which was very unkind indeed. Ee'r this reaches you, you will certainly be informed of the ill state of my Health, and I hope also of my being on the recovery. The fever is entirely broke and nothing but the dull weather keeps me from going out. Mrs. Franklin has nursed me with as much Tenderness as if I had been her own Child and indeed I have ever occasion of gratitude & Praise to gracious God who has so continually provided for me in every changing Scene. I hope you are not in earnest when you talk of being low spirited. You know the fatal Effects of such a disposition and there can be no reason for it, as when we are filling up our days labour, it is but of little Consequence what part of our Master's Vineyard we are in, if placed there by him, in the Evening if faithfull we shall receive our Penny. I have enclosed you several News Papers, which I hope from time to time come safe to hand. I am not quite satisfied with my Prospects here, they do not quite answer my Expectations, and I am afraid that I am only wasting Time, but perhaps, my Ideas of Things may hereafter alter. If honor or publick Applause was my Object, it may be that I might be gratified. My kind Love to my dear Susan and Family-Sister, Neighbours &c &c.

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I am with every tender & affectionate Sentiment of Love & Esteem My dearest Wife, Your faithfull, Boudinot July 24th. I have been abroad to day, and am bravely. RC (NjP) 1 Not found. 2 Of these only three have been found-those of July 7, 9 and 14, 1778.

Committee of Congress to William Heath

Sir Philadelphia July 22. 1778 Your letter of the eighth instant to Congress with its inclosed papers relative to the case of Ensign Brown was referred to us by Congress as a Committee to report thereupon.(1) To do this with propriety, we applied to the Board of War for the proceedings of the Court Martial upon Ensign Brown, a return of which we expected to have found there. But as no such return has been received at the Board of War, we request that you will be so good as to transmit to us, a copy of the proceedings at large by the first opportunity. We are Sir, Your most humble Serts. Roger Sherman Hy. Marchant Wm. Hy. Drayton RC (MHi). 1 See JCC, 11:704; and Henry Laurens to Heath, June 20, 1778, note 2.

Henry Laurens to Denis Nicolas Cottineau

Sir 22nd July 1778 I was honored with your favor of the 30th Ulto. three days ago. Congress are not disposed to grant Marine Commissions for Vessels in distant States unless descriptions more special than those you left are laid before them; in order therefore to avoid as much as possible any disappointment to you and to promote the general Interest of the Allied Powers of France and these United States I shall transmit by this conveyance to His Excellency Governor Caswell a number of Commissions, Instructions and Bonds, from whence you may obtain so many as he shall judge proper. From the conversation at York Town when you were going to Camp I had expected you would have received it at your return and that some Plan for your proceeding on a voyage in joint concern would have been reduced to writing, but as you did not even touch

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upon the subject, I concluded you had determined your Affairs to go in some other Channel, and now a concern in the extent you mark, would not be convenient to me even if I were as much disposed as I was at York, because I had the very day before your Letter reached me agreed to draw for a considerable part of the Money I had lodged in England.(1) Besides I cannot venture to risque the good opinion of my friends by an attempt to persuade them into an Association where so large a sum as £6000 Sterling is required on their part, without having a Plan of particulars for their consideration. Hence Sir, you will after one moments reflection perceive how impossible it is for me to return a more direct answer-and will govern your future determinations accordingly. We have received no certain account of a Declaration of War, but beyond all dispute hostilities are mutual between France and England, and captures made upon every occasion. Already the Count d'Estaing has taken a great number of British ships, and some he has destroyed, among them it is said five armed Vessels, and I know he is exceedingly chagrined, because he cannot get into Sandy Hook with his large ships. His intention was to have tried the powers of the English squadron under the command of Lord Howe at New York- failing in this place the Admiral is gone to Rhode Island, where he may play a smaller Game than he had aspired to-but will render much service to the common cause. You perceive Sir, from this intelligence, which is the best I can give, that you are at liberty to enrich yourself from the spoils of the Enemy-an Enemy who a very little time ago panted for our destruction and had avowed their designs to accomplish it. Accept my wishes for your prosperity, and believe me to be with great Regard, Sir, your Obedient Servant. LB (ScHi). Addressed: "Captain Cottineau, North Carolina." 1 See Laurens to John Nutt, July 21, 1778.

Jonathan Elmer to Ebenezer Elmer

Dear Brother Philada. 23d July 1778 A few days ago I recieved a Letter from you informing me of your promotion to Surgeon of Col. Shrieve's Regiment. I am not at all surprized at the attempts to supplant you in that Birth. The numerous greedy appendants of the Army who are incessantly fawning upon the heads of every department and soliciting for every post that happens to become vacant, render immediate application & a resolute claim of right necessary in order to obtain that which is justly due to an honest and meritorious man. I hope you will use your endeavours to discharge the duties of your present Station faithfully, &

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to the general satisfaction of the particular Corps to which you belong. The complaints of the Officers of the Army which you mention I acknowledge are in general but too well founded. But when you reflect upon the rapid progress of our political affairs, the multiplicity of business Congress have had to transact, & the many difficulties they have had to surmount; I am convinced you will readily percieve that Congress is often unjustly complained of. The depreciation of our paper Currency is irremediable at present, as it arises in a great measure from the superabundency of it in circulation. But as our affairs now begin to wear a smiling aspect, & as we are beginning to sink our bills of credit by Taxes, the value of our money will indubitably soon begin to appreciate. This in my opinion ought to afford some satisfaction to those who are at present sufferers in the service of their Country. You inform me that your present situation renders it necessary for you to have a Horse. The price will undoubtedly be extravagant. I hope however you will have the good luck to get one that will answer your purpose on reasonable terms. I have very little reason to believe that any new regulations respecting the medical department in the Army will take place this Campaign, Congress having too much business on hand of a more general & important nature to attend to that matter. I remain (in haste), Yours &c, Jonathn. Elmer RC (NjHi).

Henry Laurens to Richard Caswell

Sir, Philadelphia 23d July 1778 (1) As I have nothing public in charge for your Excellency I must request you Sir to indulge me in this private for the cover of six Marine Commissions, Instructions & Bonds, and of a letter to Capt Cottineau. The Captain applied to me in York Town for a Commission for his own ship, and for one or two which he said he intended to equip and to form a little squadron. Congress are not inclined to grant Commissions for vessels in distant States, unless special descriptions are previously laid before them. Your Excellency will be capable of judging of the propriety of Capt Cottineau's pretensions, and will act as you shall think for the benefit of the public. At this critical moment 'tis highly probable demands will be made on your Excellency for all that remains after Capt Cottineau shall be supplied. I am told no less than twelve prizes lately taken are advertised for sale on Tuesday next at Egg Harbour. Vice Admiral Count d'Estaing has captured a much greater number at Sandy Hook, some

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of them armed vessels, and some very valuable, but we have not learned particulars. The Admiral finding his large ships of too great a draught of water for the Bar of the Hook after lying several days in view of the British Squadron within, sailed as we are informed for Rhode Island where he must be content to play a smaller game than that which he originally had in view. If General Pigot and his Garrison shall be compelled to surrender, the thing will not be very inconsiderable . I take the liberty of enclosing to your Excellency two of the latest news papers. I am anxious that Congress should resolve to hold no conference with men who have dared to tempt them with bribes of Gold, and I trust that through the endeavours of some diligent Patriots in the House, those men will be compelled to return, the bearers of their own impeachment, will be held up to the severe resentments of their much injured Countrymen, and their names transmitted to posterity in characters which will render their memory infamous. I have the honor to be with great esteem & respect, Sir, your Excellency's Obedient Servant. Henry Laurens. Tr (Nc-Ar). 1 The LB of this letter in the Laurens Papers, ScHi, is clearly dated "22nd July."

Gouverneur Morris to John Jay

Dear Jay, Philadelphia 23d July 1778. I received yours of the 4th (1) some Days ago but I was in so unsettled a Situation that I could not answer it. At present I must be short for I have Company waiting. I have no Apprehension that these Money Matters can affect me. I have not taken nor would I on any Consideration have taken the Agency of Business. Duer I trust will do what is right. Your Caution however is useful and proper and I thank you for it. On no Occasion do I wish to give Room for the Exercise of Slanderous Tongues much less where money Matters are in Question for they are indeed delicate very delicate. As to the Malevolence of Individuals It is what I have to expect. It is by no Means a Matter of Surprize that I should be hated by some Men but I will have my revenge. By laboring in the public Service so as to gain the Applause of those whose Applause is worth gaining I will punish them severely. You will see another American to another Letter of the Commissioners.(2) I mention this to convince you I am not quite idle. The Letter you refer to was one enclosing me a Libel against myself. I think I have answered it but am not sure as I was then in a

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moving state. My servant being sick also hath prevented me in some Degree from the Worship of the Regularities. Let me hear from you often. My Love to all Friends. Remember me to Lewis & when you see him Richard who by this Time has no small Reason to lament his non Acceptance of a certain Office.(3) Adieu. Believe me with sincerity, your Friend, Gouvr Morris [P.S.] I hear by Accident of the Arrival of your Brother.(4) I congratulate you on it. Again Adieu. RC (NNC). 1 Since Jay's July 4 letter to Morris has not been found, it is difficult to explain some of Morris' allusions in the present letter. 2 See Gouverneur Morris to the earl of Carlisle, July 21, 1778. 3 Lewis and Richard Morris were Gouverneur's half-brothers. Richard had turned down appointments as judge of the New York Admiralty Court in 1776 and as clerk as the New York Supreme Court in 1777. Jay, Papers (Morris), I :420-21. 4 Sir James Jay.

Gouverneur Morris to the New York Assembly

Sir [July 23, 1778] In Conjunction with my Colleagues Duer & Lewis I lately obtained from Congress an Advance of 100,000 Dollars.(1) Mr. Duer has received the Money and will forward it by the first safe Opportunity. If I might at this Distance advise I would give my Opinion that A Law should be passed directing the Treasurer and auditor to pay all Demands by the Subjects of the State against the Continent untill such Day and under such Restrictions as might be most proper on a Consideration of all Circumstances. Then the Continent being made Debtor in our general Accounts with all Monies advanced for them & receiving Credit for the Sums they have advanced & for our Quota of Taxes a Ballance might be struck & if against us paid. By these Means a very considerable Sum would either remain in the Treasury to sink our Emissions or at least be in the Hands of our People to pay future Taxes & furnish themselves with the foreign Articles necessary for them and which Nothing but that can obtain. After all this should there be still which I rather wish than Expect a considerable Sum in the Treasury it might perhaps be properly lent to the Continent. I hope that the Restoration of our Territory at both Ends of the State will enable us soon to put our particular Finances upon the most respectable Footing. I am sorry to hear from several Gentlemen that the Recommendation of Congress to pardon the disaffected under certain Limitations (2) hath given Uneasiness to Persons in the State of New York.

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And I almost wish to know whether they are among those who were steady in Times of great Doubt & Distress because I have observed that such Men from a natural Fortitude of soul are much more inclined to Mercy than those who are under a Necessity of manifesting an extraordinary Zeal. But be this as it may the Lenity & active Spirit of the State I represent were too generally felt and acknowledged by the Members of Congress to suppose they meant a particular Relation to that State. Neither would it be proper to suppose they had any particular Views. I will only mention Facts. When this Recommendation came out it rendered the Troops which they call new Levies worse than useless to the Enemy as another Manoeuvre of a similar Kind had the Germans. The British Officers candidly acknowledged the Wisdom and that they felt the Force of the Policy. The State of Pensilvania did not. They issued a Proclamation in the Light and Nature of a Proscription against hundreds some of them the meanest of their Citizens.(3) The Greater Part staid in the City and I daily have the Mortification to meet capital leading Tories not only in the Street but I have seen them in Company. Not a Man hath been and I will venture to say Not a Man will be condemned. How a New Yorker feels on this Occasion I leave you to judge. At the same Time I do myself the Justice to declare that as a Man I freely forgive every of them every Thing which personally they may have meant against me. But as a Statesman I think Great Examples necessary to deter the small Fry who on almost all Occasions ought to have much pardoned to their Ignorance, to their Prejudices, to their Situations, to their Dependences, their Connections and the thousand things which combine to lead such Men into Evil. Adieu. Believe me, sincerely yours FC (NNC). In Morris' hand and endorsed by him: "Letter of 23d July to the Speaker of N York Assembly." Walter Livingston was speaker of the New York Assembly at this time. 1 See JCC, 11:627, 630. 2 For Congress' April 23, 1778, resolve on this issue, see JCC, 10:381-82. 3 Morris is referring to the Pennsylvania Council's May 8, 1778, proclamation on the attainder of certain Pennsylvania loyalists. Pa. Council Minutes, 11:483-85.

Samuel Holten's Diary

[J uly 24 25, 1778] 24.(1) I dined with the President, & went & viewed the Hospital & workhouse & City Goal. They are very Elegant & great Buildings. July 25. Two months this day since I left home. Congress set late & I dined between 4 & 5 oClock, Colo. Partridge spent the afternoon with us.

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MS (MDaAr). 1 Holten had noted in his preceding diary entry that he had changed his residence on July 23. "Thursday evening I removed from the Wido. Robisons, to board at the house of Miss Dalley & Clarke in 2d Street. I dined & drank tea at Doctr. Shippens, Directr. Genl. of the continental Hospital."

Henry Laurens to John Burnet

Sir 2 4 th July [1778] I received much satisfaction by learning from Mr. Zahn that you continued at Mount Tacitus. I hope I shall find you there or in some other of my Plantations where you shall think you may be most serviceable. My return to my own Country hardly depends upon my will; my interests and my inclination call loudly for it, but already I have received several applications requesting me not to leave Congress so early as the first of November, which day I had lately named. I will not finally determine until I shall have seen our public affairs two Months further advanced, in the mean time if leisure can be found at Mount Tacitus I desire about five thousand square feet of Cypress may be provided and shingles sufficient to cover an House of about 50 feet square; there must also be a large quantity of boards and plank for inside work, and also flooring boards of the best Pine. I mean to build a log House such as I have seen and lived in, at York Town, where they are neat, wholsome, durable and built at a very moderate expence. Mr. Zahn will speak to you on this subject and you will be governed in your proceedings by his advice and direction. Except one visit of the Gout last Winter I have enjoy'd my usual good health ever since I left Carolina. That stroke of the Gout was extreamly severe, confined me a month and kept me lame near three months. You must have heard from time to time all public occurrences in this part of America up to the middle of the present Month, what follows and the newspapers which you will find inclosed with this will give you a pretty full Account of the present state of Affairs. The French fleet which lately arrived on this Coast is now Iying off Sandy Hook, unfortunately there is not water enough on the Bar for their large ships, otherwise the whole English squadron at New York would fall into their hands, these are at present block'd up, and the French fleet have taken a great number of Prizes some of them armed ships, and some with gold and silver and valuable Cargoes. General Washington has now an army upwards of 20,000 Men-all in high spirits and I hope we shall soon learn of his having accomplished some important Act. Every one whose opinion I have heard,

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say, if general Lee had done his part at the battle of Monmouth, Sir Henry Clinton would have been reduced to circumstances little, if any thing, better than those which Burgoyne experienced last year. The General's trial before a Court Martial is not yet ended. While I was at York Town I lived in a stile much below that of my Overseers. All the room I had for my Office and lodging, was not near so large as the Hall at Mount Tacitus, more than once I have been obliged to dine upon bread and cheese and a glass of Grog- here I fare much better, but in both places I have found hard work enough and at so enormous an expence as would astonish you to hear of-but thank God there begins to be a ground for hoping we shall obtain an honorable Peace before another year expires-this however is not to be relied on, we ought therefore to persevere in every endeavour to oppose and repel the Enemy. The cruelties of the English, exercised upon our People who were their Prisoners is not to be parallel'd in History of Civilized Nations -nor indeed are they exceeded by the practices of the barbarous Indian Allies of our Enemies. The Indians have scalped and butcher'd and burnt many of our inhabitants-these means were cruel and severe but death soon ended all pain. The English have starved our People, suffer'd them to lose their limbs by frost and to linger out a miserable life for many days and weeks, have refused to let us cloath and feed them- they have compelled our friends to drink unwholsome water when good water was in plenty wasting before their Eyes, they have smother'd them in Prison Ships, killing every night five, six, and more, have kick'd, beat and abused, have loaded Officers with Irons and a thousand other savage Acts they have been guilty of-sometimes murdered the Masters of families, burned all the houses, goods and provisions and left poor helpless Women and infant Children exposed to the rigor of frost, snow and rain without food or covering. A volume might be filled with Accounts of their barbarities-in several instances of which even General Howe and General Clinton have been directly concern'd. But thank God their hands are now bound up, they are confined within their Lines at New York-from whence deserters come into our Camp 6, 8, 10 of a day, lately a Cornet of Horse and a Captain of their new Troops deserted and came over to General Washington. If time permitted I would give you further information, but I have many other Letters to write by this conveyance. I must therefore close this, assuring you I continue Your friend And Humble Servt. [P.S.] With respect to yr. wages, whatever Mr. Zahn does shall meet my approbation. LB (ScHi).

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Henry Laurens to Patrick Henry

Sir 24th July [1778] I have to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's several favors of the 4th, 8th and 16th Instant, which have been in due course presented to Congress, but hitherto I have received no commands in return.(1) Supposing Your Excellencys' Messenger, who will be the bearer of this may have been employed for the special purpose of bringing your favor of the 20th (2) and that expences are consequently increasing every day; I have judged it best to dispatch him without further delay. I have Men here employed as Messengers in constant pay, one of these shall conduct to your Excellency such Resolves as Congress shall form on the last mentioned Letter immediately after the Act shall be sent to me. That Letter had been committed to the Board of War on Monday last, a Report was made yesterday, and after some Debate re-committed. If I dare judge of opinions not yet delivered Congress will coincide with your Excellency's respecting the intended expedition against Detroit, and the further raising troops of horse.(3) The Intelligence from your Sea coast must have been founded on the little Actions between some of Count d'Estaing's squadron and the Lydia Privateer of New York of 26 Guns and the Mermaid Frigate.(4) The Lydia was destroyed-the Mermaid driven on the shoals on the Coast of Maryland where the sequel of her history is probably known: we have not learned it yet. Count d'Estaing lay many days at Anchor near Sandy Hook mortified by looking at Admiral Gambiers' squadron within, and perfectly safe from his assaults. The Large French ships draw too much water for the Bar, many British Vessels were taken by the French fleet while Iying at the Hook, five of them armed, two said to be British Frigates, but we have received no Account of particulars. The Count must by this day have arrived at Rhode Island where he must be content with playing a small game, not very small if he has the good fortune to Burgoyne General Pigot and his Garrison. I entertain some hopes that Congress will Resolve to hold no Conference with Men who have attempted to corrupt them by bribes, and to divide the good People of these States, that those Men will be made the bearers of their own Impeachment, exposed to the resentments of their injured Countrymen and their fame transmitted to Posterity in Characters which will render their memory infamous. I have the prosecution of this measure very much at heart. I take the liberty of inclosing this days newspaper, and remain with great Respect & Esteem, Sir, Your Excellency's Obedient Humble Servt. LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). 1 Governor Henry's July 4, 8, and 16 letters to Laurens are in PCC, item 71,

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1:161-68, 179-81, and Henry, Patrick Henry, 3:178-83, 185-86. Laurens is in error when he states that he had not yet received any "commands" from Congress in regard to these letters, for on July 13, after reading the letter of the fourth, Congress had ordered him to ask the governor "to spare, for the use of the army of the United States, all the vinegar composing part of the cargo of the ship Roderique, purchased by the State of Virginia." See JCC, 11:686; and Laurens to Henry, July 13, 1778. 2 Laurens means Governor Henry's July 10 letter, which was referred to the Board of War on July 20, together with Henry's letter of the eighth. See PCC, item 71, 1:169; and JCC, 11:704, 710. There is no July 20 letter from Henry to Laurens in PCC or Henry, Patrick Henry. 3 In response to the points Governor Henry made in his July 8 and 10 letters to Laurens, Congress approved a report by the Board of War on July 25 calling for the suspension of an expedition against Detroit, which the delegates had ordered on July 11, and stating that in consequence the governor could dispense with the "reinforcement of infantry and cavalry for the main army" recently approved by the Virginia Assembly. JCC, 11:720-22. See also Laurens to David Espy and Others, May 17, 1778, note. 4 Governor Henry had described this "Intelligence" in the July 16 letter cited above.

Henry Laurens to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.

Sir 24th July [1778] In the recess of Congress I am called upon by His Excellency Le Sr. Gerard, Minister Plenipotentiary from his Most Christian Majesty to the United States of America in order to obtain from Connecticut such aids as His Excellency Count d'Estaing, Vice Admiral of France, commander of a squadron of ships of War of his Most Christian Majesty may stand in need of, admitting Count d'Estaing shall proceed from Sandy Hook to Rhode Island. I have therefore taken the Liberty in the name of Congress to address your Honor requesting you to afford all the assistance in your power to Count d'Estaing upon His Excellency's requisition for the general service of the French fleet, and for facilitating the Vice Admiral's intended operations, particularly that a sufficient number of skilful Pilots may be held in constant readiness for conducting the fleet if necessary into New London.(1) From a reflection His Excellency General Washington has undoubtedly written to you on this subject as well as from a certain persuasion that your Honor will upon every occasion chearfully and vigorously contribute to promote the service of his Most Christian Majesty our good Ally, in which the safety and welfare of these States is strongly interwoven, I have intimated to Monsr. Girard the present application will scarcely be necessary. Be this as it may 'tis with great pleasure I embrace the opportunity of assuring your Honor of the continued good wishes, Esteem and Respect with which I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your Most Obedient &c.

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LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). Addressed: "The Honorable Jonathan Trumbull Esqr., Connecticut." Endorsed: "Delivered Monsr. Girard by M[oses] Y[oung]." 1 There is no mention of this matter in the journals.

Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board

Gentlemen July 24th 1778 We have received your sundry Letters of the 12th, 24th & 29th ultimo and of the 4th, 7th & 8th Current to which we shall now reply in their order. To yours of the 12th ultimo. Our letter to you of the 11 th instant will convey our Instructions for every possible endeavour being exerted in preparing for Sea the continental Vessels of war in your department and for sending them out one after another to join the squadron of France under the command of vice Admiral the Count D Estaing; therefore we hope before this will reach, that you will have despatched the Warren and that others will shortly follow. We enclose herewith a Set of Signals received from the French Admiral, copys of which you will deliver to our Commanders enjoining great secrecy and in case of necessity that they destroy them.(1) We approve of your having purchased A Schooner for bringing round the flour and Iron from Sinepuxent. In a Letter from William Smith Esqr our Agent in Maryland of the 18th instant is the following Paragraph. "I am sorry to inform you there is the greatest reason to believe Captain Whippy of the Schooner Loyalty is Captured by the enemy in his outward bound passage from Sinepuxent-he had on board upwards of 900 Barrels flour and a quantity of barr Iron, and I am informed he was so imprudent as to go to sea when three oL the enemies Cruizers were in sight-they were seen in chase of him, and as he is so dull a sailor, there is very small hopes of his having escaped.(2) The Swan, Captain Stiles, arrived from Boston at Sinepuxent about the 23d ultimo, her Cargo of flour and Iron was all ready and doubt not she is despatched before this." Should the Schooner be taken it will be a disapointment and we think Captain Whippys conduct will be highly reprehensible. To yours of the 24th ultimo. The estimate of Monies wanted in your Department hath been laid before Congress who have granted the full amount.(3) We therefore send you five hundred & Twenty four thousand by the Bearer according to his Receipt enclosed-this large sum we hope will be fully adequate to all your wants, and enable you to prosecute with vigour the business of your Department, we have no doubt but that you will render the expenditure thereof as beneficial to the public as possible. To yours of the 29th ultimo. We are much pleased to hear of Captain Summers Success and the arrival of his Prizes. To prevent delay and inconvenience hereafter as was the Case with regard to the

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Brigantine Resistance being without a Commander, we empower you to appoint to any Vessel under 20 Guns any Captain that may be unemployed in your department.(4) We shall lay before Congress the Sentences of the Courts Martial relative to Captains Manly and McNeill.(5) The Account you give of the Hamdens Stores has determined us to Countermand the orders we formerly gave to build a hull Accomodated to them, therefore we desire you may drop that plan. When a proper opportunity shall present and you may think Mr. Pecks Talents in the construction of Ships will be useful to the Public, you will please to give us notice. We shall overlook Captain Waters mistake and consider his appointment the first opporty.(6) We enclose herewith an order of the Board of War to their Agents in the Eastern States to furnish you with Blankets, Duck, Oznabrigs, Coarse Linnen, Stockings and Coarse Cloths, lead, Copper &c. which they may have in their possession, and you may want for fitting out the ships of war in your Department. As most of these articles are essentially necessary for the Army and will be much wanted in the Winter we request you will be sparing of them as possible. To yours of the 4th instant. We inclose herein a Resolve of Congress of the 15th November 1776 respecting the Bounty allowed for Men and Guns taken from the enemy at sea. It is the opinion of this Committee that Men of War and Privateers are the only Vessels that comes within the meaning of this Resolve, therefore on all Vessels coming within this discription the Bounty is to be paid but none other. We have ordered the Navy Board here to make a return of the British Seamen that are Prisoners within their district, when they do we shall attend to your proposal of Exchanging them for ours at Halifax and will write you. For the present we desire you will engage Pilots for our Ships of War on the best terms you can. We wish to know your reasons for having Pilots established in the Navy-we apprehend they are founded on some local custom with you with which we are unacquainted. You will also inform us what pay and share of Prize Money should be allowed to Pilots. We never have allowed any Commission to any of our Captains for disbursing Money, and would by no means have that Custom introduced. As we do not think proper that the Public should be concerned with individuals in Vessels of War we cannot accept of Mr. Ginons proposals. To yours of the 7th instant. We do not approve of going into the custom of allowing travelling expences to the officers of the Navy, but on account of the particular circumstances attending Lieutenant Leeds of the Brig Resistance we make him a gratuity of the amount of his account viz £56.17.9 which you will please to pay. To yours of the 8th instant. As you think the ship Queen of France will do for a Cruizing Ship we desire she may be equipped accordingly and the Command of her given to Captain Joseph

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Olney. The One half of the sea Books you mention you will please to send forward to this place. It is our desire that you have the accounts of the building, fitting &c of the Hancock & Boston frigates compleatly settled and examined and sent forward to us. It is also our desire that you keep seperate and distinct accounts of all Vessels ordered to be built within your Department, and that you regularly furnish this Committee with the Cost of each when fitted for the Sea; and that afterwards you keep seperate and distinct accounts of the Disbursements of each Vessel and furnish us with them in that manner. You will direct the Commanders that sail by your Orders to inform this Committee of all occurrences that may happen on their Voyages. You will please to hold a Court of Inquiry on Captain Johnstons conduct relative to the loss of the Continental Brig Lexington of which he was Commander.(7) Mr. Bradford the Agent at Boston hath lately remitted to us a bill drawn by Otis & Andrews on the Clothier General James Mease Esqr. at this place for 29,6511/3 Dollars being for Prize Goods which they purchased of him. We desire you will inform Mr. Bradford, that he is to charge this Bill to your Board and not to the Marine Committee, as he and all other Agents in your department are to settle their transactions with you. We shall shortly transmit you the Money for the above Bill. We are Gentlemen, Your Hble servants P.S. We send this Letter by Post being anxious to communicate the contents-the 524000 dollars shall be sent off immediately after it. LB (DNA: PCC Miscellaneous Papers, Marine Committee Letter Book). 1 Congress had referred these signals, which had been received from Ambassador Gerard, to the Marine Committee on July 15. JCC, 11:691. 2 On July 20 James Warren informed his navy board colleague William Vernon that the schooner Loyalty was "drove on Shore on the Vineyard with a load of Flour" and offered hope that the vessel and cargo could be saved. "Papers of William Vernon and the Navy Board," Publications of the Rhode Island Historical Society 8 (January 1901): 253. 3 Congress had granted the Marine Committee $524,000 for the use of the Eastern Navy Board on July 16. JCC, 11:696. 4 See Samuel Adams to James Warren, July 20, 1778, note 9. 5 On July 29 Congress read and referred to the Marine Committee Hector McNeill's July 25 petition requesting Congress to revise the court-martial proceedings that had ordered his dismissal from the Continental Navy. This petition and one from McNeill to the Marine Committee dated October 3, 1778, are in PCC, item 42, 5:73-84. Although the Marine Committee recommended in January 1779 that the sentence against McNeill not be executed, Congress never countermanded McNeill's dismissal. The proceedings of the June court-martial exonerating John Manley were laid before Congress on August 5. JCC, 11:727, 749, 13:69-70. For additional information on McNeill and Manley, see Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board, October 26, 1777, note 2; and Samuel Adams to James Warren, July 27, 1778, notes 1 and 2. 6 On Daniel Waters' refusal to command the Resistance, see these Letters, 9:778n.2.

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7 Henry Johnson, who arrived with the French fleet, had applied to Congress on July 13 regarding an inquiry into his conduct. JCC, 11:687. On the loss of the Lexington in September 1777, see William J. Morgan, Captains to the Northward, pp. 109-10.

Joseph Reed to George Bryan

Sir Saturday Morning July 25, 1778] At the Hour you was pleased to appoint yesterday to attend your Board I was pre-engaged on the Committee of the Frontier Business which on the breaking up of Congress I mentioned to a Member of Council who promised to make it known so as to save the Council the Trouble of Meeting. As there is seldom more than one Member from this State in Congress I could wish that a future Appointment may be out of Congress Hours as this was. (1) And I will endeavour to attend it punctually. I am very respectfully, Sir, Your most Obed. & very Hbble Servt, Jos. Reed RC (NHi). Addressed: "The Honorable George Bryan Esqr., Vice Presidt. &c." Endorsed: "1778 July 25th from Honble Joseph Reed." 1 The demands on Reed's time had increased on July 15 when he was named to the Pennsylvania Executive Council in a special election held to fill the vacancy created by the death of the former president, Thomas Wharton, Jr. According to the council's minutes he managed to attend its proceedings at least four times during the period July 21-25 despite his explanation on the 21st that he would be obliged to neglect his work on the council because of the press of his congressional assignments. This letter provides proof that Reed did indeed experience difficulties in meeting the obligations of his two offices, but his situation changed a few days later when it was discovered that under the Pennsylvania constitution his election to the council was invalid, because no delegate to Congress could be chosen to that office. See Pa. Council Minutes, 11:535-40; and Roche, Joseph Reed, p. 147. Reed's prominence in Philadelphia affairs is also attested to by the fact that his name headed the list of 185 citizens who signed an antiloyalist declaration published in the July 25 issue of the Pennsylvania Packet. The subscribers to this declaration asserted their determination to combat the efforts of "sundry persons, notoriously disaffected . . . [who] have endeavoured to suppress all evidence and discovery of the oppression of the friends of America, and other misdoings before and during the enemy's possession of this city, by intimidating and discouraging the good people of this state from appearing against them."

Elias Boudinot to Hannah Boudinot

My dearest Love Philadelphia July 26t 1778 I have just been made exceedingly happy by the Reciept of your Packett of the 15 Inst. enclosing Mr. Pintards &c. I have wrote you 8 or 10 lately but this is only the second I have recd. I know not of

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any mode of assuring you of the importance of a Letter from your Valuable Pen, but by referring you to your own feelings on the like occasion. To recieve a Letter from any Friend is agreeable, but to be honored with a sweet endearing Letter from a dearly beloved Wife-the Wife of your Youth and the Partner of all your Joys, & Hopes & fears, is Indulgence, Gratification and next to Possession itself. I must beg that you will not let a Post pass without a Line, if it is but to say that you are well. Mr. P. informs me that he has sent me a Hat, if so pray forward it to me by some very safe Hand-send it to Princeton and it can easily be sent on from there. How kind is our gracious God in protecting my Dear Family amidst the surrounding Evills, that others have been liable to. Poor Mr. MacWhorter, I pity him greatly altho' he has reason to rejoyce in the goodness of a merciful God in the midst of Judgment.(1) But indeed I scarcely live a Day, without some striking fresh call to praise our God for his Goodness and to say that his Mercy endureth forever. I have lately experienced it in removing my disorder in so speedy a Manner. Could We but live answerably to such mercies it would increase our Happiness to the summit of Earthly felicity. I have nothing new to tell you only that the French fleet is gone to attack Rhode Island by sea, while 5000 Men under Genl. Sullivan attack by Land. God grant them success & take the Glory to himself. I dare not think too much of my beloved Wife & dear Family, as I know it is apt to have too great an Effect on my determinations-to say I begin to hanker after the leeks & onions of Egypt is but to give the mere Shadow of the real feelings of my too anxious Heart-I often am in evening-but enough I must impose Silence on my Heart & Pen. Suffice it to say, that neither Love, Esteem, Friendship nor any of the tender, delicate & finer feelings of a Heart alass too, too sensible towards the Object of its affections, are no ways lessened or impaired by a disagreeable & unwilling Absence from the delightfull Subject of them. I have wrote you to endeavour to store the Sugars with you, or send them on to me hence, as you find it convenient-the first will be best. If the Teams belong to Mr. Messereau, you must let them have money to bear their Expences taking their reciepts. If they go back to Boston, they must take some Load back. Let my Dr Susan know how much I am obliged by her Letter. It deserves an Answer as soon as I have leisure. I am pleased to see that she is improving. Love & a Kiss to her. Remember me to the Familys Sister & all Friends as if named. I am my Dearest Love with the greatest Sincerity & Esteem, Your truly Affect. & loving Husband, Boudinot

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RC (NjP) 1 The wife of Rev. Alexander McWhorter, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Newark, N.J., had recently been seriously injured when struck by lightning. William B. Sprague, Annals of the American Pulpit; or Commemorative Notices of Distinguished American Clergymen . ., 9 vols. (New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 185748), 3:209-10.

Henry Laurens to Theveneau de Francy

Dear Sir 26th July [1778] I thank you for your favor of the 15th,(1) particularly for those Polite and kind marks of your friendship for me which you are pleased to express, and shall endeavour to merit the continuance of your Esteem. The favorable Events which you allude to make a proper impression upon my mind. I view them as Harbingers to an honorable Peace, and the Universal acknowledgment of American Independence, but a Man who has paid some attention for fifty years to the continual fluctuation of Human Affairs, feels not those raptures from the appearances of good Fortune which had been wont to seize his Heart between the Stages of 20 and 40-perhaps a moderate degree of anxiety for permanizing present advantages may appear to younger Men an alloy of Happiness. I feel as if led by it into the true Sphere. Many days have past over since I heard any thing from the Fleet or from His Excellency General Washington. Count d'Estaing has been making Prizes in great numbers and of great value in sight of the Enemys squadron safely anchor'd behind Sandy Hook extreamly chagrined at finding his own Ships drew too much Water to admit his coming nearer to them. The Newspaper which I shall here inclose will further inform you. I can add nothing on this head but that Mr. Gerard and myself conjecture the Admiral is gone to Rhode Island. The choice of le Sieur Gerard for the Minister Plenipotentiary displays the Wisdom of His Most Christian Majesty's Councils. I will venture to say in one word France does not contain a Man better fitted for the People among whom he is to reside, with whom he is to Negociate, than is this Gentleman, nor have I a lower opinion of the Competency of Monsr. Girards' Abilities for Negociating nor of his Integrity. The Letter which you sent to the Commercial Committee was deliver'd to me by that Board and immediately presented to Congress(2) The House order'd it to be returned to the Committee, and that they should after full consideration make a special Report. This happened yesterday Morning, Congress did not rise 'till near four o'clock P.M., this is Sunday, consequently the Report cannot be

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made before tomorrow, but considering the business which we have to transact with Mr. Girard I rather think nothing will be done in your Affair before Wednesday; to prevent anxiety therefore to yourself and perhaps some expence I submit to your Servant's importunity to return and you may be assured of hearing from me by a special Messenger without the loss of one minutes time after I shall have received the commands of Congress. And if I form a right judgment from the sentiments of particular Members you will be convinced that Congress have in view nothing short or that you can in our present Circumstances require in favor of Monsr. Beaumarchais, and in fulfilment of the Contract lately entered into.(3) Some Gentlemen who were at my House last Evening discovered much displeasure at the Orders which you say have been given for consigning public Cargoes to Mr. Ross. I will not trouble you with my own opinions or conjectures, it would be altogether improper to do so since you are acquainted with my sentiments and more especially as your complaints are now before the proper Tribunal and will very soon receive an Answer, I trust a satisfactory answer.(4) I am glad you have made no purchases on my account. I have found it necessary to go into very large expences since my return to Philadelphia for such Articles as I had requested you to procure, and the extravagant prices demanded for every species forbid laying in double stocks-but I would except the article of Claret which you say is good, therefore, if it can be purchased at a price not exceeding 30 or 32 dollars per dozen bottles, & you find a good opportunity for transporting it soon I request you to send me four of five boxes, containing as I compute 20 dozen little more or less. I have now an house almost as elegant as that in which I have enjoyed the company of my friends at York Town. I shall be happy to see Mr. Francy and to pass an opinion on his Claret. Within the present Cover you will find two Letters for yourself which are all that have come to my hands in your absence-one for Versailles from Baron de Kalb, two for Martinique and one for the Cape transmitted to me by Marquis de la Fayette, for all these I request you to procure safe and speedy passages. Your Dispatches for Baron Steuben and Captain Landy shall be sent forward this Morning. I have the Honor to be, With great Respect &c. LB (ScHi). Addressed: "Mr. De Francy, Williamsburg." 1 Francy's July 15 letter to Laurens, in which he enclosed a copy of his letter of the same date to the Committee of Commerce and urged Laurens to have it read before Congress, is in the Laurens Papers, ScHi. 2 Texts of Francy's July 15 letter to the Committee of Commerce are in the Laurens Papers, ScHi, and Beaumarchais, Correspondance (Morton and Spinelli), 4:142n.12. In this letter Francy, who was Beaumarchais' agent in America, urged the committee to use the cargoes of a number of ships that had been recently laden with tobacco in Virginia to discharge part of "the debt owed by the 13

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united states to the house of Roderiqu Hortales and comp. otherwise Mr. Beaumarchais." After reading a report on this letter by the Committee of Commerce, which noted that the cargoes of all but one of these vessels had already been designated to pay for debts contracted by John Ross, an American agent in Nantes, Congress agreed on August 1 to consign the cargo of the remaining vessel to Roderique Hortalez & Co. and to authorize the American commissioners in Paris to pay this firm, "as they judge proper," the balance left over from the sale of the other cargoes after the settlement of Ross' accounts. See JCC, 11:716, 738-40; the letters of John Banister and Robert Morris to Francy of July 28; and Committee of Commerce to Francy, August 3, 1778. 3 See JCC, 10:315-21; Committee on the Claims of Roderique Hortalez & Co. Report, March 5; Robert Morris' Proposed Report on the Claims of Roderique Hortalez & Co., March 12; and Committee of Commerce to the Commissioners at Paris, May 16, 1778. 4 According to a statement by Francy in the July 15 letter to Laurens cited above, Laurens agreed with his contention that the United States was under an obligation to pay Beaumarchais for the military supplies he had provided them: "I remember with a very great pleasure that from the first time I Spoke to your Excellency, you was Convinced of Mr. de Beaumarchais' right in claiming the munitions & goods Sent by the house of Roderique Hortalez & Co; but it has not been a So easy matter to Convince every Gentleman of Congress." In a July 31 report to Beaumarchais on recent efforts to secure a settlement of his claims, Francy explained that they also had an ally in the person of William Carmichael, a point made explicit by Carmichael himself in a September 3 letter to Beaumarchais on the injustice and ingratitude of his countrymen in failing to discharge their debts to him. Beaumarchais, Correspondance (Morton and Spinelli), 4:173-75, 224-25.

Henry Laurens to Patrick Henry

Sir 26th July [1778] I beg leave to refer Your Excellency to my last Letter under the 24th by the returning Messenger. Inclosed with this Your Excellency will receive an Act of Congress of the 25th consisting of divers Resolutions founded on a Report from the Board of War to whom Your Excellencys' Letters of the 8th and 10th Instant were referr'd; either the Board of War have misquoted these dates or the Secretarys' return led me into an error in reciting them in my last.(1) This Act contains so full an Answer to Your Excellency's Letters on the intended Expedition against Detroit, and the raising a Reinforcement of Infantry and Cavalry in Virginia as leaves me nothing to add, except an explanation which I am directed to make on the 5th Resolve. It is meant and intended by Congress by the inexpedience of the march and services of those Troops that an immediate abatement of expence shall be made. Nothing from His Excellency General Washington or from Count d'Estaing since my last. I have the Honor to be, With great Respect & Esteem &c.

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LB (DNA: PCC, item 13). Addressed: "Governor Henry, Virginia, by James Dobbin Monsr. Francys Messenger." 1 See JCC, 11:720-22. Virginia's response to these resolves is the subject of Governor Henry's August 7 letter to the Virginia delegates, which is in Henry, Patrick Henry, 3:190.

Henry Laurens to John Laurens

My Dear Son 26th July [1778] Members of Congress and Citizens in general are under uncommon anxiety to hear from His Excellency the Commander in Chief-and to learn something further than we know of the present position of Count d'Estaing's fleet. You know very well how I feel, we are not new acquaintance-improve the present moment; events will be produced in due course. This maxim smooths much the path through Life. Doctor Scudder is not a Free Mason, you have had many escapes, but I submit it to your wisdom and Philosophy whether it be necessary to tempt the fates or to brave them, and to your friendship whether a person so dear and so much beloved is not entitled for the sake of his Connections to ordinary protection. I shall never be surprised until I hear you have in one instance attended to the preservation of your Life by means which the bravest Man on Earth would not blush to adopt. From Charlestown I learn they had lately captured Bachop a second time, and with him or in company with him in another Privateer which had long infested our Coast the very infamous Osbourne.(1) General Howe had advanced on his march towards East Florida as far as the Bank of St. Johns, the Season of the Year will not allow me to entertain very sanguine hopes of his success although the Enterprizing, never failing Colonel Williamson with 1000 of his own trusty Men were with him. I had intended to have written you a full sheet but the patience of Le Chevalier Failly who has been waiting above two hours in the Parlour must be near expiring. I have been all that time producing this scrap, six words at a time between interruptions. P.S. I send in the Packet with this, four Letters for yourself and sundry for Head Quarters and the Camp. I am sorry nothing lies on me for paying my Respects to the General. I have no public commands and will not be so unkind as to take up a moment of his time with Ceremony-but I love and pray for him. There is a Letter in the Packet for his Excellency the General from Don Juan De Miralis who appears to be a worthy old Castilian. I have much of his company.

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LB (ScHi). 1 Laurens had received news of these events in a July 6 letter from President Rawlins Lowndes of South Carolina, a transcript of which is in the Laurens Papers, ScHi.

Samuel Adams to James Warren

My dear Sir Philada. July 27 1778 Capt Manly has obliged me with your favor of the 5th.(1) He and McNeil are here with different Views. The one to obtain another Ship, and the other to get the Sentence of a Court Martial reversd. Perhaps both may be disappointed. I have receivd a Number of Letters by both. To yours I shall pay a particular Regard, because I am well satisfied you never suffer Prejudices to divert your Attention from the great Object-the publick good. "Manly is a blunt, honest and I believe brave Officer." I observe your caution, and am pleasd with it; for I think it is a fresh Proof of your Integrity. Manlys Bravery is an Article of your Belief. His Bluntness & Honesty are Matters of Certainty. I have not yet lookd into the Papers; but I recollect to have heard, when they were read, the Want of Experience imputed to him, and some thing that had the Appearance of blaming him for not giving any Signals for the Direction of the Ships under his Command. This it must be ownd, strongly implys a Want of Discretion. Does the Character of a blunt & honest officer intitle him to the Command of a capital Ship if he is deficient in Point of Experience & Discretion? Especially if he has had the Misfortune of losing one already. "McNeils Address is insinuating-His Assurance great-He will tell you fine Storys" &c. I should think he had taken his lessons out of Hutchinsons political Book, if I had not Reason to believe that he used to despise him most heartily. When I advert to a Letter from another of my Friends, I find him "open & sincere" "His Temper naturally warm, which he has sometimes indulgd in speaking his Mind freely of Persons in office." This you know has always been deemd an unpardonable Sin, and I am affraid it always will be. To be sure it always will be so deemd by that Kind of Men in office, who meet with none to hinder them from persisting in the most egregious and expensive Blunders, but the open, sincere & warm Friends of the Country. We all know, says my Correspondent, his Zeal & Sufferings for our glorious Cause." Such a Character, I must confess, commands my Friendship; but it has no Consideration in the present Appeal. Has he had a fair Trial? I pay a proper regard to the Decisions of Courts Martial, and shall not give my Voice for altering them, but when Error, Partiality or Injustice shall appear plainly to my own Satisfaction.(2) Our Navy Officers must not expect to pick & chuse for themselves.

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They ought to be content with such Appointments as are given to them. Indeed Appointments should be made with more Judgment than I think they can be by any Set of Men at three or four hundred Miles Distance. For this Reason I movd that they not be made by the Navy Board, which obtaind in a certain Degree, as you will see by a Letter from the Marine Committee.(3) Had this been the Case before, Olney would have remaind in the Resistance, and Bush must have waited for another. If the Queen of France is a better Vessel, it will turn out not to the Disadvantage of Olney. While we have more Captains in Commission than we have ships to give them, there must be Disappointments, Envys, and Suspicions (oftentimes unreasonable) of each other. This is the Make of Man and we may as well think of stopping the Tide as altering it. "The Appointment of Cap Landais affords an ample Subject for the observations of Speculatists, & the Resentment of Navy officers." I think he is, as you observe, an ingenious & well behavd Man; and if he is an able & experiencd officer, as we are assured he is by those who ought to give us the best Information, it is a Pity that two very good Lieutenants should leave the ship & the service on that Account. I hope others may be found to fill their places. "It is an opinion that I was Landais chief Patron." This is a mistaken Opinion. You discover yourself on this occasion, as you are disposd to do at all Times, Partial in my Favor. If I was in any Degree instrumental in the Promotion of Landais, it was because I really thought him a considerable Acquisition & that he would be eminently useful to our Navy. And I am apt to believe it would have been thought a judicious Appointment, if there had not been a fanciful Predilection in favor of another. Even the Name of the Ship may have given Disgust to some Men.(4) I hope when Manly is provided with such a Ship as will please him, the Difficulties or obstructions in the Way of getting the Alliance manned will be removed. I am sure your Exertions will not be wanting to forward the Service. July 29. Yesterday I sent you a fresh News paper by the Post which I intended as an Apology for not writing to you. I kept this Letter open, knowing that Mr Dod the Express was to set off soon, and designing to say a few things in Addition to what I just hinted to you in my last. But I must defer it till another opportunity. I shall be obligd to you if you will give my Respects to Mr Storey & tell him that his Petition with a Number of others was put into the Hands of Mr Lovel when Mr H[ancock] left this City. We will take the first oppty to present it, and endeavor to get his Wishes answerd.(5) Adieu my Friend. RC (MHi). In Adams' hand, though not signed. 1 Warren's July 5 letter to Adams, in which he discussed the qualifications of

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several Continental Navy captains, particularly those of John Manley and Hector McNeill, is in Warren-Adams Letters, 2:30-31. 2 Manley's July 27 letter to Congress asking for a new command was referred to the Marine Committee on July 28, but Congress took no further action on the request and Manley eventually turned to privateering. JCC, 11:724; and William J. Morgan, Captains to the Northward: The New England Captains in the Continental Navy (Barre, Mass.: Barre Publishing Co., 1959), p. 147. For McNeill's petition requesting that the sentence dismissing him from the service be set aside, see Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board, July 24, 1778, note 5. 3 See Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board, July 24, and Adams to Warren, July 20, 1778. 4 On the appointment of Pierre Landais to command the Alliance, see Adams to Warren, June 1 and 19; and Marine Committee to the Eastern Navy Board, June 18, 1778. 5 The petition of William Story, clerk of the Eastern Navy Board, asking for a raise in salary was read in Congress on July 31. On August 4 Congress accepted the Marine Committee's report that no raise in salary be made but that Story be given $500 for "extra services and expenses." JCC, 11:735, 747.

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett

My Dear Philadelphia July 27th 1778 I have Just Received your letter of the 10th Inst. which has greatly Relieved my mind from the uneasiness I felt in not hearing a word from you Since yours of the 20th of last month, and am still much at a loss what should be the reason of my not receiving any letter from you the two last posts, as I Recd. letters from Exeter & Portsmouth by both of them, nor Do I Know what letters you have Recd. from me, as you have not informed me. Wish you would be more particular what letters you Receive; I am thankful to hear Rhoda is better, & the rest of the family well. May the Supreme Ruler Continue your health and make us truly thankful for all his favors. I am Glad to hear there is a Good prospect of a plentiful harvest; Here haying & English harvest has been over sometime. The weather, the latter part of June & forepart of this month, was Exceeding Hot, it has since been more Comfortable & Continues so at this time. The French Fleet is gone to Rhode Island & I Expect you will hear of their opperations sooner than I shall, as you are much nearer. There has nothing very remarkable happened here since I wrote you last, shall inclose some papers for your perusal. I am by the favor of Providence in good health, so is Charles Chace, Mr. Wentworth had an III turn after I left him at York Town & is not arrived here yet. I shall Endeavor to write to you every week & hope our letters will not be obstructed as they have been. Remember me to all Enquiring friends. Give my sincere Regards to Mr Thayer & inform him I Recd his letter of the 9th Inst. and will write to him as

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soon as I have Leisure & any thing worth Communicating to him.(1) Let him see the newspapers if he Desire it. Yours &c, Josiah Bartlett RC (NhHi). 1 Rev. Elihu Thayer's July 9 letter to Bartlett is in the Bartlett Papers Microfilm, NhHi. No letters from Bartlett to Thayer for 1778 have been found.

Josiah Bartlett to William Whipple

My Dear Sir, Philadelphia July 27th 1778. Your's of the 12th instant is just rec'd and am glad to hear that our conduct to the British Commissioners has given general satisfaction.(1) By their last letter they seem to threaten us with an appeal to the people at large; I hope and believe they will gain no great advantage by that measure. I am fully sensible of the force of your arguments against privateering and if some proper methods were taken to restrain it to proper bounds, I make no doubt the public would be much benefitted by such restrictions; but (for want of a competent knowledge of those affairs I make no doubt) I am not quite satisfied that a total prohibition would be serviceable. The Congress have some time since determined as soon as possible to take up the Marine affairs and make some very essential alterations in it and also the affair of our money which seems to be going to confusion by the enormous rise of every thing, but when it will be done God knows. The almost innumerable letters and business that daily crowd upon Congress for want of regular Boards, properly appointed and filled, and the time it takes in such large Assemblies, to transact business, keeps us forever behind-hand in our affairs and I am sorry to say that sometimes matters of very small importance waste a good deal of precious time, by the long and repeated speeches and chicanery of gentlemen who will not wholly throw off the lawyer even in Congress. Till we get into better regulations as to our Marine Affairs, I am persuaded no class of men are so much wanted in Congress as men acquainted with that business, for though Navy Boards are established, yet there is a constant appeal to the Marine Committee of Congress, who I am sure are at this time inadequate to the business. I hope our State will have wisdom enough to appoint you to relieve me here in the fall and that you will have virtue enough still to forego your own private interest for the public good and will accept of their appointment and without flattery. I really think you would be very serviceable to the public here, especially in the Marine Department. If I knew you would not attend Congress I should be glad

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you might be appointed one of the Navy Board at Boston, for I am sure that Board does not attend sufficiently to the business. Mons. Girard has not yet had the ceremony of an audience but believe it will take place some day this week; the ceremonials are agreed on by Congress and the House clearly cleansed and fitted up. The Minister seems urgent to have it as soon as may be. The French fleet are gone to Rhode Island and you will hear of their operations sooner than we. The Admiral seems very desirous of doing something to effect and was greatly mortified when he found there was not water sufficient for his large ships to go up to New York. I have nothing to write you in the new's way-have sent you a paper or two by which you will see what is stirring here. Please to inform Col Langdon I rec'd a letter for Mr Wentworth, which by the superscription I believe came from him and shall keep it till Mr. Wentworth arrives here which I hope will be the latter end of this & beginning of next week. Remember me to Col Langdon, Mr King, Mr Gain's, Col Wentworth and all friends and believe me to be your sincere friend, J. Bartlett [P.S.] As this is erased, blotted and huddled together in a shameful manner please to destroy it as soon as read for I have not time to write it over. Tr (DLC). 1 Whipple's July 12 letter is in Bartlett, Papers (Mevers), pp 195-97.

Richard Henry Lee to Francis Lightfoot Lee

My dear Brother, Phila. July 27th 1778 Your letter of the 12th came only to hand this day by Post, amazing delay, but I have spoken to the Post Master on this business until I am tired. It astonishes me that neither you or my other friends receive my letters, altho I write so many. To you I have not missed above one post since we parted & then I wrote by Mr. Armstead. I trust that before this gets to hand you will have received my letters in which I have given you a full account of the transactions in the Jersies, of the arrival & progress of the French Squadron, & of the coming of a Plenipotentiary from the Court of France to Congress. The Squadron is gone to Rhode Island to make a sweep there as the large Ships of this fleet cannot find water enough to enter the Harbour of N. York wherein the English Ships keep themselves close. I understand that measures will be taken to prevent egress from York or succours getting in. It is this day confidently reported that 27 sail of the provision fleet from Cork have fallen into the hands of Count

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D'Estaing, this is not yet certain, but we know such a fleet has been long & daily expected. We understand the enemy are greatly distressed for provisions in N. York, particularly of the bread kind. Gen. Washington has sent 2 Brigades to join 3000 Men under Gen. Sullivan to assist in the business of Rh. Island. Where you are nothing better can be done than to inform the people and prevent their being imposed on. The change in affairs has occasioned Congress to desire that both supplies of Infantry & Cavalry from Virga. voted by last Assembly may be not sent forward & the Expedition agst Detroit is changed to a Chastisement of the offending Indian Tribes to the West & Northwest.(1) I will attend as you desire to the payment of Hillsymer [Hiltzheimer] & will keep the rest of yr. money for your further orders. There has been no time yet to procure an order for settlement of Accounts either here or abroad, but I hope it will be done soon. Mr. D ____ r (2) is deep in the {plot} (3) for supporting {Deane} & the {party} so that he remains {here} tho leave of absence has been long asked & granted.(4) I am realy tired with the folly & the wickedness of Mankind, and wish most earnestly to be retired absolutely. Mr. Holker has been, since the arrival of the Plenipotentiary, appointed by him Agent for the Marine of France in these States, but more of this hereafter. I will send yr. bark if a good oppertunity offers & I thank you for your offer to use what I want, but I am pretty well supplied. My love to Mrs. Lee & regards to all friends. Much hurried. Yours sincerely. Richard Henry Lee [P.S.] Let me know how Colo. Tayloe does, I am greatly concerned for him. RC (ViU). 1 See Henry Laurens to Patrick Henry, July 24, 1778, note 3. 2 William Duer. 3 Words in braces, here and below, are written in cipher in the RC. For an explanation of the cipher used by the Lee brothers, see Richard Henry Lee to Arthur Lee, May 12, 1778, note 2. 4 In his July 12 letter to his brother, Francis Lightfoot Lee had inquired whether William Duer was still at Congress. He also offered the following comments, partially in cipher. Words in braces were supplied above the cipher by Richard Henry Lee. "The {Message} which two of the {Consort} are playing at {Congress} is so barefaced; that I am surprised any {Member} of that {body} shou'd be so {blind} as to be {imposed on} by it. As you know them to be in {Trade} with {Deane}; & engaged in the {Scheme} to {ruin} those who are likely to {detect} their {villany}; if the {message} should relate to either of these {Objects} the {plot} will be very plain, & they I hope, & their {Principal}, meet the {fate} they {deserve}. I think you have enough of hieroglyphics. "Suppose Mr. H-r [Holker] was asked if any American & which of them is concerned with him in commerce to this Country. I fancy he must either make a discovery, or subject himself to be proved a Liar." Lee Family Papers, ViU.

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James Lovell to William Whipple

Dear Sir, Philadelphia July 27th 1778 Your favor of the 13th came this day to hand. I will not go into an examination of Dr & Cr in correspondence, but I give you warning that I am about turning bankrupt. I find it to be totally impossible to do my duty to the public and at the same time pursue as I have done the fulfilment of private epistolary devoirs. New scenes of parade and interruption attend the multiplied foreign business. A multitude of circumstances connected with the books of our Committee (1) are now to be eclaircised by those who have most attended to those books for months past. Mutual jealousies having prevailed, as you know, the time is come for mutual explanations. This makes work for me in particular, as having been uniformly connected with foreign applications and much also with foreign correspondence. I cannot find Gazettes for all my friends, and therefore must refer you to the Boston Papers or to Dunlap's which is doubtless sent to your printer weekly. General! Read (2) will probably be at the head of this Govt which will thence acquire strength and permanence. Maryland, Delaware and Jersey have not yet signed the confederation. Count d'Estaing is gone for Rhode Island not finding water enough at the Narrows of New York. I hope Sullivan will do credit to himself and New Hampshire by cooperating with the Count. The Minister Plenipotentiary from France will have his public audience in a day or two of which more hereafter from your's affectionately, J.L. 28th. With the Mumps or something of the kind I am out of the way of Gazettes, this morning at my lodgings, but am told there is nothing material in print. Tr (DLC). 1 That is, the Committee for Foreign Affairs. 2 Joseph Reed.

Joseph Reed to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Dear Sir Philada. July 27th. 1778 I perswade myself you will excuse the Freedom I take on this Occasion as it arises solely from the Interest I take in the Reputation of your Office & the Share I had in getting you into it. In a late Application for Money laid before Congress there were some Expressions of Discontent which seemed to give Offence to some of our Members who think a great deal of & feel a great deal for the Dignity of Congress.(1) As you have accepted the Office there appears to

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me not only a Propriety in the Thing itself, but that it is your Interest to stand as fair as possible with them. You will have Accounts to settle with them in future; Allowances perhaps to ask & possibly future Favours to request. The Effect of condescending Language even upon the Minds of wise Men is wonderful & has done more for some Men in certain Places than all their real Merit. Congress seems so perfectly satisfied with your Conduct that there is not the least Murmur from any Quarter, and as great & decisive Events have happened since which will certainly realize & substantiate your Acquirements I cannot but believe you must consider the Department in a more desirable point of View than when you first accepted it. I am with much Esteem, D Sir, Your Friend & Obed. Hbble Servt. Jos. Reed RC (PHi). Addressed: "Jeremiah Wadsworth Esqr., Commissary Genl. of the Continental Army." 1 No "Application" from Wadsworth fitting this description has been found in the PCC.

John Banister to Theveneau de Francy

28 July 1778 I have very carefully examined everything that was reported about your case (according to your letter to the committee and the one that you privately wrote to me).(1) I have thus taken note of only the articles of your contract on which your complaint rests, and I have presented it to Congress, which not wishing to decide without having the report of the committee, transmits to us your letter and my observations. I hope that this report will be made in two days. Congress is busy at this moment with matters so serious that it is impossible to interrupt them, but understand that I will seize the first moment to resolve your case. I know how important it is to you not to delay for one moment the ship you say will be ready to set sail. I am well informed about every obligation that America has to Mr. de B[eaumarchais] not only through the particulars that you have given me, but also through a private conversation that I have had with Mr. Deane on this subject and my opinion is that Congress cannot make too great an effort to recognize the outstanding services that he has rendered us and to promptly pay off the debt that it owes him. The ships which you mention in your letter to the committee were consigned 15 and 18 months ago; as they were entrusted to Mr. Ross, who accordingly made advances to Congress, it is not possible to change their consignment, but our report will be that the first

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ships that are dispatched must be directed to Mr. Beaumarchais, and if the Virginia, which you say is to be sent to our agents and is loaded with 355 hogsheads of tobacco, is in condition to set sail, we will direct that it must be delivered to Mr. de B[eaumarchais].(2) I have just formed a trade partnership with Mr. Deane and a few other delegates, who are prepared to raise as much capital as we shall have need of and who besides have a great deal of influence in their own state. We wish to have join us a powerful firm in France, which according to what Mr. Deane tells us will have such an interest in becoming acquainted with us that there is no doubt it will accept without hesitation the proposition that he will make to it. I will go myself to France next November, but I want to see you before, having many things to tell you on the subject.(3) Tr (MH-H). This extract of John Banister's July 28 letter to Francy is taken from a nine-page document, written in French, that was transcribed for Jared Sparks. The original manuscript was undoubtedly written by Francy as a report to his employer Caron de Beaumarchais. It bears the heading "Extrait de plusieurs lettres de differents membres du congress" and consists of two letters from Henry Laurens to Francy of July 26 and 28, 1778, and single letters of July 28 from John Banister and from Robert Morris. The two letters from President Laurens are also available in his letterbooks at ScHi and have been printed in this volume from that source. The letters from Banister and Morris printed under this date are our translations of Sparks' transcript of Francy's report. Francy's notes to and parenthetical comments on these two letters have also been translated and footnoted to the documents where they appear in the "Extrait." Francy's extract of Banister's letter bears the following heading: "du 28 Juillet par la poste, du Col. Bannister membre du comite de commerce." 1 For Francy's "case," see Henry Laurens to Francy, July 26, 1778, note 1. 2 The following note appears in parentheses at this point in the document. "Not doubting that the order of Congress was consistent with the committee report, as regards this vessel, I requested that Mr. Duval go to the James River where he is, in order to visit it. His report is that the vessel cannot be ready to sail before 2 or 3 months at the soonest having to unload all its cargo and be repaired. If however it is worth the trouble I will be observant in case they dispatch it that it not be sent to others and I will take the greatest care to make inquiries about expeditions that are to be made." For "the committee report, as regards this vessel" (the Virginia), see JCC, 11:740. 3 The following note appears in parentheses at the end of this document. "This Col Bannister is a very valuable and honest man whom I have always had great reason to praise in all my transactions. If I knew your intentions for the future I would perhaps be able to interest you in this partnership, but I throw that out as you are in a great commercial transaction, the results of a great political concern, I do not know if you wish to begin others or form any concerted action for the furthering of your transactions I will hand over some letters to Col. Bannister in order to bid him to consult you before any other." For another reference to a partnership formed by Banister with Silas Deane and five or six delegates-which was apparently designed to conduct trade with L'Orient-see Francy's July 22, 1778, letter to Beaumarchais in Beaumarchais, Correspondance (Morton and Spinelli), 4:154. For Francy's correspondence with Beaumarchais at this time focusing on the transactions he was arranging at Philadelphia and Williamsburg in consequence of the contract he had negotiated with the Committee of Commerce on April 16,1778, see ibid., pp. 131-224.

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Henry Laurens to Theveneau de Francy

Dear Sir 28th July [1778] As your Servant affected to be in a very great hurry to return, I had prepared Letters for him on Sunday Morning which I should have been glad to have been exempted from, but he contrived matters so as not to begin his journey 'till very late Yesterday. Soon after he was gone, the two Letters which you will receive under this cover came to hand from Mr. Gardner from Portsmouth.(1) The Commercial Committee have not yet reported, nor do I expect they will before Thursday.(2) Do not be uneasy Sir, I am persuaded Congress will act upon the whole with justice & propriety in your case, the task of accounting for impediments is too painful for me and it is not necessary. The Newspaper inclosed will give you the current Intelligence. Believe me to be, With great Respect &c.(3) LB (ScHi). 1 On July 27 Laurens had written a brief letter to William Gardner of Portsmouth, N.H., thanking him for forwarding letters from France to Francy. PCC, item 13, 2:35. Although this was a private letter, it was entered by mistake in Laurens' presidential letterbook. 2 See Laurens to Francy, July 26, 1778, note 1. 3 Francy's report to Beaumarchais on his dealings with Congress at this time contains the following brief July 28 letter from Laurens on the same subject, which he had apparently written earlier this day. "I am writing you two lines in order to set your mind at ease and to give you notice that the committee report has not yet been done as I had anticipated in my last letter of the 26th. You know how much I am an enemy of tardiness, thus do not fear any from me, but I can respond to everyone as soon as this report is done, which I hope will be Thursday, and as soon as the Congress will have determined something I will inform you of the matter." Sparks Collection, MH-H,

Henry Laurens to William Smith

Dear Sir 28th July [1778] I had the pleasure of writing to you a public Letter, in which was intimated, that agreeable to your request Congress had accepted your resignation of your seat at the Navy Board.(1) It is time that I should cancel the Account which I stand indebted to you, for this purpose you will find inclosed one hundred and seventy seven dollars, which you will be pleased to pass to my Credit. General Washington joined by General Gates is now with a very respectible Army at White Plains. Count d'Estaing finding it impracticable to enter with his large ships Sandy Hook, sailed the 21st Instant for Rhode Island. His Excellency the Commander in Chief has made large Detachments to reinforce General Sullivan, who will soon have upwards of five thousand Men. In the mean time it is said

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the object in view, General Pigott and his Garrison, are withdrawn and safely arrived at New York.(2) Be it so, we shall know where to find them. The Evacuation of Philada. and Rhode Island, the Battle of Monmouth, and the arrival of a French fleet will operate more powerfully to ends of Peace upon the minds of our Enemies than Governor Johnstone's profer'd Gold wrought upon Congress. The Indians Westward and Northward are exceedingly troublesome. We are beginning to be very serious with them. I have been told of a new, neat, light English carriage for sale at Baltimore in the hands of a Mr. Hopkins or Hopkinson, and I am in great want of one-Bringhurst of Germantown who had built one for me having refused to deliver it at the price agreed for without any better reason than that of a higher offer in these times from somebody else. I request you Sir to do me the favour to enquire for this carriage, inform me of particulars of the fashion, colour, lining &c &c and the Gentlemans lowest price in a Bill of Exchange, or in paper Dollars. Have you received a further supply of good Wines and Brandy and at what prices? be so kind as to inform me, which will oblige, Dear Sir, Your Respectful & Obed. Servt. LB (ScHi). Addressed: "William Smith Esqr., Baltimore." 1 Laurens had written a brief letter to Smith on July 24 transmitting a copy of Congress' July 22 resolve accepting his resignation from the Middle Department Navy Board. PCC, item 13, 2:34; and JCC, 11:710. Smith's July 17 letter of resignation is in PCC, item 78, 20:225-27. 2 This report about the British evacuation of Rhode Island was false.

Robert Morris to Theveneau de Francy

[July 28, 1778] I have received your private letter and the one that you wrote to the committee:(1) both dated the 15 instant. Allow me to tell you that the style is a little too ardent, the complaints that you make regarding the orders that I gave for the consignment of two vessels to Mr. Ross are not founded, because these orders were given not only before the existence of your contract, but even before your arrival on the continent. The Congress owes a great d