University of Virginia Library

TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.[1]

Dear Sir,—You will again be disappointed at the
opening of this, since it contains no European intelligence
on the subject of peace. Among other
reasons which render it astonishing that we should be
long uninformed, a material one is, that neither the
Court of France, nor our Ministers, can be insensible
of the inexpediency of leaving the people at large so
exposed to misrepresentations of the enemy. I am
happy to find, by your letter of the twenty-fourth,
and those received from my other correspondents by
yesterday's post, that so cautious an ear is given to
every thing which comes from them of a flattering
aspect.

The enclosed hand-bill, published a few days ago,
will inform you of the steps taken at Charleston towards
an evacuation of that place. It is said to
have given fresh violence to the fermentations in
New York;

Another petition from Kentucky has been received
by Congress, contending for the right of Congress
to create new States, and praying for an exertion of
it in their behalf. A copy will be sent to the Governor
by the Delegates. Mr. Lee moved that the original
should be referred to him by Congress. The
debate which ensued was terminated by an adjournment,
and has not been revived.

General Washington writes to Congress that
Carleton had concurred in the proposition for a

general cartel so far as to appoint a Commissioner for
that purpose. There is little probability, however,
that he has authority to settle such a cartel on the
principles which Congress had in view, namely, those
of a National Convention. It was thought, by some,
that this would put to the test the sincerity of their
professions on the subject of independence.

I believe I did not acquaint you, on a former occasion,
that the prisoners who had lately returned from
captivity in England were discharged, in consequence
of an agreement, by Franklin, that a like
number of the army of Cornwallis should be given
for them. This bold step at first gave much offence.
Compassion, however, for the patriotic captive stifled
reproaches. They will probably come out yet, unless
subsequent events discountenance them.

There are, it seems, three letters in the post-office
from Carleton to the Governor, which do not appear
to have been licensed, nor is it known how they got
into that channel. The curiosity of people on this
point is inconceivable.

A very unlucky accident has happened to one of the
fleet of our Allies. After it got safe into the harbour
of Boston, the unskilfulness or negligence of a pilot
suffered a seventy-four to strike on a rock, the wound
occasioned by which proved mortal. Most of the
furniture has been saved.

I have not yet presented the note to Cohen which
you have been so good as to enclose me. The
general obstacle to advances here, to be replaced in
Virginia, has been the balance in trade against the

latter. This is the current answer to attempts to
negotiate drafts on Virginia. My next will inform
you of the result of the experiment of your
note. If its success depends merely on a confidence
in your credit, it will certainly be productive. Mr.
Ross has unlimited credit in this place. May it not
be made instrumental to our supply? At least it
would be well to consult him when an occasion presents.
His bills on Whiteside will command any
sum that may be wanted.

The French army has been passing through this
place for several days northward. The last division
will pass to-morrow or the day after. The praises
bestowed on their discipline and sobriety in Virginia
are repeated here with equal cordiality and justice.