University of Virginia Library

TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.

My Dear Sir,—Mr. Jones & myself having come
down to this city the end of the past week for the
purpose of negociating some pecuniary matters I
am here to date my acknowledgment of your favor
of the 3Oth ulto. We return again tomorrow.

The delay of the definitive Treaty although not
fully explained to Congress, excites less disquietude
here than I find it does in Virginia. Our latest
official advices were from Mr. Laurens, of the [seventeenth]
of June. The Conduct of the British administration
was far from explicit, according to his state

of it, but probably proceeded more from the discordant
materials of which it is composed & doubts as to
the commercial footing on which America ought to be
placed, than from any insidious views. Why indeed
a Commercial Treaty should be made to clog the
Treaty of peace is left to conjecture. Perhaps the
fact may not be true & the delay of the latter may be
owing still to the old cause, to wit, a discussion of the
intricate points with the Dutch. The situation of G.
B. is such that nothing but some signal change in the
aspect of things in this hemisphere can inspire a fresh
disposition for war; notwithstanding the menacing
tone of Sr. G. Carleton.

The Legislature of Pa. have taken every possible
step to expiate the default of the Executive short of
an impeachment of its members, which the rigor of
some members of Congs. included among the terms
of reconciliation with the State. They have expressly
invited Congs. back, assured them of honorable protection,
and given up the State-House with the
appendages for their temporary use. They have also
made German Town a competitor for the permanent
abode of Congress.

The opposition in the N. England States to the
grant of half-pay instead of subsiding has increased
to such a degree as to produce almost a general
anarchy. In what shape it will issue is altogether
uncertain. Those who are interested in the event
look forward with very poignant apprehensions.
Nothing but some continental provision can obtain
for them this part of their reward. *  *  *

Why did not the Assembly stop the sale of land
warrants? They bring no profit to the public Treasury,
are a source of constant speculation on the
ignorant, and will finally arm numbers of Citizens of
other States & even foreigners with claims & clamors
against the faith of Virginia. Immense quantities
have from time to time been vended in this place at
immense profit, and in no small proportion to the
subjects of our Ally. The credulity here being
exhausted I am told the land Jobbers are going on
with their commodity to Boston & other places.