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“The definitive Treaty is not yet on this side the watr., nor do we yet hear
what stage it is in on the other side. Mr. Dana informs us in a letter of the 17
of Feby. that, in consequence of proper encouragement he had finally announced
himself at the Court of St. Petersbg., but does not gratify us with a single circumstance
that ensued. The Gazette of this morning inclosed contains the
latest intelligence from the British Parliamt which I have seen.

“The measure of furloughing the troops enlisted for the war has been carried
into effect with the main army, and will save a great expense to the public.
The prospect which it presented to the officers who were to retire from their
subsistence without receivg the means of subsistence elsewhere produced a very
pathetic representation to the Commander in chief. His answer by rectifying
some errors on which it dwelt, and explicitly giving it as his opinion that Congress
had now done every thing wch could be expected from them towards fulfilling
the engagements of their Country, had the effect to which it was entitled.
The troops in the barracks at this place, emboldened by the arrival of a furloughed
Regt returning to Maryland, sent in a very mutinous remonstrance to
Congress, signed by the non-commissioned officers in behalf of the whole. It
painted the hardships which they had suffered in the defence of their Country
& the duty of their Country to reward them, demanding a satisfactory answer
the afternoon on which it was sent in, with a great threat of otherwise taking
such measures as would right themselves. The prudent & soothing measures
taken by the Secy. of War & Genl St. Clair have I believe obviated the embarrassment.

“Another embarrassment, and that not a small one will soon be laid before
them by a Committee. Genl Washington, the Secy of War and all the professional
men who have been consulted, report that at least 3 or 4 Regts. will be
essential as a peace establishmt for the U. States, & that this establishmt ought
to be a Continental one. West point, the frontier posts to the Westward, and a
few Garrisons on the sea-shore, are conceived by them to be indispensable. Some
naval force is deemed at least equally so, with a few docks & protections for
them. On looking into the Articles of Confederation, the military power of
Congress, in time of peace, appears to be at least subject to be called in question.
If Congress put a construction on them favorable to their own power, or
even if they ask the States to sanction the exercise of the power, the present
paroxysm of jealousy may not only disappoint them, but may exert itself with
more fatal effect on the Revenue propositions. On the other side to renounce
such a construction, and refer the establishment to the separate & internal provision
of the States, will not only render the plan of defence either defective in
a general view or oppressive to particular States, but may hereafter when the
tide of prejudice may be flowing in a contrary direction, expose them to the reproach
of unnecessarily throwing away a power necessary for the good of the
Union, and leaving the whole at the mercy of a single State. The only expedient
for this dilemma seems to be delay; but even that is pregnant with difficulties
equally great; since on the arrival of the definitive Treaty, Congs must in
pursuance of such a neutral plan suffer the whole military establishmt to be dissolved,
every Garrisoned-post to be evacuated, and every strong hold to be dismantled.
The remaining ships of war too must be sold, and no preparatory
steps taken for future emergencies on that side.

“I am exceedingly pleased to find Mr. Jefferson's name at the head of the
new Delegation. I hope it has been placed there with his knowledge and
acquiescence.

“The order of the day for electing of Secy. of F. Affairs was called for on
Tuesday last, but no nominations having been then made the business was put
off till the present day. The nominations since made are, Mr. A. Lee by Mr.
Bland; Mr. Jonathan Trumbull, Jur, by Mr. Higginson; Col: Tilghman by Mr.
Ghorham, Mr. George Clymer by Mr. Montgomery. Genl. Schuyler has remained
on the list since the fall, but was withdrawn by the Delegates of N.
Jersey at the instance of Mr. Hamilton. Mr. Jefferson was nominated by Mr.
Ghorham; but withdrawn also on intimation that he would not undertake the
service.”—Madison to Edmund Randolph, June 17, 1783.—Mad. MSS.