University of Virginia Library

TO EDMUND RANDOLPH[1]

Dear Sir,—General Washington has transmitted
to Congress sundry informations he has received, of
preparations at New York for expediting from thence
a considerable number of ships. Whether they are
to convoy troops, and whither, or to bring off troops
from other places, is uncertain. He has also transmitted
to Congress an answer to him from General
Carleton, on a demand, made at the instance of the
Legislature of South Carolina, of a re-transportation of
the exiles at the expense of the King of Great Britain.
This demand was instituted, not executed, during the
command of Clinton, from whom an imperious refusal
was calculated upon. In pursuance of the views
of the new system, his successor weeps over the misfortunes
of the exiles, and in the most soothing
language that could be framed, engages to comply
fully with the application. This incident at once
mortifies our pride and summons our vigilance. We
have nothing further from Carleton on the main
point.

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206

The communication, expected in my last from the
Minister of France, has been received, and afforded
a very seasonable occasion, which was improved, of
renewing the assurances suited to the present crisis.