Philadelphia, Saturday, 14 September, 1776.
Yesterday morning I returned with Dr. Franklin and Mr. Rutledge from
Staten Island, where we met Lord Howe and had about three hours'
conversation with him. The result of this interview will do no
disservice to us. It is now plain that his lordship has no power but
what is given him in the act of Parliament. His commission authorizes
him to grant pardons upon submission, and to converse, confer, consult,
and advise with such persons as he may think proper, upon American
grievances, upon the instructions to Governors and the acts of
Parliament, and if any errors should be found to have crept in, his
Majesty and the ministry were willing they should be rectified.
I found yours of 31st of August and 2d of September. I now congratulate
you on your return home with the children. I am sorry to find you
anxious on account of idle reports. Don't regard them. I think our
friends are to blame to mention such silly stories. What good do they
expect to do by it?
My ride has been of service to me. We were absent but four days. It was
an agreeable excursion. His lordship is about fifty years of age. He is
a well-bred man, but his address is not so irresistible as it has been
represented. I could name you many Americans, in your own neighborhood,
whose art, address, and abilities are greatly superior. His head is
rather confused, I think.
When I shall return I can't say. I expect now every day fresh hands from
Watertown.