Passy, 16 June, 1778.
Since my last, I have had the inexpressible pleasure of yours of the
25th of March by the way of Holland, which is the first and the last
letter as yet received from you. This will be delivered to you by a
young gentleman of the name of Archer, who is going to America to serve
in our army as a volunteer. He is a promising youth, and will tell you
all the news both in England and France. Germany seems at the eve of
war. The Emperor and King of Prussia are at the head of armies, and on
tiptoe to strike the blow. England seems to be lost in a stupor. Byron's
fleet is not yet sailed. D'Estaing's passed the straits of Gibraltar the
16th of May.
We long to hear from America the ratification of the Treaty with France,
the captivity of General Clinton's army, and of Lord Howe's fleet. John
is very well at school.
I want a few pamphlets here, "The Thoughts on Government," "The New York
Constitution," "An Essay of a Constitution of Government for
Pennsylvania," said to have been written by Mr. Dickinson. Look them up
and send them.
I cannot learn that any reinforcement is to be sent to America this
summer. They can spare none. They are in a panic from an apprehension of
an invasion. Ireland is grown tumultuous, is concerting a
non-importation agreement, and gives symptoms of an insurrection.