Passy, 30 December, 1778.
We wait, and wait, and wait forever, without any news from America. We
get nothing but what comes from England and to other people here, and
they make it as they please. We have had nothing from Congress an
immense while. Every merchant and every merchant's apprentice has
letters and news when I have none. In truth, I have been so long from
Boston that everybody there, almost, has forgotten me. I have expected,
every moment for almost two months, my recall.
Carlisle, Cornwallis, and Eden are arrived in England, but bring no good
news for the English, or we should have had it in the "Gazette." The two
houses of Parliament join ministry and commissioners in threatening fire
and sword. They seem to think it necessary to threaten most when they
can do least. They, however, show their disposition, which they will
indulge and gratify if they can. But be not dismayed. They can do no
great things. Patience, perseverance, and firmness will overcome all our
difficulties. Where the Comte d'Estaing is, is a great mystery. The
greater, the better. The English fancy he is returning to Europe. But we
believe he is gone where he will do something. The English reproach the
French with gasconade, but they never gasconaded as the English do now.
I suppose they will say as Burgoyne did, "Speak daggers but use none."
But I believe, however, that they and he would use them if they could.
Of all the wrong heads Johnstone is the most consummate. The Tories at
New York and Philadelphia have filled his head with a million lies. He
seems to have taken a New York newspaper for holy writ. Parliament is
adjourned to the 14th January. Of this you may be assured, that England
can get no allies. The new secretary at war makes a vast parade of the
number of men in their service by sea and land. But it is a mere
delusion. They intend to Byngify Keppel to all appearance; but killing
him will not mend rotten ships nor make sailors.
I dined to-day at the Duchess d'Enville's. When I saw the companies of
militia on their march to fight her husband,[198] I did not expect this.
Did you?
Passy, 1 January, 1779.
I wish you a happy new year and many happy years, and all the blessings
of life. Who knows but this year may be more prosperous for our country
than any we have seen? For my own part, I have hopes that it will. Great
blessings are in store for it, and they may come this year as well as
another. You and I, however, must prepare our minds to enjoy the
prosperity of others, not our own. In poverty and simplicity we shall be
happy, whenever our country is so. Johnny sends duty. Mr. Williams
waits. I knew of his going but this moment. I think I shall see you this
year in spite of British men-of-war. If it should be otherwise ordered,
however, we must submit.