Passy, 20 February, 1779.
A new commission has arrived by which the Dr.[201] is sole minister. Mr.
Lee continues commissioner for Spain, but I am reduced to the condition
of a private citizen. The Congress have not taken the least notice of
me. On the 11th of September they resolved to have one minister only in
France. On the 14th they chose the Dr. In October they made out his
commission, the _Alliance_ sailed on the 14th January, and in all that
interval they never so much as bid me come home, bid me stay, or told me
I had done well or done ill. Considering the accusation against Mr.
Lee,[202] how unexpected it was and how groundless it is, I should not
be at all surprised if I should see an accusation against me for
something or other, I know not what, but I see that all things are
possible.
Of all the scenes I ever passed through, this is the most extraordinary.
The delirium among Americans here is the most extravagant. All the
infernal arts of stock-jobbers, all the voracious avarice of merchants,
have mingled themselves with American politics here, disturbed their
operations, distracted our counsels, and turned our heads.
The Congress, I presume, expect that I should come home, and I shall
come accordingly. As they have no business for me in Europe, I must
contrive to get some for myself at home. Prepare yourself for removing
to Boston, into the old house, for there you shall go, and there I will
draw writs and deeds, and harangue juries, and be happy.