The ravaging parties on the northern frontiers have been defeated with
great loss by the militia. The armies have taken their stations for
the winter quarters; the French, in Virginia and Maryland; our troops,
on the Hudson, excepting some detachments under General St Clair,
destined to reinforce General Greene. They have orders to take
Wilmington in their way, where the enemy have about six hundred men;
it is probable they will not wait the attack. General Greene will have
men enough to shut up the enemy, but not to force their strong holds.
Want of money cramps all our exertions, and prevents our making a
glorious winter campaign. The enemy are all shut up on two or three
points of land, which is all they possess of the immense country they
hope to conquer; and even these they hold by a very precarious tenure.
Disaffection, which has languished for some time past, died when
Cornwallis surrendered.
Congress are occupied in taking measures for an active campaign; and
they feel themselves satisfied with everything both at home and
abroad.
Congress have dissolved Mr Adams's powers to make a treaty of commerce
with Great Britain; and, as you know, joined Dr Franklin and Mr
Laurens in his other commission, if England should at length be wise
enough to wish for peace.
The Marquis de Lafayette is the bearer of this. He has promised to
convey it with safety to you, and to correspond with you in such a
manner as to enable you to avail yourself of the knowledge which he
has acquired, that may be of use to you. The resolves of Congress, of
which I enclose a copy, show their sense on this subject, and the
confidence which they very justly repose in him. His Aid waits for
this. Adieu my dear Sir.
Believe me to be, with the highest respect and esteem, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
END OF THE SEVENTH VOLUME.
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| TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE. |
| |
| Omitted words, shown as blank spaces in the original, have been |
| transcribed as four hyphens ('----'). |
| |
| Every effort was made to match the original text. Spelling |
| variations between letters have been preserved. Apparent typos |
| and misspellings were retained, including the following: |
| |
| Page Original text |
| 47 "supprised" possible misspelling |
| 169 "he did not embark till June 1st, 1794 1784? |
| 198 "Marquis de La Flolte possible misspelling |
| 216 "Jean Guy Guatier" possible misspelling |
| 267 "the following is an extrac" possible misspelling |
| 285 "May 28th, 1780" date is given as May |
| 30th in Table of |
| Contents |
| 399 sum of Revenues does |
| not appear correct |
| 400 sum of Expenses does |
| not appear correct |
| |
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