Kingston, 4th Sept., 1779.
Dear Sir:
I have spent some days at this place with our Legislature, and have
been happy in finding their zeal for the common cause undiminished.
Every thing which can be asked for the army, they will most cheerfully
grant, and Col. Wadsworth is gone away perfectly satisfied. It is
a circumstance to their honor that amidst all their wants and
distresses--flour and carriage have been supplied at 25 per cent. less
than in any part of the Continent: and that by a law of the State. If
it had produced the effect to be expected from so spirited an example,
it must have had a powerful influence on our money: but it is to be
lamented that we stood _single_, and that our citizens are impoverished
by a sacrifice of a fourth of their produce and labor to little purpose.
Be kind enough to forward the inclosed to Lt. Col. Washington;
and to present my respectful compliments to his Excellency the
Commander-in-Chief and the family; and believe me to be, with real
esteem and affection,
Dear Col.,
Your most ob’t servant,
James Duane.
Col. Hamilton.