Philadelphia, Dec. 9, 1780.
Dear Hamilton:
On my arrival at Paramus, I wrote a letter to the General, which
Colonel Gouvion was to deliver to himself at New Windsor; so that more
expedition had been made than you had thought. But the General having
unfortunately altered his mind, and taken the road to Morristown,
another misfortune threw Hand in his way; and remembering your advice
on the occasion, he hastened to make him the proposition, and in
consequence of it wrote his letter to Congress. From Paramus I went
myself to the Lots, and from thence to Morristown, where I met the
General; and knowing that my letter could not reach him under some
days, I became regardless of your wishes, and made a verbal application
in my own name, and about the same time that had been settled between
us. I can’t express to you, my dear friend, how sorry and disappointed
I felt, when I knew from him, the General, that (greatly in consequence
of your advice) he had settled the whole matter with Hand, and written
for him to Congress. I confess I became warmer on the occasion than
you would perhaps have wished me to be; and I wanted the General to
allow my sending an express, who would have overtaken the letter, as it
was in the hands of General St. Clair: but the General did not think it
to be a convenient measure; and, I confess, I may have been a little
blinded on its propriety. I took care not to compromise you in this
affair, when the General expressed a desire to serve you, and in a
manner you would have been satisfied with. Now for the voyage to France.
Congress seem resolved that an _Envoy be sent in the way you wish_, and
this was yesterday determined in the House. Next Monday the gentleman
will be elected. I have already spoken to many members. I know of a
number of voices that will be for you. This day, and that of to-morrow,
will be by me employed in paying visits. As soon as the business is
fixed upon, I shall send you an express. I think you ought to hold
yourself in readiness, and in case you are called for, come with all
possible speed; for you must go immediately, that you may have returned
before the beginning of operations. If you go, my dear sir, I shall
give you all public or private knowledge about Europe I am possessed
of. Besides many private letters, that may introduce you to my friends,
I intend giving you the _key_ of the cabinet, as well as of the
societies which influence them. In a word, my good friend, any thing in
my power shall be entirely yours.