Paris, June 29, 1782.
My Dear Hamilton:
How it happens that I still am in Paris, I hardly can myself conceive;
and what is more surprising, there are two frigates going, neither
of which will carry your friend to America. Don’t think, however,
dear Hamilton, I am so much altered as to be kept here by pleasure
or private affairs. But in the present circumstances, the American
ministers have insisted upon my remaining some time longer at this
court; where, they say, I may render myself more useful to our cause,
than I can possibly be in America, during an inactive campaign. My
return, however, is only deferred for a few weeks; and after some
answers have arrived from England, which, I think, will discover the
views of, but not yet produce a reconciliation with, Great Britain, I
intend embarking for Philadelphia, where I hope to land in the first
days of September.
This stroke of Count de Grasse has greatly deranged my schemes. I hoped
for 40 [_Charleston_] and perhaps for better than that; but nothing
until 6 [_Jamaica_] was done. 40 [_Charleston_] I much expected. 9
[_the Spaniards_] don’t like 54 [_America_]. We must previously have
40 [_Charleston_]; and then, to put them in good humor, do something
about 8 [_West Indies_]; both of which are not yet done; and after
that I hope. But at all events, this campaign will be very inactive, I
think. However, they are going to take Gibraltar, and will gather so
many means of doing of it, that it is said they will succeed. After
this trial, the forces of the House of Bourbon will be distributed
with a better scale. 46 [_Negotiations_] is going on, and 47 [_Peace_]
expected; but not, I think, immediately. You have a good chance, and
I believe you have time, to be one of the 125 [_Commissioners_].
Jefferson does not come. Mr. Laurens, I am told, intends to return
home; and I cannot conceive (_entre nous_) what he is about. Mr. Adams
thinks his presence is wanting in Holland. I thought I had better give
you these intelligences.
Not a word from you since we parted in Virginia; but I am a
good-natured man, and will not get tired to speak to a deaf man. Adieu.
Most affectionately,
Your for ever devoted friend,
La Fayette.
To Lieutenant-Colonel
Alexander Hamilton.