(Most Private.)
Cadix, Feb. 5, 1783.
Your friendship to me, my dear sir, and the affection I have for you,
command my most _confidential_ communications. As public affairs
have the first place with me, let me tell you that our Articles of
Confederation ought to be revised, and measures immediately taken
to invigorate the Continental Union; depend upon it, there lies the
danger for America; this last stroke is wanting, and unless the States
be strongly bound to each other, we have much to fear from British,
and, indeed, from European politics. There ought to be delegates from
each State, and perhaps some officers among them, one of whom I would
be happy to be, who, toward next fall, would meet together, and under
the presidence of General Washington, may devise upon amendments to
be proposed in the Articles of Confederation--limits of States, &c.,
&c., &c. As to the army, I hope their country will be grateful, I hope
the half pay affair may be terminated to their satisfaction. Now, my
dear sir, I am going to torment you with my private concerns. First of
all, I wish the people of America to know that, when I have lengthened
my furlough, it was for their service, and at the request of their
commissioners; that upon my embarking in a fresh expedition, it was
with a view to join you in the summer, with forces adequate to every
plan General Washington had directed me to promote; that, moreover, a
Canadian expedition was to take place; that then, instead of sending a
vessel, I was going myself to America. But that entreaties from your
residence at Madrid have forced me to go there, and probably from there
to Paris; but that in the month of June, I am to embark for America. I
confess, my dear sir, I have a great value for my American popularity,
and I want the people at large to know my affection to them and my
zeal for their service. The best way to manage it is to have a resolve
of Congress published, by way of answer to my letters, wherein their
approbation of my conduct will comprehend the above mentioned matters.
There is another thing which would highly flatter me, and lies
within your department; a ratification of the treaty will be sent by
Congress to the Court of England; it is but an honorary commission,
that requires only a few weeks, and even a few days’ attendance. The
sedentary Minister you may send, or with me, or after me, or, what I
would like better, at the time when Great Britain has sent hers to
you. So many greater proofs of confidence have been bestowed upon
me by Congress, that I may truly tell you my wishes upon this very
pleasing mark of their esteem. Upon my leaving England, I have been
considered there as an enthusiastic rebel, and, indeed, a young madman.
I would well enough like to present myself there in the capacity of
an Extraordinary Envoy from the United States; and though upon my
committing so far the French Ambassador, I have been with him on pretty
bad terms; now our friendship has revived, and I am in a situation to
lead him into my measures, and to know his secrets without telling him
mine.
As to the choice of a Minister, (this commission being only a
compliment,) I think it is a very difficult task. I advise to take a
gentleman who had no connection with the great men in England; our
friend Hamilton would be a very proper choice; you ought to bring it
about. Are you acquainted with Col. Harrison, who was in the General’s
family; there are few men so honest and sensible; but I hope you may
send Hamilton, and he knows better than all the British councils.
In case Congress were pleased to do for me what I have so much at
heart, I would beg you to send Mr. McHenry to me, a member in the
Maryland Senate. This, my dear sir, is entirely confidential for you,
and _for you alone_; should the General be in Philadelphia, you may
show it to him. Adieu. My best respects wait upon your lady and family.
Most affectionately,
I am yours,
La Fayette.
Should you think it of any use to have printed the last paragraph of
my letter to Congress, I will be glad of it, as the opinion of one who
knows Europe may have some weight with the people.