I expected some how or other to have had the happiness of falling into your company when you was last in this State, but was disappointed. I have had the pleasure of hearing that you and your fellow traveller1 had joined the Congress, and further of the Congress's having got back to Philadelphia, where I hope they will be suffered to remain in peace and quietness. All things considered, and I judge the situation of our public affairs 133better than about this time twelve month. The crisis I apprehend is past; I am so in the opinion of our getting safe into Port, that I am collecting materials for an history of the rise progress and successful issue of the American revolution.2 His Excellency Genl. Washington has promised me his assistance. Others have done the same. Have wrote to Dr. Price and Mrs. Macaulay for theirs. Flatter myself that you and the other gentlemen of the Congress will be alike gracious, and that thro' their countenance and help I shall obtain that certain intelligence that may not be easily gained in any other way.

Great minds are not so easily elated with commendations as little ones, or I should be afraid to write you what a correspondent says—“I never shall think we shall finally fail of success while heaven continues to the congress the life and abilities of Mr. John Adams. He is equal to the controversy in all its stages. He stood upon the shoulders of the whole congress when reconciliation was the wish of All America. He was equally conspicuous in cutting the knot which tied the colonies to Great Britain. In a word I deliver to you the opinion of every man in the house when I add, that he possesses the clearest head and firmest heart of any man in the congress.”3 It is enough to make you tremble to think from hence what must be the expectations of all from you, and in what manner you must exert yourself that you may answer them, the Lord help you to do it!

The necessity of our college affairs has obliged the board of Overseers to advise the corporation to chuse a treasurer that shall constantly reside in the State. I believe they all without exception thought that the Honle. Mr. Hancock expressed himself in some of his letters to the corporation with too great asperity; and that they should have been treated rather with more decency had not Mr. Hancock been warmed by mistaking the propriety of their proceedings: however they professed the highest regards for him and took care so to word their vote as that he should not be reflected upon.4 You will make a prudent use of this early information, so as to guard Mr. H. against shewing any intemperate heat to the hurt of his character.

Mr. Hastings our post master desired me when I wrote to you, to mention that the duties of the office require constant attendance, and that he or his servant are obliged to be continually present. This indeed you must be sensible of; but he is a worthy young gentlemen and I could not omit obliging him.

My respects to all my friends in g whether in or out of Congress, but to the Bay delegates in particular. Your sincere friend

I have pleasure in calling your Attention back to a Subject which was mentioned at Bush Town. Doctor Howard,1 in Compliance with his promise to Genl Green has reduced his Sentiments, on the Medical Department, to writing which you will be pleased to inclose to the General after you have considered them. My Occupations in Life have not enabled me to form a correct Judgment in this Matter nor have I full Time to consider it through off Hand I think the Doct. seems at least plausible.

I find this State at a great Loss for Friends in Europe. Most of our Goods have been purchased in the West Indies of Merchants who have in their pleasure speculated, and I find som purchases at whole Sale are at a higher price farr than the same Articles used to be sold here at Retail. I do not see any probability that we shall lessen the price or be able to import the Articles essentially necessary by our Expectations. I think therefore the public Interest would be much promoted by allowing privateers etc. to ransom such Captures as are bound to Europe or the W: Indies with such Exceptions as may be thought proper; it has often happened that privateers have been obliged to discharge prizes because they cou'd not man them and I have no Doubt but the 135Ransom Money, of ½ or ⅔ds. the Value of the prize, in Europe would produce more Musquets Blankets or coarse Cloath in America than the whole prize in America. And we may be sure that the whole Ransom Money if paid in Europe will be laid out in Adventures for America. I may possibly be too speculative but I wish you to consider this Matter well before you reject my Scheme.

I mentioned to Genl. Gates before I left Philadelphia that I thought we might, if we could open a proper Intercourse get supplied or in good part supplied with the Arms the English have taken from us. I wish you would advise with Mr. Morris on the Subject. Our Enemies are strongly acted on by Money. What can they do with the foreign Arms (or indeed any Arms) they have taken from us. They cost in Europe perhaps 10, 12 or 15/. a Stand. No Body in Europe but Soldiers use them. The Soldiers are supplied through regular Channels. If they could be carried to England the Soldiers there would not use them and I much question whether they would sell any where for 5/ apiece. We have stripped our people already and are not able to arm our Quota. Pray advise me don't omit it, whether you have Arms for our Men and consider well whether you may not by good Management get 5 or 6000 Stand from our Enemies.

You promised to get some Body appointed to settle and pay off the Recruits of the Militia who went to the Jerseys with me.2 I wish it was done as according as those people are dealt with we may or may not expect further Service from them and I assure you the weight of that part of the Country is, in our State, much to be attended to. I mentioned to you Mr. Richard Dallam who was paymaster to the Flying Camp and is yet probably in Philadelphia. If he cannot act and you have no Body in your Eye that would fully Answer your wishes, Mr. Thomas Richardson of Geo. Town Montgomery Coty or Mr. John Hanson Junr. of Frederick Town would do this Business I believe with great Honor and Integrity.

I Yesterday received a Letter from Mr. Robertdeau of the Committee appointed to confer with Genl. Green.3 A good many Men are recruited in this State but we are very bare of Arms. Have been much disappointed in our Adventures for Cloathing and a pretty large proportion are under Innoculation. Genl. Smallwood returned last Night from the Eastern Shore. Every possible Means will be exerted but our powers are very short of 136our Wishes. Pray inform yourself and advise me what Arms and Cloathing may be relied on and how you are provided with Medicines. Our former Losses from a want of these Articles greatly discourage our people.