0^#^^»:#i»^ If ii^ 1 -Pfe' .4«5» ^ Its. (5' ■* ^'••' -'^'.-.w^?!^" ' ^-07 * ^^■:^J-^i.:^4!f C.-^''1 S J ^'^ .; fyxull 9itajYv Uttfetsiitg 1 ■ — ■ '■ • ■'■ THE GIFT of" pifcmg .A.-'J.(p.l«.7.3.2/. ^l^hi Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029561390 ^' ^fe: L Cataloguk No. uS^j THE CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF ROBERT MORRIS THE OREAT FIJiAXCIER OF THE REVOLUTION BEING LETTERS FROM The Leading Statesmen, Military and Naval Heroes and Patriots of that time The most important collection of papers ever offered on Revolutionary Events TO BE SOLD Tuesday Afternoon and Evening, January i6th, 1917 AT 2.30 AND 8 O'CLOCK. STAN. V. HENKELS AUCTION COMMISSION MERCHANT 1304 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. PBICG. i,::0 ) ..■-y-r^Ut^y *yui^ :7^A.^uuuJMjO ^c.^tz:iJ^A.^^^^>^ ;^^^^^^^^-«^ 'Xfn//' ^x-t^ Facsimile of John Paul Jones' Letter, Lot 255 -^^J^£^^^^ ^^-^ ^4^ ^£^^ ^ ^^nji^i' ' ■MtCli' 'Ut^!^^^^^ ^^ cis^Z'j'T^ ^U^iy^ e^,^p^ ^ 'tA?i:^iyle^ <=7_^ ItctJy ^*t«*«- <«^^i7 -£,^,K.^^^Z^^.^^^^^M?S<^^^ ^C/>^<^^^^ 'f^£*^ aU'j^ .^^yi ot^fjzjtxJ -Ca^t-e^A^ ^^%^*-<%fc^^:M.^;J^?^ /f-n^t< /jjoj^^^*^ /^^'^^^ ^^^^ .<^^£?^^<^ ae^t^ yC^^*-t^S^^'t^^AAJ/l^cu&^ ) OCy<^^'tyyt'-3^ yai86 Eustace, Genl. John Skey 186-187 Gallatin, Albert 187 Gerard, Conrad Alexander 187 Gibbs, Major C 187-188 Gouverneur, Isaac 189 Green way, Robt 189 Hamilton, Elizabeth 189 Harrison, R '9° Harrison, Benj., Jr 19O Henry, Wm 19° Hopkinson, Thomas 190 Hudson, Jonathan 190 Inglis, Samuel 19 • Johnstone, Gov. and Admiral Geo 192 Jones, John 192 Livingston, Capt. Abraham 193 Livingston, Abraham 193 Livingston, Muscoe 193 Lee, Gen. Robert E 193 Levy, Benjamin 193 Morris, Robert 193 Morris, Thomas 193 Moylan, James 193 Paine, Thomas . . ' 194-200 Parr, William 200 Pike, Thomas 200 Pine, Robert Edge 201 Powell, Samuel 20 1 Pringle, John 201 Purslow, John 20 r Purviance, Samuel and Robert 201 Remarks on the Act 201 Ridley, Matthew 201 Rivington, James 202 Rush, Dr. Benjamin 202 INDEX. ix PAGE. Rush, Richard . , 202 Sage, Alexander 203 Schweighau.ser, John D 203 Searle, James 203 Shippen, Joseph 203 Slough, Matthias 203 Steward, Stephen 203 Stewart, David 203 Swanwick, John ....,...•• 203-204 Swanwick, Richard 204 Swift, John White 204 Tazewell, John 205 Tilghman, James 205 Tilghman, William 205 Virginia. Account of the Delegates 205 Virginia. Account of the Convention 205 Wharton, Thomas, Jr 205-206 White, William 206 "Whiteside, Peter 206 Harrison, Benjamin, Jr 206 Beaumarchais, Pierre Augnste Caron de 206-207 New York. Examination of Adam Burger 207 New Jersey Paper Money 207 Pennsylvania Paper Money 207-208 Girard, Stephen 208 Miralles, Maria J 208 Ash, Col. John 208 Peries, G 208 MoiTis, Robert 208 Butler, Richard 208 Howell's Map of Pennsylvania 208 Map of Morris' Lots in Philadelphia 208 1 Some Few of the Very Important Letters in This Catalogue. These are indicated by their numbers in the catalogue. 2 Franklin, Benjamin. On the rights of neutral vessels. 5 Gerry, Elbridge. On the financial condition of the Colonies, 7 Hancock, John. On the flight of Congress from Phila- delphia. 8 Hancock, John. Praises Com. John Paul Jones. 19 Harrison, Benjamin. Gives his opinion of Baltimore when Congress w^as sitting there. 21 Harrison, Benjamin. On the Evacuation of Philadelphia by the British. 22 Harrison, Benjamin. On Rev. Jacob Duche's letter to Washington. 23 Harrison, Benjamin. Accusing Samuel and John Adams of intriguing against Genl. Washington. 26 Harrison, Benjamin. Denouncing the intrigue to depose Genl. Washington in favor of Genl. Gates. Note. — The catalogue wrongly says in favor of Genl. Chas. Lee. 3 1 Hooper, William. Informing that full power had been given to Genl. Washington, and makes uncomplimentary remarks about Baltimore. 32 Hooper, William. Announces Washington to be the greatest man on earth. 41 Lewis, Francis. On establishing an iron furnace near Philadelphia. 42 Lewis, Francis. On the plot to blow up the magazine at Carlisle. 53 Morris, Robert. Asking Washington to use his influence to get his sons a passage on one of the French frigates re- turning to France. 58 Morris, Robert. Refuses to correspond with a Tory. 64 Morris, Robert. Congratmlating on the Anniversary of Independence. 89 Read, George, Upholding State Rights. 92 Rush, Dr. Benjamin. On Congress returning to Philadel- phia. 93 Rush, Dr. Benjamin. On the exchange of Genl. Charles Lee. Xii IMPORTANT LETTERS. 95 Walton, George. Giving his views on Eastonand Bethle- hem. 96 Walton. George. Defends Morris against the aspersions of the Tory Governor Johnstone of Florida. 98 Whipple, William. On Com. John Paul Jones fitting out the " Ranger." 99 Whipple, William. Congratulating Morris on the victory at Bennington. 100 Wilson, James. Advocates an Office for Admiralty Causes. 104 Wilson, James. Congratulating Morris on accepting the office of Superintendent of Finance. 105 Carmichael, William. Introducing Genl. Armand de la Rouaire. 1 14 Deane, Silas. On the Personnel of the United States Navy. 117 Deane, Silas. Advising Congress to take possession of the Island of Bermuda. 123 Deane, Sila.s. Introducing Genl. Armand de la Rouaire. 125 Deane, Silas. Letter of Credit to Genl. Lafayette, and mentions being charged by the British with having a hand in the Conspiracy of John The Painter. 128 Deane, Silas. Respecting the Character of Gen. Lafayette. 134 Deane, Silas. Answer to complaints against him made by Arthur Lee and his brother. 140 Deane, Silas. Explaining away the charges made against him by Arthur Lee. 144 Deane, Silas. Giving an account of his actions in France. 150 Dickinson, John. On exempting Quakers from mihtary service, and the emancipation of slaves. 151 Duane, James. Defending his character. 153 Duane, James. On the State of the Six Nations, and de- manding that Genl. Schuyler be granted a court-martial. 163 Jay, John. Stating what he would have done for the de- fense of New York. 165 Jay, John. Vindicating the Character of James Duane. 167 Jay, John. Advocating Silas Deane's plan to attack and plunder Glasgow and Liverpool. Note. — This letter is addressed to Robert Morris, not to John Jay as stated in the catalogue. IMPORTANT LETTERS. XllI 169 Jay, John. Against the encroachments of the New Eng- land States on New York and Pennsylvania. 173 Jay, John. On Benedict Arnold's Treason. 186 Langdon, John. Asking that his brother, a prisoner, may be exchanged for Gov. William Franklin. 194 Miffln, Thomas. On the British Attacking Philadelphia. 1 95 Mifflin, Thomas. Defending the Character of Genl. Washington. 197 Peters, Richard. Resenting the charge of designing against Washington. 216 Arnold, Genl. Benedict. On the ill conduct of his son. 219 Barry, Com. John. Denouncing Com. Esekiel Hopkins. 230 Gates, Genl. Horatio. On the Battle of Bunker Hill. 231 Gates, Genl. Horatio. On the fatalities at Bunker Hill, and the arrival of Genl. Washington at Cambridge. 232 Gates, Genl. Horatio. Giving an account of the British Army in Boston. 234 Gates, Genl. Horatio. Refers to his losing command after the Battle of Camden. 235 Gates, Genl. Horatio. Praises Louis XVI. and Count De Grasse, and also asks that his trial be hastened. 237 Gates, Genl. Horatio. In reference to his court martial. 241 Gillon, Commodore Alexander. Mentioning the Fire in Charlestowh. Note. — The heading to this letter says "Com. Dillon" should be " Gillon." 244 Griffin, Samuel. Describing the battle of Bunker Hill. 251 Hamilton, Genl. Alexander. His strictly confidential letter giving a full view of the situation and temper of the State of New York in 1782; also giving his opinion of the in- fluential men holding office under the government of that State. 253 Jones, Com. John Paul. Mentioning the jealousy of French Naval Officers at his taking command. 255 Jones, Com. John Paul. Account of the fight between the Bon Homme Richard and the Serapis, which is the only account of the battle from the pen of the victor. 256 Jones, Com. John Paul. Mentioning his disgust with the treatment he received from the French Naval Committee. IMPORTANT LETTERS. XIV 256A Jones, Com. John Paul. Tells af being presented with a sword by Louis XVI, and defends Dr. Franklin against the machinations of Arthur Lee. 263 Lafayette, Genl. Mentioning being laid up on account of a vifound received at the battle of Brandywine. 264 Lafayette, Genl. Mentioning that he is at camp and is re- covering fram his wound. 267 Lafayette, Genl. Compliments Washington and wishes for a battle with Genl. Howe. 37 1 Lafayette, Genl. In France getting assistance for America. 274 Lee, Genl. Chas. Complains of the Army's unprepared- ness at Cambridge. 275 Lee, Genl. Chas. Denouncing Pennsylvania for not arming. 276 Lee, Genl. Chas. Giving an account of the army under Genl. Washington at Cambridge. 279 Lee, Genl. Chas. On the pro.spects of the American army before Boston. 280 Lee, Genl. Chas. On the invasion of Canada by Mont- gomery and Arnold. 281 Lee, Genl. Chas. Wants the Colonies to declare their independence. 282 Lee, Genl. Chas. On the Independence and Defences of New York. 283 Lee, Genl. Chas.. Urges an immediate declaration of inde- pendence 284 Lee, Genl. Chas. In reference to the defences of New York. 286 Lee, Genl. Chas. On the probable attack on New York by Genl. Clinton. 287 Lee, Genl. Chas. Advises against meeting the British Commissioners, and advocates an immediate treaty with France. 288 Lee, Genl. Chas. Asks why Congress does not declare Independence, and mentions the condition of his army in Virginia. 290 Lee, Genl. Chas. Gives an account of the attack on Sulli- van's Island. 292 Lee, Genl. Chas. A prisoner which the British regrets that Congress will not meet the committee from Lord Howe. IMPORTANT LETTERS. XV 294 Lee, Genl. Chas. Gives an account of his actions at the battle of Monmouth and denounces Genl. Washington in a most violent manner. 295 Lee, Genl. Chas. In answer to Morris' accusation of dis- affection to the cause, and gives his definition of a Tory and a patriot. 296 Lee, Genl. Chas. Gives his views of the treaty with France. 297 Lee, Genl. Chas. Tells what constitutes a Republic. 302 Moylan, Genl. Stephen. On Genl. Howe's Movements in New York. 303 Moylan, Genl. Stephen. Gives an Account of the Battle of Princeton. 3 10 Reed, Genl. Joseph. On Meeting of the British Com- missioners. 311 Reed, Genl. Joseph. Asks Mr. Morris to pass his opin- ion on his letter to Gov. Johnstone, who attempted to bribe him. 313 Rouarie, Genl. Marquis de le(Armand). Gives his reasons for enlisting in the cause of America. 316 Rouarie, Genl. Marquis dele (Armand). Complains of not getting the command he was entitled to, and threatens to go back to France. 323 St. Clair, Genl. Arthur. On his Court Martial. 324 St. Clair, Genl. Arthur. Tries to smooth over a dififer- erence between Baron Steuben and Mr. Morris. 325 Tilghman, Col. Tench. Tells of a Skirmish at Amboy. 333 Tilghman, Col. Tench. On the exchange of Genl. Chas. Lee. 337 Tilghman, Col. Tench. Congratulates on the Capture of Burgoyne. 340 Tilghman, Col. Tench. Thinks the British will evacuate New York. 343 Tilghman, Col. Tench. Complains of the Action of Penn- .sylvania towards him, and gives a gloomy aspect as to the condition of the Army. 346 Tilghman, Col. Tench. Invites Mr. Morris to Visit Genl. Washington at Camp. 347 Washington, Genl. Geo. Advice to his niece on Agricul- tural matters. Xvi IMPORTANT LETTERS. 349 Wayne, Genl. Anthony. Wants clothing for the Penn- sylvania Regiments. 350 Wayne, Genl. Anthony. Mentions that Genl. Washington^ Complimented him at Monmouth, and reviews the force Pennsylvania has in the field. 35 I Wayne, Genl. Anthony. On the retreat of Lord Cornwallis, to Jamestown. 355 Williams, Genl. Jonathan. Gives an account of Com. Jno. Paul Jones' raid on the English coast. 357 Williams, Genl. Jonathan. Gives the English view of re- conciliation. 358 Wood, Col. Jos. On the wretched condition of Genl. Wayne's Army. 359 Wood, Col. Jos. Gives an account of the American Army around New York, and in Canada. 372 Burke, Gov. Thomas. On the Treaty with France. 375 Chew, Benjamin. Exiled to Virginia. Pleads to come back to Philadelphia. 381 Eustace, Genl. John Skey. Praises Genl. Wayne. 385 Gerard, Ambassador Conrad Alexander. In defence of Robt. Morris. 387 Gibbs, Major C. Gives an account of the Battle at Butts Hill, Rhode Island. 390 Hamilton, Mrs. Elizabeth. Asks Mrs. Nixon for copies of her husband's (Genl. Hamilton) letters. 398 Johnstone, George (Governor of West Florida). In refer- ence to a reconciliation with Great Britain, and advises not to sign in haste any Treaty with France until the English proposition is submitted. 409 Paine, Thomas. The Report of the Committee appointed to examine into the Charges against Mr. Morris of specu- lating in Flour. 410 Paine, Thomas. Gives a full account of his life and actions in America, and mentions his financial distress. 413 Paine, Thomas. Suggests a plan for a Confederation or Union of States, and tells how to overcome the difficulties with Rhode Island. 414 Pame, Thomas. On the Trouble with Rhode Island. 425 Rivington, James. A Humorous letter. 426 Rush, Dr. Benjamin. Begs Mr. Morris not to desert Congress. 452 Beaumarchais, Pierre Auguste Caron. On sending sup-- plies to America. CATALOGUE. SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. Franklin, Benj. Signer of the Declaration of Indepen- dence and one of the committee to prepare that document. Discoverer of the Identity of Lightning with the electric fluid. A. L. signature cut off, 2 y^ pages, 4to. Paris, Dec. 21, 1777. An interesting letter in reference to the temperament of the American Ministers to France. "I remember that long before I was ordered here, you did me the Honour to say, you should not dislike being sent to France with me, Since being here, I have frequently wish'd that Appointment had taken place, I think I should have pass'd my time more comfortably. We are now five of us in this City, all honest and Capable Men (if I may include myself in that Description ) and all meaning well for the Public, but our Tempers do not suit, and we are got into Disputes and Contentions that are not to our Credit, and which I have sometimes feared would go to Extremes. You know the natural Disposition of some of us, how jealous, how captious, how suspicious even of real Friends, and how positive, after suspecting a while, that the Suspi- cions are certain Truths, Confirmations strong as Proofs from Holy Writ. You will therefore, I am persuaded, if Complaints of one an- other should come to your hands, make due Allowance for such Tem- pers, and suifer na Man to be condemn'd unheard, I do not write thus on my own Account, as I am not apprehensive of your receiving any Complaints of me ; for tho it is difficult to live in peace with such Characters, how much soever one esteems them for the Virtue and Abilities they otherwise possess, I have however done it tolerably hitherto ; but as I am not sure it can last, I wish most sincerely that we were separated ; for our being together seems of no Use, and, as we hinted formerly in a joint Letter, is attended with many Inconveni- ences. Such Inconveniences being formerly experienced by other States, I suppose the Reason, that no Power in Europe, for a Century past, has sent more than one Person to one Court. Possibly this de- sirable Event may soon take place, for if France & Spain acknowledge us as independent States, the other Courts will follow, and receive our Envoys. I have the Pleasure to assure you, that all Europe is of our side ex- cept the King of England and his Placemen and Pensioners, Contrac- Frankun, Benj. — {Continued.) tors and Expectors. There is however a furious Ferment in his Par- liament about his Measures, and if you could be fortunate enough to treat Howe as you have done Burgoyne, he would be in danger of the old House falling on his Head" FRANKLIN ON THE RIGHTS OF NEUTRAL VESSELS. 2 The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, 4to. Passy, June 3, 1780. To Robt. Morris. A highly historical letter, applicable to the present time, on the question of the rights of Neutral Vessels. "We are impatient to hear from America, no Accounts of the Operations before Charlestown later than the qth of March having yet came to hand. Everything here in Europe continues to wear a good Face. Russia, Sweden, Denmark and Holland are raising a strong Naval Force, to establish the free Navigation for Neutral Ships, and of all their Cargoes, tho' belonging to Enemies, except contraband; that is, military Stores. France and Spain have approved of it, and it is likely to become henceforth the Law of Nations, that free Ships tnake free Goods. England does not like this Confederacy. I wish they would extend it still further, and ordain that unarm'd Trading Ships, as well as Fishermen, and Farmers, should be respected, as working for the common Benefit of Mankind, and never be inter- rupted in their Operations even by national Enemies ; but let those only fight with one another whose Trade it is, and who are armed and paid for the purpose." 3 The Same. A Contemporary Copy of a Letter, 2 pages, 4to. Dated Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 1782. Sent to Benj. Franklin In cypher. The handwriting of the copy is probably that of Gouverneur Morris. The letter acquaints Franklin with a resolution of Congress, expressing the sense of that body, that he was not exerting himself with the Government of France in a tnanner for the benefit of America. It also tells him that his Age and Indolence have unfitted him for the station he occupies, and that his "sense of obligations to France, seals your Lips when you should ask their aid." ' ' I need not tell you that Messr^ Lee &c are among the foremost to make these assertions." 4 Gerry, Elbridge. Signer of the Declaration of Inde- pendence, and a gifted and ardent patriot. A. L. S. 4to. York, Dec. 21, 1777. To Robert Morris, with address. Very fine. An interesting letter advocating more spirit and enterprise in the army. GBRRY, Ei,bridgb. — ( Continued. ) "I am favoured with yours of ye 28tjj with ye inclosure, & fully agree with you, in ye Necessity of introducing 'A Spirit of Enter- prize to our Army,' & in order thereto, of encouraging every Instance of such a Disposition that we meet with. Colo. Barton proposed send- ing to Congress, a Petition expressing his Desires as set forth in General Greene's Letter ; I shall therefore wait a few Days in Ex- pectation of an Opportunity of supporting ye Petition with ye Letter. — Nothing new at Congress excepting ye arrival of a Vessel from Mar- seilles with a valuable Cargo, which is published in ye papers. Your little son is well, but I have not been able to obtain a Visit from him on Account of his Modesty ; his Uncle, with whom I had ye pleasure of spending ye last Evening,'! find is in ye same predicament. My compliments to your I,ady & Family, not forgetting my little favorite Girl." GERRY ON THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE COLONIES. 5 The Same. A. L.. S. 4 pages, folio. Morristown, June II, 1780. To Robert Morris, with address. A fine letter regarding the financial condition of the Colo- nies, and the distressed condition of the army, and asking Morris to concur and help enforce a new Act of Congress for raising funds to support the army, and have it in a proper condition to receive the reinforcements coming from France. "The distressed situation of ye Army, & ye general State of pub- lick affairs will, I trust, apologize for my addressing You at a Time when I have nothing Very pleasing to offer. The present reduced State of ye Army & ye Wants of every Species of Supplies, together with the consequent ravages & Insults of ye Enemy, may be all traced to an exhausted Treasury, which must be immediately supplied, to enable our Generals to co-operate with ye Forces that are daily ex- pected from our good Ally, Taxes, you will know, are too slow in their Operations to effect this, domestick and foreign Loans are at present inadequate & ye only prospects that remains is from ye vig- orous Exertions of ye Citizens of these United States. Your Zeal & abilities in ye Common Cause are well known to & acknowledged by all who have had ye pleasure of your acquaintance, & these supported by your extensive Influence, may I conceive at this critical juncture, produce ye most salutary effect. What I mean to propose is an immediate association of ye Merchants thro'out ye united States to support ye late Plan of Congress relative to Finance, & to promote amongst ye Inhabitants of their respective Counties, Cities & Towns a speedy & vigorous exertion to send into ye respective loan offices, all ye old continental Bills of Credit, & re- ceive ye Amount thereof in new Bills at ye Exchange established by <5erry, EIvBridge. — Continued.) ye Resolution of Congress, the Merchants of Philadelphia & Boston may I presume do more to accomplish this, then ye I/egislature of their respective States & by adopting ye Measure may make it general thro'out ye Continent. I am well aware of your objections to that Plan, & was so fully in sentiment with you, that previous to ye pass- ing thereof, being consulted by some Members of Congress, I freely gave them my Opinion, that it was inconsistent with ye publick Faith, & ought not to be adopted ; but it is now an Act of Congress, is confirmed by several of ye States, & is ye only Measure by which ■we have any Prospects of immediate Supplies. The advantages that may result from an exertion on this occasion will appear by considering, that every Dollar so exchanged will fur" Tiish another for reinforcing & supplying ye Army ; that the Treasury unay thus be immediately & amply supplyed ; & that ye Army may be speedily reinforced & furnished with Necessaries to co-operate with ye Forces of our Ally. Should this be accomplished. We shall have ye happy prospect of bringing our Enemies to reasonable Terms, & the War to a speedy termination, whilst ye Confidence of our good Ally will be established, & other Powers be disposed to follow his Exam- ple, but on the other Hand, if ye powerful Succours which are daily ■expected from France should be compelled by our Inability or Indo- lence to return disgraced ; will they not be so incensed, notwithstand- ing ye good Will of their Sovereign & his Ministers towards us, as to be ever after irreconciliable to Americans ? Will not an Alliance with Spain, if not previously adopted, be prevented ?, Will not ye other Powers in Europe be so convinced of our Want of Resources, or Wis- dom & Virtue to draw them forth, as to spurn & contemn Us ? will not such as are friendly to G. Britain be encouraged to afibrd her im- mediate assistance? & will not ye Cause of America be in ye most im- minent Danger, if not irretrievably lost? It gives me great Pain to hold up so disagreable a picture of our affairs, but my Duty to my Country obliges me to be explicit on this occasion, and I assure you Sir, that I have not seen at any period, so fair a prospect by vigorous exertions of establishing our Independence, ■or on ye other Hand such dreadful consequences as are to be appre- hended from supineness, or feeble efforts. In carrying thro' this Plan, You will undoubtedly have to oppose ye weak & selfish Friends, as •well as ye secret & invidious Enemies of America, but I sincerely hope ■that you will see ye Necessity of ye Measure & at all Events sup- port it," &c 6 The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, folio. Boston, Sept. 2, 1780. To Robert Morris, with franked address. This is a long and important letter on the same subject as •the preceding. " Notwithstanding your opinion that ye publick faith has been vio- lated, your intention to support ye views of Congress at this Time, 5 Gbrry, Ei,bridge. — {Continued.) when the greatest exertions are indispensibly necessary, appear to me consistent with true Patriotism & Policy ; for contrary Measures must naturally tend to produce a Confusion that would weaken Govern- ment, and strengthen ye Hands of our Enemies, I most heartily agree with you, in ye Expediency of making Congress merely delib- erative, and in ye Necessity of attending minutely to our publick Ex- penditure, having ever considered ye amazing waste of publick Monies, as ye greatest Source of our Misfortunes, The frequent inter- views which you have with Members of Congress, afford you a favor* able opportunity for promoting those measures, I am exceedingly" doubtful of the Abilities of ye united States to raise the Supplies hy Taxes, or to make a seasonable collection thereof; & if both were practicable, would not the Burthens of ye people make them impa- tient, & risk a dishonorable Peace ? other Governments tax for the Interest of their supplies, & thus establishing their Funds, find little difficulty in obtaining their Loans; by which Means, every Provision for the Campaign, is made previous to the Commencement, and not delayed till ye Middle or End thereoj. I wish the States would try the experiment, by levying a Tax in Specie, equal to double the Amount of ye Interest of the Loan wanted for ye supplies of the year^ and Apply Part of the Tax to pay ye Interest, & the residue as a sink- ing fund gradually to discharge ye principal of a Loan for this Pur- pose, at the same Time providing, that ye Tax shall continue untill' ye Loan made thereon is fully discharged." &c HANCOCK ON THE FLIGHT OF CONGRESS FROM PHILADELPHIA. 7 Hancock, John. Signer of the Declaration of Independ- ence and the first to sign that instrument. President of the Continental Congress. First Maj. -General of the Massa- chusetts Militia, and took part in Sullivan's Expedition^ Governor of Massachusetts. A. L. S. 3 pages, folio. Balti- more, Jan. I4, 1777. To Robert Morris, with franked address. A portion of the letter torn away by the seal and some- what stained. It is however an interesting letter in refer- ence to the flight of Congress from Philadelphia, which he thinks is premature. After speaking in a congratzdatory tone of the character of Mr. Morris and the service he is rendering the country, he says: "I exceedingly approve your Conduct with respect to the Ships in your River, & think your officers discover'd the Spirit of the Men, at same time your interference under the then circumstances was abso- lutely necessary ; I dare say your dispositions of the several Arm'd Vessells after you are fully convinc'd of the Removal of the Ship» 6 Hancock, John. — {Continued.) from your Capes, will fully meet the approbation of Congress, With- out the least appearance of Flattery I can assure you your whole Conduct since our Flight is highly approv'd, & happy I am that you Remain'd, many agreeable Consequences have Resulted from it, and your continu'd Exertions will be productive of great good, I must therefore beg you will continue as long as you can. tho' I sincerely wish you a happy Sight of good Mrs. Morris, but I fear your departure from Philada might Occasion a Relaxation that would be prejudicial, I know however you will put things in a proper way, indeed all de- pends upon you, and you have my hearty thanks for your unremitting Labours. The Publick are much Indebted to you, & I hope to see the Day when those pnblick Acknowledgments shall be made to you. * * * I have got to House keeping, but really my Friend, in a very poor house, & but just Furniture sufiScient to live tolerably decent, tho' when I tell you I give ^^25 this Currency per M° you would Judge it to be amply furnish'd. I have only two Rooms below & one of these I am oblig'd to let my Servant's Occupy, in point of Convenience I wish to Return to Philad", which brings me to the hint in your Letter. I think Sir, that as the Printing presses are here & set to work, & as money is so exceedingly wanted, & a Removal just at this Time would occasion so great a Delay, that it would not be prudent to think, unless thro' the greatest necessity of a Removal at present, nor untill the last of March, by that time I hope we shall be able to return or fix upon some other place for our Residence that must depend on Cir- cumstances. As things haveturn'd out I am very sorry we Remov'd at all, & indeed I think we were full hasty enough, it damp'd people much, but your Continuance there & conducting Business there will give a spring, & Join'd to the Influence of our Successes will make up for the flight of Congress. I am much oblig'd to you for your kind Notice of my Family Con- nections, I assure you. My Friend, under their then Scituatiou, I left Philad" with a heavy heart, but by the kind hand of Providence we Arriv'd safe at this place, and I must make myself as happy as 1 can, tho' very inconveniently Scituated, We have not yet had a Representation from New York, Delaware or Maryland, the latter is rather strange." HANCOCK PRAISES COM. JNO. PAUL JONES. 8 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Sunday Evening, I I O'clock, Jan. 17 (1777). To Robert Morris, with franked address. Stained on margin. A fine friendly letter containing iome interesting paragraphs about the army and Commodore /no. Paul Jones. "I am glad the General has appointed Mease Clothier General, I think he will Conduct the Business well, if I write him, I shall be at a loss how to direct to him, so as to Comprehend all his titles, I wish Hancock, John. — ( Continued. ) you would Ask him to give me a line with a proper list, when I will address him in form, Do you go to the Oyster Club as usual? Are Nesbit, Mease & Beach there as formerly, or are your Evenings Taken up with Business, I long to be with you, but I must Submit to my present Fate, I think our publick Affairs wear a very favourable aspect, Genl Washington has certainly out GeneraVd How. These movements of his will tell well. I am confin'd to Business as usual, no time for Relaxations, When shall we see you here? * * * I admire the spirited Conduct of little Jones, pray push him out again, I know he does not love to be idle, & I am as certain you wish him to be constantly active, he is a fine fellow & he shall meet with every notice of mine & I am confident you will join me * * * Remem- ber me to Clymer & Walton, and to all Friends " &c 9 The Same. A. L. S. folio. Baltimore, Feb. i8, 1777. To Robert Moni.s, Stained in the folds. Written when Congress zvere sitting at Baltimore, during the British occupancy of Philadelphia. This letter refers to that fact. " I rec'd Directions from Congress, to Adjourn on Tuesday next, 25th inst, from the Town of Baltimore to the City of Philadelphia, this I dare say will afford you pleasure, and I am to Request that im- mediately on Receipt of this you will please to issue orders to Mr. Holtsheimer for four good cover' d Waggons, with four good Horses & a Sober driver to each, to be Sent to me, with all possible Dispatch to Convey Down to Philada the Public Papers &" do let them be well chosen & I beg your immediate attention to this. * * * If, my Friend, I can be of any Service to Mrs. Morris on any way, let me know it & you may depend I shall most chearfully obe}' you, would you Chose her to Come in Company with us, I will Call for her & Con- duct her with all the Safety & Care in my power, Give me but a hint & it shall be Complied with, I Judge I shall be in Philad^ by Satur- day week. God bless you" 10 The Same. A. L. S. folio. Baltimore, Feb. 18, 1777" To Robert Morris, with franked address. Torn in the lower folds. In reference to the same subject as the preceding letter. " I send Mr. Tailor my Sec'y to Philad", to procure a Suitable house well furnish'd for me, and I have taken the Liberty to desire him to apply to you for your advise in this instance, not doubting your good offices. Congress will Adjourn on Tuesday next to that day week then to meet in Philad*, and I hope on Saturday or Sunday week to Take you by the hand ; My Friend, it will give me pleasure to see you, & I hope our Coming there will in some degree Releive you from the great Burden that has laid upon yu. I assure you I have felt for you. No money, constant application for it, & a steady succession 8 Hancock, }om!i.— {Continued.) of Business to attend to, has made Yr Scituation hard indeed, how- ever you gave up all pro Bono Publico, & I know you will persevere & you are as well Calculated to go thro' Business as any Gentleman I know," &c 11 The Same. A. L. S. folio. Baltimore, Feb. 23, 1777. To Robert Morris. "Your fav'rs to 19th Feb'y I have Rec'd, the latter was deliver'd me last Even'g. As I shall so soon be with you shall not make a particular reply. Before this I hope the Money is with you. Marine Matters shall not touch upon, the Books & papers of that Department you will please to keep with you. & wish on our first meeting at Philad* we may enter with Spirit & Dispatch on Marine Business, & put things on a respectable footing. I think there is absolute neces- sity of a Reform in many instances, but more when I have the pleas- ure of seeing you, Cap'- Nicholson I have an high Opinion of. I dare say he will answer the Expectation of Congress. I like his Frig't much, I have Dispatch'd the North Carolina Express after Send'g him to Col. Lee for the Money, you mention, * * * The Inclos'd for Gen'- Washington, I leave open for your perusal as also the Re- solves Inclos'd, after Reading please to Seal & Send by Express to him with all other letters for the Genl Officers. The Letters to Gates & Mifflin, please to deliver to them" 12 The Same. A. L. S. folio Baltimore, Feb. 26, 1777. To Robert Morris. Veky fine. An important historical letter. Morris informs him on account of the movements of Howe's Army at Brunswick, it would not be prudent for Congress to leave Baltimore for Philadelphia. " In Consequence of yours by Express respecting the State of our 'Army. & the Reinforcements of Howe's Army at Brunswick, & y'r opinion that at present it would not be prudent for Congress to Return to Philad", the Congress have determin'd to suspend their Remove for some days, at least uutill we hear from you, which I hope will be soon, and that the way is clear for us to pursue our own cause. We must give these fellows a trimming, if we can but subdue the present force in the Jerseys, I think the Day is ours, one noble Exertion by a large Body flying to the support of the General, with a determination to oppose Howe's Army at all Events, would effect the Business and before any Reinforcements could Arrive from Europe we should be in such Readiness as soon to give a good Acco't of them. Tho' I believe they will soon be tir'd of their Game. We have got the Trumps. Let us play the game well. I refer you to my Letters to the General, & the resolves of Con- gress therein. I have left the Letters open for your perusal, after which please to Seal & forward to the Genl. by a special Express, as also the one to Gov. Livingston & The Convention of New York, all to go by Hancock, John. — (Continued.) Express, please also to Send the Letters Inclos'd to yo'r Council of Safety. I am almost hurried to Death, but must keep at it, however I know you will Excuse me in not adding as I am really pinch'd for time," &c. 13 The Same. A. L. S. folio. Baltimore, Feb. 27, 1777. To Robert Morris. Very fine. Bitterly complaining because Morris had countermanded the order for waggons to carry the State papers from Balti- more to Philadelphia. " I enclose you the Resolves of Congress, respecting the Augmen- tation of the Interest, I hope will now have the Effect of Taking off all the Certificates at the Loan Office. I think if Monied Men will not give in their money it will argue a want of Patriotism at least. My Dear Friend, you have Reduced me to a most distress'd Scituation as I find by a Letter this moment Rec'd from Mr. Tailor my Sec'y that you had Counterorder'd my Waggons ; what I shall do, I know not. I can't get away here. Congress is Adjourned to Philad" and I must be there on Wednesday next 10 O'clock A. M. & I cannot Remove my Papers, & by the Stoppage of the Waggons am oblig'd to leave the whole of my Family behind. For God's Sake, hurry the Waggons along. I know you did it for the best, but it has distress'd me immensely, let me iutreat you to order the Waggons on instan- tanously. Thompson is oblig'd to stay behind for want of those Waggons. I shall set off on Saturday alone to my great Mortification & hope to meet the Waggons on the Road. Aid all you can, pray have the Waggons, or Business will suffer amazingly." 14 The Same. A. L. S. 4to. York, Oct. 5, 1777. To Robert Morri.s. Fink. A friendly letter, at the time Congress zuas sitting at York. Asks Morris to spare him a little Madeira. "The Business alloted me by Congress after setting till 9 O'clock last Evening, prevents me the honour & pleasure of waiting on you agreeable to your kind Invitation & my wish. I have Expresses going to Genl. Gates, & Genl. Putman & to Head Quarters, which makes me very busy. The Inclos'd Letter for you & Col. Harrison I have just Rec'd, & judging it would be agreeable to you both to have them soon, I therefore dispatch one of my Expresses with them. I have not a word of news to Communicate. No Letters since you left us, Nor have we any Reports today. My Good Friend, I shall Esteem it a very particular fav'r if you could without prejudicing your own Stock, spare me a little Madeira, if it was only three dozen, I care not for price, for I feel Aukward not to have it in my power to Ask a Friend to Take a Glass," &c. lO Hancock, John. — ( Continued. ) 15 The Same. A. L. S. in the third person, 4to. Saturday Morning, Oct. 25, 1777. To Robt. Morris. Presents Mr. Morris with a gold head for a cane. ' ' Mr. Hancock presents his most sincere Regards to his Friend Mr. Morris, sends him the Ballance of his Acco" & must beg his Excuse that he has neglected so long. Mr. H. observing that Mr. Morris frequently walks with a cane, takes the freedom to Send him a Gold Head for a Cane, of which he Requests Mr. Morris's acceptance, as a small token of his Reel Regard & friendship for him. Saturday Morn'g 25 Ocf 1777" 16 The Same. A. L. S. folio. Boston, Jan. 12,1778. To Robt. Morris, with address. Very fine. Introducing Mr. De Francy and the Baron De Steuben. " Mr. De Francy & the Baron Steuben have such ample Recommen- dations to you from Dr. Franklin & Mr. Deane that it would be Vanity in me to attempt to heighten them in your Estimation, shall only Say that I have had great pleasure in their Company at my house during their short abode here, & I think they will please you. I had the pleasure of Receiv'g your agreeable favr^ by Mr. Cole- man, & am much indebted for your polite Expressions towards me ; I have been exceedingly ill since I arriv'd, but am much upon the Re- covery, I am Rec'd with every mark of Respect, & have the great Satisfaction to find my Friends retain the same Disposition towards me they formerly did ; of which more hereafter when I have the pleasure of seeing you which will be by the 6th of March, if no unfor- seen Accident prevents. I have not a word of News. Inclos'd you will find a small parcell of Needles wch are the best & all to be got here ; & of which I request Mrs Morris's Acceptance ; nothing but the Scarcity could have induc'd me to have taken that Liberty, I as- sure you, Sir, the Acco'ts we had at Philada of the plenty of all Arti- cles here was greatly Exaggerated « * * i have advanc'd the Baron One Thousand Dollars, besides pay'g for Horses Saddles &c i will send the Acco"- I charge no Commissi. Congress surely will Reimburse me." 17 Harrison, Benjamin. Signer of the Declaration of Inde- pendence and Governor of Virginia. A. L. S. 3 pages. foHo. Virg^ Berlof this Country is nearly on the plan you propose except that no limited advance is fixed for the retailer. I wish it may answer the ■expectations of the framers of it, tho' I verily think it will not, and that no human wisdom can invent a method that will do it. It gives one great pain to be certainly inform'd that there are some in the Senate who dislike our General. I have long suspected it, nay I something more than suspect it, but had my hopes that his con- tinued Labours, and the situation he has ever been in, of always being inferiour to the Enemy in numbers, and his men in want of every necessary, circumstances well known to Congress, would in the end ■have made every man his friend, and have satisfied them that more than he has done would not have been done by any man, and that we have no one that could in any degree have equal'd him ; I am as con- fident of this as I am of my existence that thb Favorite of THB Day (Charles Lee?) is as far inferiour to him, as he is inferiour to any officer in the army, and this truth America will experience to her cost, if ever he should be placed at the head of her armies, certain I am of one thing, that if this measure takes place a great part of the strength of this Country will be immediately taken oflf. The General is fully inform'd of all these Cabals, they prey on his Constitution, sink his Spirits, and will in the end I fear prove fatal to him, if this should be the case excuse me for once more repeating it, America, will loose perhaps her only prop. He well knows bad con- sequences would follow his resignation, or he would not leave it in the power of the wicked and designing, thus to insult him, with a few words more I shall finish this painful Subject, Be Ware of your Board of War. I am truly sorry for the conduct of your Brother, and the disagree- able Scrape he has bro' you into, tho' it certainly can not operate to your disadvantage with thinking men. I find we shall fall short of our full Quota of men, occasion'd by too great an allowance being made for the reenlistments of the old Troops, tho' I hope the deficiency will not be great ; Our Draught of Militia to fill up our Regiments is pretty well over in this part of the Country, in some places they submitted to it with great willinneBS, this Country and many others raised their Quotas by Volunteers, but ■then we gave a private bounty of upwards of 200 Dollars a Man, and 19 Harrison, Benjamin. — ( Continued. ) they are only to serve for one year — I had my hopes we should have been Able to raise a respectable body of Volunteers over and above our quota to serve for six months, but these hopes are now at an end. I think very little will be done in that way. * * * If you should be under the disagreeable necessity of removing your Family this way, and you think I can in any Manner Servicable to them, I beg you will command me without reserve ; and I think on this occasion you should not depend too much, on what you expect Providence will do for us, such Enthusiam is very commendable in the Statesman, but may be carried too far in the Husband and Father, lyct me earnestly recommend the immediate removal of your Family for it is my opinion Gen. Howe will open the Campaign by the first of April well knowing that our recruits can't join the army till May, in which case our Worthy General will once more be induced to the mortifying necessity of retreating," etc. 27 The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, 4to. Virginia, Aug. 18, 1778. To Robert Morris. A friendly letter, mentioning the chariot Mr. Bringhurst is making for Mr. Randolph, and speaks of his youthful indis- cretions and financial condition, and regrets the wanton dis- mantelling by the British of Robt. Morris' House, " The Hills. " " I am really concern'd for the dismantled condition of the Hills, tis but a pitiful kind of revenge to fall on houses and gardens for the offences of their owners, but such have been and ever will be the Case with the low minded. I am extremely oblig'd to you and my good friend Mr. Morris for your friendly wishes of seeing me in Philaa at the time I wrote I had some expectation of being sent for a short time in a public character, but this is now at an end and the visit must be postponed, notwithstanding my wishes and inclinations strongly press me to it. I must lay my hands to the Plough and not quit till I have exonerated myself from a load of Debt that depresses me both in mind and body. I know myself equal to the task, tho' I have a rough sea to contend with and am but illy provided with sails and oars, it would take up too much of your time and answer no good purpose to give you an historical ace' of my getting into the situation, let it sufl&ce to say that youth and inexperience involved me in. difl&culties that age and a more ripened judgment could not extricate me from, in the state of our Country at that time," &c. 28 The Same. A. L. S. 4to. Williamsburg, Nov. 5, 1778. To Robert Morris, with address. " I have not rec'd more pleasure for some time than on seeing the nature of your City members, if the rest of your country has been as wise I trust you will again be happy ; for Gods sake get rid as fast as pos- sible of General dunderhead, you know he can do more mischief in one Day, than he has sense enough to remedy in his whole Life. You 20 Harrison, Benjamin. — ( Continued. ) may as well expect the sea will refuse to recieve the rivers that con- stantly feed her, as to satiate the avarice of the worthies you speak of, my word for it, it is not to be done, ambition is but a secondary pas- sion with them, tho' of that they have an abundant stock, you have nothing for it but to get rid of them altogether, and that I fear is impossible." 29 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Richmond, Dec. 28, 1 78 1. To Robert Morris, with franked address. Very fine. An interesting letter, informing Mr. Morris that he has been chosen Governor of Virginia. " Before this reaches you I suppose you will have heard of my being placed at the head of the State ; it is a place of great honor and trust, but by no means one that will excite envy in those who know the Situation of the Country, and consider what I shall have to go thro; I have for some Sitime avoided the appointment, but on my friend Nelson's resignation, as a good citizen I could do it no longer. The art of government in old and establish'd constitutions, is by no means easy, what must it be then in ours, which at present is little short of Anarchy and Confusion ; nothing that I know of will carry me thro' with any tolerable eclat, but weighing well everything of moment that I have to do, and when I have taken my determination, to carry it thro' with perseverence & resolution ; such a conduct may succeed if I am not overruled by my Council, but as they are good men, I have at present no fear on that head, let matters go on as they may. I am embarked and neither dangers nor difiBculties shall affright me, or prevent my using every means to arrive in a port of Safety. * * * I must Support the Character I am in, in some degree at least, and as this Country is quite without any thing that is good, I must trespass on your friendship so far, as to beg the favor of you to order me a pipe of best Madeira and one of Sherry to the head of Elk, to the care of some gent" there, who will forward them to me at this place by the first safe opp'y, but I must candidly tell you, I shall not be in Cash to to pay for them, in less than three or four months, and therefore wish you to act as it may suit you, either to order them or not; you will excuse me for giving you this trouble. I know you don't deal in this way, but I have no other friend from I can ask such a favor." 30 The Same. L. S. 4 pages, folio. Richmond, March 28, 1782. To Robert Morris, vi^ith franked address. An important historical letter, written as Governor of Vir- ginia, disclaiming any offence being intended by the wording in former letters, and reviewing Virginia's plight from the inception of the Revolution to the present time. The body of the letters was evidently written by his so7i Benjamin. ' ' Your expressions of Friendship & Regard demand my warmest acknowledgements & I give them with sincerity, tho' I cannot enter 21 Harrison, Benjamin. — ( Continued. ) into the very new distinction you make, between the Public & Private Man, as to literary correspondence. I have looked over the letter which has drawn on me such a torrent of harsh epithets, & can not find one expression, which without straining carries the meaning you have put on it. I am sure, I did not intend to give offence, & I think, you should have been more sensible of it, as not to have taken any. The Paragraph respecting the Genl's Bills to Ross, was not in stronger terms, than you use, on a similar occasion, when those drawn on this State to Irish were refused, nor did the opinion, I gave on the rights of Congress to fix a mode of Taxation, carry with it a charge of Ignor- ance, unless omnipresence is ascribed to them. The distressed situa- tion this State has been in & the oppression the Inhabitants have groaned under for near two years made it the indispensible duty of the Executive, to use every exertion to relieve them, and to apply for the same assistance from Congress that was given to other States that were at perfect ease, free from the Ravages of an Enemy, their husbandmen at a distance from the Din of Arms, quietly following their Plows & Cultivating their I^ands and their merchants growing oppulent by a great & extensive Trade. This request has drawn on me the Charge of Ignorance & is construwed into an Offence. I know Pennsylvania has pay'd money in commutation for specifics, into your Hands & that Virginia had only furnished specific Articles. This might be more convenient to the United States, but makes no difference as to the Burthens of the two States, but supposing Pennsylvania deserved more, was the regulations confined to that State. I have long since seen con- tracts from Boston to Maryland & one of your public Letters shows a prodigious saving to the United States by the Measure. I will now quit the subject altogether & forever, & leave you to your own reflec- tions on it, after giving you a true state of this Country. From the fall of Charles Town, till some time after the Battle of Gilford, we have sent out large parties of Militia to the assistance of the Gen'l commanding to the Southward. These were from time to time, relieved by others so that the Lands of near one third more, than were on actual duty, were left uncultivated, by which means they were not only unable to pay Taxes, but their families were reduced in numberless instances to the greatest distresss. After the above period Lesley invaded the State, 3000 Militia were immediately in motion to oppose him. These had scarcely time to get home, when Arnold in- vaded us & ravaged a considerable district of the lower Country. 3000 were in arms to oppose him, & from that time till the end of the Siege of York, near six thousand men were constantly on duty, both Annies lived on free quarters, and ravaged the Country from one end of it almost to the other, from the Siege of York to this moment, the people have been plundered by the Continental Armies and forces, for want of being supplyed ; devastation marks their footsteps whenever they move, nor is there one of the staff departments that has had any 22 Harrison, Benjamin. — ( Continued. ) money from Congress that I know off, since the War has been in the South, in the midst of these distresses the Assembly annihilated the paper money, and called on the People for hard money. This they have not, nor could it be expected they should have it, as our trade has been shut up for near two years & what few Goods we had were to be got from our Neighbors, only for hard money, & to this Cata- logue of Bvils add the destruction of all the Tobacco that was in the Warehouses of James & York Rivers. This is not an exagerated Account. Judge therefore from it, whether it was not my duty at least to ask as much as was done for other States. In my public Letter, I have much against my inclination taken up your time in some measure I hope it will be the last I shall have occa- sion to write either to you or any other person. I have now only to beg of you to be assured that there is no man in America, that has a higher sense of the services you have rendered the United States, or to whom your successes give greater pleasure than to me. Anything that either adds Honor or Happiness to my Friend, will always be glad Tidings to Dear Sir " &c. HOOPER'S LETTER INFORMING THAT FULL POWER HAD BEEN GIVEN TO GENL. WASHINGTON, AND MAKES UNCOMPLIMENTARY REMARKS ABOUT BALTIMORE. 31 Hooper, William. Signer of the Declaration of Inde- pendence and Delegate to the Congress of 1774. A. L. S. 7 pages, 4to. Baltimore, Dec. 28, 1776. To Robert Morris. Written in the Year of the Signing of the Declara- tion OF Independence. An unusually fine specimen and a very interesting gossipy letter on the doings of Congress during the sitting of that body tn Baltimore. Mentions full powers having been given to Genl. Washington, and describes Baltimore tn very unflatter- ing terms. ' ' If my conduct in Congress has in your opinion, been featured with the lines of humanity, I hope it has never degenerated into unmanly milkiness and lost sight of a due respect to the safety of my Country. Under a proper restraint I never shall have occasion to regret it how- ever a contracted few may condemn me. Men see things thro' differ, ent mediums, and to some of these to be unfortunate is to be criminal. It is enough for me, My dear Sir, that I have the approbation of your- self and a few others whom I sincerely love and esteem, it has very often given me an importance in my own eyes, that my feelings have been congenial with yours, and that we have together sympathized in the sufferings of the victims to this unnatural contest. Thank God, We can say and with truth too, that we have never sported with Calami- 23 Hooper, Wm. — ( Continued. ) ties of our fellow beings nor exercised power merely that we posses* it. I shall pay particular attention to the subject of Mr. Irwins me- morial and as I cannot perceive that there grounds for a plausible pre- text to refuse the prayer of it. I infer that his application to Con- gress will be attended with success, I have made known the purpose of his errand"to Middleton, Harrison and Wilson and others 'who can melt a human woe.' The Delegates from Char'town from whom op- position was to be expected if from any quarter, think him, too unde- signing, too well disposed or to unfortunate to counteract his wishes,. so at present it seems. I am well aware of the burden of publick business with which our removal hitherto has encumbered you. When in Philadelphia when we took a small share of it to ourselves I have been amazed how you waded thro' it, and found leisure for your own private concerns and the enjoyment of your friends. Congress seems unanimously sensible of the obligations which they owe you, and you may boast of being the only man whom they all agree to speak & I really believe think well of I earnestly wish however that we could have you here for a little while. The transactions of this and a few proceeding days have in my opinion strongly proved the necessity of it. We have moved very rapidly in business and while some compliment themselves upon in- creasing Industry and application, I think I can find the cause else where & that the suddenness of decision may be truly attributed to ■ ignorance of the Subject. We have been holding forth new lines ta France by oiferiug what we have not to give & provided they will conquer the whole of Newfoundland and secure the fishing, that we will most bountifully & most graciously give them one half for their trouble. We have found out that the Duke of Tuscany is a potentate of much consequence, while some of us are such Ignoramuses as ta think him very insignificant in the naval and military line and in this respect not worthy attention & that in commercial matters his interest will attach him to us without much sollicitation But I anticipate an amusement which you have to come, the Picture of our follies will be the more pleasing from being viewed at full length. We have given Genl. Washington large and ample powers, fully equal to the object if America means to contend and support him. Thus the Business of War will for six months to come move in the proper channels & the Congress be no longer exercised about matters, of which it is supremely ignorant. A Plan is in agitation to appoint exclusive powers out of doors^ and resolved the business of Treasury, Board of War and of Commerce into the hands of persons not members of Congress. A Committee appointed for that purpose & you are a member of it. You will be much wanted. I wish if your attendance is impossible that you would reduce a few tho'ts to paper upon the subject of a Chamber of Com~ 24 Hooper, V^ia.— {Continued.) merce which is the Hobby Horse & for which I fancy we are indebted to the Abilities of Mr. P e. I earnestlj- wish that the Congress could return to Philadelphia without hazarding the Ignominy of a second flight on the charge of Caprice. This dirty boggy hole beggars all description. We are obliged, except when the Weather paves the streets to go to Congress on Horseback, the way so miry that Carriages almost stall on the sides of them. When the Devil proffered our Saviour the Kingdom of the World, he surely placed his thumb on this delectable spot & reserved it to himself for his own peculiar chosen seat and inheritance. As to the Inhabitants the Congress can boast no acquaintance with them but what arises from their daily exorbitant claims upon our pockets. * * * The Congress meets tomorrow, it is Sunday. Why, Heaven knows. I cannot conceive unless it is to give us importance in the eyes of the very respectable Inhabitants of this place," &c. HOOPER PRONOUNCES WASHINGTON TO BE THE GREATEST MAN ON EARTH. 32 The Same. A. L. S. 8 pages, 410. Baltimore, Feb. i, 1777. To Robert Morris. Very fine. A truly remarkable letter in which, speaking of Genl- Washington' s successes in the /ersies, launches out in an elaborate eulogy of the General and pronounces him. the greatest man on earth. He also denounces New York, Dela- ware and Maryland for not sending their full representation to Congress. "They may as well desert the cause." But he lauds Pennsyh-ania's representation in the highest terms, par- ticularly James Wilson and Geo. Ross. He also mentions the ill-health of Thos. Nelson and himself, which he attributes to the climate of Baltimore. See facsimile. "After an illness of several days an Impatience to be in Congress drew me out in a very wet day. The Consequences were what any man in his senses might have expected a Relapse. & had I not been fortunate in a Physician, I perhaps had been measuring my length and breadth under ground, a situation bad enough indeed, but bad as it is, surely preferable to being above it for anytime in this worst of all possible places. » * * Nelson by advice of a Physician goes tomorrow. He is in a bad state of Health. Harrison is still ill * * * with one united voice we ascribe this Catalogue of Ills to this place. I declare to you the Congress presents such a scene of yellow death like faces, that you may imagine Rhadamanthus had shifted his quarters & was holding Court in Baltimore. I believe were it the case he would soon be glad to get back to his friend Pluto's Regions. I have eased my Stomach. When Fancy is exhausted in >C..^^ ■..»*.„^r2^'«^-'''^ai^^ >^ ^^^.c^s^,/^c/y ^^^'Ti^ ''^^^/'^^ f'-^'^^^yi^ Facsimile of IVm.^Hooper slLelter, Lot 32 /St «^< ^fvt'i^i-'ifr. */>«!& .^»» >'5«»*<' t^^^^tk^-^-c^ . -5»1. f^i ^^ .^-c -^^ -/^^-^-^» "^^ rf ^- ^ '^y I ^ i*~t^ ^^^^ >!,-^-<-» ^3^^.^0m^ «-^S*-, ^-^S-ic ...^z '^k-T-n ty :^- ^> ^■'^■r-f'^ >^:»x-,^«_-^ ,«.-,*iL___ _ ^^^ ^ ^ . ^ j9 -J VfT^ .5.-<^<»<3''-,'^z*<;'3-.^--./. tyyCrti^t^^ -^<-a.t^»^ ,4 A^ 25 OOPBR, Wm. — [Continued.) blackness of description, when you are disposed to abuse my Carolina, Spare every figure ot Rhetorick & compare it to Baltimore. I congratulate you upon the new face which our affairs have assumed in the Jersies. Under every dieficuwy that a mii,itary genius COUI,D POSSIBLY HAVE TO STRUGGLE WITH, GENERAI, WASHINGTON SOMETIMES ALMOST WITHOUT AN ARMY, AT LEAST WITH ONE COMPOSED OF RAW AND UNDISCIPLINED TROOPS, IMPATIENT OF COMMAND & VASTLY INFERIOR IN NUMBERS TO THE EnEMY, HAS BEEN ABLE TO CHECK A VICTORIOUS ARMY, WITH EVERY THING THAT COULD AFFORD A PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS, THUNDERING AT THE VERY GATES OF THE CAPITOL OF AMERICA, TO CHANGE THBIR Course, & is now pursuing them in turn to the only spot WHICH THEY HAVE POSSESSION OF IN AMERICA. WILL POSTERITY BELIEVE THE Tale ? When it shall be consistent with policy TO GIVE the history OF THAT MAN FROM HIS FIRST INTRO- duction into our service, how often amiirica has been rescued from ruin by the meer strength of his genius, conduct & courage, encountering every obstacle that want of money, men, arms, ammunition could throw in his way, an impartial world will say with you, that he is the Greatest man on Earth. Misfortunes are the Element IN WHICH HE shines. ThEY ARE THE GROUNDWORK ON WHICH HIS PICTURE APPEARS TO THE GREATEST ADVANTAGE. HE RISES SUPERIOR To THEM ALL, THEY SERVE AS FOILS TO HIS FORTITUDE, AND AS Stimulants to bring into view, those great, quali-. -TIES WHICH in The SeveriTyjof cife' his great modesty KEEPS CONCEALED, I COUI,D FILL THE SIDE IN HIS PRAISE, BUT anything I CAN SAY CANNOT EQUAL HIS MERITS, OR RAISE YOUR IDEA OF THEM. I lament, my dear Sir, the very small representation which America presents in Congress, the members will soon be reduced to the number of 22, how unequal to the importance of its councils ! I am sorry to say that I think they already savour of the truth of an Observation contrasted to that in holy Writ. That in the multitude of councillors there is Wisdom. Some of the middle and Southern Colonies have much to answer for in the want of representation. It is a Crime how- ever which carries its own punishment with it, & if there are two In- terests in America ; that must necessarily prevail which always has its advocates on the spot to promote it, while the other is deserted by those whom every tie of honour, Duty & publick Vertue should in- duce to a different conduct. New York, Delaware Maryland may almost as well desert the Cause, as so lamely support it by their appear- ance in its publick Councils. I have the next delegation of your State much at heart, & should be very sorry that any change should take place to the exclusion of Wilson. He is a Character some what par- ticular, but after a long and pretty intimate acquaintance with him, I 26 Hooper, Wm. — {Continued.) am extremely deceived, if pure Integrity & love to America, a just and generous attachment to the State which he represents, a strong natural capacity improved by extensive reading & a great retentive memory, when cool judgment has matured & digested what he has read, and not the genuine characteristicks of my friend Wilson. His removal from Congress in my opinion would work an essential politi- cal Evil. Ross has I think acted unexceptionably. Now and then He takes a whimsical turn, perhaps a wrong one, but to do him Justice he does not persist in it. He is too much of a Character not to be excentric. He is a sincere friend to the Cause, I think is independent in his notions. Pardon this intrusion into internal local policy. I have the publick good in view which must prove my Apology. I am much pleased with our Success against the foraging party^ & the more so from General Dickinson having had the Command. He has laid up a fund of Reputation as a patriot & an officer which will be sufficient not only for himself for life, but upon which his Brother the Farmer may make draughts to repair that loss of Credit into which a constitutional weakness of nerves has betrayed him and in which I sincerely believe his heart had no share. What is the Policy of quartering Soldiers upon the Inhabitants of your City. Was not this one of the great evils which the bill of rights was intended to remedy in the executive power of the British Consti- tution. Was it not a grievance that we clamoured loudly against when Subject to G. B. I wish it may not lead to reflections injurious to our Cause & give disafiFected men reason to complain, who have hitherto growled without it, & have in vain wrecked their Inventions to sully our glorious Cause, and call forth the Censure of the World upon those who support it. I would not wish wantonly to sport with mens feel- ings. There will be a time & I hope it is not at a great distance when the distinction of Whig & Tory will be lost and resolve itself into the Common Appellation of Citizens of the Indep^ States. All political grudges will die away & harmony & happiness cement the whole. I wish that no wounds may be made among ourselves that time & com- mon Interest may not a least heal." &c &c 33 The Same. A. L. S. 7 pages, 4to. Cape Fear, May 27, 1777. To Robert Morris. Very fine. He mentions that Hewes has been defeated for Congress and that he himself has been appointed a delegate, btit on ac- count of the treatment to his friend Heives he shall refuse the commission. Speaks of the difficulty of recruiting for the army, of the lies kept in circulation by the Tories, and the way in which he tries to counteract their efforts. "Yes, My dear Sir, thus long and faithful service are requited. Hewes has lost his Election. The charge against him was too futile to be repeated except to be despised, ' That he was employed loading; 27 Hooper, Wm. — {Continued.) Vessels for the secret committee and receiving commissions as a mer- chant, when he ought to have been at Congress as a delegate, the' by the by, an excruciating fit of Rheumatism incapacitated him for the Journey, & as you well know it was in obedience to the earnest requi- sition of the secret Committee by you their representative that he was employed in this very necessary business. It was lucky that Hewes had not begun his Journey or his removal might have been announced to him on the road, or in the exercise of his delagatorial function in Congress. I wish our Assembly may be convinced of their error. I imagine that such a Certificate in Mr. Hewes's favour as you could draw, subscribed by all the Members who have served with him & know his integrity & usefulness would have an eflFect which as his friend I wish to promote. Should this be your Opinion, when you have eflfected it, forward it to me. I was again appointed a delegate. The situation of my own private affairs, the importunity of my wife, and little ones, that delicacy which I felt as a friend, did not leave me a moment in suspence whether I should decline the honour intended me & to you who feel the full force of conjugal & paternal aflFection, and are all alive to the wrongs done your friend, sure I am I stand justified. As it deprives me o' your agreeable society, and that of others, it has its melancholy reflec- tions, but as it furnishes me with a consciousness of having done my duty, I endeavor to suppress then, and look forward to a future oppor- tunity when I may be restored to you, without violating the respect which I owe to my family and connections.' " He then complains of hearing nothing from Congress and mentions the dissatisfaction the causes among the inhabitants. ' ' Our tories are ever ready to rouze or fan their suspicions & the charitable construction they bestow upon your Secrecy is that you are doing nothing or engaged about what you dare not disclose. These infernal villains slily insinuate that the Con- gress attention is chiefly exercised to devise ways and means to con- tinue in office, or to amass money. * * * The Conditions of our Army should be frequently announced, altho' nothing material may happen, yet it will give the lie to the various reports we have of battles fought & successes obtained which are furnished us by every travelling vagrant or deserter who makes his way hither, from the northward. * * * Is Stockton the Delegate in Jail? Is the Congress Frigate taken? Has Genl Washington but 7000 men? We make a blessed hand of recruiting here, of 9 Regts we can bring scarce 2000 men in the field. The havock the sickness which prevailed the Southern States, last year made amongst them & that horrid expedition which was undertaken against Augustin at the most inclement season thinned the Army of some of our best men & has discouraged others from en- listing," &c &c 34 Hopkinson, Francis. Signer of the Declaration of In- dependence. Author of the "Battle of the Kegs." A. L. S. 28 HopKiNSON, Francis. — [Continued. ) 2 pages, folio. Borden Town, March 25, 1778. To Robert Morris, with address. Fine. A valuable historical letter in reference to Continental Marine affairs, and narrates the perfidy of Genl. Howe, who refused to recognize a '■'Flag" ca.rying supplies to American prisoners. " I have ordered the Ship Ivion and the Packet to be taken out of the Creek & run as high up the River as they can go & there anchored in the Stream. Should the Enemy make an Attempt this way by Land, & not by Water, or should the Gallies be able to keep off their small Boats, The Vessels will be safer in the Stream than to near shore. There are many other Reasons that induced me to take this measure, & I hope you will approve of it. Cap' McGuinis just now applied to me respecting the Sloop & Schooner under his charge. He concurred with me in opinion & will dispose of his Vessels in the same manner. Cap* Robinson of the A. Doria, went in about 10 Days ago with a Flag to carry supplies to our People Prisoners in the City. The Flag was perfectly regular. Leave having been first obtained for its going in & yet Genl. Howe has ordered him & Cap' Golt of the State Fleet, who accompanied him, to be seised under pretence of their being spies, & has thrown them into the common Goal. I have wrote to Genl. Washington but know not what has been done. Mrs. Robinson is in great Distress. General Lee passed thro' Crosswicks yesterday in his way to Philadelphia,,' &c. 35 The Same. A. L. S. folio. Borden Town, April 6, 1778. To Robt. Morris, with address. Small piece torn out by the breaking of the seal. In reference to leasing two lots in Manheim to Robt. Morris. 16 The Same. A. L. S. folio. Feb. 20, 1779. To Robt. Morris, with address. Damaged. A portion of the text missing and signature imperfect. Neatly repaired. 37 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Dec. 19, 1782. To Robert Morris, with address. Asks Mr. Morris to negotiate his Treasury Warrant for £700, and out of the proceeds to purchase one share in the bank, and remit him the balance. After complaining of the scarcity of funds, he says: "Since the interest on the Loan Office certificate has been with- held my only Income is the ^500 the Assembly hath ordered me, & this I get in Portions of ^50. pr Quarter by way of advance, by means of humble petition much solicitation & all the mortifying Humilation of a State of Dependence which Ceremonies must be re- peated every three months." 29 HoPKiNSON, Francis. — ( Continued.) 38 The Same. A. D. S. double folio. March ist, 1778. Lease of Francis Hopkinson to Robert Morris of two lots in Manheim, referred to in Letter No. jj. 39 Lee, Francis Lightfoot. Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphia, Sept. 14, 1777. Signed also by Benj. Harrison, Richard Henry Lee (Signers of the Dec- laration of Independence), and Jos. Jones, Members of the Continental Congress. To Robert Morris. Ln reference to the pay of the Virginia Delegates. "As it will be very inconvenient for us to receive from you the bal- ance of the Cash in your hands belonging to us as Delegates in Con- gress from Virginia, and which you desired to pay as you are about re. moving your Cash & effects from this City, We must therefore request you will send our Cash in your Chest with your own, taking the same measures for the security of ours that you do for your own and we hereby agree & declare that the same shall be entirely at our Risque & not yours " 40 Lee, Richard Henry, Signer of the Declaration of Inde- pendence, Delegate to the Congress of 1774. Wrote the Second Address of Congress to the People of Great Britain. It was he who introduced the motion for a Declaration of Independence. A. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Baltimore, Dec. 24, 1776. To Robert Morris, with address. Written in THE Year of the Signing of the Declaration of Inde- pendence. Giving Mr. Morris warning against dealing with the house of Hope & Co. of Amsterdam, who are said to be treacherous Scotchmen, with views inimical to the Colonies. The following extract oj a letter Jrom London dated 21^^ of Septem- ber last I settd you for your future government : " The Americans seem strangely infatuated, for notwithstanding the repeated perfidy they have experienced from the Scotch & the bitter hatred every one of that nation, in all parts of the world, bear to the American cause, some how or other that people are parties concerned in all the trade that the Americans carry on to parts of Europe ; in consequence of which the B. Ministry have an accurate ace' of every Vessel that arrives in every Port of Europe from America with the particulars of her return and they know also of every Vessel that loads in Europe for America. This is accomplished principally by the means of the house of Hope & Co. in Amsterdam (all of them Scotchmen) who have the most extensive correspondence of any power in Europe & have been employed these two years to give the British Ministry information of whatever is done in any of the European Ports relative to America. Besides the Scotch- men & Tories in London seem to be the only persons in whom the 30 I/EE, Richard Henry. — {Continued.) Merchants of America at present place confidence by which means two Ships have been lately stopt by the Magistracy of Hamburgh that were loading there, as is supposed on account of Messrs Willing, Morris & Co. in Philadelphia. The bills with which their Cargos were to be purchased, were re- mitted for negotiation to some Scotch house in London, & it is imag- ined thro that Channel information was given of the real destination of the Vessels, tho' the property appears to be British & the Vessels were said publickily to be bound to Madeira. However upon this in- ^ formation, the British Resident there, Mr. Matthias applied to the Magistracy of Hamburgh, who have stopped the Vessel, & some say, have imprisoned the Masters. You know that Hamburgh is a very small independent State that must at all times comply with the requi- sitions of the Strong European Powers in order to preserve their in- dependence. It is said that a plan is formed with France to supply that Country with Tob" from America, should this be the case, they vid^ the Americans will no doubt take care to send there, only such kind of Tob" as the French have been accustomed to receive, otherwise the general trade iu that Comodity will hereafter be much injured, if not totally ruined ! ! I do not write you this on a supposition that you have meddled with these treacherous people, but to put you on your guard against those who mean our Ruin," etc. 41 Lewis, Francis. Signer of the Declaration of Inde- pendence. Aide to Col. Mercer at the Capture of O.swego in 1757. A. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Baltimore, Dec. 26, 1776. To Robert Morris, with address. Written in the Year OF THE Signing of the Declaration of Independence. Very fine and rare. An important letter in reference to casting cannon for the Continental Army, and establishing a furnace near Philadel- phia for that purpose. "The Congress think it absolutely necessary that a Number of Brass Field Pieces should be cast as soon as possible and have directed the Ordinance Board to request that you would direct an enquiry to be made for such persons as are capable of conducting that Branch. Mr Payne informed Congress that M' Byers (who cast the Brass Cannon at New York) was then daily expected with his family at Phil* and where there is an Air Furnace at which he might be em- ployed ; Congress is therefore anxious to know if Byers is at Phila and can be there employed, or if any other person can be found capable of conducting that work :— It is necessary also to inform you that at Christeen I saw a quantity of Sea Coal, with some Copper, the latter said to be sent from New York :— The Board of Ordinance imagine a work of this kind may be erected in the Vicinity of this place, it being 31 Lewis, Francis. — {Continued.') more convenient, in getting supply, of Sea Coal from Virginia, pro- vided the Mettle can be procured with a proper person to conduct the Work, the latter is not to be obtained here ; And as Congress has this Affair much at hart, they intreat you to make the strictest inquiry you can & inform them. Congress has this moment received letters from the General recom- mending in the most pressing terms the necessity of having a Number of Brass & Iron Cannon provided as early as possible for the next Campaigne on which he seems to say the fate of America in a great measure depends. He also strongly recommends an Augmentation of the Continental Battallions to i lo. — with five Battallions of Artillery — Thus far from the Ordinance Board." The following is a copy of a letter I this day received from, Mr N. Shaw, jun^ of N^ London, dated 7"* Inst. viz. : " I wrote you 231I Ult° advising of the Ship Mary ; being detained in this Port, since, that I have not received any of y^ favors. — have now to inform you that this day came an order from the Govr & Council of this state to have the Cargoe unladen and sent up to Nor- wich to the Mills with orders to have it ground & made into bread. — I suppose the reason for this is that wheat is become a very scarce article this way, and the great probability of a move being made by the British Troops to Newport as they are undoubdetly gone to that place. I expect soon to have your directions relative to the ship, for I believe now she will not be able to get out of this Port, by reason of the Men of War which are cruzing up the harbour for these ten days past, if you approve of it I can get the Commissary Bills for the amount of the Cargoe pay in Phil". As you have M' Shaw's letter of the 23^ Ult" in order to answer it I shall acquiesse in whatever directions you give him relative to the Ship, but should be glad of a possibility of sending her to the S°ward for Toba & etc," etc. 42 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Baltimore, Sept. 9. ^777- ^'^ Robt. Morris, with address. Very fine. A very highly important letter in reference to the plot to blow lip the magazine at Carlisle. "Yesterday evening arrived here an Express from York Town to the Governor advising the discovery of a Hellish Plott to blow up the Magazine at Carlisle; two of the associates are in Custody, but the Ring leader, the Infamous Rankin of York Town with two officers are I fear got on board the fleet as they were met upon the Road last friday enquiring the road to Joppah, a party went of from hence last night in pursuit of them, but in my opinion the people at York Town were very remiss in not sending a party immediately after them, and giving more timely advise here. Detached parties of the fleet are daily passing down the Bay. I counted thirteen yesterday & this moment the Signal is given for more appearing, it is conjectured they 32 LEWIS, Francis. — { Continued. ) are going round to the Delaware, and is confirmed by Deserters, Eight of whom came to the Town Yesterday deserted from the Persins of 20 Guns, with the Mails on board in seven Weeks from London to New York, & from thence dispatched to General Howe." 43 The Same. L. S. 3 pages, 4to. Commercial Committee, York, Feb. 21, 1778. To Robt. Morris. Also signed by Wm. Ellery, Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Ill reference to the doings of the Commercial Committee, and denouncing Mr. Duer for giving Mr. Morris information of the action of Congress relating to him. " We think Mr. Duer would have been very illy employed in tell- ing you anything that might have passed in Congress in which you were concerned, especially we think him highly culpable in representing to you that the Commercial Committee had com- plained to Congress that their not having the Books in their pos. session was a grievance to them ; because it was a gross misrepre- sentation, Messrs Forbes & Ellery who were the only members of the Commercial Committee then present, laid before Congress General Hand's Letter &c. respecting the Rattle Trap. Some of the Members were dessatisfied with that undertaking and asked a Multitude of ques- tions about it. The Instructions given to Captain Willing were read, but still they wanted more light, when incidentally it was mentioned that the Books and Papers of the Secret Committee were in your hands. This occasioned a Conversation about them, which, if we could, we should think it not worth our while to relate. Let it suffice that so far from complaining against you on account of the Books, the Members of the Committee were for your retaining them till they should be settled. We laid the Letter before Congress who desired us to inform you that they would have you still keep the Books in your possession and settle them as soon as you could." 44 Morris, Robert. Signer of the Detlaration of Independ- ence. The Great Financier of the Revolution. Copy of his letter, 2 pages, 4to. Manheim, April 6, 1778. To Benj. Chew, in the hand of Jno. Swanwick. Benj. Chew, the Quaker, was in prison, and requested Mr. Morris to have him exchanged. Morris informs him that the only way he can serve him is for him to take the oath of alle- giance, and if he does not the law just passid will send him to the enemy and confiscate his estate. 45 The Same. A. L. S. 4to. Manheim, April 7, 1778. To President Henry Laurens. His autograph draft of a letter to President Laurens, im- forming that he ivill discharge from his service at once a clerk accused of giving information to the enemy. 33 Morris, KoBnv.T.— {Continued. ) 46 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 4 pages, 4to. Phila- delphia, March 29, 1779. To President Jos. Reed. His draft of his letter to Jos. Reed denying a fancied affront to him. "Just as I was ready to mount] my Horse yesterday Morning your Servant delivered me your letter of the 27th so that I could only send a Verbal message, it was then my intention to wait on j'ou for an ex- planation, but reflecting further in the matter I have judged it more proper to comply with your request and return the letter you desire which is enclosed herein. — But in justice to you & myself I cannot re- frain from telling you, that you are entirely deceived in the Opinions you seem to have formed respecting my Conduct ; and measures adopted in consequence of such erroneous opinions will not tend to promote that ease of mind you wish for. As a private Gentf I ever entertained as much regard for your Person and respect for your Char- acter as you could possibly expect our acquaintance to have laid foun- dation for. As to political connections I never sought them, in that line all ad- vances came from you, but every engagement I made, has been most faithfully observed. It is well known to the company I generally associate with, that I was your firm & steady Friend on all Occasions where your Public Character & Conduct was the Subject of Conversa- tion in my presence, that I did invariably advocate your measures and express without reserve my opinion of expectations of an honourable performance of your engagements, and in this belief my feeble effort* were made on all suitable occasions to support the Dignity of Govern- ment. At the time I received your letter of the iith Feb.y I considered it as intended meerly to aifect my Conduct in respect to the message I had then penned as from the Assembly to the Council and explained my- self to that effeet in a Conversation with you at M"^ Holkers. I did not then lay any stress on the general proposition for commu- nicating what each might hear of the other in order to prevent im. proper impressions being made on our Minds, because that was a line of Conduct I should have observed, tho you had never proposed it, and you have been told already, that the moment I had my ground to suspect a change in your measures respecting the calling a Conven- tion, I had determined to communicate to you what I heard and actu- ally call'd on M^ Biddle to join me in waiting on you for that purpose. Other engagements happened to delay the execution of this design untill you invited us and a number of other gentlemen to meet you at the City Tavern. I shall not enter on the Subject of what passed there farther than to tell you I have ever since considered myself as having been treated with a degree of Indelicacy that I had not merited ; but altho this has prevented my coming to any explanations 34 Morris, Robert. — {Continued.) with you on the Subjects then agitated yet Sir, it has not carried me the lengths you suppose. I have not deviated from any engagements I made with you, altho the circumstances that have since turned up wou'd fully justify me if I had done so. — I have not adopted a System of settled opposition cal- culated to distress the Administration of Government, or disturb the quiet of your life. Neither have I scrutinized your Conduct with un- becoming or unjust severity. You have done me great Injustice by insinuating these things for which in part of my Conduct has given sufficient grounds. Believe me Sir, I never came forth into Public Life on any other ground than a desire to promote and support the just & necessary oppo- sition to the Tyranny of Great Britain. That is still my principal Object> Next to the Establishment of our Independence I wish the Establish" ment of a good Constitution in Pennsylvania, but the latter I trust will yet become a consequence of the former and as I have not a doubt but the Virtue and good Sense of the Citizens of this State will accom- plish it at some early period, without Violence. I am content to wait that happy event, having neither Ambition, inclination or leisure suf- ficient to induce me to form plans for obstructing the operations of this present Government. On the Contrary I am withdrawing myself from Public business and shall get entirely clear of it as soon as possi- ble, but whilst I have a share in the Public Councils you may depend that my Voice will always speak the dictates of my own mind, and whither that happens to promote or oppose your measures will depend on the Nature of the Questions and not on the Person or Party they come from. As I am confident that I have not done you the least in- justice in thought, word or deed, so am I confident no regret can arise to me on that score, if your Peace of Mind has been disturbed it is not by me, for I sincerely wish you tranquility. Wherein I have op- posed any measures of Council I do assure you it has been from a Sense of duty & not because they were yours or the Councils Meas- ures." etc. 47 The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, 4to. Philadelphia, June 28, 1779. To Committee of Complaints. His draft of his letter refusing to give any information about flour he had purchased for'' his most Christian Majesty " as he considered himself as merely an employee, and had no right to divulge the business of his employer. There had been a meeting in the State House yard, at zvhich Morris was ac- cused of speculating in the bread stuffs of the country, and this is his first answer to these accusations. " I am honored with a letter from your Sec'y pro. tempore Mr. Alex Boyd, excusing my personal Attendance on the Committee but re- questing me to lay before you at lo O'clock tomorrow fore-noon or Morris, Robert. — {Continued.) sooner if Convenient, ' The original Instruction or Agreements by- Virtue whereof, I am purchasing for his Most Christian Majestys Agent, an account of the Quantities so purchased and Contracted for, & information by what Conveyance & to what places or Stores said flour is Collected, and from what places in the Country it has been & is now brought.' On the receipt of this letter I thought it my Duty to communicate the same to my Employer which I did immediately, with Capt. Heyshams note of yesterday, & my answer. Mr. Holker His Most Christian Majestys Agent in this business does not think it proper for me to communicate the things you require and therefore I am under a necessity of refering you to him for such further information as you may wish. For tny part, I am very willing as your fellow Citizen to give you & through you the Public at large, every satisfaction in my power, because I am desirous pf retaining that good Opinion I know my Conduct deserves & upon this principle I venture to assure you the orders to Mr, Slough for purchasing flour were dated the 27 Jan'y & confirmed the 17"" Feby last, he was apply'd to in preference to to any other Person in that Country because he was already a pur- chaser for the Continent, which prevented any rising prices by Con- tention as might have happened had another Agent been employed, he was limited not to exceed the price given by the Continent, and desired either to Hire private or Public Teams as he found the trans- portation might be affected cheapest, all the letters I have written to him on the Subject since those dates were only to exhort him to a speedy & full execution of the orders. No other purchase has been made in this State, except in this City under my immediate inspection confirmable to Verbal orders from my principal from day to day, & this before the Meeting in the State House Yard. The Quantity on hand here is incousiderablle & I presume you do not wish to interfere in what is done in the Neighboring States. Before I close this letter I cannot omit mentioning that four or five poor women with Sacks under their arms came to me this morning, demanding supplies of flour alleging they were directed by the Committee to me for that purpose and informed by them that I had received two waggon Loads of flour from the country yesterday. I confess this surprised me a good deal at first, but on reflecting a little, it seems highly improper the Committee or any of their members could be capable of giving such directions, because some of them had before been informed by my clerks that the flour under my care belonged to his Most Christian Majesty, & my letter to Capt. Heysham Yesterday confirmed it, con- sequently it must be known I could not deliver it to any person, but by orders of my employers," &c. 48 The Same. Copy of a letter, 3 pages, folio. Philadel- phia, June 26, 1779. To Timothy Matlack, David Ritten- house, Jonathan B. Smith, Thos. Paine and Chas. Willson Peale, in the hand of Jno. Swanwick. A 36 Morris, RobbrT. — {Continued.) In reference to the cargo of the Ship Victoreux. This is another phase in the case, caused by the meeting in the State House Yard, accusing Mr. Morris of speculating in flour. 49 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 2 pages, folio. Phila- delphia, Oct. 18, 1 78 1. To CheVj, Gen, Chastellux. The draft of his letter in reference to sending his sons to Europe to be educated. He asks the Chevalier to recommend the course to pursue, and fnentions that he has requested the Count de Grasse to give them passage on one of his ship. 49A The Same. A. L. 5 pages, folio. Philadelphia, June 15, 1781. An autograph draft of a letter to Mr. Necker, Minister of Finances of the French Government, but which was never sent. It ends abruptly on the last page. It reviews the financial condition of the United States from the commencement of the Revolution to June, 178 1, for the purpose of inducing Mr. Necker to give his advice on the subject, and also soliciting further financial help from France. 50 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, folio. Office of Finance' Sept. 21, 1 78 1. To Thos. Paine. His draft of a letter to Thos. Paine, who wanted him to in- troduce a bill in Congress, which Morris tells him he is unable to do, as he is no longer a member of that body. It seems that Paine' s bill was to take precaution against a probable attack on Philadelphia by Sir Henry Clinton. 51 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 12 pages, 4to. Phila- delphia, Oct. 14, 1 78 1. To Matthew Ridley. A draft of his letter to Mr. Ridley, in whose care he is in- trusting his two sons, to be taken to France to be educated. He mentions when they arrive at Paris he wants them presented to Dr. Franklin. It is a beautiful fatherly letter, full of tender solicitude for his boys, and outlining in a very full manner the course of studies he wants them to pursue. 52 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 2 pages, folio. Phila- delphia, Oct. 18, 1 78 1. To Count De Rochambeau. Draft of his letter requesting a passage for his sons on one of the ships of the French fleet, about to be sent to France with news. 37 Morris, Robert.— ( Continued. ) ASKS WASHINGTON TO USE HIS INFLUENCE IN FAVOR OF HIS SONS. 53 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 2 pages, folio. Phila- delphia, Oct. 19, [781. To Genl. Washington. A draft of his letter asking Washington to "i-se his influence in favor of his sons with the commander of the vessel of the French fleet upon which his boys will take their passage for France. "Should an opportunity offer Mr. Ridley will present before you my two Sons who have the ambition to pay their Compt^ to you before their departure for Europe, where they are now destined under the care and protection of that Gentleman untill he can place them with their Tutors. I consider the step I have taken as advantageous to them, and also of some Public consequence, because if the example is followed and it becomes the practice to Educate American Youths in France, Habitual attachments will strengthen those ties of affection which in gratitude is due from this to that Country. I have written to His Excy Count de Grasse excusing myself for depending on a pas- sage on one of His Majesties Ships. Shou'd you have an opportunity of addressing a word on the Subject, it will procure to Mr. Ridley & the Boys the favourable attention of the Commander they go with. I flatter myself with the fond hope that these Boys may hereafter be- come usefuU to their Country and that they will add to the number of those who shall Publicly make repeated grateful acknowledgments for the blessings of Liberty & Peace transmitted to them by means of those Noble, those Glorious Exertions of which your whole Conduct in the War affords one continued & unparalled Example. Your present Operation must have become serious before this time and we begin here to feel, the full Force of that impatient expectation which is Natural on such an occasion ' ' &c &c 54 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 3 pages, folio. Phila- delphia, Oct. 19, 1791. To Messrs. Le Caze & Mallet. A draft of his letter guaranteeing the credit of Le Caze & Mallet for any prize goods they may purchase of the French fleet. 55 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, folio. Philadelphia, Oct. 19, 1 78 1. To Ridley & Pringle. A draft of his letter in reference to purchasing prize goods captured by the French fleet under Count De Grasse. 56 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 3 pages, 4to. Phila- delphia, Nov. 26, 1781. To Viscounte De Noailles. Together with a draft of a letter to Le Couteux & Co. 38 Morris, Robert. — [Continued.) A draft of his letter accepting the Viscounte's offer to makt certain purchases in Paris for Mrs. Morris. 57 The Same. A. L. 3 pages, folio. Philadelphia, Dec. 3. 178 1. To Count Necker. A draft of his letter asking favorable consideration of his sons from Count Necker during their eduucational residence in France. MORRIS' LETTER WITH A TRUE PATRIOTIC RING. 58 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 4to. Philadelphia, Dec. 24, 1 78 1. To Samuel Bean, at the Commissary Generals, New York, on the same sheet with a letter from Samuel Bean, 2 pages, 4to. New York, Dec. 15, 1781. This is an interesting item. Bean, who informs Morris that he has been appointed by the Conim.ander in Chief of the British Forces, Auditor General and Commissary of Accounts to the Southern Army, would like to open a correspondence with Morris " in the course of which, something might have been hit on for the mutual advantage of both parties & when I say parties, I mean Coun- tries, having by Recommendation from home, access to every man in power here." In answer to this Morris wrote this manly letter. ' ' Your letter of the 19*'' Nov. appearing to have no other object than an inquiry after my health, and to aunouuce your own Situation, I replied to it a few days since. But I have now received yours of the 15th inst wherein you intimate that a Correspondence between us may possibly lead to something for the mutual advantage of our respective Countries, I have every disposition to promote the interest of this Country, and not otherwise to yours than the measures which it has pursued with respect to this, has rendered it a duty to be, But sir let our dispositions towards the two Countries be what they may, it is neither in your power nor mine to render them mutual services untill Certain points are settled and this is not the proper Channel for dis- cussing those points, Therefore I think it most proper to conclude our Correspondence, and I shall do it with the assurance, that when- ever this Nation shall be at Peace with yours, you will find me ready, not only to Correspond but also to render you any Service in my power" 59 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 2 pages, folio. Phila- delphia, Dec. 27, 178 1. To Chevalier de la Luzerne, Min- ister of France. A draft of his letter in reference to bills of exchange to Mr. 39 Morris, Robert. — {Continued.) Baulny on account of the army commanded by Compte De Rochambeau. 60 The Same. A. L. S. wilh initials, folio. Philadelphia' Dec. 27, 178 I. To M. Le Couteux & Co. A draft of his letter informing I^e Couteux & Co. that he had purchased of the Minister of France certain bills drawn for the support of the French army under Count de Rocham- beau, and ntaking arrangements for the payment of the same in Paris. 61 The Same. A. L. 6 pages, folio. Philadelphia, Jan. 15 1782. To Benj. Harrison. A draft of his letter to Gov. Harrison respecting the affairs of Oliver Pollock of New Orleans, who had succeeded his power as Government Agent and advanced monies to the Virginia troops, to which he pledged his own fortune besides. He asks Gov. Harrison to do justice to Pollock and influence the state to repay him,. 62 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 3 pages, 4to. Phila- delphia, May 31, r782. To Meriweather Smith. A draft of his letter to Mr. Smith, who had informed him of slanderous reports made against him. "I am much obliged by your Polite & Friendly letter of the 20*1 Inst, the proceedings of your House of Delegates in relation to Flag Ships are very extraordinary and such as they will not be able to jus- tify, as to the infamous insinuations made by those designing Factious Enemies of all good & Honest Men. I despise them & the Authors alike ; If I wished for oflSce or was dependant on a Continuance therein, these Villainous Stories might give me uneasiness, but thank God I stand on very different ground and am ready to quit the mo- ment the Public will agree to it. If as my Friend you feel yourself hurt by these tales, discharge the Idea at once & observe yourself that I am most perfectly clear of every imputation, depend upon it, my conduct is free from partialty, that I have no speculations, that in every part of my management, private interest has been Sacrificed to Public, & in short my sole object since I have been in Office, has been by a steady upright administration to promote the service & Interest of America. I have such vouchers for all my transactions as will enable me at any time to lay them before the World & wipe away every temporary impression that Malice & Slander can have made on the minds of impartial Men." &c 63 The Same. A. L. folio. Philadelphia, May 31, 1782. To Genl. Gates. 40 Morris, Robert. — {Continued.) A Draft of his letter in reference to the payment of Genl. Gates for military services. MORRIS CONGRATULATES ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE. 64 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 4 pages^ 4to, Phila- delphia, July 4, 1782. To M. Ridley. A Draft of a friendly letter, in which he mentions the An- niversary of Independence. ' ' Permit me to congratulate you on the anniversary of our Indepen- dence, had I time to commit to this paper the pleasing reflections that occupy my mind at this moment, I should fill my paper." 65 The Same. A. L. S with initials, 4 pages, folio. Phila- delphia, July 8, 1782. To Matthew Ridley. Draft of his Utter thanking- Mr. Ridley for his kind atten- tion to his boys, during their passage to France, and the kind reception accorded them by Dr. Franklin and other digna- taries. Mentions Silas Deane in this manner. "Deane has played the fool egregiously to say no worse. Such conduct as his is ruinous to the man himself, & however unjustly, yet it is of injury to those who have been in his intimacy. I confess that he has astonished me for I believed him sincerely devoted to his country." 66 The Same. A draft of his letter, 4 pages, folio. Phila- delphia, July 18, 1782. To Col. Richard Butler. Apologizing for not being able to Loan Col. Butler some money, and mentions his own poverty and his immense losses. 6y The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 2 pages, folio. Phila- delphia, Aug. 26, 1782. To Col. Rich. Butler, and one other. 2 pieces 68 The Same. A. L. S. with intials, 2 pages, folio. Phila- delphia, Sep. 27, 1782. To Gen. De La Fayette. Thanking the General for his kind attention to his boys in France. 69 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 2 pages, folio. Phila- delphia, Sep. 25, 1782. To Jno. Adams, Minister at the Hague. The draft of his letter informing Mr. Adams of his in- ability to render financial assistance, to a Mr. Peter Paulus, zvho Adams introduces. 41 Morris, Robert.— ( Continued. ) 70 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 5 pages, folio. Phila- delphia, Oct. 6, 1782. To Matthew Ridley. A draft of his letter in reference to the education of his boys, and in which, at the same time, he gives his Vieivs on peace zvith Great Britain. '■ I thank you for the Political information Contained in your let- ters. Peace seemed for a while to be forciug herself suddenly upon us, & altho' the prospect is not now so strong & clear as it was, yet it seems to me impossible that the War can Continue much longer. The Expense of the Belligerent Powers in Europe must be immense, particularly to Great Britain & The People seem already tired of their Burthens, for my part I wish most sincerely & ardently for Peace that I may get rid of a most Troublesome Office and spend the remainder of my days with more ease & in less hurry than those which are past. But was I to confine myself to the Language of a Patriot, I might speak in another manner & tell you that a continuance of the War is necessary untill our Confederation is more strongly knit, untill the obligations to support it shall be more generally deffused amongst all B.anks of American Citizens, untill we shall have required the Habit of paying Taxes (The means we possess already) & untill The several Governments have derived from Experience & Action, the vigour & self Confidence which is necessary to ensure the safety & promote the happiness of the People. The Expense of the War as now conducted is not very heavy to this Country, & the payment of our Public Debt will hardly be felt by those that come after us, as the Country has abnndant resources as yet untouched. In the View of things, Peace may not be really so desirable as at first View one would think, and perhaps you may be surprized when I tell you that in this city, the prospect of Peace has given more general discontent than any thing that has happened of a long time, particularly amongst the Mercantile part of the Community. I have been much surprized at it, but so the fact, however again I repeat my wishes for a speedy & Honorable Peace, it is Idle for Great Britain to think of whiedling us into a Separate and disgraceful Peace. No man in this country seriously thinks of such a thing, even the disaffected are convinced of the im- practiability of it. For my part I will sooner sacrifice all my pros- pects of ease and enjoyment throughout the whole course of my Life, than consent to close this contest by any Act derogatory to the Integrity Honer & Glory of a young & rising Nation." 71 The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, 410. Philadelphia, Dec. 5, 1793. To Wm. Constable. Asking attention to his son, wlio is traveling in Europe. 72 The Same. A. L. S. 4 pages, 4to. Philadelphia, May 27, 1794. To Wm. Constable. 42 Morris, Robert. — {Continued.) A fatherly letter showing his love for his son, whom he fears has been lured from his duties by the pleasures of the European world. 73 The Same. A. L. S.4to. Philadelphia, Nov. lo, 1795. To James Marshall. In reference to the Pine lands of Georgia. 74 The Same. The Notice from the House of Assembly of Penna., acquainting him that he has been elected as Dele- gate to the Continental Congress. Written and signed by Jno. Jacobs, Feb. 5, 1777. And the Autograph Dralt, signed, with initial, of the letter of Robt. Morris to Jno. Jacobs, Speaker, accepting the same. 75 The Same. A. L. 11 pages, foHo. A rough draft of his address to the citizens of Pennsylva- nia, caused by accusations being made agatust his character in the office of treasurer, which he was then filling. It seems that there was a meeting held by some citizens in the yard of the State Hoiise at which time there were accusations made that Mr. Morris tvas speculating in the foodstuffs of the country, and this was taken up by Congress, and a committee appointed, consisting of Tom Paine, Chas. Willson Peale, and several others, to investigate the affair. In this address Mr. Morris proves his innocence, and also proves that the grounds for the peoples suspicions was caused by him purchas- ing supplies for the King of France. 76 The Same. Autograph Manuscript of 10 pages, 4to, July, 1777. This is the original autograph draft of Mr. Morris' letter to the public in answer to a letter published in Dunlap's Ad- vertiser Jidy 2/}., 1777, in which there was published a letter signed T Matlack, David Rittenhouse , Chas. Willson Peale and f. B. Smith, together with their report on the affair of the ship Victorieuxs' s Cargo. It was this cargo which was purchased for Mr. Holker, agent of the King of France, which caused the meeting in the State House yard and the accusations cast agatnt Mr. Morris' integrity. 77 The Same. Manuscript Copy of his Address to the Citi- zens of the State, April 10, 1781. 10 pages, 4to. An exhaustive account of the finances of the State. 78 The Same. Autograph Manuscript, 5 pages, folio. Philadelphia, Jan. 7, 1779, signed with initials. 43 Morris, Robert. — ( Continued. ) A Rough Draft of his letter to the public in answer to an attack on his character, which appeared in Dunlap's Adverti- ser, Jan. s, 1779. 79 The Same. An original bill of Daniel Smith to Robert Morris from June 8, 1776, to Jan. i, 1777, for club dinners. 80 The Same. Mortgage given by Robert Morris, March 18, 1797, to the Bank of North- America, for a certain moneys loaned, signed by Morris and a bond of warrant of attorney, given by Mr. Morris to the Bank of North America, March 18, 1797, signed twice. Folio. 2 pieces 81 The Same. A Schedule of Property within the State of Pennsylvania, conveyed by Robert Morris to James Biddle and Wm. Bell, in trust for the use and account of the Penn- sylvania Property Co. 82 The Same. Five autograph drafts of letters from Robert Morris to various individuals on private affairs. 83 The Same. Autograph drafts of letters addressed to the public, etc., June and July, 1779, in reference to the cargoes of the ship Victorieux. Three pieces These were addressed to Timothy Matlack, Chas. Willson Peale, Thomas Paiue and others in refutation to slanderous ac- cusations made against him. 84 The Same. Rough autograph drafts, mostly signed with initials, of letters to various individuals on private affairs. 24 pieces 85 The Same. Papers relating to Robert Morris' private affairs. 15 pieces 86 Nelson, Thomas. Signer of the Declaration of Inde- pendence, and Commander-in-Chief of the State Forces of Virginia. He impaired his ample fortune by advancing money to the State and in paying the soldiers ; and at Yorktown, he directed that his splendid mansion, then oc- cupied by Lord Cornwallis, to be bombarded. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to, Jan. 5, 1777. To Robert Morris, with franked address. Very Fine. A fine historical letter written while Congress was sitting at Baltimore. " I thank you & the rest of my Jovial friends, for the notice that was taken of me at the Hills, fifty pounds would I give, out of my own pocket, that we were now at Philadelphia, not only that I might partake of the Weekly enjoyment of my friends upon the Schullkill, 44 NstsoN, Thomas. — {Continued.) but that I might get away from this place, where almost every man, seems to think it is his Duty, to extort from a Member of Congress, as much as he possibly can, upon every occasion. The great demand for Money from every quarter has kept our Treasury so low that I have not had it in my power to send you any ; There will however be 200,000 dollars sent in two or three days at farthest, & Loan Office certificates to Mr. Smith to the amount of 300,000 Dollars. Indeed my dear friend the state of our Treasury is such that I hate to think of it, w hen I could give satisfactory answers to Congress upon a requisition being made for a Sum of Money. I took the greatest pleasure in transacting the business of the Treasury Board, but of late we have been so circumstanced that I had almost as lief go to a Jail as go near the Treasury. The Period is not far distant, when the last five millions of Dollars will be exhausted, & by your accounts the Loan Office in your State, will not do much for us unless the Interest be raised, which I fear Congress will not do, and what is to be done. Then I know not how to pay the innumerable claimants against the Continent. Some of our Members have great dependance upon the Lottery, at best it is but a game & when I consider that the Tickets are equal in number to any State Lottery in Great Britain & that they have all Europe to send Their Tickets in & we are confin'd to America, where we are not much acquainted with these things, I confess I have no great expectation of it being drawn ; perhaps an experiment of half the Ticketts might have succeeded. We are greatly in want of able Financiers to supply our Treasury. Harrison and Hooper have taken to their Horses. The former when mounted looks like a Commander in Chief, The latter would make a good Aid de Camp to him ; He has Leave of absence on account of his health." 87 The Same. A. L S. 4to. WilliamsburiT, Feb. 21, 1777. To Robt. Morris, with address. Very fine. "I shall take you at your word & say not a syllable, nay of apology for introducing to you Major Nicholas, Son of our late Treasurer, & a near Relative of mine, who is marching to join our worthy General with a Body of Regulars. As a gentleman he will merit your notice & as a gallant & prudent Officer I assure you, he is greatly entitled to your esteem, for altho' a very young man, he has distinguished him- self & for his conduct has been promoted to a Majority by the Assem- bly of this State. I have told the Major that if you have leisure he may be certain of recieving civilities from you, but that it may happen, that business may prevent your doing what you would wish, so that he will not look upon inattention as a slight. God bless you." 88 The Same. A. L. S. 4to. Baltimore, Jan. 13, 1777. To Robert Morris, with franked address. A fine patriotic letter. Mentions Genl. Washington. 45 Nbi,SON, Thomas. — ( Continued. ] "I would apologize to you for the trouble I give you, did I not know your readiness to coutenance every person, who steps forth to relieve America from the distresses that threaten her. This will be delivered to you by Capt. Thos. Nelson who is going up to join his Regiment under General Washington. He is a Brother to the young Gentleman whom I recommended to you the other day. To the honor of their family be it spoken, that there are but three children, Sons of aged Parents, and they are every one of them in the Regular Service, and are now on their march to the Jersies. This gentleman may per- haps want a supply of cash sometime hence. You may render him an essential service by answering his drafts, which will be punctually repaid at sight. I shall have occasion to trouble you again, when the other Brother passes thro' this Town, in the meantime I beg leave to assure you that I am &c." READ UPHOLDS STATE RIGHTS. 89 Read, Geo. Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Vice-President of Delaware, 1777. Member of the Con- stitutional Convention. Chief Justice of Delaware. A. L. S. folio. New Castle, Nov. 4, 1776. To Robt. Morris, with address. Very fine. Written in the Year of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. A highly important historical letter, upholding the doctrine State Rights, and objecting to Congress sending soldiers into the State without the consent of the Legislature. " A report prevails here this morning that Congress have ordered 4 Companies of one of the Virginia Battalions to Lewis Town, or some intelligence supposed to have been transmitted to the Council of Safety of your Province by Harry Fisher, upon enquiry I find that Mr. Rush Secy to the President told the Under-SherifiF of this County so yesterday morning. I must own that I can hardly believe that Congress would take a step of that kind upon any Application other than from the Legislature or Executive bodies of the State, and more especially as the Congress must know that the General Assembly is now sitting at New Castle, who it is presumed are the best Judges of the necessity or Propriety of such a Measure, but if the fact is so, take the most speedy way to prevent it's being carried into Execution, otherwise it may be attended with bad consequences, as I well know the Legislature of this State which hath all the powers of Govern- ment at present, will look upon it as an ill tim'd interference with their internal affairs and without the least Grounds for such a measure. Harry Fisher may be Qualified for the Post assigned him by your Council of Safety and they may give him Credit in that Line but they and all others ought to be careful of giving Credit to his information of the Political Conduct or Sentiments of the People of Sussex or any 46 Read, George. — {Continued.) other County in this Governm'. It was the height of impudence in Congress to have ordered Col Miles's Battalion there last Summer but in this they were imposed upon by other Characters who may feel the effects ere long — the insult must not be repeated — I should be glad of a line of Information from you." 90 The Same. A. D. S. small 4to. Oct. 25, 1774. 91 Rodney, Caesar. Signer of the Declaration of Inde- pendence. Brig. Genl. of the Delaware Line. President of Delaware. A. L. S. 4to. Dover, Oct. 25, 1776. To Robert Morris, with address. Written in the Year of thp Sign- ing OF the Declaration of Independence. Very fine. Returning money loaned to the State of Delaware. RUSH ON CONGRESS RETURNING TO PHILADELPHIA, 92 Rush, Dr. Benjamin. Signer of the Declaration of Inde- pendence. A. L. S. 3 pages, 4to. Baltimore, Feb. 8, 1777. To Robert Morris, with address. Very fine. On the subject of Congress returning to Philadelphia, and mentions Genl. Washington. ' ' I have the pleasure of informing you that your letter to Congress of the 4tti instant produced a Motion this day for adjoining to Phila- delphia. After some debate it was resolved by a majority o^ one State only not to put the Question. One State was accidentally unrepre- sented for a few minutes or it would have been carried in the Affirma- tive. The principal design of this letter is to request that you would urge the necessity of our returning to Pliilad^ in your next letter. By our Absence from Philad'' we not onlj' depreciate the money there, but we likewise depreciate it by our residence here. The scarcity of Arti- ficers, the want of sufficient number of boarding houses, the constant accession of Strangers who have business with the Congress and who create a fluctuation in the Quantity of provisions brought into the town have rendered the price of living, and transacting business of all kinds three times as high in this place as it is in many parts of the Continent, and Nearly twice as high as in Philadelphia. But there are other considerations which ought to influence us. Our return will have the same effect upon our politicks that General Washington's late success had upon our Arms. Its operation perhaps may not be confined to the Continent. It may serve our cause even in the Court of France. Your letter produced another motion in Congress of greater conse- quence than the one just now mentioned, namely to raise the interest of money received into our loan Offices to 6 pr Cent. It produced a very long, and serious debate. The question was postponed till Mon- day next at the request of Connecticut. There is good reason to believe from the part the several States took in the debate that it will 47 Rush, Dr. Benjamin. — [Continued.) be carried in the Affirmative by a majority of two or three States. Col. R. H. Lee has changed his mind upon this subject, and was one of the warmest Advocates for raising the interest upon the floor. We live here in a Convent, we converse only with one another. We are precluded from all opportunities of feeling the pulse of the public upon our measures. We rely upon the Committee of Philadf to feel it for us, and we expect once more to hear thro' you how it beats upon the subject of returning to Philadelphia." RUSH ON THE EXCHANGE OF GENL. CHAS. LEE. 93 The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, 410. Baltimore, Feb. 22, 1777. To Robt. Morris. Very fine. An tnterestmg letter in reference to the finances, and the negotiation for the exchange of Gen. Chas. Lee. " The question of raising the interest of our loan office tickets to 6 per cent, was attempted again the day before yesterday in Congress, but was lost as formerly by a division of the States. Every foot post & express that arrives brings us complaints of the want of money, and asurances of the impossibility of getting it at the low interest of 4 per cent. These complaints are echoed daily from every corner of the room but to no purpose. The States that oppose the raising of the interest are Rhode Island, Connecticut, North & South Carolina, and Georgia. Maryland is divided. It is worthy of notice that only seven members of the congress who represent five of the above States de- cided the above question, contrary to the inclinations of not less than 17 members who represented the States that voted for raising their interest, and who represent at least 2/3rds of the people of America. This unjust mode of representation I hope will be altered in the con- federation. If it is not it will end sooner or later In the ruin of the Continent. We shall attempt the important question once more before we adjourn to Philad^. If we fail, we are undone. Another emission of money in my opinion (would) be a public fraud which no State- necessity can justify. The loss of two or three provinces would not hurt our cause half so much as the ruin of our bankruptcy. The Congress have concluded unanimously not to send a deputation of this body to General Lee. The present distracted situation of the Court of Britain, the character and conduct of Lord & General Howe, and the disposition which Genl. Lee always shewed for negociations, and conferences with the General Officers belonging to the british Army induced the Congress readily to adopt a suspicion that the royal Commissioners had suggested the maneuvre in order to suspend our military operations, and to divide and deceive the States. The sus- picion was rendered the more probable from the circumstances of this, being about the time in which our Commissioners at the Court of France will urge the necessity of a speedy declaration in our favor, and which can only be prevented by the news that we are negociating 48 Rush, Dr. Benjamin. — {Continued.) with Great Britain. It is well known the conference with Lord Howe last summer had well nigh ruined our interest at the Court of France. The Congress have passed a resolution that will we hope satisfy the General that while we are jealous of our honor, we are determined to neglect nothing that concerns his safety, or private affairs. We have yesterday appointed Colonels Poor, Glover, Patterson, Var- num, Wayne, Dehaes, Muhlenberg, Weedon, Jno. Cadwallader & Woodford Brigadier Generals. Lord Sterling, with Majors Mifflin, Sinclair, Steven & Lincoln are Major Generals." 94 Rutledge, Edward. Signer of the Declaration of Inde- pendence. A. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Charlestown Jan. 23, 1777. To Robt. Morri.s. Asking Morris to use his influence, to have certain civilities axtended to a friend, about leaving for France and concludes thus : ' ' We are all here in confusion about alterations in our Constitution, what we shall make of it God only knows. Religion is now become the subject of dispute & will I am afraid play the Devil with us." WALTON GIVES HIS VIEWS OF EASTON AND BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA. 95 Walton, George. Signer of the Delaration of Indepen- eence. Wounded at Savannah and taken prisoner. Governor and Chief Justice of Georgia. A. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Easton, Jan. 31, 1777. To Robert Morris, with franked, address. Fine. Gives his views of Easton and Bethlehem, Penna. "This Town (Easton) is surrounded by mountains; and how the first settlers of it found the deep Vale in which it is sealed, or how they came to trust themselves between such horrid hills & precipice*, I cannot tell, but to me it is wonderful. On my way hither I took a look at Bethlehem, a place of still greater matter for astonishment ; the Society may shake hands with their brother Jesuits the Quakers. Pennsylvania will feel the effects of nursing these sectaries in her bosom, one day or other, but I believe it will not be in our day. " WALTON DEFENDS MORRIS AGAINST THE ASPERSIONS OF GOV. JOHNSTON. 96 The Same. A. L. S. 4 pages, 4to. Savannah, Sept. 3, 1778. To Robert Morris, with address. An interesting and complimentary letter, defending Mr. Morris against the aspersions of Gov. Johnston. " Your name, my Dear Sir, was very well known in America before ;, but the attempt of your old friend Governor Johnston upon your- 49 "Walton, George. — ( Continued. ) virtue, has made it much more so. It is the universal subject this way ; and his name, at once, has become as odious as it was respect- able. Good God, is it possible that so great a man, after such a length of perseverance, would descend to become the instrument of such business ! when I heard it rumoured ; I felt not for you, that is, I was no way uneasy on your account, because I knew that your mind and judgment were too strong to be assailed with any such weapons, the event has proved my declaration here to have been right ; and your conduct has made you more distinguished and respectable in the eyes of America. * * * What a wonderful change in our public Affairs since we sit together in the Committee Chamber at Philadelphia? French fleets ; french Embasador ; our arms successful & triumphant ; and the Credit of our money established, Our Enemies discomfited & disgraced ! With a heart full of sincerity and gladness I congratulate you." 97 Whipple, Wm. Signer of the Declaration of Independ- ence, Commander of the New Hampshire Troops at Saratoga. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Baltimore, Dec. 23, 1776. Signed also and the letter written by Richard Henry Lee, to Robert Morris, with address franked by Richard Henry Lee., Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Fine. Written in the Year of the Signing of the Declara- tion OF Independence. A fine letter in reference to Naval and Military affairs. " God grant that the enemy may fail in their scheme against your City. The Militia promise to turn out well from hence to your assist- ance. The Committee of Frederick province 1200 from thence, & 2 or 3 Batallions from the Counties of Washington & Montgomerie, besides what may be expected from Baltimore, Cecil & Hartford. If they come not too late we shall be happy " WHIPPLE'S LETTER ON COM. JNO. PAUL JONES FITTING OUT THE "RANGER." 98 The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, 4to. Portsmouth, July 21, 1777- To Robt. Morris. A7t important historical letter relating to Naval Affairs. Mentions Cont.Jno. Paul Jones fitting out the " Ranger " for a cruise. " I have the pleasure to inform you that the Raleagh has at last droped down the River with about 150 men, and I think in a fair way of having her Number completed in a short time, tho' I fear she will not be so well manned as I could wish, owing to the Spirit of Privatiering which still prevails & has carried off most of the Sea^ so Whippi,B, Wm. — ( Continued. ) men. She has not more than 20 seamen besides the officers, who, fortunately, are all seamen The Ranger is getting ready with all possible dispatch. Capt. Jones has a strong inclination to cruize across the Atlantick & I must confess I think very favourable of his plan, especially if a Frigate is, or may be procured for him in France, in that case an enterprize may be formed that will draw the attention of the Enemy in some measure, from the American Coast, to Protect tiieir own. Another Reason that may be offered in favor of the Ranger going to Europe, is that she will be very sparingly fited out. The extravagant Prices of every Kind of Store, wo'd be a suffi- cient reason for fitting her out as Sparingly as possible, but I am apprehensive many necessary Articles are not to be had at any Rate. But least a Frigate cannot be procured for Capt. Jones in France would it not be a good Scheme to send a Frigate or two from hence. They might be ordered to cruize on the Coast of Europe, till the latter end of Novr. then return home with as many Stores as they can con- veniently bring for the Ships that are now building, or convoy any Ships that are ordered, with stores, from thence. If this plan or something like it is not adopted, I know not how the Navy will be supplied next year. Should it be tho' proper to send a Frigate in company with the Ranger, I think no Ship wou'd be more proper than the Raleigh, as the two Captains are very well agreed and both of them well acquainted with the British Coast. These two ships will be an even match for any single Frigate, and should they be so fortu- nate as to take one of the Enemy Ships of war, I am satisfied they will have prudence enough to take care of her. Before this reaches you. You will have heard of the Capture & re- capture of the Pox. I hear several of her officers are just arrived here, in their way to Boston, they were landed at some Eastern Port from the Boston. Its Probable the Hancock is taken, as the Rain- bow of 44 Guns was in chase of her when the Boston parted from her and its said come up with her fast. I think Manly and McNeil are not altogether blameless for contining to cruize a month with their Prize after weakening their Ships so much as they must have done by Maning her. What Capt McNeal has to say as excuse for leaving the Hancock when a ship of superior force was in chase of her I know not, but I suppose these matters will be inquired into." WHIPPLE CONGRATULATES MORRIS ON THE VICTORY AT BENNINGTON. 99 The Same. A. L. S. 4 pages, 410. Portsmouth, Aug. 28, 1777. To Robert Morris, with address. Very fine. An important historical letter relating to the fitting out of ships for the Continental Navy, to be commanded by Capt. Jno. Paul fanes and Capt. Hinman. Mentions the victory over the British Army under Burgoyne at Bennington. Whipple;, Wm. — {Continued.) "The Raleigh (after wailing a fortnight for a Wind) sailed the 22d accompanied by the Alfred. She seem'd to go very fast through the water & I have been since informed by some Fishermen who saw her 7 or 8 Leagues off, that she could spare the Alfred, her small sail, and some of her courses. Capt. Thompson was greatly at loss what to do. His Ship barely maned for defence, and no probability of increasing the number, the Enemies Ships so exceedingly thick on the Coast, that there is the greatest Chance of falling in with a number of them, on the other hand, the time spending, and the Crews of both Ships growing uneasy, being thus situated and no one here authorized to direct him what to do, he had a consultation with the OflScers of the two Ships, the result he transmitted to the President and I hope it will be ap- proved, for tho' I did not persume to advise him I must confess I fully approved in my own mind, the determination, as the best method in his scituation, that could be adopted for the Public good. I never had an opportunity of knowing anything of Cap* Hinman till he came here, & as I had formed an opinion of him not the most favorable (and that without any just cause, or indeed without any cause, except the general Prejudice I had taken to Commoare Hop- kins's Officers) I think myself bound in justice to say, that from the opportunity I have had of observing his conduct, I am fully convinced he is an exceeding good Officer. He is very judicious & active, an Ex- cellent disciplinarian & at the same time possesses the intire Confi- dence & even the affection of his Officers & men. I am in great hope the.se ships will Retrieve the Honour that the American Flagg has suf- fer'd the loss of, by the ill conduct of some others. The Ranger will sail in about ten days if she has a Wind, Cap' Jones tells me he has more than loo men on his Roll & has a fair Prospect of filling up his Complement in a few days. Are you not mistaken in supposing Cap Jones has orders to go to Europe. He tells me has received no such orders, since he took charge of the Ranger, however he will go thither unless he receives orders to the Contrary. I most sincerely Congratulate you on the signal advantages gained over the Enemy at or near Bennington. This Glorious event must give a most happy turn to our affairs in that quarter. This I suppose they will allow to be a Military Check, one or two more such checks will make Mr. Burgoine sick of his Expedition, I wish we were better provided to receive Mr. Howe, if he sho'd take it into his head to come this way, but we are not in a condition to treat him as we wish, I hope he will excuse us if we do the best we can ' ' WILSON ADVOCATES AN OFFICE FOR ADMIRALTY CAUSES. lOO Wilson, James. Signer of the Declaration of Independ- ence. Member of the Constitutional Convention, and Jus- tice of the Supreme Court of the United States. A. L. S. 52 Wilson, James. — ( Continued. ) 4 pages, folio. Carlisle, Jan. 14, 1777. To Robt. Morris, with address. Very fine and kake. A very important legal paper, in which he advocates Con- gress to create an office for Admiralty Causes, and offers his services for the position. " Congress see, at least, the Propriety of distributing the executive Business of the Continent into different Departments, managed by Gentlemen, not Members of Congress, and whose whole Time and Attention can be devoted to the Business committed to their Charge. Measures were adopted, when I left Baltimore, for making the neces- sary Arrangements. - There is an Office, which, I believe, would be of consideral use to the Public, if properly discharged. I will describe to you my Idea of it. The Duties of the office should be — to manage all Admiralty Causes, on Behalf of the Continent, in the Courts of Admiralty and Appeal, when the Congress sets — to conduct all Enquiries and Prosecutions instituted by Congress — to give his opinions upon such Questions in the Civil and Maritime Laws, and the Laws of Nations as shall be stated to him, for that Purpose, by Congress, the Board of Admiralty, the Board of Commerce, or the Committee of Secret Correspond- ence — to draw, or reduce to form, public Instruments, when re- quired by Congress, or the Boards, or Committee aforesaid. Several other Duties naturally fall to his Share, which cannot be enumerated nor comprised under any general Head The Propriety of the first Article is obvious. I shall suggest one Advantage, that will probably result from it. It will be of Importance that the Laws and Practices of the Courts of Admiralty should be brought, as soon and as well as possible, into a System, By the In- tervention of Juries, which are unknown in the Admiralty Courts of other Countries, this is rendered a Matter of much Delicacy and Difficulty. The uniform Practice of one, whose Duty and Business it would be to make the Subject his particular Study, would be of considerable Use. All conversant in Courts know that they receive a Tincture from the Practictioners well as from the Judges. The second Head of the Duty of this Office is, in my Opinion, ab- solutely necessary. Enquiries must be had into the management of public Affairs, Prosecutions also must be instituted against public Offi- cers, who are accused of rash-conduct. When a Committee is ap- pointed for such Purpose; it is Every Body's Business to manage matters — you know the Consequences — it is no Body's Business. The Friends of the Person accused think themselves, and are thought by others, justified in doing every Thing in his Behalf. It is trouble- some—it is disagreeable, without having an official Obligation and an official Justification, to undertake the Task of Prosecutor, to manage the Examination of Witnesses who appear, to direct others to be sent for, who, from the Course of the Testimony, are discovered to be 53 WnsoN, Jambs. — {Continued.) capable of throwing Light upon the Subject, and to take many other Steps, without which the matter cannot be sifted to the Bottom. The Result is, that Things are superficially passed over, without Satisfac- tion, to the Public, to those who make the Enquiry, or have, concern- ing whom it is made ; provided he has been innocent. An Officer, appointed to manage Enquiries and Prosecutions, on Behalf of the Public, would prevent these mischiefs. The Third Branch of the Duty of this Office is by far the most im- portant. I hope the United States will never be involved far in the Maze of European Politics ; but it is incumbent upon us to know something of them, even to steer clear of them. Every Letter from our Commissioners at foreign Courts, almost every Resolution of Congress about foreign Affairs will bring into View some Principle of the civil or maritime Law, or the Law of Nations. It is impossible for Members of Congress, however enlarged their Genius, and how- , ' ever extensive their Knowledge may be, accurately to investigate Subjects of this Kind amidest the Hurry of so much other Business, which likewise demands their Attention. Treaties are considered, in Europe as a Kind of Science. In our Transactions with European States, it is certainly of Importance neither to transgress, nor to fall short of those Maxims by which they regulate their Conduct towards one another. All States, as far as I know, have an Office similar to that which I have described. It includes Part of the office of Advocate General, and Part of that of Attorney General in England. If your sentiments upon the subject correspond with mine, you will mention it to Congress. If they agree to institute the office, and no one offers for it better qualified, in your opinion, than myself, I will be obliged to you for proposing me. My Reading and Course of Studies have been such as in some measure, to prepare nie for it, One thing I can engage — that no Pains nor Industry shall be wanting, on my Part, to qualify myself as fully for it as possible. I have expressed myself with all the openness of a Friend to a Friend. I would not mention the Subject, if I did not think it of Consequence. I would not mention myself, if I did not think I could be of Service in this Line, I have not been so unsuccessful in private Life, as to be obliged to obtrude myself upon the Public." lOi The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Baltimore, Feb. 28, 1777. To Robt. Morris. Fine and rare. This letter refers to Morris' Answer to the preceding letter. " I was favoured with your very friendly and obliging Letter. It gives me Pleasure to find my Sentiments upon the Subject of my Letter corresponds with yours. What in the Name of Wonder, has induced the Assembly to re-appoint me ? I am undetermined how to act ; I really think I could be more useful to the Public in another 54 Wii^oN, James. — {Continued.) Character. * * » The adjournment to Philada was not carried ■without some Difficulty and some Warmth. The Measure, I am per- suaded will have an happy Effect upon public Affairs. The Encrease of Interest will, I hope, give a Spring to the Sinews of War." 102 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Thursday morning, ((779). To Robt. Morris with address. Fine and rare. Refers to Capt. Barry' s schejne for providing sectirity to the inhabitants. " As far as I can judge of Matters from all the Information I have got, it is absolutely necessary for us to take further steps for our Security, and to prevent repeated and Continual Insults. The only way of accomplishing these Ends in the present Temper of the Times will, I think be to set on Foot some such Association as Capt. Barry will shew you. This will give some Stability to our Defence of the first Rights of Men, and produce a mutual Confidence in each other. If you approve of the Form, let it be immediately sent from House to House of those whose Sentiments we know, in order to be signed. After it shall be signed by a sufficient number (as I doubt not it will be) let it be shewn to the President with a Tender of the Services of the Subscribers in Support of Government. This appears to me to be the only Measure, by which we can expect to live in any tolera- ble Degree of Quiet. It will unite and strengthen us, and will awe the Insurgents. Capt. Barry promises every Thing in his Power " 103 The Same. A. L. unsigned, 3 pages, 4to. Wednesday evening (1779). To Robt. Morris, with address. Torn in the folds. 104 The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, folio. York, May 24, 1 78 1. To Robt. Morris, with address. Fine and rare. Congrattdating Mr. Morris on his acceptance of the office of Superintendent of Finance, also gives an account of the execution of a number of soldiers for mutiny. " The Intelligence that you have accepted of the Office of Superin- tendent of Finance gives great and very general Satisfaction. The Minds of People seem now open to the Necessity of adopting a System very different from that which has been so long injudiciously pursued. They seem sensible that the War cannot longer be carried on by a depreciating Medium. * * * The more I think of a Bank, the more I am convinced of the great Benefit that will result from one established on a just and liberal Foundation. * * * The Detachrrient of the Pennsylvania Line commanded by General Wayne, are encamped here, and ready to march. It consists of about twelve hundred men. They are good soldiers & well appointed, and commanded by excellent officers. On Monday last six Soldiers were sentenced to die for Mutiny. The sentence was executed on four. 55 Wil^OR, Jambs. — [Continued.) Two were pardoned. The Execution of this sentence was justly considered by the Officers as a Criterian by which they might judge of the Disposition of the Troops. Bvery precaution was used to secure effectual Obedience to the orders necessary on such an occasion. The Officers were determined to have enforced them, at any Risque, if the least opposition had been shown, The offenders were shot in the Presence of the whole Line." MEMBERS OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. CARMICHAEL INTRODUCES GENL. ARMAND DE LA ROUAIRE. 105 Carmichael, William. Member of the Continental Con- gress. Assisted Silas Deane at Paris. A. L. S. 4to. Paris, Jan. 9, 1777. To Col. Jno. Cadwallader. Introducmg General Armand de la Rouaire. " I take the liberty at the same time that I hope I am doing you a particular pleasure of introducing to your notice & civilities the bearer, Monsr i^e Marquis de la Rouerie, a gentleman of noble family & who has had the honor to Command a Company of the French Guards. His situation & independence in life is such as would command re- spect. If he had not other amiable qualities, which I am sure will weigh more with you, as he comes out with a view to serve in a mili- tary character ' ' &c 106 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. York, June 18, 1778. To Robt. Morris. " On reaching this place, I found that Congress had done me the honor of appointing me Secretary to the Commissioners at the Court of Versailles, an honor I little expected & which on inquiry I find that I owe in a great measure to your goodness in interesting yourself in my behalf * * * If I did not express to you Sir my grateful sensibility for your generous interposition in my favor, without that I should have returned unknown & unnoticed to my own Country after having spent both my time & my fortune in feeble efforts to render it service " 107 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Madrid, Oct. 7, 1780. To Robert Morris. A neat gossipy letter, treating a little on public affairs. "The late acct^ from America give me much pleasure & do oUf Country much credit. I can assure you that the same appearance of vigor, union and perseverance, will do more for us than ten times as many Embassdors with their Train of Secretaries &c &c as James the first of England was rendered proverbial by employing. * * * Mrs. 56 Carmichael, Wii,i,iam. — ( Continued.) Jay informs me that the Chevalier de la Luzerne hath deferred the determination of his betts with Miss Kitty Livingston to my decesion. I thank him for the good opinion he entertains of my impartiality altho' even a Lady was in the Case. But in the present Instance I think I can justify his confidence in me, for without being biased by my partiality for Miss Kitty, I can assure him that Mrs. Jay hath neither worn Paint or Patchers or been at one Public spectacle on the Lords day in Europe or the West Indies" &c 108 The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, 4to. S"- Ildefonso, Aug. 13, 1 78 1. To Robert Morris. Congratulating Mr. Morris on accepting the Superintend- ency of the Finance, and he reviews the condition of Great Britain and other E^^ropean countries. "The affairs of England look badly. Those of the last seem to eflfect them most senibly. The war which Hydar Ally has carried suc- cessfully into the heart of their Important Possession, The Superiority & early appearance of the French Marine on their Coast, their delay in sending the force, they had projected to send. All contribute to Dis- sapoint their expectations of Riches & Triumph over the Defenseless Dutch Settlement & make them tremble for their own. The sense of their critical situation has awakened their attention to the Neutral Courts. Their representations have certainly had some weight. The armed neutrality is not like to do what was expected from it & The Empress of Russia has like many a pretty woman, shown herself a Backslider. I do not find that Mr. Necker's Dismission has occasioned any great change in the Credit or system of the Finances of his Court." &c 109 The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, 4to. S° Ildefonso, Aug. 28, 178 I. To Robt. Morris. A very interesting letter reviewing the political history of Europe in a masterly manner. "The negotiations for a Peace are on foot. It is the opinion of some persons well Informed that Peace will take place before the opening of another Campaign, or that the Greater Part of Europe will be involved in the War. This I no not give as my opinion, for altho" the Northern Powers already look forward with jealousy to the prospect of our Interfering & Depriving them of a market for some of the principle Staples of their Commerce, I cannot think they will join in a war to save from Ruin a Nation which has shown so strong a disposition to arrogate to itself the right of controlling that of others." &c \ 10 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, 3 pages, 4to. S*. Ilde- fonso, Sept. 3, 1782. To Robt. Morris. A gossipy letter in reference to the diplomats of Europe, and the feeling toward America. 57 111 Deane, Silas. Member of the Continental Congress, one of the Ambassadors to France in 1776, and who succeeded in negotiating treaties with France in 1778. A. L. S. folio. Chester, March 8, 1776. To Robt. Morris. "The Boat returning, I want to know where the Pilot Boat is, which is to preceed us, & to reconnoitre at the Capes," &c 112 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Chester, March 10, 1776. To Robt. Morris. Deane, about takhig passage for France, complains of the lack of security granted him. " I understood at parting that the Pilot Boat was to accompany us down, to reconnoitre and see Us safe oflf the Coast. This occasioned my Troubling you with a I,ine, by the Boat when I found her return- ing and have waited since for a reply. My Young Man tells Me he waited on You, & that you said that You knew no occasion for a Boat, in Consequence of which, must I conclude, proceed without one. But I cannot in Justice To Myself & The Concern, omit saying, That I think such a precaution necessary, for I find myself in a Vessel, of whose sailing I have no opinion, either from her appear- ance, or Character, and yet more than one half our danger is on this coast. Our Captain, I found simple, and unexperienced, of course, incapable of putting in practise, any Act of evasion or Disguise, in this Situation I have even wish'd myself repeatedly, a passenger iu Your pilot Boat, for as to Accommodations, or Furniture, one is as well Supplied as the other. But a thing of this kind, is no Object with Me, who wish only for a Safe passage, in which my all event- ually may depend, and in which I think the public deeply interested. However, I go on this day" 1 13 The Same. A. L. S. with initials, folio. Reedy Island, March 12, 1776. To Robt. Morris. Small piece torn out the centre. " I am fully of your Opinion that no Time sho'd be lost in getting off the Coast, The Boat is gone down this Afternoon & We follow the next Tide, if the wind favors us. As I may be obliged to destroy some very Essential papers in case of a Capture, and by that means be dismissed, I remind you of the Consequence of having Duplicates sent, respectively, with like orders in Case of their falling into the Hands of ye Enemy " &c DEANE ON THE PERSONNEL OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY. 114 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Philadelphia, April 2, 1776. To Robt. Morris, with address. A highly important historical letter relating to the personnel 58 Deane, Silas. — { Continued. ) of the Continental Navy, and nominates for Coinmodores such men from Connecticut as he thinks he is entitled to present. " Concluding it will soon be, if it is not already hearsay to appoint Commodores for the Continental Frigates, and sensible how much de- pends on having the best in the different Colonies as well on acc't of their Courage & experience, as on their Abilities & Judgment in Mari- time Affairs. I take Liberty to Nominate those in Connecticut, Who I am confident deserve the preference to any in That Colony, being well acquainted with the Gentlemen, who have followed the Sea for the last Fifteen years, and I do it the rather as I know that the Gen- tlemen Delegates from ye Colony are not so immediately acquainted with them, as I nominate without any sollicitation I do it disinterest, edly, Cap* Jno Deshon of New London is an experienced Seaman, a Man of Temper, firmness, who carries good Command, and is well be. loved by Seamen, as well as by higher Orders of people, in ye Colony. Cap* Eb^ Whiting of Norwich, served if I mistake not, as a Major in ye Land Forces of Rhode Island last Warr (then young) since which he has been Master of a Vessel & much approved of, he is possessed of a Military Genius I may almost say heriditarily, as Gov"" Hopkins well knows, his reputation for Courage, as well as skill & ability in Naval Operations is good, as well as his Family & Connections which might be of service in procuring Seamen & Cap' Jeremiah Wadsworth of Hartford is a young Gentleman of ab' 28 Yrs of Age, a very able experienced & judicious Seaman, of good Genius, Good Education & of as much resolution, address & at ye same Time Oeconomy in dis- patching the Business he undertakes as any Man I was ever acquainted with in my Life and is as highly esteemed in the Colony as any Man of his Age. * * « Cap* Wm. Graswould of Wetherefield, has had long experience at Sea, & Commanded a Shipp of 20 Gunns In the Turkey or Levant Trade, to which Command he raised himself by ser- vice, having Neither Relations or Money to assist him, supposing he had made sufBcient to Live on, he returned a few years since to his Native Spot in Wethersf ?. he is ab* 40 Years of Age & very Active & I believe from some late unfortunate incident in Trade would be willing to be employed. Capt. Jno. Cotton of Middletown has followed the Sea from his infancy, ' ' &c. , &c. And so the letter goes on recommend- ing certain Captains of the Colony for positions in the Navy. 115 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 410. Glocester P'-, Thurs- day, 10 O'clock A. M. (April 5, 1776). To Robt. Morris, with address. Deane on his way to France, itiforms Morris of his progress. " We got as far as here last evening just as the Tide was spent and this morning made an attempt to proced but the Wind blew so heavy, direct against Us that we were obliged to return. This moment a Schooner of Eight Gunns, which I take to be one of the Continental Fleet fitted from Maryland pass'd Us, on which I have sent my Servant 59 Deane, Su^^s.— [Continued.) with this to learn what intelligence she brings. * * * We shall go from hence, the Next Tide, if the Wind Moderates, & must expect some delay, at least for some Hours in procuring Our Guard, & their provisions, which after all will not be so effectual as this Schooner, for I conceive, that as Capt. Barry has got out & will Cruise from Sandy Hook to ye Capes of Virginia, No small Vessels of War, will keep the Coast, and if you prevent their lying in the Eastern or Cape May Channel, Your Navigation will be in a great Measure Free," &c. Ii6 The Same. A. L. S. folio. Reedy Island, April 12, 1776. To Robt. Morris, with address. Piece torn out by breaking of seal, but the piece is attached to the seal'. Also relates to delays, and causes of same, on his voyage to France. " I do not think there is any probability of meeting with Capt. Barry as he has gone into Egg Harbor to put up Nettings & is besides weak handed after manning Two prizes & the L,oss of some Men in his last Action, but I hope we shall make out, by running directly off the Coast. I have no Time to add save my Compliments to I'resd' Han- cock," &c. DEANE ADVISES CONGRESS TO TAKE POSSESSION OF THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA. 117 The Same. A. L. S. 9 pages, folio and 4to. Bermuda, April 26, 1776. To Robert Morris, with address. A long and exceedingly interesting letter, written on two sizes of paper, giving an account of his voyage and arrival at the Island of Bermuda, of which he gives a very extended de- scription, including the temper of the people towards the American Colonies, and advises Congress to take possession of the Island as the people are friendly to the cause, and zvith a little assistance it could be easily defended. ' ' The people are zealous in the American Cause, and appear willing to do everything in their power to promote it. * * * The Governor who is become very obnoxious, has been threatening the Inhabitants with Cruisers stationed at each End of the Island & Troops, but no man of sense, can believe so useless & expensive a Measure will ever be adopted. The Vessels in here from the Islands give an account of the Disposition of the People there, which is very farr from meriting the indulgence shewn their property, in the late Resolutions for Reprisals, in Antigua & Berbadoes, an American is not safe either in his person, or property, if he is known to be friendly to the Continental Interests & they exult in the prospect, or rather hopes, of a total reduction of ye Colonies by Administration, one Consequence of which they are 6o Deane, SIIvAS. — [Continued.) promised will be, the Confining the American Commerce in the West Indies absolutely to the English Islands. This maybe relied on, to be the present Temper of the Islanders in General. * * * The Situation & present State of the Island demands ye attention of the Continental Congress, & I have had several Confer- ences with Mr. Bell, on the Subject, it is unnecessary to attempt a particular Description, of an Island, so well known as this, but you will remember that by the Ace' given in to Congress, the Number of its Inhabitants were set, at ab' fourteen Thousand, one half Black, and the Quantity of provision annually imported into the Island was then stated, which moderate as it appears is much more, than the In- habitants will hereafter be able to pay for, unless they can be put on a different footing from their present one. Their Negro men, are all of them Seamen & Mechanics, such as Coopers, Ship Carpenters, & Black Smiths, & the produce of their Labor makes Nine Tenths of the support of both their Masters & fellow Slaves, their being no em- ployment worth the mentioning for either the French Slaves or Children, as the Land is absolutely fitt for Nothing, but ye growth of Cedar." He then mentions that their living depended entirely upon their commerce with the Americnn Colonies. This having ceased has placed them, in dire distress, which can only be relieved by the Con- tinent taking them under their protection, and which he advises to be done. Ii8 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Bermuda, May 5, 1776. To Robt. Morris. In reference to the private business of Mr. Morris. The char- tering of vessels, disfosing of cargoes, &c. 119 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Bordeaux, June 23, 1 776. To Robt. Morris. To be communicated to the Com- mittee of Secret Correspondence, with address. Gives an account of his arrival at Bordeaux; and his inten- tion of leaving soon for Paris. Has letters of intt oduction to important officials, and has received great encouragement. 120 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Paris, Sept. 30, 1776. To Robt. Morris, with address. Complains of not receiving remittances as promised. " Not one third the sum proposed has come to hand & even out of that my private Expense & promoting the other part of my Com- mission, which were of the last importance must take something let me be ever so prudent & Cautious, to sollicit Arms, cloathing and Tents for Thirty Thousand Men, Two Hundred Brass Cannon Mor- tars & other Stores in proportion, and to be destitute of One Shill- ing of ready Money, exclusive of the fund of Forty Thousand pounds 6i Deane, Silas. — {Continued.) originally designed for other afifairs, which you know by the pro- tests in London, was my Case, left me in a Critical Situation. To let slip or to let such an object suffer for want of ready Money would be unpardonable ' ' &c 121 The Same. A. L. S 4 pages, 4to. Paris, Dec. 4, 1776. To Robt. Morris, with address. Complains of having not received but two letters in eight months, and informs Morris, by request, of the ill behaviour of his brother. "I know not but the Freedom with which I have complained may offend. I cannot help it. I do not mean to offend, but I I cannot help writing something what I feel at the time. Eight months, with but two letters when so much depended on the most exact & constant Correspondence, has been by much the most try- ing scene of my life. I am now entering on a more deliberate Affair, which is respecting your Brother. I saw him in Paris the beginning of July, since which he has been in England, & I have received two letters from him. You have given him in yours of the iitii of August, a just Character, but my Dear Friend I fear pleasure has got too strong hold of him. On his arrival in London a respectable friend of mine there wrote me that the company he dipp'd at once into was so dissolute & expensive that it very essen- tially injured the Reputation of your House of which he was con- sidered as being a member ' ' He then mentions that he has writ- ten him to come to Paris, and ij he does, he will use his good offices to put him on the right track again. " Our credit with Individ- uals since the affair on Long Island & New York has been most wretched & the having no intelligence from You, by which to coun- teract the Reports exaggerated and spread by British Emissaries has completed their Triumph. * * * I know not what to think of such neglect, every one here judges in Consequence of it that You are certainly Negotiating, or giving up the Cause, & The British Ambassador with other British Agents roundly assert it, with every appearance against me. I strive to convince them of the contrary by every Argument I am able to Suggest., Though I honestly own my heart fails me at times," etc. 122 The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, 4to. Paris, Dec. 12, 1776. To Robt. Morris. " I have with inexpressable pleasure received a Letter from Doct Franklin at Nantes, & expect him here tomorrow. I sent an Express to London for Mr. Lee & your Brother instantly to meet us here. Among other things I wrote you for a Phaeton & pr of Bay Horses which may sound very odd, yet I repeat my desire with this Circum- stance that if I do not dispose of them to acceptance of Congress, I will 62 Deane, Sii,as. — ( Continued. ) take them to my own acct I wish them sent on the same Ship, on which General Du Coudray comes out, on which I have prayed Mrs. Deane, and my little Son, to come out to me, and commend them to you to make for them a necessary & decent provision. Education is both cheap and good here," &c DEANE'S LETTER INTRODUCING GENL. ARMAND DE LA ROUAIRE. 123 The Same. L. S. 4to. Paris, Jan. 9, 1777. To Robt. Morris. "The bearer Mon^r le Marquis de la Rouerie a Gentleman of a Noble Family & who has had the honor of Commanding a Company of the French Guards, from a desire of visiting America during its present Struggles & If opportunity offers of drawing his sword in the cause, desires me by his friends to introduce him to the Notice & kind oflBce of some Person of note in America in whom He might rest his confidence. I therefore have taken the Liberty of addressing him to you & your Protection. He says He shall not be in want of money. But should He by any accident be in want, Mon^r Roderique Hertales & Co. who recommend him will replace to me what you may advance him." 124 The Same. A. L. S. 4to. Paris, Feb. 13, iJTJ. To Robt. Morris, with address. Introducing Chevalier Portal. "This will be handed you by the Chevalier Portal, who is of the Ro3'al Corps of Ei)giiieers, and who has agreed to serve in the Conti- nental Army, as you will see by his Articles of Agreement. As he is a Stranger in the Country, and is rtconimeiided as being a good Officer, I take the Liberty of asking ("or him your Notice & Civilities." DEANE'S LETTER OF CREDIT TO GENL. LA FAYETTE. MENTIONS BEING CHARGED BY THE BRITISH WITH HAVING A HAND IN THE CONSPIRACY OF JOHN THE PAINTER TO BLOW UP THE NAVAL STORES AT PORTSMOUTH. 125 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 410. Paris, March 16, 1777. To Robt. Morris, with address. A highly important historical letter. " I shall write you at large in a few Days by Capt. Hammond who will return express, this by the Marquis L' Fayette is to inform you that this Gentleman is one of the most Capital Fortunes, & as he will incline to live up to his rank as far as is possible in America at this Time, he will have an Occasion to draw Bills, I have therefore re- commended him to your House for supplies, and to refund in Bills, on which you may rely, he has at his own Expense equipped the Ship he 63 Dbane, Sir,AS. — (Continued. ) goes out in, The Cols Delesser & Valport have greatly distinguished themselves in the last War in Europe & I am confident will do the same in America & I recommend them to your protection & Encour. agement & doubt not that they will receive that Notice & regard due their Merits. Mr. Hodge is at Dunkirk, Capt. Weeks at Nantes & Capt. Nicholson & Hyman are here but will set out soon on an adven- ture of which more hereafter. Doc"^ Bancroft is arrested in London for Corresponding with & assisting Us. This worthy Man is now con- fined in the Bastile of England for the suspension of the Habeas Corpus has enabled the Wicked Tyrant & his slaves, to make a Bastile of every prison in England. I feel more for Doc^ Bancroft than I can express, he desires much from Us, consequently will be pursued with the utmost vigor by them. Tho' nothing Capital, not even the Cor- respondence can be proved. I wish we may be able to Assist him. You wir,i, SEE THE Tryai, of John the Painter, & that I am HELD UP AS A CaPITAI, ACTOR, IN THAT AFFAIR, WHICH CAME NIGH DESTROYING ALI, THEIR NaVAI, STORES AT ONE BLOW, & THAT I HAVE FLED FROM PARIS, TO THE LORD KNOWS WHERE. While I greive for my friend Bancroft's confinement, I laugh at their foolish publications & despise their Menaces. My health is happely returned, & hope rises superior to every difiiculty." 126 The Same. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Paris, April (2, 1777. To Robert Morris, with a duplicate of the same letter. Giving notice of having fitted out a vessel to carry 20 nine pounders and i§o men, which he hopes, in 20 days, to sail on a crtnse. Also gives an interesting account of Mr. Morris' brother, who had been leading a wildlife in London and Paris. 127 The Same. A Contemporary Copy of his Letter to Robt. Morris. Dated Paris, April 11, 1777. Mentions that Dr. Franklin has gone to Spain, and thai only Lee and himself remain at the Court of France, but inti- mates that one Minister to a Court is sufficient. He also states that an account of John the Painter blowing up the Naval Stores at Portsmouth, the British had implicated him in the plot, and had threatened to assassinate or kidnap him, in consequence of which the French Chief of Police were taking particular care of his lodgings. DEANE'S LETTER RESPECTING THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE. 128 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Paris, May 26, 1777. To Robt. Morris, with address. " I cannot let the enclosed go without saying one word on the Sub- 64 DBANA, Sil,AS. — {Continued.) ject of Mons. Le Marquiss La Fayette, he is of the first Family & Fortune in this Kingdom, both by birth & Marriage. A generous re- ception of him will do us infinite service, he is above pecuniary Con- siderations, his Family have ever been distinguished in the first Mili- tary Line, in Europe, as the History of Europe witnesses, it has occa- sioned much Conversation here & tho' the Court pretends to, know nothing of the matter, his Conduct is highly extolled, by the first people in France, I am afraid his generous deposition may be abused by Avanturiers of his Own Country, his Friend the Marshall Due De Noiaelles, the Duchess D'Agen, his wives mother, & others of the Family have been with me, & I assured them I would recommend him to the Care & oversight of one who would be as a Father to him on every Occasion, and I could in such a Case think of no one in preference to you. He is expected to live in Character, and his Friends wish it, but they are apprehensive on the score I hinted at. I have advised him to place the most implicit Confidence in you on every Occasion, & I am sure I could no way better employ the influence I have over him, all he seeks is Glory, and every one here, say, he has taken the most noble method to procure it. You may think it makes a great noise in Europe, & at the same time see that well managed, it will greatly help us. I refer to our Joint Letter in which You will see Dr. F's Opinion on the Subject." 129 The Same, A. L. S. 4 pages, 4to. Paris, May 26, 1777. To Robt. Morris, with address. A fine letter m reference to fitting up a cruiser for Capt. Bell ; and speaks of how the Courts of Europe violate the laws in reference to prizes. " Bell will have a stout ship & will cruise in the Levant, where if he does any thing. He will do much. Weeks has gone another Way, & I expect soon to hear from him, he has the Lexington and a cutter to act in concert with him. I refer you to the News papers sent you herewith to see how directly it is a Violation of the Treaties subsisting between the two Crowns even to permit a prize to be bro't into their ports by an Enemy to either ; yet they can, & do, under cover & with- out much Difficulty admit even of the Sale of a Prizes, & refitting of Vessels of War, but to equip solely out of a Port of France, & return directly into it with Prizes is in efiect a Declaration of War & this caused the severity toward Cunningham, or rather, The pretended Se- verity to appease G. Britain, before whose Naval force France trembles, while the United States bid it defiance." He has high praise for the important services rendered by Mr. Carmichael. ' ' He made a Journey to Paris, and being on the footing of the most free and intimate intercourse with the Minister, for foreign Affairs, ren- dered us great service, in such a complicated machine, as a French. Court, there a Thousand Wheels as I may say, to be attended to, & after all, it is hardly possible to account for, or forseeits motives, " etc. 65 Deanb, Sij^a.s.— {Continued.) 130 The Same. L. S. 4 pages, folio. Paris, Aug. 23, 1777. To Robt. Morris, and a duplicate copy of the same letter. Giving an account of some queer financial transactions ef Morris' brother in reference to the sale of tobacco, and the purchase of a ship for Capt. Bell, who was to go on a secret cruise. 131 The Same. L. S. 4 pages, folio. Paris, Sept. 25, 1777. To Robt. Morris. A long and interesting personal letter, in which he fears he has incurred Morris' displeasure for his actions towards his brother Thomas Morris. In it he reviews his many letters in reference to the subject, and mentions how fruitless it is to attempt to reform him ; that Thomas Morris came to Paris on the 7^'" Sept. and informed him thai he had several letters for him, these he repeatedly applied for, but had not received them, but that his brother had been shoiving to many people of prominence , a letter to him {from Robt. Morris'), censuring him [Deane) and Dr. Franklin. The letter is a pathetic one and shows the character of Deane in brilliant colors. He con- cluded it thus : "It is hard for me acting as I have done from the most disinterested motives,' and from those Principles of Friendship which shall be ever sacred with me, to be thus censured by you unheard & that yon should still confide so far in your Brother as to put the Censure in his hands, not to be shown to me but to others, when I wrote ^t^ Jan'y yon wou'd almost think with a Presentment of what was to happen. I said then, That I would not be angry, so I assure you I am not, but I am extremely hurt, not on acct of any Prejudice your Brothers Conduct will in the End do me particularly, but on your Acct more immediately, for myself I know you will justify & thank me for the Part I have acted when you know the whole Circumstance of the afiFair. I say on your acct immediately for let me inform you of what is probable others will not, it is reported that your Brothers excesses tho' no way comparable to the Present, were known to you several years before he left America. The Friends of America in France, as well as the Americans themselves, are surprized to find him still con- tinued in the most important as well as the most delicate Trust of being at the Head as it were of American Commerce at this Critical Period, and at the same time are grieved to see the EfFects this confi- dence has on him," etc. 132 The Same. A. L. S. 4 pages, 410. Paris, Oct. 1, 1777. To Robt. Morris, and with a copy of the same letter signed by Deane. 66 i)RANE, SihAS.— [Continued.) An interesting private letter on commercial affairs, and mentions the ill conduct of Morris' brother Thomas. t33 The Same. A letter in another hand, unsigned, 3 pages, 4to. Dated Paris, Dec, 1777. To Robt. Morris, with address. In reference to successes of the American arms and the man- ner the news is received in France. "The Congress and the Brave Washington are the subjects of Uni- versal Conversation and are almost the only Toasts, for yon know it is not the general Custom to drink Toasts in France. The Ladies are much in the interest of America, and their influence is great in this Kingdom." Also mentions Gent. Lafayette as always being a favor- ite, and his being wounded is the cause of much inquiry at Court. DEANE'S LETTER IN ANSWER TO COMPLAINTS AGAINST HIM MADE BY ARTHUR LEE AND HIS BROTHER. 534 The Same. L. S. 5 pages, folio. Paris, Dec. 20, I777- Probably to Benj. Harrison. An important historical letter in refutation of the certain ■charges tnade against him to Congress by Arthur Lee and his ■brother. He ■writes the letter to Harrison ? and concludes it with a copy of his letter to Congress on the subject. " You will I doubt not before the Rec' of this have had many repre- sentations made you. I am not wholly unacquainted with the Nature or Complexion & cou'd were it necessary give you such Details of certain Gentlemen here as would at once raise your Indignation, Con- tempt & Laughter, but I have never wrote one Word concerning either of them untill this moment, I will not add, I wait only to know what these accusations are and of what Nature, that I may answer in a dis- tinct and becoming manner. They have declared they will complain and though I have never take a Single Step but by the advice of Doct Franklin, and have ever had his approbation, yet I greatly fear this will not appear at once to Contradict the first Impression made by these artful and designing men in their representations. Thus situated I apply to you as my Friend & as a Friend to Justice, that the Truth may be enquired for at the Mouth of Doctor Franklin, ■or that all judgment may be suspended untill I can have an opportu- nity of answering in Person." He then quotes his letter to Congress which reads: " I am ignorant of what kind of complaint the two Brothers here will prefer against me, I know they are implacable and indefatigable, whatever their complaints may be, I pray I may not condemned un- Jieard, I cannot live with these Men, or do business with them, nor 67 Deane, Sii,as. — {Continued.) can I find the man in the World who can, These Characters Cannot be unknown to you, in some Degree, permit me once more to refer you, and the Honorable Congress to Doctor Franklin who knows me, and who to his sorrow, & Vexation, knows them. This Confidence I have the Honor of enjoying at Court is the unhappy ground of our Difficulties, for the Minister has the most distrustful opinion of A. I,. Esq, nor will he see him but when obliged to, to do it, This opinion is of a very long standing and has been confirmed by him since his being in France by his Conduct, Not a Day passes but he ridicules & Curses the whole French Nation in a Body before his Servants, every Servant is a spy of the Ministry & faithfully reports all he hears to a proper Officer. The Servants are registered and when they go into Service or change their Masters, they acquaint the proper Ofiicer with it, so that the Police know by this means every thing which Passes. I have expostulated with him formerly on this Subject but to no Pur- pose, his naturally jealous suspicions make, with a certain litigious littleness which seem natural to him, increases every Day, untill he is really become disagreeable to all who that know him, & is avoided as much as decency & Politeness will permit. In this situation his Spleen is perhaps levelled as much against Doctor Franklin as myself. But as I have been the acting Person and the one most applied to in the business I am first levelled at.; Permit me my Dear Sir to give you candidly my opinion on the having Ambassadors Agents or Commis- sioners at Foreign Courts, as soon as our Independence is confirmed and Peace is establised, I would advise you to have none in any Part of the World. Consuls in the Ports are all that will be wanted and they will cost little or nothing. I would wish Ameriea to have as little connection as possible with Europe except what arises from Commerce & the ex- changing of mutual good Oflices. At any Rate never appoint more than one Man at one Court, nor send one Man at the same time to Two. These are my real Sentiments on the Subject. I have ambition of being continued in Office myself. The time I have spent in France has been the most laborious & fatiguing of any Period of my Life, & I have seen enough of Courts to wish to be as far from them as Pos- sible, notwithstanding the Reception I have ever met with, and the particular Confidence I am now honored with are flattening. You see Sir with what freedom I throw out my undisguished sentiments on Paper. I wish them to go no further than the Private Circle of your Friends. Conscious of the rectitude of my intentions & of the Dis- interestedness of my Conduct, ever since I have had the honor of serving the Publick, I am confident that whatever temporary preju- dices may prevail, Truth must at last appear & I wish nothing else. I find in a Paper published the ig"' August at Philadelphia that a gentleman whom I employed as a Secretary, and who must certainly had much of my Friendship and Confidence has assumed to himself 68 Deanh, Silas. — ( Continued. ) the merit of every thing that has been done in Europe, and talks of Contracts for Cannon &c made before ever I saw him, and of the dis- position of this Court, of which his whole knowledge must have been second hand at the best . I only wish that Men who are so fond of appropriating to themselves the merit of which they think I have performed well, would as readily take on them whatever Censure I may be exposed to for having in order to Interest some great & Capital Families in our Cause exceeded the Letter of my Instructions in my agreements with them. I am sensible that I am thereby exposed & all I ask is that the Honorable Congress would suspend their Judgment untill acquainted with every Circumstance with which I was then surrounded. I have kept back nothing nor will I keep back anything from Doctor Frank- lin, and as I may be supposed a prejudiced Person, I submit it to his stating the case & will contentedly abide the Consequences, suffi- ciently happy in the Consciousness of the rectitude of my Views and in finding them thus far accomplished." 135 The Same. A. L. S. 4to. Paris, Dec. 24, 1777. To Robt. Morris. Introducing Mr. Holker. 136 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Paris, no date (1777). To Robt. Morris. As to the whereabouts of The Marquis de Liugne. " Among the many Adventurers to America, a Young Nobleman by the Name of L' Marquiss de Liugne probably left his Family & Friends and embarked & if no Accident happened to him, is now probably in the Army. You have enclosed Certificates of his rank & Station here, which his Mother has desired me to Transmit, that he may be known for what he is, & not confounded, with the Common herd, of Avanturiers, as they are called here." 137 The Same. A. L. S. 4 pages, 4to. Paris. Feb. 17, 1778. To Robt. Morris. Acquainting- him of the death of his brother at Nantes, in the early part of February. He mentions if Congress should wish to continue the system of Commercial Agents, that there should always be two in France, one at Paris, and the other to be etnployed visiting the different ports and manufacturers of the Kingdom. "The person residing at Paris ought to be himself or by his Con- nections able to raise almost any sum of money when called upon by the Congress for Supplies. The Total want of remittance for many Months past in public & almost in private acct» has greatly hurt our credit, but the prospect of a War with England revives it, and as soon as it shall be known that a Treaty is signed the Face of Af- 69 DBane, Sll,A.s.— {Continued.) fairs will be universally changed, political motives keep it as yet a Secret, it cannot be kept Ten Days longer & I think immediate war must be the consequence. The War cannot last long, but I think it will be extremely severe, on the part of England it must be like the last Agonies of a Strong Man." 138 The Same. A. L. S. 4to. Baltimore, Nov. 29, 1779. To Robt. Morris, with address. " I sent you the morning I left Philada my Narrative with the copy of a Memorial I presented to the Count De Vergennes in Oct. 1776. I pray you to let Genl. Schuyler have the perusal before he leaves Town, after which he will return them to you." 1 39 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Williamsbiirg, Dec. 29, 1779. To Robt. Morris. Gives a glowing account of the country around York. "The threatened Invasion renders everything uncertaiu and con- fused for the present, if it actually takes place at this season, situated as the lower parts of the State are, on & near great Navigable Rivers, I fear the Consequence will be distressing indeed, it is diflScult col- lecting any Body of Men in a county but ill provided with Stores & thinly inhabited, and liable to be attacked in so many difierent places at the same time." DEANE ON ARTHUR LEE'S CHARGES AGAINST HIM. 140 The Same. A. L. S. 6 pages, 4to. Williamsburg, April 8, 1780. To Robt. Morris. Stained. An interesting letter giving an accotint of the publication of Arthur Lee' s letter of villification and the means he'll take to neutralize its effect. "I lately spent about Ten Days with Colo. Bannister & the Gentle- men in his neighborhood very agreeably and Notwithstanding the In- dustry with which Mr. Lee's Letter has been circulated in this State, I might have spent every Day since I have been in it, in a round of Visits; had I accepted of one half the Various Invitations I have been honored with, but as to that Letter published as a Letter of Arthur Lee's, it is evidently a most villainous forgery, and never was written by him, but by his Friends in Virginia & Philadelphia. Master L — 1 at the Head of them, for full proof of this I refer you to the Letter itself, it is dated at Paris loti" of Feby, 1779 and was Recieved by Con- gress sometime in Septem'' last, yet this Letter, in the Body of it ( not in the Notes) refers to & Copies Verbatim part of a publication in Mr. Dunlap's Paper of the 31^' of August 1779. signed Roland, which Piece I have full proof was written by Master James , reperuse the 70 Deane, Silas. — {Continued.) Letter, and then reflect how bare faced, & unguarded these Scoundrels are in their impositions, and how easily Congress as well as the Public at large are imposed on. I shall take public notice of this, & one or Two more of their many tricks of this kind before I leave America & immediately after closing my accts in Europe, lay a general State of the whole History of my transactions and the Treatment I have met with before the World ; my Life and Fortune I am free to sacrifice to my Country, but my honor, I will not, let the Consequence be what they will, be assured that I rejoice most sincerely at every effort of my Fellow Men for the recovery and support of their Rights. I consider every one of these Instances as reflecting Honor on the Human Race, in general and, I think better, and in a higher stile of myself on every such occasion. The Noble & patriotic spirit & firmness of the brave & gallant Irish have therefore most sensibly affected me. But by the strange Concurrence of Circumstances, that Nation after having groaned for ages, under the Tyranny and imposition of Brittain, regains at once, her Liberties, and Rights, which she never dared to reclaim, untill these States, (which did not even exist, untill long after Her Slavery. Her Chains, had been fixed & rivetted) dared to oppose them & Our Common Tyrant, The Object of Ireland obtained & it qiost certainly is, their dispute with Brittain is ended, they have gained the Fruits of Victory, whilst we are still left in the Field. * * * Charlestown is now besieged, and by a Superior Force, both by Sea & Land, if our Allies do not interpose, and if it should fall, which in that Case, is to be feared, I do not think it extraordinary to expect the Enemy will be in the Bay early this Season," &c. 141 The Same. A. L. S. 9 pages, 4to. York, April 15, 1780. To Robert Morris. A long and interesting letter just prior to his embarking for France. He reviews the acts of certain members of Congress in the most caustic manner, and he concludes by adding a five page postscript on vacant lands, and prophecises great things for those situated East of Hudson's River and North of New England. "We have really been as you say Fellow Labourers in the same Vineyard and I may add as faithful & disinterested as any (and if I may keep up the Metaphor) We entered when the Soil was to break up, and be subdued, and when our utmost Efforts, and attention were called for to prop, and Water the Tender Stock, & to guard it, against num- berless fatal Disasters, which then threatened it. We have been sue" ceeded by a set of Men who intoxicated with the prospect of a rich, and plentifull Vintage, which was ripening without Toil, or Danger to them, in their Madness, not content with abusing those, who had born the Heat & burden of the Day, more like madmen than Bacchanalians fell to breaking down the Walls & cutting up the Vines by the Roots 71 Dbanb, SitAS. — (Continued.) during my Attendance in Philadelphia. I saw and I reflected with Grief on their fatal Career." He then -mentions having received a Hand bill from Charlestown, a copy of which he encloses (it goes with the letter), giving an account of the progress of the British Forces in. the Siege. 142 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Nantes, Aug. 4^ 1780. To Robt. Morris. Gives an account of his passage to France, and narrates: the capture of several prizes. 143 The Same. L. S. 8 pages, 4to. Passy, near Paris. Sept, 2, 1780. To Robt. Morris. A political letter of rather interesting import, in which he is very eulogistic of Count Necker, the great French financier. DEANE GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF HIS ACTIONS IN FRANCE. 144 The Same. L. S. 1 1 pages, 4to. Paris, Sept. 10,1781', To Robert Morris. A fine historical letter. After complimenting Mr. Morris: for his services to the country, he enters into an exhaustive- description of all his official actions during his residence at the Court of France. It will be reme^nbered the accusations were made against him by Arthur Lte and others, which caused Congress to make an investigation. Deane was called to America, but had to return to Paris to complete his accounts: for Congress, and this letter was written after he arrived in Paris for that purpose. The publication of several of his papers in Paris during his absence, embittered the French Court against him, and he was forced to retire to Holland, where he passed over to England and where he died in great poverty. In 18^2 , Congress vindicated his memory, decided a great sum of money was due him, which they paid to his heirs. Thus zvas one of the greatest patriots of the Revolu- tion hounded to death by the vindictiveness and jealousy of Arthur Lee and a few other of his countrymen. 14s The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, 4to. Paris, no date. Ta Robt. Morris. After mentioning some private commercial affairs, he says : " I hope however in a few weeks to see American Independence Ac-, knowledged, after which I shall ask Liberty to quit politics foreverj and put myself if possible into a Situation to enjoy what of Life may be left me, in some degree of Ease, in Attending solely to my owQ affairs which have been for several years neglected," etc. 72 Dbanb, Sii,xs.— {Continued.) 146 The Same. A. L. S. 4to. Paris, Aug. 16, 1777. To Robert Morris, with address. Introducing " Mr, Sollicoffer," a Swiss gentleman, who wishes tu enter into a commercial business in America. 147 The Same. A. L. S. 4to. Paris, May 19, 1777. To Willing & Morris. 148 The Same. A. L. S. 3 pages, 4to. Bordeaux, June 23, 1776, To Messrs. Livingston, Alsop, Lewis & Morris. In reference to purchasing supplies for the Continental Army. 149 The Same. L. S, 4to. Bordeaux, June 24, 1776. To Messrs. Livingston, Alsop, Lewis & Morris, with address. DICKINSON ON EXEMPTING QUAKERS AND EMANCIPATING SLAVES. 150 Dickinson, John. Member of the Continental Congress and Federal Convention, author of " Farmer's Letters," President of Delaware. A. L. S.6 pages, folio. Wilming- ton, June 21, 1792. Stained. A long aiui important letter to a kinsman, reviewing the laws in the different States exempting Quakers from military service, and giving his opinion as to their constitutionality. He also reviews the struggle in the Legislature of Delaware for the emancipation of the slaves and the abrogation of slavery, and mentions the fate of a bill for this purpose, intro- duced by himself. DUANE DEFENDS HIS CHARACTER. 1 5 1 Duane, James. Member of the Continental Congress. First Mayor of New York and Judge. A. L. S. 3 pages, folio. Fish Kill, Dec. i, 1776. To Robt. Morris. A long personal letter, denouncing a person who has been trying to besmirch his character and reputation. " The Tale you unfold is damned one, so impudent and malicious that it wou'd put out of Countenace the most Vengeful of the fallen Spirits. The Demon who fabricated it, however prone to mischief, seems to have been totally inattentive to the Circumstance of Prob- ability even if the Character he attacks was suspicious or Equivocal, but I have the Consolation to believe that in point of Integrity it is sufficiently established to be out of his Reach, nor can the most cred- ulous be imposed upon untill he makes his appearance in a less ques- tionable Shape than the stale and feeble Devise of an anonimous I/etter. I confess I was astonished and enraged on the first Impression 73 DuANE, James. — [Continued.) of this monstrous Calumny. I hope you will indulge it is a pardon- able Frailty when I assure you that only a few moments Reflection were necessary to enable me to treat it with Indefference and Con- tempt, nor have I any Passion to be gratified on this occasion but Curiosity. I do not know that I deserve a personal Enemy. * * * If the assassin hoped this wicked Artifice would have followed me into my own State, and either tarnish my Reputation, or Disturb my Peace of Mind, he must have thought me as weak, and my Country- men as unprinciped as himself. * * * What might be my Fate at Philadelphia where some lurking villian has twice attempted to destroy me without Provocation, and without leaving the least clue to a De- tection, is too uncertain to hasten my return," &c. 152 The Same. A. L. S. folio. Albany, New Year'.s Day, 1777. To Robt. Moni.s, with addres.s. ' ' Your favor of the 3o"> of October by some Incident did not reach me at the Fish Kills till a month after the date. I then penned the enclosed answer & shou'd have dispatched it, but the Enemy's rapid progress towards your Capital induced me to detain it, for a more com- posed Hour. I learn with pleasure that you are now out of Danger, & that for the present at least the Enemy have laid aside their medi- tated Enterprize. From melancholy Experience I have been taught to feel for the Distresses of my Friends. What a weight of Ruin and Affliction have fallen upon this devoted State, & how many gloomy Reflections have filled my Breast since we parted ? And yet be assured that I am not hardened by those sorrowful Scenes ; but on the approach of your danger feel very sensibly for all my Friends in Philadelphia.' DUANE'S LETTER ON THE STATE OF THE SIX NA- TIONS, AND DEMANDING THAT GENL. SCHUYLER BE GRANTED A TRIAL BY COURT MARTIAL. a 53 The Same. A. L. S. 4 pages, folio. Manour Living- ston, March 19, 1778. To Robt. Morris. A very important historical letter, in reference to the dan- gers threatened the frotttiers of New York by the Indians, and requesting, in justice to General Schuyler, that he be granted a trial that he may vindicate himself. ' ' I have written a long letter to Congress by this Conveyance to which I refer you for a full View of the Condition of this Department, The Temper of the Six Nations, and the Dangers to which we shall in all probability be exposed the approaching Campaign. I flatter my- self that you will continue to be a warm Advocate for the Protection which is necessary to preserve the shattered Remains of a State which is eqaally the object of British and Savage Malice. From the want of every necessary Preparation in the Northern Department, I am appre- hensive that it is concluded that the Victories last Campaign, have 74 DUANE, James. — ( Continued, ) placed us in a state of safety. Nothing however is more remote from the Truth. The Seneca & Cayugues the most powerful nations of the Confederacy instead of being humbled by their Defeat are enraged at their Disgrace ; have refused to attend the late Treaty from which I am just return'd, and openly threaten revenge, Butler intends to take possess"! of Oswego, which will give the british Troops & their Sav- ages the greatest advantages in distressing our Frontiers ; & I see no sufficient obstruction to discourage the Enenjys Troops & Fleet in the City & Harbors of New York from revisiting Hudson's River and com- pleating the Desert which they began last summer. They have unques- tionably ample Means, and to suppose they will not be exerted, if it is only to create an alarming Diversion in favour of General Howe, would by Folly in the extreme. While I have Room to feel with sympathetic concern the Dangers, and distresses of Pennsylvania, I shonld do my Friend Injustice to doubt his Anxiety for our Safety. I therefore place myself with a full assurance that he will give all the weight to my Representations to Congress which they shall appear to him to deserve. There is one subject I have touched upon, the — of leaving General Schuyler eight months suspended in the light of a Criminal without Examination or Trial. The justice of such a procedure out of the Question, do you think, my Dear Sir, that the Reputation of Con- gress must not be injured, & the public Service prejudiced by so uuex- ampeled a Delay ? Will the impartial World be satisfied with the plea that such a Length of time was necessary to find out a charge of mis- conduct, or evidence to maintain it? Will not Gents, who value their Honour be terrified from hazarding, what is so dear to every good man, with such austere or such lukewarm Masters, who seem prone to suspect a Crime, and indiiferent whether the accused shall ever have an opportunity to vindicate his Innocence. I do not know what passes in other States, but here this inexcusable treatment of officers of high Rank & Confidence is a Topic of general Conversation. Gen- eral Schuyler wants no ofiice from Congress. He wishes to resign. He can in that case be highly serviceable to his own State, & yet he dare not resign lest it shou'd be ascribed to his unwillingness to undergo what he most wants, a publick and impartial Enquiry and Trial, — In the meantime the winter has passed away & the Cam- paign opening when it will be perhaps impracticable for the Witnesses & Court martial to be convened. Is not this sporting with Peoples Reputation and Peace of Mind ? You my dear Sir who have an abund- ant portion of sensibility, who knows how precious a Jewel is a good Name, who wou'd advocate Innocence, as much as you abhor Guilt, will I trust with manly freedom press forward the Trial of Gen- eral Schuyler without further delay both upon principle of private jus- tice & Public good. If evidence cannot be discovered in eight months- the presumption is evident that none exists, especially after the pub- 75 DUANB, James. — [Continued.) lick Call which have been given, as well as the personal applications which have been made for this purpose. If is to be taken up as a principle that there can be no Trial 'till Evidence shall be found, there may never be a Trial or Enquiry, & this after an accusation and sus- pension would be a palpable denial of Justice," etc. 154 Duer, William. Member of the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention. A. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Reading, March 6, 1778. To Robt. Morris, with address. A strong and earnest plea for recuperating the Continental Army, and takes a gloomy view of the military affairs of the State. " I should imagine my dear Friend, you can be no Stranger to ye present critical situation of our Army, and the late Enbarassment ■which the Ignorance and Faction of a thin C ss have thrown in the Way of forming Magazines for the Army. The Consequences win in my Opinion, occasion its Dissolution very shortly unless both they, and the State of Peun" care to interfere with the Military De- partments. The Circumstance, the necessity of attending to our Finances, in order to supply the Exegencies of the next Campaign, and the means for bringing a force into the Field, and introducing in it, Discipline, and a Spirit of Enterprise call for, the immediate Atten- tion of every Lover of his Country, and particulary of you who (with- out flattery which I abhor) possess Talents to serve it at this Juncture, and whose Connection, with a State which is likely to be made a sac- rifice of. Demand in a peculiar degree all your Exertions. Let me my dear Sir conjure you to attend Congress on the Return of the Commit- tee from Camp. I am sensible private Convenience cannot operate upon your mind at this Crisis, provided you have a Prospect of being useful, Mr. Lee writes me from Congress that several members are daily expected. Mr. Hancock will be there in a few days, and if my -Presence can induce you, I will after I have secured my Baggage at Coryell's Ferry (for w'h I set out this day) return and stay a monthi Perhaps my dear Friend, the joint exertions of some of us may save our country, and revive the Expiring Reputation of Congress, at least it is our duty to try it," &c. 155 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. York Town, April 12 (1778). To Robt. Morris, with address. Praying that New York may be better represented in Con- gresst for urgent reasons. " It is said that my Friend Gouverneur Morris is at your Chateau , for the sake of our Country, my dear Morris, entreat him to push on and come with him yourself. From a want of Representation in the State of New York, and several other Embarrassments we cannot bring as many members absolutely essential to our Safety, ;6 DuER, WiLUAM. — [Continued.) without you, especially for the Bstablishment for the Army. I am desired by all your Friends in Congress to press you on this mat- ter ; and I flatter myself we shall not plead in vain. If G. Morris should be at Lancaster, pray write to him in the most pressing Terms, to come forward, " etc. 156 The Same. A. L. S. folio. Rhinebeck, July i, 17S0. To Robt. Morris, with address. He compliments Mr. Morris for his valuable services to the Cause, and comments on several late acts of Congress. " We have passed a Law for collecting by assessment in the differ- ent counties our Quota of the Years supplies which you may depend upon being Executed, and we have nearly completed the raising of Fifteen hundred additional Levies to join Geni Washingtons Army, Exclusive of Eight hundred men now stationed on our Frontier. This in the reduced situation of our State, is a great Deal. I wish the Possession of our Capitol had admitted us to imitate yon in the Sub- scription Loans, but like many honest private Gentlemen, we have more Spirit than Money," etc. 157 The Same. A. D. S. 5 pages, large folio. Philadelphia, Oct. 12, 1780. To Robt. Morris. Proposals of a enntract for supplying the French Fortes with 20,000 Barrels of Flour, with observations on the same. 158 The Same. A. L. S. 4 pages, folio. Rynbeck, Aug. 27, 1780. To Robt. Morris. Small piece gnawed out of margin. On personal affairs of a commercial nature. 159 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Rhinebeck, July 11,1781. To Robt. Morris. Complimenting him on his plan of a National Bank, and relating to contracts for supplying the French and Continental army with subsistance . 160 The Same. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. Albany, May 12, 1782. To Robt. Morris, with address. In reference to furnishing supplies for the army. 161 The Same. A. L. S. 4 pages, large folio. Albany, Aug. 2, 1782. To Robt. Morris. An exhaustive review of his actions in carrying out the contract for supplying the Army, with food, speaks in not very flattering terms of Mr. Livingston, and complains of Congress not living up to the letter of their contract with him in the way of payment, and insists upon a strict compliance with tht wording of this agreement with him. 77 162 Jay, John. President of the Continental Congress, Min- ister to Spain, one of the Commissioners and Signers of the Treaty of Peace with Great Britain, one of the Authors of " The Federalist " and Chief Justice of the United States. A. L. S. Foho. Fishkill, Sept. 15, 1776. To Robt. Morris, with address. In reference to a letter from Silas Deane. , " When Mr. Deane went to france I communicated to him a mode of invisible writing unknown to any but the inventor & myself. The enclosed I/Ctter will explain it. On opening his letter to me Yester- day & finding one directed to you enclosed in it, I without thought gave it to a Gent" of your Light Horse who had been to Ticonderoga with money from the Congress. I don't recollect his name. I had not at that time the materials with me for rendering Deane's Letter visible, bnt I from reading it, I now find the letter directed to you is nothing more than a Continuation of the Intelligence begun in mine, & design'd to prevent any suspicion that might arise from his enclos- ing so much (seemingly) blank paper. Be so kind therefore as to send me the Letter by the return of Express together with the one I now enclose. You will be pleased to communicate such of the Con- tents as are of a public Nature to the Committee of Intelligence, and by all measures conceal from them 8f as well as every body else, the Discovery now made to you." JAY'S VIEWS OF WHAT HE WOULD HAVE DONE FOR THE DEFENCE OF NEW YORK. 163 The Same. A. L. S. 4 pages, folio. Fish Kills, Oct. 6,^ 1777. To Robert Morris. Very fine. A highly important historical letter, intimating what he would have done had he been invested with absolute power for the defence of Neiv York. " I am happy to find our AfiFairs wear so pleasant an aspect in france, This most Certainly will not be the last Campaign, and in my Opinion Lord Howe's operations cannot be so successful & decisive as greatly to lessen the ideas which Foreign Nations have conceived of our Im- portance. I am rather inclined to thiuk that our declaring Independ- ence in the Face of so powerful a Fleet and Army, will impress them with an Opinion of our Strength & Spirit, and when they are informed how little of our Country is in the Enemy's Possession, they will unite in declaring us invincible by the Arms of Britain. If the works carrying on by the General for obstructing the Navi- gation of Hudson's River at Mount Washington, prove effectuaU Lord Howe must rest content with the City of New York, for his Campaign. For altho it is possible for him to land a large Body of Troops on the Shores of the Sound & thereby divide our forces, yet ■■^ ."W 78 Jay, John. — {Continued. ) no great Matters can by that means be achieved, our Communication with the Army, by the Sound is already cut off by the Ships of War ; and any Strong Post they might take on the Shore would not much injure our Communication by Land, But should they on the contrary be able suddenly to penetrate the North River with a few Ships of War, and a number of Transports, they would effectually destroy all Communication between the Upper Country & the Army by Land and Water. For before the Shores could be put in such a state of Defense as to prevent their landing with Success, they might possess them- selves of Posts and Passes, by Nature so strong as to be long tenable against a much superior Force. Should an Event of this sort take Place, we should be in a disagree- able Situation. Flour and Lumber could not then be carried to the Army but by a very circutious Route thro' abominable Roads, and it is a matter of some Doubt whether our utmost Exertions to supply them would be successful. Had I BBEN VESTED WITH ABSOLUTE PoVSTER IN THE STATE I HAVE OFTKN SAID & STII,!. THINK THAT I WOUI,D Il instant and brought in with me two of the Enemies Ships of Wan the Serapis, of 44 guns, and the Countess of Scarborough, of 20 guns. I sailed from L'orient on my late expedition of the 13"" August with the Bon Homme Richard, an old East India Man of 40 guns, the Al- liance of 36 guns, the Pallos Armed Ship of 30 guns, the Cerf, a Cutter of 18 guns, and the Vengeance, an Armed Brig of 12 guns. Joined by the Monsieur and Granville, two French Privateers, M. De Chaumont who had something to say to my little Armament made such wrong arrangements that both the Privateers and the Cutter soon Separated from me. I established my Cruize for some time on the S. W. of Ireland, and proposed to have remained there for some time longer had not the Remonstrances of Captain Lan- dais determined me otherwise and thereby lost me the opportunity of intercepting Eight of the Enemies East India Ships which entered the Port of Limerick three days after I left the Blaskets. I passed by the North of Scotland, took some prizes and was within the Smallest triffle of laying'.Leith undera heavy Contribution, tho' Ihad then with me only the Bon H. Richard, the Pallas, and the Vengeance. We alarmed their coasts prodigiously from Cape Clear round to Hull, and had I not been concerned with Sons of Interest I could have done much. On the 23s^tiQVS.—(Coniinued.) de-pluvie. It was understood that he was to be reimbursed by return Cargoes of Tobacco, Rice and Indigo. Arthur Lee, one of the Commissioners at Paris with Deane falsely stated that ivhat Beaumarchais sent to America was a gift from the King, and when Deane presented Beaumarchais' account to Congress for payment, it placed him in the light of a man trying fraudulently to obtain payment for a gift. This pre- vented Beaumarchais from sending any further supplies. This letter is in French. Its contents are important as it reveals Beaumarchais in his true light as a friend to America. " I embrace this opportunity to renew the assurances of my esteem for you & to inform you that if you have not heard from us by the Ship Flamand which left Marseilles loaded with articles of the greatest value to the Republick. I hope it will not be long before you receive accounts of her arrival at Boston. Notwithstanding the diffi- culties of every kind surrounding me, I let slip no opportunity of giving you undoubted proofs of my real attachment to your cause. * * * Your Friend Mr. Deane is the most useful man in all your French affairs, & whom the Republic ought the most to rely on. * * * They tell me here that Philadelphia is taken, that Mr. Washington is beat, we do not believe it, for we know that at a meeting of Parliament it is neccessary such reports, whether true or false, should be spread to silence the cries of the people & the violent attacks of the minority. At any rate, if Mr. Howe has taken that city. He would in my opinion only have gained from America the ground Philadelphia is built upon. It would be some Acres well built over, lost & liable to be regained, but what effect could it have on the Grand Cause of Liberty. None, while there are men with cour- age & virtue left. ' ' 453 New York. A Contemporary Manuscript of the Ex- amination of Adam Burger and Mr. Smith in reference to what they knew of the movements of the British Army in the State of New York, 2 pages, folio. Gives an interesting account of actions of the British Army in New York, under Lord Dunmore and Genl. Hoive, the Capture yf Fort Washington, &c. 454 New Jersey Notes. 3s, 12s, i8p and 1 2s, issue of March 25, ^77(>- Signed by Robt. Smith, Jonathan Deare and J. Stevens, Jr. 1 2 sheets, 4 notes to a sheet. Uncirculated. 48 pieces 455 Pennsylvania Notes. 15s, issue of March 20, 1771. 2s, April 3, 1772 (2); 20s (3); I ss, I OS (2), issue of Oct. I, 1773; and [6s, issue of March 20, 1773. Mostly uncir- culated. 10 pieces 208 456 Pennsylvania Notes. Various. Much worn. 10 pieces 457 Girard, Stephen. The Great Philanthropist. Sight draft signed by. Philadelphia, Feb. 1 i, 1826. 458 Miralles, Madame Maria J. A. L. S. 2 pages, folio. Havanna, July 6, 1780. To Genl. Benedict Arnold. 459 Ashe, John. Distinguished Colonel in ihe Revolution. D.'S. May 10, 1777. 4 pieces 460 Peries, G. French Merchant. A. L. S. 2 pages, 4to. No place, no date. Mentions having a packet of letters to deliver, amongst tvhich will be found one from Mr. Beaumarchais under the firm of Roderique Hortales & Co. "The name under which he corresponds ivith you Gentlemen" 461 Morris, Robert. Signer of the Declaration of Independ- ence. The original draft of his letter to the Council of Safety, asking leave of Absence for 6 months to settle up his private business, so as to devote his time entirely to public affairs. Dated Lancaster, Nov. 11, 1777. The request was granted, and the letter granting the same will be found in another under lot 4.4.6. 462 Butler, Richard. Distinguished Colonel who gained the victory over Simcoe's Rangers, June, 1781. With St. Clair in his expedition against the Indians, in 1791, when he was tomahawked and scalpeti Nov. 4, 1791. A. L. S. small 4to. Camp, Sept. 16, no date. To Genl. Wayne. "Though you may have heard the good news, let me tell you again, Both Count De Grasse, and Count de Barras's fleets arrived in the Bay, & the French troops from R"!- Island ; They have brought in the Iris & Richmond Frigate prizes, with the Romulus of 44 guns and gone to Baltimore &"• to bring down the troops * * * Our Illustrious Friend & General has ask'd for you in the most affectionate manner & regrets your misfortune, he is to dine with Baron Steuben." 463 Original Map or Plan of Philadelphia and some Lands Adjacent belonging to Robert Morris and others. Original drawing by Reading Howell. Circa 1790. On Parchment. Imperial folio in size. 464 Original Pen Drawing of Map of Lots in Philadelphia, between Chestnut and Walnut and Seventh and Eighth Streets, belonging to Robert Morris. Large folio. IT I '44 e,« i*^ .'^ m ^ "#. 3 ...^ w^j'X-^fti'^ i^T ^)*tefc K^^ ^"^^^"^r #j'^'^'- 'p Ti«»r^v?^ ;;!.>« !|r .^'' ^te