86. CORNELIUS HARNETT TO THE GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA (RICHARD CASWELL).1 Dear Sir, YORK TOWN PENSYLVANIA Feby 10 1778. I had it not in my power to send you the Pay and Rations of a Major General on the Continental Establishment,2 until yesterday, tho' I applied to Our Secry Mr. Thompson, soon after receiving Your Excellency's Favour to Mr. Penn and myself; indeed I have been Confined to my room for these 10 days past by a fit of the Gout, which has prevented my Attendance on Congress much against my Inclination. 10. 87. THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, MINUTES.1 [February 10, 11, 1778.] Examined Clothr. Genls. Depy 2 Considered the Establishmt. of Engineers and agreed to recommend it to Congress agreable to the Genls. plan. Monsr. De Portail to give a more particular arrangement of the Companies, and of his Assistants 3 Wrote to the Comissary of Hides to attend the Committee.* 11th. Wrote Genl. Washington on the proposed exchange of Prisoners by Gen. Howe-(No. 16) 5 Wrote to Congress upon the Canada Expedition (No. 17)° Pass'd proposals for procuring Horse and Saddles for the Cavalry (No. 18)' [86] Copied from the original, then in possession of Mr. Stan. V. Henkels of Philadelphia; N. C. State Recs., XIII. 37. Addressed, "His Excellency Richard Caswel Esquire Governor and Commander in Chief of the State of North Carolina". 2 The information is given in a postscript. See the Journals, June 16, 1775, Feb. 16, Apr. 26, June 5, Oct. 7, 1776, Mar. 24, June 17, 1777. [87]1 See no. 62, note 1, ante. 2 Presumably Daniel Kemper, deputy clothier-general at headquarters. A letter from him to Washington Mar. 26, relative to the conduct of his department, is in the Washington Papers. Cf. Pa. Arch., first ser., VI. 33. 3 See nos. 104, 121, post. + The commissary of hides was George Ewing. See the Journals, Apr. 21, May 11. 5 The letter is no. 88, post. 6 See the Journals, Feb. 16, 23, 24, Mar. 2, 13, and nos. 98, 120, 126, 135, 137, 151, 167, 168, post. A slight emendation of the citation in the Journals, Feb. 16 (p. 172, note 2), is necessary. The letter found in Papers Cont. Cong., no. 33, f. 117, is a draft of the letter of Feb. 11 to Washington (no. 88, post), the original of which is in the Washington Papers. A draft of the letter to Congress referred to in the committee's minutes is found in the volume above mentioned (no. 33, f. 121). The letter sent (which contains the endorsement quoted in the Journals) is in Papers Cont. Cong., no. 78, vol. VII., f. 167. The letter must have been written, at least begun, Feb. 7; for the draft, which is in the writing of Gouverneur Morris and without date, originally began thus: "We yesterday did ourselves the honor to write you upon the state of the Commissary Department. This morning the Marquis De Lafayette favored us with a Visit on his way to the Northern Army." This was altered by writing "lately" in place of "yesterday", "since which" in place of "This morning and inserting "hath" before "favored". The visit of Lafayette was doubtless that of Feb. 7 (see no. 79, ante). 7 See the Journals, Mar. 2, 10, 11, and no. 129, post. Sir 88. THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.1 MOORE HALL Feby: 11th, 1778. The travelling is so bad that we wish you wou'd not attempt to meet us, while it continues. We shall employ ourselves in that part of our business which can be done without your personal attendance 2 We have been considering General Howe's letter which you was pleased to lay before us yesterday, and seem agreed and confirmed in the opinion that he hath some latent meaning in those parts of it which were then pointed out. We flatter ourselves you will not take it amiss that we express to you our sentiments upon the proposition of a general exchange made, at this time, by General Howe. We think he wou'd not do this, but for very cogent reasons, and altho' we are not able to conjecture what they are with any very strong probability: yet this is clear that he confines his proposed exchange to Officers and Soldiers, and is totally silent as to Citizens. As the latter were expressly comprehended in the original Cartel proposed by himself, and agreed upon between you; and as he has been called upon by Congress, if not by yourself, to explain certain passages in his former letter which you laid before Congress, and explicitly to declare in what light he held the faithful Citizens of these States, who by the fortune of war, or other accident had fallen, or should fall under his power: yet he has never deemed proper as we can learn, to make any reply at all, much less a full and satisfactory answer on that subject. We cannot but think that he affects to consider every such Citizen as a rebel unexchangeable, and amesnable to the Laws of England, and therefore treats them, if possible, with more rigour and cruelty than those whom he is pleased to say, properly fall under the denomination of prisoners of war. Impressed with the manifest injustice of such apprehensions which if well grounded, we deem a breach of his faith plighted in the Cartel, we cannot but think the present a happy opportunity of drawing forth from General Howe the most explicit declarations on a subject of so great importance to every mere Citizen of these States, and making a renewal of the Cartel, the sine qua non of an exchange.3 We are Sir with much esteem and respect His Excellency Genl. Washington your obedient humble Servants 89. HENRY LAURENS TO BARON DE KALB.1 11th Febry 1778. Dear General I have before me the several favours which you have honoured me with under the 1st and 7th Inst. the former imparting your sentiments upon [88]1 Library of Congress, Letters to Washington, XCII. 71 (in the writing of Francis Dana); Papers Cont. Cong., no. 33, f. 117 (draft in Dana's hand). 2 See no. 62, note 2, and no. 87, ante. 3 Cf. the Journals, Dec. 6, 8, 1777, Feb. 17, 25, 26, Mar. 18, 1778, and nos. 139, 163, 188, 202, post. [89] S. C. Hist. Soc., Laurens Letter-Book, 1776-1778, p. 255. the propriety of suspending the embarkation of Lieutt. Genl. Burgoyne and his Troops affords me singular satisfaction. Conventions and suspensions are new articles in the American War and perhaps there is not an Instance in History of a General's having so completely betrayed himself the Dupe of his own policy. Mr. Burgoyne's duplicity will be quoted as a precedent by future Writers, while the resentment of Congress will be recorded as an example of sound policy. In these Ideas and under a consciousness of having passed my own Vote from conviction of the rectitude of the measure, I rest content within and assured that Congress will be vindicated in every disinterested Court in Europe. I shall have the pleasure to deliver tomorrow Morning a Commission of Lieutt. Colonel to the Chevalier Dubuysson, whose impetuosity had nearly rendered his journey fruitless. a hint from you on this head without intimating the notice I have taken, may be of particular service to a Young Gentleman by leading him to reflect that hurry and urgency, which may be extremely necessary in a quick March, are exceedingly disgusting to a deliberative body of Representatives, particularly so, when the application is for Grace and favor. Congress had not promised Monsr. Dubuyson the present Rank until he should be returning to France. had I been as rapid in presenting your Letter as the Young Gentleman was vehement in his desires, he would have returned a Major, owing to his Minor Judgement.3 I wish you Dear General a good Campaign, that you may Succeed in the intended enterprize, and return with Glory.* Sir, 90. THOMAS MCKEAN TO GEORGE READ.1 Your favor of the 29th of December did not reach me until the 24th of January, when, duly reflecting upon every circumstance, I thought it my duty to come here, though, I confess, I am almost tired of serving my country so much at my own expense. I left home on [the] 29th of last month, and went into Congress next morning, where I found only nine States represented, and, including myself, but eighteen members, though five, now at the camp, and some others are expected in a few days. I hope General Rodney and Major Van Dyke will come as soon as possible; but don't tell them that I lived in a little Dutch tavern, at an enormous expense, for ten days, before I could get other lodgings, and that I still am on sufferance. . I shall endeavour to procure the account against the State, from the Auditor-General, as soon as possible. The votes of Congress, since January, 1776, printed by Aitken, are not yet come to hand, though they have 2 See nos. 6, 12, 13, 21, 30, 31, 42, 52, ante. 3 See the Journals, Feb. 11 ("Major Buisson "). Laurens's customary notation in the Letter-Book, at the head of each letter, of the mode of conveyance shows that Dubuysson was the bearer of this letter to Kalb. 4 The allusion is to the expedition to Canada. See the Journals, Feb. 2. [90]1 Read, Life of Read, p. 298. been sent out of Philadelphia. I shall send you all that can be got, not knowing to what time they are printed up. Who can I propose in exchange for the President? Do inform me, if you can think of any one. None occurs to me but Governor Franklin, and hearing a gentleman say that he could do more mischief than the President could do good, and for other reasons, which will readily suggest themselves to you, I have little hope of success from that proposition. I was told the other day that he lodged at widow Jenkins's, along with his old friends Robinson and Manlove, and seemed very happy; these observations, and many others, from different gentlemen, whenever I name him in private to any member, almost discourage me; however, after I hear from you, I shall attempt to have him released (though I could wish my colleagues to be present and assisting), lest it should be thought that I was indifferent about the event." YORK, February 12, 1778. 91. THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, MINUTES.1 [February 12, 13, 1778.] 12. Conferred with Genl. Green abt the Qr. Mastr. Gen. Departmt.2 13. Conferred upon the starving condition of the Army. Wrote to Colo. Cox (No. 19)3 Recd. Lettrs. and Resolutions from Congress respect'g Qr. M'r Gen. Departmt.* Sent Lettr. to Cong: respect'g Canada Expedition and the Qr. M'r Departmt.5 92. WILLIAM ELLERY TO WILLIAM CHURCHILL HOUSTON.1 D'r Sir, YORK TOWN Febry. 13th 1778 You, it seems, have leaped out of the frying-pan into the fire of business. What think you of leaping back again? Mr. Rush hath resigned, and the office of Dep: Sec: is now vacant. But you are a parliament man and are immersed in politicks; and perhaps, mounted in the chariot of glory, look down upon so low an office with disregard. Come 2 Concerning the exchange of President McKinly of Delaware see nos. 180, 462, post; also Read to McKean, Mar. 4, 1778 (Life of Read, p. 303), and McKinly to Read, Aug. 29, 1778 (ibid., p. 313). In Henkels, Catalogue, no. 1236, item 113 (see no. 149, note 3, post), is an extract of a letter from Caesar Rodney to McKean Mar. 9, in one passage of which, adverting to this statement of McKean respecting McKinly, he insists that McKean is in error. A paraphrase of Rodney's statement (with blanks for names) is found in Read's letter of Mar. 4, referred to above. Robinson and Manlove were presumably Thomas Robinson and Boaz Manlove. See Sabine, Loyalists, II. 45, 231. [91]1 See no. 62, note 1, ante. 2 A letter to Congress of Feb. 12 relative to the department of the quartermastergeneral, which was written by Joseph Reed, is found in Reed, Life of Reed, I. 360. It was read in Congress Feb. 16. 3 Col. John Cox. See nos. 110, 115, note 3, post; cf. Life of Reed, I. 364. * See the Journals, Jan. 30, Feb. 5, 7. Cf. no. 62, ante, and nos. 110, note 5, 116, 118, post. 5 On the draft of the letter of Feb. 12 is a memorandum by Reed, "Forwarded by express Feb. 13, 1778" (Papers Cont. Cong., no. 33, f. 128). [92]1 Hist. Soc. of Pa., Conarroe Coll., I. 12; Pa. Mag. of Hist. and Biog., XL. 486. ΤΟ then a delegate. I should be exceedingly glad to see you here in any shape.2... We have not taken Rhode Island yet. Inglorious Expedition. We have lost Philadelphia! But this would be nothing if avarice and peculation did not rage irresistibly. The Love of country and public virtue are annihilated. If Diogenes were alive and were to search America with candles, would he find an honest man? I knew an honest man once in office. Believe me to be his Friend WILLIAM ELLERY. P. S. Dr. Witherspoon will acquaint you with a Resolve of Congress lately passed, which may give some check to the Shoals of Officers who are rioting on the Spoils of the Publick." Sir 93. JAMES FORBES TO THE GOVERNOR OF MARYLAND YORK TOWN Febry 13th 1778 I should have don my self the honour to have wrote you before now, had I any thing worth communicating. This is to inform you that the appointment of Commershall agents in France has been moved for in Congress, in consequence of Mr. Wm. Lee's being appointed, a Commissioner, to the Courts of Vienna and Berlin, and of a Letter from Mr. Robt. Morris, recomending Mr. Jno. Ross, to suckseed his Brother. I put Mr. Joshua Johnson in the nomination, and I believe, had Congress made the appointment, he would have been chosen, but they resolved that the Commissioners in France shoud appoint them, and they are wrote to on the 9th Instt, for that purpose. had I known how to have directed to your Brother, I would have wrote him on the Subject.2 The Committee that went to Camp for reforming the Army is not yet returned, nor have we heard from their for some time, the communication being stopt by the River being impassable. The Demands on Congress for money is immence it cant be emitted fast enuff, and I apprehend the demand, will encrease in proportion to the Emission Commissioners appointed in this State, and the Board of War, are empowered to purchase 50,000 Bbls Flour, and all the Pork and Beef they can get, and lay it up in Magazeens, for a supply, in case the Com 2 Jacob Rush, deputy secretary of Congress, resigned Jan. 28. Houston did not succeed him, although he did hold that office in 1785-1786. Meanwhile he was chosen a delegate to Congress in May, 1779, serving until the end of 1781, and again in 1784. See no. 59, ante. 3 See the Journals, Feb. 3. [93] Md. Hist. Soc., Red Book, X. 65; Arch. of Md., XVI. 496. 2 See the Journals, Feb. 9; cf. no. 94, post. The letter from the committee of commerce (signed by William Ellery, James Forbes, and Francis Lewis) to the commissioners at Paris, Feb. 9, is in Am. Phil. Soc., Franklin Papers, VIII. 99, LXXV. 46 (duplicate). The Journals, Jan. 15 and Feb. 2, say 30,000. The resolutions of Feb. 12 relative to laying up magazines of four principally stand erased in the Journals, a substitute measure having been adopted Feb. 14. See the Journals, Feb. 5, 12, 14, 17; cf. nos. 97, 108, 111, 115, post. |