Annapolis April 7th. 1784
Dear Bland,
How comes it that I have not receivd one line from you, tho' I have written so often. Has the uncommon rigor of the winter froze up all the genial currents of friendship & the Soul. Has the frost also reachd Mrs. Blands heart? We have wanted some of the effusions both of friendship & fancy to console us here. Why will you keep them all to yourselves?
The Chevalier de la Luzerne is here. I askd him whether he intended visiting you. He says it will be impracticable. He leaves America for Europe in August. I beleive M. de M - -
1
has not treated him fairly, & that he has been undermined.
We have appointed the Generals Clarke, Wolcot, Greene & Butler & Mr. Higgenson Commissioners to treat with the Indians. The Treaty to be held as soon as possible. Genl. Schyler will be added to-day.
2
A plan is preparing to put the department of finance into omission & regulate its powers.
3
The Superintendent professes his intention of resigning in May. But I observe his partizans are much against the Report. Therefore either he is insincere or they servile. Perhaps both.
We talk of adjourning in May & leaving a Committee of the States. It will I think be wrong; but some Members are so afraid of a southern Climate in the Summer, that they take it for granted they shall die unless they adjourn.
My love to Mrs. Bland. Compts. to Mr. Tucker.
Adieu
Receiver's copy, Theodorus Bailey Myers Collection, New York Public Library.
1 That is, the marquis de Barbé-Marbois.
2 For Philip Schuyler's election this day, see JCC, 26:207 - 8.
3 See Committee of Congress to Robert Morris, March 30, note 1.