Philadelphia, June 8th, 1779.
Dear Sir,
I had the honour of addressing you under the 1st instant.1 From that day to our yesterday’s adjournment, we have made no progress in the treasury business, nor in our foreign affairs - none at all. This morning is appointed for resuming the latter. Mr. Deane sent a letter yesterday, which he intimates will be his last: he requests an adjustment of his expenses; and, if I remember right, his salary - the letter was committed to the board of treasury. Colonel Wadsworth has laid before Congress an alarming state of his department, and again declares his intention to resign. No less alarming is an explanation from the board of war, respecting essential articles within their sphere. America trusts to . . . and . . . to the chapter of accidents,2 that mere accident which lately happened in South Carolina, will prove an excellent interposition in our favour - we shall turn tâother side, and go to sleep again. Enclosed with this you will receive a letter which Mr.Lovell delivered me yesterday; I suppose it came by the post; and also Dunlapâs paper of this morning.
I am, with very great esteem and regard, Dear sir, your obedient and humble servant.
Henry Laurens.
Printed in R. H. Lee, Memoir of the Life of Richard Henry Lee and his Correspondence, 2:233.
1 Not found.
2 Ellipses in tr.