Phila. Sepr 19th 1780
My dear Sir,
I need not inform you of the difficulties Congress labour under for the want of Money, you are already Sensible of them but what makes this distress the more Melancholy is, that there is no immediate prospect of relief.
The New State Money of Penna. as well as the New Continental Emissions, is refused at Market, And what is extraordinary the Country people will not Sell for Gold, unless at exorbitt. prices; but seem to prefer the old Continental and Provisions for that Money are reasonable. Veal from 3½ to 5 Dolls & Mutton from 4 to 5.
We have received information wch is not doubted, that Admiral Rodney with 12 Sail (11 of which of the Line) are arrived at New York. And it is immagined that the French Fleet & Troops at Rhode Island are the Object in view.
Two days have been taken up in debating How far Congress will allow Virga. &c. to hold Back Lands,1 with Endemnity of Expenses for Conquered Territory. That business is not yet compleatly finished, but I think it premature, others have thought the measure would accelerate the Confederation. I think that it will rather retard it.
I understand that the New England States are to have a Congress soon to which they have invited New York to send Deputys. What this will End in a little time will discover. Pray inform me when you think the Assembly will meet.
With my respectful Compliments to Mrs. Lee, I am, Dr Sir Your affectionate Servt.Daniel of St Thos. Jenifer2
Receiverâs copy, Lee, Horsey and Carroll Papers deposit (1985), Maryland Historical Society.
1 See James Madison to Joseph Jones, this date.
2 Jenifer also wrote a second brief letter to Lee this day: "This moment we have received information from South Carolina that the Maryland Line that were made Prisoners are retaken by Coll Marrion of South Carolina." Lee, Horsey, and Carroll Papers deposit, MdHi.