Princetown 28th June 1783
My dear Sir
The account of the removal of Congress to this place will have preceeded this letter.1 At first you would be surprised, but you would soon discover its propriety. The only thing at which you would not be surprised, would be the insufficiency of the Pennsylvania government to guard the honor and dignity of the United States, or preserve the peace of their own citizens. Under these circumstances it was unlucky for Annapolis that a detachment of our line in passing through Philadelphia exhibited the same mutinous disposition as the Pennsylvania troops.2 But for this, perhaps, a favorite scheme might have been carried into effect. But a removal to Annapolis would not have secured Congress from the soldiery, and this alone was enough to prevent it. Taking up the event however in a general view, I hope it will be favorable to our affairs; shew to all men the weakness of our confederation, and the absurdity of keeping men in a responsible situation without doing all in their power to furnish them with means to execute their trusts.
I find that we shall have a tryal of heads to restore us to Philadelphia. The influence of the City will be exerted. Let me pray you to come forward on this occasion. You will be able to render essential service. If we can be kept from Philadelphia, the want of the necessary buildings and personal conveniencies will soon drive us from this place. You know that Maryland is without a vote.
The definitive treaty has not arrived, the cession of Virginia is still unsettled, and we are yet without a peace arrangement.
Give my most cordial respects to Mrs. Lee and beleive me always and affectionately yours,
James McHenry
Receiver's copy, Miscellaneous Manuscripts, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis.
1 Undoubtedly a reference to Pres. Elias Boudinot's July 24 proclamation.
2 McHenry was referring to a detachment of Maryland's 3rd Regiment under Maj. Thomas Lansdale which had left camp June 5 and had arrived in Philadelphia June 12 on their march to Baltimore. See Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 26:470; and North Carolina Delegates to Alexander Martin, August 1, 1783.