New York June 10. 1785
My dear Friend,
By Mr. Alexander White of Frederick, I had the honor of writing to you from Trenton before Christmas last,1 but I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you in return, which causes me to doubt your having received that letter. Our intelligence from Europe is not very interesting. The Ministry & Parliament of G. Britain seem to be absorbed in the dispute about the Commerce of Ireland, a subject of important discussion, & which will probably produce great discontent whichever way determined. Congress has sent Mr. John Adams Plenipotentiary to the Court of London for the settlement of our remaining disputes. Upon the Continent of Europe their differences appear to be settling without bloodshed - The Emperor having yielded (so far as we are informed), his claims upon the Scheld. A Plenipotentiary from Spain has arrived at Philadelphia and is daily expected here. We shall soon learn from him whether or not his Master is disposed to consent to our free use of the navigation of Mississippi with Spain. You will see in the public papers the Congressional ordinance for selling the lands lately purchased of the Indians Northwest of Ohio for the pay[men]t of our public debt. This will offer 10 millions of Acres for Sale at a dollar pr. Acre of liquidated Certificates for debt due from the U. States. This, with the Lands to be sold hereafter between the Southern bounds of the present Sale and the Mississippi, will I hope, discharge the great burthen of debt created by the late war - And make us realy a free & independent people. We have an American Coinage in view, and a better regulation of the Post Office, with such further Treaties with the Indians as will secure peace with them, and extinguish all their claims to Land within the limits of the U. States. Having thus given you a detail of affairs here, will you permit me to enquire of you how all things do with you - does the Wheat, Oats, rye, Barley &c, &c, &c grow kindly - Are the people healthy, sociable, & happy - And above all, is my esteemed old friend General Stephen happy & in good health? If you please, remember me affectionately to Colo. Martin, Mr. White, & Colo. Thruston.2
I am dear Sir yours with the sincerest esteem & affection,
Richard Henry Lee
Receiver's copy, Miscellaneous Manuscripts, New York Historical Society.
1 Not found. White (1738 - 91) was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Frederick Co.
2 That is, Gen. Adam Stephen (1730 - 91) of Berkeley Co., Thomas Bryan Martin (1731 - 98) of Frederick Co., and Charles Mynn Thruston (1738 - 1812) of Frederick Co.