George Clinton to John Jay, 29 April 1778
Poughkeepsie 29 th . April 1778
Dear Sir
A few Days since M r . Benson enclosed Lord Norths famous Speech (in the English House of Commons) to M r . McKesson for the perusal of the Court & I now enclose you Copies of the two Bills aluded to therein. 1 His Lordship is two years too late with this political Maneuvre– This at the Time of his former Conciliatory Proposition (as he calls it) woud have divided & ruined us. At this Day it will have a very different Effect it gives Spirit to our Friends & divides & disheartens our Enemies– The Tories (as Brasher 2 woud express it) are all aback– The Account of these Measures and of his Majesty–s most Gracious Disposition towards us had hardly reached us before we were enabled to Account for the great Change– Cap t . Deane Brother to Silas arrived the Day before yesterday at Fishkill (on his Way to Congress) in forty Days from France– 3 He came on a French Ship encharged with Dispatches from that Court to Congress of great Importance– He travelled with an Escort of Light Horse– Particulars have not yet transpired–. This much I may venture to tell you as a Truth–a Treaty is concluded between that Court & our Embassadors 4 these very favourable to these States (of which Cap t . Deane was charged with the Counterpart) I believe I may ^ farther ^ venture to say it is more so than coud have been expected– A Sensible Friend of ours who has had an Opportunity of learning the particulars writes me so.– Shoud not Lord Norths Speech & the two Bills be published with some strictures on them 5 I think it woud have a good effect & I wish you coud spare a Little Time to prepare them for the Press.
By a Letter inclosing some Resolutions of Congress 6 I learn Gen l Gates is to Command in this Department including what was formerly the Northern Department– Gen l Starke is to be employed under him to the Northward at his particular Request. Gen l McDougal 7 on Gates–s Arrival which is daily expected is to Join the Grand Army Our good Fortune not our Wise Management must save us. Instability & Folly cant ruin us or it woud have been effected –ere now.
You must accept this Uncorrect Scroll or nothing– I am not able even to read it over there is a Crowd about me that I am not likely to get rid of soon–& M rs . Clinton is very Sick. Adieu Believe me yours Sincerely
Geo. Clinton
Chief Justice Jay