Gouverneur Morris to John Jay, 3 January 1780
Phila: 3 d Jan y . 1780.
D r Jay.
You will doubtless be glad to hear News from this Quarter. Your Friends are all well. Our Army are hutted in the Vicinity of Morris Town except a Detachment consist. of the North Carolina & Virginia Troops who are on their March to the Southward three thousand – The Don on the Part of the Governor of havannah did lately propose to Congress to assist in the Reduction of Florida .– 1 They have given every proper Assurance of their good Intentions, more they cannot do. You will be pleased to hear that the continental Money is on the mending Hand. This is the Case so much that Gold which a Fortnight ago was scarce at forty five is now plenty at Thirty five as I am told. Among other Causes this may partly be attributed to the Loquacity of draw g . on you for one hundred thousand pounds Sterling & Lawrence as much .– 2 I hope you are in Spain and doing well. Young Lawrence hath resigned his Secretaryship. Lovell in nomin n with six votes . 3 About a Week ago a british Fleet of Transports sailed from the Hook with about six thousand Troops. We have had since two tremendous Storms one of which now rages. Rely on it that European money is absolutely necessary for us – We begin to Åconomize which is a good Sign. I would advise to send a Squadron of twelve of sixty guns Some Frigates and men down to new York to arrive there the first of June–that City w d . fall, and of consequence halifax–on this last depends new found land–perhaps Canada–the Squadron might careen at Halifax victual them to Chessapeake and take in provision by the first of October . Whatever may be the Fate of the Floridas this Winter they would certainly fall the next and perhaps all the british Islands. The Destruction of Portsmouth would injure Great Britain but the Loss of her Islands would almost ruin her. Peace will I beleive soon be necessary for all Parties. Adieu Remember me to my Friends & beleive me most sincerely yours
Gouv Morris