James Duane to John Jay, 3 August 1777

[Phila d . 3 d . Aug t . 1777]

Dear Sir

I enclose you a Letter from France for yourself and another to M r . Platt 1 which ^ last ^ you–€™l be pleased to forward with my respectful Compliments.

General Howe and his grand fleet to the utter Astonishment and Vexation of the People here have disappeard as every necessary preparation for his Reception was made. He has left us to guess at his next Attempt–€” 2

General Schuyler to humour the Eastern people who declare that their Militia will not fight under his command is recalled. 3 As is S t . Clair for surrendering Ticonderoga & in order to take his Trial which he has demanded. 4 Congress have left it to General Washington to name the Commander of the Northern Department; On whom that arduous Task will fall is yet unknown? 5

Is it possible, my dear Sir, that Burgoine at the head of not more than 6000 men can dare to penetrate into the Country in defiance of the numberless Enemies he must have to encounter–€”two years ago ^ such an ^ attempt would have been thought fortunate for America, and now it terrifies. Oh New England are thou so fallen, so lost to publick Virtue!

The Accounts from France are flattering–€” Our Ambassadors have negotiated very considerable Loans of money and Supplies of Ammunition and Goods; & assure us that all Europe except England are our Friends–€” 6

I have no time to add–€”to say the Truth I can hardly perswade myself to write this much–€” Since two long Letters to you & M r . Livingston &c. I remain totally disregarded! 7 I Present my respectful Compl ts to M rs . Jay and believe me to be with great Respect Dear Sir Your most Ob t . & very hum bl Serv t .

Ja s . Duane