James Duane to Robert R. Livingston, John Jay, Gouverneur Morris, and Robert Yates, 19 April 1777
Phila d 19 th . April 1777 1
My dear Sirs
We arrived in this City on Wednesday afternoon. 2 If you talk seriously to its Inhabitants you–l find them full of the Expectation of ^ a Visit from ^ Gen l Howe–s but examine their Conduct and the Appearance of everything about you, & you cannot but conclude that they are in a State of the most perfect Tranquility and Security. Talk to them about the scandalous depreciation of the continental and other paper money: and the extravagant Prices of all Commodities, they may go so far as to express their Concern; but they ^ afect to ^ consider it as an irremediable misfortune and nothing is farther from their Thoughts than to provide a ^ Plan for ^ Reformation– Their Supreme executive have adjourned themselves for a Month– Executive adjournd, say you, how is that possible? Sirs they have adjournd; not for Want of Business, for surely no Country ever cried more loudly for a vigilant active and decisive Government. They have adjourned because–faith I cannot tell you why–perhaps ^ for ^ the Want of Authority to save their Country under their new Constitution–perhaps for want of Resolution to exercise the power they have. Under these Circumstances, the civil Governours having in affect abdicated for a month, Congress has interposed and supplied an executive as you–l observe by the Resolution enclos–d– 3 with the free Consent of the sleeping executive Congress might have taken the whole power of the State into their Hands and provided for it–s Safety as they pleasd.– It is evident that this same ^ supreme authority ^ executive are under Apprehensions that must incumber and defeat all Business– They must not make themselves Odious ! The People may not [ submit to ?] ^ be satisfied with ^ such a Measure! They wish Congress would direct what they think best! They will chearfully submit every thing to our superior Wisdom &c. &c. I am of Opinion that Congress will recommend the Arrival of the Committees ^ of Inspection &c. ^ as essential to the Salvation of the State– It is truly the only System which can give sufficient Vigour Unanimity and Stability to publick Measures. These refined Speculative Plans may amuse: in times of peace they may produce Happiness: But Flagrante bello they afford no Hope of Success, no Prospect of Advantage–
The Reputation of our State stands high tho– on the floor we are surrounded with Strangers. This is an evil which will be cured by good Manners and Sociability– It is in our power to be civil , as we keep House, and shall always have company when we dine at Home. I say we keep House, as we have taken a boarding House for our exclusive Use–
We ^ have ^ got a Committee appointed to of one Member from each State to examine into General Schuyler–s Conduct: but not without great difficulty and objections from our Neighbours– It was pretended That there was not Complaint against him; no Accusor & that therefore an Enquiry was absurd– This subtle Evasion did not pass. I am confident that Schuyler will be acquitted with Honour. 4
Docter Young formerly of our State has published an Address to our Mountaineers advising them ^ to ^ be firm in their Revolt; and expresly assuring them that this is the Opinion & wish of many leading members of Congress– 5 Col. Floyd 6 assured ^ informd ^ us that he had not been able, tho– he livd with Roger Sharman, to make the least discovery of such a disposition–
I have only time now to add that I am with Complements to all our Friends, and the utmost Regard to yourselves Dear Gent. Your most Obe dt hum l Serv t
Ja s . Duane
Rob t . R. Livingston John Jay Gouv r . Morris & Rob t . Yates Esq r .