letter to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1783

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. llth, 1783.

DEAR SIR, Your favor of the 31st of January was safely brought by Mr. Thompson. That of the 7th instant came by yesterday's mail. The anecdote related in the first was new to me, and if there were no other key, would sufficiently decipher the implacability of the party triumphed over. In answer to the second, I can only say at this time, that I feel deeply for your situation,! that I approve of the choice you have made among its difficulties, and that every aid which can depend on me shall be exerted to relieve you from them. Before I can take any step with propriety, however, it will be expedient to feel the sentiments of Congress, and to advise with some of my friends. The first point may possibly be brought about by your letter to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, which I suppose came too late yesterday to be laid before Congress, but which will, no doubt, be handed in this morning.

The time of Congress since you left us has been almost exclusively spent on projects for a valuation of the land, as the federal articles require, and yet I do not find that we have got an inch forward towards the object. The mode of referring the task to the States, which had at first the warmest and most numerous support, seems to be in a manner abandoned, and

t Untoward detention at ANNAPOLIS, whither Mr. Jefferson had gone to embark for Europe as one of the commissioners to treat of peace. nothing determinate is yet offered on the mode of effecting it without their intervention. The greatest misfortune, perhaps, attending the case is, that a plan of some kind is made an indispensable preliminary to any other essay for the public relief. I much question whether a sufficient number of States will be found in favor of any plan that can be devised, as I am sure that in the present temper of Congress a sufficient number cannot, who will agree to tell their constituents that the law of the Confederation cannot be executed, and to propose an amendment of it.

Congress yesterday received from Mr. Adams severaldated September, not remarkable for anything unless it be a fresh display of his vanity, and prejudice against the French court, and his venom against Doct. Franklin. Other preparations for the post do not allow me to use more cypher at present.

I have a letter from Randolph dated February 1, confirming the death of his aunt. You are acquainted, no doubt, with the course the estate is to take. He seems disposed, in case he can make a tolerable compromise with his father's creditors, to resign his appointment under the State, and go into the Legislature. His zeal for some Continental arrangement as essential for the public honor and safety forms at least one of his motives, and I have added all the fuel to it in my power.

My neglect to write to you heretofore has proceeded from a hope that a letter would not find you at Baltimore, and no subject has occurred for one of sufficient importance to follow you. You shall henceforward hear from me as often as an occasion presents, until your departure forbids it.

The ladies and gentlemen to whom I communicated your respects return them with equal sincerity, and the former, as well as myself, very affectionately include Miss Patsy in the object of them.

I am, dear sir, your sincere friend.