A few days since—by the Chevr De Chatteleaux I had the honor to receive your favor of the 19th of March introductory of him, and thank you for bringing me acquainted with a Gentleman of his merit, knowledge, and agreeable manners. I spent several days very happily with him at our Camp near the Great Falls of Passaic in New Jersey before the Army removed to its places of Cantonment the principle of which is at West point in the vicinity of this Village where I make my Quarters.1

Disappointed of the second division of French Troops—but more especially in the expected Naval Superiority which was the pivot upon which everything turned,2 we have been compelled to make an inactive campaign after a flattering prospect at the opening of it, and vigorous struggles to make it a decisive one on our part. Latterly, we have been obliged to become spectators of a succession of detachments from the Army at New York in aid of Lord Cornwallis,3 while our Naval weakness and the political dissolution of a large part of our Army puts it out of our power to counteract them to the Southward, or take advantage of them here.

The movements of Lord Cornwallis during the last month or two, have been retrograde4—what turn the late reinforcements which have been sent to him may give to his affairs—remains to be known—I have reinforced also, principally with Horse,5 but the length of the March is so much opposed to the measure that every Corps, in a greater or lesser degree is ruined that encounters it.

I am happy however in assuring you that a better disposition never prevailed in the Legislatures of the several States than does at this time. The folly of temporary expedients are seen into & exploded—and vigor⟨ous⟩ efforts will be used to obtain a permanent Army & carry on the War systematically if the obstinacy of Great Britain should compel us to continue it. We want nothing but the aid of a Loan to enable us to put our Finance into a tolerable train.6 The Cou⟨n⟩try does not want resources—but we the means of drawing them forth.

It is unnecessary for me to go into a more detail acct of our Affairs as you are doubtless officially advised of every material occurrence. I shall therefore only add my compliments to Mr Adams7—and the strongest assurances of being With the greatest esteem & respect Dr Sir Yr most Obt & H: Ser.