I had the pleasure of writing to You on the 25th. Instant— As the Express which is to carry that Letter, will not depart ’till To morrow Morning, I have a good Opportunity of making this Addition to my Dispatches.1

Agreeable to the Desire of Congress, as well as my own Wishes, I have had the Satisfaction of conferring with the Marquis de la Fayette, on several interesting Subjects. He is as active in serving us in the Cabinet, as he has been in the Field, and (there being great Reason to believe that his Talents could be more advantageously employed here, than an inactive Campaign in America would admit of there) Doctor Franklin and myself, think it advisable that he should postpone his Return for the present— The marquis inclines to the same Opinion, and though anxious to join the Army, will remain here a little longer.2

The Intentions of the British Ministry, with Respect to us, are by no means clear— They are divided upon the Subject. It is said that Mr. Fox and his Friends incline to meet us on the Terms of Independence, but that Lord Shelburn and his adherents entertain an Idea of making a Compact with us, similar to that between Britain and Ireland, and there is Room to apprehend that Efforts will be made to open a negotiation on these Subjects at Philadelphia. When it is considered that the Articles of a general Peace cannot be discussed in America, and that propositions for a separate one ought not to be listened to, it is evident to me, that their sending out Commissions can be calculated for no other purpose than that of Intrigue. I should enlarge on this Topic, were I not persuaded that you will see this matter in the same point of View, and that any Proposition which they may offer will be referred to the American Commissioners in Europe.— How far it may be prudent to permit any British Agents to come into our Country on such an Ostensible Errand, is an easy Question, for where an unnecessary Measure may be dangerous, it should be avoided— They may write from New York whatever they may have to propose, and may receive Answers in the same manner.

If one may Judge from Appearances, the Ministry are very desirous of getting some of their Emissaries into our Country, either in an avowed, or in a private Character and, all things considered, I should think it most safe not to admit any Englishman, in either Character, within our Lines at this very critical Juncture. A mild, and yet firm Resolution on the Impropriety and Inexpediency of any negotiation for Peace in America would give great Satisfaction to our Friends and confirm their Confidence in us— We indeed, who know our Country, would apprehend no Danger from any Thing that british Agents might say or do to deceive or divide us— But the Opinions of Strangers, who must Judge by appearances, merit Attention; and it is doubtless best not only to be stedfast to our Engagements, but also to avoid giving occasion to the Slightest suspicions of a contrary Disposition.— An Opinion does prevail here, that in the Mass of our People there is a considerable number who, though resolved on Independence, would nevertheless prefer an Alliance with England to one with France, and this opinion will continue to have a certain Degree of Influence during the War. This Circumstance renders much Circumspection necessary.3 I am, with great Regard & Esteem, Dear Sir, &c.