I had the Pleasure of re[ceivin]g two Days ago your Letter of the 30 Novr. by Mr Mitchel—it was the next Morning laid before Congress.1

Nine States are now represented, but as yet little progress has been made in the Business before them. My Report on the Infractions of the Treaty complained of by Britain, has been referred to a new Committee and I think a very good one;—various Opinions prevail on the Subject and I cannot conjecture what the ultimate Decision of Congress on it will be.—2

The Insurrection in massachusetts seems to be suppressed, & I herewith inclosed the papers containing the Details we have recd. since the 6th. Instant when I wrote to You by the Packet. Your Sentiments on that Business prove to have been just—I ought to write to you fully on many Subjects, but I am not yet enabled—when I shall be cannot be predicted. our Govt. is unequal to the Task assigned it, & the People als begin also to percieve its Inefficiency—The Convention gains Ground—New York has instructed her Delegates to move in Congress for a Recommendation to the States to form a Convention;—for this State dislikes the Idea of a Convention unless countenanced by Congress. I do not promise myself much further ^immediate^ Good from the Measure than that it will tend to approximate the public Mind to the Changes which ought to take place—It is hard to say what those Changes should be exactly—one I am sure is there is one however wh. I think wd be much for the better vizt. to distribute the fœderal Sovereignty into its three proper Departmts. of executive Legislative and judicial; for the to make ^that^ Congress ^shd.^ act in these different Capacities is ^was^ I think a great Mistake in ^our^ Policy.—

This State in their present Session is repealing the decision has greatly moderated their Severities to the Tories; a Law having been passed to restore the great a very great Majority of those resident here to the Rights of Citizens—I hope all Discriminations inconsistent with the Treaty of peace will gradually be abolished, as Resentment subsides and gives place to Reason and good Faith. But my Dear Sir we labour under one sad Evil the Treasury is empty tho’ the Country abounds in Resources, and our people are far more unwilling than unable to pay Taxes—Hence result Disappointment to our Creditors, Disgrace to the our Country, and I fear Disinclination in too many to any mode of Govt. that can easily & irresistibly open their Purses—Much is to be done, and the Patriots must have Perseverance as well as Patience—I am Dr Sir Yr. affte. Friend & Servt.