The present State of Politics Having Been laid Before Congress, I shall the Less intrude on their time with Repetitions, as the late transactions in Holland Have Nothing pleasing to dwell Upon1—That the Republican party Have Been disunited in Many Respects and Blinded in the Choice of a General that Our Cabinet Have Been treacherously deceived are true, But insufficient Apologies—the Ottomans, Roused By England, will probably Pay their folly with one Half of their Empire—it Now lies with England whether a Maritime War is to Break out, which Must involve the Continent and Connect france with the two imperial Courts. France is Sincere in Her politics and Moderate in Her Pretensions as it is the Ardent wish of the king Ministers and Nation, to devote themselves to Internal Improvements—But the Affairs of Holland those in the East, the Giddiness of the King of Prussia’s Head and British Rancour for the Assistance Given to America Are Causes of war which, Notwithstanding the disposition of this Ministry may probably Be Blown up in Great Britain.

It is Natural for A Citizen and Servant of the United States2 to Consider what Effect a Maritime war would Have Upon them—and I am Happy to find, in their indulgence and long Experienced Confidence, Every Encouragement to Offer my Opinion—

A Cooperation Against a Proud and Rancourous Ennemy would Equally please my politics as a french Man, My feelings as an American, My views as an Individual—I was Nine Years Ago Honoured with the choice of Congress to Command an Army into Canada, and Never Have I Ceased to Enjoy the prospect of its enfranchisement—a Successful war too Might divide the fisheries Between France and America—But are not the United States so Circumstanced for the present, as to Render a War too Expensive for them and too dangerous to their Commerce?

Convinced, as I am, that it is the Case, I think myself Bound in duty and love for them, Not to indulge My Ambition farther than a Neutrality useful to them, and favourable to their Allies—Every American Harbour will offer a Shelter for the french ships, a Market for their prizes, and all the Conveniences of Repair and Victualling—all which, Being Consistent with treaties,3 Gives No Ground of Complaint—Altho the trade is Going on Between England and America, it does not Hinder the french Colonies from being Supplied with all their wants—Privateering itself, if under french Colours, does no Harm—and so may the United States Enrich themselves with a free trade with Both Nations, at the Same time that they Maintain their own tranquillity and Help their Allies—and should they Be forced into a war, I would wish at least it was delaïed as long as possible, and postponed, for Obvious Reasons, to the last Campaign.

It is to Be Confessed that france might lay Some Claims on more decisive Measures, But Sensible as she is of the Unavoidable Situation of Affairs in America, I Have Reasons to Believe She would Not Hurry Her into a war, and will Be Satisfied with Such a friendly, Helping Neutrality

But I Consider the present time as a proper one to Obtain the Restoration of the forts, and perhaps the Navigation of the Mississippy, two points which I Confess I Could Never Submit to the idea of Giving Up—The one is ours By the Laws of Nations, the other by the laws of Nature, and May I Be permitted to add that Either Concession Would Be inconsistent with the Character of the United States

Mr jefferson Gives an Account of the Measure He Has taken Respecting the Commerce Between this kingdom and America—I wish that Affair Had Been terminated in time for the departure of Count de Moustier, a Gentleman whose personal Character will, I trust, deserve the Confidence and Approbation of Congress

We are Anxiously waiting for the Result of the Convention at Philadelphia as an Event which Being Engrafted on the present dispositions of the people, will probably add a Lustre, and a proper weight to the Affairs of America in Europe, and while it Insures internal Happiness and prosperity, will Baffle the insidious wishes, and Annihilate the Absurd Reports of her enemies

The Next Month is the Appointed time for the Sessions of all provincial Assemblies, An Establishment Which Will Be productive of the Best Consequences.

The liberty I Have taken to Express my Opinion On an Event not Certain it is true, But Not improbable, Cannot be Apologized for on Any principles of Vanity or Self Sufficiency, But on those of the Gratitude So well Grounded, and the Unbounded Zeal which shall Ever Rank me Among the Most devoted Servants of the United States With Every Sentiment of personal Attachment and Regard I Have the Honour to be dear Sir Your obedient Humble Servant