My last to you was written on the 24 November & together with the was committed to the Care of Mr Rendon, who then expected to sail from Philada. ^take his passage in^ a spanish Frigate which was then soon to sail from Philadelphia. But the weather becoming so severe as to freeze the Delaware, he has Returned to this Place an in order to go in a Merchant Vessel, that will leave this port in a Day or two—1

Congress have thought proper to recall Mr Lamb—Copies of their Act for that purpose have been sent transmitted to Mr Adams and Mr Jefferson, and it is more than probable that from them Mr Lamb has long Recd. them last last Fall—It nevertheless appeared to me expedient to take the first opportunity of enclosing a Copy in a Letter directed to Mr Lamb—You will find it herewith enclosed, and I beg the favor of you to forward it to him, in Case he should not have already sailed for America.2

In my abovementioned Letter to You, you will find a Reference it refers you ^to^ a Letter which you wd. recieve through Mr Jefferson, respecting the Demands of South Carolina on the Court of Spain for the use of their Frigate—It was then understood that the Prince of Luxenburgh was interested in her, but I have since ^learned^ that the King of France was the real owner; and his M Ambassador at Madrid will I flatter myself recieve Instructions to promote the Success of your application—3

Since the 3d. Day of Novr. last a sufficient Number of States to do Business have not been represented in Congress, and it is doubtful whether some Weeks more will not elapse before that will be the Case—Hence it is that I am obliged to be less particular in my than I should otherwise be on sundry Subjects

The public Papers have informed you of Commotions in Massachusetts—They have not yet subsided, altho that Government haves manifested great Moderation, and condescended to hear the Complaints of the malcontents with much Respect—What may be the Issue of those Disturbances, or how far they will extend, it ^is^ as yet far from certain.

The Inefficiency of the fœderal Governmt. becomes more and more manifestly, and how it is to be amended is a Question that engages the serious attention of the best people in all the States. Endeavours are making to form a Convention for the Purpose, but it is not clear that all the States will join in that Measure. On this and ^some^ other great points the public mind is fluctuating tho uneasy—perhaps a few months more may produce a greater Degree of Decision—4

The Treaty with portugal has not yet reached us ^it seems is not^ yet completed — nor are we exactly apprized of the obstacles which prevent it it seems meets with obstacles—I wish they may not be insuperable; for I view a commercial Connection with that nation and also with Spain, as beneficial to us all^ the Parties—^ Our Treaty with Spain also has its Difficulties—you can easily conjecture what they are.5

The inclosed Letter^s^ for Messrs. Montgomery at Alicant, was ^were^ sent to me from Boston sometime ago to be forwarded by a Vessel which it was then thought had arrived here from Spain, & would soon returned. She has not arrived, and therefore I take this opportunity of conveying them ^it them^ to You, and requesting you to forward them [illegible] by the Post to Alicant.6

An additional packet of public papers will accompany this—one of your Letters [illegible] to my Information & testaments on that head. I have the Honor to be Sir your most obedt. & hble Servt