Your two letters of the 28th. April were delivered a few days ago on my return from Albany—another of the 23d. of May came to hand last night.1

On the future conduct of a certain General towards this State, will depend the countenance he may meet with in it.2 My endeavours shall not be wanting to render his situation as happy and agreeable as his behaviour may merit; and I am with you of opinion, that it will be more wise to prevent the repetition of past ill offices, than promote their continuation.

A history of the last session would be a history of blunders, arbitrary exactions of legislative powers, and unconstitutional measures for perpetuating committees and retarding the full organization and vigorous execution of government.

The Senate have not published their votes; a copy of those of the Assembly shall be sent you by some private conveyance; they are too voluminous to go by the Post.

The salary of the Govr is £2,000 Scot labored to reduce it to £1,000
The Chancellor——	£ 300
Chief Justice——	£ 300
P[uisne] Justices——	£ 200
Treasurer——	£ 300

Members of senate and assembly, 16/ per day

The other allowances are in the same stile, that is, some proportioned to the present and others to the former value of money influenced apparently by no other rule or distinction than party purposes— G. Bancker is Treasurer—£10,000 security was demanded and given. Scot is Secretary. He was at the Council and made up the necessary number of members when appointed, but did not vote, of which at his instance an entry was made in their minutes.3

The operation of the measures of the Legislature on the minds of their constituents,—the systems they have produced, and the aspect they have on private influence and public reputation, are improper to be trusted to the uncertain fate of a letter. Here is field for guessing— The supineness of certain persons is amazing. Like the austere man, they wish to reap what they sowed not. Yates and Schuyler are returned for the western district. An opposition was made to the former; it was feeble and has given him strength:—feeble, because those who conducted it were sure of success, and too indolent to ensure it or deserve it.

The Augean Stable will not for some time yet be cleaned in the way you mention.

The extracts you sent me relative to the proceedings against Schuyler and St Clair are calculated more to make a noise than decide: perhaps that was their object; if so, you have spoiled the plan. Your stating of charges is liable to one danger; possibly some of them may be such as, if supported, imply neither neglect nor criminality, and therefore will mislead. For instance, supposing one of the charges against General Schuyler should be his absence from Ticonderoga at the time of its seige. Was it his business to be there? I think not. A commander in chief putting himself for six or eight weeks in salva and et arca custodia is to me a new way of extending his care and superintendance to a whole department.4 Suppose, further, that this charge should be found true. What will be the next thing to be done? To say he is not to be censured for it! That wont do—because it would be saying that the charge was futile, or it would be telling the People you gave him mercy instead of justice.

The affair of Vermont doubtless requires more delicacy and address than Wit and sarcasm: but take care that while Rome consults Saguntum be not lost.5

The address of Congress is much liked, and has its use. I have not yet met with a single Whig in this State willing to accept peace on Lord North’s terms. A happy circumstance.

I am glad that arrangements employ so much of your time: nothing else can save us. Press the business of taxation, and assign days for the payment of Quotas—provide also, in time, for the payment of interest money. Delays ruin your funds.

The Quarter Master’s department at Albany is in very good order, and Lewis has and deserves credit for it.6

The Forage Master’s department here is not rightly managed; and, in my opinion, never will be, till in other hands. Bostwick never took care of his own business &c. &c.

Johannes Christopher Hartwick is alive.7 I saw him lately at Albany. I have known him these twelve years, and never otherwise than poor. A copy of that part of your letter which respects him shall be transmitted to him. I am persuaded he is the person intended by it.

However desirous I may at all Times be to see you, and however useful you would be at the ensuing session, I still doubt the propriety of your leaving Congress at present. I think I know the strength of your body, and I would not wish to diminish it, especially at a time when your task is so great and extensive.

The words “special occasion” if agitated here, would produce great contention; for though our hero has lost much influence, he still retains sufficient to create divisions. We may say of our friend Robert as somebody did of Homer “Aliquando nodit.”8

I this moment received your letter, without date, enclosing a Baltimore paper.9 In return I shall send you the first from this way that may equally deserve your notice.

I expect our friend P Livingston would leave the world, as his wit does him in a crack.10 He is one of the last men whom I ever expected to see fine drawn by a Hectic. I am sorry for him, and wish most sincerely that he may live, at least to enjoy the first fruits of our great contest—

Duer, I am told, is fairly worn down.11 He deserves much of his country. present my compliments to him.— Adieu Yours sincerely