I embrace this Opportunity by Mr: Sands1 of writing to You with respect to a Matter which I conceive extremely important and interesting—

In Loudon’s last Paper we have Mr. Deane’s Letter to the Public, which, as it is extracted from the Philadelphia Gasette You have undoubtedly seen— Altho I sincerely lament the Occasion which rendered this Publication necessary, yet from other Considerations I am pleased to see it, and hope it will be productive of salutary Consequences— I am equally unacquainted with Messr: Lees & Mr: Dean, there is ^however^, I am persuaded, Delinquency some where, either in [the] latter for publishing Falshoods destructive of that Confidence in Congress, on which the public Safety essentially depends, or in the former, supposing the Facts charged against them to be true.

This Address from Mr. Dean makes no inconsiderable Noise here and exceedingly engages the attention of the Public, and it is suggested that a Memorial will be presented to the Legislature at their next Meeting to take up the Matter; indeed I think it will be the Duty, not only of Us, but of every Legislature upon the Continent independent of any Directions from our Constituents.2

Should We enter upon the Consideration of this Affair what Mode of Procedure will be adopted I do not know, though I imagine the Result will be only Instructions to our Delegates to investigate the Truth and exert themselves that the Offenders be brought to Justice— You would oblige Me with Your Sentiments as to the Propriety of such a measure and as You are on the Spot, acquainted with the Circumstances and consequently can determine the Proceedings which will produce the most good and best apply to the Case, I wish You would furnish Me with a Draft of the Resolutions, which You may think will most effectually answer the purpose— You may be assured that whatever You may communicate to Me upon this Occasion, Your Name shall remain concealed—

Misfortunes resulting from Want of Ability I can bear with Patience, but such as arise from Want of Integrity excite my Resentment in spite of all my Philosophy and I feel an Indignation inexpressible at those Traytors who under the Mask of Freindship would sacrifice the public Happiness at the shrine of their private of private3 Interest. I trust the same Feelings and Sentiments possess Your Breast— Exert Yourself My Dear Friend— Cry aloud and spare not.

As the Legislature meet early in the next Month the sooner I hear from You the better. Beleive Me to be sincerely yours