I feel great satisfaction from your Excellencys dispatches by Capt Stapleton, conveying to me the welcome enunciation of your having received official Accounts of the Conclusion of a general Peace, and a Cessation of Hostilities.

Without official Authority from Congress—but perfectly relying on your Excellencys Communication, I can at this Time, only issue my Orders to the American Outposts to suspen’d all Acts of Hostilities, until further Orders. This shall be instantly done—and I shall be happy in the momentary Expectation of having it in my power to publish to the American Army, a general Cessation of all Hostilities between Great Britain & America.

To your Excellencys Observations respecting particular Articles of the Peace I am obliged to reply, that it rests with Congress to take measures for the Observance of all the Articles contained in the provisional Treaty. Your Excellency may be assured that as soon as I receive my Instructions from the Sovereign Power of these United States, I shall rejoyce in giving every facility in my power to carry into compleat Execution, that Article of the Treaty which respects the restitution of all prisoners of War—being perfectly disposed to contribute, as much as possible, to the diffusing the happy Effects of this great Event.

I have to thank your Excellency for the Assurances you are pleased to express of your readiness to cultivate that spirit of perfect good Will & Conciliation, which you wish should take place between the King of G. Britain and the United States, and the Citizens & Subjects of both Nations; And I beg Sir, that you will please to accept a Tender from me, of reciprocal good Will & Attention, accompanied with sincere Congratulations to your Excellency on this joyfull restoration of Peace & general Tranquility; and with an earnest wish, that, resting on the firm Basis of mutual Interest & good Will, it may prove as lasting as it is happy. I have the Honor to be With much Consideration Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & humble Servant