ich we have had the honor to write jointly to
Congress, was of the 20th of July,[52] and as we have sent several
copies of it by different opportunities, we hope one of them, at
least, will get safe to hand. Since our last, there has been an
important action at sea, between two very powerful fleets, in which,
in our opinion, the French had a manifest and great advantage. But as
all the newspapers in Europe are full of this transaction, and we have
taken, in our separate capacities, every opportunity to transmit these
papers to Congress, we think it needless to be more particular
concerning that event in this letter.

The French fleet, on the 11th of last month, again put to sea, and on
the 22d Admiral Keppel sailed. By the best intelligence from London
the populace are amused, and the public funds are supported by hopes
given out, by administration of peace, by an acknowledgment of
American independency. But as the credulity of that nation has no
bounds, we can draw no inference from this general opinion, that such
is the intention of government. We suppose that rumor to be a
consequence of the mischievous determination of the Cabinet, to
propose independence on condition of a separate peace.

We are here, at this moment, in a state of the most anxious and
critical suspense, having heard nothing from Count d'Estaing, nor from
America, since the 11th of July.

Congress will be informed by Mr Arthur Lee, respecting the Court of
Spain.

We have taken measures in Amsterdam for borrowing money of the Dutch,
but what success we shall have we cannot yet say. We have also asked
leave of this government to borrow money in this kingdom, but having
no answer we cannot say whether we shall get permission or not. We
have yesterday applied for a continuation of the quarterly payment of
seven hundred and fifty thousand livres; what the answer will be we
know not; if it is in the negative, the consequence must be plain to
Congress and to us. It is at all times wisest and safest, both for the
representative and his constituent, to be candid, and we should think
ourselves criminal if we should disguise our just apprehensions.

Congress then will be pleased to be informed, that all the powers of
Europe are now armed or arming themselves by land or sea, or both, as
there seems to be a universal apprehension of a general war. Such is
the situation of European nations at least, that no one can arm itself
without borrowing money. Beside