STON.

* * * * *

CIRCULAR TO THE GOVERNORS OF THE STATES.

Philadelphia, November 12th, 1781.

Sir,

Congress some time since, called upon the different States to make
returns of the damage done by the enemy within each of them, by the
wanton destruction of property, and no measures, that I can learn,
have as yet been taken to ascertain such damage, though as your
Excellency will easily conceive, it may become an important object of
inquiry, whenever a treaty shall be set on foot for a general
pacification, or be made to answer valuable purposes during the war,
by showing our enemies in their true light to the nations of Europe.

In this view, I think it my duty to endeavor to collect them, and you
will, Sir, I am persuaded, take the necessary measures to send as soon
as possible, returns from the State over which you preside. I could
wish to have the damages, (particularly that to real property,)
ascertained by the affidavits of people of known characters, and
duplicate copies of such affidavits transmitted to my officers, under
the great seal of your State, and, if possible, accompanied with a
short recital of each transaction, so that it may at once appear,
whether the injuries were such as the laws of war justified, or
whether they originated only in the malice and cruelty of the enemy.

Your Excellency will oblige me, and serve the public, by transmitting
to me accounts of every occurrence, in which the United States are
materially interested, which may arise within your government, or
which you may derive from your correspondents abroad.

I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Philadelphia, November 18th, 1781.

Sir,

The subject mentioned in the letters of Mr Adams, and their
enclosures, requiring their express direction, I humbly submit to the
consideration of Congress.

In Dr Franklin's letter of the 6th of August to Mr Adams, he informs
him, "that he cannot depend on receiving any more money in France
applicable to the support of the Ministers of Congress, and that what
aids are thereafter granted, will probably be transmitted by the
government directly to America." Congress need no argume