n
object of attention, not only to the people of this country, but to
those of Europe, and give weight to those suspicions of attachment to
England, which, as it is her policy to keep up, it should be ours on
every occasion to discourage. Congress will judge how far it is proper
to suggest any measures to the State of Massachusetts. I take the
liberty to submit to them, whether at least it would not be expedient
to adopt such resolutions as would leave the Executive of that State
uninfluenced in their conduct towards him, by his being the bearer of
public despatches. Congress will observe, that I have no personal
acquaintance with Mr Temple, nor any knowledge of facts, which would
lead me to suspect his principles, other than the matters, which are
above stated and publicly known.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Philadelphia, November 25th, 1781.

Sir,

I enclose to Congress the heads of the communication, which I had the
honor to make to them on the 23d, as far as I could obtain permission
from the Minister of France to reduce them to writing. There is but
one omission, the reason of which was assigned at the time I made the
verbal communication. I also enclose an extract of a letter from the
Count de Vergennes to the Minister of France, as translated and
communicated to me by him, which I have thought it necessary to submit
to the perusal of the Superintendent of Finance.

I am at a loss to judge whether Congress intended in their reference
of General Duportail's letter, that I should report to them, or write
to Dr Franklin on the subject myself; supposing the latter to have
been the case, I have accordingly written; but lest I may have been
mistaken, I submit my letter to their inspection, and if it is not
conformable to their intentions, I beg to be honored with their
further direction.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

* * * * *

GENERAL GREENE TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Camp Round O, South Carolina, }
December 13th, 1781. }

Dear Sir,

Your favor of the 22d of October came to hand a day or two since.