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A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
Letters of Delegates to Congress: Volume 17 March 1, 1781 - August 31, 1781 --Rhode Island Delegates to William Greene
Sir, Philadelphia 24th July 1781
On Tuesday last Mr. Mowery arrived in Philadelphia and has taken his Seat in Congress accordingly. (1) Congress have lately received, by the Way of France, a large Number of intercepted Letters from Lord George Germaine &c to Sir Henry Clinton &c. In wch. it appears that the British were full in their Expectation of all the States Southward and Westward of the Hudson River being returned to their Allegiance before this Period. They expected that General Washington would be confined to the eastern States, and that Sir Henry Clinton would be able to detach a considerable Force to Nova Scotia to enable General Mc.Clain to reduce the Province of Main, & form an Establishment for the Tories, at and near Penobscot. Under these Circumstances they expected this Campaign would finish the War, & oblige America to supplicate for Peace upon Terms of Submission. From this Apprehension the Court of London has refused the Mediation offered by the Court of Russia for reestablishing Peace between Great Britain and Holland. By Accounts from Virginia, we learn that Lord Cornwallis has divided his Force, one part of which is going Southward, one part to New York, and the remainder will form a Post at Portsmouth.
General Greene has reduced Augusta, but raised the Siege of Ninety-Six. We are informed that Admiral Digby has arrived at New York with Five Sail of the Line, but are not certain. The Court of Versaille is determined to effect a Naval Superiority in these Seas in Course of the Campaign, and appear extremely anxious for the Safety of the united States.
We have the Honor of being Sir, with great Esteem, your Excellency's most obedient, & very humble Servts.
Dnl Mowry
J M Varnum
P.S. It appears in one of Lord George Germaine's Letters, (2) that Vermont were in the King's Allegiance. We hope this is not true; but shews the Necessity of terminating the Disputes respecting that Territory. Congress are now upon the Subject; but what will be the Result, we cannot ascertain.
RC (R-Ar: Letters to Governors). Written by Varnum and signed by Varnum and Mowry.
1 Daniel Mowry took his seat in Congress on Friday July 20.JCC, 20:768.
2 That is, Germain's February 7, 1781, letter to Sir Henry Clinton, which is quoted in Thomas McKean to George Washington, July 17, 1781.
Page 443
JULY 24, 1781
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