Philada Decr 17. 1780

MY DEAR SIR

I have written several Letters to you & Mr D1 since the 28th of June when I last arrivd in this City.  I think I committed one to the Care of our Friend Mr Laurens, who is unfortunately carried to England.  Mr Palfrey, who is the Bearer of this, is appointed Consul in France; and besides his Consular Functions, he has it in charge to forward such Cloathing Arms &c as are or may be procured there for the Use of our Troops.  Great Exertions have been made the year past, in which old Massachusetts has borne her full Share, to be in Readiness to cooperate with our Ally, in an Attempt to give our Invaders a decisive Blow.  But the second Division of the french Squadron being blockd up in Brest, & a Reinforcement to the Enemy arriving from the West Indies, they have had the Superiority at Sea.  This was not our only Misfortune; for had the whole naval Force arrivd which we expected, I am inclind to believe we should have faild for Want of a Sufficiency of Powder.  By an unpardonable Neglect in somebody, that essential Article was not sent, as it ought to have been, in Season.  I have called it an unpardonable Neglect.  It appears so to me.  My Judgment, however, may be too severe.  I confess, I feel much chagrind, while I think that any thing has been omitted which might have been done, to have finishd the War with a glorious Campaign.  But Disappointments, tho vexatious, ought not to disconcert us.  They do not.  No Difficulties should discourage us in the Support of a Cause, so righteous in the Sight of Heaven as I believe ours to be, and so interresting to Mankind.  Our Creator has given us Understanding, — Strength of Body and a Country full of Provisions.  We must make a good Use of them, hoping that His blessing will crown our virtuous Struggle.  He helps those who make proper Exertions to help themselves.  Such Exertions are now making.  The States are called upon for an Army of 35,000 Men; and from past Experience of the great Expence, as well as Inutility of temporary Drafts, they are resolvd to have a well appointed Army early in the Field & inlisted for the War.  And effectual Measures are taken for the Purpose of providing Magazines in Season for its Subsistence.  The People at large, as far as I can learn, are as determind as ever to support their Independence, & for that End to carry on the War with Vigor.  If our Ally can furnish us with a decided naval Superiority, I think there will be the fairest Prospect of bringing this great Contest to a happy Conclusion the next year.—­Altho’ the Enemy have gaind the Possession of Charleston, they have not succeeded to their Wishes in that Quarter.  They do not find the People so pliable as they flatterd themselves they should.  Notwithstanding Cornwallis’ boasting Letter to Lord George, of “a compleat Victory obtaind the 16th Instant by His Majesties Troops under my Command, over the rebel southern Army,”