Honorable Gentlemen:
We inclose you an extract of Dispatches from his Excellency our Governor, received this day, respecting the instructions of the Legislature, at their last session, for the security of the Western posts.
You will be pleased to observe, that an official Report, on a subject so interesting to the State, is deemed to be necessary; as well as a particular detail of the motives which influenced Congress against the declared sense of the State; to give directions to the Commander-in-Chief for garrisoning those posts with Continental troops. This is a duty to which, not having been present at the debates, we find ourselves incompetent. We can therefore, only refer His Excellency and the Legislature to you, our worthy colleagues, who, being fully possessed of the facts, can alone give the necessary official information.
With sentiments of the most perfect esteem and regard,
We have the honor to be,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient servants,
Jas. Duane.
Ezra L’Hommedieu.
The Honorable
Cols. William Floyd and
Alexander Hamilton.
JAY TO HAMILTON.
Passy, Sept. 28, 1783.
Dear Sir:
You was always of the number of those I esteemed, and your correspondence would both be interesting and agreeable. I had heard of your marriage, and it gave me pleasure, as well because it added to your happiness, as because it tended to fix your residence in a State of which I long wished you to be and remain a citizen.
The character and talents of delegates to Congress daily become more and more important, and I regret your declining that appointment at this interesting period. Respect, however, is due to the considerations which influence you, but as they do not oppose your accepting a place in the Legislature, I hope the State will still continue to draw advantage from your services; much remains to be done, and laborers do not abound.