I had the honor of writing to Congress from Amsterdam on the 30th of May, by Captain Bacon. Copies of that address were sent by the vessels of Captain Briggs and Captain Smedly, and a third committed to the care of Mr Moses Young, to be despatched by a cutter from Ostend. At that time, I was in a deplorable state of health, and am now (after the practice of every proper means of abstemious regimen, bathing, medicine, and bleeding,) but beginning to recruit, still extremely weak and feeble. Notwithstanding such ill health, I hastened in the month of July from the south of France, even at the hazard of my life, to this port with a view of embarking for America. While I was employed seeking for a proper vessel, Mons. Labouchere suggested the imminent danger of a second capture, and the train of evil consequences, adding, that I was entitled to a safe conduct from England to one of the United States, in return for the exchange of Lord Cornwallis at his own door, and for that purpose, recommended a demand upon the Court of London.
The propriety of this gentleman’s reasoning was apparent, the danger of capture was marked in every newspaper, by accounts of the havoc on both sides the Atlantic, by British cruisers upon American vessels. I consulted other persons, who unanimously concurred in Mons. Labouchere’s opinion and advice. Wherefore, I requested certain friends in London to make the necessary application on my behalf, for permission to re-enter Great Britain to embark at Falmouth for New York, and for a passport to proceed thence to Philadelphia, not in terms of prayer from me, but by a representation of right to be submitted for consideration. This day I have received letters from London, importing that an application had been made, that Lord Cornwallis in particular had interested himself in the measure, and that a proper passport would soon be transmitted to me.
Doctor Franklin writes to me under the 19th of August, “though we are very sensible if you could get well to America, you might be of great service to the public, yet we think the hazard is too great, as it might be winter before you could come upon the coast, and perhaps at this juncture you might be equally useful in England; on these considerations, we agreed to advise your return thither.” This advice I intend to pursue, and as I ardently wish to be in America, and present myself to Congress, I shall, if my health will permit, embark in the November packet; or otherwise defer the voyage to March or April, persuaded that neither my passing through England, nor even a few months necessary, perhaps unavoidable, residence in that kingdom, can possibly work any detriment to my country; I am therefore confident of the approbation of Congress.
Since my discharge from restraint in England, Doctor Franklin has very cordially pressed me to take from him a supply of money for my expenses,[77] but from my knowledge of the state of our public finances, I have refused to lessen them, since from the fragments of my own funds, I shall be able to support myself in a frugal style while I am unfortunately detained on this side of the water.
I dare not presume, in my present private character, to give an opinion on the present state and prospect of our public affairs, but I entreat Congress to be assured, that my endeavors, even in this contracted sphere, have been exerted on proper occasions, and I hope with some good effect, for promoting the honor and interest of the United States. I have enjoyed a happy correspondence with men of liberal sentiments in England, as well as with the American Ministers at Paris and at the Hague. As it is possible I may be detained in Europe through the ensuing winter, should Congress have any commands for me, letters via Nantes or Bordeaux, directed to the care of Madame Babut Labouchere at this port, will obtain the quickest conveyance by way of Holland, to the care of Mr Adams. Under cover with this will be forwarded, at the request of Mr Adams, a copy of Mr Fitzherbert’s full power to treat for peace.
With the highest respect and regard, I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO HENRY LAURENS.
Philadelphia, September 17th, 1782.