General Carleton has sent out the trial of Lippincott, which admits the murder of Huddy, but justifies Lippincott under an irregular order of the Board of Refugees. So paltry a palliation of so black a crime would not have been admitted, and Captain Asgill would certainly have paid the forfeit for the injustice of his countrymen, had not the interposition of their Majesties prevented. The letter from the Count de Vergennes is made the groundwork of the resolution passed on that subject. I shall transmit you the resolve.
I suppose I need not tell you, that the enemy contrived to get off the Eagle and to carry her, to New York. You will find, in the enclosed papers, a very polite letter from Captain Elphingston; it is easier to be so in word than in deed among the British. Digby has refused to permit him to comply with his engagement, at least so far as his share of the prize is concerned, and insists upon dividing the baggage of the officers, and sharing the eighth pair of breeches, &c.
On the 4th instant, Mr Boudinot was elected President in the room of Mr Hanson, whose term of service had expired. Mr Lewis Morris will enclose bills purchased here at six shillings and three pence, currency, for five livres, to the amount of your last quarter's salary, ending the first of October.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO B. FRANKLIN.
Philadelphia, November 21st, 1782.
Sir,
Congress a few days since, passed the enclosed resolution, No. 1, by which they have added Mr Jefferson to the commission for concluding a peace. The established character of this gentleman gives me reason to hope, that his appointment will be very acceptable to you, and the other gentlemen in the commission. I have not yet learned whether he will take the task upon him, but I have reason to believe he will, the death of his wife having lessened, in the opinion of his friends, the reluctance which he has hitherto manifested to going abroad. I think it would be proper to make a formal annunciation of this resolution to the Court of France. You will naturally give such a representation of Mr Jefferson's character, as will secure to him there that esteem and confidence which he justly merits. The resolution, No. 2, needs no comment; or if it does, Mr Morris will prove the able commentator. I resign the task to him.