The Count de Segur delivered me your letters of April. I thank you sincerely for having made him the bearer of them, since you know the eagerness with which I embrace your friends, even without taking into consideration, that merit which makes them so. The Count leaves town for the army today, so that I shall not have the full benefit of your introduction to him till next winter, when I flatter myself you will join our circle. The Prince de Broglio told me last night, that he had a letter from you to me. I expect to see him here this morning.
I cannot help remarking the just estimate you made of the British Ministry. Late events have fully justified it. They are made up of heterogeneous particles, and, as might naturally be expected, they begin to fly off from each other. You have nothing to apprehend from your adopted country. We are immovably fixed in our determination to adhere to our allies, in spite of every endeavor to change our sentiments. I am sorry that I have not leisure to enlarge. My horses wait to carry me to the banks of the Hudson, while I write; let me however inform you of the misfortune that has happened to Chevalier de Latouche; his frigate being pursued by the enemy was run on shore in the Delaware, and is lost. The gentlemen, his passengers, are however happily saved, together with the money and papers. Everything else is lost, and what is most to be lamented, he himself must have fallen into the hands of the enemy. The flag that went to inquire his fate is not yet returned.
The fleet of the Marquis de Vaudreuil has also sustained a loss in the sinking of the Magnifique, in the harbor of Boston. Congress have endeavored to repair this, by presenting the America to his Majesty.
The troops from Virginia have joined those on the Hudson. Our army is in noble order at present; you will be charmed to see our countrymen well dressed, since you used to admire them even in their rags.
I send you the papers for a month back; they contain all our public news, and some particulars worthy your attention.
I am, my Dear Sir, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
Philadelphia, November 2d, 1782.
Dear Sir,