[20] Although Mr Livingston was appointed Secretary of Foreign Affairs on the 10th of August, he did not enter on the duties of the office till this day. See his letter to John Adams, in Mr Adams's Correspondence, Vol. VI. p. 178.
TO GOVERNOR GEORGE CLINTON OF NEW YORK.
Philadelphia, October 22d, 1781.
Dear Sir,
Give me leave to congratulate your Excellency, and through you the Legislature of our State, on the success of our arms at the southward. Cornwallis surrendered his army on the 17th of October. Count de Grasse was employed on the 18th in taking his marines on board, which I hope, by the blessing of Heaven, will be the prelude to a second victory.
My removal being far from having in any manner lessened my attachment to New York, I shall be anxious to hear that the present attempt of the enemy upon our frontiers, has only added to their disgrace, and enabled my countrymen to increase the reputation they have so justly acquired. Your Excellency will do me the honor to give me the earliest intelligence of the movements of the enemy.
I am, Sir, with the greatest respect and esteem, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, October 29th, 1781.