Here, Sir, I might pause, and suffer my imagination to dwell upon the animating prospect before us; but reasoning from the past to the future, I dare not indulge the pleasing idea. We have at no period been in a situation to second fully the endeavors of our ally to serve us; we either neglected to assemble our army in time, or to provide the means for supporting or moving them; a feather would have turned the balance last year, notwithstanding the powerful aid we received from abroad. Providence blinded our adversaries; to their temerity we owe our success.
But, Sir, let me ask, whether any State did then, or has even now, done all in its power to enable our Generals to prosecute this victory? Or rather let me turn to what is more within our line, by observing, that the inferiority of our army in point of numbers to that of our ally while they acted at Yorktown, has been considered in Europe as a proof of the assertions of Britain, and has been urged as an argument of our weakness, our weariness of the war, or our internal divisions. A moment's reflection will show the advantages, that this affords our antagonist in a negotiation. How much it weakens the claims we make, and how many important benefits may be lost forever by our appearing in Europe to receive our independence rather as a gift, than to have established it by our exertions!
But, Sir, it is still in our power to repair these errors. Let us avail ourselves of this favorable moment for expelling the enemy, and recovering our diminished credit among the nations of the earth.
I make no apology for the liberty I take. Your Excellency, I am persuaded, is too sensible of the truth of these observations, to think they could be delivered with less earnestness by one, who feels their importance, and I am confident that you will bring them before the Legislature of your State in such manner as will best serve to ensure them their attention.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Philadelphia, May 8th, 1782.
Dear Sir,
I enclose the list of salaries you requested. The charges of those who act as secretaries to Dr Franklin and Mr Adams are not yet settled. I shall lay the list before Congress and make them some propositions on the subject. It will be necessary to afford a small sum to each of the Ministers to enable them to defray contingent expenses, which are continually happening, particularly to Dr Franklin, who is at the centre of all our communications. I will converse with you on this subject, and endeavor to form an estimate of what this ought to be.