ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Philadelphia, February 18th, 1783.
Sir,
I was honored yesterday with your favor of the 14th, which I shall lay before Congress this morning. As you have by this time received their resolution, which I had the honor to send you by the last post, and again enclose, you will be relieved in some measure from your embarrassments, though not entirely from your suspense with respect to their final determination. But that cannot be long doubtful, since the negotiations have certainly arrived at such a crisis, as either to terminate soon in a peace, or a total rupture. In the latter case, you will necessarily be obliged to proceed on your voyage, as Congress seem anxious to avail themselves of your abilities and information in the negotiations; unless they are fully assured that a speedy peace will preclude them from that advantage.
I enclose a paper, which contains all that we have yet received on this interesting subject. It may, perhaps, be difficult to account for our Ministers having signed before those of France. But if this letter is genuine, it serves, when compared with their instructions, to prove that the terms are acceptable to us, and not disagreeable to France.
I have the honor to be, Sir, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Office of Foreign Affairs, February 18th, 1783.