I thank you sincerely for your very friendly Letter of the 21 Octr. last,1 which I had the Pleasure of recieving on the 7th. Inst. I rejoice most cordially with you, and every other good American, in the important Event you communicate, and to which you had both the Honor and the Satisfaction of essentially contributing.

General Washington has favored me with ^copies of^ the Articles of Capitulation Returns of the Prisoners &ca.2 It gives me very sensible Pleasure to find that he commanded in Person on this glorious occasion, and had the Satisfaction of thus bringing Deliverance to his native, and consequently favorite Part of America. If Providence shall be pleased to lead him with Safety and Success thro’ all the Duties of his Station, and carry him Home with the Blessings of all America on his Head, I think he will exhibit to the World the most singular Instance of Virtue, Greatness, and good fortune united, which the History of Mankind has hitherto recorded—

The Harmony subsisting between the french Troops and ours, is an agreable, as well as important circumstance. I am glad that the Marquis De la Fayette had an opportunity of cutting some Sprigs of Laurel on one of the Enemy’s Redoubts. He has given strong Proofs of Attachment to our Cause and Country; and as military Glory seems to be his mistress, he has my best wishes that she may be as constant, to him as he has been to us.

General Greene has deservedly acquired great Reputation. He has nobly surmounted a Variety of Difficulties, and his Country has fortunately found Resources in his Talents and Perseverance, which the peculiar Situation of the Southern States rendered no less seasonable than important.

This Campaign ends gloriously for us. How far the british Counsels may be changed by these Events is as yet uncertain. I am much inclined to think that another Campaign will precede a general Peace. In my opinion our Country would do well to continue making the most vigorous Efforts to render Peace more essential to her Enemies than herself.

It would give me Pleasure to transmit to you some interesting advices from this Quarter of the World. The Sieges of Gibraltar and Fort St. Philip continue. When they will be terminated is impossible to divine. The Dutch are praying for Peace and neglecting the means necessary to obtain a proper one. The People do not appear to want Spirit, but their Government and their Rulers subject them to numberless Embarrassments. France is full of Joy and ardor, and will I believe do her best Endeavours to make the next Campaign active and brilliant. The Emperor is regulating the internal Police of his Dominions, encouraging Commerce and extending Toleration, without suffering himself to be incommoded by ecclesiastical Privilegdes or Immunities. He seems to be seriously preparing to be great and formidable—he undoubtedly possesses the means of Power, and it is said, has Talents to use them to advantage.

Mrs. Jay desires me to present to you her Compliments and Congratulations. With great Regard & Esteem I am Dear Sir Your most obedt. & very hble Servant