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Dear Sir:

The enclosed was handed to me by the Secretary of Congress with a request to forward it on to your Excellency. The Public Business makes slow Advance and proceeds in a very disagreeable direction. The instruction for a Negotiation with Spain has employed our time, principally, ever since the 10th of August last; the particulars are confined to secrecy, which gives me great uneasiness. We have (that is the minority) endeavored to have the injunction of secrecy taken off so far as to communicate the particulars to the Executives of our States, but could not obtain leave, and I was obliged to suppress a Letter which I had wrote on the subject in confidence of obtaining leave to communicate the particulars to your Excellency. This being the Situation of Affairs and not willing to forfeit my honor in violating the rules of the House, have long omitted writing anything; the utmost warmth has appeared on this occasion from each party, the division are seven States for the Measure and five against, and the Majority appears determined to carry on the Treaty at all events and the Minority as firmly fixed to oppose it in all its stages, except instructed to the Contrary by their different States. For my own part I think the precedent dangerous to the Liberties of the Southern States if seven States can barter any part of the privileges of the different States for any advantages whatsoever, there remains no Security for any possession. It is well known that the Balance of power is now in the Eastern States, and they appear determined to keep it in that direction; this to me is evident from all their Conduct, and in the present measure, if carried, they will be favored in their Scheme, and I shall think it my duty to attend the Assembly and lay the matter before them with the circumstances that attend the measure. All other Business appears out of view and I do not expect anything of account will be done by the present Congress; we have endeavored frequently to have some measures taken on the Indian Treaties and have had the subject referred to a Committee but they will not report, as yet, and I

fear no relief is intended; however, I shall urge it if possible. I am sorry to find Mr. Blount does not intend to bring his Family, we shall certainly be in want of an able representation the ensuing year, and those that will give their Steady Attendance.

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