Carolina; the Vessel was chased in the Bay and obliged to run into some Creek, where the arms were put on Shore, and left, we fear, in very bad Condition; however, a Member of the Board informed W. J. [Willie Jones] some days ago that they had taken proper steps for recovery of the arms and transporting them to No. Carolina, agreeable to order of Congress.
We had Dispatches yesterday from Mr. Jay, our Minister at the Court of Spain. Nothing decisive had been done when he wrote,
but the Spanish Court appeared friendly, and seemed disposed to second our operations against Great Britain. We fear the Navigation of the Mississippi will prove a stumbling Block, but we hope the Difficulty will be surmounted.The Intelligence you communicate in your Letter gives us the highest satisfaction, as well on account of the vigorous Exertions made by our State against the Enemy as of the Humanity displayed in relieving our Gallant Officers and Soldiers at Charles Town.
We know your present situation, and are sincerely sorry that you have so many Difficulties to encounter; but we trust that perseverance will in the End surmount them all, great and numerous as they are, and we rejoice that the Genl. Assembly of No. Carolina had wisdom to Elect a Man who was equal to the important Occasion.
You will oblige us exceedingly by giving us from time to time the situation of affairs in No. Carolina; the accounts we get are so contradictory that it is impossible to develop the Truth.
The Conduct of the Virginians is execrated here.
1 This is part of a letter—the first part was not in the Mss.