The inclosed intelligence lately received from England will give you a better idea of the designs of our enemies than any we have before received.

   In a letter I have seen from London of unquestionable authority is the following paragraph. "A General of the first abilities & experience would come over if he could have any assurance from the Congress of keeping his rank, but that being very high, he would not submit to have any one but an American his Superior, and that only in consideration of the confidence due to an American in a question so peculiarly American. Let me have your opinion of this matter. Prince Ferdinand's recommendation of the General mentioned above is in these words. 'Si l'on veut un Officier approuve, intelligent et brave; je ne scai si on peut trouver un autre qui le vaille.' " (1)

   There is no person in America can answer this paragraph so well as yourself. Our friend Gates who with Generals Washington and Mifflin (the latter lately made a Brigadier and Mr. Gates a Major General) are now here is of opinion that the Officer desiring to come to America is Majr. General Beckwith. But this is mere conjecture, founded on the Mans political principles and his abilities as a Soldier. The papers I formerly sent you, with the evening post now inclosed, will shew you the political convulsions of this Province, but I incline to think that this sensible spirited people will not long be duped by Proprietary machinations whatever may be the fate of Maryland. Apropos what do you think of the representative bodies of this latter Province? Of all the extraordinary Phenomina of this extraordinary age, these are the most extraordinary! Is the Convention of Maryland a Conclave of Popes, a mutilated legislature or an Assembly of wise Men. By the manner in which they dispense with oaths it wd. seem they conceived of themselves as the first of these, for surely a mutilated legislature, an unorganized Government, cannot do what these men by their Resolve of May the 15th have undertaken. Nor is their 2d resolve of the 21st better founded, unless they can shew, which I believe is not in their power, that the people had in contemplation these things when they chose them and elected them accordingly.(2) What do these folks mean by a "Reunion with (;. Britain on constitutional principles?" I profess I do not understand them, nor do I believe the best among them have any sensible ideas annexed to these terms. But I have done with them, being satisfied they will never figure in history among the Solons, Lycurgus's, or Alfreds. Our Commissioners in Canada seem to be on the fright but I hope Thomas, Sullivan, Thomson &c. will restore

   Farewell dear Sir, and be assured you have my hearty wishes for success and happiness. Cant Clinton (if he is on Shore) be disturbed before the rest of his Mirmidons join him? My compliments to Gen. Howe.Richard Henry Lee

   RC (NjP)