I was honored with Your Excellency's Letter of the 29th of August by Mr. Brown. General Washington, the French Army & part of the American Troops pass through this City on their way to Virginia, Count Degrass is arrived there with 28 Ships of the Line, Some Frigates and about 5000 Land forces, the Troops Landed on the South Side of James River, & joined the Marquis De la Fayette. 'Tis Supposed that Lord Cornwallis and his army are So blocked up that they cannot escape being captured. Col. Laurens Accomplished the business he was Charged with at the Court of France, to good Satisfaction, he has brought over about 13000 Stand of Arms, a quantity of clothing, Ammunition and other Warlike Stores, and about two Millions of Livres in money which is put under the direction of the Superintendant of Finance. Colo. Lawrence does not bring any political news, he Says that his father & Your Son (1) are yet confined in London, but their friends are allowed to visit them.

   There is a Committee for making the Estimate of Supplies for next Year, I Suppose the Mode of obtaining the Supplies will be under the direction of the Superintendant of Finance. By a resolution passed this week the Navy is put under his direction until further order and the Board of Admiralty & Navy boards are abolished. There is also a new arrangement of the Treasury department. The Board is to be abolished the 20th of this Month, there is to be a Controller, and as many auditors and Clerks as the Superintendant Shall judge Necessary to Liquidate public accounts.

   A new arrangement of the Post office is also preparing.(2) It is proposed to reduce the Postage to what it was before the War, and So to regulate it that it may defray the Charges of the office with out expence to the public.

   Thursday the 13th of December next is appointed to be observed as a Day of Thanks giving throughout the United States, and a Committee is appointed to prepare a Suitable Proclamation.(3)

   I have heard nothing from the State of Vermont Since their Agents left this place in August but expect Delegates will Soon arrive from thence to Congress in Case they comply with the only condition of their being admitted into the union, which is to relinquish their claims to the encroachments lately made on the States of New Hamshire & New York.

   It has been reported here that New London is burnt by the Enemy, but I hope it is Not true; but fear they will make Some

   There are five States Not represented in Congress, the President wrote by order of Congress to the Executives of those States, to inform them of the Necessity of their Delegates coming on immediately, those Sent Eastward were taken in the Mail & carried to New York the beginning of this month. Congress have Since ordered an Escort for the Safe conveyance of the Mail between Morristown & Fishkill.

   I am much Obliged to your Excellency for the money Sent me by Mr. Brown. I applied to the Secretary for Some Naval Commissions and he Says he has put Some up and will deliver them to Mr. Brown.

   I have Enclosed Some of the last Papers which contain what little news we have here.

   I have the honor to be, with great Esteem & Regard, your Excellency's most obedient & most humble Servant,

   Roger Sherman