This Morning Capt. Barney (in the Continental Packett Washington) Arrived here from L'Orient which place he left the 17th January. He had a Passport Signed by the British King. Congress have sundry dispatches by him, some of which have been read, others are Decyphering &c. -- have the Prelimanary Articles which were Signed Novr. 30th by Mr. Oswald on the part of the British King, Messrs. Adams, Franklin, Jay & Laurens on the part of the U.S and which are to be inserted in the General Treaty for Peace, when the same shall be agreed to.

   The Articles respecting the Boundaries of the United States & that respecting the right of Fishery, are Ample & I believe Equal to the most Sanguine Expectation. These Two very Important Articles are highly pleasing, as are most of the others.

   Prelimanaries between the other Belligerent powers are proceedg in but their are some Obstructions in the way, and it is Uncertain when a Genl. peace will take place, tho. hope the time is not far distant.

   It is probable Congress will direct some Official Communications to be made to the several States of these dispatches though it cannot be done this day.

   Want of time prevents me from writing further.

   I have the Honor to be. Your most Hum servt.

    John Taylor Gilman

   P.S. Please to inform Collo. Bartlett, that I have recd. his Letter of the 14th Ultimo. Want of time prevents my Answering it this Post.

   RC (MHi: Weare Papers).