Newburgh, August 6, 1783.

    Dear Sir: After a tour of at least 750 Miles (performed in Nineteen days) I returned to this place yesterday afternoon, where I found your favor of the 31st. Ulto. intimating a resolution of Congress for calling me to Princeton, partly as it would seem, on my own Account, and partly for the purpose of giving Aid to Congress; but the President not having sent on the Resolution I am left ignorant of the particular objects Congress have in view, any further than can be collected from the expressions of his and your Letters so far then as they may relate to a Peace establishment my Sentiments in the freest and fullest manner have been communicated to a Committee of which Colonel Hamilton was Chairman. If the principal object in view, by my attendance, respects Congress! cannot hesitate a moment to make the earliest compliance in my power; but if the resolution is calculated for my convenience, I cannot say that it will render my situation more eligable than the present; especially taking into consideration the inconvenience of a removal for so small a distance, and a new establishment of a Household which must be formed in consequence of breaking up the menial part of my family here.

    My principal intention in my Letter of the 16th. Ulto. was to express the disagreeableness of my present situation, waiting as I am, with little business and less Command for the Definitive Treaty; when I have so anxious a desire of retiring from Public business and reestablishing myself in domestic Life where my private concerns call loudly for my presence.

    I wish you therefore, my dear Sir, to transmit to me by the earliest opportunity, a Copy of the resolution, with an explanation of the particular Reasons and motives which have influenced Congress to pass it, that I may be enabled to regulate my conduct accordingly. With the greatest esteem, etc. ²⁷

[Note:From a photostat of the original kindly furnished by William W. Cohen, of New York City. ]