private matters, I should have anticipated the uneasiness I was put under
by the obligation of secrecy, or previously obtained the leave of breaking
that so strict law in your favor. Now, my dear sir, that Congress have set
my tongue at liberty, at least for such men as Mr. Samuel Adams, I will, in
referring you to a public letter from the committee of Congress, indulge my
private feelings in imparting to you some confidential ideas of mine on our
present situation.

"As momentary visits did not entirely fulfill the purpose of freeing
America, France thought they would render themselves more useful, if a
naval and land force were sent for co-operating with our troops, and by a
longer stay on the coast of the Continent, would give to the states, a fair
opportunity of employing all their resources. The expectations are very
sanguine at Versailles, and ought to be more so, when that letter shall be
received, by which you know _Congress engaged to furnish on their part,
five and twenty thousand Continental troops, that are to take the field by
the beginning of the spring_.

"On the other hand, my dear sir, all Europe have their eyes upon us: They
know nothing of us, but by our own reports, and our first exertions which
have heightened their esteem, and by the accounts of the enemy, or those of
some dissatisfied persons, which were calculated to give them a quite
different opinion: so that, to fix their own minds, all the nations are now
looking at us; and the consequence of America, in the eyes of the world, as
well as its liberty and happiness, must depend upon the ensuing campaign.

"The succour sent by France, I thought to be _very important_ when at
Versailles: now that I am on the spot, I know it was _necessary_; and if
proper measures are taken, I shall more heartily than ever, enjoy the
happiness I had of being somewhat concerned in the operation. But if things