Thomas Lynch to General Washington

v4:943

New-York, February 5, 1776.

PEAR SIR: You have doubtless heard of my being here, on a Committee of Congress. The object was to consult with General Lee and the people of this place, on the test manner of securing it. God knows there is ample room for it. Every thing is wanting. The strong apathy that holds Congress in fetters is still more forcible here. However, luckily, Clinton is come without force. He has none but the Mercury and one transport brig.

I mentioned to you, some time ago, some propositions which Lord Drummond had been talking to me of. General Robinson writes to him by Clinton, that he (Clinton) is very desirous of being instrumental in bringing about the same end. It is mysterious to me how such a man should be sent on such an errand. Be it as it may, it will not produce any remission of our using the present moment to strengthen ourselves and weaken our enemies. Lord Drummond' s great point is to get some Member of Congress to go home to inform the Cabinet of the real desires and intentions of that body respecting the re-establishment of peace. To promote this purpose, he has desired me to enclose you a letter, which, after you have read, if you think it can do no harm, you will be so kind as to forward to Robinson, and to send his answer to his Lordship, under your cover. Robinson will, doubtless, send it open to you.

Were I to guess at my Lord' s motives, it would be that Lord North and his Scottish friends found that their places were in danger, and that there is no way left to secure them, but by restoring the nation to that state in which alone little minds can rule it with peace and quiet. Indeed, every paper I have seen seems tending that way.

I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,

THOMAS LYNCH.