I send you a copy of a circular letter from
Congress to the several States, insisting on their removing all
obstructions to the recovery of British debts. This was hurried, that it
might be delivered to the Assembly of New York before they rose. It was
delivered, but they did nothing in consequence of it. The convention to
be assembled at Philadelphia will be an able one. Ten States were known
to have appointed delegates. Maryland was about to appoint; Connecticut
was doubtful; and Rhode Island had refused. We are sure, however, of
eleven States. South Carolina has prohibited the importation of slaves
for three years; which is a step towards a perpetual prohibition.
Between six and seven hundred thousand acres of land are actually
surveyed into townships, and the sales are to begin immediately.
They are not to be sold for less than a dollar the acre, in public
certificates. I wrote you from Bordeaux on the subject of Colonel Smith.
I was sorry I missed him there, for other reasons as well as from a
curiosity to know his errand. The Notables have laid the foundation
of much good here: you have seen it detailed in the public papers.
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