f the line,
including three of fifty guns, having on board their ships of war five
thousand land forces, in order to attempt the relief of Cornwallis.
For that, happily, they are too late; but as sympathising friends
afford consolation to the distressed, he may possibly derive some
comfort from their sharing, at least in part, his fate.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

FOOTNOTES:

[20] Although Mr Livingston was appointed Secretary of Foreign Affairs
on the 10th of August, he did not enter on the duties of the office
till this day. See his letter to John Adams, in Mr Adams's
_Correspondence_, Vol. VI. p. 178.

* * * * *

TO GOVERNOR GEORGE CLINTON OF NEW YORK.

Philadelphia, October 22d, 1781.

Dear Sir,

Give me leave to congratulate your Excellency, and through you the
Legislature of our State, on the success of our arms at the southward.
Cornwallis surrendered his army on the 17th of October. Count de
Grasse was employed on the 18th in taking his marines on board, which
I hope, by the blessing of Heaven, will be the prelude to a second
victory.

My removal being far from having in any manner lessened my attachment
to New York, I shall be anxious to hear that the present attempt of
the enemy upon our frontiers, has only added to their disgrace, and
enabled my countrymen to increase the reputation they have so justly
acquired. Your Excellency will do me the honor to give me the earliest
intelligence of the movements of the enemy.

I am, Sir, with the greatest respect and esteem, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Philadelphia, October 29th, 1781.

Sir,

The business of the department in which Congress have been pleased to
place me, rendering it necessary to have recourse to the Secret
Journals, and other books and papers in the possession of their
Secretary, I take the liberty to request them by their order, to
enable Mr Thomson to admit me to examine, and copy from such books of
a secret nature in his possession, as may in anywise relate to the
department of Foreign Affairs.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVING