e, that the fairest
prospects are now before us of terminating the war by a single
exertion, though I am not at liberty to say, that the plan of the
ensuing campaign is absolutely determined on, yet I have great reason
to believe, that we shall receive such powerful military aid, as, with
becoming exertions on our part, will free every State in the Union
from the grasp of the enemy.

Here, Sir, I might pause, and suffer my imagination to dwell upon the
animating prospect before us; but reasoning from the past to the
future, I dare not indulge the pleasing idea. We have at no period
been in a situation to second fully the endeavors of our ally to serve
us; we either neglected to assemble our army in time, or to provide
the means for supporting or moving them; a feather would have turned
the balance last year, notwithstanding the powerful aid we received
from abroad. Providence blinded our adversaries; to their temerity we
owe our success.

But, Sir, let me ask, whether any State did then, or has even now,
done all in its power to enable our Generals to prosecute this
victory? Or rather let me turn to what is more within our line, by
observing, that the inferiority of our army in point of numbers to
that of our ally while they acted at Yorktown, has been considered in
Europe as a proof of the assertions of Britain, and has been urged as
an argument of our weakness, our weariness of the war, or our internal
divisions. A moment's reflection will show the advantages, that this
affords our antagonist in a negotiation. How much it weakens the
claims we make, and how many important benefits may be lost forever by
our appearing in Europe to receive our independence rather as a gift,
than to have established it by our exertions!

But, Sir, it is still in our power to repair these errors. Let us
avail ourselves of this favorable moment for expelling the enemy, and
recovering our diminished credit among the nations of the earth.

I make no apology for the liberty I take. Your Excellency, I am
persuaded, is too sensible of the truth of these observations, to
think they could be delivered with less earnestness by one, who feels
their importance, and I am confident that you will bring them before
the Legislature of your State in such manner as will best serve to
ensure them their attention.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

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