46 Journal and Correspondence

Original

End. Upon our commissioners examining the powers of the
Commissioners on the part of Gen^l Howe, they discovered he
meant the treaty to be of a personal nature, founded on the
mutual Confidence and Honor of the contracting Generals,
and had no Intention of binding the nation, or of extending
the Cartel beyond the limits and Duration of his own Com-
mand. They declared themselves ready to treat with us on
this footing, with their present powers which they deemed ad-
equate to the purposes of their meeting. Upon this point the
treaty broke off. I lament the situation of our prisoners, and
must approve of the Conduct of our Commissioners. A Cartel
upon so narrow a foundation as the personal Honor of Gen^l
Howe would be of little use to us and of short duration; liable
at any time to be set aside by a subsequent Commander or
by the British King without a breach of honor. This conduct
will teach us a lesson respecting Gen^l Burgoyne and his Army.
I make no doubt you have heard of the insurrection in the
Delaware State. By a Letter from a M^r Patterson we are
informed that a considerable number of the disaffected have
assembled at a place near the head of Chester River — They
are exerting themselves to add to their number and those
who will not join them, they deprive of their Arms and
Ammunition It is said here they have British officers
among them and expect to be reenforced from Philadelphia.
This matter is viewed here as very desirous by some. M^r
Carrol gives his Compliments to you and desires me to
acquaint you that there is a considerable quantity of provision
at Charles Town at the Head of our Bay which appears to be
in a dangerous situation. There is also as I am informed by
M^r S. Stewart quantities of provisions at Prince's Ann in
Somerset, and other places in that neighbourhood, which it
would be fortunate for us if we could remove them without
Delay.
When I wrote to you, some weeks ago, I informed you, that
I had procured ten thousand Dollars for the recruiting Service
which I sent down by Col. S. Smith. I have never heard
whether you have rec^d it. If you should write to any of the
Delegates, by the next post, I should be obliged to you to
acquaint us with the receipt of the money if it has reached
your hands.
I am Sir with great respect
Y^rs J. Henry Jun^r

C. B.

Tuesday 21^st April 1778.

Present as on Yesterday
Ordered That the western shore Treasurer pay to Col^o