From ———
AL: American Philosophical Society
<[Brussels, December, 1777,] in French: You do not know me,
and my name would not mean much to you. I am fond of great
souls, and want to pay tribute to their virtues. Sincere congratulations
on the defeat of M. de Burgoÿne, obtained by
skill and bravery. M. de Washington has those qualities, and
we may hope that Sir Howe, now in check, will be checkmated.
I was perhaps the first person in the Low Countries to
hear the news, from a friend in Paris who sent it to me as soon
as your courier arrived; it made a sensation here in Brussels
and throughout these provinces. All rejoice who know of the
iron yoke that your mother country, or rather the servants of
despotism, are trying to impose on you. The ministers who
started this war should pay with their heads for the tragedy
that they initiated, but could their blood pay for that of your
brothers? O my Doctor, may heaven prosper your efforts and
confound these madmen! May Washington present you with
Howe and his army as a New Year’s gift, along with the release
of Mr. Lee. I must close this letter, but I hate to stop, to leave
such a great soul, and only wish that I could tell you my feelings
face to face.>
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