Your Letter, my dear Temple, of the 19th of November was handed to me the other day. It was a day of rejoicing for the Americans here upon account of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and the forces under his Command to the confederate Arms of America & France. The reduction of Charlestown would be a proper conclusion to so brilliant a Campaign, and in fact more improbable things have come to pass. I do not recollect having heard of the Strength of that garrison, but if it is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Balfour it can not be numerous—Perhaps part of the naval force of France now in the American Seas might be employed to advantage in that quarter. If we could once more possess ourselves of that City, and New York the war would in my humble opinion be concluded upon the Continent of America.

I have written you once or twice from this place, and am not a little surprized that you should only mention the receipt of a Letter written upon my arrival at Valenciennes. I do not know whether the post in this country is as regular and punctual as in in France but I must confess that I am rather inclined to doubt it, as I do not get my Letters as soon as I might expect. You mention the arrival of the St. James from Philad. does she bring any account of Deaths or other material Changes? Mr. Adams was mentioning a report of the death of Genl Mifflin—Have you heard any thing of it? Shall I trouble you when you write to Philadelphia to mention my being in good health. I have been writing St. Thomas & Boston but the Letters may perhaps never arrive and my family be anxious about me. In requesting my most respectful compliments to your Grandfather, & with wishes for the continuance of his & of your Health, I will beg you to assured, my dear Friend, of the sentiments of Esteem & attatchment with which I am ever most Sincerely Yours