Passy, March 15. 1784.
We have lately received a Letter from the Secretary of Congress,
of which I enclose a Copy, accounting for the Delay of the
Ratification; and we have sent a Copy of it to Mr. Laurens, who
being on the Spot can easily negociate an Agreement to extend the
Term if necessary; but I imagine it can hardly occasion any
Difficulty, since the Ratification will certainly be made, seven
States being unanimously for it, and the Delay was only occasion’d
by Accidents unforeseen and unavoidable.
I send herewith a Packet and two Letters left with me for you;
which I hope will come safe to hand: I have the honour to be Sir
Your Excelly’s most obedient and most humble Servant
Annapolis Jany. 5. 1784. In Congress.
I am directed to inform you “that the definitive Treaty after a
very long Passage arrived during an Adjournment of Congress from
Princeton to this Place. No more than seven States are yet
assembled. These are unanimously desirous to ratify the Treaty and
the measure will be taken up as soon as nine States are assembled.
In the mean while as the weather is severe and travelling
extremely difficult from a heavy fall of Snow, it is to be feared
that the Ratification may not arrive in the time limited for the
Exchange, and that Inconveniences may arise unless the time for
exchanging the Ratification should be extended. I am with the
highest Esteem and Respect, Gentlemen, Your obedient humble
Servant