From Robert Rutherford.

Berkley County, Virginia, 8 February, 1779.

DEAR SIR,

It is with singular pleasure I congratulate your Excellency on the short relaxation from the utmost exertions in the field, where you have rendered your country most essential services, and gained lasting honor to yourself. I have not ventured to trouble you with letters, truly sensible how many and great were the important matters that must necessarily engage your unceasing attention; but your safety, honor, and happiness, were ever very near to me.

I well know the generous goodness of your heart in the case of every brave officer, or common sentinel, and that nothing on your part will be wanting to alleviate their sufferings; but the bearer, Major Drake, my neighbour, and of whoso integrity I have long been convinced, being now on his way to New York, I cannot withhold my particular recommendation of him to your Excellency’s notice, and hope that Congress will coöperate with you in all possible means for the ease and advantage of him, and every other officer of distinguished merit.

It is with much concern I find the resolve of Congress, respecting the money emissions of May 20th, 1777, and April 11th, 1778, giving great and general alarm, tending to depreciate the currency, as the holders of these emissions are really deprived of the use of their money for six months, as it in great measure ceases to pass here in payments; and, what is an additional misfortune, our Assembly have laid on an enormous assessment, in payment of which not one shilling of this money can be applied, as the sheriffs cannot make any part of their collections by the 1st of June. Assuredly Congress have not taken the whole matter into the account, as I am informed that large sums of this money are now in the possession of the subjects of Spain upon the Mississippi, they being enjoined by the Governor of Orleans to receive it, not to mention many other obvious objections; so that I am sensible it will be consistent with the wonted justice and prudence of that august body, without loss of time, to revise and greatly change the terms of that resolve.

It is now with me conclusive, that nothing will answer our purpose but adopting a former recommendation of Congress in the several States (though I then thought it impolitic), that of fixing some bounds to our produce, manufactures, &c.; at the same time that I should be for allowing very liberal prices, even five or six times as much as formerly (if the demand obliged the purchaser to bid so high), and to encourage manufactures in the highest degree; but not to suffer the mechanic, the extortioner, those in the character of tavern-keepers, and a few others, to swallow up the States. Foreign trade will, of course, be regulated by the demand for European articles; if they are very high, we shall purchase the fewer of them.

Indian affairs do not strike me in an agreeable point of view; for certainly we can expect no real friendship from that troublesome and formidable people, till we supply them upon equal terms, at least, with our enemies, and convince them, in every other respect, of our justice, equality, and moderation to wards them.

I cannot enlarge upon many other matters, having already given your Excellency too much trouble; and I shall only add my ardent wishes, that you may continue to be the peculiar care of a superintending Providence; that your life may be prolonged for the temporal saving of the United States, and to enjoy, with the most perfect felicity, your family, friends, and fortunes amidst the grateful acclamations of a great and generous people. I am joined by my brother and our families. Pray make my compliments agreeable to your good lady. I am, with great affection,

Your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant,

ROBERT RUTHERFORD.