That though if their towns were evacuated the Americans could not take an active part, yet they can compel the enemy to wish for peace, by excluding them from all connexion with them and prohibiting under very severe penalties, the consumption or importation of British manufactures. That a considerable party among the British wish to form commercial connexion with the United States. That when they shall be convinced, that they can reap no benefit therefrom, but by a solid definitive peace, conformable to the treaty already agreed upon, they will become more tractable, and conclude the definitive treaty, which will give force and vigor to the provisional articles, and set the seal to the independence of America. That it would also be proper to state to Congress the necessity of providing means to prevent the sending provisions into New York, by which the British armaments are amply supplied with fresh provisions of every kind.
That the King persuades himself, that the Legislatures of the respective States will concur in measures for this salutary purpose, when they shall be informed of the injury occasioned to their ally by the want of the necessary precautions on this subject. That these precautions will not be unnecessary if the enemy are about to abandon New York, without which the enemy will carry with them the means of supplying the places to which they transport their troops.
That he persuades himself, that Congress will perceive, that they are indebted to the harmony, that has subsisted between the King and them for the present happy state of their affairs. But that nothing being yet concluded, the present moment is precisely that in which it is of most importance to preserve the same system.
The news of a general peace, which your Excellency has been so good as to announce to me, has filled my mind with inexpressible satisfaction; and permit me to add, that the joy I feel on this great event is doubly enhanced, by the very obliging manner in which you have been pleased to express your congratulations to me and the army on this happy occasion.
The part your Excellency has acted in the cause of America, and the great and benevolent share you have taken in the establishment of her independence, are deeply impressed on my mind, and will not be effaced from my remembrance, or that of the citizens of America, but with the latest effects of time. You will accept, Sir, my warmest acknowledgements and congratulations, with assurances that I shall always participate, with the highest pleasure, in every event which may contribute to your happiness and satisfaction.