your judgment whether it would not be prudent that the claims of Massachusetts to the lands in question should be here in readiness, lest a construction should be put on a further delay that a consciousness in the Assembly, of the state having no right in them is the real occasion of it.  I mention this to you in particular, because I recollect how far you had gone in investigating the title.  If you can be spared from the Assembly, I hope you will be appointed to vindicate the claim.

I just now told you that the attention of Congress was called to the army.  General Washington has written several letters acquainting Congress of the distressed circumstances of the army for want of provisions and particularly meat.  They have several times lately, been without provisions for three or four days.  They have even plundered the neighboring villages, and what will be the consequence of such a spirit in our army if it should prevail, may be easily conceived.  You are sensible that the dependence is chiefly on the Eastern States for that kind of supply.  Massachusetts has indeed been more punctural than the rest.  The Commissary General has told me that the very existence of the army has been in a great measure owing to the industry and care of our Committee at Springfield.  Yet even our supplies have not been equal to expectation. 597 head of cattle have been sent from Massachusetts to the army from the first of July to the seventh of September.  About 200 to the posts at the Northward and about 200 to the French army, which last are not included in the supply required as our quota.  Congress have pressingly called upon New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut for 1000 head weekly, less than which will not be more than sufficient for the immediate demands of the army.  Our quota is 285 as you will see by a resolution forwarded by this express.  Besides which, magazines must be laid up this winter for the army the next year.  Indeed, my friend, we must make the utmost exertion in the great cause.  It is now 12 o’clock, and the express will set off very early in the morning.  I suppose our countrymen have by this time made choice of their Senators and Magistrates.  I hope heaven has directed them to a choice that will do them honor.  I cannot help feeling anxious to know whether they have united in a man for the governor, endowed with those virtues which should be characteristic of the first magistrate.  Be pleased to let my much esteemed friend, Dr. Cooper, know that if he has written, I have not received a line from him since I left Boston.  We suffer for want of such favors.  In hope of receiving one from you,

I remain very affectionately yours,

TO MRS. ADAMS.

[Ms., Samuel Adams Papers, Lenox Library.]

Philadelphia Sept 19 1780

MY DEAR BETSY