that brave Army checkd the Progress of the Troops under his Command on the 16th of August; and the Militia have since, in several Instances, given him ample Proofs of a firm Attachment to the pub-lick Cause, as well as Bravery and Alertness which he did not expect, and which I believe have disconcerted their general Plan.—­The Hands of those People, if not already, will very soon be taught to war & their Fingers to fight.

Arnolds Conspiracy was to have wrought Wonders, but gracious Heaven defeated it.  We have so often seen in the Course of this Conflict, the remarkeable Interposition of divine Providence in our favor, as to convince me, that the Attempts of our Enemies to subdue us, will be but gnawing a File.

Your publick Letters have been well receivd.  I have been favord with only two from you since you left Boston.  One was deliverd to me by my worthy patriotick Friend Mr A Lee, & the other by the Count de Noailles, who lately spent a few Days in this City.  He appears to be a most amiable young Nobleman, & I believe you have not said too much in the great Character you have given him.  The very short time he stayed here & the Business I have been engagd in, prevented me the Honor, which I very much covetted, of conversing with him frequently.

Congress have appointed Colo John Laurens Envoy extraordinary at the Court of Versailes, & Mr Dana will be regularly informd that he is to go to Russia.

Before I conclude I must let you know, that the Ship which was set up in Massachusetts while you was there, and which, it was proposd, should be named, the Oceana,1 has since been compleatly finishd and is now afloat.  Her Materials are acknowledgd to be of the best kind, & well put together.  It is said she will make a prime Sailer if not too taunt masted.  Others say, that the Construction of her Hull is such as to require a lofty Sail.  There are many Speculations about her.  As I am not a Judge in the Matter, I am prudently silent & hear the Opinions of those who are Connoisseurs.  All agree that her Owners have much at Stake, & that it will be a very great Oversight in them if they should ever risque her with unskilfull or unprincipled Officers or Pilots.

My due Regards to Mr Dana, & be assured that I am very cordially his & your Friend.

1 The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780.

TO JOHN ADAMS.

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

Philadelphia Decr 20 1780

My dear sir—­