THE GOVERNOR'S FAVORABLE REPLY.

Pokeepsie, 14th October 1781. Madam, I have received your letter of the 3rd instant [August] and have directed the Commissary of Prisoners to pay due atteution to the Exchange of your Husband and neighbors in Captivity & you may rest assured that no pains will be spared to effect it. I am &c.

[G. C.]

[No. 3869.]

William Duer to Governor Clinton-Relative to the Exchange of Mr. Covenhoven.

Rhinebeck, Augt. 3rd, 1781.

Dear Sir, When I was at Poughkeepsie I mentioned to you the Anxious Desire I had to procure the exchange of Mr. Covenhoven lately Captured by the Enemy, but you was so much engaged in Conversation with the Chancellor, that I am afraid what I said did not leave the Impression I wished. Permit me in behalf of a distressed, and numerous Family, and of an honest-deserving man, who have sacrificed everything from their Zeal to their Country's Cause, to Entreat the favor of your Excellency to Interest Yourself in obtaining the speedy release of Mr. Covenhoven. I know the difficulties which attend the exchange of citizens: but perhaps some witless and insignificant Character with us, may have Interest with the Enemy to procure his Release, on condition of being permitted to go to New York. It is said that Mr. Hake, and Dr. Taller are Anxious to be exchanged-I forbear Enlarging on this Subject, because I know your disposition to Relieve the Distresses of the firm Friends to their Country, and shall only observe that I shall Esteem your

Excellencys Interposition in this Matter as a Favor conferred on myself. I am, with much respect.

His Excellency Govr. Clinton.

Governor Clinton Addresses the Legislature on the Condition of Affairs in the State.

The Legislature were convened by proclamation of the Governor, at Poughkeepsie, on the fourth day of September; at which time they met; but the number of members present being insufficient to proceed to business, they adjourned from day to day, until the seventh of the same month, when the Governor delivered the following

SPEECH:

Gentlemen of the Senate and Assembly,

It was with regret I found myself obliged to convene you so early in the season; the present emergencies, however, you will be sensible, rendered your meeting at this time indispensable.

The hearing before Congress, relative to our eastern boundaries, is to commence early in the present month, and as the delegates for the time being, are the agents to manage the controversy on the part of this state, and the present delegation will soon expire, you will perceive the necessity of proceeding to an immediate election.

I am unhappy to inform you, that notwithstanding the provision made for the defence of our frontiers, a part of them has again been desolated by a merciless enemy. For a particular account of these devastations, I must refer you to the papers I now deliver to you-The force directed to be raised, by the legis lature, for the frontier service, when compared with the extent of country to be guarded, and with what has since appeared, the

strength of the enemy employed against it, you will discover to have been insufficient in the first instance, and it became less competent in consequence of deficiencies, and by enlistments into the Continental battalions. Allured by a generous bounty, the troops were easily induced to enter into other corps, where their time of service was prolonged only a few days; and in which they were not exposed to greater hardships or danger. To prevent, as far as possible, a diminution of this force, I ventured, although unauthorized by law, to retain on the frontiers, part of the levies intended to reinforce the army; which I trust will receive your sanction; and upon a representation of the situation of the country to the commander in chief, his excellency, from an earnest desire to preserve those valuable settlements, detached for their defence, part of the levies from the Eastern states, and the whole brigade raised by this state, as a reinforcement to the army. This, however, will be only a temporary relief, it being uncertain how long these troops will remain there: I must, therefore, recommend it to you, to provide against the contingency of their removal, which will certainly take place upon the expiration of the time limited for their service. Gentlemen,

Notwithstanding the measures hitherto pursued, and although these states, through the indulgence of heaven, abound with provisions, the army has not as yet received seasonable and competent supplies. I now communicate to you letters from the committee of congress at head quarters, and the commander in chief, upon this interesting subject; and recommended them to your most serious attention, with the fullest confidence, that nothing will be wanting on your part; and, that as far as the ability of this state extends, no means will be left unessayed, to prevent

the misfortunes which must inevitably result from a failure in the essential article of subsistence.

Gentlemen,

When we reflect upon the present situation of our public affairs, it is evident, our embarrassments in the prosecution of the war, are chiefly to be attributed to a defect of power in those who ought to exercise a supreme direction; for while congress only recommend, and the different states deliberate upon the propriety of the recommendation, we cannot expect a union of force or council. From this conviction, I take the liberty of submitting, to you, whether further means ought not to be devised, for accelerating the proposed confederation, and thereby vesting congress with such authority, as that in all matters which relate to the war, their requisitions may be peremptory. It is with pleasure, I find this to have been the sentiment of a convention of committees from three states, lately held at Boston; whose proceedings, at their request, I now lay before you.

Hitherto the war has been carried on without decisive advantages on either side, and though it might be presumed, that our enemies, unsupported by any ally, and with every other power at least unfavorable to their cause, would have been convinced of their inability to withstand the United arms of France, Spain and America; and have withdrawn their armaments from our coasts, for the defence of their own: we find them, however, obstinately persevering in the vain hopes of conquest. It behoves us, therefore, to preserve an unremitted zeal and spirit; and especially to endeavor, by completing our continental battalions, to establish a permanent force, sufficient, with the divine blessing, to bring this contest to a speedy and successful issue. The generous aid from one, and the greatest exertions of

both nations engaged in the war with us, ought to encourage

and stimulate America to her utmost efforts.

Poughkeepsie, Sept. 7th, 1780.

The Governor Brings Before the Legislature the Financial Complications Threatening the Country.

The legislature convened at Poughkeepsie, pursuant to the proclamation of the Governor, on the first day of October, 1781, but as there was not a quorum of members present, they adjourned from time to time, until the 23rd of the same month, when they met the governor in the Senate Chamber, where he made the following

SPEECH:

Gentlemen of the Senate and Assembly:

The electing of delegates and a Council of appointment for the ensuing year, rendered the meeting of the legislature at this time, indispensable by the Confederation. A new congress is to convene on the first Monday in November in every year. You will, therefore, perceive the necessity of proceeding to the choice of members of this state, so early, as that the persons elected may have it in their power to attend in season, and prevent the inconveniences which might result from the want of a representation in congress.

The papers which I have now the honor to lay before you, relate to a variety of matters of the greatest moment. It is submitted to you to determine which of them require your immediate attention, and which may with safety and propriety, be deferred until the events of the campaign shall have fully unfolded themselves, and the legislature be thereby enabled to form a more competent judgment of the measures necessary to