Head Quarters Verplanks Point Septr. 25th. 1782 Dear Sir,

Your Letter1 I received some time since, & should be very happy in your frequent communications, as these are the only means that can keep up a Soldiers spirits in an inactive Campaign.

229

From what has publicly appeared, it seems the British Cabinet are distracted with very contradictory sentiments, & what was evidently the modus agendi of the last Administration, is damned by the present, this however, I believe is nothing more than an excuse, in keeping matters suspended, for the events of the Campaign; as the necessities of that Court require an immediate peace. Mr. Grenville2 has undoubtedly acceeded to the absolute Independence of America; which was in June last, and he has never been from Paris since, perhaps the change of Ministry, has only smurthered for a time, a measure, that necessity will oblige the persuit. Don’t let this git into your papers. I have forgot whether I informed you of the Junction of the French Army—they have joined more than a week since, and we have had nothing but parading and reviewing since. Our weather grows cold, I assume you it puts me in mind of a warmer habitation than the present cloath one. Tell Jos. Russell to write me, & that immediately give my Love to him & family. My best Love to Mrs. Paine, family & my Daughters & believe me ever

Your Friend D. Cobb

RC ; addressed: “Robert Treat Paine Esqr. Boston”; endorsed.

1.

Not located.

2.

Thomas Grenville (1755–1846), the son of former prime minister George Grenville, was assigned to negotiate the treaty with the United States in early 1782 but was recalled after the death of Lord Rockingham in July (Oxford Dictionary of National Biography).