Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 4
The Commissioners, who were appointed for settling a General Cartel meet last week; ours under Letters Patent with the great seal of the States, the British only with the authority of Sir Guy Carleton—under such difference of authority, they soon found themselves unable to proceed & accordingly broke up after three days setting. The British seem very anxious for exchanging their Soldiers for our Seamen, while we on the contrary think their Soldiers will be more advantageous to us than our Seamen, the matter will rest in this way, (unless we should sell some of their Germains to pay for keeping the rest) ’till all affairs are settled.
I thought some time ago, that we should have the pleasure of seeing the inside of New York, this Fall; but I am now convinced, we shall not, tho’ the Enemy are still making every preparation for embarking Troops and Stores, some of the Refugees have sailed, to take possession of their new World, in the Bay of Fundy, others probably will soon follow; and all the rubbish of the Place will be cleared off in such manner, that a few days only will be necessary to evacuate the place when ever orders for that purpose are received. This however will not take place ’till the Spring, the British Troops will probably go off with the Fleet for the West Indies. Charlestown is or soon will be evacuated; we expect the certain information, momently.
Our Campaign must soon be up; whether we shall go further down now, is I think, very uncertain, especially when a great part of the Troops 233 must make their own Barracks for the Winter. The General has not determined his future movements. Adieu! My Love to the Family, my Daughters & all Friends.