Head Quarters Verplanks Point Octr. 2d. 1782 Dear Sir,

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.

D. Cobb

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

Nantes Octor. 10 1782 Sir,

I have bought and order’d to be packd. & Shipt. the Goods you desird on board the Julius Cesar Capt Harnden, which I wish safe to hand & to your approbation. I have the Honor to be your humble Servt.,

Jeremiah Allen

RC ; internal address: “Robert Treat Paine Esqr.”; another copy of this letter is in the RTP papers, dated at Nantes, Oct. 12, 1782.

Nantes Octor. 14. 1782 Sir,

Since I had the Honor of Writing The agent of the ship tells me that it is not possible to take on board any Goods either for myself or friends, which if so, I shall be very sorry for my self & friends. I am obligd. to go for Paris tomorrow but every thing will be done to get the Goods on board which I hope may be Effected and that they will arrive safe and to approbation.

I have the Honor to be your Humble Servant, Jeremiah Allen

RC ; internal address: “Robt. Treat Paine Esqr.”; two copies of this letter with the same date are in the RTP Papers.