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Pendleton, Edmund (1721-1803) to Joseph Jones, re: peace negotiations continue [sig. clipped]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00099.099 Author/Creator: Pendleton, Edmund (1721-1803) Place Written: Edmundsbury Type: Autograph letter Date: 21 October 1782 Pagination: 1 p. 22 x 34 cm Order a Copy

Signature has been clipped-off (loss on leaf A1 bottom measures 3.3 x 16 cm.) Written to Jones instead of Madison but intended for them both.

The continuance of the Negotiation after the last change of ministry, shews they do not care to lose sight of that Object, & will probably be serious in it, at the close of this Campaign….We have nothing to expect pacific to Us; but I think their Situation & the Spirit of the Nation will coerce the Acknowledgment of American Independence.
There is nothing material in the Bill for Peace or truce, since it only gives a (perhaps unnecessary) power to the King to make either without anything Mandatory-Yet it's having lain so long with the Lords, & being passed just at the close of the Session, together with the purging it of the Offensive terms Revolted Colonies, give it a conciliatory Aspect….
I find your opinion coincides with mine as to the designs of the Enemy in Strengthening Canada, & bending the residue of their Force against the West Indies-I hope our allies are prepare there for such an event, so as to disappoint any extraordinary fruits of their plan….

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