Events have probably already passed in America, although not known in Europe, which will determine the great question, whether we shall have a long war or a short one. The eyes of all Europe are fixed upon Spain, whose armaments by sea and land are vastly expensive and extremely formidable, but whose designs are a profound, impenetrable secret; time, however, will discover them. In the meantime, we have the satisfaction to be sure, that they are not inimical to America. For this, we have the word of a King, signified by his Ministers, a King, who they say never breaks his word, but, on the contrary, has given many striking proofs of his sacred regard to it. I have the honor to be, with the greatest esteem, &c. JOHN ADAMS. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Passy, September 11th, 1778. Sir, I have the honor to enclose to Congress the latest gazettes. We have no other intelligence, than is contained in them. Since the 11th of July, the date of Lord Howe's announcing the arrival of the Count d'Estaing off Sandy Hook, we have not a syllable from America, by the way of England. In France, we have nothing from America since July 3d. This long interval leaves a vast scope for imagination to play, and, accordingly, there is no end to the speculations prompted by the hopes and fears of the nations of Europe. We are weary of conjectures, and must patiently wait for time to end them. I have the honor to be, with great respect, &c. JOHN ADAMS. * * * * * TO M. RAY DE CHAUMONT. Passy, September 15th, 1778. Sir,