I do myself the honor to enclose certified copies of two letters from Silas Deane, which serve in some measure to authenticate those that have been published in his name, and strongly mark such a change in his sentiments and principles as is worthy of the attention of the State of which he is a citizen. The originals are lodged in this office, to which your Excellency may at any time apply, if such copies should be required, as would amount to legal evidence; I have also enclosed a copy of an affidavit of Mr Marshall to prove the identity of the letters, and his having received them from Silas Deane. I some time since did myself the honor to write to you, relative to the damage done by the enemy in your State, to that letter I have not been as yet favored with an answer. Your Excellency will easily see the propriety of keeping up a correspondence with this office, since there are so many inferior objects, which escape the general attention of Congress, which it may be extremely useful to detail in our negotiations. Such, for instance, as an authentic account of the cruelties committed by the British at New Haven. Nor is it of less moment to be minutely informed by every State of the resources for carrying on the war, the means used to call out those resources, the temper and disposition of the people with respect to them. With a view of obtaining these from you at your leisure, I have taken the liberty to open this correspondence with your Excellency. I persuade myself you will not put the trouble it may give you in competition with the slightest advantage, that our country may obtain from it. I shall in return give you from time to time, such European news as we may receive here, which I conceive will contribute either to your amusement or the advantage of your State. And as I have nothing positive at present, let me inform you, what I would wish every State to know, that we have not as yet any intelligence, that leads to a speedy peace, so that we have every reason to expect another campaign, and a campaign too, that will call for our greatest exertions. I have the honor to be, &c. ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Philadelphia, January 25th, 1782. Sir, In the first organization of a new Department, some things are frequently omitted, which experience will show ought to be inserted, and many inserted which might be omitted; it becomes the duty of those, who are placed at the head of such Departments, to mention the difficulties that may arise from these causes, and leave it to the wisdom of Congress to alter them, or to judge whether they can be changed without introducing greater inconveniences. Upon this principle, Sir, I am induced to offer the following observations.