Your favor of the 3d came to hand by the last post. Before this time you will have seen the report I made to Congress of the interview with Sir Guy Carleton. I am very sorry its result proved so indecisive. That this arises from the cause you mention I am not fully persuaded. I believe a want of information from his Court, which had been for some time without any administration, has been a great embarrassment to him. The civil jurisdiction of West Chester County Sir Guy Carleton appeared very willing, in his conversation, to relinquish to the State; but what reply he will make to the Governor, when he comes to reduce it to writing, I know not. Long Island he seemed to think could not be so easily delivered up. It would be attended with many inconveniences, and he mentioned particularly the facility it would give to desertions, and the necessity of holding it for the accommodation of those people, who must eventually be obliged to leave the country. Staten Island was also necessary for his convenience. I have had no reply from Sir Guy since his return to New York, nor, I presume, has Governor Clinton heard anything from him. I have the honor to be, &c. GEORGE WASHINGTON. * * * * * TO THE CHAIRMAN OF A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS. Philadelphia, May 19th, 1783. Sir, The inquiries that the committee were pleased to do me the honor to make this morning, relative to my continuing to exercise the office of Secretary of Foreign Affairs, were extremely embarrassing to me, because, on the one hand, I find it impossible to continue in the office on the present establishment, without material injury to my private affairs, and, on the other, to propose the terms on which I would stay would be to overrate my own importance, and to suppose that others could not be had upon such conditions as Congress have been pleased to consider as sufficient. Having given my whole time, and a considerable part of my property to the public during the war, I see, with pleasure, that the affairs of the United States are not now in such a situation as to render the contributions of an individual necessary. It is my wish to endeavor to repair the injuries my estate has sustained by the ravages of the enemy, and my own neglect, by the offices I have held.