The country in general is in such a state of insensibility and indifference to its interests, that I dare not flatter myself with any change for the better.
"The committee of congress in their late address to the several states, have given a just picture of our situation.

I very much doubt its making the desired impression; and if it does not, I shall consider our lethargy as incurable.

The present juncture is so interesting, that if it does not produce correspondent exertions, it will be a proof, that motives of honour, public good, and even self-preservation, have lost their influence upon our minds.

This is a decisive moment, one of the most, I will go further and say, the most important America has seen.

The court of France has made a glorious effort for our deliverance, and if we disappoint its intentions by our supineness, we must become contemptible in the eyes of all mankind; nor can we, after that, venture to confide that our allies will persist in an attempt to establish what it will appear we want inclination or ability to assist them in.
"Every view of our own circumstances ought to determine us to the most vigorous efforts; but there are considerations of another kind, that should have equal weight.