![STOCKTON, Richard (1730-1781), Signer (New Jersey). Autograph letter signed ("Richd Stockton"), to Col. [Robert] Morris (c.1745-1815), Morven (near Princeton, N.J.), 11 July 1779. 3 full pages, small 4to, recipient's docket.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2005/NYR/2005_NYR_01685_0013_000(110636).jpg?w=1)
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STOCKTON, Richard (1730-1781), Signer (New Jersey). Autograph letter signed ("Richd Stockton"), to Col. [Robert] Morris (c.1745-1815), Morven (near Princeton, N.J.), 11 July 1779. 3 full pages, small 4to, recipient's docket.
"OUR AMERICAN FABIUS [WASHINGTON]...WILL NOT RISK A GENERAL ENGAGEMENT WIHOUT A MATHEMATICAL CERTAINTY OF SUCCEEDING..."
A fine, newsy letter from the noted New Jersey Signer, living in semi-retirement at his family home, which had been sacked and burned by the British. Stockton, who had been captured and exchanged, comments pointedly on the generalship of Washington, speculates on British military plans and ponders the prospect of a peaceful settlement at this late date: "You are very obliging in beginning a correspondence with me...but I cannot engage to make you suitable returns, such as my state of retirement from the world will admit of, shall be at your service." He agrees with Morris on "the probable intention of the British general, during the course of the ensuring campaign. The Fortress at West-Point is certainly an object worthy of their contending for: and their not having made more vigorous efforts to cut off the communication between the eastern & southern states before this period of the War, has astonished most men of observation....I have feared for some time that they may intend a visit to Philad[elphi]a at the close of the season, and if they should attempt this, I am rather inclined to think they will again make poor Jersey their Bridge, than run the risk of the water."
Stockton refers rather critically to Washington: "Our American Fabius might not, and therefore I am persuaded will not risk a general engagement without a mathematical certainty of succeeding - a decision against him would, at all times during the war, have been dangerous, but now fatal. This country would scarcely have wished a more favorable occasion to have opened a negotiation for peace, than before the commencement of this campaign. The house of Bourbon (armed as it is) soliciting it--Britain apprehensive of the combined force of France, Spain and America; and fearful from thence that her affairs may grow worse--And America, in fact, sinking under the venality of her Citizens, and the villainous depreciation of her currency. The enlightened part of this country, who disinterestedly seek the good of America, do now; and posterity will universally execrate those men who have been the means of procrastinating their most interesting business...."
"OUR AMERICAN FABIUS [WASHINGTON]...WILL NOT RISK A GENERAL ENGAGEMENT WIHOUT A MATHEMATICAL CERTAINTY OF SUCCEEDING..."
A fine, newsy letter from the noted New Jersey Signer, living in semi-retirement at his family home, which had been sacked and burned by the British. Stockton, who had been captured and exchanged, comments pointedly on the generalship of Washington, speculates on British military plans and ponders the prospect of a peaceful settlement at this late date: "You are very obliging in beginning a correspondence with me...but I cannot engage to make you suitable returns, such as my state of retirement from the world will admit of, shall be at your service." He agrees with Morris on "the probable intention of the British general, during the course of the ensuring campaign. The Fortress at West-Point is certainly an object worthy of their contending for: and their not having made more vigorous efforts to cut off the communication between the eastern & southern states before this period of the War, has astonished most men of observation....I have feared for some time that they may intend a visit to Philad[elphi]a at the close of the season, and if they should attempt this, I am rather inclined to think they will again make poor Jersey their Bridge, than run the risk of the water."
Stockton refers rather critically to Washington: "Our American Fabius might not, and therefore I am persuaded will not risk a general engagement without a mathematical certainty of succeeding - a decision against him would, at all times during the war, have been dangerous, but now fatal. This country would scarcely have wished a more favorable occasion to have opened a negotiation for peace, than before the commencement of this campaign. The house of Bourbon (armed as it is) soliciting it--Britain apprehensive of the combined force of France, Spain and America; and fearful from thence that her affairs may grow worse--And America, in fact, sinking under the venality of her Citizens, and the villainous depreciation of her currency. The enlightened part of this country, who disinterestedly seek the good of America, do now; and posterity will universally execrate those men who have been the means of procrastinating their most interesting business...."