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Following Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown on October 19, 1781, a stalemate prevailed, particularly in the north. Clinton's British Army held New York City and Washington's Army held the Hudson highlands. On May 5, 1782, General Sir Guy Carleton took command of the British Army in New York City. In addition to commanding the Army, Carleton was to explore as favorable a peace as was possible under the circumstances. Soon after his arrival, Carleton started corresponding with Washington but I can find no record that they met earlier than May 5, 1783, after the Treaty of Paris. Washington kept Congress advised of his communications with Carleton and these communications have been published.
Given this background, the following folded letter may be of interest. I've marked uncertain transcriptions in curley brackets.
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