present; a confidence which you know, gentlemen, has been the basis of that truly amicable and disinterested system on which he hath treated with the United States.

It is not his majesty's fault that the engagements he hath entered into did not establish your independence and repose, without the further effusion of blood, and without aggravating the calamities of mankind, whose happiness it is his highest ambition to promote and secure. But, since the hostile measures and designs of the common enemy have given to engagements purely eventual, an immediate, positive, permanent, and indissoluble force, it is the opinion of the king my master, that the allies should turn their whole attention to fulfil those engagements in the manner most useful to the common cause, and best calculated to obtain that peace which is the object of the alliance.

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It is upon this principle, gentlemen, his majesty hath hastened to send you a powerful assistance, which you owe only to his friendship, to the sincere regard he has for every thing which relates to the advantage of the United States, and the desire of contributing with efficacy to establish your repose and prosperity upon an honorable and solid foundation. And further, it is his expectation that the principles which may be adopted by the respective governments, will tend to strengthen those bonds of union which have originated in the mutual interests of the two nations.

The principal object of my instructions is, to connect the interests of France with those of the United States. I flatter myself, gentlemen, that my past conduct in the affairs which concern them, hath already convinced you of the determination I feel to endeavor to obey my instructions in such manner as to deserve the confidence of Congress, the friendship of its members, and the esteem of the citizens of America.

(Signed,)

To which the president returned the following answer:

GERARD."

SIR: The treaties between his most Christian majesty and the United States of America, so fully demonstrate his wisdom and magnanimity as to command the reverence of all nations. The virtuous citizens of America, in particular, can never forget his beneficent attention to their violated rights, nor cease to acknowledge the hand of a gracious Providence in raising them up so powerful and illustrious a friend. It is the hope and opinion of Congress that the confidence his majesty reposes in the firmness of these states, will receive additional strength from every day's experience.

This assembly are convinced, sir, that had it rested solely with the most Christian king, not only the independence of these states would have been universally acknowledged, but their tranquillity fully established. We lament that lust of domination which gave birth to the present war, and hath prolonged and extended the miseries of mankind. We ardently wish to sheath the sword, and spare the further effusion of blood; but we are determined, by every means in our power, to fulfil those eventual engagements which have acquired positive and permanent force from the hostile designs and measures of the common enemy.

Congress have reason to believe that the assistance so wisely and generously sent, will bring Great-Britain to a sense of justice and moderation, promote the interest of France and America, and secure peace and tranquillity on the most firm and honorable foundation. Neither can it be doubted that those who administer the powers of government within the several states of this union will cement that connection with the subjects of France, the beneficent effects of which have already been so sensibly felt.

SIR: From the experience we have had of your exertions to promote the true interests of our country as well as your own, it is with the highest satis

faction Congress receive as the first minister from his most Christian majesty, a gentleman whose past conduct affords a happy presage, that he will merit the confidence of this body, the friendship of its members, and the esteem of the citizens of America."

The secretary of Congress delivered to the minister a copy of the foregoing reply, dated "In Congress, August 6, 1778, and signed "Henry Laurens, president."

Whereupon the minister withdrew, and was conducted home in the manner in which he was brought to the house.

Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow.

FRIDAY, August 7, 1778.

A letter, of the 1st, from Mr. M. Clarkson, one of the auditors of accounts in the main army, was read, informing," that when he was appointed to that office he was possessed of the commission of marshal of the court of admiralty for the state of Pennsylvania, which he still holds," and representing, "that his duty in that office now claims his attention, and that, therefore, he is constrained to tender a resignation of his office as auditor ;" and begging "Congress will be pleased to accept it:" Whereupon,

Resolved, That his resignation be accepted.

A report from the board of war, to whom the petition of captain Stoddard, of the 2d regiment of light dragoons, was referred, being read,

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

The committee to whom was referred the letter of the 27th of November, 1777, from major-general Heath, to the board of treasury, report,

That they have carefully examined the files and journals of Congress, so far as they respect the defence of the state of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, and the rise of the expedition against the island of Rhode-Island, and find that at a meeting of the committees appointed by the states of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, and Connecticut, convened at Providence, on the 25th day of December, 1776, it was among other things resolved, "That it is the opinion of this committee, that while so large a body of the enemy is in possession of Rhode-Island, it is necessary to keep 6000 men in the state of Rhode-Island to oppose them." That the proceedings of the said committees were laid before Congress, who upon the 15th day of February, 1777, resolved, "That, considering the situation of the New-England states, Congress approve of the measures adopted and recommended by the committees from the four New-England states, for the defence of the state of Rhode-Island." That, on the 16th day of April, 1777, Congress resolved, "That it be recommended to the general assembly of the state of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations to collect, with the utmost despatch, the whole force thereof, and therewith, aided by such parts of the militia of Massachusetts-Bay, and Connecticut as are contiguous to the said state, to attack and destroy the enemy on the island of Rhode-Island aforesaid: that it be, and hereby it is recommended to the states of Massachusetts-Bay and Connecticut, to give every assistance in their power, by calling out the militia of their respective towns which lie next to the state of Rhode-Island, and to promote and execute this important service: that gen. Washington be directed to appoint such general officers as he shall judge proper to carry the foregoing resolution into effect. Ordered, that a copy of the foregoing resolution be sent by express to general Washington, and the three New-England states."

That at a meeting of the committees from the states of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, and New-York, held at Springfield, 50th of July, 1777, it was among other things resolved, "that the state of RhodeIsland be requested to fill up their two battalions as soon as may be, for the VOL. III.

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defence of that state; that the state of Massachusetts-Bay be desired to hasten on the two battalions they have ordered for that purpose; that the state of Connecticut be desired to raise and equip one battalion of 728 men, with all speed, and direct them to the above service; and that the state of New-Hampshire be desired to raise and equip 300 men, with all speed, and direct them to the above purpose." That on the 21st of August, 1777, Congress resolved, "That fire-ships should be prepared to attack and destroy the British ships in the rivers and bays of the state of Rhode-Island: That gen. Spencer be made acquainted with the foregoing resolution, and that he be instructed, as far as possible, to favor the said designs by such attacks and feints as he may judge proper, with the troops and boats under his command." That on the 13th of January, 1778, Congress resolved, "That it be earnestly recommended to the states of New-Hampshire, MassachusettsBay, Rhode-island, and Connecticut, immediately to furnish and keep up constantly in the state of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, for the defence of the said state, their several quotas of troops as adjusted by the resolution of a committee from the said states and the state of New-York, which met at Springfield, the 30th day of July last." That Congress, on the 14th of January, 1778, resolved, "That Ebenezer Hancock, esq. deputy paymaster general of the eastern district, be directed, forthwith, to appoint an assistant pay-master, constantly to attend and pay the army stationed in or near Providence, for the defence of the state of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, applying to Congress, from time to time, for the necessary supplies of money for the same; and that the commanding officer in the said state be fully empowered to draw on the said assistant pay-master for the necessary supplies of the army aforesaid." That on the 17th of July, 1777, Congress resolved, "That gen. Spencer be informed, in answer to his letter of the 20th May, that Congress confirm the appointment made by him of William Peck, esq. deputy adjutant general to the militia and the state troops of RhodeIsland, kept in continental pay; that for money to pay the said troops he is to make application to Ebenezer Hancock, esq. at Boston, deputy pay-master general of the troops in the eastern department; and that as the quartermaster general has the appointment of all his deputies; application is to be made to them for the appointment of a deputy quarter-master general:" Whereupon,

Resolved, That the expense of the late intended expedition against the island of Rhode-Island be borne by the continent.

A petition from George Spangler, was read:

Ordered, To lie on the table.

Ordered, That Mr. Roberdeau have leave of absence.

The committee to whom was referred the memorial of col. Knoblauch, brought in a report, which was read:

Ordered, To lie on the table.

Adjourned to nine o'clock to morrow.

SATURDAY, August 8, 1778.

A letter, from T. Pickering, and one from major-general Arnold, both of this date, were read.

A letter, from B. Randolph, appointed to superintend the making of paper for loan-office certificates and bills of exchange, was read, informing, that his engagements in New-Jersey will prevent his attendance on the business to which he was appointed, in less than two weeks from this time, and therefore praying, if the business require immediate attendance, that Congress will please to appoint some other person for the present.

The board of treasury having recommended sundry persons for signers of the continental currency, Congress proceeded to the election, and the bal

lots being taken, the following gentlemen were chosen, viz. Samuel Nichols, col. Patton, col. Joseph Copperthwait, Joseph H. Ellis, Richard Humphreys, James Loughead, Jedediah Snowden. Joseph Walter, Joseph Bullock, William Thorne, Thomas Leiper, John Lardner, Alexander Nesbit, Frederick Phrie, John Young, jun. William Gray, Robert Caither, col. Lewis Farmer, Jahn Keppele, William Adcock, Joseph Pennel, Joseph Hubley, John Mease, Peter Stretch, Nathaniel Donald, William Hardy, Joseph Snowden, James Wilson, William Sheaf, and Edward Fox.

The board of treasury having also recommended a person to superintend the making of paper for loan-office certificates and bills of exchange, Congress proceeded to the election, and the ballots being taken, Mr. George Bright was elected.

Whereas, in pursuance of the recommendation of Congress of March 2d, a volunteer corps of cavalry from the state of Virginia, under the command of the hon. gen. Nelson, are now in this city, on their way to the army, under the command of gen. Washington: and, whereas, the removal of the enemy from this state renders the employment of this corps at present unnecessary: Resolved, That it be recommended to the said corps to return.

Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to the hon. gen. Nelson and the officers and gentlemen under his command, for their brave, generous and patriotic efforts in the cause of their country.

A motion was made, to add as follows," and that it be warmly recommended to the inhabitants of the several states to imitate, in public emergencies, thevirtuous conduct of the volunteers from Virginia:""

The previous question being called for, and the yeas and nays required by Mr. Drayton,

New-Hampshire, Mr. Bartlett,

Massa'stta-Bay, Mr. S. Adams,

Mr. Chase,
Forbes,

ay Jay

Maryland,

ay

થયુ કે વધુ

Mr. R. H. Lee,

ay

Dana,

>ay

ay

T. Adams,

ay

So it passed in the affirmative, and the main question was set aside. Ordered, That the letter of the 23d of June last, from the council of Massachusetts-Bay, so far as relates to their state's clothing their troops, be referred to the board of war, and that the board take such measures and give such orders thereon as they judge proper.

Ordered, That the proceedings of Congress on Thursday last, during the audience of sieur Gerard, minister plenipotentiary from his most Christian majesty, be forthwith published, as entered on the journals.

Adjourned to nine o'clock on Monday.

MONDAY, August 10, 1778.

Mr. Harnett, a delegate from North-Carolina, attended, and took his seat in Congress.

A letter, of the Sd and 4th, from gen. Washington, at White-Plains, was read, with sundry papers enclosed:

Ordered, That so much of the said letter as relates to the artillery, with brigadier Knox's letter and observations, be referred to the board of war: That so much of the said letter as relates to the inlisting the draughts who are willing to enter into the service for three years, or during the war, be also

referred to the board of war; and that they be directed to prepare a resolution for that purpose, and report the same as soon as possible:

That so much of the said letter as relates to the clothier-general's department, be referred to a committee of three: the members chosen, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Sherinan, and Mr. Scudder.

Resolved, That a commander of the horse be appointed to-morrow.

A letter, of this day, from major Lee, was read:

Ordered, That it be referred to the board of treasury.

A letter, of July 27th, from major-general Green, with sundry papers enclosed, was read.

A memorial from col. R. Lawson, of the 4th Virginia regiment, was read: Ordered, That it be referred to the board of war.

A letter, of the 7th, from gen. Washington, enclosing a copy of a letter of the 4th, from col. Laurens, at Providence, was read:

A letter, of the 3d, from gen. Washington to the board of war, with sundry papers enclosed, was laid before Congress, and read:

Ordered, That it be returned to the board of war, and that they be directed to report thereon.

A letter, of July 28th, from J. Warren, esq. one of the navy board in the eastern department, and one, of August 5th, from gov. Johnson, of Maryland, with sundry papers enclosed, were read:

Ordered, That they be referred to the marine committee.

A letter, of the 5th, from R. H. Harrison, and one, of the 1st, from majorgeneral Sullivan, at Providence, were read.

A letter, of the 7th, from col. B. Flower, under arrest, was read, informing of his ill state of health, and requesting a relaxation of his confinement, and accompanied with a certificate from Dr. Clarkson, confirming the account of his infirm condition; Whereupon,

Resolved, That major-general Arnold be directed to permit col. B. Flower to go abroad for the benefit of the air, at such hours as he shall think most conducive to his health, under the custody of one or more vigilant and discreet officer or officers.

A letter, of the 7th, from George Partridge, esq. to Mr. Dana, was laid before Congress, and read:

Ordered, That it be referred to the board of war.

Ordered, That the letters lately received by the committee of commerce from New-Orleans, be referred to the board of war.

A motion was made, to agree to a proposition for exchanging gov. Franklin for gov. McKinley:

Ordered, That the consideration thereof be postponed.

Resolved, That two members be added to the committee of arrangement, and that the commander in chief, with the advice and assistance of the said committee or any two or more of them, be, and he is hereby empowered to proceed in arranging the army according to the resolutions of Congress: the members chosen, Mr. Sherman and Mr. Banister.

The committee on the post-office brought in a report; Whereupon, Resolved, That 14,0414 dollars be advanced to Richard Bache, esq. postmaster general, for the use of his department; the said R. Bache to be accountable.

A letter, of this day, from gen. Mifflin, was read:

Ordered, To lie on the table.

A letter, of the 7th, from gen. Washington, was read.

The committee of commerce brought in a report; Whereupon,

Ordered, That the bill drawn on the committee of commerce by Abraham Livingston, in favor of Samuel Curson, for 10,000 dollars, dated Charleston, South-Carolina, be paid.