TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Passy, 8th February, 1778.
Sir,
We have now the great satisfaction of acquainting you and the Congress, that the treaties with France are at length completed and signed. The first is a treaty of amity and commerce, much on the plan of that projected in Congress;[49] the other is a treaty of alliance, in which it is stipulated, that in case England declares war against France, or occasions a war by attempts to hinder her commerce with us, we should then make common cause of it, and join our forces, and councils, &c. The great aim of this treaty is declared to be to "establish the liberty, sovereignty, and independency, absolute and unlimited, of the United States, as well in matters of government as commerce;" and this is guarantied to us by France, together with all the countries we possess, or shall possess at the conclusion of the war; in return for which the States guaranty to France, all its possessions in America. We do not now add more particulars, as you will soon have the whole by a safer conveyance, a frigate being appointed to carry our despatches. We only observe to you, and with pleasure, that we have found throughout this business, the greatest cordiality in this Court; and that no advantage has been taken, or attempted to be taken of our present difficulties, to obtain hard terms from us; but such has been the King's magnanimity and goodness, that he has proposed none which we might not readily have agreed to in a state of full prosperity and established power. The principle laid down as the basis of the treaty, being as declared in the preamble, "the most perfect equality and reciprocity," the privileges in trade, &c. are mutual, and none are given to France, but what we are at liberty to grant to any other nation.
On the whole, we have abundant reason to be satisfied with the good will of this Court, and of the nation in general, which we therefore hope will be cultivated by the Congress, by every means which may establish the Union, and render it permanent. Spain being slow, there is a separate and secret clause, by which she is to be received into the alliance, upon requisition, and there is no doubt of the event. When we mention the good will of this nation to our cause, we may add that of all Europe, which having been offended by the pride and insolence of Britain, wishes to see its power diminished; and all who have received injuries from her, are, by one of the articles, to be invited into our alliance. The preparations for war are carried on with immense activity, and it is soon expected.
With our hearty congratulations, and our duty to the Congress, we have the honor to be very respectfully, &c.
B. FRANKLIN,
SILAS DEANE.
FOOTNOTES:
[49] This plan of a treaty is contained at length in the Secret Journals of Congress, Vol. II. p. 7. It is accompanied with a draft of instructions to the commissioners, who were to propose it, in which modifications are suggested.