Gentlemen,
Since our last of the 26th ult. which mentions the enemy being retreated to Amboy, we have to inform you, that General Washington dismissed the Jersey militia, except about 2000, and likewise countermanded the reinforcement of 3000 men from General Putman's Division, at Peekskill. We suppose General Howe to be apprized of these circumstances, as he immediately after returned with his whole force from Amboy, and made an attempt to cut off a Division of our army under General Sterling, but without success. For particulars we refer you to General Washington's letters, in the newspapers of the 3d inst.
A letter from General Washington, just received, informs us, that the enemy have totally evacuated the Jerseys, and are retreated to their last year's quarters on Staten Island.
We enclose to you commissions and instructions for Ralph Izard and William Lee; the first, appointed commissioner to the Court of Tuscany, and the latter to the Courts of Vienna and Berlin. Their instructions are so intimately connected with your own, that we have thought proper to send them open to your confidential care, that you may give information to the gentlemen, and take every due step to forward the execution of the intention of Congress.
B. HARRISON,
R. MORRIS,
T. HAYWARD,
J. LOVELL.
COUNT DE VERGENNES TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
Translation.
Versailles, 16th July, 1777.
Gentlemen,
You cannot forget, that at the first conversation I had with both of you, I assured you, that you should enjoy in France, with respect to your persons, every security and comfort, which we showed to foreigners; and as to your commerce and navigation, we would grant every facility compatible with the exact observation of our treaties with England, which the king's principles would induce him religiously to fulfil. In order to prevent every doubt, with respect to the vessels that may participate in the favors, which we grant in our ports to nations in amity, I pointed out to you the article of the treaty, which forbids the power of allowing privateers free access into our ports, unless through pressing necessity, as also with respect to the deposit and sale of their prizes. You promised, gentlemen, to conform thereto.