TO M. DUMAS.
Paris, April 10th, 1778.
Sir,
The within letter to you is so written, that you may show it on occasion. We send enclosed a proposed draught of a letter to the Grand Pentionary, but as we are unacquainted with forms, and may not exactly have hit your idea with regard to the matter and expression, we wish you would consult with our friends upon it, and return it with the necessary corrections.
B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.
DRAFT OF A PROPOSED LETTER FROM THE COMMISSIONERS TO THE GRAND PENTIONARY.
Sir,
We have the honor of acquainting your Excellency, that the United States of North America, being now an independent power, and acknowledged as such by this Court, a treaty of amity and commerce is completed between France and the said United States, of which we shall speedily send your Excellency a copy, to be communicated, if you think proper, to their High Mightinesses, for whom the United States have the greatest respect, and the strongest desire that a good understanding may be cultivated, and a mutually beneficial commerce established between the people of the two nations, which, as will be seen, there is nothing in the above mentioned treaty to prevent or impede.
We have the honor to be, with great respect, your Excellency's, &c.