TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Passy, November 7th, 1778.
Sir,
We have the honor to enclose a copy of the declaration concerning the 11th and 12th articles of the treaty of commerce, which we have received from his Excellency the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in exchange for a similar one signed by us, in pursuance of the instructions of Congress.
We have also the honor to enclose copies of a correspondence with his Excellency M. de Sartine, the Secretary of State for the Marine, concerning cases of recaptures, that Congress may, if they judge proper, take some resolution on this head; it seems to be equitable, that the same rule should be observed by both nations.
We also enclose copies of a correspondence on the subject of negotiation with the Barbary States. We do not find ourselves authorised to treat with those powers, as they are not in Europe, and indeed we are not furnished with funds for making them presents.
We have had the honor of a copy from the Auditor General, enclosing the form of bills of exchange to be drawn upon us, for the interest due upon loan office certificates, and acquainting us that this interest will amount to two millions and a half of livres annually. When it was proposed to pay the interest here, we had no idea of so much being borrowed. We shall pay the most punctual obedience to these and all other orders of Congress, as long as our funds shall last. But we are obliged to inform Congress, that expenses on prisoners being great, and being drawn upon by the order of Congress from various quarters, and receiving no funds from America, we suffer the utmost anxiety, lest we should be obliged to protest bills. We have exerted ourselves to the utmost of our power to procure money, but hitherto with little success. And we beg that some supplies may be sent us as soon as possible. We are very sorry that we are not able to send to Congress those supplies of arms, ammunition, and clothing, which they have ordered; but it is absolutely impossible, for the want of funds, and M. Beaumarchais has not yet informed us, whether he will execute the agreement made for him with you or not.
We have the pleasure to inform Congress, that Mr Matthew Ridley of Maryland has made a present to the United States of a valuable manuscript upon naval affairs, which he has left with us. We shall take the first opportunity of a frigate to send it to Congress.
We enclose to Congress copies of a correspondence between the Ambassador of the king of the two Sicilies and us, which, as his Majesty is the eldest son of the king of Spain, is considered as an event indicative of the good will of a greater power, although, this is respectable.