I am, with great respect, your Excellency's, &c.
B. FRANKLIN.
TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
Passy, March 6th, 1781.
Sir,
By perusing the enclosed instructions to Colonel Laurens and myself, your Excellency will see the necessity I am under of being importunate for an answer to the application lately made for aids of stores and money. As vessels are about to depart for America, it is of the utmost importance that the Congress should receive advice by some of them, of what may or may not be expected. I therefore earnestly entreat your Excellency to communicate me, as soon as possible, the necessary information.
With sincere esteem, I am, &c.
B. FRANKLIN.