COUNT DE VERGENNES TO B. FRANKLIN.
Translation.
Versailles, August 27th, 1784.
Sir,
You have communicated to me an extract from the instructions, which Congress addressed to you on the 11th of May last, which imports that the United States will in no case treat any other nation with respect to commerce more advantageously than the French. This disposition is much the wisest, as it will prevent those misunderstandings, which might arise from the equivocal terms in which the 2d article of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed February 6th, 1778, is conceived. But that the resolution of Congress on this subject may be clearly stated, it would be best, Sir, that you furnish me with it in the form of a declaration, or at least in an official note, signed by yourself. I have no doubt that you will adopt one of these two forms.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DE VERGENNES.
TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.
Passy, September 3d, 1784.