As, for reasons, which will appear in the course of the following papers, and which I hope will meet with the approbation of Congress, it became proper for me to remain in Spain, I apprised the Court of France of it by a letter to his Excellency the Count de Vergennes, on the 27th of January, 1780, of which the following is a copy.[20]
The Count's answer to this is in the following words.
Translation.
"Versailles, March 13th, 1780.
"Sir,
"I have received your favor of the 27th of January, and I am fully sensible of the confidence you have reposed in me, by communicating to me the object of your mission. You know too well the attachment of his Majesty to the United States, not to feel assured that he sincerely wishes you success, and will be eager to contribute to it. The Count de Montmorin has received instructions accordant with this disposition, and I do not doubt that your confidence in him will enable him to fulfil them to your entire satisfaction.
"I have the honor to be, &c.
DE VERGENNES."
On the 9th of May, 1780, I replied to the Count as follows.
"Aranjues, May 9th, 1780.