Resolved, that a committee of five be appointed to wait on M. Gerard on his arrival, and conduct him to his lodgings.
The members chosen, Mr Hancock, Mr Lee, Mr Drayton, Mr Roberdeau, and Mr Duer.
Next morning the committee went to Chester to meet M. Gerard, who received them on board the frigate. In going on board they were saluted with fifteen guns. They then went on shore and waited on him to Philadelphia, and conducted him to General Arnold's head quarters, where a dinner was provided for him and his suit, and a number of the members of Congress. Before dinner he waited on the President.
On Tuesday he delivered to the President sundry papers to be laid before Congress,[23] desiring to know in what capacity Congress were willing to receive him; whether as Minister Plenipotentiary or resident, intimating, that in whatever quality he was received, it would be expected, that the Commissioners from the States at the Court of France should be vested with the same.
FOOTNOTE:
[23] Letters from the King, and notes of M. Gerard.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, July 14th, 1778.
Sir,