Translation.
Philadelphia, November 9th, 1778.
Sir,
The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to inform the Congress of the United States of North America, that he has obtained, on account of his Majesty, the cargo of two schooners; the one called the Gentil, George André, Captain, and the other the Adventurer, commanded by Captain Joseph Taffier, these two vessels being now in the port of Petersburg, Virginia, and their cargoes delivered, consisting of from twelve to thirteen hundred barrels of flour, and about fifty barrels of biscuit. The destination of these provisions, requiring that they should depart immediately, the undersigned Minister Plenipotentiary requests Congress to be pleased to take the measures which it shall judge necessary, in order, that the departure of these two vessels with their cargoes may meet with no obstacle. An express will wait for the orders, which it may be necessary to send into Virginia, in relation to this object.
GERARD.
Whereupon Congress ordered, that the President write to the Governor of Virginia, explain to him the nature of this transaction, and the necessity of the vessels' immediate departure, and desire him to give orders accordingly.
November 18th, 1778. Two letters from the Honorable the Minister Plenipotentiary of France were read, requesting a passage on board of one of the continental frigates, for the Chevalier de Raymondis, Captain of the Cæsar, and that a vessel on board of which are a number of invalids, may be taken under convoy of the frigate until she be safe at sea. These were referred to the Marine Committee, with directions to comply with the request therein contained.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.