Done at Philadelphia, the seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventynine, by the Congress of the United States of America.
JOHN JAY, President.
In Congress, September 25th, 1779.
The committee to whom was referred the paper of intelligence communicated by M. Gerard, on the 7th instant,[27] reported the draft of a letter in answer to the said communication, which was read as follows;
"Sir,
"The sentiments contained in the paper laid before Congress on the 7th instant have given us great uneasiness, as they admitted the possibility of an event, which we cannot contemplate without pain and regret. Nevertheless, as they demonstrate the anxieties of a faithful friend, Congress are willing again to testify their unalterable attachment to the terms and principles of the alliance, more especially as we wish you on leaving America to take with you a solemn assurance of our fixed dispositions.
"Reposing ourselves upon that Almighty power, whose interposition in our behalf we have often seen and adored, confident of the unanimity and zeal of our fellow-citizens throughout these States, assured of the assistance and support of our great ally, relying that the good and brave everywhere regard our cause with interested attention, we firmly repeat what we have already declared, that no offer of advantage, however great and alluring, no extremes of danger, however alarming, shall induce us to violate the faith we have given and the resolutions we have adopted, for the observance of which we have solemnly pledged our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
After debate, Ordered, that the President return the following answer;
"Sir,
"Congress feel themselves obliged by your communication of the 7th instant, and are happy that M. Gerard will be able to contradict from the fullest evidence every insinuation, which may be made prejudicial to the faith and honor of the United States."