The King, after the positive assurances, which he has received, has not the least doubt, that the American army is now twentyfive thousand strong, not including commissioned officers, and that it is, at this moment, in a condition to undertake the most vigorous offensive operations against the enemy in the posts, which he occupies within the territory of the United States. Congress, while giving these assurances, expressed in an urgent manner the wish, that a French squadron should facilitate the operations of the land troops. The King has been eager to comply with the requests of the Thirteen States. Their assurances are the basis of the measures which his Majesty has taken. A squadron is on the point of arrival, and the French Generals expect to find forces, respectable in numbers, ready to enter upon action. If, at the moment of their arrival, they are deprived of the co-operation, upon which they have reason to rely, the most precious time for action will be lost; the enemy will have time to take the necessary measures for defence, and, perhaps, to receive reinforcements; the soldiers' ardor will be quenched in inaction, and this delay will cause the loss of all the advantages of a campaign, which, if conducted with suitable promptness and activity, might have been made most useful to the common cause, and perhaps decisive.
It being manifestly necessary to complete the army, the undersigned has no doubt that Congress, as well from regard to the public interest, as to its own glory and the performance of its promises, will immediately take, for the accomplishment of this object, measures more effectual than those which have hitherto been taken. He hopes also, that the proper arrangements will be made for constantly maintaining, during the whole campaign, the number which has been announced, and he takes the liberty of recommending this important object in an equal degree to the consideration of Congress.
The Minister of France, convinced of the zeal for the public good, which inspires this Assembly, as well as of its wisdom and prudence, hopes that it will see in his representations only a new proof of his attachment to the common cause; that it will not be offended at the freedom, with which he expresses himself upon so important a subject, and that it will be pleased to put him in a situation to transmit to his Court satisfactory details respecting the fulfilment of the assurances made to him by Congress in January last.[37]
LUZERNE.
FOOTNOTE:
[37] See the proceedings of Congress on the subject of this letter in the Public Journal of Congress, under the date of June 21st, 1780.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, June 28th, 1780.
Sir,