Your Excellency's despatches for Rhode Island, accompanying your letter to me, came to hand at the instant the post was setting out, and were committed to his care. It is the only means of conveyance now left me, since the chain of expresses formed by the dragoon horses, which were worn down and sent to their cantonment, have been discontinued. The Quarter Master General has it not in his power, for want of money, to furnish an express upon the most urgent occasion.
I anticipate with much pleasure the visit I shall receive from the Chevalier de Chastellux and the other gentlemen of the French army, on their return to Rhode Island, and beg the favor of your Excellency to present my compliments to them and to M. de Marbois.
With great respect and personal attachment, I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, January 15th, 1781.
Sir,
I have just received an authentic copy of a letter from the King to the Duc de Penthièvre, Admiral of France, in relation to prizes taken by American privateers, in the ports of the kingdom. I have thought it proper, Sir, to communicate it to you, in order that the Americans, who take that course may be duly informed of the regulations, which it contains, and may know, that it is the intention of his Majesty, that they shall be treated in the same manner as his own subjects, in the judgment of the prizes, which they shall bring into the ports of the kingdom.
I have the honor to be, &c.