That the communication, made by the said Minister on the 24th of September last, is considered by Congress as an additional proof of his Majesty's magnanimity, and has confirmed those sentiments of affection and confidence, which his wise, steady, and liberal conduct in every stage of the war had so justly inspired;
That his Most Christian Majesty's declaration to the British Minister at Paris, that he will neither treat, nor terminate any negotiation, unless the interests of his allies and friends shall be considered and determined, is entirely correspondent to the part, which these United States are resolved to take in any negotiations for peace;
That Congress, with the utmost satisfaction, embrace this opportunity to renew their assurances, that, in every event, the United States will inviolably adhere to their alliance with his Most Christian Majesty, which they consider to be equally essential to their interest and their glory;
That they will hearken to no propositions for peace, which shall not be discussed in confidence and in concert with his Most Christian Majesty, agreeably to the declaration made to the Minister Plenipotentiary on the 31st day of May last;[10]
That upon this principle, Congress did not hesitate a moment to reject the proposition made by the British General and Admiral, as Commissioners of peace, for admitting Mr Morgan, their Secretary, to an interview at Philadelphia;
And that they are resolved to prosecute the war with vigor, until a general peace shall be obtained, in which their allies shall be comprehended;
That Congress placed the utmost confidence in his Majesty's assurances, that he will readily employ his good offices in support of the United States, in all points relative to their prosperity; and considering the territorial claims of these States, as heretofore made, their participation of the fisheries and of the free navigation of the Mississippi, not only as their indubitable right, but as essential to their prosperity, they trust, that his Majesty's efforts will be successfully employed to obtain a sufficient provision and security for those rights. Nor can they refrain from making known to his Majesty, that any claim of restitution, or compensation for property confiscated in the several States, will meet with insuperable obstacles; not only on account of the sovereignty of the individual States, by which such confiscations have been made, but of the wanton devastations, which the citizens of these States have experienced from the enemy, and, in many instances, from the very persons in whose favor such claim may be urged;
That Congress trust that the circumstances of the allies, at the negotiation for peace, will be so prosperous as to render these expectations consistent with the spirit of moderation recommended by his Majesty.
Ordered, That the Committee, who brought in the report, communicate to the honorable Minister of France the above answer of Congress to his communications.
Ordered, That the Secretary for Foreign Affairs transmit, by the first opportunity, a copy of the same to the Ministers of these States at foreign Courts.