I write only to acknowledge the receipt of the letter your Excellency did me the honor to write on the 28th ultimo. I feel myself extremely obliged by the freedom, with which you have been pleased to furnish me with the information I requested, and I beg you to be persuaded, that I shall make use of it only to contribute to the success of our common operations.
The reports of the action between the fleets in the West Indies are so vague, that I can form no certain judgment thereon. I presume, however, that the handbill published at New York, the 12th of this month, is at least partly false. They write me from Martinique the 13th of April, that Count de Grasse has beaten the English.
I am, with the most respectful attachment, &c.
LUZERNE.
CONGRESS TO THE KING OF FRANCE.[7]
The United States in Congress assembled, to their Great, Faithful Friend and Ally, Louis the Sixteenth, King of France and Navarre.
Great, Faithful, and Beloved Friend and Ally,
Among the many instances that Divine Providence has given us of his favor, we number the blessings he has bestowed on your Majesty's family and kingdom. Nothing was wanting to the happiness of the first, but a son to wear the honors, which the father had earned; or, to the prosperity of the latter, but the prospect of seeing the Crown transmitted to an heir, who would find in the example of his parent, a powerful incitement to promote the happiness of his people. This example, we presume to hope, will also influence his future conduct towards these United States. When, in the history of the present day, he shall read your Majesty's generous interference in their behalf, their firm and affectionate attachment, and the blessings with which both were crowned, he will be studious to preserve to his kingdom and these States, the reciprocal advantages of the alliance, which your Majesty has formed, and to emulate his ancestor in adding to his titles the glorious appellation of Protector of Mankind.
We receive with the most lively pleasure your Majesty's renewed professions of friendship. You will easily believe, that the attachment, which we have so often and so truly professed for your Majesty, could suffer no diminution, when every day afforded us new instances of your magnanimity, and of your affectionate interference in our behalf.
We pray God, Great, Faithful, and Beloved Friend and Ally, always to keep you in his holy protection.