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Annapolis, April 21st, 1784.
Sir,
In the course of last summer I requested leave of his Majesty to return to France. By letters from my friends, I am informed that it is granted; but the loss of the packet, which conveyed the Minister's letter, lays me under the necessity of writing again on that subject. I should have waited his answer before I took leave of Congress, had I not reason to believe, that it will not reach me till their recess.
I cannot however depart, without entreating your Excellency to communicate to them my warm acknowledgements for the manner, in which they have treated with me during my mission, which has lasted near five years. I have had the satisfaction of agreeing with Congress on all the subjects, which I have had the honor of negotiating with them; and I owe my success to the good fortune I had of being the Representative of a just and generous Monarch, to a wise and virtuous Republic. I shall ever retain a grateful remembrance of this, and shall always consider the time I have spent on this continent, as the most honorable period of my life. My satisfaction would be complete, were it not accompanied with regret, at parting from a Senate composed of members, on whose friendship I flatter myself I have a just claim, by an intimate acquaintance of several years. Your Excellency permits me to rank you among those who honor me with their friendship; and I am persuaded, that the expression of my attachment and respect for Congress will lose nothing of its force, if you will be pleased to convey it.
The letters, by which I have received advice of my having obtained leave to return, inform me also, that M. de Marbois will be his Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires with the United States. His zeal, and his attachment for the cause, which unites France and America, are well known to Congress, and I have not the least doubt, but his Majesty's choice will be agreeable to that assembly.
I am, Sir, with great respect, &c.
LUZERNE.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
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