"Resolved, That two pieces of the field ordnance, taken from the British army under the capitulation of York, be presented by the Commander in Chief of the American army to Count de Rochambeau, and that there be engraved thereon a short memorandum, that Congress were induced to present them from considerations of the illustrious part, which he bore in effectuating the surrender.
"Resolved, That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs be directed to request the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Most Christian Majesty to inform his Majesty, that it is the wish of Congress, that the Count de Grasse may be permitted to accept a testimony of their approbation, similar to that to be presented to the Count de Rochambeau."
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, November 4th, 1781.
Sir,
I have received the letter, which you did me the honor to write on the 29th ultimo, and the papers from Count de Grasse, which you had the goodness to send to me, and for which I beg you will accept my thanks.
We are encouraged to hope for your arrival here. I shall be extremely happy to be able to testify to you in person the joy, which I have received from your success. That joy is universal, and it can but increase the attachment and esteem of all orders of citizens, and of my own countrymen, to your Excellency.
I have the honor to be, &c.