On the Report of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, to whom was referred the note (dated January 28) from the Minister of France,
Resolved, That the following powers and instructions be given to the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America at the Court of Versailles.
Whereas, the Minister of his Most Christian Majesty has informed the United States in Congress assembled, that the loan of ten millions of livres tournois, opened in Holland on account of these United States, was in a great measure completed in October last, and requested in consequence thereof, that full powers might be expedited to bind these United States to discharge the principal and interest of the said loan, agreeably to the terms thereof, with such expenses as might have accrued in making such loan; you are, therefore, hereby authorised, directed, and empowered, to enter into such engagements with his Most Christian Majesty, with the States General of the United Provinces, with any particular State or Province, or with any man or body of men whatsoever, with whom you may find it necessary to enter into engagements, for the purpose of binding these United States to discharge the said loan, with interest, agreeably to the terms thereof; and also for the repayment of such expenses as have arisen, or may arise by reason of the said loan. And the said United States of America do hereby pledge their faith to confirm what you shall execute in pursuance of the above power.
JOHN HANSON, President.
RESOLVES OF CONGRESS RESPECTING THE COMMUNICATIONS MADE BY THE MINISTER OF FRANCE.
In Congress, February 8th, 1782.
On the Report of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, to whom was referred the communication made to him by the Minister of France, (November 23d) containing, among other things, an opinion of Count de Vergennes, that his Catholic Majesty will not have it in his power to advance any money to the United States; and expressing in strong terms the Count's hopes, that the United States will not imagine that France should make up the sums they expected from Spain, after the assistance they have already derived from France;
Resolved, That Congress are fully sensible of the frequent, friendly and generous interposition of his Most Christian Majesty in their behalf, and are led from thence to hope a continuation of his assistance, since nothing has been wanting on their part, so to apply the aid he generously affords, as to distress the common enemy, and lead to the great object of their alliance, a safe and honorable peace.
Resolved, That Congress cannot, without injustice to themselves and their ally, withhold from him a knowledge of their present circumstances, or neglect to mention the ruinous consequences that may attend a refusal of those aids, which as well the friendly dispositions of his Most Christian Majesty, as the success that has attended his interposition in their behalf, gave them reason to hope would be continued till the States, which have lately been ravaged by the enemy, had so far recovered their commerce and agriculture, as to be able more effectually to contribute to the general expense; and that his Majesty may be assured, that their applications for this purpose shall not exceed what may be absolutely necessary for the support of the common cause.
Resolved, That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, consulting with the Superintendent of Finance, explain to the Minister of the United States at the Court of Versailles, the extensive advantages, which have resulted from moneys supplied by his Most Christian Majesty to these United States, and the engagements, which have been entered into with a view to render the next campaign decisive, the consequence of failing in those engagements, and the little prospect there is of fulfilling them without an additional loan or subsidy, for the year 1782, of at least twelve millions of livres tournois, in order that the said minister may present a memorial on this subject to his Most Christian Majesty, and at the same time lay before him the several resolutions lately passed by the United States in Congress assembled, which evidence their unalterable resolution to make every exertion, for a vigorous campaign, which their present situation will allow.