Chapter C: A. De La Luzerne (6)

The second article recapitulates and verifies the preceding aids furnished by his Majesty, and divides them into three distinct classes. The first consisting of the sums loaned, amounting to eighteen millions of livres. The second, of a fund of ten millions, arising from a loan obtained in Holland for the service of the United States, and guaranteed by his Majesty. The third, of subsidies, gratuitously furnished, amounting to nine millions of livres, the gift of which to the United States is confirmed by his Majesty.

The third Article fixes the repayment to the royal treasury, of the new loan of six millions, with the interest thereon, at six periods, fixed at the times most convenient for the financial operations of Congress.

By the fourth Article, it has been agreed, that the interest on the last loan of six millions, shall not commence till the 1st of January, 1784. The King being pleased to give and remit to Congress the partial interest on the capital for the present year.

The fifth and sixth Articles contain stipulations of usage and form.

All attesting the sentiments of affection entertained by the King for the United States, and his tender anxiety to contribute to their prosperity.

I desire you, Sir, to assure Congress, that these sentiments are deeply engraven on the heart of the King, that his Council feel them no less deeply; and that his Majesty will never cease to take the most lively interest in the welfare of the United States, his allies.

You will be pleased to inform me of the reception of this letter, and of the annexed paper.

I have the honor to be, &c.

DE VERGENNES.

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TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Translation.

Philadelphia, November 2d, 1783.

Sir,

I have received the letter, which your Excellency did me the honor to write to me on the 27th ultimo, and the resolutions of Congress, which were annexed to it, and which express the sentiments of Congress with relation to the dispositions of his Majesty, and the other belligerent powers, not to sign the definitive treaty, except in concert with the United States. It appeared by the last news received, that this conduct has produced the desired effect, and that it has in fine, been followed by a general peace.

The United States may be assured, that his Majesty will adopt with pleasure all commercial arrangements, which may be advantageous to them, and which will not be prejudicial to his subjects. I also know, that it is his Majesty's intention, that the United States should enjoy, in the ports of his kingdom, not only all the advantages, which they enjoyed before their independence, but even some favors, which have not heretofore been granted to them.

I have the honor to be, &c.

LUZERNE.

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TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Translation.

Philadelphia, November 21st, 1783.

Sir,

I have received the letter your Excellency did me the honor to write me by Messrs Villefranche and Rochefontaine, the testimony you have been pleased to give in favor of these two officers will have the greatest weight with those persons who can contribute to their advancement, and it gives me the greatest pleasure to receive these testimonies, from Congress and from your Excellency, of the satisfaction the French officers have given in the service of the United States.

I beg your Excellency to receive my sincere congratulations upon the evacuation of New York; this grand event completes your glory. I hope to be at New York the 28th of this month, to be witness of the rejoicings you have ordered, and to renew to you the assurances of attachment, with which I have the honor to be, &c.

LUZERNE.

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