I have received with the greatest satisfaction the letter, with which
your Excellency honored me on the 5th instant, with the copy of the
resolution of Congress relative to the present, made by Congress to
the King's navy, of the ship America. The eagerness of the United
States to replace the Magnifique, which was lost without hope of being
relieved, and the cordial manner in which they have offered the
America, induce me to accept this vessel with much gratitude. I shall
take care that she is promptly armed, and that she joins his Majesty's
squadron. M. de Macarty de Marteigne, who will command her, will go to
Portsmouth today for that purpose, and I have given orders to the
vessels in that port, to furnish him with all the assistance that he
may need.

I shall enjoy the honor, with which I feel much flattered, of
numbering among my ships, this mark of the friendship and regard of
our allies.

I have the honor to be, &c.

VAUDREUIL.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Translation.

Philadelphia, September 23d, 1782.

Sir,

The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has received
orders to communicate to Congress, many details relative to the
negotiation for peace. He is desirous, that a committee should be
appointed to receive these communications, and he will, at the same
time, have the honor of informing Congress of some circumstances,
which concern the common cause, and relate to the actual situation of
affairs in Europe.

LUZERNE.

* * * * *

GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.

Head Quarters, September 24th, 1782.

Sir,

Sundry accounts from New York having reached me, informing me that the
British were more than meditating an enterprise against the squadron
of the Marquis de Vaudreuil, which they have learned is at present in
two detachments in Boston and Portsmouth harbors, and that
preparations were making for that purpose, I have made the Marquis
acquainted with this intelligence, and the probability of such an
event.

At the same time that I gave this information to the French Admiral, I
have written a letter to Governor Hancock, requesting that
arr