TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Translation.

Philadelphia, December 18th, 1782.

Sir,

I have the honor to enclose your Excellency a letter, which, after
having read and sealed, I am to request you to forward with all
possible despatch. I hope that the arrival of my despatches will
enable me to be more particular. It will be necessary to recommend to
the chain of expresses, to hold themselves in readiness to carry on
the despatches, which I shall have to send by another Courier.

I have the honor to be, &c.

LUZERNE.

* * * * *

TO THE MARQUIS DE VAUDREUIL.

Translation.

Philadelphia, December 18th, 1782.

Sir,

I this instant learn by an express arrived from the Capes, that the
Danae entered the day before yesterday, and in a thick fog had the
misfortune to get aground; probably she will be got off; she is within
the Capes. She left France the 8th of November; the express has not
brought a single letter, and I do not expect them till tomorrow or
the day after. If there are any for you, they shall be sent on with
the greatest despatch, and if there are none, you shall have an
express with the news. It is said, that there are many packets for the
army, and one hundred and eighty thousand livres.

The only Frenchmen of our acquaintance on board are General Duportail
and M. de Gouvion.

The whole of the force at Cadiz, as well land as naval, is destined
for the West Indies.

I have the honor to be, &c.

LUZERNE.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Translation.

Philadelphia, December 26th, 1782.

Sir,

The undersigned Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor of
informing Congress, that his Majesty has received, with the most
lively sensibility, the proofs of the measures taken by them on the
birth of the Dauphin.[15] The King has ordered the Chevalier de la
Luzerne to assure this Assembly, that they could not have manifested
their attachment to him, on an occasion more dear to him, and that
this circumstance will, if possible, add new force to his affection
for the