am ten, and at
Madrid the expenses of a family are somewhat higher than at this
place. But the unsettled state of those who follow the Court, their
travelling equipage and charges must greatly enhance this expense.

Congress will make their own deductions from these facts, after
allowing for their inaccuracy. I would, however, take the liberty to
submit the enclosed resolutions to Congress; the first is founded upon
the propriety of supplying Dr Franklin with a secretary, which his age
and the dignity of his employment render necessary. As Mr Jay is not
yet acknowledged, Mr Carmichael's services in Spain may be dispensed
with.

The second, third, fifth, and sixth, are designed to make a reform in
the article of expense.

The fourth to prevent the claim which any gentlemen, who may be
appointed to any of the Northern Courts, may have to the salary
settled by Congress on the 5th of October, and to adapt the character
to the allowance.

The sixth to enable Congress, without injuring the dignity of their
Ministers, to proportion the allowance to the expense of the Court
they reside at, as well us to the port which they would wish them to
maintain.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

* * * * *

Office of Foreign Affairs, May 9th, 1782.

The Secretary of Foreign Affairs humbly submits the following
resolutions to the consideration of Congress.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Resolved, That Mr Carmichael be appointed Secretary to the Embassy
from the United States to the Court of Versailles, with a salary of
four thousand dollars per annum.

Resolved, That Mr Jay be empowered to appoint a private secretary,
with a salary of one thousand dollars per annum.

Resolved, That Mr Laurens, when he enters upon his mission to the
United Provinces of the Low Countries, be empowered to appoint a
Secretary with a salary of one thousand dollars per annum.

Resolved, That the Commissioners for negotiating a peace, in case Mr
Dana shall not return, appoint a Secretary to the Commission, with a
salary of one thousand dollars per annum.

Resolved, That the commission of Minister Plenipotentiary from the
United States of America to the Court of Petersburg be revoked, and
that a commission issue to Francis Dana, constituting him Resident at
the said Court.

Re