your arrival at the Court of Versailles, present the
letter to his Most Christian Majesty, which you will herewith receive.
Previous to your departure from the United States, you are to confer
with the Commander in Chief of the American army, the Minister
Plenipotentiary of France, the commanders in chief of his Most
Christian Majesty's fleet and army at Rhode Island, the Marquis de
Lafayette, if it should not retard your voyage, upon the subject of
your commission, and avail yourself of every information you may
obtain from them respectively. You will embrace every opportunity of
informing us of the success of your negotiations, and receive and obey
such instructions, as you may from time to time receive from Congress.

When the purpose of your mission shall be as fully effected as you may
deem practicable, you are to return, and report your success to
Congress without delay, unless you shall previously receive other
orders.[15]

We pray God to further you with his goodness in the several objects
hereby recommended and that he will have you in his holy keeping.

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.

FOOTNOTES:

[15] For Additional Instructions to Dr Franklin respecting Colonel
Laurens's mission, see _Franklin's Correspondence_, Vol. III. p. 185.

* * * * *

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO JOHN LAURENS.

In Congress, December 27th, 1780.

Sir,

With respect to the loan, we foresee that the sum which we ask will be
greatly inadequate to our wants. We wish, however, to depend as much
as possible on our internal exertions. In this negotiation, the state
of our finances require that you should endeavor to procure as long a
respite after the war, for payment of the principal, as may be in your
power. You may agree for an interest not exceeding the terms allowed
or given on national security in Europe, endeavoring to suspend the
discharge of the interest for two or three years, if possible.

You are hereby empowered to pledge the faith of the United States, by
executing such securities or obligations for the payment of the money,
as you may think proper, and also that the interest shall not be
reduced, nor the principal paid during the term for which the same
shall have been borrowed, without the consent of the lenders or their
representatives.

You are to stipulate for the payment of both principa