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middle states, are so exhausted that, unless by the most strenuous voluntary exertions of all the inhabitants, no great numbers of men can possibly be subsisted. And such exertions cannot be expected without the temptation of money more valued than ours is at present.

To the Honourable BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Esquire.

SIR,

The above observations referred to in your instructions, you shall lay substantially before the French ministry, and labour for their assistance to remove the difficulties there stated.

By order of Congress.

Attest.

C. T. Secretary.

H. L. President.

Ordered, That the plan reported by the committee for reducing the province of Canada be transmitted to the general; and that he be requested to make such observations thereon as to him shall appear proper, and transmit the same to Congress; and deliver a copy thereof to the marquis de la Fayette.

Ordered, That the members be under the injunction of secrecy with regard to the plan of attacking Canada, except what relates to the attacks of Detroit and Niagara.

Ordered, That the marine committee prepare a fri'gate, with all possible expedition, for carrying despatches to the minister plenipotentiary at the court of France, and for accommodating. the marquis de la Fayette with a passage.

Ordered, That the resolutions of Congress relative to the expedition into Canada, together with the plan reported by the committee, be by them communicated to the Sr. Gerard, minister plenipotentiary of his most christian majesty to these states; and that the said committee be directed to explain to Sr. Gerard the reasons which have induced Congress to adopt this measure; and that the committee do report the result of their conference.

Resolved, That general Washington be directed to procure from Canada and Nova Scotia, as speedily as possible, the most exact intelligence that can be ob tained respecting the number of troops in those provinces, and their stations; and also the number of vessels of war, their force and stations, with the number, state and strength of the fortifications. And that he transmit such intelligence, when received, to the marine committee.

Resolved, That the marine committee be instructed to transmit without delay after receiving the same the intelligence sent them by general Washington to the minister plenipotentiary at the court of Versailles by three successive conveyances.

Resolved, That the committee for foreign affairs be directed to inform the minister plenipotentiary at the court of France, and the commissioners of the United States at the respective courts in Europe, that it is the desire of Congress, that harmony and good understanding should be cultivated between the ministers, commissioners and representatives of this Congress at the respective courts of Europe, and that such confi dence and cordiality take place among them as is ne

cessary for the honour and interest of the United States.

Resolved, That the marquis de la Fayette, major general in the service of the United States, have leave to go to France; and that he return at such time as shall be most convenient to him.

Resolved, That the following letter of recommendation of the marquis de la Fayette be written to the king of France:

To our great, faithful, and beloved friend and ally, Louis the sixteenth, king of France and Navarre. GREAT, FAITHFUL, AND BELOVED FRIEND AND ally.

The marquis de la Fayette having obtained our leave to return to his native country, we could not suffer him to depart without testifying our deep sense of his zeal, courage and attachment. We have advanced him to the rank of major general in our armies, which, as well by his prudent as spirited conduct, he hath manifestly merited. We recommend this young nobleman to your majesty's notice, as one whom we know to be wise in council, gallant in the field, and patient under the hardships of war. His devotion to his sovereign hath led him in all things to demean himself as an American, acquiring thereby the confi dence of these United States, your good and faithful friends and allies, and the affection of their citizens.

We pray God to keep your majesty in his holy protection.

Done at Philadelphia, the 22d day of October, 1778. By the Congress of the United States of North America.

Your good friends and allies.

Attested.

C. T. Secretary.

H. L. President.

General Washington having, in a letter of the 11th of November, communicated his observations on the foregoing plan, the same was, on the 19th of November, referred to a committee, consisting of Mr. G. Morris, Mr. Chase, Mr. Drayton, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. R. H. Lee, and Mr. Witherspoon, who, on the 5th of December report,

That the reasons assigned by the general against the expedition to Canada appear to the committee to be well founded, and to merit the approbation of Congress. That they are fully of opinion that nothing of great importance can be attempted in that quarter, unless the enemy should evacuate the posts which they now hold within these United States. That it appears, nevertheless, highly probable that they will evacuate such posts before the active part of the ensuing campaign.

That whatever may be the situation of these states in other respects, nothing can be done, unless the necessary preparations therefor be made in due season. That the committee are of opinion the complexity of the plan heretofore adopted by Congress, although calculated to distract the views of the enemy, may be nevertheless attended with such disadvantages as to

overbalance the good consequences expected from it, and therefore that it may be simplified.

That they entirely agree with the general, that Niagara cannot be carried without commanding the lakes Erie and Ontario, particularly the latter; but they must at the same time observe, that this post is of such importance to the United States as to render it proper to do every thing which is practicable to acquire the possession of it. That it is therefore, in the opinion of the committee, proper to direct the general to cause every previous preparation to be made, with all convenient speed, for the subjection of that fortress ; and also to carry on such further operations to the northward as time and circumstances shall point out hereafter.

That the committee are of opinion, that the question, whether any, and what force can or will be sent for the emancipation of Quebec, by his most christian majesty, must depend upon circumstances and situa. tions, which cannot at present be known on this side of the Atlantic; but they conceive it will be in his power to operate with effect for that purpose; and as well from the importance of the object, as from his former exertions in favour of these states, they doubt not but that in such case, he will readily afford his assistance.

That the committee therefore are of opinion, that the general should be directed to write to the marquis de la Fayette upon that subject; and also to write to the minister of these states very fully, in order that eventual measures may be taken, in case an armament should be sent from France to Quebec, to co-operate

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