Ordered, That an express be sent to Mr. Jefferson, to inform him of his appointment; and that a copy of the resolve for secrecy be, at the same time, transmitted to him; and that he be requested to inform the President at what time and place a vessel shall be sent for him.

SEPTEMBER 28, 1776.

The committee, appointed to prepare letters of credence, &c. brought in a report, which was taken into consideration.

The letters of credence being read and amended, were agreed to as follows:

The delegates of the United States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, to all who shall see these presents, send greeting.

Whereas a trade upon equal terms between the subjects of his most christian majesty the king of France, and the people of these states, will be beneficial to both nations-Know ye therefore, that we, confiding in the prudence and integrity of* pointed and deputed, and by these presents do appoint and depute them the said our commissioners,

have ap

*N. B. This blank was afterwards filled with the words Benjamin Franklin, one of the delegates in Congress from the state of Pennsylvania, and president of the convention of the said state, &c., Silas Deane, now in France, late a delegate from the state of Connecticut, and Arthur Lee, barrister at law.

giving and granting to them the said

or any

two of them, and in case of the death, absence, or disability of any two, to any one of them, full power to communicate, treat, agree and conclude with his most christian majesty, the king of France, or with such person or persons as shall by him be for that purpose authorized, of and upon a true and sincere friendship, and a firm, inviolable, and universal peace, for the defence, protection and safety of the navigation and mutual commerce of the subjects of his most christian majesty and the people of the United States; and to do all other things, which may conduce to those desirable ends; and promising in good faith to ratify whatsoever our said commissioners shall transact in the premises.

Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six.-In testimony whereof, the President, by order of the said Congress, hath hereunto, subscribed his name, and affixed his seal.

Attest.

President.

Sec❜y.

Resolved, That the commissioners should live in such a style and manner, at the court of France, as they may find suitable and necessary to support the dignity of their publick character, keeping an account of their expenses, which shall be reimbursed by the Congress of the United States of America.

That besides the actual expenses of the commissioners, a handsome allowance be made to each of them as a compensation for their time, trouble, risk and services.

That the secretary of the embassy be allowed a salary of one thousand pounds sterling per annum, with the expenses of his passage out and home.

That the secret committee be directed to export produce, or remit bills, until they make an effectual lodgment in France of ten thousand pounds sterling, subject to the orders of the said commissioners for their present support; and report to Congress when it is effected, in order that Congress may then consider what further remittances then to order for this purpose.

Resolved, That the farther consideration of the report be postponed.

OCTOBER 22, 1776.

Resolved, That the commissioners going to the court of France, be directed to procure from that court, at the expense of these United States, either by purchase, or loan, eight line of battle ships, of seventyfour and sixty-four guns, well manned and fitted in every respect for service; that as these ships may be useful in proportion to the quickness with which they may reach North America, the commissioners be directed to expedite this negotiation with all possible diligence.

Mr. Jefferson having informed Congress, that the state of his family will not permit him to accept the honour of going as their commissioner to France,

Resolved, That another be elected in his room. The ballots being taken, Arthur Lee, esquire, was elected.

Ordered, That the committee of secret correspondence acquaint Mr. Lee of his appointment, and that his powers and instructions are lodged in Paris.

DECEMBER 23, 1776.

The committee of secret correspondence having applied for instructions to enable them to return an answer to the letter read yesterday from Mr. Deane—

Resolved, That the committee of secret correspondence be directed to inform the commissioners at the court of France, that Congress have received no advices concerning the proceedings of Portugal, but what they have seen in the newspapers, the authenticity of which may be doubtful.

That Congress desire exact information from the commissioners, whether any American vessels have been prohibited entering, or have been confiscated in the dominions of Portugal, and on what principles.

That they be directed to remonstrate in the firmest tone with the Portuguese ambassador on these subjects, so soon as they shall have well informed themselves of the facts abovementioned.

That the commissioners be authorized to arm and fit for war any number of vessels not exceeding six, at the

expense of the United States, to war upon British property; and that commissions and warrants be for this purpose sent to the commissioners; provided the commissioners be well satisfied this measure will not be disagreeable to the court of France.

Resolved, That the commissioners of Congress at the court of France be authorized to borrow, on the faith of the thirteen United States, a sum not exceed ing two millions sterling, for a term not less than ten

years.

That if the money borrowed cannot be obtained at a less interest than six per cent, the commissioners be permitted to engage for that rate of interest; and that they stipulate for the payment of the interest at periods not less than annual.

That, if the commissioners can contract for the payment of the principal and interest in the products of North America, to be delivered here, it will be very agreeable to Congress.

DECEMBER 24, 1776.

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to prepare and report a plan for obtaining foreign assis

tance.

The members chosen-Mr. Gerry, Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. Richard Henry Lee, Mr. Clarke and Mr. S. Adams.

DECEMBER 27, 1776.

Resolved, That the committee of secret correspondence be desired to direct the commissioners at the