for every thing that could have any relation to that object, and that could farther cement the connexions, whether political or personal, between the two nations. The most flattering recompense of all my labours would be the testimony of your satisfaction.

To which the President in behalf of Congress returned the following answer:

SIR,

We receive with much concern the intimation you have given us, that the bad state of your health obliges you to leave America : though at the same time we are sensible of the continued friendly care of his most christian majesty in sending a new minister plenipotentiary to these states.

Great as our regret is in thus parting with you, yet it affords us pleasure to think how well disposed you are to improve the favourable opportunities you will have on your return to France, of evincing to his majesty the reality of those sentiments on our part, which anay justly be termed the animating principles of the United States.

By such representations, the king will be assured that the citizens of these states observe, with the most lively satisfaction, the repeated instances of his amity for them; that they regard the alliance as an inestimable connexion, endeared to them by the purity of the motives on which it was founded, the advantages derived from it, and the blessings it promises to both nations; that their resolution of securing its essential objects, liberty and independence, is unalterable; that they are determined by all the exertions in their power

to advance the common cause, and to demonstrate, that while they are attentive to their own interests, they as ardently desire to approve themselves not only faithful but affectionate allies.

By a residence of more than a year near Congress, you are enabled to form a competent judgment of the difficulties we have had to encounter, as well as of our efforts to remove them.

Sir, we should be deficient in the respect due to distinguished merit, if we should fail to embrace this opportunity of testifying the high esteem which you have obtained throughout this country by your publick and private conduct. You have happily combined a vigilant devotion for the dignity and interest of our most excellent and illustrious ally, with a zealous attachment to the honour and welfare of these states.

Your prudence, integrity, ability and diligence in discharging the eminent trust reposed in you, have secured our entire confidence, and now solicit from us the strongest declarations of our satisfaction in your behaviour.

That you may be blessed with a favourable voyage, the approbation of your sovereign, the perfect recovery of your health, and all happiness, is among the warmest wishes of every member of this body.

OCTOBER 13, 1779.

To follow proceedings of October 13, 1779. Page 276. On motion of Mr. Lovell, seconded by Mr. Morris, Resolved, That Mr. A. Lee be informed of Mr. Jay's

appointment, and that, agreeable to his request, he is at liberty to return to America.

NOVEMBER 23, 1779.

To follow proceedings of November 12, 1779. Page 296. According to order, Congress was resolved into a committee of the whole; and after some time, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Plater reported, that the committee have had under consideration the report of the committee on ways and means, and come to a conclusion thereon, which he was directed to report. The report being read,

"That bills of exchange be drawn on Mr. J. Jay, to "the amount of one hundred thousand pounds sterling, "and on Mr. Henry Laurens, to the amount of one "hundred thousand pounds sterling, payable at six "months sight; and that the same be sold at the cur"rent rate of exchange"

A division was called for, and that the first question be, that bills of exchange be drawn on Mr. J. Jay, to the amount of one hundred thousand pounds sterling, payable at six months sight; and that the same be sold at the current rate of exchange.

On which the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Forbes

So it was resolved in the affirmative.

The question was taken on the second part.
Resolved in the affirmative.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to report on the manner of carrying the above resolution into effect.

The members chosen-Mr. Livingston, Mr. Matthews and Mr. Gerry.

NOVEMBER 29, 1779.

Resolved, That the bills be prepared under the direction of the board of treasury, and with such checks. as they may devise to prevent counterfeits, and be signed by the treasurer of loans.

That so many of the bills as the treasury board shall, from time to time, think proper to issue, be put into the hands of the continental loan officer in the state of Pennsylvania, or of any other state; and that the board of treasury direct the lowest rate of exchange at which the same may be sold.

That the board of treasury may, at their discretion, suspend the sale of such bills, reporting to Congress their reasons for so doing, that they may receive directions thereon.

That the committee of foreign affairs be, and they are hereby directed to write to Mr. Jay and Mr. Laurens, informing them of the drafts that will be made upon them, and explaining fully the reasons that urge Congress to draw, directing them to keep up a mutual correspondence, and afford each other every assistance in procuring money to pay the bills.

That one eighth per cent. on moneys received in payment for the said bills, shall be allowed to the persons intrusted with the sale thereof.

That no bill be drawn for a less sum than the amount of fifty pounds sterling.

JANUARY 14, 1780.

On motion of the committee for foreign affairsWhereas by the eleventh article of the treaty of amity and commerce between his most christian majesty and the United States of America, it is provided, that "the subjects and inhabitants of the said United "States, or any one of them, shall not be reputed "aubains in France, and consequently shall be ex