* *

COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO SILAS DEANE.

York, in Pennsylvania, 4th December, 1777.

Sir,

In compliance with the order of Congress, we now enclose you their
resolve of November 21st last; a duplicate goes by another
opportunity. We are, Sir, &c.

R. H. LEE,
J. LOVELL.

* * * * *

JAMES LOVELL TO SILAS DEANE.

York, 8th December, 1777.

Sir,

By accident I find myself called upon singly to execute the duty of
the committee of foreign affairs, in communicating to you an order of
Congress, of this day, respecting your return to America.

The order stands in need of no comment from the committee to elucidate
it;[11] and being drawn up in terms complimentary to your abilities
of serving these United States upon your arrival here, I take pleasure
in conveying it, being, sir, your very humble servant,

JAMES LOVELL.

FOOTNOTES:

[11] Mr Deane was recalled by a resolution of Congress, Nov. 21st,
1777. The following preamble and order were passed on the 8th of
December following, viz.--"Whereas it is of the greatest importance,
that Congress should at this critical juncture be well informed of the
state of affairs in Europe; and whereas Congress have resolved that
the Hon. Silas Deane be recalled from the Court of France, and have
appointed another commissioner [John Adams] to supply his place there;

"_Ordered_, that the committee of foreign affairs write to the Hon.
Silas Deane, and direct him to embrace the first opportunity to return
to America, and upon his arrival to repair with all possible despatch
to Congress."

It may here be observed, that after the 17th of April, 1777, the
_Committee of Secret Correspondence_ was by a resolution of Congress,
passed on that date, styled the _Committee of Foreign Affairs_.

* * * * *

FROM COUNT DE VERGENNES TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Translation.

Versailles, the 25th March, 1778.

Sir,

Mr Deane being about to return to America, I embrace the occasion with
pleasure to give my testimony to the zeal, activity, an