ttention to them is desired, that we may know, as soon as
possible, the event of this application. Another resolve enclosed will
show you, that Congress approve of armed vessels being fitted out by
you on Continental account, provided the Court of France dislike not
the measure, and blank commissions for this purpose will be sent you
by the next opportunity. Private ships of war, or privateers, cannot
be admitted where you are, because the securities, necessary in such
cases to prevent irregular practices, cannot be given by the owners
and commanders of such privateers. Another resolve of Congress, which
we have the honor to enclose you, directs the conduct to be pursued
with regard to Portugal.[26]

We have nothing further to add at present, but to request, that you
will omit no good opportunity of informing us, how you succeed in your
mission, what events take place in Europe, by which these States may
be effected, and that you contrive to send to us in regular succession
some of the best London, French, and Dutch newspapers, with any
valuable political publications, that may concern North America.

We have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem, Gentlemen,
your most obedient and very humble servants,

B. HARRISON,
R. H. LEE,
J. WITHERSPOON,
W. HOOPER.

_P. S._ The American captures of British vessels at sea have not been
less numerous, or less valuable, than before Dr Franklin left us. The
value of these captures have been estimated at two millions.

FOOTNOTES:

[24] For the instructions to the Commissioners, and the plan of a
treaty, which they were directed to lay before the French Ministry,
see _Secret Journals of Congress_, Vol. II. pp. 7, 27, 38.

[25] Mr Deane had found Dr Williamson and Mr Hopkins in Paris, and
from circumstances, which he does not mention, he suspected them to be
in the interest of England. Nothing ever occurred, however, to prove
that this suspicion was well founded. On the contrary, Dr Williamson
was afterwards a member of Congress, and equally distinguished for his
patriotism and ability.

[26] For the resolves alluded to in this letter, and also for general
instructions to the commissioners, on various important topics, see
the _Secret Journals of Congre