mise payment in specie of the interests, and may
draw upon us for the same with all confidence. We cannot for several
weighty reasons be more explicit at present, but shall hereafter.
Present our dutiful respects to the Congress, and assure them of our
most faithful services.

We are, gentlemen, &c.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN,
SILAS DEANE,
ARTHUR LEE.

_P. S. 22d January._ Our agreement with the Farmers-General is not yet
signed, and perhaps some small changes may be made in it, but as these
will probably not be very material, we wish measures may be taken
immediately for the purchase of the tobacco. We shall send by the next
opportunity, a copy of the contract. We have received the five hundred
thousand livres mentioned above; it is now at our disposal in the
hands of our banker, who has orders to advance us the second payment
if we desire it, and he is ready to do it. We are, on the strength of
this, in treaty for some strong ships. Ten thousand French troops are
on their march to Brest. But America should exert herself, as if she
had no aid to expect, but from God and her own valor.

FOOTNOTES:

[28] This commission and plan of a Treaty may be found in the _Secret
Journals of Congress_, Vol. II. pp. 7, 32.

* * * * *

THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO WILLIAM BINGHAM AT
MARTINIQUE.

Baltimore, 1st February, 1777.

Sir,

As we shall write you shortly again, our attention at present will be
confined chiefly to your favor of December 6th, 1776, in which you
mention the conduct of Captain Patterson. We have laid your letter
before Congress, and they have appointed a committee to consider of
the most proper steps to be taken in this business, that speedy and
condign punishment may be applied to Captain Patterson, when his crime
shall be duly inquired into and established. The Congress having an
utter abhorrence of all irregular and culpable violation of the law of
nations, and of that respect and friendship, which they entertain for
the French nation, we wish you would communicate this to their
Excellencies the Governor and General of Martinique.

Congress has referred the matter of remittance for discharge of the
obligation, which you and Mr Harri