at we have an extensive
coast to defend, that we are young in the business of fitting out
ships of war, that founderies for cannon are to be erected, that there
is great difficulty of getting seamen quickly, when privateers abound
as they do in the States, where sailors are chiefly to be met with,
and lastly, that our frigates are much restrained by the heavy ships
of the enemy, which are placed at the entrance of our bays. In short,
the attention of Great Britain, must be drawn in part from hence,
before France can benefit largely by our commerce. We sensibly feel
the disagreeable situation Mr Deane must have been in, between his
receipt of the committee's letter in June, and the date of his own
letter in October, but this was occasioned by accident, not neglect,
since letters were sent to him in all the intervening months, which
have either fallen into the enemy's hands, or have been destroyed.
From the time of Dr Franklin's sailing, until we arrived at this
place, the ships of war at the mouth of the Delaware, and the
interruption given the post, added to the barrenness of events,
prevented us from writing when we had no particular commands from
Congress for you.

Mr Bingham informs us from Martinique, that he learned from a Spanish
General there, on his way to South America, that the king of Spain was
well disposed to do the United States offices of friendship, and that
a loan of money might be obtained from that Court. As the power sent
you for borrowing is not confined to place, we mention this
intelligence, that you may avail yourselves of His Catholic Majesty's
friendly designs. Perhaps a loan may be obtained there on better terms
than elsewhere. We expect it will not be long before Congress will
appoint commissioners to the Courts formerly mentioned, and in the
mean time, you will serve the cause of your country in the best
manner, with the ministers from those Courts to that of Versailles.

Earnestly wishing for good news, and quickly from you, we remain, with
friendship and esteem, gentlemen, &c.

B. HARRISON,
R. H. LEE.

_P. S._ Congress adjourns this week back to Philadelphia.

* * * * *

TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.

Paris, 4th March, 1777.

Gentlemen,

We send you herewith t