of our letter[34] to Lord Stormont,
communicating them, and his insolent answer. We request you to present
our duty to the Congress, and assure them of our most faithful
services.

With great respect we have the honor to be, &c.

B. FRANKLIN,
SILAS DEANE.

FOOTNOTES:

[29] These were afterwards privately permitted to go, or went without
permission. _Note by the Commissioners._

[30] Missing.

[31] Missing.--A letter from the Commissioners to Baron Schulenburg,
will be seen in Arthur Lee's correspondence, under the date of April
19th, 1777.

[32] Missing.

[33] Missing.

[34] Missing.

* * * * *

AGREEMENT

_Between Messrs Franklin and Deane, and the Farmers-General of France,
for the sale of a quantity of Tobacco._

Translation.

ARTICLE I.

We the undersigned, as well in our own name, as by virtue of powers
derived from the Congress of the United States of North America,
promise and oblige ourselves to deliver, in the course of the present
year, 1777, five thousand hogsheads, or five million weight of York
and James River tobacco, to the Farmers-General of France, in the
ports of France.

ARTICLE II.

The price of the tobacco, thus delivered, is fixed at eight sols per
pound, net tobacco, mark weight, or forty livres tournois per cwt, and
delivered into stores of the Farmers-General.

ARTICLE III.

All average, rotten, or spoiled tobacco, shall be cut off and deducted
from the weight to be paid for, agreeably to the estimate, which shall
be impartially made by experienced persons, by which a general average
shall be fixed instead thereof.

ARTICLE IV.

There shall be a deduction, moreover, of four per cent, under the
title of allowance for good weight, eight pounds weight per hogshead
for samples, and two per cent discount on the amount of the invoice
for prompt payment.

ARTICLE V.

The Farmers-General oblige themselves for the discharge of the amount
of five thousand hogsheads, to remit at the disposal of Congress, and
to pay into the hands of the banker, who shall be appointed by Messrs
Franklin and Deane, or to