letter enclosed, which we have just
received by the return of that express. We shall communicate His
Majesty's orders to our friends residing in your ports, and acquaint
the Congress with the same, to the end, that our armed vessels may be
warned of the consequence that must attend an infringement of them. We
doubt not but they will be henceforth strictly attended to; and we are
willing and ready to give any security your Excellency may judge
sufficient and reasonable, that, after being fitted and provisioned
for so long a voyage, these vessels shall proceed directly to America,
without making any other cruise on the coasts of England. We are
thankful for the repeated assurances of His Majesty's protection
continued to us, and such of our nation as may reside in France, and
for the facilities indulged to our commerce, at this critical
conjuncture, which will always be remembered in our country, with
gratitude and affection.

We have the honor to be, &c.

B. FRANKLIN,
SILAS DEANE.

* * * * *

FROM THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO THE COMMISSIONERS.

Philadelphia, August 7th, 1777.

Gentlemen,

Enclosed are duplicates of commissions and instructions for William
Lee and Ralph Izard, and triplicates of our former despatches.

Since our last, of July 3d, various circumstances have happened in the
military department, many of which are so intricate and unfinished, as
not to enable us to draw any just conclusions from them.

Immediately after the unsuccessful attempt made by General Howe, June
26th, to cut off a detachment of our army, under General Sterling, as
mentioned in our last, the whole body of the enemy retreated to Staten
Island, embarked on board their fleet, and on the 23d of July put to
sea; on the 27th, they appeared off the Capes of Delaware. General
Washington, with the army, arrived at Germantown on the 29th. On the
31st, the enemy's fleet stood out to sea. They made a second
appearance at the Capes, since which we have had no account of them.
As this packet goes from the eastward, you will probably be furnished
with something further from that quarter.

Our worst news is, that we have lost Ticonderoga, whether by neglect
or necessity, cowardice or good conduct, will appear hereafter.
Congress have ordere