have not been able to convey one safely since
May last. It is strange that they cannot succeed through you. But,
indeed, you appear also to know but little of them.

Mr Deane being wanted here, Mr John Adams sailed the 17th of February,
to take his place at the Court of Versailles. It is probable you will
hear of his arrival before this reaches you. It seems needless to
desire you to give us early notice of that, and other foreign
intelligence. Your usual punctuality needed not the spur of the
information, which I have given you of our present great ignorance of
the situation and transactions of the gentlemen at Paris.

I am, with much regard, your friend and humble servant,

JAMES LOVELL,
_For the Committee of Foreign Affairs_.

* * * * *

FROM THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO THE COMMISSIONERS.

York, 16th April, 1778.

Gentlemen,

This, with my affectionate wishes for your prosperity, may serve to
acquaint you, that Congress has this day resolved, "That William
Bingham, agent for the United States of America, now resident in
Martinique, be authorised to draw Bills of Exchange, at double usance,
on the Commissioners of the United States at Paris, for any sums not
exceeding in the whole one hundred thousand livres tournois, to enable
him to discharge debts by him contracted on account of the said
States, for which draft he is to be accountable." Mr Bingham will
forward the American Gazettes, with this billet of advice, and tell
you why we have enabled him to draw upon you, when we have stores of
produce in magazines for exportation. He will also inform you of our
anxiety to know something of your proceedings and prospects, an
uncommon fatality having attended your despatches ever since the month
of May last.

I am, with much esteem, &c.

JAMES LOVELL,
_For the Committee_.

* * * * *

M. DE SARTINE TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.

Translation.

Versailles, April 26th, 1778.

Sir,

I have received your letter of the 20th instant, accompanied by the
translation of the representations addressed to you by the American
Commissioners, relative to the