nearly a whole year, before the arrival of their present
important packet.

We are, with much esteem, &c.

RICHARD MORRIS,
RICHARD H. LEE,
JAMES LOVELL.

* * * * *

FROM THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO WILLIAM BINGHAM.

York, 14th May, 1778.

Sir,

At length, on the 2d instant, we received despatches from our
Commissioners at Paris, with treaties of alliance and commerce,
concluded on the 6th of February between France and these United
States. They were ratified here on the 4th of this month, and the
prints herewith sent to you will show the principles upon which they
are founded. We are persuaded you will greatly partake of the
satisfaction, which we feel on this occasion.

We do not find by the letters, which we have received, that Congress
may venture to enlarge the power that was given to you by the resolve
of April 16th.[50] But it becomes less necessary that you should be
furnished in that way, as commerce will, in all human probability, be
more easily carried on between this continent and your islands now,
than for some time past.

Great hurry of business must be an excuse for our brevity at this
time, though it would not warrant an omission of sending you our
congratulations and the Gazettes.

We are, with much regard, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS,
RICHARD HENRY LEE,
JAMES LOVELL.

FOOTNOTES:

[50] "_Resolved_, that Mr William Bingham, agent of 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
in Paris, for any sums not exceeding in the whole 100,000 livres
turnois, to enable him to discharge debts by him contracted on
account of the said States; for which drafts he is to be
accountable."--_Journals of Congress._

* * * * *

FROM THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO THE COMMISSIONERS.

York, 14th May, 1778.

Gentlemen,

Our affairs have now a universally good appearance. Every thing at
home and abroad