B. FRANKLIN,
JOHN ADAMS.

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TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Passy, 29th July, 1778.

Sir,

Mr Livingston received a commission from us, as Lieutenant of the
Boston, and made a cruise in her, in which he had the good fortune to
take four prizes. He is now obliged to leave the ship, but we have the
pleasure of a letter from Captain Tucker, in which he gives us a
handsome character of Mr Livingston, and of his conduct during the
cruise. We have also a good opinion of him, and recommend him to the
favor of Congress.

We are, &c.

B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.

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TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

Passy, 29th July, 1778.

Gentlemen,

We have the honor of your letters of May 14th and 15th. We
congratulate you on the general good appearance of our affairs, and we
are happy in your assurances, that it is your fixed determination to
admit no terms of peace, but such as are consistent with the spirit
and intention of our alliance with France, especially as the present
politics of the British cabinet aim at seducing you from that
alliance, by an offer of independence, upon condition you will
renounce it, a measure that will injure the reputation of our States
with all the world, and destroy their confidence in our honor.

No authenticity from Congress to make an alteration in the treaty, by
withdrawing the 11th and 12th articles, has yet reached us. But we
gave an extract of your letter to the Count de Vergennes, when we
exchanged ratifications, who expressed an entire willingness to agree
to it. We wish for the powers by the first opportunity. We have not
yet seen M. Beaumarchais, but the important concern with him shall be
attended to as soon as may be.

We have the honor to be, &c.

B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.

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M. D