angements may be made with the militia of his State, in such manner
as to give immediate and effectual support, in aid and protection of
his Most Christian Majesty's ships, in case an attempt should be made
upon them.

The like information I shall give to the Governor of the State of New
Hampshire, and request similar assistance from him, in case of the
enemy approaching near Portsmouth.

With the highest regard and esteem, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

* * * * *

COMMUNICATION OF THE FRENCH MINISTER TO A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS.

In Congress, September 24th, 1782.

The committee appointed to hold a conference with the Chevalier de la
Luzerne, Minister of France, in pursuance of his note to Congress of
the 23d, report;

That yesterday your committee held a conference with the Minister of
France, agreeably to the said appointment, the substance of which
consisted in the communication of advices lately received by the said
Minister of France, from his Excellency the Count de Vergennes, as
follows.

The Minister informed the committee he had received several despatches
from his Court, of which he thought it his duty to communicate an
extract to Congress.

The first was dated 9th April last. It expressed the opinion of the
Count de Vergennes, that the Court of St James had formed a design to
make a separate peace with one or more of the powers at war with it.
That France was perfectly easy with respect to the disposition of
Congress; and that the uniformity and steadfastness of their conduct
did not leave the least doubt with regard to the part they would take
in this circumstance. That the steps the King had taken on a similar
occasion, and the disappointment of several British emissaries, was
already known to Congress. That they had met with the same reception
at Madrid; and there was the greatest probability, that their
intrigues would not be more successful at the Hague. The Minister of
France observed, that the glory and honor of the present confederacy,
of which his Majesty was the centre, would be their having been
inaccessible to artifice; and this extraordinary instance would be
crowned with success, if the four powers persisted invariably in a
firm attachment to their union, and if, on the one hand, making the
greatest exertions to procure the completest satisfaction, they, on
the other h