wn to his
Majesty, that any claim of restitution or compensation for property
confiscated in the several States, will meet with insuperable
obstacles, not only on account of the sovereignty of the individual
States, by which such confiscations have been made, but of the wanton
devastations, which the citizens of these States have experienced from
the enemy, and in many instances from the very persons in whose favor
such claims may be urged. That Congress trust, that the circumstances
of the allies at the negotiation for peace, will be so prosperous as
to render these expectations consistent with the spirit of moderation
recommended by his Majesty.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Translation.

Philadelphia, October 16th, 1782.

Sir,

The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, requests Congress
to be pleased to appoint a committee, to which he proposes to
communicate some measures which are provisional, and which are to
remain secret till the moment of their execution.

LUZERNE.

* * * * *

GEORGE WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Head Quarters, October 25th, 1782.

Sir,

I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency the copy of two
letters[11] from the Count de Vergennes, which were sent out in the
packet from England, and have just come to my hands by a flag of truce
from New York. They contain a very pathetic and affectionate
interposition in favor of the life of Captain Asgill.

I lose no time in forwarding them by a special messenger to Congress,
without any observations, being persuaded that Congress will not fail
to give a very early decision respecting his further treatment.

The enclosed newspaper contains all the information I have been able
to obtain since the arrival of the packet.

I have the honor to be, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

FOOTNOTES:

[11] That is, the copy of a letter from Count de Vergennes, and one
from Lady Asgill to him. See these letters above, pp. 105, 107.

* * * * *

TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Translation.

Phil