l and interest in
specie.

The loan must prove ineffective unless the specie is actually
remitted. Experience has shown, that the negotiation of bills is
attended with unsupportable loss and disadvantage. His Most Christian
Majesty, we are persuaded, will see in the strongest light the
necessity of despatching an effective naval armament to the American
seas. This is a measure of such vast moment, that your utmost address
will be employed to give it success. By such a conveyance, the specie
may be remitted in different ships of war with a prospect of safety.

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Philadelphia, January 3d, 1781.

Sir,

Although my instructions relative to the objects of my mission do not
explicitly direct what conduct I am to observe, in case the aids
solicited from the Court of France cannot be obtained in their full
extent, yet I presume it is not the intention of Congress to confine
me without alternative to the precise demands which they have made.
There is the more reason that this matter should be clearly
understood, as my prospects, especially in the important article of
pecuniary succors, are far from being flattering. I apprehend then,
that I shall have satisfied my duty by aspiring, with every effort, to
complete success, and upon failure of that, by approaching it as
nearly as shall be found practicable.

With regard to the estimate of the Board of War, as it descends into
the minutest detail, and includes a great variety of articles, it
appears to me that it will be necessary to attach myself in preference
to the objects of first necessity for the ensuing campaign, that the
most indispensable supplies may not be retarded by those of a
secondary nature, and that the former being secured as far as
possible, and the latter left in a train of execution, I may the
sooner be at liberty to return and make my report. As I apprehend that
these ideas need only to be submitted to Congress to obtain their
sanction, I shall consider myself authorised to act in consequence,
unless I receive new orders to the contrary.

I have the honor to be, with the profoundest respect, &c.

JOHN LAURENS.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT O