"_Ordered_, that the committee of foreign affairs write to the Hon. Silas Deane, and direct him to embrace the first opportunity to return to America, and upon his arrival to repair with all possible despatch to Congress." It may here be observed, that after the 17th of April, 1777, the _Committee of Secret Correspondence_ was by a resolution of Congress, passed on that date, styled the _Committee of Foreign Affairs_. * * * * * FROM COUNT DE VERGENNES TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Translation. Versailles, the 25th March, 1778. Sir, Mr Deane being about to return to America, I embrace the occasion with pleasure to give my testimony to the zeal, activity, and intelligence with which he has conducted the interests of the United States, by which he has merited the esteem of the king my master, and for which his Majesty has been pleased to give him marks of his satisfaction. Mr Deane will be able to inform Congress of the disposition of the king towards the United States. The engagements formed with his Majesty, will doubtless satisfy their wishes; the king on his part is not only convinced, that they are founded on principles unalterable, but also that they will contribute to the happiness of both nations. I have the honor to be, &c. DE VERGENNES. * * * * * FROM COUNT DE VERGENNES TO SILAS DEANE. Translation. Versailles, 26th March, 1778. As I am not, Sir, to have the honor of seeing you again before your departure, I pray you to receive here my wishes, that your voyage may be short and happy, and that you may find in your own country the same sentiments, which you have inspired in France. You need not, Sir, desire any addition to those which I have devoted to you, and which I shall preserve for you to the end of my life; they will be sureties to you of the true interest, which I shall forever take in your happiness, as well as in the prosperity of your country. The king, desirous of giving you a personal testimony of the satisfaction he has in your conduct, has charged me to communicate it to the President of the Congress of the United States. This is the object of the letter, which Mr Gerard will deliver you for Mr Hancock. He will also deliver you a box with the king's portrait. You will not, I presume, Sir, refuse to carry to your country the image of its most zealous friend. The proof of this is in facts. I have the honor to be, with the most sincere consideration, &c. DE VERGENNES. * * * * * FROM DR FRANKLIN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Passy, near Paris, 31st March, 1778. Sir,