* * * * * TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS. Passy, 7th October, 1777. Gentlemen, We received duly your despatches by Mr McCreary, and Captain Young, dated May 2d and 30th, June 13th, 18th, 26th, and July 2d. The intelligence they contain is very particular and satisfactory. It rejoices us to be informed, that unanimity continues to reign among the States, and that you have so good an opinion of your affairs, in which we join with you. We understand that you have also written to us of later dates by Captain Holmes. He is arrived at Port L'Orient, but being chased, and nearly taken, he sunk his despatches. We are also of your sentiments, with regard to the interests of France, and Spain, respecting our Independence, which interests we are persuaded they see as well as we, though particular present circumstances induce them to postpone the measures, that are proper to secure those interests. They continue to hold the same conduct described in our last, which went by Wickes and Johnson, a copy whereof we send herewith, as Johnson is unfortunately taken. We have lately presented an earnest memorial to both Courts, stating the difficulties of our situation, and requesting that if they cannot immediately make a diversion in our favor, they would give a subsidy sufficient to enable us to continue the war without them, or afford the States their advice and influence in making a good peace. Our present demand, to enable us to fulfil your orders, is for about eight millions of livres. Couriers, we understand, are despatched with this memorial to Madrid by both the ambassador of Spain and the minister here; and we are desired to wait with patience the answer, as the two Courts must act together. In the meantime, they give us fresh assurances of their good will to our cause, and we have just received a fourth sum of five hundred thousand livres. But we are continually charged to keep the aids, that are, or may be afforded us, a dead secret, even from the Congress, where they suppose England has some intelligence; and they wish she may have no certain proofs to produce against them, with the other powers of Europe. The apparent necessity of your being informed of the true state of your affairs, obliges us to dispense with this injunction; but we entreat that the greatest care may be taken that no part of it shall transpire; nor of the assurances we have received, that no repayment will ever be required from us, of what has been already given us, either in money or military stores. The great desire here seems to be, that England should strike first, and not be able to give her allies a good reason.