Our scheme here for packet boats did not continue.[16] I wish Congress could fall on some method of sending some little light vessels once a month, to keep up a correspondence more regular. Even the receiving of letters of a certain date, though otherwise of no importance, might serve to refute the false news of our adversaries on both sides of the water, which have sometimes too long their intended effect before the truth arrives. I see that frequently little pilot boats, of twentyfive or thirty tons burthen, arrive safe from Virginia; the expense of such would not be great. I beg leave to recommend earnestly to your civilities M. le Chevalier de la Luzerne, who goes over to succeed M. Gerard, as the King's Minister to the Congress. He bears here a most amiable character, has great connexions, and is a hearty friend to the American cause. With great esteem, I am, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, B. FRANKLIN. [16] This scheme may be found in the Correspondence of the Commissioners, Vol. I. p. 284. * * * * * JAMES LOVELL TO B. FRANKLIN. Philadelphia, June 13th, 1779. Sir, By way of Martinique I forward to you gazettes, journals, and one or two pamphlets. The situation of things in Congress has been such for some time past, that the Committee of Foreign Affairs have been drawn on to look daily for some interesting decisions to communicate to you, which must account for their silence many weeks. I am once again left alone, and therefore in too delicate circumstances to give you any detail of matters agitated, but not concluded, respecting your commission. I enclose a late resolve,[17] to which I beg your attention, and I entreat that you will believe me to be, with much respect, Sir, your most obedient servant, JAMES LOVELL, _For the Committee of Foreign Affairs_. [17] _In Congress, June 5th, 1779._--"_Resolved_, that the Committee for Foreign Affairs be directed to write immediately to the Commissioners at the Court of France, and desire them to transmit an account of their proceedings in Mr Beaumarchais's accounts, pursuant to the order of Congress of the 13th day of April, 1778." * * * * * JAMES LOVELL TO B. FRANKLIN. Philadelphia, July 9th, 1779. Sir, I send by this opportunity journals and gazettes, with some letters, which were to have gone by way of Martinique some time ago, with others that I hope will reach you by that channel. I add a complete set of Journals, as far as they are printed, viz. 1st volume, 2d volume, and from January 9th to June 12th this year, with two spare pamphlets of Nos. 2, 3, 11, 12, to make those already sent complete. Perhaps I may have the honor of writing again before the vessel sails out, though she is now falling down the river. Your most obedient humble servant, JAMES LOVELL, _For the Committee of Foreign Affairs_. * * * * *