I hoped I might have been able to send part of the aids we have asked, by this safe vessel. I beg that your Excellency would at least inform me what expectations I may give in my letters. I fear the Congress will be reduced to despair, when they find that nothing is yet obtained. With the greatest and most sincere respect, I am, Sir, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant, B. FRANKLIN. FOOTNOTE: [9] _Copy of a Passport given to the Ship Washington, to carry over the Preliminary Articles._ GEORGE the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, and so forth. To all Admirals, Vice Admirals, Captains, Commanders of our ships of war, or privateers, Governors of our forts and castles, customhouse comptrollers, searchers, &c., to all and singular our officers, and military and loving subjects whom it may concern, greeting. Our will and pleasure is, and we do hereby strictly charge and require you, as we do likewise pray and desire the officers and ministers of all Princes and States, in amity with us, to permit and suffer the vessel called the Washington, commanded by Mr Joshua Barney, belonging to the United States of North America, to sail from either of the ports of France, to any port or place in North America, without any let, hinderance, or molestation whatsoever; but on the contrary, affording the said vessel all such aid and assistance as may be necessary. Given at our Court of St James, the tenth day of December; 1782, in the 23d year of our reign. By his Majesty's command. T. TOWNSHEND. * * * * * COUNT DE VERGENNES TO B. FRANKLIN. Translation. Versailles, December 15th, 1782. Sir, I cannot but be surprised, Sir, that after the explanation I have had with you, and the promise you gave, that you would not press the application for an English passport for the sailing of the packet Washington, that you now inform me, you have received the passport, and that at ten o'clock tomorrow morning your courier will set out to carry your despatches. I am at a loss, Sir, to explain your conduct and that of your colleagues on this occasion. You have concluded your preliminary articles without any communication between us, although the instructions from Congress prescribes, that nothing shall be done without the participation of the King. You are about to hold out a certain hope of peace to America, without even informing yourself on the state of the negotiation on our part.