We shall immediately write to them on the subject, and we are persuaded that the same disposition to confidence and friendship, which has induced them already to give unrestrained course to British commerce and unconditionally to liberate all prisoners at a time when more caution would not have appeared singular, will also urge their attention to the objects in question, and lead them to every proper measure for promoting a liberal and satisfactory intercourse between the two countries. We have communicated to Congress the repeated friendly assurances with which you have officially honored us on these subjects, and we are persuaded that the period of their being realized will have an auspicious and conciliating influence on all the parties in the late unhappy dissensions. We have the honor to be, &c. JOHN ADAMS, B. FRANKLIN, JOHN JAY. * * * * * TO DAVID HARTLEY. Passy, September 7th, 1783. Sir, We have the honor of transmitting, herewith enclosed an extract of a resolution of Congress of the 1st of May last, which we have just received. You will perceive from it, that we may daily expect a commission in due form, for the purposes mentioned in it; and we assure you of our readiness to enter upon the business whenever you may think proper.[17] We have the honor to be, &c. JOHN ADAMS, B. FRANKLIN, JOHN JAY. FOOTNOTE: [17] _In Congress, May 1st, 1783._ On the report of a committee to whom was referred a letter of February 5th, from the honorable John Adams, "Ordered, That a commission be prepared to Messrs John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, authorising them, or either of them in the absence of the others, to enter into a treaty of commerce between the United States of America and Great Britain, subject to the revisal of the contracting parties, previous to its final conclusion, and in the meantime to enter into a commercial convention, to continue in force one year. "That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs lay before Congress, without delay, a plan of a treaty of commerce, and instructions relative to the same, to be transmitted to the said commissioners." * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Passy, September 10th, 1783. Sir, On the 3d instant definitive treaties of peace were concluded between all the late belligerent powers, except the Dutch, who the day before settled and signed preliminary articles of peace with Britain.