and to obey him in this capacity. We pray and request our very dear and great Friends and Allies, the Congress of the United States of North America, their governors and other officers whom it shall concern, to allow the said M. Gerard, and the consuls and vice-consuls whom he shall appoint to the said office, to possess it fully and peaceably, without causing, or allowing to be caused to them, any disturbance or hinderance; but on the contrary to give them all favor and assistance; offering to do the same for all those who shall be thus recommended to us on their part. In witness whereof we have caused our privy seal to be affixed to these presents. Given at Versailles, the twentyeighth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventyeight, and of our reign the fifth. LOUIS. * * * * * THE KING OF FRANCE TO CONGRESS. Very dear and great Friends and Allies, You will learn, undoubtedly, with gratitude, the measure, which the conduct of the King of Great Britain has induced us to take, of sending a fleet to endeavor to destroy the English forces upon the shores of North America. This expedition will convince you of the eagerness and the vigor, which we are resolved to bring to the execution of the engagements, which we have contracted with you. We are firmly persuaded, that your fidelity to the obligations, which your Plenipotentiaries have contracted in your name, will animate more and more the efforts, which you are making with so much courage and perseverance. The Count d'Estaing, Vice-Admiral of France, is charged to concert with you the operations, the conduct of which we have intrusted to him, in order that the combination of measures on each side may render them as advantageous to the common cause as circumstances will permit. We entreat you to give full credit to everything, which he shall communicate to you on our part, and to place confidence in his zeal and in his talents. Moreover, we pray God, that he will have you, very dear and great Friends and Allies, under his holy protection. Written at Versailles, the twentyeighth day of March, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventyeight. LOUIS. * * * * * COUNT D'ESTAING TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. At Sea, July 8th, 1778. Sir, I have the honor of informing your Excellency, and by you of giving notice to Congress, of the arrival of the squadron of the King upon the shores of the United States of America.