We have been penetrated with gratitude on seeing in the resolution of Congress, annexed to your Excellency's letter, proofs of esteem with which we are honored by our illustrious General, and which gives occasion to the proposition which is made to us, of continuing in the service of the United States through the next campaign. We willingly consent to it, since your Excellency thinks, that we shall thereby fulfil the intentions of the Court, and since you are so kind as to take upon yourself the trouble of asking from it the necessary permission. Relying also on the justice of Congress for the favors which we may merit from longer services, we affix no conditions to the continuance of our residence in America. But we deem it our duty to state, that being determined to remain here by our desire of serving, and of being useful to the United States, if the means of usefulness should disappear on any account whatsoever, we shall be desirous of preserving the liberty of returning into our country. Sensible of the interest which your Excellency is so kind as to take in this affair, we beg you to accept our most humble thanks. We are, respectfully, your Excellency's most obedient humble servants, DUPORTAIL, LA RADIERE, LAUMOY. _P. S._ M. de Goudion has said, that he would agree to whatever we should do. * * * * * _January 21st._ A Memorial from M. Gerard, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, and Consul-General, was read, enclosing a commission of Consul in the port of Boston, and other ports in Massachusetts Bay, to the Sieur Valnais. The commission was referred to the Marine Committee, and they were instructed to register it and to return the original to M. Valnais, and to take measures for making him known to all whom it may concern, as Consul of France in the State of Massachusetts. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Translation. Philadelphia, February 3d, 1779. Sir, The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to represent to the Congress of the United States, that it is of infinite importance to the safety of the King's squadron, stationed in the Gulf of Mexico, to determine the supply of provisions on which it may rely. And several vessels being ready to sail for Martinique, the wisdom of Congress will show to that body the necessity of informing the commander of this squadron of it without delay. GERARD. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Translation.