Moreover, Sir, I request you to inform me in what manner Congress will judge proper that I should take my leave, with regard to the secrecy, which I endeavor to keep as to my speedy departure. I also flatter myself, that if they shall think proper to give me any commission, they will rely upon my carrying into France the same zeal for the interests of the United States and of the common cause, of which I have sought to give proofs during my residence in America. I have the honor to be, with respect and esteem, Sir, your most obedient humble servant, GERARD. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Translation. Mount Pleasant, April 6th, 1779. Sir, I have the honor of sending you the abstract of news, which I have just received from Martinique. It is not very interesting, but it will at least make known the present state of things. I send at the same time a paper relative to a financial operation, which has been performed in France. I request you to send it back to me again, and to accept the sentiments of respect with which I have the honor to be, Sir, &c. GERARD. * * * * * _Abstract of several Letters, dated Martinique, February 25th._ "The King's vessels, Robuste of seventyfour guns, commanded by the Count de Grasse, commander of the squadron; Magnifique of seventyfour, by M. de Branche; Dauphin Royal of seventy, by M. de Mitton; and Vengeur of sixtyfour, by M. de Retz, having sailed from Brest the 14th of January, arrived at Fort Royal the 20th of this month. They had on board the second field regiment, eight hundred and fifty recruits, and a company of miners." _March 6th._ "We learn that Admiral Byron has on his part also received a reinforcement, but we do not know the force of it. He has not yet undertaken any operation. He has only twice sailed out with some ships, but he returned the day after. It is true, that he has not troops enough to make conquests and to preserve them. Sickness continues to make great ravages among those that are at St Lucia." _March 9th._ "The convoy from France, so much wished for, has just arrived, attended by many vessels. "The islands of St Martin and St Bartholomew, which the English had taken from us, have just been retaken without much exertion by three of our frigates, and an end put to the triumph, which our enemies had reaped from this easy conquest.