I avail myself of the first respite, which my sickness allows me, to congratulate you as well as Congress upon the resolution, which I am assured they have taken, in relation to their finances. The execution of the system, which appeared connected with this first operation of a tax, will show to your friends and your enemies the extent of your resources, your firmness, and your ability to make a suitable and efficacious use of them. The eagerness with which the people seemed to expect an arrangement of this kind, gives beforehand the proof of their favorable dispositions and of their good will. This state of things, Sir, cannot but strengthen the very friendly intentions of the King, my master, by the confidence with which your own efforts, and the displaying of the resources of America, will inspire him in your dispositions. It will only remain for you to show vigor in your military operations, in order to destroy the hope entertained by the common enemy, of conquering America; then everything will inspire us with the hope of soon seeing the happy day dawn, in which America will enjoy independence, together with the advantages and delights of peace. Congress has received all the possible assurances of the King's, my master's, desire to hasten that moment, and he is convinced, that Congress will place no obstacle in the way. I have the honor to be, with respectful esteem, Sir, your humble and most obedient servant. GERARD. * * * _May 24th._ Information being given to Congress of some outrages and wanton barbarities, committed on subjects of France by the enemy, on their landing in Virginia, the following resolutions were passed. Whereas it has been represented to Congress, that the enemy at the time of, and since their landing in Virginia, have perpetrated the most unnecessary, wanton, and outrageous barbarities, on divers of the citizens of that State, as well as on several of the subjects of his Most Christian Majesty residing therein, deliberately putting many of them to death in cool blood, after they had surrendered, abusing women, and desolating the country with fire, Resolved, That the Governor of Virginia, be requested to cause diligent inquiry to be made into the truth of the above representations, and to transmit to Congress the evidence he may collect on the subject. Resolved, That Congress will retaliate for cruelties and violations of the laws of nations committed in these States, against the subjects of his Most Christian Majesty, in like manner and measure as if committed against citizens of the said States, and that the protection of Congress shall be on all occasions equally extended to both. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Translation. Philadelphia, May 25th, 1779. Sir,