[28] The Chevalier de la Luzerne arrived at Boston on the 2d of August, and on his way to Philadelphia visited General Washington at West Point. Hence this conference took place before his public introduction to Congress as Minister Plenipotentiary. * * * * * RECEPTION OF THE FRENCH MINISTER BY CONGRESS.[29] In Congress, November 17th, 1779. According to order the Chevalier de la Luzerne was introduced by Mr Mathews and Mr Morris, the two members appointed for that purpose; and being seated in his chair, the Secretary of the Embassy delivered to the President a sealed letter from his Most Christian Majesty, in the terms following; THE KING OF FRANCE TO CONGRESS. "To our dear great Friends and Allies, the President and Members of the General Congress of the United States of North America. Very Dear Great Friends and Allies, "The bad state of health of M. Gerard, our Minister Plenipotentiary to you, having laid him under the necessity of applying for a recall, we have made choice of the Chevalier de la Luzerne, a Colonel in our service, to supply his place. We have no doubt, that he will be agreeable to you, and that you will repose entire confidence in him. We pray you to give full credit to all he shall say to you on our behalf, especially when he shall assure you of the sincerity of our wishes for your prosperity, as well as the constancy of our affection and our friendship for the United States in general, and for each one of them in particular. We pray God to keep you, our very dear great friends and allies, in his holy protection. "Done at Versailles, the 31st of May, 1779. "Your good friend and ally, LOUIS." The Minister being announced, he addressed Congress in the following speech. Translation. "Gentlemen, "The wisdom and courage, which have founded your Republic, the prudence which presides over your deliberations, your firmness in execution, the skill and valor displayed by your Generals and soldiers during the course of the war, have attracted the admiration and regard of the whole world.