We feel an additional obligation to your Majesty, for your friendly reception of our late special Minister Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens. By him we received your Majesty's letter, containing new assurances of what the United States have been long convinced, your Majesty's affectionate patronage of American independence. His report, while it proves that our attachment has not been misplaced, will increase our gratitude. We have charged our Minister Plenipotentiary at your Court to render to your Majesty more particular acknowledgments for your zeal for the re-establishment of peace, upon principles coinciding with the liberty and sovereignty of the United States, and for the important succors lately administered to our necessities. We shall also instruct him to inform your Majesty of the arrangements, which have taken place for calling forth the resources of the United States with decision and effect against the common enemy. We pray God, that he will keep your Majesty, our Great, Faithful and Beloved Friend and Ally, in his holy protection. Done at Philadelphia, the eighteenth of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one, and in the sixth year of our independence. By the United States in Congress assembled. Your faithful friends and allies. THOMAS M'KEAN, _President_. Attest, CHARLES THOMSON, _Secretary_. * * * * * THE KING OF FRANCE TO CONGRESS. Translation. Very Dear and Faithful Allies, Satisfied of the interest you take in every event which affects us, we are anxious to inform you of the precious mark, which Divine Providence has just given us of his goodness, and of the protection he has granted to our kingdom. We do not doubt that you will partake in the joy we feel on the birth of our son, the Dauphin, of whom the Queen, our most dear spouse, is just now happily delivered. You will easily be convinced of the pleasure, with which we shall receive every proof that you may give of your sensibility upon this occasion. We cannot renew at a period more affecting to us, the assurance of our affection and of our constant friendship for you. Upon which we pray God, that he would have you, very Dear, Great Friends and Allies, in his holy keeping. Written at Versailles, the 22d of October, 1781. Your Good Friend and Ally, LOUIS. * * * * * ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE. Philadelphia, October 24th, 1781. Sir,