These considerations seem to the King to be most forcible, and his Majesty has too just an idea of the wisdom and penetration of the two high mediating powers, not to be convinced, that they will regard them in the same point of view, and that they will wholly approve the cautious course which they oblige him to pursue. The King is earnestly desirous to be able to change this course, and it is in consequence of this desire, that he invites the high mediating powers to employ all their influence at the Court of London to induce that Court to show dispositions, which may convince us, that it is at last resolved to unite, in good faith, in a prompt and equitable peace. The King thinks, that he ought to inform the high mediating powers, that his Ambassador at Vienna is at present authorised to attend to all overtures and all expedients, which tend to this object, whether they come from the Court of London, or are proposed by their Imperial Majesties; and he is also authorised to join in the negotiation, if sufficient grounds are presented to him, for conducting it safely to a happy conclusion, under the auspices of their Imperial Majesties. * * * * * TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. Translation. Philadelphia, November 23d, 1781. Sir, I have the honor of sending to you a letter, which I wrote to the commanding officer of St Domingo, in consequence of that with which you honored me yesterday. Be pleased to send the two despatches to those interested, in order that they may send them to their _Fonde de Procuration_ by safe opportunities. I have the honor to be, &c. LUZERNE. * * * * * CONGRESS TO THE KING OF FRANCE. The United States in Congress assembled to their Great, Faithful, and Beloved Friend and Ally, Lewis the Sixteenth, King of France and Navarre. Great, Faithful, and Beloved Friend and Ally, At a period so glorious to the arms of France, both by sea and land, and so favorable to the fortunes of America, it is with particular satisfaction that we congratulate the Monarch, whose wise counsels and generous support have so largely contributed to events, illustrious in themselves, and promising consequences truly important. We wish to convey to your Majesty our sense of the victory obtained by the Count de Grasse over the enemy's fleet on our coast, and the subsequent reduction of the British armament in Virginia; and we repeat our grateful acknowledgments for the various aids so seasonably extended to us. From the benevolence and magnanimity, which has hitherto interested your Majesty in the welfare of these States, we are convinced, that you will on this occasion feel an equal pleasure with ourselves, whose immediate advantage is the result of such fortunate exertions.