We learn with extreme grief, an event which has disturbed your Majesty's felicity, and unite with you in offering that tribute of sorrow to the memory of your most dear and beloved aunt, the Princess Sophia Philippina Elizabeth Justina of France, which is due, as well to the eminent virtues she possessed, as to the relation in which she stood to your Majesty. We trust that our sensibility on this occasion, will be considered as a fresh proof of the interest we take in every event, which may affect your Majesty, and that our sincere condolence, when such afflictions as are the lot of humanity put it out of our power to offer more effectual consolation, will evince our earnest desire on every occasion to contribute to your Majesty's happiness. We pray God, Dear, Great, Faithful Friend and Ally, always to preserve and keep you under his holy protection. Done at Philadelphia, the 13th day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightytwo, and in the sixth year of our independence. By the United States in Congress assembled. Your Majesty's Faithful Friends and Allies. JOHN HANSON, _President_. * * * * * TO COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU. Translation. Philadelphia, June 14th, 1782. My Dear General, I have just received your letter of the 8th of this month, and the packets which accompanied it. I have not now time to reply to it, as I profit by an express on the point of departure, and whom I cannot detain. The movements of the English troops at New York, indicate an intention of sending off detachments from that garrison. It is even possible, though not very probable, that they propose to evacuate that place, either to reinforce the English Islands, or to act offensively against the conquered Islands, which will not be in so good a state of defence as our ancient possessions. This last supposition cannot take place, unless they retain their superiority, and although I hope that this will not be the case, it is, however, but prudent to be in readiness against every event. The most sure means of preventing the enemy from making any detachment from New York, is to approach that place, and to give a jealousy to General Carlton, of a combined attack. Congress regard the matter in this light, and think that General Washington will make a movement towards New York, in case such a measure is agreeable to his designs, or to the intelligence he may have. I am ignorant what steps he will take in this conjuncture. It is possible that he may think it proper not to quit his present station, till he hears that you approach. In all cases the enemy will be cautious of weakening themselves, if they hear that you are on the march to form a junction. I submit these ideas to you, my Dear General, and am persuaded that you will take such measures as are most advantageous.