That upon this principle, Congress did not hesitate a moment, to reject the proposition made by the British General and Admiral, as Commissioners of Peace, for admitting Mr Morgan, their Secretary, to an interview at Philadelphia. And that they are resolved to prosecute the war with vigor, until a general peace shall be obtained, in which their allies shall be comprehended. That Congress place the utmost confidence in his Majesty's assurances, that he will readily employ his good offices in support of the United States in all points relative to their prosperity; and considering the territorial claims of these States as heretofore made, their participation of the fisheries, and of the free navigation of the Mississippi, not only as their indubitable rights, but as essential to their prosperity, they trust that his Majesty's efforts will be successfully employed to obtain a sufficient provision and security for those rights. Nor can they refrain from making known to his Majesty, that any claim of restitution or compensation for property confiscated in the several States, will meet with insuperable obstacles, not only on account of the sovereignty of the individual States, by which such confiscations have been made, but of the wanton devastations, which the citizens of these States have experienced from the enemy, and in many instances from the very persons in whose favor such claims may be urged. That Congress trust, that the circumstances of the allies at the negotiation for peace, will be so prosperous as to render these expectations consistent with the spirit of moderation recommended by his Majesty. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Translation. Philadelphia, October 16th, 1782. Sir, The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, requests Congress to be pleased to appoint a committee, to which he proposes to communicate some measures which are provisional, and which are to remain secret till the moment of their execution. LUZERNE. * * * * * GEORGE WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Head Quarters, October 25th, 1782. Sir, I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency the copy of two letters[11] from the Count de Vergennes, which were sent out in the packet from England, and have just come to my hands by a flag of truce from New York. They contain a very pathetic and affectionate interposition in favor of the life of Captain Asgill. I lose no time in forwarding them by a special messenger to Congress, without any observations, being persuaded that Congress will not fail to give a very early decision respecting his further treatment. The enclosed newspaper contains all the information I have been able to obtain since the arrival of the packet.