The conduct of the French, p. 329. Upon the news of the Saratoga convention, the American commissioners are received by the court in their public character, p. 331. Preliminaries of a treaty are delivered to them, p. 332. The London merchants raise money for the relief of the American prisoners, _ibid._ Ministerial attempts for raising a body of troops by a voluntary supply from the people, p. 333. The treaties between France and the United States are signed, p. 335. Lord North’s conciliatory propositions, p. 336. General Gates’s letter to the earl of Thanet, p. 337. The French rescript informing the British court of the treaty between France and the United States, and the same laid before the house of commons, p. 338. The American commissioners have a public audience of the French king, p. 339. Lord Chatham seized with a fainting, while engaged in speaking against the acknowledgment of American independence, p. 340. Count d’Estaing sails from Toulon, p. 341. An act passed for relieving the papists, _ibid._ Admiral Keppel sails on a cruise off Ushant, p. 342. LETTER XII. P. 343–350. Accounts of admiral Keppel, p. 343. He engages the French fleet under count d’Orvilliers, p. 347—returns to Plymouth, p. 348. LETTER XIII. P. 350–397. The British commissioners for restoring peace arrive at Philadelphia, p. 351. The British army under Sir Henry Clinton evacuate that city, p. 352. The American army pursue them, p. 354. Sir H. Clinton changes the disposition of his troops, p. 355. General Lee, with the advanced American corps, ordered to fall upon the rear of the British, p. 356. Some firing between them, p. 359. Lee’s corps retreat, p. 360. Washington meets the troops, and orders them to make a stand, p. 361. The British are checked, p. 363—and at length compelled to give way, _ibid._ They arrive at Sandy-Hook, p. 364. General Lee has charges exhibited against him, and is tried, p. 365. Lord Howe arrives at Sandy-Hook with the fleet from Philadelphia, p. 367. Count d’Estaing’s fleet anchors without the Hook, p. 368. The count sails for Newport, p. 369. General Sullivan, with a body of Americans, crosses over to Rhode-Island, p. 371. A violent storm prevents an engagement between lord Howe and count d’Estaing, _ibid._ The French decline prosecuting the expedition against Newport, p. 372. Sullivan’s troops engage the British, p. 373—and then retreat from off the island, p. 375. The British expedition against Bedford, p. 376. Governor Johnstone’s attempts to corrupt certain members of congress, p. 377. Congress resolve to hold no intercourse with him, _ibid._ The British commissioners appeal to the people, p. 378—publish a valedictory manifesto and proclamation, p. 379. Acts of congress, p. 381. Mr. Gerard, the French plenipotentiary, has a public audience, p. 381. The choice of Dr. Franklin, by congress, for their minister plenipotentiary at the court of France, and their instructions to him, p.