The Delegates of the United States of Newhampshire, Massachussetts bay, Rhodeisland Connecticut, New york, Newjersey, Pensylvania Delaware, Maryland Virginia North carolina, South carolina, and Georgia to all who shall see these presen[ts se]nd Greeting.

Whereas a friendly and commercial connection between the subj[ects] of his most Christian Majesty the King of France and the people of these states will be beneficial to both nations know ye therefore, that we confiding in the prudence and integrity of Benjamin Franklin one of the Delegates in Congress from the state of Pensylvania and Silas Deane now in France late a delegate from the state of Connecticut and Arthur Lee, barrister at Law have appointed and deputed and by these presents do appoint and depute them the said Benjamin Franklin Silas Deane and Arthur Lee our Commissioners, giving and granting to them the said Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane and Arthur Lee or any two of them and in case of the death, absence or disability of any two to any one of them full power to communicate, treat agree and conclude with his most Christian Majesty the King of France or with such person or persons as shall by him be for that purpose authorised           sincere friendship and a firm inviolable and universal peace for      protection and safety of the navigation and mutual commerce of the subjects of his most Christian Majesty and the people of the united states, and also to enter into and treaty     with his most Christian Majesty or such person or persons as shall be by him au[tho]rised for that purpose for assistance in carrying on the present war between Great Britain and these united states, and to do all other things, which may conduce to those desireable ends, and promising in good faith to ratify whatsoever our said commissioners shall transact in the premisses.

Done in Congress at Baltimore this second day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven. In testimony whereof the president by order of the said Congress hath hereunto subscribed his name and affixed his seal.