Captain John Barry in the Alliance Frigate, is directed to carry the Marquis De La Fayette, Le Vicompte De Noailles, Genl. Du Portail, Colo. Gouvion, and their respective Suits from Boston to some Port in France and on their Arrival, this Letter will be forwarded to you with one from Captain Barry, who has liberty after landing his Passengers, to proceed on a Cruize, wherever he may think he will have the best chance for taking Prizes— I expect he will arrive about the Middle of January, & have fixed his stay in the European Seas, to the first of March, on that Day, he is to be if possible in Port L'Orient, where he will receive all the Dispatches for this Country, that may be delivered to him. And your Excellency will be pleased, to have lodged there, by that Day, all those which you wish to come by him to this Continent, as he will sail immediately after that date.— He will receive on board any Passengers you may recommend, or take under Convoy, any Ships you desire, provided they are ready when his time of Departure comes. This Ship is well fitted at Boston, and is sheathed with Copper, so that she cannot require any careening, and I hope will not need any Supplies; I have given Capt. Barry the most peremtory orders, not to expend during his Stay in Europe one Livre more than may be absolutely necessary, and for whatever Disbursments are indispensable, I must request you will supply the Money, from the Funds we have, or may have in France— I presume you will direct the Consul to attend to this Business, in order that he may carefully examine into such Expenditures, and into the Accounts, that are brought in, so as the prevent any unjust or improper Charges, and as I have ordered Capt. Barry, to address such Prizes as he may send into any Ports in France, to Thomas Barclay Esqr. our Consul, I hope this may furnish a Fund, to pay Expenses— I have the Honor to be Your Excellency's Most Obedient Servant