Congress have received your letter of the 12th of March last with the papers enclosed.—

The prospect of conferences being soon opened in Europe under the mediation of the imperial courts of Petersburg and Vi-enna for accommodating the disputes between the belligerent powers, which must necessarily involve the essential interests of these United States, has determined us to encrease the number of our Ministers for negotiating a peace with Great Britain. We have therefore added yourself Messrs. Jay, H. Laurens and T. Jefferson to Mr. J. Adams to repair to such place as shall be fixed on for transacting this important business.—

A compliance with your request to retire from public employment would be inconvenient at this particular conjuncture, as it is the desire of Congress to avail themselves of your abilities and experience at the approaching negotiation. Should you find repose necessary after rendering the United States this further service Congress in consideration of your age and bodily infirmities will be disposed to gratify your inclination. You will present the letter to his Most Christian Majesty and communicate to him the instructions to our Ministers for negotiating a peace attended with such memorial as your prudence shall suggest and the importance of the subject requires.

By order of Congress