As in presenting a Memorial to Your Excellency on the objects of my mission I should necessarily repeat in great part the Result of a conference which I had by order of Congress with the American Commander in chief previous to my departure, I prefer presenting Your Excellency with such Extracts from it as relate to my purpose. They are as follows.

From these extracts, it will appear to Your Excellency that the fate of America depends upon the immediate and decisive succour of her august Ally, in the two points of a specific loan, and a naval superiority. The most accurate calculation of the expence requisite for a vigorous Campaign and the interior means Congress have of defraying that Expence, prove that there is a deficit of the full Sum sollicited by Congress.

The Grant of Six Millions of Livres which His Majesty is pleased to make under the title of a Donation to the United States will be acknowleged with the liveliest emotions of gratitude by his affectionate Allies. At the same time, it would be frustrating the gracious intentions of His Majesty towards his Allies, and betraying the common cause of France and America to encourage a belief that the abovementioned Aid will enable the United States to surmount the present perilous juncture of their affairs. The Reasoning in the foregoing Extracts will evince how inadequate the sum is to the present exigency. I must likewise remark to Your Excellency that the Credit in bills of Exchange is subject to difficulties and disadvantages which render such a Resource very unfit for the conduct of the War. Bills are obnoxious to the vicissitudes and Speculations of commerce. And it is easy to be foreseen that His Majesty’s Allies would be great losers by their draughts and at the same time be incapable of giving that vigor and energy to their operations which would be derived from specie. Government Bills sold at 25 to 30 percent previous to my departure.

The same enlightened policy and generous regard to the Rights of Mankind which prompted His Most Christian Majesty to espouse the cause of America, still dictate the conduct he is to pursue. They demand every effort on his part to prevent America from being reduced to the british domination, her commerce and Resources, those foundations of Wealth and power from being restored to the Tyrant of the European Seas, the antient and inveterate Rival of France. On the contrary they demand the abasement of this Rival and the establishment of a faithful ally, united by all the ties of Gratitude, affection and the most permanent mutual interests.

To effect these invaluable purposes, give me leave to repeat to Your Excellency that the decisive Measures insisted upon in the foregoing Extracts are necessary. I submit to Your Excellency whether the objection to His Majestys favoring a loan in the name of Congress may not be obviated by an additional Loan in the name of His Majesty on account of the U. S. for which Congress will be responsable.

The Excellent State of the finances of this Kingdom the exalted State of public Credit, must unquestionably give the greatest facility for this purpose, and it may be clearly proved that the giving decisive Succour in this article, at the present juncture will be infinitely more oeconomical than suffering the War to Languish by affording partial and inadequate assistance, supposing that fortunate casualties at this time very improbable should enable us to continue the war on its present footing.

I beg leave to repeat to Your Excellency that the greatest promptness in this business is essential. The British by the possession of two States fertile in grain Timber and naval stores, have acquired new animation and fresh Resources for the War, and every day according to present appearances brings America nearer to the period of her efforts. I have the honor to be &c