The American Commissioners to Vergennes
ALS: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft): Massachusetts
Historical Society; two copies: National Archives
<Passy, September 10, 1778: On April 13 Congress resolved
that the commissioners should settle with Roderigue Hortalez
& Cie. on a compensation for the supplies they provided. The
commerce committee sent us the contract made with Beaumarchais’
agent Théveneau de Francy and ordered us to liquidate
the affair. Congress on May 16 resolved to send us an
invoice of additional articles to be ordered from the company.
We enclose copies of the contract between the Committee and
Mr. Francy, his powers, and the list of articles to be furnished.
We do not know who the persons are who constitute the
house of Roderigue Hortalez & Cie., but we, the Congress
and the American people understand we are indebted to His
Majesty for the goods furnished by the company. We cannot
discover a contract between any American agent and Roderigue
Hortalez & Cie. nor do we know of any witness or
evidence as to the terms of such a contract. We are sure it is
the wish and determination of the United States to discharge
as soon as possible their obligation to His Majesty; in the
meantime we are ready to settle and liquidate the accounts at
whatever time and in whatever manner His Majesty or you
wish. We ask your advice whether it is safe or prudent to
ratify the contract with the company and for Congress to depend
on it for supplies.>
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