We have the Honour to inform you that We have just received from Congress, their Ratification in due Form of the Provisional Articles of the 30th. of November 1782 and We are ready to exchange Ratifications with his Britannic Majesty’s Minister as soon as may be.

By the Same Articles it is Stipulated that his Britannic Majesty Shall with all convenient Speed, and without causing any Destruction, or carrying away any Negroes or other Property of the American Inhabitants withdraw all his Armies, Garrison and Fleets from the United States and from every Port Place and harbour within the Same.

But, by Intelligence lately received, from America, and by the inclosed Copies of Letters and Conferences between General Washington and Sir Guy Carleton it appears that a considerable Number of Negroes belonging to the Citizens of the United States, have been carried off from New York contrary to the true Intent and Meaning of express Stipulation contained in the Said Article.

We have received from Congress [the Honour of] their Instructions to remonstrate upon this Violation of the Treaty, and to take such Measures for obtaining Reparation as the Nature of the Case will admit.

We do ourselves the Honour of making this Communication to you Sir, that you may transmit it and the Papers accompanying it to your Court, and inform Us of their Answer. We have the Honour to be