His Excellency Mons. Gerard, who does me the Honour to be the Bearer of this Letter, is the same Plenipotentiary with whom we compleated the Treaties that have secured to America the Friendship and Support of this powerful Monarchy. In the whole Conduct of that Affair, he manifested a Candor, Uprightness and Equity of Disposition, as well as an Affection for our Cause and Country, that impress’d us with the highest Esteem for him; and I congratulate you on his being Minister from this Court to the Congress, as the King’s Appointment of a Person who is consider’d as our friend, to fill so important a Station, is an additional Mark of his Majesty’s Goodwill to us, and presages, in my Opinion, an Encrease of the good Understanding so happily begun between the two Countries, which no one can be more desirous or more capable of promoting. I beg leave therefore to recommend him warmly, not only to all the Civilities and Respects that are due to his Public Character, but to those tender Regards and affectionate grateful Attentions that Friendship claims, and that are so proper to cultivate and strengthen it. I have the honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant