In consequence of the Notice I have just now had from Mr. Jay of Your Desire of an Extract from my last Letter from His Majesty’s Secretary of State, regarding the proposed Treaty on the Subject of American Affairs, and my Authority in relation thereto, I take the liberty to send the same inclosed, which together with the Powers contained in the Commission which I had the Honor of laying before You and Mr. Jay I am hopeful will satisfy You of the Willingness and sincere Desire of His Majesty to give You entire Content on that important Subject.

This Extract I shou’d have sent You before now, if I had thought You wished to have it, before I had the Honor of waiting on You myself, which was only delayed until I cou’d be informed by Mr. Jay, that You was well enough to see me upon Business.

I heartily wish for a perfect re-establishment of Your Health and am with sincere Regard and Esteem Sir &c

Copy of Extract inclosed in the above

I have received and laid before the King Your Letters of 17th, 18th and 21st August, and I am commanded to signify to You His Majesty’s Approbation of Your Conduct in communicating to the American Commissioners the 4th Article of Your Instructions which cou’d not but convince them that the Negociation for Peace, and the Cession of Independence to the Thirteen United Colonies were intended to be carried on and concluded with the Commissioners in Europe. Those Gentlemen having expressed their Satisfaction concerning that Article, it is hoped they will not entertain a Doubt of His Majesty’s Determination to exercise in the fullest Extent the powers with which the Act of Parliament hath invested Him, by granting to America, full complete, and unconditional Independence, in the most explicit manner, as an Article of Treaty.