Having Been Honoured with letters from Congress, it Becomes My duty to Consult You Upon a point Which they Have particularly Recommended. In the Late preliminaries no time is Mentionned for the American Merchants paying their English debts—A Matter of Great Moment to our Merchants Who Require at least three or four Years to Accomplish the Business. Upon the Receipt of the letter, I Have Adressed Count de Vergennes, and Represented to Him How important a favorable decision on this point would Be to the french trade. Knowing the Uneasiness of our American Merchants on that affair, I Cannot Help partaking of it, and Would Consider it as a Great favor to Be Acquainted With the present Situation of things, and With the further Measures You Might think proper for me to Undertake.

The General Satisfaction Which Arose from the time of peace, is a Matter of Justice to You, Gentlemen, that affords Me a Most Unfeigned pleasure. Give me leave to present You With the Assurances of an Affectionate Repect I Have the Honour to Be With Your obedient Humble servant