Sir

I have the Honour to transmit You this by Capt John Adams who goes express by order of Congress with dispatches for the Honble Commissrs at the Court of France, with orders to deliver them himself. The secret Committee were desirous of making as valuable a Remittance as might be, to put the schoonr in a set of Ballast, But it happens we have no Oil, pot Ash or any Article at market, wch we usually send to the french Market I have ship'd a hundrd Teirces excellent Salmon, About three tuns Curriers Oil & a tun pot ash to the address of Messrs Pliarne Penet & Co ² who are to advise with Wm Lee and Thos Morris Esqrs if in Nants, in the dispatch of all of this small Cargo.

The Board of War here have desired to have some Goods sent from France on freight, and I have given the Capt Orders, if the Articles ship'd be not sufficient to put her in a proper set of Ballast, to take in as much on the acco of this state as will answer that purpose

The Agreeable Newes of Your Arival at the Court of France difused a Joy throughout this Continent. May it please an Indulgent providence to Confirm Your health, that you may in the Eve of Life render your Country as important Services, as you have rendered the World heretofore

You will see by the papers in that ever since the 25 Decr we have been Gaining advantages of the Enemy, and its beyond doubt they are in miserable plight. General How has Stain'd & blasted his Character for ever by Cruelly treating his prisoners but such is the Generosity of Americans we dont retaliate.

I have the honour to be with the most profound Respect &c

I have the pleasure to Acquaint you that family Connections here are well as is your friend Doctor Cooper. I Rejoyce that the Honble Mr Lee is with you am Glad he has come out amoung them.