The committee appointed to prepare letters of credence, &c, brought in their report which being taken into consideration, the letters of credence being read and amended were agreed to.

The delegates of the United States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, to all who shall see these presents, send greeting.

Whereas a trade upon equal terms between the subjects of his most christian majesty the king of France, and the people of these states, will be beneficial to both nations ー Know ye therefore, that we, confiding in the prudence and integrity of [Here were inserted the names of Franklin, Deane and Lee] have appointed and deputed, and by these presents do appoint and depute them the said [names] our commissioners, giving and granting to them the said [names] or any two of them, and in case of the death, absence, or disability of any two, to any one of them, full power to communicate, treat, agree and conclude with his most christian majesty, the king of France, or with such person or persons as shall by him be for that purpose authorized, of and upon a true and sincere friendship, and a firm, inviolable, and universal peace, for the defence, protection and safety of the navigation and mutual commerce of the subjects of his most christian majesty and the people of the United States; and to do all other things, which may conduce to those desirable ends; and promising in good faith to ratify whatsoever our said commissioners shall transact in the premises. Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventh six. In testimony whereof, the President, by order of the said Congress, hath hereunto subscribed his name, and affixed his seal.

Resolved, That the Commissioners should live in such stile and manner at the court of France, as they may find suitable and necessary to support the dignity of their public character, keeping an account of their expences, which shall be reimbursed by the Congress of the United States of America.

That besides the actual expences of the commissioners, a handsome allowance be made to each of them as a compensation for their time, trouble, risque and services.

That the Secretary of the Embassy be allowed a Salary of one thousand pounds sterling per annum, with the expefices of his passage out and home.

That the Secret Committee be directed to export produce, or remit bills, until they make an effectual lodgment in France of 10,000 sterling, subject to the orders of the said commissioners for their present support, and report to Congress when it is effected, in order that Congress may then consider what farther remittances to order for this purpose.