Sir,

I have been ordered by the honorable Security Council of Virginia presently holding the executive power of the Government to communicate to your Excellency various papers for your perusal.

This is to inform you that after being long persecuted and still more oppressed by the British Government which has not only employed force but all kinds of cruel and inhuman means to put into effect its destructive plans, the good People of Virginia could no longer support this tyranny and considered the unfortunate alternative either to submit themselves unconditionally to an unreasonable despotism or to declare their complete independence from the British Crown and Parliament. The second solution was adopted unanimously by their representatives. Furthermore, the delegates to the General Congress were instructed to employ every means to make this Independence universal among the Confederate Colonies.

The Council wishes to make evident the true motives behind its decision to the entire World and especially the French nation (whose generous feelings arouse its greatest hopes for assistance in this important crisis). Therefore, it sends you, Sir, the copy of its proceedings trusting that they will be clear enough to render useless the unfavorable advice which its inveterate enemy might attempt to press upon you.

Since this crisis may last for a long time and since the Colonies are forced meanwhile to obtain from foreign sources war ammunition and various other articles, I was commanded to beg your Excellecy to continue to receive with hospitality the vessels from Virginia in your ports and to allow them to trade there as freely as required by the nature of these circumstances. While generously offering to supply the needs of an pressed People, such an attitude cannot fail but show to your Excellency opthat much good for your Government will result from it. It may also be the beginning of a more widespread and lucrative trade for the French Dominions whose prosperity Great Britain has interest to oppose.

I am presently waiting for an answer from your Excellency which I must transmit to Virginia. I have the honor to be with deep respect [&c.]

At Fort Royal, 18 July 1776.

[Endorsed] Certified true copy

d'Argout²