Letters of delegates to Congress, 1774-1789, Volume 11, October 1 1778-January 31 1779

Delegates to Congress . Letters of delegates to Congress, 1774-1789, Volume 11, October 1 1778-January 31 1779
Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library
| Table of Contents for this work | | All on-line databases | Etext Center Homepage |

Henry Laurens to To: the King of France

Great, faithful and beloved Friend and Ally
[October 21, 1778]

The Marquis de la Fayette having obtained our leave to return to his Native Country, we could not suffer him to depart without testifying our deep sense of his Zeal, Courage and attachment.

We have advanced him to the rank of Major General in our Armies, which, as well by his prudent as spirited conduct he hath manifestly merited.

We recommend this young Nobleman to Your Majesty's notice, as one whom we know to be Wise in Council, gallant in the Field and patient under the Hardships of War. His Devotion to his Sovereign hath led him in all things to demean himself as an American, acquiring thereby the confidence of these United States, Your Majesty's good and faithful Friends and Allies, and the Affection of their Citizens.(1)

We pray God to keep Your Majesty in his holy Protection.

Done at Philadelphia the twenty first day of October 1778.

By the Congress of the United States of North America your good Friends & Allies, Henry Laurens, President

Attest, Chas Thomson seq.

Note: RC (Archives du ministere des affaires etrangeres: Correspondance politique, lttatsUnis, vol. 5). In the hand of Moses Young, signed by Henry Laurens, and attested by Charles Thomson.

1 See JCC, 12:1034-35. This day Congress also directed another letter to the French king. The text of this letter, which announced the appointment of Benjamin Franklin as minister plenipotentiary to the French court, and was drafted by Gouverneur Morris, is in JCC, 12:1035-36.

-96-