[June, 1783.]

    Whereas Colonel Gouvion of the Corps of Engineers hath served in the American Army with great reputation from an early Period of the War, until the happy termination of it in the acknowledgement of the Independence of the United States. And whereas his services have been principally performed under my immediate Inspection; I have therefore thought proper to grant this Certificate of Service and make known the following facts, viz. that by an Agreement entered into between Doctr. Franklin the American Plenipotentiary at Paris and Monsr. Gouvion, the latter was to be considered as a Major in the service of the United States from the 13th day of Febry. 1777; that the United States in Congress assembled were pleased to confirm that Rank by a Resolution of the 8th of July 1777; that on the 17th of Novr in the same year 1777, Congress thought proper to promote him to the Rank of a Lieutenant Colonel, and that on the 16th of Novr 1781 he was by the same sovereign Power promoted to the Rank of a Colonel in their service.

    And I do hereby farther Certify and make known that the said Colonel Gouvion hath in all these several Grades and in a series of important Operations acquitted himself to the Universal satisfactory of all with whom he has served; And particularly that he did exhibit such unquestionable proofs of bravery, activity, intelligence and skill in his profession at the successful Siege of the British Post of York in Virginia, as entitled him to very honorable Notice, and induced Congress to promote him to the Rank of a Colonel, as before specified, in testimony of their Regard for his Merits and Abilities. ⁶⁵

[Note:This draft is in the writing of David Humphreys. ]