Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 6

To Edmé Jacques Genet

C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners
The Commissioners to Vergennes, 17 July 1778 First Joint Commission at Paris JA Lee, Arthur Franklin, Benjamin Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de The Commissioners to Vergennes, 17 July 1778 First Joint Commission at Paris Adams, John Lee, Arthur Franklin, Benjamin Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
The Commissioners to Vergennes
Sir Passy, July 17. 1778

We herewith communicate to your Excellency a Resolution of Congress relative to the Treaties, which we request may be laid before the King.1 Thereby his Majesty will perceive the unfeigned Sentiments of that Body, as well as those of the whole American People, whose Hearts the King has gained by his great Benevolence towards them, manifested in these Treaties, which has made so deep an Impression on their Minds, that no Time will efface it. We are, with great Respect, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble Servants

B Franklin Arthur Lee John Adams

RC (Arch. Aff. Etr., Paris, Corr. Pol., Espagne, vol. 590); enclosure not found.

1.

On this day the United States and France exchanged the official ratifications of the Treaties of Amity and Commerce and Alliance. The resolution was probably adopted by the congress on 4 May, immediately after it had completed its ratification of the treaties. Congress, after thanking Louis XVI “for his truly magnanimous conduct,” declared that “it is sincerely wished that the friendship so happily commenced between France and these United States may be perpetual” ( JCC , 11:457–458).