We observe all the papers respecting this transaction have been transmitted to you, except a resolution of this Board passed on the 14th instant, which, probably, by some accident has been omitted. I have now the honor of enclosing it, that every proceeding may be fully before you.
_In Congress._ On the 4th of August the committee to whom was referred the Memorial of the Minister, relative to the ship Mary and Elizabeth's cargo, delivered in a report, whereupon,
Resolved, That Congress do not entertain any suspicion, that M. Holker, agent of the marine of his Most Christian Majesty, had any participation in, or knowledge of, the shipping of provisions on private account on board vessels despatched in the name of his Most Christian Majesty.
Resolved, That frauds by masters and shippers are offences against the municipal laws, and are to be investigated by the magistrates of the States respectively.
I have received with gratitude the resolution of Congress, which you were so kind as to send me yesterday. I express my sentiments on this subject in the annexed Memorial, which I request you to be pleased to lay before Congress.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
The Minister Plenipotentiary of France is eager to thank Congress for the readiness with which they have been pleased to yield to his representations of the 26th of last month.
The resolutions, which have been communicated to the undersigned in the name of Congress, appear to him to leave nothing to be desired; he only hopes that the public will be informed of the opinions of Congress, in whatever form they shall think the most suitable; and the Minister Plenipotentiary is persuaded, that his Court will regard the said resolutions as a suitable and sufficient satisfaction for the proceedings which they condemn, and the offence which has resulted from them.
It is under this impression, that the undersigned Minister takes the liberty to request Congress not to carry into execution that one of their resolutions which orders, that those who on this occasion may have violated the laws of nations shall be prosecuted. The King's greatness of mind forbids his Minister to insist upon such a measure. Between nations closely connected by the most powerful motives of friendship and interest, even the most lawful reparations ought always to stop short of revenge. It is sufficient to undeceive the public, and to restrain the evil-disposed men, who sometimes conceal themselves under the pretence of the common good. The said Minister, consequently, earnestly requests Congress to stop the said prosecutions, and he dares hope this from the moderation of Congress, provided that motives foreign to France and independent of the present affair do not cause this august body, or the Executive Council of Pennsylvania, to see in this indulgence inconveniences, which are out of the sphere of the undersigned Minister.