The articles of a general treaty do not appear so favorable to France, in point of territorial acquisitions, as they do to the other powers; but the magnanimous and disinterested scale of action, which that great nation has exhibited to the world during this war, and at the conclusion of peace, will insure to the King and nation that reputation, which will be of more consequence to them, than every other consideration.
Mrs Washington begs your Excellency to accept her sincerest thanks for the joy you have communicated to her, and to receive a return of her congratulations on this most happy of all events.
I have to inform your Excellency, that I have just received instructions from the Minister, that in consequence of the peace, the French troops actually here, are to be sent to France without delay. If you see no cause to defer it, I shall accordingly take immediate measures for their departure. I impatiently wait the arrival of the Duc de Lauzun to give the necessary orders, as no definitive arrangements can be made in his absence.
I wrote sometime ago to General Washington to know whether he thought proper, that the legion of Lauzun, and the other detachments of the army of Rochambeau, should leave this continent, in order to return to France. According to his answer, dated the 23d inst. he entirely approves this measure; consequently I beg you will have the kindness to inform Congress that the departure will take place immediately.
Permit me to embrace this opportunity of assuring you, in concert with the Duc de Lauzun, that the officers and soldiers of this army will always recollect with pleasure the three years which they passed in this continent, the union which has existed between the two nations, and the hospitality with which they have been treated by the inhabitants.
We are making some preparations in the army for a display of our joy on the happy event of a general peace. The exhibition will be delayed till the arrival of the definitive treaty. If your Excellency can make it convenient to honor us with your company on the occasion, it will be a great addition to our happiness.
I take the liberty to put under cover to your Excellency, several letters, which I wish to convey to some gentlemen of your army, late in America. If the Duc de Lauzun should have sailed before their arrival, I shall be much obliged by your care of their conveyance by some other good opportunity.