I had the honor, sir, of addressing to you as early as 8 October of this year, jointly with Messrs. Franklin and Jefferson, the requested full powers for the conclusion of the treaty of commerce and friendship between my court and the United States of America. Destitute of any response whatsoever, I would not be without concern if it were possible that my letter, which was dispatched under cover of Mr. Dumas, the chargé d’affaires, might have gone astray. Permit me, sir, as your former counterpart, to address you personally and to ask you to help to accelerate the final arrangements for this treaty, which will give to the ties to be established between our two nations the solidity that we both desire with the same interest.

I have the honor of being with the deepest respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant