The letter with which you honored me, sir, on the 11th of this past month was only given to me on the 24th. I can but thank you for the 193obliging words you deem worthy to write regarding the new liaisons that will be established between your country and mine. It was on the 4th of the current month that I received the treaty itself from Mr. Franklin and Mr. Jefferson, of which I transmitted a French translation to the king by today’s post. As its tenor corresponds, to my mind, perfectly to my instructions, I anticipate that the negotiation confided to our common care is complete, and it remains at present simply to fix the preliminary duration of the treaty, which I proposed to His Majesty following the propositions of your esteemed colleagues.1 As for the exchange of the treaty transcribed into the proper form and bearing our signatures, it may be taken care of, if you see fit, sir, by Mr. Dumas, chargé d’affaires of the United States of America to the States General. It seems to me that this path is the shortest, and that you will perhaps consider it as the most suitable.2 It is with much regret that I saw you cross the straits of Calais to make your way to your new position without thinking of your old friends in Holland. I pray you to count me among the number of the latter, and to be persuaded that I shall always infinitely appreciate your friendship, and that I will never cease to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant