Unknown to Patrick Henry

Sender: Richard Henry Lee, for the Virginia Delegates in Congress Recipient: Patrick Henry

York 3d. May, 1778.

Sir,

Having heared that a Messenger from France was on his way to Congress with important dispatches, we detained the Express who otherwise would have set out yesterday that we might furnish your Excellency with the intelligence he brought. It is with singular pleasure we inform you Sir that his messenger has brought to Congress authenticated copies of a Treaty of Commerce, and a Treaty of Amity and Alliance signed at Paris on the 6th. of february last between France and these United States, and we understand there is abundant reason to suppose that that the whole Bourbon family will immediately acceed thereto. The Treaty of commerce is exactly conformable to our own proposals, and it is upon the most generous and equal principals. The treaty of alliance &c. is professedly for the security of the Sovereignty and absolute Independence of these States both in Government and Trade, and it agrees that if G.B. declares war against France on this account, or causes a war, or attempts to hinder her Commerce, that we shall make a common cause, and join our Arms and Counsels against the common enemy. Each Country guarantees to the other the possessions that they do or may possess at the end of the war. Having heared these Treaties read but once in Congress, we cannot be more particular now. In general we find that his most Christian Majesty has been governed by principles of Magnanimity and true generosity, taking no advantage of our circumstances, but acting as if we were in the plenitude of power and in the greatest security. We are shortly to receive considerable Stores from France that come under a Convoy of a fleet of Men of War. The King of Prussia has actually refused to permit the Hessian and Hannau Troops that England had engaged for America to pass through his Territories - We congratulate you Sir and our Country on this great and important event, but we beg leave further to observe that it is in our opinion of infinite consequence that the Army should be quickly and powerfully reenforced. Because, if Britain should meanly permit the trade of France to proceed without interruption, and push her whole force against us this Campaign, it might be attended with very pernicious consequences. But with a strong Army, we shall, under God, be perfectly secure, and it will probably compel G.B. to a speedy recognition of our Independence, and thus secure the peace of Europe, with the peace, happiness, and glory of America.

We have the honor to be, with much esteem, Sir

your Excellencies most obedient and very humble servants.

Richard Henry