the Commissioners._

SIR,

_York-Town, June 6, 1778._

"I HAVE had the honour of laying your letter of the 3d instant,
with the acts of the British Parliament which came inclosed,
before Congress; and I am instructed to acquaint you, Sir, that
they have already expressed their sentiments upon bills, not
essentially different from those acts, in a publication of the
22d of April last.

"Be assured, Sir, when the King of Great Britain shall be
seriously disposed to put an end to the unprovoked and cruel war
waged against these United States, Congress will readily attend
to such terms of peace, as may consist with the honour of
independent nations, the interest of their constituents, and the
sacred regard they mean to pay to treaties. I have the honour to
be, Sir,

_Your most obedient, and
most humble servant_,
HENRY LAURENS,
_President of Congress_."

_His Excellency,
Sir Henry Clinton, K.B., Philad_.

Though I am not surprised to see the Abbe mistaken in matters of