accelerating the supplies which may be afforded by his most Christian
Majesty for the United Stakes--That the superintendent of finance, the
Secretary for foreign affairs and the board of war, make such
communications to the Marquis, touching the affairs of their respective
departments, as will best enable him to fulfill the purpose of the
preceding resolutions--That the superintendent of finance, take order for
discharging the engagements entered into by the Marquis Lafayette, with the
merchants of Baltimore, when he borrowed money of them on his own credit,
to supply our troops with necessaries."

At the same time, Congress ordered that a conveyance be provided for
General Lafayette, in a public vessel, whenever he should choose to embark;
and voted to send a letter by him, to the King of France.

The following is the reply of the Marquis, to the president of Congress,
who forwarded him the resolves.


"SIR,

"I have been honored with the resolutions which Congress have been pleased
to pass in my favor. Testimonies of their esteem and their confidence that
are so very flattering to me, could not but excite those exalted sentiments
of gratitude, which I am unable sufficiently to express.--My attachment to
America, the sense of my obligations, and the new favors conferred upon me,
are so many everlasting ties that devote me to her. At all times, and in
every part of the world, my heart will be panting for opportunities to be
employed in her service. With unspeakable pleasure, I shall transmit the
resolve of Congress to the brave and virtuous troops, whom it has been my
happiness to command.