XXVI 
TO COUNT DE VERGENNES 
Passy, 13 February, 1781. 
SIR: —I have just received from Congress their 
letter for the king, which I have the honor of putting 
herewith into the hands of your Excellency. I am 
charged, at the same time, to represent, in the 
strongest terms, the unalterable resolution of the 
United States to maintain their liberties and inde- 
pendence; and inviolably to adhere to the alliance at 
every hazard and in every event; and that the mis- 
fortunes of the last campaign, instead of repressing, 
have redoubled their ardor; that Congress are re- 
solved to employ every resource in their power to 
expel the enemy from every part of the United States, 
by the most vigorous and decisive co-operation with 
marine and other forces of their illustrious ally; that 
they have accordingly called on the several States 
for a powerful army and ample supplies of provisions: 
and that the States are disposed effectually to com- 
ply with their requisitions. That if, in aid of their 
Own exertions, the court of France can be prevailed 
on to assume a naval superiority in the American 
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