Committee for Foreign Affairs to Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 11 July 1780

In Comittee of Foreign Affairs Philad a . 11 July 1780

The Honble John Jay–€” Sir–€”

Congress having appointed the Honble Henry Laurens to solicit a Loan of Money in the United Provinces of the Low Countries, in Order to facilitate his Success the enclosed Resolution has been passed. 1 We need say Nothing to explain or urge it, except that it is thought a Mark of Attention and Confidence due to those Powers; that their Interest, if the State of Politicks incline them to exert it, will have a good Effect; and that the Want of Money makes the Loan a very capital Object to the United States. You will, we are assured, give M r . Laurens every Assistance in your Power, and solicit the Countenance of the Court where you reside to forward his Negociations.

Till M r . Laurens shall arrive, M r Adams is comissioned and empowered to undertake that Business; and in Case of his Disability, M r . Dana is in like Manner comissioned and empowered. We are, Sir your very obed t hble Servts

James Lovell 2 Wm Churchill Houston