American Peace Commissioners to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, November 27, 1782

[November 27, 1782] 6

Sir

We have recd. the Letter you did us the Honor to write on the 25th. Inst. 7

Our Country has had early & repeated Proofs both of your Readiness and abilities to do her Service. The Prospect of an inactive Campaign in america, induced us to adopt the opinion, that you might be more useful here than there—especially in Case the Negotiation for peace on the Part of France & England, should be committed to your managemt; 8 for Your Knowledge of our affairs, & attachment to our Interests, might have been very advantageous to us on such an occasion. But as an opportunity now offers of your being instrumental in producing a Cooperation, which would probably put a glorious and speedy Termination to the War in america, we for our part, perfectly approve of your going with Count D’Estaing in the Manner proposed.

We have the Honor to be &c.

Marqs. de la Fayette Dr. of joint Letter to Marqs. Fayette Appd. verb [Approved verbally]