First Joint Commission at Paris to Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, May 16, 1778

Passy May 16. 1778

Sir

We had this Morning the Honour of receiving your Excellency’s Letter of the 13. Instant relative to the Boston Frigate.

We beg leave to assure your Excellency that the Frigate called the Boston, now at Bourdeaux, is a Ship of War belonging to the 13 United States of North America, built and maintained at their Expence, by the Honourable Congress.

We therefore, humbly presume that his Majestys royal Determination on the Representation of the Farmers General, will be according to the Usage of Nations in such Cases, and your Excellency may be assured that Captain Tucker will conform to that Determination with the utmost Respect. 1

We have the honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servants

B Franklin

Arthur Lee

John Adams