I received yesterday your Excellency’s letter of the 16th of last month and I see with great pleasure the vigorous preparations made by Congress, for next campaign. I beg Leave to refer your Excellency to my Letter to the Chevalier de La Luzerne, for a great deal of news which I desire him to communicate to your Excellency, that you may see of what importance it is that Congress should by powerfull Land forces put us in a situation [to] combine our Land operations with the naval superiority that the King has actually in America.

I am very persuaded that your Excellency will share our joy upon the birth of a Daughter. I am with respect and personal attachment Sir, Your Excellency’s Most humble and most obedient Servant