of the Council of Maryland, 1778-1779. 65

of our present difficulties to obtain hard terms from us, but
such has been the Kings Magnanimity & Goodness, that he
has proposed none which we might not readily have agreed
to in a state of full prosperity and establish'd power. The
Principal laid down as the basis of the Treaty being as de-
clared in the preamble "the most perfect Equality Reciprocity
the privileges in Trade &c. are mutual & none are given to
France but what we are at liberty to grant to any other
Nation" By the second Treaty France has renounced forever
possession to any part of the Continent lately or now in the
possession of Great Britain, or acceded to her by the Treaty
of Paris & to the Island of Bermuda.
The account of General Burgoines defeat was received in
paris the beginning of Decem^r our Commissioners immedi-
ately pressed for the Conclusion of the Treaty, and a Council
was called the 12^th in which it was decided to acknowledge
and support our Independency.
Our Commissioners are of opinion "That the Treaty with
France will certainly be followed by the whole house of Bour-
bon, and probably by Holland The preparations for War
Continue daily, & France is determined to protect her Com-
merce with you" The King of Prussia is well disposed to-
wards you & on application prevented the Hesse & Hanau
Troops from passing thro' his Dominions & now waits the
Measures of France.
Very considerable supplies sailed from France in February
under Convoy, and may be hourly expected. M^r Carmichael
is on board.
I do most cordially and sincerely congratulate you on this
most important Intelligence America has now taken her rank
among the Nations & has it in her power to secure her
Liberty & Independence, let us be grateful to our God for
this singular unmerited mark of his favour & protection and
continue to exert every means in our power to support the
war, this can only be effectually done by speedy and liberal
Loans of money to the Continent and a respectable Army.
Congress some time past recommended that subscriptions
should be opened in each County.
I am &c.
Sam^l Chase

Copy

Monday 14^th May 1778

Present as on Saturday
Ordered that the Commissary of Stores deliver to Doct.
John Johnson Casmire for a pair of Breeches & Waistcoat
with Trimings suitable

C. B.