The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

PART II.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 207
P. S. I beg you to present my best respects to
the Viscount de Noailles, and let him know that my
warmest wishes attend him.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Mount Vernon, 15 November, 1781.
SIR,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
favor of the 31st ultimo, covering the resolutions of
Congress of the 29th, and a proclamation for a day of
public prayer and thanksgiving, and have to thank you,
Sir, most sincerely for the very polite and affectionate
cort to the troops, Lafayette resolved to return to France. The season
being too far advanced to admit of any further active service till the next
year, he was desirous of taking this opportunity to visit his family. With
the approbation of General Washington he proceeded to Philadelphia,
and Congress granted him permission of absence for such a period as he
should think proper. Resolves were at the same time passed highly complimentary to his character, his zeal, and military conduct, particularly
during the last campaign. Among other resolves were the following.
"That the secretary of foreign affairs acquaint the ministers plenipotentiary of the United States, that it is the desire of Congress that
they confer with the Marquis de Lafayette, and avail themselves of his
information relative to the situation of public affairs in the United States.
"That the secretary of foreign affairs further acquaint the minister
plenipotentiary at the court of Versailles, that he will conform to the
intention of Congress by consulting with and employing the assistance
of the Marquis de Lafayette in accelerating the supplies, which may be
afforded by his Most Christian Majesty for the use of the United States."
- Journals,.November 23d.
The superintendent of finance was likewise ordered to furnish hinm
with a proper conveyance to France.
In a letter from Congress to the King of France, of which Lafayette
was the bearer, he was also commended to the notice of his sovereign
in very warm terms. Secret Journal, Vol. III. pp. 48, 52. -.Diplomatic
Correspondence, Vol. X. p. 5.
The letter from Lafayette to Congress, expressing his gratitude for
these testimonies of their esteem and confidence, may be seen in the
Remembrancer, Vol. XIII. p. 318.
Having received his instructions from Congress, and completed the