By the first article, you will see, Sir, that the King lends Congress the sum of _six millions of livres_, payable at the rate of five hundred thousand livres in each of the twelve months of the current year, on condition of the repayment of the capital with interest at five per cent per annum.
The second article recapitulates and verifies the preceding aids furnished by his Majesty, and divides them into three distinct classes. The first consisting of the sums loaned, amounting to eighteen millions of livres. The second, of a fund of ten millions, arising from a loan obtained in Holland for the service of the United States, and guaranteed by his Majesty. The third, of subsidies, gratuitously furnished, amounting to nine millions of livres, the gift of which to the United States is confirmed by his Majesty.
The third Article fixes the repayment to the royal treasury, of the new loan of six millions, with the interest thereon, at six periods, fixed at the times most convenient for the financial operations of Congress.
By the fourth Article, it has been agreed, that the interest on the last loan of six millions, shall not commence till the 1st of January, 1784. The King being pleased to give and remit to Congress the partial interest on the capital for the present year.
The fifth and sixth Articles contain stipulations of usage and form.
All attesting the sentiments of affection entertained by the King for the United States, and his tender anxiety to contribute to their prosperity.
I desire you, Sir, to assure Congress, that these sentiments are deeply engraven on the heart of the King, that his Council feel them no less deeply; and that his Majesty will never cease to take the most lively interest in the welfare of the United States, his allies.
You will be pleased to inform me of the reception of this letter, and of the annexed paper.
I have received the letter, which your Excellency did me the honor to write to me on the 27th ultimo, and the resolutions of Congress, which were annexed to it, and which express the sentiments of Congress with relation to the dispositions of his Majesty, and the other belligerent powers, not to sign the definitive treaty, except in concert with the United States. It appeared by the last news received, that this conduct has produced the desired effect, and that it has in fine, been followed by a general peace.