From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 May 1778
To Henry Laurens
Head Quarters Valley Forge 4 May 1778
Sir
Last night at 11 oClock, I was honored with your despatches of the 3d. The Contents afford me the most sensible pleasure. Mr Simeon Deane had informed me, by a line from Bethlehem, that he was the Bearer of the Articles of alliance &ca between France and the States.1
I shall defer celebrating this happy event in a suitable manner, untill I have liberty from Congress to announce it publickly. I will only say, that the army are anxious to manifest their joy upon the occasion.2
Inclosed you have a letter which I received a few days ago from Lord Stirling, and which, at his request, I lay before Congress with its contents.3 I am with the greatest Esteem and Respect Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 152; Df, DLC:GW; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; Varick transcript, DLC:GW; copy, ScHi: Henry Laurens Papers.
1. Deane’s letter to GW has not been found.
2. The official celebration took place at Valley Forge on 6 May; see General Orders, 5 May.
3. See Stirling to GW, 1 May.