Amid the general expression of Joy on the auspicious birth of a Dauphin, permit us, the Officers of the American Army, to offer more than a silent approbation of those Sentiments and Congratulations which have been presented by Congress the representative body and sovereign power of the United States, through you to our great and illustrious Ally on this happy event.

There are circumstances, Sir, which render that, which in a degree is pleasing to all, particularly so to some; the harmony and friendship which subsisted between the Troops of your august Sovereign and us, during the last Campaign (when the only contention lay in endeavours to exceed each other in acts of emulation and brotherly kindness) give us this pre-eminence.

The blood freely offer’d on both sides which was spilt in the same Trench and often mixed in a common stream, the support of those rights which are interesting to the feelings of humanity and the priviledges of freemen, is such a cement to the friendship of the two Nations, as nothing, but a departure from the principles of the Union, which Heaven avert[!] can ever dissolve.

Not to participate then in the general satisfaction occasioned by an event which adds to the felicity of a Monarch, who may be viewed in the same moment, as the father of his own Nation and protector of the liberties of others; and which contributes so much to the happiness of a People to whom we are allied in interest and affection, would be an argument of great insensibility on our part.

That divine providence may shed its choicest blessings upon the King of France and his Royal Consort, and favor them with a long, happy & glorious reign; that the Dauphin may live to inherit the virtues and the Crown of his illustrious progenitors; that he may reign over the hearts of a happy and generous people, and be among the happiest in his kingdom, is our sincere and fervent wish. In behalf of the Army.