To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 18 December 1782
A Philadelphie le 18. Xbre Dec. 1782
Monsieur.
J’ai l’honneur d’envoyer à Votre Excellence une lettre que je la supplie de faire partir en toute diligence après l’avoir lue et cachetée. J’espere que l’arrivée de mes Depêches me permettra d’entrer dans plus de details. Il importe de recommander aux Exprès de la chaine de se tenir prets à porter les paquets que je crois pouvoir expedier incessament par un second courrier. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un respectueux attachement, Monsieur, De Votre Excellence, le très humble et très obéissant serviteur
Le che. de la luzerne
Translation
Philadelphia 18 Decr 82
Sir,
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency a Letter which, after having read and sealed I am to request you to forward with all possible dispatch—I hope that the arrival of my Dispatches will enable me to be more particular—It will be necessary to recommend to the Chain of Expresses to hold themselves in readiness to carry on the dispatches which I shall have to send by another Courier.I have the honor to be &c.
Chev. de la luzerne
DLC: Papers of George Washington.
Enclosure
c.18 December 1782
Sir,
I this instant learn by an Express arrived from the Capes that the Danae entered the day before yesterday and in a thick fog had the misfortune to get aground—probably she will be got off—She is within the Capes—She left france 8 November—the Express has not brought a single Letter and I do not expect them till tomorrow or the day after—If there are any for you—they shall be sent on with the greatest despatch—& if there are none you shall have an Express with the news—Its Said there are many Packets for the Army & 180 000 Livres.
The only frenchmen of our Acquaintance on board are General Du Portail & Mr de Gouvion.
The whole of the force at Cadiz as well Land as Naval are destined for the West Indies.
le Chev. de la luzerne