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Whereas, by the articles of Confederation and perpetual union, the sole and exclusive right of making peace is vested in the United States in Congress assembled, and by the treaty of Alliance between his most Christain Majesty and these United States, it is declared that neither of the contracting parties shall conclude peace or truce with Great Britain without the consent of the other, and the Ministers Plenipotentiary of these United States in Europe are vested with full power and authority in their behalf, and in concert with their Allies to negotiate and conclude a General Peace; nevertheless it appears the British Court still flatters itself with the vain hope of prevailing upon the United States to agree to some terms of dependence upon Great Britain, at least to a separate Peace, and there is reason to believe that Commissioners may be sent to America to offer propositions of that nature to the United States, or that secret emissaries may be employed to delude and deceive; in order to extinguish ill-founded hopes, to frustrate insidious attempts and to manifest to the whole world the purity of the intentions and the fixed and unalterable determination of the United States.

Resolved unanimously, That Congress is sincerely desirous of a permanent and honourable Peace; that as the only means of obtaining it they will inviolably adhere to the Treaty of Alliance with his Most Christain Majesty, and conclude neither a separate Peace nor Truce with Great Britain; that they will prosecu te the War with

vigor until, by the blessing of God on the United Arms, a Peace shall be happily accomplished; by the full and absolute Sovereignty and Independence of these United States having been duly assured, their rights and Interests, as well as those of their Allies, shall be effectually provided for and secured; that Congress will not enter into the discussion of any overtures for pacifications, but in confidence and in concert with his Most Christain Majesty; that to guard against the artifices and machinations of the enemy, it be, and hereby is recommended to the several States, to be vigilant and active in seizing and detecting all British emissaries and Spies; that they may be brought to condign punishment; that it be enjoined on all officers of Departments, charged with persons coming from the enemy under the protection of Flags of Truce, to take special care that they do not use their privileges, but be restrained from all intercourse with the Country and Inhabitants, which is not necessary for transacting the public business on which they may be sent, and lastly, it is recommended to the several States that no subjects of his Brittannic Majesty coming directly or indirectly from any part of his Dominions be admitted into any of the United States during the War.

Ordered, That the Honorable the Minister Plenipotentiary of France be furnished of the above Act, and that Copies be transmitted to the Ministers of these States at Foreign Courts and that in the meantime it be published.

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