To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 5 July 1783

I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I arrived here the evening before last & Yesterday I waited on Congress with your Excellency’s letter, the Committee to whom it was referred handed me the inclosed resolve & at the same time assured me that Congress intends by that resolution to give Your Excellency such power of negotiating with the British Commander in Canada, & of sending troops as You should think proper to the posts which might be evacuated.

As I believed this resolution had not been received by You I thought it of such consequence, as to forward it by an Express who sets out for head Quarters this morning.

I have sent Captain North to Philadelphia in order to procure of the Financier the money necessary for my journey, when he returns I shall not loose a moment to inform Your Excellency of his success. with the greatest respect I have the honor to be Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant