I must now trouble Congress with a petition on my own behalf.  When I left my own house in October, 1783, it was to attend Congress as a member, and in expectation of returning in five or six months.  In the month of May following, however, I was desired to come to Europe, as member of a commission, which was to continue two years only.  I came off immediately, without going home to make any other arrangements in my affairs, thinking they would not suffer greatly before I should return to them.  Before the close of the two years, Doctor Franklin retiring from his charge here, Congress were pleased to name me to it; so that I have been led on by events to an absence of five years, instead of five months.  In the mean time, matters of great moment to others as well as myself, and which can be arranged by nobody but myself, will await no longer.  Another motive, of still more powerful co-agency on my mind, is the necessity of carrying my family back to their friends and country.  I must, therefore, ask of Congress a leave of short absence.  Allowing three months on the sea, going and coming, and two months at my own house, which will suffice for my affairs, I need not be from Paris but between five and six months.  I do not foresee any thing which can suffer during my absence.  The consular convention is finished, except as to the exchange of ratification, which will be the affair of a day only.  The difference with Schweighaeuser and Dobree, relative to our arms, will be finished.  That of Denmark, if ever finished, will probably be long spun out.  The ransom of the Algerine captives is the only matter likely to be on hand.  That cannot be set on foot till the money is raised in Holland, and an order received for its application:  probably these will take place, so that I may set it into motion, before my departure; if not, I can still leave it on such a footing, as to be put into motion the moment the money can be paid.  And even when the leave of Congress shall be received, I will not make use of it, if there is any thing of consequence which may suffer; but would, postpone my departure till circumstances will admit it.  But should these be as I expect they will, it will be vastly desirable to me to receive the permission immediately, so that I may go out as soon as the vernal equinox is over, and be sure of my return in good time and season in the fall.  Mr. Short, who had had thoughts of returning to America, will postpone that return till I come back.  His talents and character allow me to say, with confidence, that nothing will suffer in his hands.  The friendly dispositions of Monsieur de Montmorin would induce him readily to communicate with Mr. Short in his present character; but should any of his applications be necessary to be laid before the Council, they might suffer difficulty:  nor could he attend the diplomatic societies, which are the most certain sources of good intelligence.  Would Congress think it expedient to remove the difficulties,