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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Diplomatic Correspondence of the
+American Revolution, Volume X (of 12), by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Volume X (of 12)
+
+Author: Various
+
+Editor: Jared Sparks
+
+Release Date: January 22, 2012 [EBook #38642]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DIPLOMATIC CORR.--AMERICAN REVOL. ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Frank van Drogen, Melissa McDaniel and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+(This file was produced from images generously made
+available by the Bibliotheque nationale de France
+(BnF/Gallica) at http://gallica.bnf.fr)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF THE
+
+AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
+
+VOL. X.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF THE
+
+AMERICAN REVOLUTION;
+
+BEING
+
+THE LETTERS OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, SILAS DEANE, JOHN ADAMS, JOHN JAY,
+ARTHUR LEE, WILLIAM LEE, RALPH IZARD, FRANCIS DANA, WILLIAM
+CARMICHAEL, HENRY LAURENS, JOHN LAURENS, M. DE LAFAYETTE, M. DUMAS,
+AND OTHERS, CONCERNING THE FOREIGN RELATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES
+DURING THE WHOLE REVOLUTION;
+
+TOGETHER WITH
+
+THE LETTERS IN REPLY FROM THE SECRET COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS, AND THE
+SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
+
+ALSO,
+
+THE ENTIRE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE FRENCH MINISTERS, GERARD AND LUZERNE,
+WITH CONGRESS.
+
+
+Published under the Direction of the President of the United States,
+from the original Manuscripts in the Department of State, conformably
+to a Resolution of Congress, of March 27th, 1818.
+
+EDITED
+
+BY JARED SPARKS.
+
+
+VOL. X.
+
+
+BOSTON:
+
+NATHAN HALE AND GRAY & BOWEN;
+
+G. & C. & H. CARVILL, NEW YORK; P. THOMPSON, WASHINGTON.
+
+
+1830.
+
+
+
+
+Steam Power Press--W. L. Lewis' Print.
+
+No. 6, Congress Street, Boston
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+OF THE
+
+TENTH VOLUME.
+
+
+GENERAL LAFAYETTE'S CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+ Page.
+
+ Resolve of Congress respecting General Lafayette.
+ In Congress, November 23d, 1781, 5
+
+ Expressing their sense of his services, and directing the
+ foreign Ministers and other officers of the United States
+ to consult with him.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Antony, near Paris,
+ March 30th, 1782, 7
+
+ Ministerial changes in England.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. St Germain, June 25th,
+ 1782, 8
+
+ Composition, character, and policy of the Shelburne
+ Ministry.--Defeat of Count de Grasse.--Siege of Gibraltar.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to M. de Lafayette. Philadelphia,
+ September 18th, 1782, 15
+
+ The Count de Segur.--Character of the British Ministry.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to M. de Lafayette. Philadelphia,
+ November 2d, 1782, 16
+
+ Political and military state of America.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Brest, December
+ 3d, 1782, 19
+
+ Is about to embark on a voyage in the service of America.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to M. de Lafayette. Philadelphia,
+ January 10th, 1783, 20
+
+ Discontents in the army on account of the want of
+ money.--Regrets the departure of the French troops.
+
+ To William Carmichael, at Madrid. Cadiz, January
+ 20th, 1783, 22
+
+ America ought to treat with Spain only on an equal
+ footing.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Cadiz, February 5th,
+ 1783, 24
+
+ Objects of his voyage.--Mr Carmichael desires his presence
+ at Madrid.--Disposition of Spain.--Southern
+ boundaries.--Recommends Mr Harrison to be Consul at Cadiz.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Cadiz, February
+ 5th, 1783, 28
+
+ Congratulations on the peace.--Desires the annexation of
+ Canada to the United States.--His presence required in
+ Madrid.
+
+ To the Count de Florida Blanca. Madrid, February
+ 19th, 1783, 30
+
+ Submitting to his revision the results of previous
+ conferences on American affairs.
+
+ Count de Florida Blanca to M. de Lafayette.
+ Pardo, February 22d, 1783, 32
+
+ Acknowledges the correctness of the statements contained
+ in the preceding letter.--The King is disposed to settle
+ the affair of the boundaries amicably.
+
+ To the Count de Florida Blanca. Madrid, February
+ 22d, 1783, 33
+
+ The Spanish Minister explains his sentiments concerning
+ the boundary.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Bordeaux, March 2d,
+ 1783, 33
+
+ Interviews with the Count de Florida Blanca.--The Spanish
+ Court fears the effect of the American revolution on its
+ Colonies.--Conferences with the other Spanish
+ Ministers.--Disposition of the Spanish Court towards the
+ United States.--Urges the necessity of strengthening the
+ union.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to M. de Lafayette. Philadelphia,
+ May 1st, 1783, 38
+
+ Acknowledges the importance of his correspondence, and his
+ services in Europe in the cause of America.--Proceedings
+ in America in consequence of the ratification of the
+ Provisional Articles.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Chavaniac, in the
+ Province of Auvergne, July 20th, 1783, 40
+
+ Russia is determined on a Turkish war.--Endeavors
+ to obtain L'Orient and Marseilles as free ports.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Nantes, September
+ 7th, 1783, 42
+
+ Applies to the French Ministry and the American
+ Commissioners on the subject of American debts.--Commerce
+ between France and America.--Warlike preparations in the
+ East.--Necessity of conciliating the army and cementing
+ the union.--Will return to America as soon as his presence
+ in Europe ceases to be useful.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Paris, December
+ 26th, 1783, 45
+
+ Changes in the British Ministry.--Affairs in the East.
+
+ To John Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Mount
+ Vernon, November 25th, 1784, 46
+
+ Regrets the publication of certain papers relating to the
+ Indian treaty.
+
+ To John Jay. Versailles, February 8th, 1785, 48
+
+ Affairs of Europe.
+
+ To John Jay. Paris, March 19th, 1785, 50
+
+ Urges the surrender of New Orleans to America, or the
+ declaration of it as a free port.--European
+ affairs.--Opposition of the mercantile interest to a
+ liberal commercial policy.
+
+ To John Jay. Paris, May 11th, 1785, 51
+
+ European affairs.--Endeavors to obtain privileges for the
+ American trade in France.--Intends to visit the south of
+ France and Germany.
+
+ To John Jay. Vienna, September 6th, 1785, 52
+
+ Calls the attention of Congress to the Memorial of M.
+ d'Argaynarat.
+
+ To John Jay. Paris, February 11th, 1786, 53
+
+ Sentiments of the German Courts concerning America.--The
+ stability of democratical forms of government, and of the
+ union of the States distrusted in Europe.--European
+ affairs.
+
+ To John Jay. Paris, October 28th, 1786, 57
+
+ Expresses his astonishment that M. Gardoqui should raise
+ any doubts respecting the adoption of the English limits
+ in America.--The navigation of the Mississippi must be
+ enjoyed by the United States.--The appointment of the
+ convention has a good effect in Europe.--Recommends a
+ confederacy of America and the powers of southern Europe
+ against the Barbary States.
+
+ To John Jay. Paris, February 7th, 1787, 59
+
+ European affairs.--The disturbances in New England excite
+ distrust in Europe.
+
+ To John Jay. Paris, May 3d, 1787, 60
+
+ Proceedings of the notables in France.--The interest of
+ the American debt unpaid.--Hopes from the convention at
+ Philadelphia.--Character of Brienne.
+
+ To John Jay. Paris, October 15th, 1787, 63
+
+ State of affairs in Europe.--Effects of a maritime war on
+ America.--The present time favorable for obtaining the
+ restoration of the forts and the navigation of the
+ Mississippi.
+
+
+THE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE COMMISSIONERS
+
+FOR NEGOTIATING A PEACE
+
+WITH GREAT BRITAIN.
+
+ Commission to treat of Peace, 71
+
+ Commission to accept the mediation of the Empress
+ of Russia and the Emperor of Germany, 73
+
+ Instructions to the Commissioners for Peace. In
+ Congress, June 15th, 1781, 75
+
+ The King's warrant for Richard Oswald's first Commission
+ for negotiating Peace, 76
+
+ Richard Oswald's second Commission for negotiating
+ Peace, 80
+
+ Commission to William T. Franklin, 83
+
+ From Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, appointing him
+ Secretary to the Commissioners.
+
+ Resolutions of Congress. In Congress, October 3d,
+ 1782, 86
+
+ Declaring their intention to adhere to their alliance with
+ France, and to prosecute the war till the conclusion of a
+ general peace, and their entire confidence in the support
+ of France.
+
+ Articles agreed on between the American and British
+ Commissioners. October 8th, 1782, 88
+
+ Richard Oswald to the Commissioners. Paris, November
+ 4th, 1782, 92
+
+ Insisting on the restoration of the property confiscated
+ for attachment to the British cause, and on a general
+ amnesty.
+
+ Articles taken to England by Mr Strachey. November
+ 5th, 1782, 94
+
+ H. Strachey to the Commissioners. Paris, November
+ 5th, 1782, 98
+
+ Urging the indemnification of the refugees as
+ indispensable to peace.
+
+ To Richard Oswald. Paris, November 5th, 1782, 99
+
+ Restitution of the estates of the refugees is
+ impossible.--Indemnification can only be granted on
+ condition of retribution to American citizens for the
+ destruction of their property during the war.--The amnesty
+ cannot be extended any further.
+
+ To H. Strachey. Paris, November 6th, 1782, 101
+
+ Enclosing the preceding letter.
+
+ Third set of Articles. November 25th, 1782, 101
+
+ Article proposed and read to the Commissioners,
+ before signing the Preliminary Articles, 106
+
+ Demanding compensation for all the private property seized
+ or destroyed during the war.--FACTS in regard to this
+ subject.
+
+ To M. de Lafayette. Paris, November 28th, 1782, 108
+
+ Approve of his return to America.
+
+ Provisional Articles of Peace, 109
+
+ To Francis Dana at Petersburg. Paris, December
+ 12th, 1782, 116
+
+ Informing him of the signing of the Provisional Articles,
+ and advising the communication of his mission.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, December 14th,
+ 1782, 117
+
+ Enclosing a copy of the preliminaries of peace, with
+ remarks on some of the articles.
+
+ Resolution of Congress respecting Commercial
+ Stipulations. In Congress, December 31st, 1782, 121
+
+ Instructing the Commissioners to stipulate for a direct
+ commerce between the British dominions and the United
+ States.
+
+ English Commissioners' Declaration of the Cessation
+ of Hostilities. Paris, January 20th, 1783, 121
+
+ Signature of the above Declaration by the American
+ Commissioners, 123
+
+ British King's Proclamation, Declaring a Cessation
+ of Arms, 124
+
+ Alleyne Fitzherbert to the Commissioners. Paris,
+ February 18th, 1783, 126
+
+ Enclosing passports for American vessels and the preceding
+ proclamation.
+
+ American Commissioners' Declaration of the Cessation
+ of Hostilities, 127
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to the Commissioners.
+ Philadelphia, March 25th, 1783, 129
+
+ General satisfaction with the Preliminary
+ Articles.--Remarks on the 5th Article.--Regrets the
+ signing of the treaty without communication with the
+ French Court, and the concealing of the Separate Article.
+
+ Proclamation of Congress, Declaring a Cessation of Arms, 133
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to the Commissioners. Philadelphia,
+ April 21st, 1783, 136
+
+ Proceedings in Congress relative to the ratification of
+ the Provisional Articles.--Points out some ambiguities in
+ the Articles.
+
+ Mr Grand to the Commissioners. Paris, May 10th,
+ 1783, 139
+
+ Enclosing a statement of sums for which he is responsible
+ on behalf of the United States.--Difficulty of meeting the
+ payment.
+
+ M. de Lafayette to the Commissioners. Paris,
+ May 12th, 1783, 141
+
+ Is requested by the Count de Vergennes to inquire if the
+ Commissioners will conclude the treaty under the mediation
+ of Austria and Russia.
+
+ David Hartley's Commission, 142
+
+ An Order of the British Council. At the Court of
+ St James, May 14th, 1783, 144
+
+ Authorising the importation of unmanufactured articles
+ from the United States, and allowing the same privileges
+ on merchandise exported into the United States, as upon
+ those exported to the foreign dominions of Great Britain.
+
+ Count de Vergennes' Proposed New Articles, 146
+
+ Interpreting the 2d and 3d Articles of the treaty of
+ commerce of 1778, so as to place the two powers mutually
+ on the footing of the most favored nation.
+
+ To Mr Grand. Paris, May 22d, 1783, 147
+
+ Regret that they cannot relieve his difficulties.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to the Commissioners. Philadelphia,
+ May 28th, 1783, 148
+
+ Violation of the Articles of the Provisional Treaty, by
+ the British General sending off slaves.--Complains of want
+ of information from the Commissioners.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to the Commissioners. Philadelphia,
+ May 31st, 1783, 149
+
+ Propositions from Holland.--Congress will be averse to
+ engagements that may involve them in European
+ quarrels.--Dissatisfaction with the 5th and 6th
+ Preliminary Articles.
+
+ John Adams's Proposed Agreement. June, 1783, 151
+
+ John Jay's Proposed Agreement. June, 1783, 153
+
+ David Hartley's Proposed Agreement. June, 1783, 154
+
+ Report of a Committee of Congress, 155
+
+ On the proposition of Holland, that America should accede
+ to the treaty of the armed neutrality and conclude a
+ similar treaty with the other belligerents.--Congress came
+ to the resolution, to instruct the Commissioners not to
+ enter into any engagement, which should bind the
+ contracting parties to support it by arms.
+
+ David Hartley to the Commissioners. Paris, June
+ 14th, 1783, 158
+
+ The British Court desires a sincere reconciliation of the
+ two countries.--It is not an exact literal reciprocity
+ that is desirable, but a substantial reciprocity.--The old
+ British policy cannot easily be abandoned at once.--A
+ temporary convention between the two powers would tend to
+ remove the difficulties in the way of an entire
+ reconciliation and reciprocity.
+
+ David Hartley's Memorial to the Commissioners, 165
+
+ On the proposed reciprocity of intercourse between Great
+ Britain and America.--Circumstances which must prevent a
+ permanent connexion between America and France; Spain; the
+ Italian powers; the Northern powers; Holland.--Great
+ Britain and America must be connected in friendly or
+ hostile relations.
+
+ The President of Congress to the Commissioners.
+ Philadelphia, June 16th, 1783, 172
+
+ Transmitting papers in consequence of Mr Livingston's
+ resignation.
+
+ Henry Laurens to the Commissioners. London,
+ June 17th, 1783, 173
+
+ Interview with Mr Fox.--Symptoms of coldness.
+
+ The President of Congress to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
+ June 18th, 1783, 174
+
+ Thanks him for medals.--The Americans are irritated by the
+ British holding New York and sending away negroes.
+
+ Henry Laurens to the Commissioners. London,
+ June 20th, 1783, 176
+
+ Coolness of the Ministry.
+
+ To the Count de Vergennes. Passy, June 28th,
+ 1783, 177
+
+ Desiring assistance to meet the bills drawn by Mr Morris.
+
+ Propositions made by the Commissioners to David
+ Hartley for the Definitive Treaty, 178
+
+ David Hartley's Six Propositions for a Definitive
+ Treaty. June, 1783, 182
+
+ The Commissioners' Answers to Mr Hartley's Six
+ Propositions, 183
+
+ To David Hartley. Passy, July 17th, 1783, 185
+
+ Communicate the ratification of the Provisional Articles
+ by Congress.--Complain of the violation of the articles
+ by the British commander in America.--Propose that no
+ executions shall be issued against British debtors in
+ America under a delay of three years.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, July 18th, 1783, 187
+
+ Defence of their conduct in regard to the Separate
+ Article.--Reasons for framing the article, and for
+ withholding the communication of it to France and
+ Spain.--Explanations of the alleged ambiguities in the
+ other articles.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 27th, 1783, 193
+
+ State of the negotiations.
+
+ Project for a Definitive Treaty of Peace, 195
+
+ Ratification of the Provisional Articles by Great Britain, 206
+
+ An Act of the British Parliament, repealing certain Acts
+ prohibiting Intercourse with the United States, 207
+
+ David Hartley to the Commissioners. Paris, August
+ 29th, 1783, 209
+
+ Desiring them to fix the day for signing the Definitive
+ Treaty.--His instructions confine him to Paris.
+
+ To David Hartley. Passy, August 30th, 1783, 209
+
+ Appointing a time for signing the treaty.
+
+ David Hartley to the Commissioners. Paris, September
+ 4th, 1783, 210
+
+ Congratulates them on the signing of the
+ treaty.--Assures them of the sincere wish of the British
+ Court for an entire reconciliation.
+
+ B. Franklin to Charles Fox. Passy, September
+ 5th, 1783, 211
+
+ Expressing his satisfaction with Mr Hartley.
+
+ To David Hartley. Passy, September 5th, 1783, 212
+
+ Desire a return of cordiality between the two
+ countries.--Some of the proposed stipulations are not
+ within their instructions.
+
+ To David Harley. Passy, September 7th, 1783, 213
+
+ Transmitting a resolve of Congress, ordering the issuing
+ of a commission to negotiate a treaty of commerce.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Passy, September
+ 10th, 1783, 214
+
+ Recommending Mr Thaxter.--Account of their negotiations
+ subsequent to the signing of the Provisional
+ Articles.--The articles relating to the tories.--Injurious
+ impressions made in Europe by the popular assemblies in
+ America.--Recommends the appointment of a Minister to
+ Great Britain.--Connexions with other powers.--Necessity
+ of a common national policy in the States.
+
+ From Congress to the Commissioners. October
+ 29th, 1783, 222
+
+ Instructing them to express to the Emperor the desire of
+ Congress to enter into a treaty of amity and commerce with
+ him; to meet the advances of other European powers on the
+ basis of perfect equality and reciprocity; to demand
+ satisfaction of the Danish Court for the seizure of
+ American prizes in Danish ports; to report to Congress
+ information as to the expedition of Commodore Jones; to
+ take no further steps for the admission of the United
+ States into the confederacy of the neutral powers; to
+ hasten the conclusion of the Definitive Treaty; to
+ negotiate an explanation of a paragraph in the Declaration
+ of the cessation of hostilities.--Authorising Mr Jay to
+ call Mr Carmichael to Paris for the purpose of adjusting
+ their accounts.--Giving Mr Jay leave to go to Bath.
+
+ Ratification of the Definitive Treaty by Congress, 226
+
+ Proclamation of Congress respecting the Definitive
+ Treaty, 226
+
+ Accompanied by Resolutions recommending the adoption of
+ measures by the States for the restitution of confiscated
+ property of British subjects.
+
+ Ratification of the Definitive Treaty by Great
+ Britain, 229
+
+
+CONRAD ALEXANDER GERARD'S CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+ Letter from the King of France to Congress, 235
+
+ Letter of credence for M. Gerard, in the character of
+ Minister of France to the United States.
+
+ Appointment of Consul-General of France in the
+ United States, 236
+
+ The King of France to Congress, 238
+
+ Letter of credence for Count d'Estaing.
+
+ Count d'Estaing to the President of Congress. At
+ Sea, July 8th, 1778, 239
+
+ Communicating his credentials and his readiness to
+ co-operate with General Washington.--M. Gerard.
+
+ Resolves of Congress respecting the Count d'Estaing's
+ Letter, and the reception of M. Gerard.
+ In Congress, July 11th, 1778, 241
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 14th, 1778, 243
+
+ Offering the protection of Count d'Estaing's squadron to
+ the armed vessels of the United States.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 14th, 1778, 244
+
+ Requesting Congress to make provision for the English
+ prisoners on board the French squadron.
+
+ Ceremonial of admitting the French Minister to
+ Congress. In Congress, July 20th, 1778, 245
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November
+ 9th, 1778, 251
+
+ Requesting Congress to take measures for the sailing of
+ vessels with supplies for the French forces.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November
+ 20th, 1778, 253
+
+ Informing Congress, that it is not usual to publish
+ treaties until the ratifications have been exchanged.
+
+ Notes of M. Gerard to Congress. Philadelphia,
+ December 2d, 1778, 253
+
+ Method of rendering acts in America valid in France.--Plan
+ for discharging the debt due to Hortalez & Co. by
+ furnishing the French forces in America with provisions at
+ the expense of the United States.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, December
+ 6th, 1778, 254
+
+ Intends to encourage the capture of ships loaded with
+ ship-timber by privateers.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, December
+ 7th, 1778, 255
+
+ Requesting to be informed if the United States have
+ reserved the liberty of treating separately with England.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, December
+ 14th, 1778, 257
+
+ On the purchase of flour and rice for the French fleet.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January
+ 4th, 1779, 258
+
+ The articles furnished by Beaumarchais were sold to him by
+ the government, who is, therefore, a creditor of the
+ United States.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January
+ 5th, 1779, 260
+
+ Complaining of certain assertions in the newspapers, which
+ imply that France had assisted America previous to the
+ alliance.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January
+ 10th, 1779, 262
+
+ Urging an answer of Congress to the representations of the
+ preceding letter.--Answer of Congress disproving the
+ passages referred to.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January
+ 14th, 1779, 263
+
+ Acknowledging the answer of Congress abovementioned.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January
+ 15th, 1779, 264
+
+ Relative to the sentiments of Congress concerning certain
+ French officers.
+
+ Messrs Duportail, La Radiere, and Laumoy to M.
+ Gerard. Philadelphia, January 15th, 1779, 265
+
+ Consenting to remain in the service of the United States.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, February
+ 3d, 1779, 267
+
+ Supply of provisions for the French fleet in the Gulf of
+ Mexico.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, February
+ 8th, 1779, 267
+
+ Requesting to be admitted to an audience by Congress.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, February
+ 9th, 1779, 268
+
+ The King of France grants a new supply of seven hundred
+ and fifty thousand livres.--The articles furnished by
+ Beaumarchais were not a present from France.--The French
+ Court cannot answer for the house of Hortalez & Co.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, February
+ 9th, 1779, 269
+
+ The King of Spain has determined to adopt decisive
+ measures.--Advises the nomination of agents to conduct the
+ negotiations for peace.--Conference of M. Gerard with
+ Congress.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March
+ 14th, 1779, 272
+
+ Relative to means of regulating the rate of exchange.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March
+ 16th, 1779, 272
+
+ Requesting facilities for transporting French prisoners.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March
+ 17th, 1779, 273
+
+ Urging the measures for conducting the negotiations for
+ peace.--The delay of this measure creates suspicions of
+ divisions in Congress.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March
+ 31st, 1779, 275
+
+ Intention of returning to France.--Urges the sending out
+ of Ministers with full powers to treat.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Mount Pleasant,
+ April 6th, 1779, 276
+
+ Communicating extracts of letters from Martinique.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, April
+ 24th, 1779, 279
+
+ Respecting the capture of two Spanish vessels by American
+ privateers, and their condemnation.--Memorial of Don Juan
+ de Miralles to M. Gerard on this subject.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 3d, 1779, 283
+
+ Urging Congress to adopt measures for taking part in the
+ negotiations for peace.
+
+ To the President of Congress. May 4th, 1779, 284
+
+ Communicating a note of the King of France.
+
+ From the King of France to Congress, 284
+
+ Informing them of the birth of a Princess.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 6th, 1779, 285
+
+ Urging measures for entering into the negotiations.--The
+ British government intend to push the war with
+ vigor.--Further grant of supplies.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 9th, 1779, 287
+
+ Count d'Estaing will appear on the American coasts in
+ compliance with the wishes of Congress.--Desires that
+ supplies may be in readiness on the arrival of the fleet.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 9th, 1779, 289
+
+ On the proposed co-operation of Count d'Estaing.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 19th, 1779, 290
+
+ Communicating the succeeding Memorial on the Spanish
+ vessels brought into port by American privateers.--Reply
+ of Congress, promising reparation in case of injustice.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 22d, 1779, 294
+
+ Objects of the alliance between France and the United
+ States.--Consequent measures of the French
+ government.--Extent of the engagements of
+ France.--Necessity of speedy measures on the part of
+ Congress for participating in the negotiations for peace.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 24th, 1779, 299
+
+ Expressing his satisfaction with the arrangements of
+ Congress for levying supplies by a tax.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 25th, 1779, 301
+
+ Acknowledges the reception of resolutions of Congress,
+ expressing their determination to retaliate for cruelties
+ committed by the English on French subjects in America, in
+ the same manner as if committed on citizens of the States.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 27th, 1779, 302
+
+ Importance of a speedy decision of Congress in regard to
+ the negotiations for peace, for securing the favor of
+ Spain, and for facilitating the co-operation of the French
+ forces in America.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, June
+ 21st, 1779, 305
+
+ Proposing the adoption of measures for maintaining the
+ immunity of the French flag in the United States.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 5th, 1779, 306
+
+ Relative to the loading and destination of a French supply
+ ship.--Frauds committed in exporting provisions for the
+ French fleet.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 5th, 1779, 309
+
+ Requesting that protection may be given to the provisions
+ purchased for the French forces.--Desires to know if a
+ sufficient supply can be obtained in the States.
+
+ Report of a Committee respecting a Conference
+ with the Minister of France. In Congress, July
+ 10th, 1779, 312
+
+ Containing seven articles read by the Minister, with his
+ verbal explanations on each article, relating to the
+ claims of Beaumarchais, the disavowal by Congress of any
+ disposition to conclude a separate peace, the appointment
+ of a Minister Plenipotentiary to France, the want of
+ preparation for the approaching campaign on the part of
+ the States, the desire of the English Court to be
+ reconciled with France without an express acknowledgment
+ of American independence, &c.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 26th, 1779, 323
+
+ Returning thanks for the permission to expedite the supply
+ ship, and requesting an examination into the pretended
+ frauds, practised with regard to the ships employed in
+ carrying provisions to the French fleet.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 26th, 1779, 324
+
+ Requesting that the provisions destined for the French
+ fleet may remain in the public magazines.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 26th, 1779, 324
+
+ Demanding satisfaction for the attacks made on M. Holker,
+ French Consul, and requesting the adoption of measures for
+ protecting the officers of France from future insults.
+
+ M. Gerard to the President of the State of Pennsylvania.
+ Philadelphia, July 26th, 1779, 327
+
+ M. Holker to Joseph Reed, President of Pennsylvania.
+ Philadelphia, July 24th, 1779, 331
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 28th, 1779, 334
+
+ Enclosing certain papers relative to M. Holker, viz.;
+
+ Joseph Reed to M. Holker. Philadelphia, July
+ 24th, 1779, 335
+
+ Joseph Reed to William Henry, Chairman of the
+ Committee. Walnut Street, July 23d, 1779, 337
+
+ William Henry to Joseph Reed. Friday Afternoon,
+ 5 o'clock, Committee Room, 338
+
+ M. Holker to M. Gerard. Philadelphia, July 29th,
+ 1779, 339
+
+ Transmitting papers relative to the affair of the flour at
+ Wilmington.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 30th, 1779, 340
+
+ Transmitting papers relative to M. Holker.
+
+ Resolves of Congress. In Congress, July 30th,
+ 1779, 341
+
+ Resolves, assuring the protection of the United States to
+ the officers of his Most Christian Majesty, approving the
+ conduct of M. Holker, &c.
+
+ The President of Pennsylvania to M. Gerard. In
+ Council, Philadelphia, July 31st, 1779, 342
+
+ Expressing regret that any disagreeable discussions should
+ have taken place, and informing him that the flour is now
+ at the disposition of M. Holker.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August
+ 5th, 1779, 344
+
+ Acknowledging the reception of certain resolutions of
+ Congress.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August
+ 5th, 1779, 345
+
+ Expressing his satisfaction with the resolutions of
+ Congress on the affair of M. Holker, and requesting that
+ no prosecutions may be commenced against the offenders.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August
+ 11th, 1779, 346
+
+ Failure of the attempt to procure military stores at
+ Martinique.
+
+ The Marquis de Bouille to M. Gerard. Martinique,
+ July 11th, 1779, 347
+
+ Unable to furnish any supplies for the United States.
+
+ Resolution of Congress. In Congress, August
+ 23d, 1779, 348
+
+ Resolution, appointing a committee to offer
+ congratulations on the birth-day of his Most Christian
+ Majesty.
+
+ M. Gerard to the Committee of Congress. Philadelphia,
+ August 23d, 1779, 348
+
+ Acknowledging the reception of the foregoing resolution.
+
+ The Count de Vergennes to M. Gerard, 349
+
+ Spain joins the alliance.--The English Court will attempt
+ to separate America from the alliance by advantageous
+ offers.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September
+ 15th, 1779, 350
+
+ Appointment of Mr Wilson Attorney General for France in
+ the United States.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September
+ 15th, 1779, 350
+
+ Requesting an audience of leave.
+
+ M. Gerard's Speech on taking leave of Congress, 351
+
+ Reply of the President of Congress to M. Gerard's
+ Speech on his taking leave, 352
+
+ Congress to the King of France, 354
+
+ Expressing their approbation of M. Gerard's conduct and
+ character.
+
+ Proceedings of Congress. In Congress, September
+ 25th, 1779, 355
+
+ Draft of a letter to M. Gerard, reported by a committee,
+ expressing the inviolable attachment of the United States
+ to their allies.--Letter as adopted by Congress.
+
+
+CAESAR ANNE DE LA LUZERNE'S CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+ Substance of a Conference between M. de la Luzerne
+ and General Washington at Head Quarters,
+ West Point. September 16th, 1779, 361
+
+ Relative to a co-operation with a proposed expedition of
+ Count d'Estaing to the American coasts, and also with the
+ Spanish expedition against the Floridas.--Project of an
+ invasion of Canada and Nova Scotia.
+
+ Reception of the French Minister by Congress. In
+ Congress, November 17th, 1779, 367
+
+ Containing his letter of credence, his speech to Congress,
+ and their answer.
+
+ Don Juan Miralles to M. de la Luzerne. Philadelphia,
+ November 25th, 1779, 373
+
+ Desiring the co-operation of the United States with the
+ Spanish forces in the Floridas, and against the English
+ possessions northeast of Louisiana.--Requests to be
+ informed what kind of supplies may be expected from the
+ States.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November
+ 26th, 1779, 376
+
+ Communicating the foregoing letter.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, December
+ 6th, 1779, 377
+
+ Requesting instructions as to the disposition of certain
+ property captured by American seamen.
+
+ The President of Congress to M. de la Luzerne.
+ In Congress, December 16th, 1779, 378
+
+ Plan of co-operation with the Spanish forces in Florida.
+
+ M. Holker to M. de la Luzerne. Philadelphia,
+ January 10th, 1780, 380
+
+ Representing the injurious effects of a law of Maryland on
+ his measures for supplying the French forces.
+
+ William Smith to M. Holker. Baltimore, January
+ 7th, 1780, 382
+
+ The supplies intended for the French forces will be seized
+ by the American Commissioners.
+
+ The President of the Council of Maryland to William
+ Smith. In Council, Annapolis, January 6th,
+ 1780, 383
+
+ The supplies purchased for the French fleet cannot be
+ exempted from seizure for the American army.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January
+ 10th, 1780, 384
+
+ Urging the adoption of measures for securing the supplies
+ raised for the French forces from liability to seizure.
+
+ To George Washington. Philadelphia, January
+ 23d, 1780, 386
+
+ The English government are unable to raise soldiers, and
+ intend to obtain them by an exchange of prisoners in
+ America.--In case of exchange, advantage may be taken to
+ obtain a virtual acknowledgment of independence.
+
+ Extract of a Memorial communicated by the Ambassador
+ of England to the Court of Madrid, on
+ the 28th of March, 1779, 389
+
+ Ultimatum proposed by the Court of Madrid to the
+ Courts of France and England, dated 3d of
+ April, 1779, 390
+
+ Extract from the Exposition of the Motives of the
+ Court of Spain relative to England, 392
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January
+ 24th, 1780, 393
+
+ Announcing the appointment of a French Consul for North
+ Carolina.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January
+ 25th, 1780, 394
+
+ Preparations for another campaign by the European
+ belligerents.--Necessity of similar preparations on the
+ part of America.--Desires to concert a plan of common
+ operations.
+
+ Report of a Committee on the Communications of
+ the French Minister. In Congress, January
+ 28th, 1780, 395
+
+ The French Minister informs Congress, that great exertions
+ are making in Europe by England, to persuade the other
+ powers that America may be detached from France; that her
+ negotiations may result in an armed mediation, to which it
+ would be necessary to submit; that in this case, it would
+ be probably necessary to leave Great Britain whatever
+ territories in America were actually in her hand; he,
+ therefore, urges the necessity of pushing the approaching
+ campaign with vigor.
+
+ Answer of Congress to the Communications of the
+ French Minister. In Congress, January 31st,
+ 1780, 399
+
+ Forces and plans of Congress for the approaching
+ campaign.--The general disposition in the United States is
+ to adhere to the alliance.
+
+ Communications of the French Minister to a Committee
+ of Congress at a second Conference. In
+ Congress, February 2d, 1780, 402
+
+ Communicating the views of the Spanish Court on the
+ Western boundary, the exclusive navigation of the
+ Mississippi, the possession of the Floridas, and the lands
+ on the left bank of the Mississippi.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head
+ Quarters, Morristown, February 4th, 1780, 404
+
+ The small number of British prisoners will, probably,
+ prevent any important concessions for the sake of
+ effecting an exchange.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head
+ Quarters, Morristown, February 15th, 1780, 406
+
+ Declines granting a detachment requested of him, on
+ account of the feebleness of his forces.--A covering
+ party, if necessary, may be furnished by the militia.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia,
+ March 8th, 1780, 408
+
+ M. Gerard obtains facilities for fitting out the
+ Confederation in Martinique, but has no materials for
+ masts.
+
+ The King of France to Congress, 409
+
+ Communicating an additional grant of aid.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Morristown,
+ May 5th, 1780, 410
+
+ Expressing his esteem for M. de la Luzerne, and his
+ satisfaction with his approbation of the state of the
+ army.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Morristown,
+ May 11th, 1780, 411
+
+ Expresses his pleasure at the arrival of M. de Lafayette.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head
+ Quarters, Morristown, May 14th, 1780, 412
+
+ French fleet in the West Indies.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 16th, 1780, 412
+
+ His Majesty intends to send out a reinforcement.--Desires
+ the concurrence of Congress in combining a plan of
+ operations.--Requests information as to the forces,
+ resources, and posts of the enemy.--Additional supplies
+ obtained by Dr Franklin.--Favorable situation of affairs.
+
+ To George Washington. Philadelphia, May 21st,
+ 1780, 415
+
+ Operations of the approaching campaign.
+
+ Report of a Committee of Congress on a Conference
+ with the French Minister. In Congress,
+ May 24th, 1780, 416
+
+ Plan for raising supplies.--Propose the establishment of
+ posts from Boston to Charleston to facilitate
+ communication.--Recommend the preparation of a
+ reinforcement to the French fleet, and the adoption of
+ measures to prevent desertions from the same.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Morristown,
+ June 5th, 1780, 419
+
+ The French troops will be cordially received.--Desires to
+ maintain a correspondence with him.
+
+ Report of a Committee of Congress respecting
+ Communications from the French Minister. In
+ Congress, June 5th, 1780, 420
+
+ Raising of supplies for the French troops.--Mode of paying
+ them.
+
+ Report of a Committee of Congress respecting a
+ Conference with the French Minister. In Congress,
+ June 7th, 1780, 423
+
+ Raising of supplies for the French forces.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, June
+ 18th, 1780, 425
+
+ Urging the completion of the American army.--Forces
+ necessary for an effective co-operation.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, June
+ 28th, 1780, 427
+
+ Desiring permission for the supplying of the Spanish
+ forces with provisions.
+
+ Congress to the Minister of France. In Congress,
+ July 7th, 1780, 428
+
+ Supplies for the Spanish forces.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 22d, 1780, 429
+
+ Arrival of part of the French forces destined to act in
+ America.--The other part separated for security.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 25th, 1780, 430
+
+ Requesting that the American vessels of war may join the
+ French squadron.
+
+ Joseph Reed to M. de la Luzerne. In Council,
+ Philadelphia, July 25th, 1780, 431
+
+ The Hessian deserters are at liberty to enter the French
+ service, if desired.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 26th, 1780, 432
+
+ Desiring arrangements to be made for the subsistence of
+ the Hessian recruits.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head
+ Quarters, July 27th, 1780, 433
+
+ Plan of a junction of the French fleets.--Rumored project
+ of an attack on the French forces by General Clinton.
+
+ To George Washington. Philadelphia, July 30th,
+ 1780, 434
+
+ Relative to certain proposed naval operations.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Peekskill,
+ August 4th, 1780, 434
+
+ Project of junction of the two divisions of the French
+ forces.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Peekskill,
+ August 6th, 1780, 436
+
+ Relative to the employment of American frigates to aid in
+ the junction of the French forces.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August
+ 15th, 1780, 437
+
+ Readiness of the French government to co-operate with the
+ American forces against the common enemy.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August
+ 15th, 1780, 438
+
+ Case of a citizen of Bermuda.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September
+ 1st, 1780, 439
+
+ Improbable that certain bills of exchange drawn on Dr
+ Franklin will be accepted.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head
+ Quarters, Bergen County, September 12th,
+ 1780, 440
+
+ Projected naval operations.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September
+ 15th, 1780, 441
+
+ Desires the publication of the treaty for the purpose of
+ settling difficulties arising as to the 11th and 12th
+ Articles.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September
+ 16th, 1780, 442
+
+ Announcing the appointment of M. de Marbois as _Charge
+ d'Affaires_ during his absence.
+
+ M. de Marbois to the President of Congress. Philadelphia,
+ October 8th, 1780, 443
+
+ Acknowledging the reception of certain resolutions of
+ Congress.
+
+ M. de Marbois to the President of Congress. Philadelphia,
+ October 27th, 1780, 443
+
+ Requesting a convoy for store ships.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November
+ 1st, 1780, 444
+
+ Suggesting changes in the mode of authenticating ships'
+ papers.
+
+ From Congress to the King of France, 445
+
+ Unprosperous state of things.--Retrospect of
+ events.--Praying for assistance in raising a loan.
+
+ To George Washington. Philadelphia, December
+ 5th, 1780, 449
+
+ Expected arrival of clothing for the army.--Spanish
+ operations.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. New
+ Windsor, December 14th, 1780, 451
+
+ Forwards his despatches for Rhode Island.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January
+ 15th, 1781, 452
+
+ American prizes carried into French ports will be judged
+ in the same manner as those of subjects.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, February
+ 25th, 1781, 452
+
+ Arrival of a French squadron in the Chesapeake.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, February
+ 28th, 1781, 453
+
+ Authorises Mr Morris to draw bills of exchange.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March
+ 2d, 1781, 454
+
+ The French squadron sails from the Chesapeake.
+
+ M. Destouches to M. de la Luzerne. On Board
+ the Duc de Bourgogne, March 19th, 1781, 455
+
+ Engagement between a French and English squadron.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March
+ 24th, 1781, 457
+
+ Supplies granted by France.--Proposes Congress should
+ furnish the French forces with provisions, receiving in
+ payment bills on the Treasury of France.
+
+ To George Washington. Philadelphia, March 27th,
+ 1781, 460
+
+ Failure of the expedition of M. Destouches.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head
+ Quarters, New Windsor, March 31st, 1781, 461
+
+ Return of M. Destouches to Newport.--Good conduct of the
+ expedition.
+
+ To George Washington. Philadelphia, May 7th,
+ 1781, 462
+
+ Forwarding proposals of an expedition to M. Destouches.
+
+ To M. Destouches. Philadelphia, May 7th, 1781, 463
+
+ Dangerous situation of Virginia and Maryland.--Proposes an
+ expedition into the Chesapeake for their relief.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 9th, 1781, 465
+
+ Abuse of intercepted ships' papers by the
+ English.--Proposes the adoption of measures of prevention.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 22d, 1781, 466
+
+ Transmitting the King's letter.
+
+ The King of France to Congress, 466
+
+ Granting further assistance.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Weathersfield,
+ May 23d, 1781, 467
+
+ Intended attack on New York.--Urges the presence of the
+ French West India fleet in the American seas.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 25th, 1781, 469
+
+ The expected reinforcements of the French forces have not
+ been despatched.--Pecuniary grant of the French
+ government.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May
+ 26th, 1781, 472
+
+ Offered mediation of Austria and Russia between the
+ belligerents.--France declines accepting the offer without
+ the consent of the United States.--Urges the appointment
+ of Plenipotentiaries to take part in the proposed
+ negotiations.
+
+ Report of a Conference with the French Minister.
+ In Congress, May 28th, 1781, 475
+
+ The French Ministry considers the mission of Mr Dana to St
+ Petersburg premature.--Desires that Mr Adams may be
+ restricted by instructions.--English agent at
+ Madrid.--Spain and France decline the mediation, but will
+ accept it finally.--Desires to know the sentiments of
+ America.--Advises moderation in the demands of the United
+ States.
+
+ Congress to the King of France, 483
+
+ Returning thanks for supplies.--Their opinion as to the
+ mediation will be communicated through their Minister.
+
+ To George Washington. Philadelphia, June 1st,
+ 1781, 484
+
+ Regrets the delay of the reinforcements from
+ France.--Promises to propose his plan of operations to the
+ Count de Grasse.
+
+ George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head
+ Quarters, New Windsor, June 13th, 1781, 486
+
+ Desires that a body of land forces may accompany the Count
+ de Grasse's squadron.
+
+ Report of a Conference with the French Minister.
+ In Congress, June 18th, 1781, 487
+
+ Communications of the Minister relative to losses of
+ French subjects in America.--Proceedings of the armed
+ neutrality.--Violation of its principles by American
+ privateers.--Mr Cumberland's negotiations in
+ Spain.--Supplies.--Mediation of the Imperial
+ powers.--Situation of affairs in Europe obliges France to
+ maintain a considerable force.--State of affairs in
+ Holland.--Amount of the pecuniary aid granted by France.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 1st, 1781, 493
+
+ Leaves M. de Marbois _Charge d'Affaires_ during his visit
+ to the American army.
+
+ M. de Marbois to the President of Congress. Philadelphia,
+ July 9th, 1781, 494
+
+ The French naval commander desires permission to recruit
+ his forces by the impressment of French seamen.
+
+ M. de Marbois to the Secretary of Congress. Philadelphia,
+ July 11th, 1781, 495
+
+ On the appointment of Mr McKean to the Presidency.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 20th, 1781, 495
+
+ Desires to communicate despatches from his Court to
+ Congress.
+
+ Report of Communications from the French Minister.
+ In Congress, July 23d, 1781, 496
+
+ Causes of the delay of the intended reinforcement of the
+ French arms in America.--The relations of Holland and
+ England render a connexion between that country and
+ America probable.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July
+ 26th, 1781, 498
+
+ Communication of a draft of a convention relative to the
+ establishment of Consuls by France and America.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August
+ 23d, 1781, 499
+
+ Desires the recognition of the French Consul for New
+ England, regularly appointed.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September
+ 6th, 1781, 500
+
+ Desires the passing of acts authorising the French Consul
+ for New England to exercise his official functions.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF
+
+GEN. LAFAYETTE;
+
+ON THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+
+Although the services of GENERAL LAFAYETTE to the United States were
+rendered chiefly in the military line, yet he contributed very
+essentially by his efforts, and the weight of his personal character,
+to promote the interests of our foreign relations. When he left the
+United States at the close of the year 1781, Congress instructed the
+American Ministers abroad to consult him on the public affairs of the
+United States. His correspondence with Congress, now to be published,
+will show how effectually he executed his trust in this respect, and
+how deeply and constantly he watched over the interests of his adopted
+country, long after his return to Europe. These letters are a
+testimony not more of his patriotism, love of liberty, the warmth of
+his affections, and the fulness of his gratitude, than of his close
+observation, correct opinions, and enlarged views on political
+affairs.
+
+
+
+
+THE CORRESPONDENCE OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ RESOLVE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING GENERAL LAFAYETTE.
+
+ In Congress, November 23d, 1781.
+
+On the report of a Committee, consisting of Mr Carroll, Mr Madison,
+and Mr Cornell, to whom was referred a letter of the 22d, from
+Major-General the Marquis de Lafayette,
+
+_Resolved_, That Major-General the Marquis de Lafayette, have
+permission to go to France; and that he return at such time as shall
+be most convenient to him.
+
+That he be informed, that on a review of his conduct throughout the
+past campaign, and particularly during the period in which he had the
+chief command in Virginia, the many new proofs, which present
+themselves of his zealous attachment to the cause he has espoused, and
+of his judgment, vigilance, gallantry, and address in its defence,
+have greatly added to the high opinion entertained by Congress of his
+merits and military talents.
+
+That he make known to the officers and troops whom he commanded during
+that period, that the brave and enterprising services with which they
+seconded his zeal and efforts, and which enabled him to defeat the
+attempts of an enemy far superior in numbers, have been beheld by
+Congress with particular satisfaction and approbation.
+
+That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs acquaint the Ministers
+Plenipotentiary of the United States, that it is the desire of
+Congress that they should confer with the Marquis de Lafayette, and
+avail themselves of his information relative to the situation of
+public affairs in the United States.
+
+That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs further acquaint the Minister
+Plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles, that he will conform to
+the intention of Congress by consulting with, and employing the
+assistance of the Marquis de Lafayette, in accelerating the supplies,
+which may be afforded by his Most Christian Majesty for the use of the
+United States.
+
+That the Superintendent of Finance, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs,
+and the Board of War, make such communication to the Marquis de
+Lafayette, touching the affairs of their respective departments, as
+will best enable him to fulfil the purpose of the two resolutions
+immediately preceding.
+
+That the Superintendent of Finance take order for discharging the
+engagement entered into by the Marquis de Lafayette with the merchants
+of Baltimore referred to in the act of the 24th of May last.
+
+That the Superintendent of Finance furnish the Marquis de Lafayette
+with a proper conveyance to France.
+
+That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs report a letter to his Most
+Christian Majesty, to be sent by the Marquis de Lafayette.[1]
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[1] Extract of a letter from Congress to the King of France, dated
+November 29th, 1781.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Antony, near Paris, March 30th, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+I have been honored with your letter by the Hermione, and have made
+the best use I could of the intelligence you were pleased to
+communicate. The sailing of the Alliance was unexpected, and I could
+not improve that opportunity. This letter will be carried by a vessel
+that is immediately despatched. I shall soon have an opportunity to
+write by a frigate. Dr Franklin, whom I have acquainted with the
+departure of this vessel, has no doubt communicated very important
+intelligence. Mahon has been taken rather sooner than was expected;
+the siege of Gibraltar is going on, and some do not consider it
+impossible that it should fall into the hands of the Spaniards. The
+taking of St Kitts was felt in England; the more so, as Sir Samuel
+Hood had given great expectations of preserving the Island.
+"Major-General the Marquis de Lafayette, has in this campaign so
+greatly added to the reputation he had before acquired, that we are
+desirous to obtain for him, on our behalf even, notice, in addition to
+that favorable reception, which his merits cannot fail to meet with
+from a generous and enlightened Sovereign; and, in that view, we have
+directed our Minister Plenipotentiary to present the Marquis to your
+Majesty."
+
+There is a great deal of confusion in England, which their late
+resolutions clearly prove; many think the loss of the majority is a
+_finesse_ of Lord North; but from later advices it appears there will
+be a change of Ministers. The opposition members do not agree
+together, and none of them are true friends to America; none of them
+are wishing for independence; they want to make the best bargain they
+can, either with France, at the expense of America, or by satisfying
+America at the cheapest rate. By Mr Adams's letters I find Holland is
+about acknowledging American independence, as far as it will neither
+cost them blood nor money; but at this period I think it important to
+obtain such a political advantage.
+
+I beg you will please to communicate the contents of my letter to
+Congress; as I do not enter into any particulars with the President.
+Accept the assurance of the high esteem and most affectionate
+sentiments with which I am, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+_P. S._ Since writing the above, we have just got certain intelligence
+that Lord North has left his place. It is generally believed he will
+be replaced by Lord Rockingham.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ St Germain, June 25th, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+It is needless for me to enter into such details as will of course be
+communicated to Congress by the Minister. Dr Franklin will doubtless
+be very particular. But as Congress have been pleased to order that I
+should give my opinion, I now have the honor to tell you what I think
+upon the several transactions that have lately taken place.
+
+Before the change of Ministry, the old Administration had sent people
+to feel the pulse of the French Court and of the American Ministers.
+They had reasons to be convinced that neither of the two could be
+deceived into separate arrangements, that would break the union and
+make both their enemies weaker. In the meanwhile, a cabal was going on
+against the old Ministry. New appointments took place, and it is not
+known how far Lord North would have gone towards a general
+negotiation.
+
+It had ever been the plan of the opposition to become masters of the
+Cabinet. But while every one of them united against the Ministry, they
+committed this strange blunder, never to think what would become of
+them after their views had been fulfilled. They even made Ministers,
+and upon the same day they did not know how to divide the prey; upon
+the second they perceived that they had different interests and
+different principles to support; upon the third they were intriguing
+against each other. And now the British Ministry are so much divided,
+that nothing but their disputes can account for their indecision in
+public affairs.
+
+The Marquis of Rockingham has nothing of a Minister, but the parade of
+levees, and a busy appearance. He is led by Mr Burke. He is also upon
+the best terms with Charles Fox. The principles of the latter
+everybody knows. That party it appears is on one side of the
+Administration.
+
+The Duke of Grafton and Lord Camden think it their interest to support
+Lord Shelburne, whom, however, they inwardly dislike. The Earl of
+Shelburne seems to have by far the greater share in the King's
+confidence. He is intriguing, and, upon a pretence to follow Lord
+Chatham's opinions, he makes himself agreeable to the King by
+opposing American independence. He is, they say, a faithless man,
+wishing for a continuation of the war, by which he hopes to raise his
+own importance; and, should the Rockingham party fall, should Lord
+Shelburne be found to divide power with another party, he is not far,
+it is said, from uniting with Lord North and many others in the old
+Administration.
+
+The King stands alone, hating every one of his Ministers, grieving at
+every measure that combats his dispositions, and wishing for the
+moment when the present Ministry, having lost their popularity, will
+give way to those whom he has been obliged to abandon for a time.
+
+Such is the position in which they stand, and I am going to relate the
+measures they have taken towards negotiation.
+
+It appears Lord Shelburne, on the one hand, and Charles Fox on the
+other, went upon the plan which Lord North had adopted, to make some
+private advances, but they neither communicated their measures to each
+other, nor said at first anything of it in the Cabinet. Count de
+Vergennes said that France could never think to enter into a treaty,
+but in concurrence with her allies, and upon being told that America
+herself did not so much insist upon asking for independence, he
+answered, "people need not ask for what they have got." Mr Adams in
+Holland, and Dr Franklin in Paris, made such answers as were
+consistent with the dignity of the United States. But they as well as
+Count de Vergennes, expressed a sincere desire for peace, upon liberal
+and generous terms.
+
+From the very beginning Mr Adams has been persuaded, that the British
+Ministry were not sincere--that the greater part of them were equally
+against America as any in the old Administration, and that all those
+negotiations were not much to be depended upon. His judgment of this
+affair has been confirmed by the events; though at present the
+negotiation has put on a better outward appearance.
+
+Dr Franklin's pen is better able than mine can be, to give you all the
+particulars through which Mr Grenville, a young man of some rank, is
+now remaining in Paris, with powers to treat with his Most Christian
+Majesty, and all other Princes or States now at war with Great
+Britain.
+
+I shall only remark, that in late conversations with Count de
+Vergennes, Mr Grenville has considered the acknowledgment of
+independence as a matter not to be made a question of, but to be at
+once and previously declared. But upon Count de Vergennes's writing
+down Mr Grenville's words to have them signed by him, the gentleman,
+instead of this expression, "the King of England has _resolved_ at
+once to acknowledge," &c., insisted to have the words _is disposed_
+made use of in what he intended to be considered as his official
+communication. He has also evinced a backwardness in giving Dr
+Franklin a copy of his powers; and their Ministry are so backward also
+in bringing before Parliament a bill respecting American independence,
+that it does not show a great disposition towards a peace, the
+preliminaries of which must be an acknowledgment of America as a
+separate and independent nation.
+
+It is probable that within these two days, Dr Franklin had some
+communication with Mr Grenville, which may throw some light upon the
+late points I have just now mentioned.
+
+Mr Jay is arrived from Madrid. Mr Laurens, it seems, intends to return
+home. Mr Adams's presence in Holland is for the moment necessary. A
+few days will make us better acquainted with the views of Great
+Britain; and since the Ministers from Congress have thought that I
+ought for the service of America to remain here some time longer, I
+shall, under their direction devote myself to promote the interests of
+the United States. The footing I am upon at this Court enables me
+sometimes to go greater lengths than could be done by a foreigner. But
+unless an immediate earnest negotiation, which I am far from hoping,
+renders my services very useful, I will beg leave to return to my
+labors, and be employed in a shorter way to ensure the end of this
+business, than can be found in political dissertation.
+
+I have communicated the opinion of Mr Adams, such as I found it in his
+letter. Dr Franklin's ideas will be presented by himself, and also
+those of Mr Jay, both of which must be preferable to mine, though I do
+not believe they much differ. But from what I have collected by
+communications with your Ministers, with those of the French, and by
+private intelligence, I conclude;
+
+1st. That the British Ministry are at variance between themselves,
+embarrassed upon the conduct they ought to hold, and not firm in their
+principles and their places.
+
+2dly. That negotiations will go on shortly, establish principles, and
+facilitate a treaty; but that the King of England and some of the
+Ministers, have not lost the idea of breaking the union between France
+and the United States.
+
+3dly. That the situation of England, want of men and money, and the
+efforts France is about to make, will reduce the former to a necessity
+for making peace before the end of next spring.
+
+America will no doubt exert herself, and send back every emissary to
+her Plenipotentiaries here; for the Ministry in England are now
+deceiving the people with the hope that ---- is going to operate a
+reconciliation, and with many his ---- of the same nature.
+
+In the course of this affair, we have been perfectly satisfied with
+the French Ministry. They have proved candid and moderate. Mr Jay will
+write about Spain. Very little is to be said of her, and by her very
+little is to be done. It appears Holland is going on well, and I
+believe Mr Adams is satisfied, except upon the affair of money, which
+is the difficult point, and goes on very slowly.
+
+By all I can see, I judge that if America insists on a share in the
+fisheries, she will obtain it by the general treaty; this point is too
+near my heart to permit me not to mention it.
+
+The news of Count de Grasse's defeat has been very much felt in
+France, and the whole nation was made truly unhappy by this
+disagreeable event. The general cry of the people was such, that I do
+not believe any French Admiral will, in any case take upon himself to
+surrender his own ship. The people at large have perhaps been too
+severe, and government have not pronounced, as there is to be a court
+martial. But I was happy to see a patriotic spirit diffused through
+every individual. The States of several Provinces, the great cities,
+and a number of different associations of men, have offered ships of
+the line to a greater number than have been lost. In the meanwhile,
+government are using the greatest activity, and this has given a spur
+to the national exertions. But independent of the stroke in itself, I
+have been sighing upon the ruin of the plans I had proposed towards a
+useful co-operation upon the coasts of America. My schemes have been
+made almost impracticable, and my voyage (the case of negotiations
+excepted) has not been so serviceable to the public, as I had good
+reasons to expect.
+
+The Spaniards are going at last to besiege Gibraltar. Count d'Artois,
+the King of France's brother, and the Duc de Bourbon, a Prince of the
+blood, are just setting out to serve there as volunteers. They intend
+to begin in the first days of September; so that we may expect one way
+or other to get rid of that encumbrance, and let the siege succeed or
+miscarry, we may expect hereafter to make use of the combined forces
+of the House of Bourbon.
+
+We are waiting for intelligence from the East Indies, where it appears
+we have got a superiority, and are entitled to expect good news from
+that quarter. The enemy had some despatches by land, but either our
+operations are of a later date, or they only have published a part of
+their intelligence.
+
+_Paris, June 29th._ Dr Franklin and Mr Jay will acquaint you with
+Count de Vergennes's answer to Mr Grenville, and also with what Mr
+Grenville has said respecting the enabling act. This act and also the
+answer to Count de Vergennes, are every day expected in Paris, and the
+way in which both will be expressed may give us a pretty just idea
+upon the present intentions of the British Ministry. The only thing
+that remains for me to inform you of, is, that under the pretence of
+curiosity, admiration, or private affairs, England will probably send
+emissaries to America, who cannot hope to insinuate themselves under
+any other but a friendly appearance.
+
+With the greatest regard, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+ Philadelphia, September 18th, 1782.
+
+You should not, my Dear Sir, have been thus long without hearing from
+me, had I not persuaded myself, that I should see you before a letter
+could reach you. I still entertain this hope from a passage in Dr
+Franklin's letter, but have been in this often disappointed; I will
+not indulge it longer, so far as to let it arrest my pen.
+
+The Count de Segur delivered me your letters of April. I thank you
+sincerely for having made him the bearer of them, since you know the
+eagerness with which I embrace your friends, even without taking into
+consideration, that merit which makes them so. The Count leaves town
+for the army today, so that I shall not have the full benefit of your
+introduction to him till next winter, when I flatter myself you will
+join our circle. The Prince de Broglio told me last night, that he had
+a letter from you to me. I expect to see him here this morning.
+
+I cannot help remarking the just estimate you made of the British
+Ministry. Late events have fully justified it. They are made up of
+heterogeneous particles, and, as might naturally be expected, they
+begin to fly off from each other. You have nothing to apprehend from
+your adopted country. We are immovably fixed in our determination to
+adhere to our allies, in spite of every endeavor to change our
+sentiments. I am sorry that I have not leisure to enlarge. My horses
+wait to carry me to the banks of the Hudson, while I write; let me
+however inform you of the misfortune that has happened to Chevalier de
+Latouche; his frigate being pursued by the enemy was run on shore in
+the Delaware, and is lost. The gentlemen, his passengers, are however
+happily saved, together with the money and papers. Everything else is
+lost, and what is most to be lamented, he himself must have fallen
+into the hands of the enemy. The flag that went to inquire his fate is
+not yet returned.
+
+The fleet of the Marquis de Vaudreuil has also sustained a loss in the
+sinking of the Magnifique, in the harbor of Boston. Congress have
+endeavored to repair this, by presenting the America to his Majesty.
+
+The troops from Virginia have joined those on the Hudson. Our army is
+in noble order at present; you will be charmed to see our countrymen
+well dressed, since you used to admire them even in their rags.
+
+I send you the papers for a month back; they contain all our public
+news, and some particulars worthy your attention.
+
+I am, my Dear Sir, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+ Philadelphia, November 2d, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+The confusion occasioned by the misfortune of the Eagle, and the delay
+that the gentlemen who saved their baggage experienced in getting
+here, prevented my receiving your favor of the 25th and 29th of July
+till the last of September, although I had acknowledged the receipt of
+the letters, by the same conveyance, much earlier.
+
+Your letter contained so much important matter, that it was laid
+before Congress, for knowing it would be advantageous to you and place
+your assiduity and attention to their interests in its strongest
+point of light. I choose to consider most of yours as public letters;
+this last was particularly acceptable, as neither Dr Franklin nor Mr
+Jay had been so explicit, as we had reason to expect. Our system of
+politics has been so much the same for a long time, tending only to
+one point, a determination to support the war till we can make peace
+in conjunction with our allies, that the whole history of our Cabinet
+amounts to nothing more than a reiteration of the same sentiments in
+different language; and so plain is our political path, so steadily do
+we walk in it, that I can add nothing to what I have already written
+you on that subject.
+
+The events of the campaign are as uninteresting; the inactivity and
+caution of the enemy have given us leisure to form the finest army
+this country ever saw, while they conspire to render that army useless
+for the present. The troops are gone into winter quarters; ours at
+Fishkill, West Point, and its vicinity; the French as far east as
+Hartford.
+
+This day we are informed from New York, that fourteen sail of the
+line, one of forty guns, and seven frigates, sailed from thence on the
+26th. We cannot learn that they had troops on board or under convoy.
+
+The Magnifique is lost, I believe without hope of recovery. She will,
+however, be well replaced by the America, which all accounts concur in
+calling a fine ship. But unless your fleet is very considerably
+strengthened in those seas, another campaign may slip away as
+uselessly as the last; for I see no reason to suppose, while Lord
+Shelburne is at the head of Administration, that the negotiations for
+peace will wear a serious aspect. I believe with you, that his royal
+master is set upon risking everything, rather than acknowledge our
+independence, and as he possesses the art of seduction in a very
+eminent degree, it will require more firmness to resist his
+solicitations, than is generally found among courtiers. I am very much
+pleased to hear that the siege of Gibraltar is at last undertaken,
+with some prospects of success. This I sincerely wish. England has
+found in that single fortress a more powerful ally than any other she
+could make in Europe. It has for the most part employed the navy of
+Spain, and cost them five ships of the line.
+
+You need feel no anxiety on the score of an apology for your absence;
+everybody here attributes it to its true cause, and considers it as a
+new proof of your attachment to the interests of America.
+
+The papers I send with this will serve to confirm this assertion. I
+thank you for the acquaintance of the Prince de Broglio and the Count
+de Segur; they handed me your letters the day I was unfortunately
+obliged to leave town. They have, however, promised to be here this
+winter, and to give me an opportunity of consoling myself for your
+absence by the attention they will enable me to show to those you
+love. Your brother-in-law is gone I find to the siege of Gibraltar. I
+beg you to write particularly to remind him of his American friends.
+He shall hear from me by the first opportunity; in the meanwhile, tell
+him he will not do justice to our expectations if he neglects to
+promote the great object, which we discussed together a little before
+he left this country, foreseeing then that he would ere long be called
+to Spain. I ought not to conclude this without informing you, that the
+chair of state is transferred to Mr Boudinot, Mr Hanson's term having
+expired.
+
+I am, my Dear Sir, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONGRESS.
+
+ Brest, December 3d, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+I have the honor to beg the attention of Congress upon a subject,
+which, though it appears personal, may bring about events of public
+utility.
+
+On a past voyage I have had the happiness to return with such means as
+proved useful to the United States, and when I embarked last, I had a
+leave of absence till such a time as I would think proper.
+
+What has been done respecting former demands of money, has been
+communicated to Congress. As to the late ones, I leave it to the
+Ministers of Congress to give an account of those transactions.
+
+I have the heartfelt happiness to think, that I did not leave
+Versailles until I had, to the utmost, exerted every means in my
+power; and I wish they had been an aid to promote every view of
+Congress and every interest of the United States.
+
+The Ministers of Congress in Europe have in former letters acquainted
+them with the request they made, that I should defer my departure to
+America. They thought I might serve her in the political field, and I
+yielded to their opinion.
+
+Now, Sir, that I am going to embark, I have done it by their advice.
+Upon the voyage, the mode and the time of it, I have taken their
+opinion, and it has been, that I was acting consistent with the
+interests of America, and the instructions of General Washington. But
+I could not submit to think, that any member of Congress, might, from
+public report, imagine that I enlarge so far their permission, as to
+follow pursuits, that would not particularly promote the views of
+America; and as they do not choose being intruded upon with minute
+details of military plans, let it suffice to say, that I beg leave to
+refer them to the opinion of General Washington.
+
+With a heart bound to America by every sentiment of a grateful, an
+everlasting, and, I may add, a patriotic love,
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 10th, 1783.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+I was honored by yours of the 14th of October last. It contains much
+useful information, and upon the whole exhibits a pleasing picture of
+our affairs in Europe. Here the scene is more chequered with good and
+evil; the last I think predominates. The want of money has excited
+very serious discontents in the army. They have formed committees. A
+very respectable one, with General McDougal at their head, is now
+here. Their demands, though strictly just, are such as Congress have
+not the means of satisfying. The states upon whom they call, complain
+of inability. Peace is wished for with more anxiety than it should be;
+wearied out with the length of the war, the people will reluctantly
+submit to the burdens they bore at the beginning of it; in short,
+peace becomes necessary. If the war continues we shall lean heavier
+upon France than we have done. If peace is made she must add one
+obligation more to those she has already imposed. She must enable us
+to pay off our army; or we may find the reward of her exertions and
+ours suspended longer than we could wish.
+
+Charleston is at length evacuated; the enemy made a convention with
+General Greene and were suffered to depart in peace. In one of the
+papers I send you, you will see the general orders at going off.
+
+The embarkation of your army, before the war in this country had
+closed, gave me some pain. Their stay might have answered useful
+political purposes, had they been at hand to operate against New York,
+which they will not otherwise quit.
+
+Congress saw this in its true light, but were too delicate to mention
+it; I enclose their resolutions on being apprized of it. You speak of
+operations in America. I agree with you, that they are devoutly to be
+wished, both by France and by us; but if they are to depend upon
+operations in the West Indies, it is ten to one but they fail. The
+machine is too complex. If it is to be worked in any part by Spanish
+springs, the chance against it is still greater, for whatever the
+latter may be in Europe, in the West Indies they lose their
+elasticity.
+
+The great cause between Connecticut and Pennsylvania has been decided
+in favor of the latter. It is a singular event. There are few
+instances of independent States submitting their cause to a Court of
+Justice. The day will come, when all disputes in the great republic of
+Europe will be tried in the same way; and America be quoted to
+exemplify the wisdom of the measure.
+
+Adieu my Dear Sir, continue to love this country, for though she owes
+you much, she will repay you all with interest, when in ages to come
+she records you with her patriots and heroes.
+
+I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, with the sincerest esteem and
+regard, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, AT MADRID.
+
+ Cadiz, January 20th, 1783.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Your letter of the 14th has this day come to hand. The occasion of it
+I lament, but it becomes my duty to answer it.
+
+From an early period, I had the happiness to rank among the foremost
+in the American revolution. In the affection and confidence of the
+people, I am proud to say, I have a great share. Congress honors me so
+far as to direct, that I am to be consulted by their European
+Ministers, which circumstances I do not mention out of vanity, but
+only to show, that in giving my opinion, I am called upon by dictates
+of honor and duty, which it becomes me to obey.
+
+The measure being right, it is beneath me to wait for a private
+opportunity. Public concerns have a great weight with me, but nothing
+upon earth can intimidate me into selfish considerations. To my
+opinion you are entitled, and I offer it with the freedom of a heart
+that ever shall be independent.
+
+To France you owe a great deal; to others you owe nothing. As a
+Frenchman, whose heart is glowing with patriotism, I enjoy the part
+France has acted, and the connexion she has made. As an American, I
+acknowledge the obligation, and in that I think true dignity consists;
+but dignity forbade our sending abroad political forlorn hopes, and I
+ever objected to the condescension; the more so, as a French treaty
+had secured their allies to you; and because America is more likely to
+receive advances, than to need throwing herself at other people's
+feet.
+
+The particulars of the negotiation with Spain I do not dwell upon. In
+my opinion they were wrong, but I may be mistaken. Certain it is, that
+an exchange of Ministers ought to have been, and now an exchange of
+powers must be, upon equal footing. What England has done is nothing,
+either as to the right or the mode. The right consisted in the
+people's will, the mode depends upon a consciousness of American
+dignity. But if Spain has hitherto declined to acknowledge what the
+elder branch of the Bourbons thought honorable to declare, yet will it
+be too strange, that England ranks before her in the date and the
+benefits of the acknowledgment.
+
+There are more powers than you know of, who are making advances to
+America; some of them I have personally received; but you easily guess
+that no treaty would be so pleasing as the one with Spain. The three
+natural enemies of Britain should be strongly united. The French
+alliance is everlasting, but such a treaty between the friends of
+France is a new tie of confidence and affection. The Spaniards are
+slow in their motions, but strong in their attachments. From a regard
+to them, but still more out of regard to France, we must have more
+patience with them than with any other nation in Europe.
+
+But peace is likely to be made, and how then can the man, who advised
+against your going at all, propose your remaining at a Court where you
+are not decently treated? Congress, I hope, and through them the whole
+nation, do not intend their dignity to be trifled with, and, for my
+part, I have no inclination to betray the confidence of the American
+people. I expect peace, and I expect Spain to act by you with
+propriety; but should they hesitate to treat you as a public servant
+of the United States, then, however disagreeable the task, Mr
+Carmichael had better go to Paris where France may stand a mediator,
+and through that generous common friend, we may come to the wished for
+connexion with the Court of Spain.
+
+With a high regard and sincere affection, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Cadiz, February 5th, 1783.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+On the 7th of December, I had the honor to write to you from Brest,
+and my letters down to that date have contained accounts of our
+political affairs. Since which time, I have been taken up in
+preparations of a plan that would have turned out to the advantage of
+America; indeed, it exceeded my first expectations, and to my great
+surprise, the King of Spain had not only consented his forces should
+co-operate with us, but on the consideration of obtaining a necessary
+diversion, he had been induced by Count d'Estaing to approve my being
+detached into Canada with a French force. Nay, had the war continued,
+I think that, if not for love, at least on political motives, they
+would have consented to offer pecuniary assistance.
+
+The conditions of the peace I do not dwell upon. I hope they are such
+as will be agreeable in America. They have no doubt been sent from
+France, and the part that respects the United States will have been
+immediately forwarded for their ratification. I do not hope to send
+you the first tidings of a general peace. Yet I have prevailed upon a
+small vessel to alter her course, and my own servant is going with the
+despatches, to prevent either neglect or other accidental delays.
+
+On the moment of my arrival at Cadiz, I began a close correspondence
+with Mr Carmichael. It at first respected money matters, but soon took
+a still more important turn. Having been officially asked my advice
+upon his future conduct, I gave it in a letter, of which the enclosed
+is a copy. Whatever light my opinion may appear in at Madrid, or
+elsewhere, I think it is consistent with the dignity of the United
+States. Now, Sir, while enjoying the hope of being in a few weeks on
+the American shore, I have a letter from Mr Carmichael, wherein he
+requests my assistance at Madrid. How far it may serve him I do not
+know; but since I am thought useful, I shall yield to my zeal for the
+service of America, I readily give up personal gratifications. On my
+arrival at Madrid, I shall have the honor to give you my opinion of
+our situation there. Among the Spaniards we have but few well wishers,
+and as they, at the bottom, hate cordially the French, our alliance,
+though a political, is not a sentimental consideration with them. But
+I wish a settlement of boundaries may remove the more immediate
+prospects of dispute. It is, I believe, very important to America; the
+more so, as she became a national ally to France, a national enemy to
+Britain. But the Spaniards will be forever extravagant in their
+territorial notions, and very jealous of the increase of American
+wealth and power. But it is good policy for us to be upon friendly
+terms with them, and I wish on my return to Paris, that I may carry
+for Mr Jay some hopes of better success in his Spanish negotiation.
+
+I have just heard that both Floridas were given to Spain. This
+accounts for Lord Shelburne's condescension in fixing our Southern
+limits. The people of Florida will, I hope, remove into Georgia. But
+the Spaniards will insist upon a pretended right to an extent of
+country all along the left shore of the Mississippi. Not that they
+mean to occupy it, but because they are afraid of neighbors that have
+a spirit of liberty. I am sorry those people have the Floridas. But as
+we cannot help it, we must endeavor to frustrate Lord Shelburne's
+views, which I presume are bent upon a dispute between Spain and the
+United States. A day will come, I hope, when Europeans will have
+little to do on the northern continent; and God grant it may ever be
+for the happiness of mankind and the propagation of liberty.
+
+On the perusal of my letter to Mr Carmichael, I beg you will remember
+it is calculated to undergo the inspection of both cabinets at
+Versailles and Madrid; and to be a proof against the unfriendly
+connexions of a Spanish Ministry. Be pleased to tell Mr Morris, that I
+remember his want of money extends further than occasions of war. At
+the time of my leaving France, I had been made to hope, but do not
+know for the present what has taken place. On my arrival at Madrid, I
+will be very attentive to that point, but shall take care to preserve
+the dignity of the United States, of which I have a proper and exalted
+sense.
+
+In my determination to go to Madrid, I have consulted with Mr
+Harrison, a gentleman whose residence at this place enables him to
+know a great deal about the Spaniards. He has to this moment acted as
+a consul in this place; so far at least, as to serve his countrymen,
+and spend his own money; for he has no public character, and what he
+has done he undertook at Mr Jay's request. There ought, I think, to be
+a consul at this place, and if the appointment is deferred, several
+inconveniences will be laid upon the American trade. There is no
+gentleman, exclusive of what his voluntary services deserve, who could
+better fill the place than Mr Harrison, and was I to take the freedom
+to advise, I would warmly recommend him for the appointment.
+
+So far as we know of the Spanish preliminaries, they give up their
+claim upon having Gibraltar, but keep Mahon, and have the two
+Floridas. The islands of Providence are returned to England. We hourly
+expect a French courier. Tobago excepted, they gave up their conquests
+in the West Indies, and have St Lucia again. Before the vessel is gone
+I hope to be more particular. As to the American preliminaries, they
+have long ago been sent to Philadelphia.
+
+While I am writing a French courier is arrived. Enclosed you will find
+an extract of the preliminaries, such as they are, sent to me. May I
+beg you will please to communicate my letter to General Washington,
+though it is a public one, I may ask the favor from you, as I would
+otherwise have sent him a copy of it.
+
+With the highest regard, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+_P. S._ I have just received a note from the French Ambassador at
+Madrid, whereby I find that my letter had a good effect.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Cadiz, February 5th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Whatever despatch I make in sending a vessel, I do not flatter myself
+to apprize Congress with the news of a general peace; yet such are my
+feelings on the occasion, that I cannot defer presenting them with my
+congratulations. Upon their knowledge of my heart, I depend more than
+upon expressions, which are so far inadequate to my sentiments. Our
+early times I recollect with a most pleasing sense of pride; our
+present ones make me easy and happy. To futurity I look forward in the
+most delightful prospects.
+
+Former letters have acquainted Congress, that, upon my intending to
+leave France, I had been detained by their Commissioners. To my letter
+of the 3d of December I beg leave to refer them for a further account
+of my conduct.
+
+Now the noble contest is ended, and I heartily rejoice at the
+blessings of peace. Fortynine ships of the line and twenty thousand
+men are now here, with whom Count d'Estaing was to join the combined
+forces in the West Indies; and during the summer they were to
+co-operate with our American army. Nay, it had lately been granted,
+that, whilst Count d'Estaing acted elsewhere, I should enter the St
+Lawrence river at the head of a French corps. So far as respects me, I
+have no regret, but, independent of personal gratifications, it is
+known that I ever was bent upon the addition of Canada to the United
+States.
+
+On the happy prospect of peace I had prepared to go to America. Never
+did an idea please me so much as the hope to rejoice with those to
+whom I have been a companion in our labors; but however painful the
+delay, I now must defer my departure. In the discharge of my duty to
+America no sacrifice shall ever be wanting, and when it had pleased
+Congress to direct that their Ministers should consult with me, it
+became my first concern to deserve their confidence.
+
+From my letter to Mr Livingston an opinion may be formed of our
+situation in Spain; my advice has been called for, and I have given
+it; my presence is requested, and instead of sailing for America, I am
+going to Madrid, being so far on my way; and as Mr Jay is in Paris, I
+think it is better for me to go there. But unless Congress shall honor
+me with their commands, I shall embark in the course of June, and am
+eager for the moment when I may again enjoy the sight of the American
+shores.
+
+Now, Sir, our noble cause has prevailed; our independence is firmly
+settled, and American virtue enjoys its reward. No exertions, I hope,
+will now be wanting to strengthen the Federal Union.
+
+May the States be so bound to each other, as forever to defy European
+politics. Upon that union their consequence, their happiness, will
+depend. This is the first wish of a heart more truly American than
+words can express.
+
+With the highest respect I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Madrid, February 19th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Having had the honor to confer with your Excellency on the objects
+relative to the United States, and being soon to repair to the
+American Congress, I wish to be fully impressed with the result of our
+conversations. Instead of the indifference, and even of the divisions,
+which another nation would be glad to foresee, I am happy to have it
+in my power to inform the United States of your good dispositions. It
+is to you, Sir, I am indebted for this advantage, and in order to make
+it complete, and to make myself certain that I forget nothing, give me
+leave to submit to your Excellency the account which I intend to lay
+before Congress.
+
+His Catholic Majesty desires, that a lasting confidence and harmony
+may subsist between him and the United States, and he is determined on
+his part to do everything that will be necessary to keep it up. The
+American _Charge d'Affaires_ is at this moment received as such, and
+your Excellency is going to treat of the interests of the two
+nations. As you wish to show Mr Jay every kind of regard, you wait
+only till the Count d'Aranda shall have notified your dispositions to
+him, before you present Mr Carmichael to his Majesty.
+
+With respect to the limits, his Catholic Majesty has adopted those
+that are determined by the preliminaries of the 30th of November,
+between the United States and the Court of London. The fear of raising
+an object of dissension, is the only objection the King has to the
+free navigation of the river Mississippi. The Virginia tobacco, and
+the naval stores, may furnish matter for reciprocal conventions in the
+treaty, and by means of the productions of America, arrangements might
+be made which would be useful to her finances. When I had the honor to
+speak to you in favor of a diminution of the duties on codfish, you
+answered, that it would be necessary to give to France a similar
+advantage, and that by virtue of former treaties, the English might
+set up pretensions to the same; but that you will do in every respect
+all that will be in your power to satisfy America.
+
+I would with very great pleasure touch upon every detail, which may enter
+into a connexion between Spain and the United States, but I am not to
+be concerned in this happy work. The Ministers of the United States,
+and the one whom you may send thither are to make it their business,
+and I content myself with reminding you of the general ideas you have
+given me. A word from you will satisfy me that I have not omitted
+anything. The dispositions of his Catholic Majesty, and the candor of
+your Excellency, will leave no pretexts for misrepresentations. The
+alliance of the House of Bourbon with the United States is founded on
+reciprocal interest; it will still acquire greater strength from the
+confidence which your Excellency wishes to establish.
+
+Such, Sir, are the conclusions, which I have drawn from our
+conferences, and the account which I intend to give to Congress,
+without having any mission for that purpose. I am acquainted with the
+sentiments of Congress, and I am convinced they will set a just value
+upon your dispositions. In permitting me to acquaint them with these
+particulars, you will have a claim to my personal gratitude. To the
+assurance of this I join that of the respect, with which I have the
+honor, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Pardo, February 22d, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I cannot comply better with your desire, than by asking your leave to
+give you here my answer. You have perfectly well understood whatever I
+have had the honor to communicate to you, with respect to our
+dispositions towards the United States. I shall only add, that
+although it is his Majesty's intentions to abide, for the present, by
+the limits established by the treaty of the 30th of November, 1782,
+between the English and the Americans, yet the King intends to inform
+himself particularly whether it can be in any ways inconvenient or
+prejudicial to settle that affair amicably with the United States.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Madrid, February 22d, 1783.
+
+On receiving the answer of the Count de Florida Blanca, I desired an
+explanation respecting the addition that relates to the limits. I was
+answered, that it was a fixed principle to abide by the limits
+established by the treaty between the English and Americans, that his
+remarks related only to mere unimportant details, which he wished to
+receive from the Spanish commandants, which would be amicably
+regulated, and would by no means oppose the general principle. I asked
+him, before the Ambassador of France, whether he could give me his
+word of honor for it. He answered me, he would, and that I might
+engage it to the United States.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Bordeaux, March 2d, 1783.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Upon the news of a general peace, I had the honor to write to you, and
+took the liberty to address Congress in a letter, of which the
+enclosed is a duplicate. Those despatches have been sent by the
+Triomphe, a French vessel, and by her you will also have received a
+note of the general preliminaries.
+
+The reasons of my going from Cadiz to Madrid being known to you, I
+shall only inform you, that upon my arrival there, I waited upon the
+King, and paid a visit to the Count de Florida Blanca. Independent of
+my letter to Mr Carmichael, of which you have a copy, I had very
+openly said, that I expected to return with him to Paris. So that
+after the first compliments, it was easy for me to turn the
+conversation upon American affairs. I did it with the more advantage,
+as I had beforehand fully conversed with Mr Carmichael, who gave me
+his opinion upon every point, and I was happy to find it coincided
+with mine.
+
+In the course of our conversation, I could see, that American
+independence gives some umbrage to the Spanish Ministry. They fear the
+loss of their Colonies, and the success of our revolution appears to
+be an encouragement to this fear. Upon this subject their King has odd
+notions, as he has indeed upon everything. The reception of Mr
+Carmichael they wanted to procrastinate, and yet they knew it must be
+done. In offering my opinion to Count de Florida Blanca, I did it in a
+very free manner. I rejected every idea of delay. I gave a description
+of America, and of each of the States, of which Count de Florida
+Blanca appeared to know very little. While I abated their fears from
+our quarter, I endeavored to awaken them upon other accounts. It is
+useless to mention the particulars of this conversation, which lasted
+very long, and which he promised to lay before the King. In two days
+he said he should pay me a visit at Madrid.[2]
+
+Agreeably to the appointment, I waited for Count de Florida Blanca,
+and there, in presence of the French Ambassador, he told me that the
+King had determined immediately to receive the Envoy from the United
+States. Our conversation was also very long, and I owe Count de
+Montmorin the credit to say, that not only at that time, but in every
+instance where he could operate on the Count de Florida Blanca in our
+favor, he threw in all the weight of the influence of France.
+
+It was on Wednesday that I received Count de Florida Blanca's visit.
+In conformity with the Spanish style, he endeavored to delay our
+affairs. I took the liberty to say, that on Saturday I must set out,
+and it was at last fixed that on Friday, Mr Carmichael should deliver
+his credentials, and on Saturday would be invited to the dinner of the
+foreign Ministers.
+
+As to more important matters, I conversed upon the affair of limits,
+and upon the navigation of the Mississippi, to the last of which
+points I found him very repugnant. I spoke upon the codfish duties. I
+wanted to have a preference engaged for in writing, upon all bargains
+respecting tobacco and naval stores; in a word, I did my best, and
+would have been more particular in point of money, had not the
+Minister's answer put it out of my power to do it in any other way,
+than such as was inconsistent with the dignity of the United States.
+
+As Count de Florida Blanca was taking leave, I told him that my memory
+must be somewhat aided. I proposed writing to him, and getting from
+him an answer. To this he first objected, but afterwards consented,
+saying, however, that his word was as good as his writing. And as I
+had been sometimes a little high toned with him in behalf of America,
+he added, that Spain was sincere in her desire to form an everlasting
+friendship, but did not act out of fear. I had before observed, that
+it was on Spain's account that I wished for a good understanding
+between her and America.
+
+The reading of my letter, a copy of which I enclose, will better
+inform you of the points that have been either wholly or partially
+granted. I endeavored to make the best of our conversations, and to
+engage him as far as I could. On the other hand, I kept our side clear
+of any engagement, which it was easy for me to do in my private
+capacity. I did not even go so far as general professions. But since I
+had been called there, I desired only to induce him into concessions
+that might serve the purposes of Mr Jay. My letter was delivered on
+Thursday. The next day I accompanied Mr Carmichael, who is much and
+universally beloved and respected in that country. On Saturday, before
+dinner, I received the answer, which for fear of ambiguities, I had
+requested to be given at the end of the letter. A sentence of the
+answer I made him explain before the French Ambassador. Herein are
+joined those copies, and I keep the original for Mr Jay, whose
+political aid de camp I have thus been. I have of course referred to
+him everything, and this negotiation, wherein he has exercised the
+virtue of patience, will now require his care and his abilities. The
+Ministers of some powers, Prussia among them, having asked me if
+Congress would be willing to make an advance towards them, I have
+answered, that the United States ought in my opinion not to make, but
+to receive advances.
+
+At the same time I was employed in conversation with Count de Florida
+Blanca, I did not neglect speaking upon the same subject with the
+other Ministers. M. de Galvez, in whose department the Indies are,
+appears much averse to the English limit. He has for the present sent
+orders to the Spanish governors, to abide by those limits, and an
+official copy of those orders has been promised to me. But M. de
+Galvez was of opinion, that those limits would not do. I have
+therefore thought it proper, officially by writing, and before
+witnesses, so effectually to bind them, that the affair of limits
+cannot now but be settled on their side. Independent of their hand
+writing, France, through her Ambassador, is a witness to the
+engagement; and yet, being in a private capacity, I took care not to
+engage America to anything.
+
+Never was a man further from a partiality for Spain than I am. But I
+think I now have left them in a sincere and steady intention to
+cultivate the friendship of America. The French party at that Court
+will be for it. They labor under fits of occasional madness. They have
+an ill conducted pride. It is disagreeable to treat with them, and
+their own interest does not persuade them out of their prejudices. But
+though they had rather there were not such a place as North America,
+they are truly and earnestly desirous to maintain a good harmony and
+live in friendship and neighborly union with the United States. The
+Mississippi is the great affair. I think it is the interest of America
+to be well with Spain, at least for many years; and particularly on
+account of the French alliance; so that I very much wish success to Mr
+Jay's negotiations. I have advised Mr Carmichael to continue his
+conferences, and I think they will be of service.
+
+On my arrival at this city, I hear that Lord Shelburne is out of
+place, and has been succeeded by Lord North. But I cannot give it as
+certain. The American flag has already made its appearance before the
+city of London.
+
+Upon the principles of an unbounded zeal for America, can I be
+permitted to repeat, that every American patriot must wish that the
+federal union between the States may continue to receive additional
+strength? Upon that intimate national union their happiness and their
+consequence depend.
+
+Hoping that my voluntary excursion to Madrid may have somewhat
+prepared the way to fulfil the intentions of Congress, I hasten to
+join Mr Jay, whose abilities will improve the account I shall lay
+before him.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the most affectionate regard, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[2] The Court was then at Pardo.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 1st, 1783.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+I am now to acknowledge your favor of the 5th of February, by the
+Triomphe, and that of the 2d of March, from Bordeaux. You were the
+happy messenger of glad tidings on both occasions. Before her arrival
+we had received no account of the signature of the general
+preliminaries, or of the cessation of hostilities. You can easily
+conceive the joyful reception it met with here, where we began to be
+heartily tired of the war; nor was it less welcome intelligence to the
+army, than to the other citizens of America.
+
+The second letter, which promises a happy settlement of all
+differences with Spain, was flattering to those among us who knew the
+importance of her friendship, both in a commercial and political view.
+Congress feel themselves under great obligations to you, for the ardor
+you discovered in accelerating this happy event; and the address with
+which you placed it in such a train as to make it difficult for the
+Spanish Minister to go back from his engagements.
+
+By this conveyance I send our Ministers the ratification of the
+provisional articles. Carleton and Digby have sent out their
+prisoners, and we are making arrangements to send in ours. Congress
+having determined on their part to do, not only all that good faith
+may require, but by this mark of confidence to convince them, that
+they have no doubt of the sincerity of their professions. Our
+Ministers will show you the letters that have passed between Carleton
+and me. Some among us, from finding nothing yet done that leads to the
+evacuation of New York, have been apprehensive that the British will
+effect delays on that subject, till the tories are satisfied, which I
+can venture to tell you in confidence they never will be unless the
+English shall on their part repair all the cruel losses they have
+unnecessarily occasioned. I this moment received a letter from the
+General, informing me, that he had proposed a personal interview with
+Carleton, in hopes of learning something of his intentions with
+respect to the evacuation, but I fear he will be deceived in this
+hope, if I may judge from the debates of the 3d of March, which prove
+that no orders had then been transmitted.
+
+I cannot leave writing, without expressing how sincerely I agree with
+you, in your wishes that unanimity may prevail, and the band of union
+among us be strengthened; there is no thinking man here, who does not
+at the same time feel the necessity and lament the difficulty of
+effecting a measure, on which our happiness so greatly depends.
+Congress have made some general arrangements in their finances, which
+if adopted by the several States, will render our national debt a
+national tie, which time and experience may strengthen. Our Ministers
+will show you those resolutions; I will not therefore unnecessarily
+burden Colonel Ogden with them. For general information I refer you to
+him,
+
+And have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Chavaniac, in the Province of}
+ Auvergne, July 20th, 1783. }
+
+ Sir,
+
+Having been for some days in the country, where I am waiting for the
+arrival of the Triomphe I am honored with your Excellency's favor of
+the 12th of April, which I hasten to acknowledge. It is for me a great
+happiness to think, that Congress have been pleased to approve my
+conduct, and that an early intelligence has proved useful to our
+American trade. To my great satisfaction I also hear, that my
+endeavors in Spain have been agreeable to Congress. Upon my arrival in
+Paris I made Mr Jay acquainted with my proceedings. The concessions I
+had obtained from the Spanish Court (without any on our part) were
+also put into his hands. Since which I could have no more to do in the
+negotiations, wherein I had taken the part of a temporary volunteer.
+
+However repeated may have been the marks of confidence, which Congress
+have conferred upon me, they ever fill my heart with a new
+satisfaction. What you have mentioned respecting payment of debts,
+will of course become my first and most interesting object. I have
+warmly applied to the French Ministry, and will on that point solicit
+the confidence of the gentlemen in the American Commission. But upon
+hearing of an opportunity, I could not an instant defer to acknowledge
+your Excellency's letter. Agreeably to the last despatches, I am
+waiting for the orders which I hope to receive by the Triomphe. Any
+commands which Congress may have for me, shall be cheerfully executed,
+by one of their earliest soldiers, whose happiness it is to think,
+that at a less smiling moment he had the honor to be adopted by
+America, and whose blood, exertions, and affections, will in her good
+times, as they have been in her worst, be entirely at her service.
+
+It appears Russia is determined upon a Turkish war, and should they
+give it up now, the matter would only be postponed. What part the
+Emperor is to take, we cannot at present so well determine. Whenever
+the way is opened to me, I endeavor to do that which may prove
+agreeable to Congress, and intend to keep them acquainted with
+political occurrences. It is a pleasing idea for me now to think, that
+nothing can derange our glorious state of liberty and independence.
+Nothing, I say, for I hope measures will be taken to consolidate the
+Federal Union, and by those means to defeat European arts, and insure
+eternal tranquillity.
+
+With the highest respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+_P. S._ Congress have no doubt received accurate accounts respecting
+the affair of free ports. On my arrival from Spain, I found that
+Bayonne and Dunkirk had been pitched upon, and I immediately applied
+for L'Orient and Marseilles. L'Orient is by far the most convenient on
+the coast, and we now have got it. That being done, I am again
+applying for Bayonne, which has some advantages, and I wish Congress
+would send orders to Mr Barclay. In the meanwhile, the more free ports
+we have the better. This affair of free ports, the subject which
+Congress have recommended, and the despatches I am directed to expect
+by the Triomphe, will determine the time when, having no more American
+business here, I may indulge my ardent desire to return to the
+beloved shores of America.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Nantes, September 7th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In consequence of the late arrangements, the French September packet
+is about to sail, and I beg your Excellency's leave to improve that
+regular, speedy, and safe opportunity. At the same time, Congress will
+receive a definitive treaty. But upon this point, since I left Madrid,
+my services have not been wanting. From our Commissioners, Congress
+will of course receive better information. This one object I must
+however mention, which respects American debts. As soon as I knew the
+wishes of Congress, I did, as I ever shall in such a case, earnestly
+apply to the French Ministry and the American Commissioners. But I was
+answered that it could not be done, and did not even consist with the
+powers of the British Ministry. After which, and at that time of the
+negotiation, I had no means to improve the hint I had received from
+your Excellency.
+
+As to mercantile affairs in France, Mr Barclay will acquaint Congress
+with their present situation. Bayonne and Dunkirk having been pointed
+out as American free ports, and the opinion of Congress not being
+known, I took upon myself to represent the harbor of L'Orient as
+preferable to either of those abovementioned. It has lately been made
+a free port; and I now wish the affair of Bayonne may be again taken
+up. Those three ports, with Marseilles, would make a very proper
+chain, and in the meanwhile, I hope L'Orient will prove agreeable to
+the American merchants.
+
+There now exist in this kingdom many obstacles to trade, which I hope,
+by little and little, will be eradicated, and from the great national
+advantages of this country over England, it will of course result that
+a French trade, generally speaking, must prove more beneficial to
+America. Upon many articles of American produce I wish preference may
+be obtained from this government, and besides commercial benefits in
+Europe, your Excellency feels that West India arrangements cannot
+easily be adjusted, with European notions and at the present costs.
+Upon those objects, Mr Barclay has had, and again will have,
+conferences with the Ministers. Circumstanced as we now are, he is,
+and the Commissioners also are of opinion, that my presence in France
+may be serviceable. As he was pleased to apply to me on the subject,
+saying he would mention the matter to Congress, and as their orders
+which I was to expect have not yet reached me, I think it my present
+duty, and it ever shall be my rule, to do that in which I hope to
+serve the United States.
+
+Warlike preparations are still going on in the eastward. Immediately
+after she had signed a commercial treaty with the Turks, it pleased
+the Empress of Russia to seize upon the Crimea under a frivolous
+pretence. Her armies are ready to take the field, stores and troops
+have been collected upon the borders of the Black Sea, and the Turks
+are making immense, but I think not very formidable, preparations. By
+our last accounts the Austrians were gathering upon those borders,
+which lead towards an invasion of Turkish Provinces; and it is thought
+by many, that for fear of the plague, the two Imperial powers will
+prefer winter operations. How far matters may be carried, or
+compromised, cannot yet be well determined. What part France, Prussia,
+and England will take, is not yet known. The Levant trade cannot but
+be interested in the affair.
+
+In every American concern, Sir, my motives are so pure, my sentiments
+so candid, my attachments so warm and so long experienced, that from
+me nothing, I hope, will appear intruding or improper. Upon many
+points lately debated, my opinions, if worth a remark, are well and
+generally known. But I must frankly add, that the effect which some
+late transactions have upon European minds cannot but make me uneasy.
+In the difficulties, which a patriotic and deserving army have met
+with, Europeans have been misled to conceive a want of public
+gratitude. In the opinions that have from every quarter been stated,
+Europeans have also mistaken partial notions for a want of disposition
+to the Federal Union; and, without that Union, Sir, the United States
+cannot preserve that dignity, that vigor, that power, which insures
+the glory and the happiness of a great, liberal, and independent
+nation. Nay, it would be ill fate to us, who have worked, fought, and
+bled in this cause, to see the United States a prey to the snares of
+European politics. But I am only mentioning the opinions of men on
+this side of the water, and in my heart, I hope everything will be
+adjusted to the satisfaction of that part of the citizens, who have
+served in the army, and that other part in the civil line, who, during
+the war, have sympathised with their troops. I, above every other
+earthly wish, most fervently pray, that the enemies of liberty, or
+such as are jealous of America, may not have the pleasure to see us
+deviate from the principles of the Federal Union. And upon a
+recollection of my introductory apology, I hope the observations I
+humbly offer will be as kindly received, as they are respectfully and
+affectionately presented.
+
+When it is thought my presence here can be dispensed with, or in case
+the situation of affairs should persuade me it were more useful in
+America, I will not delay to join a wished for and beloved land. Any
+orders or commands whatever, which Congress may be pleased to give me,
+I shall most cheerfully obey; and as every moment in my life is
+devoted to the love and respect of the United States, so will it ever
+be my happiness to serve them.
+
+With every sentiment of an affectionate regard, I have the honor to
+be, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Paris, December 26th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Having received no commands from Congress by the last packet, I must,
+however, trespass upon their time to give them a few hints respecting
+American commerce. I have of course directed them to Mr Morris; and
+although Dr Franklin (the other Ministers being in England) will give
+you political intelligence, I cannot help adding, that by a refined
+piece of cunning, the King of England has got Mr Fox out of the
+Ministry. After having entangled him by a success in the House of
+Commons, he found means to stop him short in the House of Lords; in
+consequence of which Mr Fox has been dismissed. Mr Pitt, and the last
+of the Temples called in, and the new administration, (Lord North
+being also out) necessitates the calling of a new Parliament.
+
+The affairs between Russia and the Ottoman Empire are still
+negotiating, and although in my opinion a war cannot be much deferred
+in that quarter, there is no probability of its taking place so soon
+as next summer. The Emperor is in Italy, upon which some say he has
+also got an eye, and there he will meet with the King of Sweden. There
+is no change in the French Ministry, since M. de Calonne has succeeded
+to M. de Omillon, and Baron de Breteuil to M. Amelot, both of whom are
+more sensible than their predecessors.
+
+Unless I have some commands from Congress to execute in Europe, I
+shall in the Spring embark for America, and present them with the
+personal homage of one, whose happiness is to feel himself forever a
+zealous member in the service of the United States.
+
+With the utmost regard, and affectionate attachment, I have the honor
+to be, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY, SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
+
+ Mount Vernon, November 25th, 1784.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Although I hope in a few days to have the pleasure of seeing you, I
+must beg leave to mention a matter, which has not a little hurt my
+feelings. You probably know that on my way, passing through New York,
+and particularly on my visit to Albany, it was intimated my presence
+at the Indian treaty would be of some use to the public. At Fort
+Schuyler I was desired to speak to the Indians, which I did, and the
+Commissioners had the papers filled up with their other transactions.
+But copies were taken, which was thought then a matter of no
+consequence. The enclosed letter from Mr St John, and the gazette that
+accompanied it, will show you that from the most obliging and humble
+motives in the world, he attempted to translate and print such
+incorrect parts of the relation as he had been able to come at. Had
+his kind intentions only given him an instant to reflect, he might
+have seen the impropriety of that measure, but in the meanwhile, it
+looks as if it had my consent; and such deviation is it from the
+manner in which our servants of the United States ever did business,
+that out of respect for Congress, for the Commissioners, and myself, I
+could not rest easy until the matter should be fully explained.
+Enclosed in my letter to the French Consul, which, after you have
+taken out such extracts as you think proper, I beg you will seal up
+and send by the bearer. Indeed, my Dear Sir, upon your friendship I
+depend to have this little circumstance officially laid before
+Congress, and should these letters be worth their reading, it will be,
+I hope, a satisfactory explanation of the affair.
+
+In the first days of next month I shall have the pleasure to meet you
+at Trenton, and at that time will have the opportunity of conversing
+with you on several subjects. No answer from you ever came to hand.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Versailles, February 8th, 1785.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+After thirty days passage, I was safely landed at Brest, and am so
+lately arrived in Paris, that I had better refer you to your
+Ministerial intelligence. In consequence of Austrian demands upon the
+Dutch, and the gun these have fired at ---- forty thousand men were
+sent to the Low Countries by the Emperor, and a second division was in
+motion the same way, when France gave orders for two armies to be got
+in readiness, the one, probably, in Flanders, and the other in Alsace.
+Holland is gathering some troops, the greater number purchased in
+Germany, and will have at the utmost, thirty thousand men in the
+field. Count de Maillebois, an old and able French General, has been
+demanded by them. Russia seems friendly to the Emperor; and although
+the Stadtholder is a friend to the King of Prussia, while the patriots
+are wholly attached to France, yet Prussia will, no doubt, side in
+politics with France, and the Stadtholder will command his own
+country's troops.
+
+A grand plan is spoken of, whereby the Emperor would endeavor to
+obtain Bavaria, and in return, give the Low Countries to the Palatine
+House; a bargain, which betters and increases the Imperial forces.
+Under these circumstances, negotiations cannot but be very
+interesting. Although the freedom of Holland, and the protection of
+the German Princes, are very proper objects for France to support, yet
+a war with the Emperor must be peculiarly disagreeable to the Court.
+It will certainly be avoided, if consistent with the liberties of
+Holland, with faith, and dignity; and, upon the whole, I am strongly
+of opinion, that no war will take place, at least for this year. The
+appearance of things, however, is still warlike enough to have made it
+proper for me to be arrived at the time I did; an idea, I confess, the
+more necessary for the situation of my mind, as I most heartily
+lamented the shortness of this visit to America, and the obligation I
+had been under to give up favorite plans, and break off more agreeable
+arrangements. The officers of the regiments under marching orders,
+Colonels excepted, have joined their corps. But I hope matters will be
+compromised; and such at least is my private opinion; but even they,
+who know more than I do on the subject, would, perhaps, find it
+difficult to form a precise one.
+
+The Ministers of Congress will, no doubt, inform you of the situation
+of their negotiations in Europe. You will have seen M. de Castine's
+compliance with engagements. He had taken a letter to me, which Mr
+Morris laid before Congress. Nothing new was granted, and although the
+suspended decisions about flour and sugars were favorable to them, the
+French merchants have complained of what has been obtained. In every
+country, mercantile prejudices wear off by little and little.
+
+I beg, my Dear Sir, you will forgive the hurry in which I write. Be
+pleased to remember me to all our friends.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Paris, March 19th, 1785.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+I have been honored with your letter of January the 19th, and am happy
+to hear that federal ideas are thriving in America. The more I see,
+hear, and think in Europe, the more I wish for every measure that can
+ensure to the United States, dignity, power, and public confidence.
+Your three Ministers being in Paris, they will, of course, acquaint
+you with the present state of America, and also of European politics.
+Great Britain perseveres in her ill-humor. Spain in her ill-understood
+policy. On my arrival, I repeated what I had written; namely, the idea
+of getting New Orleans, or at least to advise the Spaniards to make it
+a free port. The former is impossible. As to the second, I had no
+positive answer, but I am sure my opinion was not thrown away.
+However, I confess it is difficult to make converts of a Spanish
+cabinet. You know them better than I do.
+
+Negotiations in Europe are still going on, and there is every reason
+to hope this will be terminated without bloodshed. Enclosed you will
+find a declaration, which has been published officially in some
+measure, in the Leyden Gazette. Count de Maillebois is now in Holland,
+where they are raising troops, and where parties run very high. In the
+meanwhile, the Emperor had another plan in view, of which I wrote to
+you in my last letters; it was to exchange his dominions in the Low
+Countries for the Electorate of Bavaria. But, fortunately for all the
+members of the empire, the Duke of Deux Ponts, nephew and heir to the
+Elector, has firmly opposed it. A report had been spread, that the
+Emperor had intended to surprise Maestricht. But although matters are
+not yet finally settled, I am pretty certain there will not be this
+year any Dutch war, nor Bavarian war, both of which could not fail to
+involve France. It is, however, difficult to be decided in an opinion
+upon a matter, which the ideas of one man may derange.
+
+You speak to me of the introduction of flour in the West Indies. My
+wishes and my efforts are not unknown to you. But such clamors have
+been raised by the merchants against what we lately have obtained,
+that our efforts now, must be directed towards holding it fast. Those
+people are encouraged by the narrow politics of England, who, say
+they, have all the trade of America. I have appointed a conference
+with the Duc de la Vauguyon, who is setting out for Spain, and I will
+tell him everything I know respecting the Mississippi.
+
+Your Ministers will, probably, write to you respecting the Algerine
+business. What information I can collect will be presented to them.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Paris, May 11th, 1785.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+This opportunity being very safe, Congress will have been fully
+informed by their Minister and the bearer, Mr John Adams's son, who is
+himself very well fit to give them proper intelligence.
+
+The appearances of a war are more and more remote. Politicians do,
+however, look towards the Ottoman Empire. The Emperor is restless.
+The Empress of Russia is ambitious; the King of Prussia is old; a King
+of the Romans is to be elected; an arrangement for Bavaria, a reason
+or a pretence, an interest or a whim might set fire to combustible
+matters; but it is not expected for the present.
+
+As it seems to me that favors granted to American importations are one
+of the best services that can be rendered to American trade, I wish it
+had been possible to obtain a total abolition of duties upon whale
+oil. But in this moment government are taken up with a scheme to
+revive that fishery in France. It was therefore necessary to follow a
+round about course, and Mr Adams is charged with some private
+proposals, which may be advantageous.
+
+In a few days I intend visiting Nismes, Montpellier, and Rochelle,
+which are manufacturing and trading towns. I hope my little journey
+may not be quite useless; after which I shall go to Berlin and
+Silesia, to Vienna and Bohemia, where the King of Prussia, and the
+Emperor, at several periods of the summer, have grand manoeuvres
+executed by their troops. Should I in those visits find the least
+opportunity to gratify my zeal for the United States, I should think
+myself more happy than I can expect, and as much so as your patriotic
+heart can feel.
+
+With the most sincere regard and affection, I have the honor to be,
+&c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Vienna, September 6th, 1785.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+The enclosed is a Memorial in behalf of M. d'Argaynarats, which has
+been recommended to me by persons of the most respectable character.
+It seems M. d'Argaynarat's situation is very particular, and the
+distress of himself and family very urgent. As in the number of
+petitions that may be received, it is not possible for Congress to be
+acquainted with the family affairs of individuals, I hope it is not
+improper for me to lay before them this particular case; and while it
+is officially presented by others, not to withhold my certificate of
+the accounts which respectable characters have given me about M.
+d'Argaynarat's present distresses.
+
+With the highest and most affectionate regard, I have the honor to be,
+&c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Paris, February 11th, 1786.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+I have not for a long time had the honor to address you, either in
+public or private letters. This has been owing to a tour I made
+through several parts of Europe, and to a derangement in the packets,
+which, to my great concern, I found to have taken place during my
+absence.
+
+In the course of a journey to Prussia, Silesia, the Austrian
+dominions, and back again to Berlin, I could not but have many
+opportunities to improve myself by the inspection of famous fields of
+battle, the conversation of the greatest Generals, and the sight of
+excellent troops; those of Prussia particularly exceeding my
+expectations. I had occasions not less numerous to lament the folly of
+nations, who can bear a despotic government, and to pay a new tribute
+of respect and attachment to the constitutional principles we had the
+happiness to establish. Wherever I went, America was of course a topic
+in the conversation. Her efforts during the contest are universally
+admired; and in the transactions, which have so gloriously taken
+place, there is a large field of enthusiasm for the soldier, of wonder
+and applause for the politician; and to the philosopher, and the
+philanthropist, they are a matter of unspeakable delight, and I could
+say of admiration. Those sentiments I had the pleasure to find
+generally diffused. But to my great sorrow, (and I will the more
+candidly tell it in this letter, as it can hurt none more than it
+hurts myself,) I did not find that every remark equally turned to the
+advantage of my pride, and of that satisfaction I feel in the
+admiration of the world for the United States.
+
+In countries so far distant, under constitutions so foreign to
+republican notions, the affairs of America cannot be thoroughly
+understood, and such inconveniences as we lament ourselves are greatly
+exaggerated by her enemies. It would require almost a volume to relate
+how many mistaken ideas I had the opportunity to set to rights. And it
+has been painful for me to hear, it is now disagreeable to mention,
+the bad effect which the want of federal union, and of effective
+arrangements for the finances and commerce of a general establishment
+of militia have had on the minds of European nations. It is foolishly
+thought by some, that democratical constitutions will not, cannot,
+last, that the States will quarrel with each other, that a King, or at
+least a nobility, are indispensable for the prosperity of a nation.
+But I would not attend to those absurdities, as they are answered by
+the smallest particle of unprejudiced common sense, and will, I trust,
+be forever destroyed by the example of America. But it was impossible
+for me to feel so much unconcerned, when those points were insisted
+upon, for which I could not but acknowledge within myself there was
+some ground; although it was so unfairly broached upon by the enemies
+of the United States. It is an object with the European governments to
+check and discourage the spirit of emigration, which, I hope, will
+increase among the Germans, with a more perfect knowledge of the
+situation of America. And while I was enjoying the admiration and
+respect of those parts of the world for the character of the United
+States; while I was obliged to hear some remarks, which, although they
+were exaggerated, did not seem to me quite destitute of a foundation,
+I heartily addressed my prayers to heaven, that by her known wisdom,
+patriotism, and liberality of principles, as well as firmness of
+conduct, America may preserve the consequence she has so well
+acquired, and continue to command the admiration of the world.
+
+What I now have the honor to write, is the result of conversations
+with the principal characters in the countries I have visited; and
+particularly the Austrian and Prussian Ministers, the Emperor, Duke of
+Brunswick, Prince Henry, a man equally great and virtuous, the Prince
+Royal, and the King of Prussia. With the last I have often dined in
+the company of the Duke of York, second son to his Britannic Majesty,
+when American affairs past and present were brought on the carpet, and
+sometimes in a manner not a little embarrassing for an English Prince.
+My stay at Vienna was short, but I had a very long conference with the
+Emperor, in which we spoke much of the American trade, and I found he
+had imbibed British prejudices. The next day Prince de Kaunitz
+introduced the same subject to me, and expressed some astonishment,
+that the United States did not make advances towards the Emperor. I
+answered, advances had been made formerly, and more than were
+necessary on the part of America, whom there was as much occasion to
+court, as for her to seek for alliances. But that my attachment to his
+Imperial Majesty made me wish he would address, on that business, the
+Ministers of Congress, now at Paris and London, through the medium of
+his Ambassadors. I added, that the best measure to be taken
+immediately, was to open the Italian ports to American fish. But I do
+not think the United States will ever find a very extensive commercial
+benefit in her treaties with that Court.
+
+In everything that concerns France, my respected friend Mr Jefferson
+will give you sufficient information. The affair of American commerce
+wears a better prospect than it has hitherto done; so far at least,
+that a committee has been appointed to hear what we have to say on the
+trade between this kingdom and the United States.
+
+The King of Prussia is very unwell, and cannot live many months. His
+nephew is an honest, firm, military man. From the Emperor's temper a
+war could be feared. But our system is so pacific, and it will be so
+difficult for England to involve us in a quarrel without acting a part
+which she has no interest to do, that I do not think the tranquillity
+of Europe will he deranged. Holland is checking Stadtholderian
+influence, but no further. The King of Naples and his father are
+quarrelling on account of a Minister, leaning to the House of Bourbon,
+and devoted to other powers, whom the son wants to keep. I had lately
+an opportunity to know, that the last revolt in Peru has lost a
+hundred thousand lives; but from the same account I find that those
+people are far remote from the ideas which lead to a sensible
+revolution.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Paris, October 28th, 1786.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Owing to several circumstances, and particularly to a journey I have
+made through some garrison towns, your favor of June the 16th has
+reached me very late. That there should remain the least doubt with M.
+Gardoqui respecting the adoption of the English limits, is a matter of
+amazement to me. The original letter having been sent I herewith
+enclose a copy, with a few observations. I think its presentation to
+M. Gardoqui will the better convince him, as he knows Count de Florida
+Blanca's respect for his own word of honor. And may I be allowed to
+add, that the more this letter is known, the better it will impress
+the public with ideas favorable to the Spaniards, and the Spaniards,
+with a sense of engagements, which men of honor cannot trifle with.[3]
+
+As to the navigation of the Mississippi, you know better than I what
+are the strong prejudices of that Court against it. But we both know
+equally well, that in a little time we must have the navigation one
+way or other, which I hope Spain may at last understand.
+
+It has been said in some newspapers, that the Floridas should be given
+up to France. But nothing has come to our knowledge, which gives the
+least ground for an idea of that kind. As Mr Jefferson sends you a
+letter relative to commerce, which improves the condition of the
+treaty with England, whereby she has no claims on the favors enjoyed
+by the United States, although she is to be treated like the other
+most favored nations, and as M. Dumas is writing on Dutch affairs, I
+will only beg leave to inform you, that the appointment of the
+convention has had already a good effect in Europe, and that great
+benefit will be derived on this side of the water also, from the
+commercial and federal measures, which it is my happiness to hear are
+now under consideration.
+
+Although there may be a diversity of opinions, whether a peace must be
+purchased at any rate from the Barbary Powers, or a war must be
+carried on against them until they come to proper terms, there can in
+no mind be any doubt about the advantages of a third measure, which is
+a confederacy of six or seven powers, each of them giving a small
+quota, and the reunion of which would ensure a constant and sufficient
+cruise against those pirates, and after they are brought to terms,
+would guard against the breaking of a peace which the powers would
+mutually guarranty to each other. Portugal, Tuscany, Naples, Venice,
+and Genoa, are now at war with those regencies. I would like at the
+same time to have the armament so managed as to use American flour,
+fish, and naval stores. This plan is not as yet very well digested in
+my head, but I beg leave to submit to Congress the propriety of
+impowering their Ministers to stipulate for such an arrangement.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+_P. S._ In case Congress have no particular orders for me, (in which
+case I should be most happy to wait on them, either as a soldier in
+their armies, or in any other manner) I may perhaps accept the
+invitation of the Empress of Russia, to be presented to her next
+spring in her new dominions of Crimea, which excite my curiosity.
+Should anything turn out that may employ me as a servant of the United
+States, I hope they know my zeal.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[3] See these letters to and from Count de Florida Blanca, above, pp.
+30, 32.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Paris, February 7th, 1787.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+This letter goes in the first packet from Havre, a change advantageous
+both to passengers and correspondents, and through the hands of
+Colonel Franks, whose good conduct at Morocco has entitled him to a
+share of that respect, which has been deservedly paid to the American
+Embassy. Mr Barclay's refusal of the presents has been a matter of
+wonder to every African, and I dare say to some Europeans, whose
+accounts do full justice to him.
+
+To Mr Jefferson's despatches I refer for useful intelligence. The
+affairs of Holland do not make a progress towards conciliation. It
+seems that the King of Prussia will not find himself the better for
+counteracting in many points, the line of conduct of his deceased
+uncle. A treaty of commerce is signed between France and Russia. The
+Empress has set out on her journey towards Crimea. She had permitted
+my waiting on her, but I am detained by the Assembly of Notables, an
+event not very common, neither expected, which does honor to the King
+and his Ministry, and will, I trust, be productive of public good.
+
+I have had the honor to send copies of my old correspondence with the
+Count de Florida Blanca. The enclosed one will supply any accident
+that may have befallen the others. We are told, that the unhappy
+disturbances in New England have subsided. To us they do not appear
+so dangerous as to Europeans; but sufficiently so to give us a great
+deal of concern. May all Americans know the blessings of their own
+constitutions, and from comparison judge, that if they are to correct,
+it would be madness in them to destroy.
+
+I hope the convention at Philadelphia will answer the essential and
+urgent purposes of the confederation, commerce, and the establishment
+of a uniform and republican militia. Each State has within itself the
+means fully sufficient to set right the opinions of mistaken citizens,
+and those means seem to me principally founded on the good sense,
+knowledge, and patriotic liberality of the people. Every wrong measure
+of theirs would hurt, not only the consequence of the United States,
+but also the cause of liberty in all parts of the world.
+
+With the most sincere regard and attachment, I have the honor to be,
+&c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Paris, May 3d, 1787.
+
+ My Dear Sir,
+
+Had I been sooner acquainted with Mr Forrest's departure, I would have
+given you more particular accounts of the latter part of our session,
+but have only time to enclose the speeches that were made by the heads
+of the several departments. Not that such etiquette speeches are in
+any way interesting on the other side of the Atlantic, but because you
+will in the same book find that of the Archbishop of Toulouse,
+wherein he gives the King's answer to the several demands of the
+Bureau. You will see, that if the madness and corruption of the late
+administration have laid us under a necessity to acknowledge that,
+after all other means would be exhausted, taxes must be employed to
+fill up the vacancy, yet we have gained not a little by the
+convocation of the Assembly. A more equal repartition of taxes,
+including the clergy, who hitherto had escaped them, and the powerful
+ones among the noblesse, who were not very exact; Provincial
+Assemblies on an elective principle, which, by the bye, are big with
+happy, very happy consequences, that will come to light as we go on;
+economies to the amount of forty millions at least; the destruction of
+interior custom houses; a modification of the Gabelle; an annual
+publication of the account of the finances; the printing of all
+pensions, gifts, &c.; more proper arrangements within some
+departments; and a more general instruction, habit of thinking on
+public affairs, &c. &c. are the good effects of this Assembly, which,
+although it was not national, since we were not representatives,
+behaved with great propriety and patriotism.
+
+On the last day of our session, I had the happiness to carry two
+motions in my Bureau which were, I may almost say, unanimously agreed
+to; the one in favor of the Protestant citizens of France, the other
+for an examination of the laws, particularly the criminal ones.
+Enclosed is the resolve framed by the Bureau, which Count D'Artois,
+our President, presented to the King, and was graciously received. I
+was the more pleased with it, as some step of the kind, with respect
+to the protestants, that had been tried in the Parliament of Paris,
+had not the proper success. So far are we from religious freedom, that
+even in asking for tolerance, we must measure our expressions. I was
+more liberally supported, by a learned and virtuous prelate, the
+bishop of Langres, who spoke admirably on the religious motion I had
+introduced. You will see that the Bureau clogged it with many
+compliments to the Roman creed, to appease the priests and devotees.
+
+I cannot express to you, my Dear Sir, what my feelings have been,
+whenever the unpaid interest of the American debt has been spoken of
+in the examination of the accounts. May the convention be the happy
+epocha of federal, energetic, patriotic measures! May the friends of
+America rejoice! May her enemies be humbled, and her censors silenced
+at the news of her noble exertions in continuance of those principles,
+which have placed her so high in the annals of history, and among the
+nations of the earth.
+
+The archbishop of Toulouse is the ablest, and one of the most honest
+men, that could be put at the head of administration. He will be the
+prime influencer in everything, and we may depend upon him as a man
+equally enlightened and liberal.
+
+I beg you will present my respectful compliments and those of Madame
+de Lafayette to Mrs Jay. Remember me to General Knox, Colonel
+Hamilton, Colonel Wadsworth, the Chancellor, Mr Madison, Doctor
+Cochran, the Governor, in a word, to all friends.
+
+Please send the enclosed printed speeches, and copied resolves of the
+Bureau, to Mr Otho, who must be very desirous of getting them.
+
+Most respectfully and affectionately yours,
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Paris, October 15th, 1787.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The present state of politics having been laid before Congress, I
+shall the less intrude on their time with repetitions, as the late
+transactions in Holland have nothing pleasing to dwell upon. That the
+republican party have been disunited in many respects, and blinded in
+the choice of a General, that our cabinet have been treacherously
+deceived, are true, but insufficient apologies. The Ottomans, roused
+by England, will, probably, pay for their folly with one half of their
+empire. It now lies with England, whether a maritime war is to break
+out, which must involve the continent, and connect France with the two
+Imperial Courts. France is sincere in her politics and moderate in her
+pretensions, as it is the ardent wish of the King, Ministers, and
+nation, to devote themselves to internal improvements. But the affairs
+of Holland, those in the east, the giddiness of the King of Prussia's
+head, and British rancor for the assistance given to America, are
+causes of war, which, notwithstanding the disposition of this
+Ministry, may, probably, be blown up in Great Britain.
+
+It is natural for a citizen and servant of the United States to
+consider what effect a maritime war would have upon them; and I am
+happy to find in their indulgence and long experienced confidence,
+every encouragement to offer my opinion.
+
+A co-operation against a proud and rancorous enemy would equally
+please my politics as a Frenchman, my feelings as an American, my
+views as an individual. I was nine years ago honored with the choice
+of Congress, to command an army into Canada, and never have I ceased
+to enjoy the prospect of its enfranchisement. A successful war, too,
+might divide the fisheries between France and America. But are not the
+United States so circumstanced for the present, as to render a war too
+expensive for them and too dangerous to their commerce?
+
+Convinced as I am, that it is the case, I think myself bound in duty
+and love for them, not to indulge my ambition further than a
+neutrality useful to them and favorable to their allies. Every
+American harbor will offer a shelter for the French ships, a market
+for their prizes, and all the conveniences of repair and victualling;
+all which being consistent with treaties gives no ground of complaint.
+Although the trade is going on between England and America, it does
+not hinder the French Colonies from being supplied with all their
+wants. Privateering itself, if under French colors, does no harm; and
+so may the United States enrich themselves with a free trade with both
+nations, at the same time that they maintain their own tranquillity
+and help their allies. And should they be forced into a war, I would
+wish at least it was delayed as long as possible, and postponed, for
+obvious reasons, to the last campaign.
+
+It is to be confessed, that France might lay some claims on more
+decisive measures, but sensible as she is of the unavoidable situation
+of affairs in America, I have reasons to believe she would not hurry
+her into a war, and will be satisfied with such a friendly, helping
+neutrality.
+
+But I consider the present time as a proper one to obtain the
+restoration of the forts, and, perhaps, the navigation of the
+Mississippi, two points, which I confess I could never submit to the
+idea of giving up. The one is ours[4] by the laws of nations, the
+other by the laws of nature; and may I be permitted to add, that
+either concession would be inconsistent with the character of the
+United States.
+
+Mr Jefferson gives an account of the measure taken respecting the
+commerce between this kingdom and America. I wish that affair had been
+terminated in time for the departure of Count de Mourtier, a gentleman
+whose personal character will, I trust, deserve the confidence and
+approbation of Congress.
+
+We are anxiously waiting for the result of the convention at
+Philadelphia, as an event which, being engrafted in the present
+dispositions of the people, will, probably, add a lustre and a proper
+weight to the affairs of America in Europe; and, while it ensures
+internal happiness and prosperity, will baffle the insidious wishes,
+and annihilate the absurd reports of her enemies.
+
+The next month is the appointed time for the sessions of all
+Provincial Assemblies, an establishment, which will be productive of
+the best consequences.
+
+The liberty I have taken in expressing my opinion on an event not
+certain, but not improbable, cannot be referred, I am sure, to any
+principles of vanity or self-sufficiency; but to the gratitude so
+well grounded, and the zeal, which shall ever rank me among the most
+devoted servants of the United States.
+
+With every sentiment of personal attachment and regard, I have the
+honor to be, &c.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[4] It must be remembered, that in these letters General Lafayette
+always speaks of himself as an American.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF THE
+
+COMMISSIONERS
+
+FOR NEGOTIATING A PEACE WITH GREAT BRITAIN.
+
+
+As early as September 27th, 1779, John Adams was appointed by Congress
+Minister Plenipotentiary for negotiating a treaty of peace and
+commerce with Great Britain, whenever that power should be prepared to
+acknowledge the independence of the United States, and enter into a
+treaty. Mr Adams went to Europe on this mission, but as no opportunity
+occurred for putting it into execution, he received another
+appointment as Minister to Holland.
+
+Meantime Congress, on the 14th of June, 1781, annulled Mr Adams's
+first commission for negotiating a treaty, and associated with him
+four other persons for this purpose, namely, Benjamin Franklin, John
+Jay, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Jefferson. To these five commissioners,
+or to a majority of them, or any one of them alone, in case accident
+prevented the presence of the others, was assigned the power of making
+a treaty of peace with such commissioners, as should be appointed for
+the same object on the part of the English Court. Richard Oswald was
+the British Commissioner. He went to Paris in the Spring of 1782, and
+commenced the negotiation with Dr Franklin, who was then the only one
+of the American Commissioners present. Mr Jay arrived in Paris from
+Spain on the 23d of June, and united with Dr Franklin in the labors of
+the mission. As Mr Adams was then employed in completing a treaty with
+Holland, he did not join his colleagues till near the end of October.
+The Provisional articles were signed on the 30th of November. Mr
+Laurens was present at the signature of the treaty, having arrived
+only two days previous to that event. Mr Jefferson did not engage in
+the mission.
+
+Adams, Franklin, and Jay remained in Paris after the signature of the
+preliminary articles, as Commissioners for making a Definitive Treaty.
+The English government sent David Hartley to Paris for the same
+purpose. Many propositions passed between the Commissioners of the
+respective countries, but after ten months' fruitless discussion, the
+Definitive Treaty was signed in the exact words of the Provisional
+Articles, on the 3d of September, 1783.
+
+As the Commissioners corresponded singly with the Secretary of Foreign
+Affairs, and the President of Congress, during the whole period of the
+negotiation, they wrote but few letters in concert. The records of the
+Commissioners, kept by their Secretary, have also been lost. Nearly
+all the papers, which have much value, have been found and arranged
+for the present publication, but there are yet some deficiencies. The
+history of the negotiation can only be understood by reading
+carefully, in connexion with these papers and letters, the
+correspondence of each of the Commissioners during the same period.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF THE
+
+COMMISSIONERS
+
+FOR NEGOTIATING A PEACE WITH GREAT BRITAIN.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ COMMISSION TO TREAT OF PEACE.
+
+The United States of America, in Congress assembled, to all to whom
+these presents shall come, send greeting.
+
+Whereas, these United States, from a sincere desire of putting an end
+to the hostilities between his Most Christian Majesty and these United
+States, on the one part, and his Britannic Majesty on the other, and
+of terminating the same by a peace founded on such solid and equitable
+principles as reasonably to promise a permanency of the blessings of
+tranquillity, did heretofore appoint the honorable John Adams, late a
+Commissioner of the United States of America at the Court of
+Versailles, late Delegate in Congress from the State of Massachusetts,
+and Chief Justice of the said State, their Minister Plenipotentiary,
+with full powers, general and special, to act in that quality, to
+confer, treat, agree, and conclude with the Ambassadors, or
+Plenipotentiaries, of his Most Christian Majesty, and of his Britannic
+Majesty, and those of any other Princes or States, whom it might
+concern, relating to the re-establishment of peace and friendship; and
+whereas, the flames of war have since that time been extended, and
+other nations and States are involved therein,
+
+Now know ye, that we, still continuing earnestly desirous, as far as
+it depends upon us, to put a stop to the effusion of blood, and to
+convince the powers of Europe, that we wish for nothing more ardently,
+than to terminate the war by a safe and honorable peace, have thought
+proper to renew the powers formerly given to the said John Adams, and
+to join four other persons in commission with him, and having full
+confidence in the integrity, prudence, and ability of the honorable
+Benjamin Franklin, our Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of
+Versailles, and the honorable John Jay, late President of Congress,
+and Chief Justice of the State of New York, and our Minister
+Plenipotentiary at the Court of Madrid, and the honorable Henry
+Laurens, formerly President of Congress, and commissioned and sent as
+our Agent to the United Provinces of the Low Countries, and the
+honorable Thomas Jefferson, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia,
+have nominated, constituted, and appointed, and by these presents do
+nominate, constitute, and appoint, the said Benjamin Franklin, John
+Jay, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Jefferson, in addition to the said John
+Adams, giving and granting to them, the said John Adams, Benjamin
+Franklin, John Jay, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Jefferson, or the
+majority of them, or of such of them as may assemble, or, in the case
+of the death, absence, indisposition, or other impediment of the
+others, to any one of them, full power and authority, general and
+special, conjunctly and separately, and general and special command to
+repair to such place as may be fixed upon for opening negotiations for
+peace, and there for us, and in our name, to confer, treat, agree, and
+conclude with the Ambassadors, Commissioners, and Plenipotentiaries
+of the Princes and States, whom it may concern, vested with equal
+powers relating to the establishment of peace, and whatsoever shall be
+agreed and concluded for us, and in our name to sign and thereupon
+make a treaty or treaties, and to transact everything, that may be
+necessary for completing, securing, and strengthening the great work
+of pacification, in as ample form, and with the same effect, as if we
+were personally present and acted therein, hereby promising in good
+faith, that we will accept, ratify, fulfil and execute whatever shall be
+agreed, concluded, and signed by our said Ministers Plenipotentiary,
+or a majority of them, or of such of them as may assemble, or, in case
+of the death, absence, indisposition, or other impediment of the
+others, by any one of them; and that we will never act, nor suffer any
+person to act, contrary to the same, in whole or in any part.
+
+In witness whereof, we have caused these presents to be signed by our
+President, and sealed with his seal.
+
+Done at Philadelphia, the fifteenth day of June, in the year of our
+Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightyone, and in the fifth year
+of our independence, by the United States in Congress assembled.
+
+ SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ COMMISSION TO ACCEPT THE MEDIATION OF THE EMPRESS
+ OF RUSSIA AND THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY.
+
+The United States of America to all to whom these presents shall come,
+send Greeting.
+
+Whereas his Most Christian Majesty, our great and beloved friend and
+ally, has informed us by his Minister Plenipotentiary, whom he has
+appointed to reside near us, that their Imperial Majesties the Empress
+of Russia and the Emperor of Germany, actuated by sentiments of
+humanity, and a desire to put a stop to the calamities of war, have
+offered their mediation to the belligerent powers, in order to promote
+peace; now know ye, that we, desirous as far as depends upon us, to
+put a stop to the effusion of blood, and convince all the powers of
+Europe that we wish for nothing more ardently than to terminate this
+war by a safe and honorable peace; relying on the justice of our
+cause, and persuaded of the wisdom and equity of their Imperial
+Majesties, who have so generously interposed their good offices for
+promoting so salutary a measure; have appointed and constituted, and
+by these presents do constitute and appoint, our trusty and well
+beloved John Adams, late delegate in Congress, from the State of
+Massachusetts, and Benjamin Franklin, our Minister at the Court of
+France, John Jay, late President of Congress, and now our Minister at
+the Court of Madrid, Henry Laurens, formerly President of Congress,
+and commissioned and sent as our agent to the United Provinces of the
+Netherlands, and Thomas Jefferson, Governor of the Commonwealth of
+Virginia, our Ministers Plenipotentiary, giving and granting to them,
+or such of them as shall assemble, or in case of death, absence,
+indisposition, or other impediment, of the others, to any one of them,
+full power and authority in our name, and on our behalf, in
+concurrence with his Most Christian Majesty, to accept in due form,
+the mediation of their Imperial Majesties the Empress of Russia and
+the Emperor of Germany.
+
+In testimony whereof, we have caused these presents to be signed by
+our President, and sealed with his seal.
+
+Done at Philadelphia this fifteenth day of June, in the year of our
+Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightyone, and in the fifth year
+of our independence.
+
+By the United States in Congress assembled.
+
+ SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ INSTRUCTIONS TO THE COMMISSIONERS FOR PEACE.
+
+ In Congress, June 15th, 1781.
+
+ To the Honorable John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Henry
+ Laurens, and Thomas Jefferson, Ministers Plenipotentiary in behalf
+ of the United States, to negotiate a treaty of peace.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+You are hereby authorised and instructed to concur, in behalf of these
+United States, with his Most Christian Majesty, in accepting the
+mediation proposed by the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of
+Germany.
+
+You are to accede to no treaty of peace, which shall not be such as
+may 1st, effectually secure the independence and sovereignty of the
+Thirteen United States, according to the form and effect of the
+treaties subsisting between the said United States and his Most
+Christian Majesty; and 2dly, in which the said treaties shall not be
+left in their full force and validity.
+
+As to disputed boundaries, and other particulars, we refer you to the
+instructions given to Mr John Adams, dated 14th of August, 1779, and
+18th of October, 1780,[5] from which you will easily perceive the
+desires and expectations of Congress. But we think it unsafe, at this
+distance, to tie you up by absolute and peremptory directions upon
+any other subject, than the two essential articles above mentioned.
+You are therefore at liberty to secure the interest of the United
+States, in such manner as circumstances may direct, and as the state
+of the belligerent, and the disposition of the mediating powers may
+require. For this purpose, you are to make the most candid and
+confidential communications upon all subjects to the Ministers of our
+generous ally, the King of France; to undertake nothing in the
+negotiations for peace or truce, without their knowledge and
+concurrence; and ultimately to govern yourselves by their advice and
+opinion, endeavoring in your whole conduct to make them sensible how
+much we rely upon his Majesty's influence for effectual aid in
+everything that may be necessary to the peace, security, and future
+prosperity of the United States of America.
+
+If a difficulty should arise, in the course of the negotiation for
+peace, from the backwardness of Great Britain to acknowledge our
+independence, you are at liberty to agree to a truce, or to make such
+other concessions as may not affect the substance of what we contend
+for; and provided that Great Britain be not left in possession of any
+part of the United States.
+
+ SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[5] See these instructions in _John Adams's Correspondence_, Vol. IV
+p. 339; and _Secret Journal_, Vol. II. p. 339.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE KING'S WARRANT FOR RICHARD OSWALD'S FIRST COMMISSION FOR
+ NEGOTIATING PEACE.[6]
+
+ George R.
+
+Our will and pleasure is, and we hereby authorise and command you
+forthwith to prepare a bill for our signature, to pass our great seal
+of Great Britain, in the words or to the effect following, viz;
+
+George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France,
+and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, and so forth. To our trusty and
+well beloved Richard Oswald, of our city of London, Esquire, Greeting.
+Whereas by virtue of an Act passed in the last session of Parliament,
+entitled "An Act to enable his Majesty to conclude a peace or truce
+with certain Colonies in North America therein mentioned," it is
+recited, 'that it is essential to the interest, welfare, and
+prosperity of Great Britain and the Colonies or Plantations of New
+Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New
+Jersey, Pennsylvania, the lower counties on Delaware, Maryland,
+Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, in North
+America, that peace, intercourse, trade and commerce, should be
+restored between them;' Therefore, and for a full manifestation of our
+most earnest wish and desire, and that of our Parliament to put an end
+to the calamities of war, it is enacted, that it should and might be
+lawful for us to treat, consult of, agree and conclude, with any
+Commissioner or Commissioners, named or to be named, by the said
+Colonies or Plantations, or with any body or bodies, corporate or
+politic, or any assembly or assemblies or description of men, or any
+person or persons whatsoever, a peace or truce with the said Colonies
+or Plantations, or any of them, or any part or parts thereof, any law,
+act, or acts of Parliament, matter or thing, to the contrary in
+anywise notwithstanding.
+
+Now know ye that we, reposing special trust in your wisdom, loyalty,
+diligence, and circumspection in the management of the affairs to be
+hereby committed to your charge, have nominated and appointed,
+constituted and assigned, and by these presents do nominate and
+appoint, constitute and assign you, the said Richard Oswald, to be our
+Commissioner in that behalf, to use and exercise all and every the
+powers and authorities, hereby intrusted and committed to you, the
+said Richard Oswald, and to do, perform, and execute all other matters
+and things, hereby enjoined and committed to your care, during our
+will and pleasure, and no longer, according to the tenor of these our
+letters patent. And it is our royal will and pleasure, and we hereby
+authorise, empower, and require you, the said Richard Oswald, to
+treat, consult, and conclude with any Commissioner or _Commissioners,
+named or to be named, by the said Colonies or Plantations, and any
+body or bodies, corporate or politic, assembly or assemblies, or
+descriptions of men, or person or persons, whatsoever, a peace or
+truce with the said Colonies or Plantations, or any of them, or any
+part or parts thereof_; any law, act or acts of Parliament, matter or
+thing, to the contrary notwithstanding.
+
+And it is our further will and pleasure, that every regulation,
+provision, matter or thing, which shall have been agreed upon between
+you, the said Richard Oswald, and such _Commissioner or Commissioners,
+body or bodies, corporate or politic, assembly or assemblies,
+descriptions of men, person or persons as aforesaid_, with whom you
+shall have judged meet and sufficient to enter into such agreement,
+shall be fully and distinctly set forth in writing, and authenticated
+by your hand and seal, on one side, and _by such seal or other
+signatures on the other as the occasion may require, and as may be
+suitable to the character and authority of the Commissioner or
+Commissioners, &c. as aforesaid so agreeing_, and such instruments so
+authenticated shall be by you transmitted to us through one of our
+principal Secretaries of State.
+
+And it is our further will and pleasure, that you, the said Richard
+Oswald, shall promise and engage for us and in our royal name and
+word, that every regulation, provision, matter, or thing, which may be
+agreed to and concluded by you, our said Commissioner, shall be
+ratified and confirmed by us in the fullest manner and extent, and
+that we will not suffer them to be violated or counteracted either in
+whole or in part by any person whatsoever. And we hereby require and
+command all our officers, civil and military, and all others our
+loving subjects whatever, to be aiding and assisting unto you, the
+said Richard Oswald, in the execution of this our commission, and of
+the powers and authorities herein contained; provided always, and we
+hereby declare and ordain, that the several offices, powers and
+authorities hereby granted shall cease, determine, and become utterly
+null and void, on the first day of July, which shall be in the year of
+our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightythree, although we shall
+not otherwise in the meantime have revoked and determined the same, in
+witness, &c. And for so doing this shall be your warrant.
+
+Given at our Court of St James, the twentyfifth day of July, one
+thousand seven hundred and eightytwo.[7] In the twentysecond year of
+our reign. By his Majesty's command.
+
+ THOMAS TOWNSHEND.
+
+ To our Attorney or Solicitor-General.
+
+FOOTNOTEs:
+
+[6] The parts of this Commission, which were objected to by the
+American Commissioners are printed in italics.
+
+[7] This commission was signed by the King on the 7th of August.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ RICHARD OSWALD'S SECOND COMMISSION FOR NEGOTIATING PEACE.[8]
+
+George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France
+and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, and so forth. To our trusty and
+well beloved Richard Oswald, of our city of London, Esquire, Greeting.
+Whereas, by virtue of an Act passed in the last session of Parliament,
+entitled "An Act to enable his Majesty to conclude a peace or truce
+with certain colonies in North America therein mentioned," it is
+recited, 'that it is essential to the interest, welfare and prosperity
+of Great Britain and the Colonies or Plantations of New Hampshire,
+Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey,
+Pennsylvania, the three lower counties on Delaware, Maryland,
+Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia in North
+America, that peace, intercourse, trade and commerce should be
+restored between them;' Therefore, and for a full manifestation of our
+earnest wish and desire, and of that of our Parliament, to put an end
+to the calamities of war, it is enacted, that it should and might be
+lawful for us to treat, consult of, agree and conclude, with any
+Commissioner or Commissioners, named or to be named by the said
+Colonies or Plantations, or any of them respectively, or with any body
+or bodies, corporate or politic, or any assembly or assemblies, or
+description of men, or any person or persons whatsoever, a peace or a
+truce with the said Colonies or Plantations, or any of them, or any
+part or parts thereof; any law, act, or acts of Parliament, matter or
+thing to the contrary, in anywise, notwithstanding.
+
+Now know ye, that we, reposing special trust in your wisdom, loyalty,
+diligence and circumspection, in the management of the affairs to be
+hereby committed to your charge, have nominated and appointed,
+constituted and assigned, and by these presents do nominate and
+appoint, constitute and assign you, the said Richard Oswald to be our
+Commissioner in that behalf, to use and exercise all and every the
+powers and authorities hereby intrusted and committed to you, the said
+Richard Oswald, and to do, perform, and execute all other matters and
+things hereby enjoined and committed to your care, during our will and
+pleasure, and no longer, according to the tenor of these our letters
+patent. And it is our royal will and pleasure, and we do hereby
+authorise, empower, and require you, the said Richard Oswald, to treat
+of, consult, and conclude with any _Commissioners or persons vested
+with equal powers, by and on the part of the Thirteen United States of
+America, viz. New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island,
+Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three lower counties on
+Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and
+Georgia, in North America, a peace or a truce with the said Thirteen
+United States_; any law, act, or acts of Parliament, matter or thing
+to the contrary, in anywise, notwithstanding.
+
+And it is our further will and pleasure, that every regulation,
+provision, matter or thing, which shall have been agreed upon between
+you, the said Richard Oswald, and such _Commissioners or persons as
+aforesaid_, with whom you shall have judged meet and sufficient to
+enter into such agreement, shall be fully and distinctly set forth in
+writing, and authenticated by your hand and seal on one side, _and by
+the hands and seals of such Commissioners or persons on the other_,
+and such instrument so authenticated shall be by you transmitted to
+us, through one of our principal Secretaries of State.
+
+And it is our further will and pleasure, that you, the said Richard
+Oswald, shall promise and engage for us and in our royal name and
+word, that every regulation, provision, matter or thing, which may be
+agreed to, and concluded by you, our said Commissioner, shall be
+ratified and confirmed by us in the fullest manner and extent, and
+that we will not suffer them to be violated or counteracted, either in
+whole or in part, by any person whatsoever. And we do hereby require
+and command all our officers civil and military, and all others our
+loving subjects whatsoever, to be aiding and assisting unto you, the
+said Richard Oswald, in the execution of this our commission, and of
+the powers and authorities herein contained; provided always, and we
+do hereby declare and ordain, that the several offices, powers and
+authorities hereby granted, shall cease, determine, and become utterly
+null and void, on the first day of July, which shall be in the year of
+our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightythree; although we shall
+not otherwise in the meantime have revoked and determined the same.
+
+_And whereas in and by our commission and letters patent under our
+great seal of Great Britain, bearing date the seventh day of August
+last, we nominated and appointed, constituted and assigned you, the
+said Richard Oswald, to be our Commissioner to treat, consult of,
+agree and conclude, with any Commissioner or Commissioners, named or
+to be named, by certain Colonies or Plantations in America therein
+specified, a peace or a truce with the said Colonies or Plantations;
+now know ye, that we have revoked and determined, and by these
+presents do revoke and determine our said commission and letters
+patent, and all and every power, article and thing therein contained._
+In witness whereof we have caused these our letters to be made patent.
+
+Witness ourself at Westminster, the twentyfirst day of September, in
+the twentysecond year of our reign. By the King himself.
+
+ YORKE.
+
+_Paris, October 1st, 1782._ I certify that the adjoining is a true
+copy of the commission of which it purports to be a copy, and which
+has been shown to Mr Franklin and Mr Jay.
+
+ RICHARD OSWALD,
+ _The Commissioner therein named_.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[8] The parts of this Commission, which were altered or added, in
+consequence of the objections of the American Commissioners to Mr
+Oswald's first commission, are printed in italics.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ COMMISSION TO WILLIAM T. FRANKLIN.
+
+To all to whom these Presents shall come, Benjamin Franklin and John
+Jay send Greeting.
+
+Whereas the United States of America, in Congress assembled, did on
+the 15th of June, in the year of our Lord 1781, appoint and constitute
+the said Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, John Adams, Henry Laurens, and
+Thomas Jefferson, and the majority of them, and of such of them as
+should assemble for the purpose, their Commissioners and
+Plenipotentiaries, to treat of, and conclude peace in their behalf;
+and whereas the said United States, in Congress assembled, did on the
+26th of June, in the year of our Lord 1781, appoint Francis Dana,
+until he could proceed to the Court of Petersburg, either in a public
+or private capacity, to be Secretary to the said Plenipotentiaries for
+negotiating a peace with Great Britain, and in case Mr Dana should
+have proceeded, or thereafter proceed to Petersburg, or to any part of
+the dominions of the Empress of Russia, the Ministers appointed by the
+said act of Congress of the 15th of June, 1781, or a majority of such
+of them as should assemble, should be, and thereby were, authorised to
+appoint a Secretary to their commission, and that he be entitled to
+receive, in proportion to his time of service, the salary of one
+thousand pounds sterling per annum allowed to Mr Dana. And whereas his
+Britannic Majesty has issued a commission, dated the 21st of
+September, 1782, to Richard Oswald, to treat of, and conclude peace
+with any Commissioners, or persons vested with equal powers, by, and
+on the part of the Thirteen United States of America; and whereas the
+said Richard Oswald is at Paris, ready to execute his said commission,
+and has exchanged with the said Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, copies
+of their respective commissions, and entered on the business of the
+same, whereby the appointment of a Secretary to the American
+commission has become necessary, and the said Mr Dana now being at
+Petersburg, the right of appointing such Secretary has, in pursuance
+of the afore-recited act of Congress, devolved on the said
+Commissioners, and on the majority of them, and of such of them as
+have assembled for the purpose of executing their said commission; and
+whereas Mr Jefferson, one of the said Commissioners, has not come to
+Europe, and Mr Laurens, another of them, has declined to accept the
+said office, and Mr Adams, another of them, is at the Hague, so that
+the said Benjamin Franklin and John Jay are the only Commissioners now
+assembled to execute the said commission;
+
+Now know ye, that they, reposing special trust and confidence in the
+ability and integrity of William T. Franklin, to perform and fulfil
+the duties of Secretary to their said commission, have appointed and
+constituted, and by these presents do appoint and constitute the said
+William T. Franklin, Secretary to the said commission.
+
+In witness whereof, the said Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, have
+hereunto set their hands and seals, this first day of October, in the
+year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightytwo, and in the
+seventh year of the independence of the said United States.
+
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+Approved on my part, Mr Franklin having acted with propriety as
+Secretary to the commission from the time of my arrival here. Paris,
+January 10th, 1783.
+
+ HENRY LAURENS.
+
+Approved on my part, Mr Franklin having acted with propriety as
+Secretary to the commission from the time of my arrival here. Paris,
+September 8th, 1783.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ RESOLUTIONS OF CONGRESS.
+
+ In Congress, October 3d, 1782.
+
+On report of a Committee, to whom were referred notes of a conference
+with the Minister of France, held by a Committee of Congress on the
+24th of September last;[9]
+
+_Resolved_, That the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Most Christian
+Majesty be informed;
+
+That the communication, made by the said Minister on the 24th of
+September last, is considered by Congress as an additional proof of
+his Majesty's magnanimity, and has confirmed those sentiments of
+affection and confidence, which his wise, steady, and liberal conduct
+in every stage of the war had so justly inspired;
+
+That his Most Christian Majesty's declaration to the British Minister
+at Paris, that he will neither treat, nor terminate any negotiation,
+unless the interests of his allies and friends shall be considered and
+determined, is entirely correspondent to the part, which these United
+States are resolved to take in any negotiations for peace;
+
+That Congress, with the utmost satisfaction, embrace this opportunity
+to renew their assurances, that, in every event, the United States
+will inviolably adhere to their alliance with his Most Christian
+Majesty, which they consider to be equally essential to their interest
+and their glory;
+
+That they will hearken to no propositions for peace, which shall not
+be discussed in confidence and in concert with his Most Christian
+Majesty, agreeably to the declaration made to the Minister
+Plenipotentiary on the 31st day of May last;[10]
+
+That upon this principle, Congress did not hesitate a moment to reject
+the proposition made by the British General and Admiral, as
+Commissioners of peace, for admitting Mr Morgan, their Secretary, to
+an interview at Philadelphia;
+
+And that they are resolved to prosecute the war with vigor, until a
+general peace shall be obtained, in which their allies shall be
+comprehended;
+
+That Congress placed the utmost confidence in his Majesty's
+assurances, that he will readily employ his good offices in support of
+the United States, in all points relative to their prosperity; and
+considering the territorial claims of these States, as heretofore
+made, their participation of the fisheries and of the free navigation
+of the Mississippi, not only as their indubitable right, but as
+essential to their prosperity, they trust, that his Majesty's efforts
+will be successfully employed to obtain a sufficient provision and
+security for those rights. Nor can they refrain from making known to
+his Majesty, that any claim of restitution, or compensation for
+property confiscated in the several States, will meet with insuperable
+obstacles; not only on account of the sovereignty of the individual
+States, by which such confiscations have been made, but of the wanton
+devastations, which the citizens of these States have experienced from
+the enemy, and, in many instances, from the very persons in whose
+favor such claim may be urged;
+
+That Congress trust that the circumstances of the allies, at the
+negotiation for peace, will be so prosperous as to render these
+expectations consistent with the spirit of moderation recommended by
+his Majesty.
+
+Ordered, That the Committee, who brought in the report, communicate to
+the honorable Minister of France the above answer of Congress to his
+communications.
+
+Ordered, That the Secretary for Foreign Affairs transmit, by the first
+opportunity, a copy of the same to the Ministers of these States at
+foreign Courts.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[9] See these Notes of a Conference in the _Secret Journals of
+Congress_, Vol. III. p. 218.
+
+[10] _Secret Journal_, Vol. III. p. 138.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ARTICLES AGREED ON BETWEEN THE AMERICAN AND
+ BRITISH COMMISSIONERS.[11]
+
+ October 8th, 1782.
+
+Articles agreed upon by and between Richard Oswald, the Commissioner
+of his Britannic Majesty, for treating of peace with the Commissioners
+of the United States of America, on the behalf of his said Majesty on
+the one part, and Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, of the Commissioners
+of the said States, for treating of peace with the Commissioner of his
+said Majesty on their behalf, on the other part.
+
+To be inserted in, and to constitute the treaty of peace, proposed to
+be concluded between the Crown of Great Britain and the said United
+States; but which treaty is not to be concluded, until his Britannic
+Majesty shall have agreed to the terms of peace between France and
+Britain, proposed or accepted by his Most Christian Majesty; and shall
+be ready to conclude with him such treaty accordingly. It being the
+duty and intention of the United States not to desert their ally, but
+faithfully, and in all things to abide by, and fulfil their
+engagements with his Most Christian Majesty.
+
+Whereas reciprocal advantages and mutual convenience are found by
+experience, to form the only permanent foundation of peace and
+friendship between States, it is agreed to frame the articles of the
+proposed treaty, on such principles of liberal equality and
+reciprocity, as that partial advantages (those seeds of discord) being
+excluded, such a beneficial and satisfactory intercourse between the
+two countries may be established, as to promise and secure to both the
+blessings of perpetual peace and harmony. 1st. His Britannic Majesty
+acknowledges the said United States viz. New Hampshire, Massachusetts
+Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York,
+New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North
+Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, to be free, sovereign and
+independent States; that he treats with them as such; and for himself,
+his heirs and successors, relinquishes all claims to the government,
+propriety, and territorial rights of the same, and every part thereof;
+and that all disputes which might arise in future, on the subject of
+the boundaries of the said United States, may be prevented, it is
+hereby agreed and declared, that the following are, and shall remain
+to be their boundaries, viz.
+
+The said States are bounded north, by a line to be drawn from the
+northwest angle of Nova Scotia, along the high lands, which divide
+those rivers which empty themselves into the river St Lawrence, from
+those which fall into the Atlantic ocean, to the northernmost head of
+Connecticut river; thence down along the middle of that river to the
+fortyfifth degree of north latitude, and thence due west in the
+latitude fortyfive degrees north from the equator, to the
+northwesternmost side of the river St Lawrence, or Cadaraqui; thence
+straight to the south end of the lake Nipissing, and thence straight
+to the source of the river Mississippi, west by a line to be drawn
+along the middle of the river Mississippi, from its source to where
+the said line shall intersect the thirtyfirst degree of north
+latitude; south by a line to be drawn due east from the termination of
+the line last mentioned, in the latitude of thirtyone degrees north of
+the equator to the middle of the river Apalachicola or Catahouchi;
+thence along the middle thereof to its junction with the Flint river;
+thence straight to the head of St Mary's river; thence down along the
+middle of St Mary's river to the Atlantic ocean; and east by a line to
+be drawn along the middle of St John's river, from its source to its
+mouth in the Bay of Fundy; comprehending all islands within twenty
+leagues of any part of the shores of the United States, and lying
+between lines to be drawn due east from the points where the aforesaid
+boundaries, between Nova Scotia, on the one part, and East Florida on
+the other, shall respectively touch the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic
+ocean.
+
+2dly. From and immediately after the conclusion of the proposed
+treaty, there shall be a firm and perpetual peace between his
+Britannic Majesty and the United States, and between the subjects of
+the one and the citizens of the other; wherefore all hostilities, both
+by sea and land, shall then immediately cease; all prisoners on both
+sides shall be set at liberty; and his Britannic Majesty shall
+forthwith, and without causing any distinction, withdraw all his
+armies, garrisons, and fleets, from the said United States, and from
+every post, place, and harbor, within the same, leaving in all
+fortifications the American artillery that may be therein; and shall
+also order and cause all archives, records, deeds, and papers,
+belonging to either of the said States, or their citizens, which in
+the course of the war, may have fallen into the hands of his officers,
+to be forthwith restored, and delivered to the proper States and
+persons to whom they belong.
+
+3dly. That the subjects of his Britannic Majesty and people of the
+said United States, shall continue to enjoy unmolested, the right to
+take fish of every kind on the banks of Newfoundland, and other places
+where the inhabitants of both countries used formerly, to wit, before
+the last war between France and Britain, to fish and also to dry and
+cure the same at the accustomed places, whether belonging to his said
+Majesty or to the United States; and his Britannic Majesty and the
+said United States will extend equal privileges and hospitality to
+each other's fishermen as to their own.
+
+4thly. That the navigation of the river Mississippi, from its source
+to the ocean, shall forever remain free and open, and that both there,
+and in all rivers, harbors, lakes, ports, and places, belonging to his
+Britannic Majesty or to the United States, or in any part of the
+world, the merchants and merchant ships, of the one and the other,
+shall be received, treated, and protected, like the merchants and
+merchant ships of the sovereign of the country. That is to say, the
+British merchants and merchant ships, on the one hand, shall enjoy in
+the United States, and in all places belonging to them, the same
+protection and commercial privileges, and be liable only to the same
+charges and duties as their own merchants and merchant ships; and on
+the other hand, the merchants and merchant ships of the United
+States, shall enjoy in all places belonging to his Britannic Majesty,
+the same protection and commercial privileges and be liable only to
+the same charges and duties of British merchants and merchant ships,
+saving always to the chartered trading companies of Great Britain,
+such exclusive use and trade, and their respective posts and
+establishments, as neither the subjects of Great Britain, nor any of
+the more favored nations participate in.
+
+_Paris, October 8th, 1782._ A true copy of which has been agreed on
+between the American Commissioners and me, to be submitted to his
+Majesty's consideration.
+
+ RICHARD OSWALD.
+
+Alteration to be made in the treaty, respecting the boundaries of Nova
+Scotia, viz. East, the true line between which and the United States
+shall be settled by Commissioners, as soon as conveniently may be
+after the war.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[11] These Articles were sent to England for the King's consideration.
+See _Franklin's Correspondence_, Vol. IV. p. 49.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ RICHARD OSWALD TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Paris, November 4th, 1782.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+You may remember, that from the very beginning of our negotiations for
+settling a peace between Great Britain and America, I insisted that
+you should positively stipulate for a restoration of the property of
+all those persons, under the denomination of loyalists or refugees,
+who have taken part with Great Britain in the present war; or if the
+property had been resold and passed into such variety of hands, as to
+render the restoration impracticable, (which you asserted to be the
+case in many instances) you should stipulate for a compensation or
+indemnification to those persons, adequate to their losses. To these
+propositions you said you could not accede. Mr Strachey, since his
+arrival at Paris, has most strenuously joined me in insisting upon the
+said restitution, compensation, or indemnification, and in laying
+before you every argument in favor of those demands, founded upon
+national honor, and upon the true principles of justice. These demands
+you must have understood to extend, not only to all persons of the
+above mentioned description, who have fled to Europe, but likewise to
+all those who may be now in any parts of North America, dwelling under
+the protection of his Majesty's arms or otherwise.
+
+We have also insisted upon a mutual stipulation for a general amnesty
+on both sides, comprehending thereby an enlargement of all persons,
+who on account of offences, committed or supposed to be committed,
+since the commencement of hostilities, may be now in confinement; and
+for an immediate repossession of their properties, and peaceable
+enjoyment thereof, under the government of the United States. To this
+you have not hitherto given a particular or direct answer.
+
+It is, however, incumbent on me, as Commissioner of the King of Great
+Britain, to repeat those several demands; and without going over those
+arguments upon paper, (which we have so often urged in conversation,)
+to press your immediate attention to these subjects, and to urge you
+to enter into proper stipulations for the restitution, compensation,
+and amnesty above mentioned, before we proceed further in this
+negotiation.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ RICHARD OSWALD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ARTICLES TAKEN TO ENGLAND BY MR STRACHEY.[12]
+
+ November 5, 1782.
+
+Articles agreed upon by and between Richard Oswald, Commissioner of
+his Britannic Majesty, for treating of peace with the Commissioners of
+the United States of America, on behalf of his said Majesty on the one
+part; and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay, three of the
+Commissioners of the said States, for treating of peace with the
+Commissioner of his said Majesty, on their behalf, on the other part,
+to be inserted in, and to constitute the treaty of peace, proposed to
+be concluded between the Crown of Great Britain and the said United
+States; but which treaty is not to be concluded until his Britannic
+Majesty shall have agreed to the terms of a peace between France and
+Britain, proposed or accepted of by his Most Christian Majesty, and
+shall be ready to conclude with him such treaty accordingly; it being
+the duty and intention of the United States not to desert their ally,
+but faithfully and in all things to abide by and fulfil their
+engagements with his Most Christian Majesty.
+
+Whereas reciprocal advantages and mutual convenience are found by
+experience to form the only permanent foundation of peace and
+friendship between States, it is agreed to form the articles of the
+proposed treaty on such principles of liberal equality and reciprocity
+as that partial advantages (those seeds of discord) being excluded,
+such a beneficial and satisfactory intercourse between the two
+countries may be established as to promise and secure to both
+perpetual peace and harmony.
+
+His Britannic Majesty acknowledges the said United States, viz. New
+Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New
+Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina,
+South Carolina, and Georgia, to be free, sovereign, and independent
+States; that he treats with them as such; and for himself, his heirs
+and successors, relinquishes all claims to the government, propriety
+and territorial rights of the same and every part thereof; and that
+all disputes which might arise in future on the subject of the
+boundaries of the said United States may be prevented, it is hereby
+agreed and declared, that the following are and shall remain to be
+their boundaries, viz.
+
+From the northwest angle of Nova Scotia, being that angle which is
+formed by a line drawn due north from the source of St Croix river to
+the highlands which divide the rivers which empty themselves into the
+river St Lawrence from those which fall into the Atlantic ocean, and
+along the said highlands to the northwesternmost head of Connecticut
+river, thence down along the middle of that river to the 45th degree
+of north latitude, following the said latitude until it strikes the
+river Mississippi; thence by a line, to be drawn along the middle of
+the said river Mississippi, until it shall intersect the northernmost
+part of the 31st degree of latitude north of the equator; south, by a
+line to be drawn due east from the termination of the line last
+mentioned in the latitude of the 31st degree to the middle of the
+river Apalachicola or Catahouchi, thence along the middle thereof to
+its junction with the Flint river, thence straight to the head of St
+Mary's river, and thence down along the middle of St Mary's river to
+the Atlantic ocean; east, by a line from the mouth of said St Mary's
+river to the mouth of the river St Croix in the Bay of Fundy, and by a
+line drawn through the middle of said river to its source, and from
+its source directly north to the aforesaid highlands, which divide the
+rivers which fall into the Atlantic ocean from those which empty
+themselves into the river St Lawrence, comprehending all islands
+within twenty leagues of any part of the shores of the United States,
+and lying between lines to be drawn due east from the points where the
+aforesaid boundaries of St Croix river and St Mary's river shall
+respectively touch the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic ocean.
+
+It is agreed, that all such royalists or refugees, as well as all such
+British merchants or other subjects as may be resident in any of the
+United States at the time of the evacuation thereof by the arms and
+garrisons of his Britannic Majesty, shall be allowed six months
+thereafter to remove to any part of the world; and also, at their
+election, to dispose of, within the said term, or to carry with them
+their goods and effects. And it is understood, that the said States
+shall extend such further favor to the said merchants, and such
+amnesty and clemency to the said refugees, as their respective
+circumstances and the dictates of justice and humanity may render just
+and reasonable; and particularly, that amnesty and indemnity be
+granted to all such of the said refugees, as may be unaffected by
+acts, judgments, or prosecutions, actually passed or commenced a month
+previous to such evacuation.
+
+That the subjects of his Britannic Majesty and the people of the said
+United States, shall continue to enjoy unmolested, the right to take
+fish of every kind on all the Banks of Newfoundland, also in the Gulf
+of St Lawrence, and all other places where the inhabitants of both
+countries used at any time heretofore to fish; and also to dry and
+cure their fish on the shores of the Isle of Sables, Cape Sables, and
+the shores of any of the unsettled bays, harbors or creeks of Nova
+Scotia, and of the Magdalen Islands. And his Britannic Majesty and the
+said United States will extend equal privileges and hospitality to
+each other's fishermen as to their own.
+
+Whereas certain of the United States, excited thereto by the
+unnecessary destruction of private property, have confiscated all
+debts due from their citizens to British subjects; and also in certain
+instances, lands belonging to the latter; and whereas, it is just that
+private contracts made between individuals of the two countries before
+the war, should be faithfully executed; and as the confiscation of the
+said lands may have a latitude not justifiable by the law of nations,
+it is agreed, that British creditors shall, notwithstanding, meet with
+no lawful impediment to recovering the full value or sterling amount
+of such _bona fide_ debts as were contracted before the year 1775. And
+also, that Congress will recommend to the said States, so to correct
+(if necessary) their said acts respecting the confiscation of the
+lands in America, belonging to real British subjects, as to render the
+said acts consistent with perfect justice and equity. As to the
+cession made of certain lands in Georgia, by a number of Indians
+there, on the 1st of June, 1773, for the purpose of paying the debts
+due from them to a number of traders, the American Commissioners say,
+that the State of Georgia is alone competent to consider and decide on
+the same; for that it being a matter of internal police, with which
+neither Congress nor their Commissioners are authorised to interfere,
+it must of necessity be referred to the discretion and justice of that
+State, who, without doubt, will be disposed to do what may be just
+and reasonable on the subject.
+
+Similar reasons and considerations constrain the Commissioners to
+give the like answer to the case of Mr Penn's family.
+
+From and immediately after the conclusion of the proposed treaty,
+there shall be a perpetual and firm peace, &c. (the same as the second
+article in the preceding set of articles.)
+
+That the navigation of the river Mississippi from its source to the
+ocean, shall forever remain free and open.
+
+SEPARATE ARTICLE. It is hereby understood and agreed, that in case
+Great Britain at the conclusion of the present war shall be, or be put
+in possession of West Florida, the line of north boundary between the
+said Province and the United States, shall be a line drawn from the
+mouth of the river Yazoo, where it unites with the Mississippi, due
+east to the river Apalachicola, and thence along the middle of that
+river to its junction with the Flint river, &c.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[12] These Articles were agreed to after the return of the first set,
+which had been sent to England October 8th. See above p. 80.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ H. STRACHEY TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Paris, November 5th, 1782.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+Knowing the expectation of the King's Ministers, that a full indemnity
+shall be provided for the whole body of refugees, either by a
+restitution of their property or by some stipulated compensation for
+their losses, and being confident, as I have repeatedly assured you,
+that your refusal upon this point will be the great obstacle to a
+conclusion and ratification of that peace, which is meant as a solid
+perfect, permanent reconciliation and reunion between Great Britain
+and America, I am unwilling to leave Paris without once more
+submitting the matter to your consideration. It affects equally, in my
+opinion, the honor and the humanity of your country and of ours. How
+far you will be justified in risking every favorite object of America,
+by contending against those principles, is for you to determine.
+Independence, and more than a reasonable possession of territory, seem
+to be within your reach. Will you suffer them to be outweighed by the
+gratification of resentment against individuals? I venture to assert,
+that such a conduct has no parallel in the history of civilized
+nations.
+
+I am under the necessity of setting out by two o'clock today; if the
+time is too short for your reconsideration, and final determination of
+this important point, I shall hope that you will enable Mr Oswald to
+despatch a messenger after me, who may be with me before morning at
+Chantilly, where I propose sleeping tonight, or who may overtake me
+before I arrive in London, with a satisfactory answer to this letter.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ H. STRACHEY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO RICHARD OSWALD.
+
+ Paris, November 5th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In answer to the letter you did us the honor to write on the 4th
+instant, we beg leave to repeat what we often said in conversation,
+viz; that the restoration of such of the estates of refugees as have
+been confiscated is impracticable, because they were confiscated by
+laws of particular States, and in many instances have passed by legal
+titles through several hands. Besides, Sir, as this is a matter
+evidently appertaining to the internal polity of the separate States,
+the Congress, by the nature of our constitution, have no authority to
+interfere with it.
+
+As to your demand of compensation to those persons, we forbear
+enumerating our reasons for thinking it ill founded. In the moment of
+conciliatory overtures, it would not be proper to call certain scenes
+into view, over which a variety of considerations should induce both
+parties at present to draw a veil. Permit us therefore only to repeat,
+that we cannot stipulate for such compensation, unless on your part it
+be agreed, to make retribution to our citizens for the heavy losses
+they have sustained by the unnecessary destruction of private
+property.
+
+We have already agreed to an amnesty more extensive than justice
+required, and full as extensive as humanity could demand. We can
+therefore only repeat that it cannot be extended farther. We should be
+sorry, if the absolute impossibility of our complying further with
+your propositions, should induce Great Britain to continue the war for
+the sake of those who caused and prolonged it. But if that should be
+the case, we hope that the utmost latitude will not be again given to
+its rigors.
+
+Whatever may be the issue of this negotiation, be assured, Sir, that
+we shall always acknowledge the liberal, manly, and candid manner in
+which you have conducted it, and that we shall remain, with the
+warmest sentiments of esteem and regard, Sir, your most obedient and
+very humble servants,
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO H. STRACHEY.
+
+ Paris, November 6th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We have been honored with your favor of the 5th inst., and as our
+answer to a letter we received from Mr Oswald on the same subject
+contains our unanimous sentiments respecting it, we take the liberty
+of referring you to the enclosed copy of that answer.
+
+We have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ _Third Set of Articles._
+
+_Monday, November 25th, 1782._ The three Commissioners, Adams,
+Franklin, and Jay, met at Mr Oswald's lodgings at the _Hotel de
+Muscovie_, and after some conferences Mr Oswald delivered them the
+following Articles, as fresh proposals of the British Ministry, sent
+by Mr Strachey, viz;
+
+Articles agreed upon by and between Richard Oswald, the Commissioner
+of his Britannic Majesty, for treating of peace with the Commissioners
+of the United States of America, in behalf of his said Majesty, on the
+one part, and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay, three of
+the Commissioners of the said States, for treating of peace with the
+Commissioner of his said Majesty, on their behalf on the other part,
+to be inserted in, and to constitute the treaty of peace, proposed to
+be concluded between the Crown of Great Britain and the said United
+States, but which treaty is not to be concluded, until the terms of a
+peace shall be agreed upon between Great Britain and France, and his
+Britannic Majesty shall be ready to conclude such treaty accordingly.
+
+Whereas reciprocal advantages and mutual convenience are found by
+experience to form the only permanent foundation of peace and
+friendship between States, it is agreed to form the Articles of the
+proposed treaty on such principles of liberal equity and reciprocity,
+as that partial advantages, (those seeds of discord,) being excluded,
+such a beneficial and satisfactory intercourse between the two
+countries may be established, as to promise and secure to both
+perpetual peace and harmony.
+
+ARTICLE I. His Britannic Majesty acknowledges the said United States,
+viz, New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence
+Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
+Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and
+Georgia, to be free, sovereign and independent States, that he treats
+with them as such, and for himself, his heirs and successors,
+relinquishes all claims to the government, propriety, and territorial
+rights of the same, and every part thereof; and, that all disputes
+which might arise in future on the subject of the boundaries of the
+said United States may be prevented, it is hereby agreed and declared,
+that the following are and shall be their boundaries, viz;
+
+ARTICLE II. From the northwest angle of Nova Scotia, viz; that angle
+which is formed by a line drawn due north from the source of St Croix
+river to the highlands, along the said highlands, which divide those
+rivers that empty themselves into the river St Lawrence from those
+which fall into the Atlantic ocean, to the northwesternmost head of
+Connecticut river, thence down along the middle of that river to the
+45th degree of north latitude; from thence by a line due west on said
+latitude until it strikes the river Iroquois or Cataroquy; thence
+along the middle of said river into Lake Ontario, through the middle
+of said Lake until it strikes the communication by water between that
+Lake and Lake Erie; thence along the middle of said communication,
+into Lake Erie, through the middle of said Lake, until it arrives at
+the water communication between that Lake and Lake Huron; thence along
+the middle of said water communication into Lake Huron; thence through
+the middle of the said Lake, to the water communication between that
+Lake and Lake Superior; thence through Lake Superior, northward of the
+Isles Royal and Philippeaux to the Long Lake; thence through the
+middle of said Long Lake, and the water communication between it and
+the Lake of the Woods, to the said Lake of the Woods; thence through
+the said Lake to the most northwestern point thereof; and from thence
+on a due western course to the river Mississippi, thence by a line to
+be drawn along the middle of the said river Mississippi until it shall
+intersect the northernmost part of the 31st degree of north latitude.
+South by a line to be drawn due east from the determination of the
+line last mentioned, in the latitude of 31 degrees north of the
+equator to the middle of the river Apalachicola, or Catahouchi; thence
+along the middle thereof to its junction with the Flint river, thence
+straight to the head of St Mary's river; and thence down along the
+middle of St Mary's river to the Atlantic ocean. East by a line to be
+drawn along the middle of the river St Croix, from its mouth in the
+Bay of Fundy to its source; and from its source directly north, to the
+aforesaid highlands, which divide the rivers that fall into the
+Atlantic ocean from those which fall into the river St Lawrence;
+comprehending all Islands within twenty leagues of any part of the
+shores of the United States, and lying between lines to be drawn due
+east from the point where the aforesaid boundaries between Nova Scotia
+on the one part, and East Florida on the other shall respectively
+touch the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic ocean; excepting such Islands
+as now are, or heretofore have been, within the limits of the said
+Province of Nova Scotia.
+
+ARTICLE III. The citizens of the said United States shall have _the
+liberty_ of taking fish of every kind on all the banks of
+Newfoundland, and also in the Gulf of St Lawrence; and also to dry and
+cure their fish on the shores of the Isle of Sables and on the shores
+of any of the unsettled bays, harbors and creeks of the Magdalen
+Islands, in the Gulf of St Lawrence, so long as such bays, harbors and
+creeks shall continue and remain unsettled; on condition that the
+citizens of the said United States do not exercise the fishery, but at
+the distance of three leagues from all the coast belonging to Great
+Britain, as well those of the continent as those of the islands
+situated in the Gulf of St Lawrence. And as to what relates to the
+fishery on the coast of the Island of Cape Breton out of the said
+gulf, the citizens of the said United States shall not be permitted to
+exercise the said fishery, but at the distance of fifteen leagues from
+the coasts of the Island of Cape Breton.
+
+ARTICLE IV. It is agreed, that the British creditors shall meet with
+no lawful impediment to the recovery of the full value, in sterling
+money, of such _bona fide_ debts as were contracted by any persons
+who are citizens of the United States, before the year 1775.
+
+ARTICLE V. It is agreed, that restitution shall be made of all
+estates, rights and properties in America, which have been confiscated
+during the war.
+
+ARTICLE VI. There shall be a full and entire amnesty of all acts and
+offences, which have been or may be supposed to have been committed on
+either side, by reason of the war, and in the course thereof; and no
+one shall hereafter suffer in life or person, or be deprived of his
+property, for the part he may have taken therein. All persons in
+confinement on that account, shall immediately on the ratification of
+the treaty in America, be set at liberty; all prosecutions which may
+be depending in consequence of any of the said offences, shall cease,
+and no fresh prosecutions shall at any time hereafter be commenced
+thereupon.
+
+ARTICLE VII. There shall be a firm and perpetual peace between his
+Britannic Majesty and the said States, and between the subjects of the
+one, and the citizens of the other; wherefore all hostilities both by
+sea and land shall then immediately cease; all prisoners on both sides
+shall be set at liberty; and his Britannic Majesty shall with all
+convenient speed and without causing any destruction, withdraw all his
+armies, garrisons and fleets from the said United States, and from
+every port, place and harbor within the same, leaving in all
+fortifications the American artillery that may be therein. And shall
+also order and cause all archives, records and papers, belonging to
+any of the said States or their citizens, which in the course of the
+war may have fallen into the hands of his officers, to be forthwith
+restored and delivered to the proper States and persons to whom they
+belong.
+
+ARTICLE VIII. The navigation of the Mississippi, from its source to
+the ocean, shall forever remain free and open to the subjects of Great
+Britain and citizens of the United States.
+
+SEPARATE ARTICLE. It is hereby understood and agreed, that in case
+Great Britain, at the end of the present war, shall be, or be put in
+possession of West Florida, the line of north boundary between the
+said province and the United States, shall be a line drawn from the
+mouth of the river Yazoo, where it unites with the river Mississippi,
+due east to the river Apalachicola.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ARTICLE PROPOSED AND READ TO THE COMMISSIONERS, BEFORE
+ SIGNING THE PRELIMINARY ARTICLES.[13]
+
+It is agreed, that his Britannic Majesty will earnestly recommend it
+to his Parliament to provide for and make a compensation to the
+merchants and shopkeepers of Boston, whose goods and merchandise were
+seized and taken out of their stores, warehouses and shops, by order
+of General Gage and others of his commanders and officers there; and
+also to the inhabitants of Philadelphia, for the goods taken away by
+his army there; and to make compensation, also, for the tobacco, rice,
+indigo, and negroes, &c. seized and carried off by his armies under
+Generals Arnold, Cornwallis, and others, from the States of Virginia,
+North and South Carolina, and Georgia, and also for all vessels and
+cargoes, belonging to the inhabitants of the said United States, which
+were stopped, seized, or taken, either in the ports, or on the seas,
+by his Governors, or by his ships of war, before the declaration of
+war against the said States.
+
+And it is farther agreed, that his Britannic Majesty will also
+earnestly recommend it to his Parliament to make compensation for all
+the towns, villages, and farms, burnt and destroyed by his troops, or
+adherents, in the said United States.
+
+ FACTS.
+
+There existed a free commerce, upon mutual faith, between Great
+Britain and America. The merchants of the former credited the
+merchants and planters of the latter, with great quantities of goods,
+on the common expectation, that the merchants, having sold the goods,
+would make the accustomed remittances; that the planters would do the
+same by the labor of their negroes, and the produce of that labor,
+tobacco, rice, indigo, &c.
+
+England, before the goods were sold in America, sends an armed force,
+seizes those goods in the stores; some even in the ships that brought
+them, and carries them off; seizes, also, and carries off the tobacco,
+rice, and indigo, provided by the planters to make returns, and even
+the negroes, from whose labor they might hope to raise other produce
+for that purpose.
+
+Britain now demands that the debts shall, nevertheless, be paid.
+
+Will she, can she, justly, refuse making compensation for such
+seizures?
+
+If a draper, who had sold a piece of linen to a neighbor on credit,
+should follow him, take the linen from him by force, and then send a
+bailiff to arrest him for the debt, would any court of law or equity
+award the payment of the debt, without ordering a restitution of the
+cloth?
+
+Will not the debtors in America cry out, that, if this compensation be
+not made, they were betrayed by the pretended credit, and are now
+doubly ruined; first, by the enemy, and then by the negotiators at
+Paris, the goods and negroes sold them being taken from them, with all
+they had besides, and they are now to be obliged to pay for what they
+have been robbed of?
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[13] This _Article_, and the _Facts_ which follow, were drawn up by Dr
+Franklin, and intended to be insisted on, in case the British
+Commissioners persevered in their demands respecting the fisheries.
+See _Franklin's Correspondence_, Vol. IV. p. 50.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO M. DE LAFAYETTE,
+
+ Paris, November 28th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We have received the letter you did us the honor to write on the 25th
+instant.
+
+Our country has had early and repeated proofs both of your readiness
+and abilities to do her service. The prospect of an inactive campaign
+in America induced us to adopt the opinion, that you might be more
+useful here than there; especially, in case the negotiation for peace,
+on the part of France in England, should be committed to your
+management; for your knowledge of our affairs and attachment to our
+interest, might have been very advantageous to us on such an occasion.
+But as an opportunity now offers of your being instrumental in
+producing a co-operation, which would, probably, put a glorious and
+speedy termination to the war in America, we, for our part, perfectly
+approve of your going with Count d'Estaing, in the manner proposed.
+
+We have the honor to be, &c. &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ PROVISIONAL ARTICLES OF PEACE.
+
+Articles agreed upon by and between Richard Oswald, Esq. the
+Commissioner of his Britannic Majesty for treating of peace with the
+Commissioners of the United States of America, in behalf of his said
+Majesty on the one part, and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay,
+and Henry Laurens, four of the Commissioners of the said States for
+treating of peace with the Commissioner of his said Majesty, on their
+behalf, on the other part; to be inserted in, and to constitute the
+treaty of peace, proposed to be concluded between the Crown of Great
+Britain and the said United States. But which treaty is not to be
+concluded, until terms of peace shall be agreed upon between Great
+Britain and France, and his Britannic Majesty shall be ready to
+conclude such treaty accordingly.
+
+Whereas reciprocal advantages and mutual convenience are found by
+experience to form the only permanent foundation of peace and
+friendship between States, it is agreed to form the articles of the
+proposed treaty on such principles of liberal equity and reciprocity,
+as that partial advantages (those seeds of discord) being excluded,
+such a beneficial and satisfactory intercourse between the two
+countries may be established, as to promise and secure to both
+perpetual peace and harmony.
+
+ARTICLE I. His Britannic Majesty acknowledges the said United States,
+viz. New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence
+Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
+Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and
+Georgia, to be free, sovereign, and independent States; that he treats
+with them as such; and, for himself, his heirs and successors,
+relinquishes all claims to the government, propriety, and territorial
+rights of the same, and every part thereof; and that all disputes,
+which might arise in future on the subject of the boundaries of the
+said United States, may be prevented, it is hereby agreed and
+declared, that the following are and shall be their boundaries, viz.
+
+ARTICLE II. From the northwest angle of Nova Scotia, viz. that angle,
+which is formed by a line drawn due north, from the source of St Croix
+river to the highlands, along the highlands which divide those rivers
+that empty themselves into the river St Lawrence from those which fall
+into the Atlantic ocean, to the northwesternmost head of Connecticut
+river; thence down along the middle of that river to the 45th degree
+of north latitude; from thence by a line due west on said latitude,
+until it strikes the river Iroquois or Cataroquy; thence along the
+middle of said river into Lake Ontario; through the middle of said
+Lake until it strikes the communication by water, between that Lake
+and Lake Erie; thence along the middle of said communication into Lake
+Erie; through the middle of said Lake until it arrives at the water
+communication between that Lake and Lake Huron, thence along the
+middle of said water communication into the Lake Huron; thence through
+the middle of said Lake, to the water communication between that Lake
+and Lake Superior; thence through Lake Superior, northward of the
+Isles Royal and Philippeaux to the Long Lake; thence through the
+middle of said Long Lake and the water communication between it and
+the Lake of the Woods, to the said Lake of the Woods; thence through
+the said Lake, to the most northwestern point thereof; and from thence
+on a due west course to the river Mississippi; thence by a line to be
+drawn along the middle of the said river Mississippi until it shall
+intersect the northernmost part of the 31st degree of north latitude;
+south by a line to be drawn due east from the determination of the
+line last mentioned in the latitude of 31st degree north of the
+equator, to the middle of the river Apalachicola or Catahouchi, thence
+along the middle thereof, to its junction with the Flint river, thence
+straight to the head of St Mary's river, to the Atlantic ocean. East
+by a line to be drawn along the middle of the river St Croix, from its
+mouth in the Bay of Fundy to its source; and from its source directly
+north to the aforesaid highlands, which divide the rivers that fall
+into the Atlantic ocean from those which fall into the river St
+Lawrence; comprehending all islands within twenty leagues of any part
+of the shores of the United States; and lying between lines to be
+drawn due east, from the points where the aforesaid boundaries,
+between Nova Scotia on the one part, and East Florida on the other,
+shall respectively touch the Bay of Fundy, and the Atlantic ocean;
+excepting such islands as now are or heretofore have been within the
+limits of the said Province of Nova Scotia.
+
+ARTICLE III. It is agreed, that the people of the United States shall
+continue to enjoy unmolested the right to take fish of every kind, on
+the Grand Bank, and on all the other banks of Newfoundland; also in
+the Gulf of St Lawrence, and at all other places in the sea, where the
+inhabitants of both countries used at any time heretofore to fish. And
+also that the inhabitants of the United States shall have liberty to
+take fish of every kind on such part of the coast of Newfoundland, as
+British fishermen shall use, (but not to dry or cure the same on that
+island) and also on the coasts, bays and creeks of all other of his
+Britannic Majesty's dominion in America. And that the American
+fishermen shall have liberty to dry and cure fish, in any of the
+unsettled bays, harbors and creeks of Nova Scotia, Magdalen islands,
+and Labrador, so long as the same shall remain unsettled; but so soon
+as the same or either of them shall be settled, it shall not be lawful
+for the said fishermen to dry or cure fish at such settlement, without
+a previous agreement for that purpose, with the inhabitants,
+proprietors, or possessors of the ground.
+
+ARTICLE IV. It is agreed, that creditors on either side shall meet
+with no lawful impediment to the recovery of the full value, in
+sterling money, of all _bona fide_ debts, heretofore contracted.
+
+ARTICLE V. It is agreed, that the Congress shall earnestly recommend
+it to the Legislatures of the respective States, to provide for the
+restitution of all estates, rights, and properties, which have been
+confiscated, belonging to real British subjects, and also of the
+estates, rights, and properties of persons resident in districts in
+the possession of his Majesty's arms, and who have not borne arms
+against the said United States; and that persons of any other
+description shall have free liberty to go to any part or parts of any
+of the Thirteen United States, and therein to remain twelve months
+unmolested in their endeavors to obtain the restitution of such of
+their estates, rights, and properties, as may have been confiscated.
+And that Congress shall also earnestly recommend to the several
+States, a reconsideration and revision of all acts or laws regarding
+the premises, so as to render the said laws or acts perfectly
+consistent, not only with justice and equity, but with that spirit of
+conciliation, which on the return of the blessings of peace should
+universally prevail. And that Congress shall also earnestly recommend
+to the several States, that the estates, rights, and properties, of
+such last mentioned persons shall be restored to them, they refunding
+to any persons who may be now in possession, the _bona fide_ price
+(where any has been given) which such persons may have paid on
+purchasing any of the said lands, rights, and properties, since the
+confiscation. And it is agreed, that all persons who have any interest
+in confiscated lands, either by debts, marriage settlements, or
+otherwise, shall meet with no lawful impediment in the prosecution of
+their just rights.
+
+ARTICLE VI. That there shall be no future confiscations made, nor any
+prosecutions commenced against any person or persons, for or by reason
+of the part which he or they may have taken in the present war, and
+that no person shall on that account suffer any future loss or
+damage, either in his person, liberty, or property, and that those
+who may be in confinement on such charges at the time of the
+ratification of the treaty in America, shall be immediately set at
+liberty, and the prosecutions so commenced be discontinued.
+
+ARTICLE VII. There shall be a firm and perpetual peace, between his
+Britannic Majesty and the said States, and between the subjects of the
+one and the citizens of the other, wherefore all hostilities, both by
+sea and land, shall then immediately cease. All prisoners on both
+sides shall be set at liberty; and his Britannic Majesty shall, with
+all convenient speed, and without causing any destruction, or carrying
+away any negroes or other property of the American inhabitants,
+withdraw all his armies, garrisons, and fleets, from the said United
+States, and from every port, place, and harbor, within the same,
+leaving in all fortifications the American artillery that may be
+therein. And shall also order and cause all archives, records, deeds,
+and papers belonging to any of the said States, or their citizens,
+which in the course of the war may have fallen into the hands of his
+officers, to be forthwith restored and delivered to the proper States
+and persons to whom they belong.
+
+ARTICLE VIII. The navigation of the Mississippi river, from its source
+to the ocean, shall forever remain free and open to the subjects of
+Great Britain and the citizens of the United States.
+
+ARTICLE IX. In case it should so happen, that any place or territory,
+belonging to Great Britain or the United States, should be conquered
+by the arms of either from the other, before the arrival of these
+Articles in America, it is agreed, that the same shall be restored
+without difficulty, and without requiring any compensation.
+
+Done at Paris, the thirtieth day of November, in the year one thousand
+seven hundred and eightytwo.
+
+ RICHARD OSWALD,
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY,
+ HENRY LAURENS.
+
+ Witness, CALEB WHITEFOORD,
+ _Secretary to the British Commission_.
+
+ W. T. FRANKLIN,
+ _Secretary to the American Commission_.
+
+SEPARATE ARTICLE. It is hereby understood and agreed, that in case
+Great Britain, at the conclusion of the present war, shall recover or
+be put in possession of West Florida; the line of north boundary
+between the said Province and the United States, shall be a line drawn
+from the mouth of the river Yazoo, where it unites with the
+Mississippi, due east, to the river Apalachicola.
+
+Done at Paris, the thirtieth day of November, in the year one thousand
+seven hundred and eightytwo.
+
+ RICHARD OSWALD,
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY,
+ HENRY LAURENS.
+
+ Attest, CALEB WHITEFOORD,
+ _Secretary to the British Commission_.
+
+ W. T. FRANKLIN,
+ _Secretary to the American Commission_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO FRANCIS DANA AT PETERSBURG.
+
+ Paris, December 12th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We have the honor to congratulate you on the signature of the
+preliminary treaty of peace, between his Britannic Majesty and the
+United States of America, to be inserted in the definitive treaty when
+France and Britain shall have agreed upon their terms. The articles,
+of which we do ourselves the honor to enclose you a copy, were
+completed on the 30th of last month.
+
+To us, at this distance, the present opportunity appears to be the
+most favorable for you to communicate your mission to the Ministers of
+the Empress of Russia, and to the Ministers of the other neutral
+powers residing at her Court, and if you have no objections, we
+presume you will wish to be furnished with the enclosed paper, to
+communicate at the same time.
+
+We heartily wish you success, and if you should inform us of a fair
+prospect of it, we shall propose an article in the definitive treaty,
+to secure the freedom of navigation, according to the principles of
+the late marine treaty between the neutral powers.
+
+With great respect, we have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, December 14th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We have the honor to congratulate Congress on the signature of the
+preliminaries of a peace between the Crown of Great Britain and the
+United States of America, to be inserted in a definitive treaty so
+soon as the terms between the Crowns of France and Great Britain shall
+be agreed on. A copy of the Articles is here enclosed, and we cannot
+but flatter ourselves, that they will appear to Congress, as they do
+to all of us, to be consistent with the honor and interest of the
+United States, and we are persuaded Congress would be more fully of
+that opinion if they were apprized of all the circumstances and
+reasons which have influenced the negotiation. Although it is
+impossible for us to go into that detail, we think it necessary
+nevertheless to make a few remarks on such of the Articles, as appear
+most to require elucidation.
+
+
+ _Remarks on Article 2d, relative to Boundaries._
+
+The Court of Great Britain insisted on retaining all the territories
+comprehended within the Province of Quebec, by the Act of Parliament
+respecting it. They contended that Nova Scotia should extend to the
+river Kennebec; and they claimed not only all the lands in the western
+country and on the Mississippi, which were not expressly included in
+our charters and governments, but also all such lands within them as
+remained ungranted by the King of Great Britain. It would be endless
+to enumerate all the discussions and arguments on the subject.
+
+We knew this Court and Spain to be against our claims to the western
+country, and having no reason to think that lines more favorable could
+ever have been obtained, we finally agreed to those described in this
+Article; indeed they appear to leave us little to complain of, and not
+much to desire. Congress will observe, that although our northern line
+is in a certain part below the latitude of fortyfive, yet in others it
+extends above it, divides the Lake Superior, and gives us access to
+its western and southern waters, from which a line in that latitude
+would have excluded us.
+
+
+ _Remarks on Article 4th, respecting Creditors._
+
+We had been informed that some of the States had confiscated British
+debts, but although each State has a right to bind its own citizens,
+yet in our opinion, it appertains solely to Congress, in whom
+exclusively are vested the rights of making war and peace, to pass
+acts against the subjects of a power with which the Confederacy may be
+at war. It therefore only remained for us to consider, whether this
+Article is founded in justice and good policy.
+
+In our opinion no acts of government could dissolve the obligations of
+good faith, resulting from lawful contracts between individuals of the
+two countries prior to the war. We knew that some of the British
+creditors were making common cause with the refugees, and other
+adversaries of our independence; besides, sacrificing private justice
+to reasons of State and political convenience, is always an odious
+measure; and the purity of our reputation in this respect, in all
+foreign commercial countries, is of infinitely more importance to us
+than all the sums in question. It may also be remarked, that American
+and British creditors are placed on an equal footing.
+
+
+ _Remarks on Articles 5th and 6th, respecting Refugees._
+
+These Articles were among the first discussed, and the last agreed to.
+And had not the conclusion of this business, at the time of its date,
+been particularly important to the British administration, the
+respect, which both in London and Versailles, is supposed to be due to
+the honor, dignity and interest of royalty, would probably have
+forever prevented our bringing this Article so near to the views of
+Congress and the sovereign rights of the States as it now stands. When
+it is considered, that it was utterly impossible to render this
+Article perfectly consistent, both with American and British ideas of
+honor, we presume that the middle line adopted by this Article, is as
+little unfavorable to the former as any that could in reason be
+expected.
+
+As to the Separate Article, we beg leave to observe, that it was our
+policy to render the navigation of the river Mississippi so important
+to Britain, as that their views might correspond with ours on that
+subject. Their possessing the country on the river, north of the line
+from the Lake of the Woods, affords a foundation for their claiming
+such navigation. And as the importance of West Florida to Britain was
+for the same reason rather to be strengthened than otherwise, we
+thought it advisable to allow them the extent contained in the
+Separate Article, especially as before the war it had been annexed by
+Britain to West Florida, and would operate as an additional
+inducement to their joining with us in agreeing, that the navigation
+of the river should forever remain open to both. The map used in the
+course of our negotiations was Mitchell's.
+
+As we had reason to imagine that the Articles respecting the
+boundaries, the refugees, and fisheries, did not correspond with the
+policy of this Court, we did not communicate the preliminaries to the
+Minister until after they were signed; and not even then the _Separate
+Article_. We hope that these considerations will excuse our having so
+far deviated from the spirit of our instructions. The Count de
+Vergennes, on perusing the Articles, appeared surprised, but not
+displeased, at their being so favorable to us.
+
+We beg leave to add our advice, that copies be sent us of the accounts
+directed to be taken by the different States, of the unnecessary
+devastations and sufferings sustained by them from the enemy in the
+course of the war. Should they arrive before the signature of the
+definitive treaty they might possibly answer very good purposes.
+
+With great respect we have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient
+and most humble servants,
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY,
+ HENRY LAURENS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS RESPECTING COMMERCIAL STIPULATIONS.
+
+ In Congress, December 31st, 1782.
+
+On the report of the committee to whom was referred a letter of the
+14th of October last, from the Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court
+of Versailles,
+
+Resolved, That the Ministers Plenipotentiary for negotiating peace, be
+instructed, in any commercial stipulations with Great Britain, which
+may be comprehended in a treaty of peace, to endeavor to obtain for
+the citizens and inhabitants of the United States, a direct commerce
+to all parts of the British dominions and possessions, in like manner
+as all parts of the United States may be opened to a direct commerce
+of British subjects; or, at least, that such direct commerce be
+extended to all parts of the British dominions and possessions in
+Europe and the West Indies. And the said Ministers are informed that
+stipulations are particularly expected by Congress, in case the
+citizens and subjects of each party are to be admitted to an equality
+in matters of commerce with the natives of the other party.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ENGLISH COMMISSIONERS DECLARATION OF THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES.
+
+ Paris, January 20th, 1783.
+
+ DECLARATION.
+
+Whereas the Preliminary Articles agreed to, and signed this day,
+between his Majesty, the King of Great Britain, and his Most
+Christian Majesty, on the one part, and also between his said
+Britannic Majesty and his Catholic Majesty, on the other part,
+stipulate a cessation of hostilities between those three powers, which
+is to commence upon the exchange of the ratifications of the said
+Preliminary Articles; and whereas by the provisional treaty signed on
+the thirtieth of November last, between his Britannic Majesty and the
+United States of North America, it was stipulated, that the said
+treaty should have its effect as soon as peace between the said Crowns
+should be established; the underwritten Minister Plenipotentiary of
+his Britannic Majesty declares, in the name and by the express order
+of the King, his master, that the said United States of North America,
+their subjects and their possessions, shall be comprised in the
+suspension of arms above mentioned, and that they shall, consequently,
+enjoy the benefit of the cessation of hostilities, at the same periods
+and in the same manner as the three Crowns aforesaid, and their
+subjects and possessions, respectively; on condition, however, that on
+the part, and in the name, of the said United States of North America,
+there shall be delivered a similar declaration, expressing their
+assent to the present suspension of arms, and containing an assurance
+of the most perfect reciprocity on their part.
+
+In faith whereof, we, the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Britannic
+Majesty, have signed this present declaration, and have thereto caused
+the seal of our arms to be affixed, at Versailles, this twentieth day
+of January, one thousand seven hundred and eightythree.
+
+ ALLEYNE FITZHERBERT.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ _Signature of the above Declaration by the American
+ Commissioners._
+
+We, the underwritten, Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States
+of North America, having received from Mr Fitzherbert, Minister
+Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty, a declaration relative to a
+suspension of arms to be established between his said Majesty and the
+said States, of which the following is a copy, viz; [See the preceding
+Declaration.]
+
+We have, in the name of the said United States of North America, and
+in virtue of the powers we are vested with, received the above
+declaration, and do accept the same by these presents, and we do
+reciprocally declare, that said States cause to cease all hostilities
+against his Britannic Majesty, his subjects and possessions, at the
+terms or periods agreed to between his said Majesty the King of Great
+Britain, his Majesty the King of France, and his Majesty the King of
+Spain, in the same manner as stipulated between those three Crowns,
+and to have the same effect.
+
+In faith whereof, we, Ministers Plenipotentiary from the United States
+of America, have signed the present declaration, and have hereunto
+affixed the seals of our arms, at Versailles, the twentieth of
+January, one thousand seven hundred and eightythree.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ BRITISH KING'S PROCLAMATION DECLARING A CESSATION OF ARMS.
+
+ By the King.
+
+ A proclamation, declaring the cessation of arms, as well
+ by sea as land, agreed upon between his Majesty, the
+ Most Christian King, the King of Spain, the States-General
+ of the United Provinces, and the United States
+ of America, and enjoining the observance thereof
+
+ George R.
+
+Whereas Provisional Articles were signed at Paris, on the thirtieth
+day of November last, between our Commissioner for treating of peace
+with the Commissioners of the United States of America, and the
+Commissioners of the said States, to be inserted in, and to constitute
+the treaty of peace proposed to be concluded between us and the said
+United States, when terms of peace should be agreed upon between us
+and his Most Christian Majesty; and whereas preliminaries for
+restoring peace between us and his Most Christian Majesty were signed
+at Versailles on the twentieth day of January last, by the Ministers
+of us and the Most Christian King; and whereas preliminaries for
+restoring peace between us and the King of Spain were also signed at
+Versailles on the twentieth day of January last, between the Ministers
+of us and the King of Spain; and whereas for putting an end to the
+calamity of war, as soon and as far as it may be possible, it has been
+agreed between us, his Most Christian Majesty, the King of Spain, the
+States-General of the United Provinces, and the United States of
+America, as follows, that is to say;
+
+That such vessels and effects as should be taken in the Channel and in
+the North Seas, after the space of twelve days, to be computed from
+the ratification of the said Preliminary Articles, should be restored
+on all sides; that the term should be one month from the Channel and
+the North Seas, as far as the Canary Islands inclusively, whether in
+the ocean or in the Mediterranean; two months from the said Canary
+Islands, as far as the equinoctial line or equator; and, lastly, five
+months in all other parts of the world, without any exception, or any
+other more particular description of time or place;
+
+And whereas the ratifications of the said Preliminary Articles,
+between us and the Most Christian King, in due form were exchanged by
+the Ministers of us, and of the Most Christian King, on the third day
+of this instant February; and the ratifications of the said
+Preliminary Articles, between us and the King of Spain, were exchanged
+between the Ministers of us and of the King of Spain, on the ninth day
+of this instant February, from which days, respectively, the several
+terms above mentioned, of twelve days, of two months, and five months,
+are to be computed; and whereas, it is our royal will and pleasure,
+that the cessation of hostilities, between us and the States-General
+of the United Provinces, and the United States of America, should be
+agreeable to the epochs fixed between us and the Most Christian King;
+
+We have thought fit, by and with the advice of our Privy Council, to
+notify the same to all our loving subjects; and we do declare that our
+royal will and pleasure is, and we do hereby strictly charge and
+command all our officers, both at sea and land, and all our other
+subjects whatsoever, to forbear all acts of hostility, either by sea
+or land, against his Most Christian Majesty, the King of Spain, the
+States-General of the United Provinces, and the United States of
+America, their vessels, or subjects, from and after the respective
+times above mentioned, and under the penalty of incurring our highest
+displeasure.
+
+Given at our Court at St James, the fourteenth day of February, in the
+twentythird year of our reign, and in the year of our Lord one
+thousand seven hundred and eightythree.
+
+God save the King.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ALLEYNE FITZHERBERT TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Paris, February 18th, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a packet, containing one
+hundred passports for American vessels, which I have this moment
+received by a courier from England.
+
+I take this opportunity of acquainting you, that a proclamation was
+issued out in the King's name on the 14th instant, making known the
+cessation of hostilities, which has been agreed upon between the
+several belligerent powers; and declaring further, that the several
+epochas, at which the said armistice is to commence, between his
+Majesty and the United States of North America, are to be computed
+from the third day of this instant February, being the day on which
+the ratifications of the preliminaries were exchanged between his
+Majesty and the Most Christian King. I must add, that his Majesty was
+induced to take this step, under the firm expectation, that you,
+Gentlemen, will correspond to it on your parts, by adopting the same
+measure reciprocally, in the name of the States, your masters.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ALLEYNE FITZHERBERT.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ AMERICAN COMMISSIONERS' DECLARATION OF THE CESSATION OF
+ HOSTILITIES.
+
+ By the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America
+ for making peace with Great Britain,
+
+ A DECLARATION
+
+Of the cessation of arms, as well by sea as land, agreed upon between
+his Majesty the King of Great Britain and the United States of
+America.
+
+Whereas Preliminary Articles were signed at Paris, on the thirtieth
+day of November last, between the Plenipotentiaries of his said
+Majesty the King of Great Britain and of the said States, to be
+inserted in, and to constitute the treaty of peace, to be concluded
+between his said Majesty and the said United States, when terms of
+peace should be agreed upon, between his said Majesty and his Most
+Christian Majesty. And whereas preliminaries for restoring peace,
+between his said Majesty the King of Great Britain and his Most
+Christian Majesty, were signed at Versailles, on the twentieth day of
+January last, by the respective Ministers of their said Majesties; and
+whereas preliminaries for restoring peace, between his said Majesty
+the King of Great Britain and his Majesty the King of Spain, were also
+signed at Versailles on the twentieth day of January last, by their
+respective Ministers; and whereas, for putting an end to the calamity
+of war, as soon and as far as possible, it has been agreed, between
+the King of Great Britain, his Most Christian Majesty, the King of
+Spain, the States-General of the United Provinces, and the United
+States of America, as follows, that is to say;
+
+That such vessels and effects as should be taken in the Channel and in
+the North Seas, after the space of twelve days, to be computed from
+the ratification of the said Preliminary Articles, should be restored
+on all sides; that the term should be one month, from the Channel and
+North Seas as far as the Canary Islands, inclusively, whether the
+ocean or the Mediterranean; two months from the said Canary Islands,
+as far as the Equinoctial Line, or Equator; and, lastly, five months
+in all other parts of the world, without any exception, or any other
+more particular description of time or place;
+
+And whereas the ratifications of the said Preliminary Articles between
+his said Majesty the King of Great Britain and his Most Christian
+Majesty, in due form were exchanged by their Ministers, on the third
+day of this instant February, from which day the several terms
+abovementioned, of twelve days, of one month, of two months, and of
+five months, are to be computed, relative to all British and American
+vessels and effects;
+
+Now, therefore, we, the Ministers Plenipotentiary from the United
+States of America, for making peace with Great Britain, do notify to
+the people and citizens of the said United States of America, that
+hostilities on their part against his Britannic Majesty, both by sea
+and land, are to cease at the expiration of the terms herein before
+specified therefor, and which terms are to be computed from the third
+day of February instant. And we do, in the name and by the authority
+of the said United States, accordingly warn and enjoin all their
+officers and citizens, to forbear all acts of hostility whatever,
+either by land or by sea, against his said Majesty the King of Great
+Britain, or his subjects, under the penalty of incurring the highest
+displeasure of the said United States.
+
+Given at Paris, the twentieth day of February, in the year of our Lord
+one thousand seven hundred and eightythree, under our hands and seals.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Philadelphia, March 25th, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+I am now to acknowledge the favor of your joint letter by the
+Washington, together with a copy of the Preliminary Articles; both
+were laid before Congress. The Articles have met with their warmest
+approbation, and have been generally seen by the people in the most
+favorable point of view.
+
+The steadiness manifested in not treating without an express
+acknowledgment of your independence previous to a treaty is approved,
+and it is not doubted but it accelerated that declaration. The
+boundaries are as extensive as we have a right to expect; and we have
+nothing to complain of with respect to the fisheries. My sentiments as
+to English debts you have in a former letter. No honest man could wish
+to withhold them. A little forbearance in British creditors, till
+people have recovered in part from the losses sustained by the war,
+will be necessary to render this Article palatable, and indeed to
+secure more effectually the debt. The Article relative to the
+loyalists is not quite so accurately expressed as I could wish it to
+have been. What for instance is intended by _real British subjects_?
+It is clear to me that it will operate nothing in their favor in any
+State in the union, but as you made no secret of this to the British
+Commissioners, they will have nothing to charge you with; and indeed
+the whole clause seems rather to have been inserted to appease the
+clamor of these poor wretches, than to satisfy their wants. Britain
+would have discovered more candor and magnanimity in paying to them
+three months' expense of the war establishment, which would have been
+an ample compensation for all their losses, and left no germ of
+dissatisfaction to bud and bloom and ripen into discontents here.
+Another mad Administration may think the noncompliance of the
+Legislatures with the recommendations of Congress on this subject, a
+sufficient cause for giving themselves and us new troubles. You
+however were perfectly right in agreeing to the Article, the folly was
+theirs, who did not either insist upon more, or give up this.
+
+But, Gentlemen, though the issue of your treaty has been successful,
+though I am satisfied that we are much indebted to your firmness and
+perseverance, to your accurate knowledge of our situation, and of our
+wants for this success, yet I feel no little pain at the distrust
+manifested in the management of it; particularly in signing the treaty
+without communicating it to the Court of Versailles till after the
+signature, and in concealing the Separate Article from it even when
+signed. I have examined with the most minute attention all the reasons
+assigned in your several letters to justify these suspicions. I
+confess they do not appear to strike me so forcibly as they have done
+you; and it gives me pain, that the character for candor and fidelity
+to its engagements, which should always characterise a great people,
+should have been impeached thereby. The concealment was in my opinion
+absolutely unnecessary; for had the Court of France disapproved the
+terms you had made, after they had been agreed upon, they could not
+have acted so absurdly as to counteract you at that late day; and
+thereby put themselves in the power of an enemy, who would certainly
+betray them, and perhaps justify you in making terms for yourselves.
+
+The Secret Article is no otherwise important, than as it carries in it
+the seeds of enmity to the Court of Spain, and shows a marked
+preference for an open enemy. It would in my opinion, have been much
+better to have fixed on the same boundaries for West Florida, into
+whatever hands it fell, without showing any preference, or rendering
+concealment necessary; since all the arguments in favor of the cession
+to England would then have operated with equal force, and nothing have
+been lost by it; for there can be no doubt, that whether Florida shall
+at the close of the war be ceded to England or to Spain, it will be
+ceded as it was held by Britain. The Separate Article is not, I
+suppose, by this time a secret in Europe; it can hardly be considered
+as such in America. The treaty was sent out to the General with this
+Article annexed by Sir Guy Carleton, without the smallest injunction
+of secrecy. So that I dare say it has been pretty generally read at
+head quarters. Congress still conceal it here. I feel for the
+embarrassment explanations on this subject must subject you to, when
+this secret is known to your allies.
+
+I intended to have submitted this letter to Congress, but I find
+there is not the least prospect of obtaining any decision upon it in
+time to send by this conveyance, if at all. I leave you to collect
+their sentiments, as far as I know them, from the following state of
+their proceedings. After your joint and separate letters, and the
+journals had been submitted to them by me, and had been read, they
+were referred back to me to report upon, when I wrote them a letter,
+and when it was taken into consideration, motions were made and
+debated a whole day. After which the letter and motions were
+committed, and a report brought in. This was under consideration two
+days, when the arrival of a vessel from Cadiz with letters from the
+Count d'Estaing and the Marquis de Lafayette, containing accounts,
+that the preliminaries were signed, induced many members to think it
+would be improper to proceed in the report, and in that state it
+remains without any express decision. From this you will draw your own
+inferences.
+
+I make no apology for the part I have taken in this business. I am
+satisfied you will readily acquit me for having discharged what I
+conceived to be my duty upon such a view of things as you presented to
+me. In declaring my sentiments freely, I invite you to treat me with
+equal candor in your letters, and in sending original papers, I guard
+against misrepresentations that might give you pain. Upon the whole I
+have the pleasure of assuring you, that the services you have rendered
+your country, in bringing this business to a happy issue, are very
+gratefully received by them; however we may differ in sentiments about
+the mode of doing it.
+
+I am sorry that the extreme negligence of the different States, has
+prevented, and will probably long prevent, my being able to send you a
+state of the injury done to real property, and the number of slaves
+destroyed and carried off by the British troops and their allies,
+though no pains have been, or shall be wanting, on my part to urge
+them to it.
+
+I have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ PROCLAMATION OF CONGRESS DECLARING A CESSATION OF ARMS.
+
+ By the United States of America in Congress assembled.
+
+ A PROCLAMATION,
+
+Declaring the cessation of arms, as well by sea as by land, agreed
+upon between the United States of America and his Britannic Majesty,
+and enjoining the observance thereof.
+
+Whereas Provisional Articles were signed at Paris on the 30th day of
+November last, between the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United
+States of America for treating of peace, and the Minister
+Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty, to be inserted in, and to
+constitute the treaty of peace proposed to be concluded between the
+United States of America and his Britannic Majesty, when terms of
+peace should be agreed upon between their Most Christian and Britannic
+Majesties; and whereas preliminaries for restoring peace between their
+Most Christian and Britannic Majesties were signed at Versailles, on
+the 20th day of January last, by the Ministers of their Most Christian
+and Britannic Majesties; and whereas preliminaries for restoring peace
+between the said King of Great Britain and the King of Spain, were
+also signed at Versailles on the same 20th day of January last;
+
+By which said Preliminary Articles it has been agreed, that as soon as
+the same were ratified, hostilities between the said Kings, their
+kingdoms, states and subjects, should cease in all parts of the world;
+and it was further agreed, that all vessels and effects that might be
+taken in the Channel and in the North Seas, after the space of twelve
+days from the ratification of the said Preliminary Articles, should be
+restored; that the term should be one month from the Channel and North
+Seas as far as the Canary Islands, inclusively, whether in the ocean
+or the Mediterranean; two months from the said Canary Islands as far
+as the Equinoctial line or Equator; and lastly, five months in all
+other parts of the world, without any exception or more particular
+description of time or place;
+
+And whereas it was declared by the Minister Plenipotentiary of the
+King of Great Britain, in the name and by the express order of the
+King his master, on the said 20th day of January last, that the said
+United States of America, their subjects and their possessions, shall
+be comprised in the above mentioned suspension of arms, at the same
+epochs, and in the same manner as the three Crowns abovementioned,
+their subjects and possessions respectively; upon condition, that on
+the part and in the name of the United States of America, a similar
+declaration shall be delivered, expressly declaring their assent to
+the said suspension of arms, and containing an assurance of the most
+perfect reciprocity on their part;
+
+And whereas the Ministers Plenipotentiary of these United States, did,
+on the 20th day of January, in the name and by the authority of the
+said United States, accept the said declaration, and declare that the
+said States should cause all hostilities to cease against his
+Britannic Majesty, his subjects and his possessions, at the terms and
+epochs agreed upon between his said Majesty the King of Great Britain,
+his Majesty the King of France, and his Majesty the King of Spain, so
+and in the same manner as had been agreed upon between those three
+Crowns, and to produce the same effects;
+
+And whereas the ratifications of the said Preliminary Articles,
+between their Most Christian and Britannic Majesties, were exchanged
+by their Ministers on the 3d day of February last; and between his
+Britannic Majesty and the King of Spain, on the 9th day of February
+last;
+
+And whereas it is our will and pleasure, that the cessation of
+hostilities between the United States of America and his Britannic
+Majesty, should be conformable to the epochs fixed between their Most
+Christian and Britannic Majesties;
+
+We have thought fit to make known the same to the citizens of these
+States; and we hereby strictly charge and command all our officers,
+both by sea and land, and other subjects of these United States, to
+forbear all acts of hostility, either by sea or by land, against his
+Britannic Majesty or his subjects, from and after the respective times
+agreed upon between their Most Christian and Britannic Majesties, as
+aforesaid.
+
+And we do further require all governors and others, the executive
+powers of these United States respectively, to cause this our
+proclamation to be made public, to the end that the same may be duly
+observed within their several jurisdictions.
+
+Given under the seal of the United States. Witness, his Excellency
+ELIAS BOUDINOT, President, this twelfth day of April, in the year of
+our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightythree, and of the
+sovereignty and independence of the United States the seventh.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Philadelphia, April 21st, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+Upon the receipt of the Provisional Articles, and a subsequent account
+brought by a vessel, despatched by Count d'Estaing, I wrote letters to
+Sir Guy Carleton and Admiral Digby, to which I received answers. You
+will find them cold and distant. Those they wrote to the Minister of
+France, in answer to similar communications made by him, were still
+more so, and contain the same illiberal doubts which are mentioned in
+mine, expressed in much stronger terms. When they received an
+authentic account of the treaty, they sent a copy of it, (_no part_
+being omitted) to Congress, through the General. When the Proclamation
+for the cessation of hostilities was received at New York, it was sent
+to me by an officer with a letter, to which I returned an answer.
+
+After this two great questions were agitated in Congress. 1st. Whether
+they should proceed to the immediate ratification of the Provisional
+Articles; and 2dly. Whether they should release their prisoners. Some
+maintained with respect to the first of these points, that they knew
+not in what light to consider the Provisional Articles, whether as
+preliminaries or a definitive treaty. That the preamble said they were
+to constitute the treaty, while at the same time, they were only to be
+inserted in it. These terms they considered as contradictory; and they
+wished to have explanations from you on this head, to know what the
+operation of a ratification would be, and they inferred from your
+silence, that none was necessary. They observed, that no time was set
+for the evacuation of New York; that the ratification would in some
+measure compel them to release their prisoners, and thus strengthen
+their hands, when it was possible a definitive treaty might not take
+effect between Great Britain and France; and that the ratification and
+the restoration of prisoners, if it left us nothing more to do, was in
+some sort to desert our allies. To this it was answered, that the
+Provisional Articles were only to be received as preliminary, that
+from the very nature of them, they could not he definitive; that the
+ratification would not alter the nature of them, but confirm them as
+they stood; that they were confessedly very advantageous to us; that
+the neglecting any such acceptation of them as was necessary on our
+part would give the enemy a pretence for violating the stipulations
+they contained; that the principal points between France and Great
+Britain being settled, we had no reason to apprehend a failure of a
+definitive treaty; that it was important to show, that we were
+determined to adhere in every particular to the engagements you had
+made. These arguments prevailed, and a resolution passed directing
+the ratification which I enclose. It is probable that the definitive
+treaty will be signed before this can reach you, otherwise it would be
+extremely desirable that some ambiguities in the Provisional Articles
+should be cleared up, and other objects, which have been at different
+times touched upon in my public letters, attended to.
+
+The sixth Article is not so precisely expressed as to point out to
+what time the word _future_ refers, whether to the signature of the
+Provisional Articles, whether to the act, which gave it the force of a
+treaty, or to the definitive treaty. Though I should suppose the
+second to be the intention from the opposition between the words
+_now_, and the time of the ratification in America.
+
+The seventh Article leaves the time for the evacuation of New York
+upon so loose a footing, that I fear our troublesome guests will long
+continue to be such, unless a day is fixed on for their departure, in
+the definitive treaty. You can easily conceive the impatience that the
+distressed inhabitants of New Fork feel at every moment's delay; and
+the fears and jealousies that prevail among them lest it should be
+meant to retain these posts as pledges for the performance of the
+stipulations in favor of the tories. By the debates in Parliament on
+the 3d of March, it is evident that they had then no orders to
+evacuate.
+
+You will observe that the ratification does not extend to the Separate
+Article. The treaty between Spain and Great Britain renders it
+unnecessary; and Congress not caring to express any sentiment upon
+that subject, I refer you to my letters to Dr Franklin and Mr Jay upon
+the subject of a free trade with the West Indies, and the logwood
+trade, which are important objects here; and, I hope, will be
+attended to in your definitive treaty. It were to be wished that the
+ambiguity with respect to the time of the cessation of hostilities
+upon this coast was cleared up, and the construction we put upon it
+adopted, to wit, that by _as far as the Canaries_, was intended the
+latitude of the Canaries, which construction can be supported by a
+variety of arguments, and is extremely important to us, as a number of
+our vessels have been taken since the 3d of March.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ MR GRAND TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Paris, May 10th, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+It is some months ago since I had the honor to write you, and am well
+persuaded, although I received no answer thereto, that it will have
+engaged your attention. I earnestly wish it may have been productive
+of an improvement to the finances of Congress, which I then foresaw
+would be short of our wants, and which is, unfortunately, too much the
+case at present.
+
+Last month, I remitted to the honorable Robert Morris, the state of
+his account; the balance of which was 413,892 livres _13c. 9s._ due to
+me. This, added to the subsequent payments I had to make, would have
+thrown me into a state of perplexity, had it not been for the
+assistance given me by the _Garde du Tresor Royal_.
+
+You will see, Gentlemen, by the statement I have the honor to enclose
+for your consideration, that the sums I am to pay, exceed by one
+million those that are to be paid me. And making even abstraction of
+all that is not Mr Morris' bill, there still remains a defect of
+500,000 livres, independent of the allowance to be made for his usual
+wants, from January 24th (date of his last bills) up to the 12th of
+March.
+
+I am happy to have it in my power to say, that I have exerted to this
+instant, all that my zeal and my faculties could suggest to me. Did
+the last keep pace with the former, I should never have applied but to
+them. However, the state of affairs is such now, that a resolution
+must be taken relative thereto; and, even, without delay; the bearers
+of Mr Morris's bills growing so urgent upon me, that rather than to
+have occasioned any difficulty before I could be informed of your
+resolution, I preferred accepting a further sum of 54,000 livres this
+day.
+
+I crave your Excellencies will honor me with a quick answer;
+meantime, I remain &c.
+
+ GRAND.
+
+ * * *
+
+ _State of the Finances of Congress at Paris, on the 10th
+ of May_, 1783.
+
+ Balance due to me on the last account, Livres 413,892 13 9
+
+ Sums paid by his Excellency Benjamin
+ Franklin's orders, 172,001 5 1
+
+ The honorable Robert Morris's drafts to
+ be paid, 1,872,871 1 10
+
+ His fresh drafts from January 24th, at
+ 60 days sight, of which I have already
+ accepted 54,000 livres, 804,371 8
+ ---------------
+ 3,263,136 8 8
+
+
+ Interest on the Dutch Loan, 400,000}
+ Sabatier & Desprez' claim }
+ for articles to the Marquis }
+ de Lafayette, 134,000}
+ -------
+ 534,000
+ ---------------
+
+ Livres 3,797,136 8 8
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ M. DE LAFAYETTE TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Paris, May 12th, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+Having yesterday conferred with Count de Vergennes upon some public
+concerns, he requested I would tell you what, instead of troubling you
+with the demand of a meeting, I think better to mention in this note.
+
+The several powers, said he, are going to make up their treaties, and
+when ready to sign, they will, of course, meet to do it all together.
+The mediation of the Emperor and that of Russia have been required,
+and under that mediation the French treaty will be signed; it now
+rests with America to know, if she will conclude her treaty under the
+mediation, or chooses to let it alone. There is no necessity for it.
+But, in case you prefer to have it, Count de Vergennes thinks it is
+time to join with England in making a combined application to the
+Court of Vienna and that of Petersburg.
+
+So far, Gentlemen, I have been requested to speak to you. I will add,
+that from my last conferences on the subject, I hope we may get the
+harbor of L'Orient, as we have wished, for the American trade.
+
+Be pleased to accept the assurances of my great and affectionate
+respect.
+
+ LAFAYETTE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DAVID HARTLEY'S COMMISSION.
+
+ George R.
+
+George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France
+and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburg,
+Arch Treasurer and Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, and so
+forth, to all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting.
+
+Whereas, for the perfecting and establishing the peace, friendship,
+and good understanding so happily commenced by the Provisional
+Articles signed at Paris, the thirtieth day of November last, by the
+Commissioners of us, and our good friends, the United States of
+America, viz; New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island,
+Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three lower
+Counties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South
+Carolina, and Georgia, in North America, and for opening, promoting,
+and rendering perpetual, the mutual intercourse of trade and commerce,
+between our kingdoms and the dominions of the said United States, we
+have thought proper to invest some fit person with full powers on our
+part to meet and confer with the Ministers of the said United States,
+now residing at Paris, duly authorised for the accomplishing of such
+laudable and salutary purposes.
+
+Now know ye, that we, reposing special trust and confidence in the
+wisdom, loyalty, diligence, and circumspection of our trusty and well
+beloved David Hartley, (on whom we have heretofore conferred the rank
+of our Minister Plenipotentiary,) have nominated, constituted and
+appointed, and by these presents do nominate, constitute and appoint
+him, our true, certain, and undoubted Commissioner, Procurator, and
+Plenipotentiary; giving and granting to him all, and all manner of
+faculty, power, and authority, together with general, as well as
+special order (so as the general do not derogate from the special, nor
+on the contrary,) for us, and in our name, to meet, confer, treat, and
+conclude with the Minister or Ministers, furnished with sufficient
+powers, on the part of our said good friends, the United States of
+America, of and concerning all such matters and things as may be
+requisite and necessary for accomplishing and completing the several
+ends and purposes herein before mentioned, and also for us, and in our
+name to sign such treaty or treaties, convention or conventions, or
+other instruments whatsoever, as may be agreed upon in the premises;
+and mutually to deliver and receive the same in exchange, and to do
+and perform all such other acts, matters, and things, as may be
+anyways proper and conducive to the purposes abovementioned, in as
+full and ample form and manner, and with the like validity and effect,
+as we ourself, if we were present, could do and perform the same;
+engaging and promising, on our royal word, that we will accept,
+ratify, and confirm in the most effectual manner all such acts,
+matters, and things, as shall be so transacted and concluded by our
+aforesaid Commissioner, Procurator, and Plenipotentiary, and that we
+will never suffer any person to violate the same, in the whole, or in
+part, or to act contrary thereto.
+
+In testimony and confirmation of all which, we have caused our great
+seal of Great Britain to be affixed to these presents, signed with our
+royal hand.
+
+Given at our palace at St James, the fourteenth day of May, in the
+year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightythree, and the
+twentythird year of our reign.
+
+I, David Hartley, the Minister abovementioned, certify the foregoing
+to be a true copy from my original commission, delivered to the
+American Ministers this 19th day of May, 1783.
+
+ D. HARTLEY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ AN ORDER OF THE BRITISH COUNCIL.
+
+Copy of the Order in Council, the 14th of May, 1783, read to, and left
+with the American Ministers, this 21st day of May, 1783, by Mr
+Hartley.
+
+ At the Court of St James, May 14th, 1783.
+
+Present. The King's Most Excellent Majesty in Council.
+
+Whereas, by an act of Parliament passed this session, entitled, "An
+Act for preventing certain instruments from being required from ships
+belonging to the United States of America, and to give to his Majesty,
+for a limited time, certain powers for the better carrying on trade
+and commerce between the subjects of his Majesty's dominions and the
+inhabitants of the said United States," it is, among other things,
+enacted, that, during the continuance of the said act, it shall, and
+may be lawful for his Majesty in Council, by order or orders to be
+issued and published from time to time, to give such directions, and
+to make such regulations with respect to duties, drawbacks, or
+otherwise, for carrying on the trade and commerce between the people
+and territories belonging to the Crown of Great Britain, and the
+people and territories of the said United States, as to his Majesty in
+Council shall appear most expedient and salutary, any law, usage, or
+custom to the contrary notwithstanding. His Majesty, does, therefore,
+by, and with the advice of his Privy Council, hereby order and direct,
+that any oil, or unmanufactured goods or merchandises, being the
+growth or production of any of the territories of the said United
+States of America, may, (until further order) be imported directly
+from thence into any of the ports of this kingdom, either in British
+or American ships, by British subjects, or by any of the people
+inhabiting in, and belonging to the said United States, or any of
+them, and such goods and merchandises shall and may be entered and
+landed in any port in this kingdom, upon payment of the same duties,
+as the like sort of goods are, or may be subject and liable to, if
+imported by British subjects in British ships from any British island
+or plantation in America, and no other, notwithstanding such goods or
+merchandises, or the ships in which the same may be brought, may not
+be accompanied with the certificates, or other documents heretofore
+required by law; and it is hereby further ordered and directed, that
+there shall be the same drawbacks, exemptions, and bounties on
+merchandises and goods exported from Great Britain into the
+territories of the said United States of America, or any of them, as
+are allowed upon the exportation of the like goods or merchandise, to
+any of the islands, plantations, or colonies belonging to the Crown of
+Great Britain in America; and it is hereby further ordered and
+directed, that all American ships and vessels, which shall have
+voluntarily come into any port of Great Britain, since the 20th of
+January, 1783, shall be admitted, together with the goods and
+merchandises on board the same ships and vessels, to the full benefit
+of this order; and the Right Honorable the Lords, Commissioners of
+his Majesty's Treasury, and the Lords, Commissioners of the Admiralty,
+are to give the necessary directions herein, as to them may
+respectively appertain.[14]
+
+ WILLIAM FAWKNER.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[14] See the following Papers in _Henry Laurens's Correspondence_,
+Vol. II. pp. 499-502, viz.
+
+1. Articles proposed to the American Commissioners by Mr Hartley.
+
+2. Mr Hartley's proposed Article of Agreement, delivered by him to the
+American Commissioners for their consideration, May 21st, 1783.
+
+3. Observations and propositions of Mr Hartley, left with the American
+Ministers, May 21st, 1783.
+
+Also in _Franklin's Correspondence_, Vol. IV. pp. 78, 80, 92, and the
+following, viz.
+
+1. Conciliatory Propositions.
+
+2. Sketch of a Provisional Treaty of Commerce.
+
+3. Supplemental Treaty.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ COUNT DE VERGENNES' PROPOSED NEW ARTICLES.
+
+ [Delivered to Dr Franklin on the 20th of May, 1783.]
+
+ Translation.
+
+The intention of his Most Christian Majesty and the United States of
+North America, in concluding between them a treaty of amity and
+commerce, having been, that their respective subjects should enjoy all
+the advantages, privileges, and exemptions, which the most favored
+nations enjoy or may enjoy, and his said Majesty and the United
+States, wishing to prevent any misunderstandings that may arise by a
+false application of the 2d and 3d Articles of the treaty of commerce
+of February 6th, 1778, have thought it proper to determine in a
+precise manner the principles which ought to be followed on one part
+and the other, concerning the matter in question. In consequence, it
+is proposed, that his Majesty and the Congress of the United States
+agree to the following Articles.
+
+ARTICLE I. To interpret, as far as is necessary, the 2d Article of the
+treaty of amity and commerce, concluded February 6th, 1778, the United
+States declare, that all the advantages, privileges, and exemptions,
+which are accorded, or may be accorded hereafter, in regard to
+navigation and commerce, to any nation, power, or state, whatever,
+shall be common to the French nation, and that these shall be enjoyed
+conformably to Article 3d of the treaty, in such manner that in no
+case, or under any pretext, shall the said United States exact any
+compensation from his Most Christian Majesty.
+
+ARTICLE II. His Most Christian Majesty promises and engages on his
+part, to cause the subjects of the United States to enjoy, in
+conformity with the 3d Article abovementioned, all the advantages,
+privileges, and exemptions, which the most favored nations now enjoy,
+or may enjoy hereafter, and that without exacting any compensation
+from the said States.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO MR GRAND.
+
+ Paris, May 22d, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We have received the letter you did us the honor to write us on the
+10th day of this month, containing a brief state of the affairs of the
+United States, in your hands.
+
+We see the difficulties you are in, and are sorry to say that it is
+not in our power to afford you any relief.
+
+We have the honor to be, Sir, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 28th, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+By the direction of Congress contained in the enclosed resolutions, I
+have the honor to transmit you the correspondence between General
+Washington and Sir Guy Carleton, together with minutes of their
+conference, when in pursuance of the invitation of the first, they met
+in Orange county. Nothing can be a more direct violation of the
+seventh Article of the provisional treaty, than sending off the
+slaves, under pretence, that their Proclamations had set them free, as
+if a British General had, either by their laws or those of nations, a
+right by Proclamation, to deprive any man whatever of his property.
+They may with much more propriety pretend to re-establish every one of
+their adherents in all the rights they had before the war, since they
+engaged so to do, and the people with whom they made these engagements
+were capable of entering into them, which slaves were not. Or even if
+they were, the promise made to them must be under the same limitations
+with those made to their other adherents in this country, and amounts
+to nothing more than this; "make yourselves free, and we will protect
+you in that freedom as long as we can." The Articles imply, that they
+were no longer able to protect them. You will be pleased to
+remonstrate on this subject, and inform Congress of the effects of
+your representations.
+
+We have been much embarrassed by your silence, not having had a line
+from you since the Provisional Articles took effect, nor being at all
+acquainted with the progress of the definitive treaty; though the
+earliest information on this subject becomes very important. Congress,
+after some hesitation have ventured to hope, that it will meet with no
+obstructions, and have accordingly discharged by the enclosed
+resolution a considerable part of their army upon those principles of
+economy which extreme necessity dictated. As scarce a week passes
+without several arrivals from France, Congress complain with some
+reason of your silence. For my own part I could wish, that you would
+severally impose upon yourselves the task of writing weekly, and
+sending your letters to Mr Barclay. As you are possessed of cyphers,
+there can be no hazard in this, where the subject of your
+correspondence requires secrecy.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 31st, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+Congress yesterday passed the enclosed resolutions on the subject of
+the payment of British debts. The language they speak requires no
+comment.
+
+I complained in my last of your long silence, or rather laid before
+you the complaints of Congress. These, I think receive additional
+force from the intelligence that I have since had, that the
+negotiations are still going on; and that important propositions have
+been made you from Holland. As Congress have adjourned for two days,
+and the packet sails tomorrow, I cannot procure their instructions on
+this subject; though I think I may venture to say that they will not
+without reluctance go one step further than their honor requires of
+them in making new engagements which may involve them in the disputes
+of Europe, from which they wish to be totally disengaged. I make no
+observations on these propositions, or your power to accede to them,
+being well persuaded that you will take no step in this business
+without a full persuasion that important advantages will result
+therefrom to these States. The second proposition, in case France and
+Spain should decline acceding to the first, is more peculiarly
+delicate from the inability of the contracting powers to enforce them;
+if, which is hardly to be supposed, they should unite in wishing it.
+
+I cannot help lamenting since so much time has elapsed before any
+conclusion is formed, that you had not thought it advisable to write
+me on this subject, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of the
+measure, and enabling me to take the sense of Congress thereon; for
+though they have the highest confidence in your judgment and knowledge
+of the true interests of this country, yet I am persuaded that they
+think it a duty to see with their own eyes; and to form their own
+conclusions on great national objects, where there is a possibility of
+so doing. The experience of the last war has shown that the
+propositions of the Empress of Russia were little more than a dead
+letter. Those whom England dared to offend derived no advantage from
+them. Our engagement therefore on this head will, in my opinion, add
+little weight to them, unless the great maritime powers of Europe
+agree to support them, and they may involve us in disagreeable
+discussions. These however are only my sentiments; those of Congress I
+am ignorant of.
+
+The fifth and sixth Articles of the provisional treaty excite much
+ferment here. For though the most dissatisfied spirits acknowledge the
+whole treaty taken together to answer their highest expectations, yet
+they wish to take only what they like, and leave out what they
+disapprove; and such is the relaxation of government, and so great the
+disorder and uneasiness introduced by the war, that it will be found
+very difficult to bridle the just resentments of some, and the
+unfounded apprehensions that others entertain of reimbursement that
+may effect their particular interests.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ JOHN ADAMS'S PROPOSED AGREEMENT.
+
+ June, 1783.
+
+ ARTICLES
+
+Agreed upon by and between David Hartley, Minister Plenipotentiary of
+his Britannic Majesty for and in behalf of his said Majesty, on the
+one part, and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry
+Laurens, Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America,
+for treating of peace with the Minister Plenipotentiary of his said
+Majesty, on their behalf, on the other part,
+
+_In addition_ to those Articles agreed upon, on the 30th day of
+November, 1782, by and between Richard Oswald, the Commissioner of his
+Britannic Majesty for treating of peace with the Commissioners of the
+United States of America, in behalf of his said Majesty, on the one
+part, and the said John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Henry Laurens,
+Commissioners of the said States, for treating of peace, with the
+Commissioner of his said Majesty, on their behalf, on the other part;
+
+Whereas it is expedient, that intercourse and commerce should be
+opened, between the people and territories subject to the Crown of
+Great Britain and those of the United States of America, and that this
+intercourse and commerce should be established on the most enlarged
+principles of reciprocal benefit to both countries;
+
+1st. It is agreed, that Ministers shall be forthwith nominated and
+vested with full powers, to treat, agree, and conclude, upon a
+permanent treaty of commerce between the two powers and their
+respective citizens, subjects and countries.
+
+2dly. For the purpose of a temporary regulation of such intercourse
+and commerce, it is agreed,
+
+That the citizens of the United States shall import into, and export
+from, any part of the dominions, subject to the Crown of Great
+Britain, in American ships, any goods, wares, and merchandises, which
+have been so imported, or exported, by the inhabitants of the British
+American Colonies before the commencement of the late war, paying only
+the same duties and charges, as the like sort of goods or
+merchandises are now, or may be, subject to, if imported by British
+subjects, in British ships, from any British island, or plantation in
+America; and that the subjects of his Britannic Majesty shall import
+to, and export from, any part of the territories of the United States
+of America, in British ships, any goods, wares, and merchandise, which
+might have been so imported, or exported, by the subjects of his
+Britannic Majesty, before the commencement of the war, paying the same
+duties and charges, as the like sort of goods, wares, and merchandises
+are now, or may be, subject to, if imported in American ships, by any
+of the citizens of the said United States.
+
+This agreement to continue in force for all vessels, which shall sail
+from any port of either party, on or before the ---- day of ---- and
+no longer; provided always, that nothing in this agreement shall at
+any time hereafter be argued on either side, in support of any
+proposition, which may be made in the future negotiation of a
+permanent treaty of commerce.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ JOHN JAY'S PROPOSED AGREEMENT.
+
+ June, 1783.
+
+Whereas a variety of circumstances and considerations oppose the
+forming at present a permanent treaty of commerce, between the
+Imperial Crown of Great Britain and the United States of America; and
+whereas it is expedient that a commercial intercourse should be
+without delay opened and regulated between the kingdom and territories
+of Great Britain and the said States, by a temporary convention,
+therefore,
+
+It is agreed that for the term of ---- from the date hereof, &c. &c.
+
+Provided that the subjects of his Britannic Majesty shall not have any
+right or claim under the convention, to carry or import, into the said
+States any slaves from any part of the world; it being the intention
+of the said States entirely to prohibit the importation thereof.
+
+And whereas questions may arise respecting the operation of this
+convention on Ireland, it is agreed that it shall not restrain that
+kingdom from accepting from, and granting to, the said States further
+and more extensive commercial privileges than that Island and the
+British American Colonies enjoyed with respect to each other before
+the late war.
+
+And whereas this convention is dictated by temporary convenience, and
+the discussion of questions respecting reciprocity has, in forming it,
+been avoided; therefore, it is agreed, that no arguments shall be
+drawn from it, for or against any propositions or claims, which either
+party may make in treating of, and framing the proposed future treaty
+of commerce.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DAVID HARTLEY'S PROPOSED AGREEMENT.
+
+ June, 1783.
+
+It is agreed, that the citizens of the United States of America shall
+be permitted to import into, and export from, any port or place of the
+territories belonging to the Crown of Great Britain, in American
+ships, any goods, wares and merchandise, which might have been so
+imported by the inhabitants of the British American Colonies before
+the commencement of the late war, upon payment of the same duties and
+charges, as the like sort of goods or merchandise are now, or may be,
+subject and liable to, if imported or exported by British subjects, in
+British ships, into and from any port or place of the territories
+belonging to the Crown of Great Britain; provided, however, that the
+citizens of the United States shall not have any right or claim, under
+this convention, to carry on any direct intercourse of commerce
+between the British West India Islands and the ports of Great Britain.
+
+It is agreed, likewise, that the subjects of Great Britain shall be
+permitted to import into, and to export from, any part of the
+territories of the United States of America, in British ships, any
+goods, wares, and merchandise, which might have been so imported, or
+exported, by the subjects of Great Britain before the commencement of
+the late war, upon payment of the same duties and charges, as the like
+sort of goods, wares, and merchandise are now, or may be, liable to,
+if imported, or exported, in American ships by the citizens of the
+United States of America.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS.
+
+By the United States in Congress assembled, June 12th, 1783.
+
+The Committee, to whom was referred a report of the Secretary for
+Foreign Affairs, on a letter of the 20th of March last from M. Dumas,
+and sundry papers enclosed, report;
+
+That it appears from the said letter and the papers enclosed, that
+propositions have been made, on the part of the States-General, to the
+Ministers of the United States of America at Paris, in order to
+render an express stipulation in favor of the freedom of navigation
+less necessary in the treaty of peace between Great Britain and the
+United Provinces of the Netherlands, either to accede to the treaty of
+the armed neutrality already concluded between some powers of Europe,
+or to enter into similar engagements with France, Spain, and the
+United Provinces of the Netherlands, or, in case France and Spain
+should refuse to enter into a Convention founded on the principles of
+the armed neutrality, or wish to delay it till after the general
+peace, to form a separate convention for similar purposes, between the
+United Provinces of the Netherlands and the United States of America.
+That the answers to these propositions do not appear from the papers
+transmitted, though there is room to infer from M. Dumas's letter of
+the fourth and eighteenth of February, that the two first of these
+propositions were encouraged by our Ministers, and that the
+States-General proposed to act in consequence thereof, and had made
+the last proposition, in order to be prepared in case either, or both,
+of the two first should fail.
+
+It appears from the report of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, that
+no powers are at present vested in any person in Europe, to agree to
+any treaty, similar to that entered into by Russia, Sweden, Denmark,
+and the United Provinces of the Netherlands, after the peace shall be
+concluded. The resolution of the 5th of October, 1780, empowers the
+Ministers of these States, if invited thereto, to accede to such
+regulations conformable to the spirit of the declaration of Russia, as
+may be agreed upon by the Congress expected to assemble, in pursuance
+of the invitation of her Imperial Majesty. Our Ministers received no
+invitation, and special powers were afterwards given to Mr Dana,
+which, in their nature, superseded that resolution. Mr Dana was by his
+commission and instructions empowered to sign the treaty or
+convention, for the protection of commerce in behalf of the United
+States, either with her Imperial Majesty, in conjunction with the
+other neutral powers, or if that shall be inadmissible, separately
+with her Imperial Majesty, or any of those, that is, those neutral
+powers. The treaty being only made to continue during the war, his
+powers terminated with the war, or, at most, extended only to sign it
+with the neutral powers, and not to form a new separate treaty.
+
+Whereupon Congress came to the following resolution.
+
+Whereas the primary object of the resolution of October 5th, 1780, and
+of the commission and instructions to Mr Dana, relative to the
+accession of the United States to the neutral confederacy, no longer
+can operate, and as the true interest of the States requires, that
+they should be as little as possible entangled in the politics and
+controversies of European nations, it is inexpedient to renew the said
+powers either to Mr Dana, or to the other Ministers of these United
+States in Europe. But, inasmuch as the liberal principles, on which
+the said confederacy was established, are conceived to be, in general,
+favorable to the interests of nations, and, particularly, to those of
+the United States, and ought, in that view, to be promoted by the
+latter, as far as will consist with their fundamental policy;
+
+Resolved, that the Ministers Plenipotentiary of these United States
+for negotiating a peace be, and they are hereby instructed, in case
+they should comprise in the definitive treaty any stipulation,
+amounting to a recognition of the rights of neutral nations, to avoid
+accompanying them by any engagements which shall oblige the
+contracting parties to support those stipulations by arms.
+
+ ELIAS BOUDINOT, _President_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DAVID HARTLEY TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Paris, June 14th, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+Permit me to address the enclosed Memorial to your Excellencies, and
+to explain to you my reasons for so doing.
+
+It is because many consequences, now at a great distance, and
+unforeseen by us, may arise between our two countries, perhaps from
+very minute and incidental transactions, which in their beginnings may
+be imperceptible and unsuspected as to their future effects. Our
+respective territories are in vicinity, and therefore we must be
+inseparable. Great Britain, with the British power in America, is the
+only nation with whom, by absolute necessity, you must have the most
+intimate concerns, either of friendship or hostility. All other
+nations are three thousand miles distant from you. You _may_ have
+political connexions with any of these distant nations, but with
+regard to Great Britain it _must_ be so. Political intercourse and
+interests will obtrude themselves between our two countries, because
+they are the two great powers dividing the continent of North America.
+These matters are not to come into discussion between us now. They are
+of too much importance, either to be involved, or even glanced at, in
+any present transaction.
+
+Let every eventual principle be kept untouched, until the two nations
+shall have recovered from the animosities of the war. Let them have a
+pacific interval, to consider deliberately of their mutual and
+combined interests, and of their engagements with other nations. Let
+us not, at the outset of a temporary convention, adopt the severe
+principle of reducing every transaction between the two countries to
+the footing of exact reciprocity alone. Such a principle would cast a
+gloom upon conciliatory prospects. America is not restrained from any
+conciliation with Great Britain by any treaty with any other power.
+The principles of conciliation would be most desirable between Great
+Britain and America; and forbearance is the road to conciliation.
+After a war of animosities, time should be allowed for recollection.
+There are all reasonable appearances of conciliatory dispositions on
+all sides, which may be perfected in time. Let us not, therefore, at
+such a moment as this, and without the most urgent necessity,
+establish a morose principle between us; if it were a decided point
+against amity and conciliation, it would be time enough to talk of
+partition and strict reciprocity. To presume in favor of conciliation
+may help it forward; to presume against it, may destroy that
+conciliation, which might otherwise have taken place.
+
+But, in the present case, there is more than reason to presume
+conciliation. I think myself happy, that I have it in my power to
+assure you, from authority, that it is the fundamental principle of
+the British Councils, to establish amity and confidence between Great
+Britain and the American States, as a succedaneum for the relation, in
+which they formerly stood one to the other. The proof of this
+consists, not in words, but in substantial facts. His Britannic
+Majesty has been graciously pleased to send orders to his commanders
+in North America, for the speedy and complete evacuation of all the
+territories of the United States. His Majesty has given orders in
+council, on the 14th of the last month, for the admission of American
+ships and cargoes into Great Britain; and on the 6th instant, he has
+given farther orders, permitting the importation from America of
+several articles, which have been usually considered as manufactures.
+He has, likewise, provided for the convenience of American merchants,
+who may wish to land tobacco in Great Britain for re-exportation. Upon
+the same principle, Mr Fox, the Secretary of State, corresponding with
+America, has moved for, and received the liberty of the House of
+Commons, (_nem. con._) to bring in a bill, that any American
+merchants, importing rice into Great Britain, may, upon
+re-exportation, draw back the whole duty paid on its first
+importation. All these circumstances put together, undoubtedly form
+the most indisputable evidence of the disposition, which prevails in
+the British Councils to give every facility to the re-establishment of
+that intercourse, which must be so beneficial to both nations.
+
+I am ordered to inform you, that his Majesty entirely approves of the
+plan of making a temporary convention, for the purpose of restoring
+immediate intercourse and commerce, and more particularly for the
+purpose of putting off, for a time, the decision of that important
+question, how far the British acts of navigation ought to be
+sacrificed to commercial considerations, drawn from the peculiar
+circumstances of the present crisis; a question, which will require
+much deliberation, and very much inquiry, before it can be determined.
+I am sure, Gentlemen, you will see and admit the reasonableness of our
+proceeding, in such a case, with deliberation and discretion; more
+especially, when these acts of prudence do not proceed from any
+motives of coolness or reserve towards you. In the meantime, the
+temporary convention may proceed upon principles of real and
+accommodating reciprocity. For instance, we agree to put you upon a
+more favorable footing than any other nation. We do not ask a rigid
+reciprocity for this, because we know, by your present subsisting
+treaties, it is not in your power to give it to us. We desire only to
+be put upon the footing of other nations with you, and, yet, we
+consent that you shall be upon a better footing with us than any other
+nation.
+
+Thus far, we must be allowed to be giving something more than
+reciprocity, and this we do, as I said before, because we are
+unwilling to ask what you are unable to give. Surely, it is not
+unreasonable, nor more than, from principles of reciprocity, we have a
+right to expect that you should imitate our conduct in this
+particular, and that you should abstain from asking things, under the
+title of exact and literal reciprocity, which, upon the consideration
+of our case, you must know that we cannot give. Virtual and
+substantial reciprocity we are willing to give; literal reciprocity is
+impossible, as much from your engagements, as from our system of
+navigation.
+
+If we can agree upon an article of intercourse and commerce, in the
+nature of a temporary convention, on the basis of the Memorial, which
+I had the honor of giving lately to you, bearing date 19th of May,
+1783, no time need be lost in finishing this business; but with this
+explanation, that although it is proposed, that the commerce between
+the United States and the British West Indies should be free with
+regard to their respective productions, yet, that we are not bound to
+admit the importation of West India commodities into Great Britain in
+American vessels. Believe me, Gentlemen, that this restriction does
+not proceed from any invidious disposition towards the American
+States. It is imposed by indispensable prudence and necessity upon the
+British Ministers, who, in the present state of things, could not be
+justified to their own country, to go hastily to a larger extent of
+concession. This point is not to be looked upon merely as commercial,
+but as affecting fundamentally the great political system of British
+navigation; and you are to consider, that the principle, upon which
+the whole of our proposed temporary convention is to stand, is, that
+the _commerce_ between the two countries is to be revived nearly upon
+the old footing; but that each nation is to keep in its own hands, the
+power of making such regulations respecting _navigation_, as shall
+seem fit. I assure you, that this point has been discussed by the
+Ministers of the British cabinet with infinite candor, and with every
+possible disposition of amity and favor towards your country; but the
+more they have inquired upon this subject, the more they are overborne
+by conviction, that the prejudices upon this matter (if that be the
+name these opinions deserve) are so strong, that such a measure as a
+relaxation of the act of navigation, in this instance, never can be
+taken, but upon such a full and solemn Parliamentary inquiry, as it is
+impossible to go into at this time of the year, and in this stage of
+the session. I cannot, therefore, Gentlemen, help flattering myself,
+that you, who are so well acquainted with difficulties, which must
+embarrass an English administration in a business of this sort, will
+rather endeavor to remove them, than to increase them; and I am sure,
+that such a plan, on your part, would ultimately be most conducive to
+your own objects. When an amicable intercourse is once opened, and
+when conciliatory confidence comes to take place of those jealousies,
+which have lately subsisted, you may easily conceive in how different
+a manner the whole of this matter will be considered. I am confident
+that this will be the case, but if it is not, the provisions being
+only temporary, it will be in the power of the United States, to take
+up any hostile mode of proceeding, by restraints and prohibitions, &c.
+whenever they may think fit.
+
+I have made use above of the word _prejudices_ in speaking of the
+principles of the British act of navigation. I hope you will accept
+that term from me, as proceeding so far in compliance towards the
+future consideration of the points now between us, as to keep the
+question open and free for discussion. If Great Britain should, in any
+case, throw down the barriers of her act of navigation towards
+America, she should be very secure against the possible case of future
+enmity, or alliance against her. Such considerations as these, lead to
+objects far beyond our present scope or powers. But I must still add
+one word more upon this article of _prejudices_. Such prejudices (if
+they are so) are not confined to Great Britain. By your commercial
+treaty with France, Article 4th, you are only entitled to an European
+trade with that kingdom, and not, even by that treaty, to any direct
+commerce between their West India Islands and the ports of the
+American States; much less to the immediate communication between the
+French Islands and the dominions of the Crown of France in Europe.
+Every public proceeding in England, since the commencement of our
+present negotiation for opening the intercourse and commerce between
+our two countries, will, I am sure, support me in saying, that we have
+very liberally taken the lead; that we have not waited for any
+assurance of reciprocity, but have given orders for almost a universal
+admission of American articles, before we even know that any vessel
+from Great Britain will find admission into any American ports. What
+do we ask in return? No more than this; that while we gratuitously,
+and without stipulation, give advantages and favors to the American
+States, which we deny to all other nations, they would so far justify
+our liberal way of proceeding, as to receive us in the same manner as
+other nations, which are foreign, and to permit us to carry to North
+America, what it is evidently for their interest that we should carry
+thither.
+
+I need hardly add, that it is of infinite importance, that some
+temporary convention should be finished without loss of time. I hope
+and trust that we shall not find much more difficulty in this
+business. You must see the advantage of an immediate renewal of
+intercourse, and from the candor of your dispositions, I am sure you
+must likewise be convinced, that to give us some facility in the
+outset, is the sure road to such an equitable arrangement for the
+future, as you must have at heart. The reasons, which I have given in
+the Memorial appear to me to be cogent and convincing, upon the
+natural alliance between our two countries. And when the intercourse
+has once begun, everything will go in its natural road. It is,
+therefore, of infinite consequence to begin that intercourse. Great
+Britain, by all public proceedings of repeals, proclamations, &c. &c.
+has made the first advances, with warmth and confidence, and,
+therefore, I conclude, with the fullest assurance, that you will meet
+those advances with cordial reciprocity.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ D. HARTLEY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DAVID HARTLEY'S MEMORIAL TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+The proposition, which has been made for a universal and unlimited
+reciprocity of intercourse and commerce, between Great Britain and the
+American United States, requires a very serious consideration on the
+part of Great Britain, for the reasons already stated in a Memorial,
+dated May 19th, 1783, and for many other reasons, which in the future
+discussion of the proposition will appear. To the American States,
+likewise, it is a matter of the deepest importance, not only as a
+proposition of commercial intercourse, which is the least part, but
+most principally, as a political basis and guarantee for their newly
+established constitutions. The introduction of British interests into
+a communion of intercourse, will bring forward a universal guarantee
+on the part of Great Britain, in the future progress of political
+events, which may affect the United States of America in their
+national capacity. The proposition is fertile in future prospects to
+Great Britain; and America also may wisely see in it a solid
+foundation for herself.
+
+All circumstances are most fortunately disposed between Great Britain
+and the American States, to render them useful friends and allies to
+each other, with a higher degree of suitableness between themselves
+than any other nations can pretend to. France cannot interchange
+reciprocities with the American States, by reason of numberless
+impediments in her system of government, in her monopolies, and her
+system of commerce. France has the great disability of difference in
+language to contend with; and the institution of the present French
+manufactures has never, at any time heretofore, been trained or
+adapted to American commerce. The only particular and pacific facility
+which France ever possessed for American intercourse, has for many
+years been transferred into the British scale by the cession of Canada
+to Great Britain. The future commerce, between France and America,
+will chiefly be regulated by such conveniences as France can draw to
+herself from America, without much aptitude on the part of France, to
+accommodate her manufactures and commerce to American demands. In
+short, an interchange of reciprocities between France and America,
+would run against the stream on both sides; and all established
+habits, manners, language, together with the principles of government
+and commerce, would militate against such a system.
+
+Conformably to this reasoning, it appears, that France has not at any
+time entertained any systematical design of forming any union or
+consolidation of interests with America. She took up the American
+cause, as instrumental to her political views in Europe. America
+likewise accepted the alliance with France, for her separate views,
+viz. for the establishment of her independence. The alliance,
+therefore, is completed and terminated, without leaving behind it any
+political principle of future permanent connexion between them.
+Occasional circumstances produced a temporary alliance. Similar
+circumstances may, on any future occasion, produce a similar event of
+a temporary compact. Dissimilar circumstances, arising from any future
+political views of the Court of France in Europe, may without any
+inconsistency of principle, throw the power of that kingdom into a
+scale adverse to the future interests of the American States. In such
+case, therefore, where there cannot exist any permanent political
+connexion between France and America, and where the commercial
+attachments can be but feeble, it would be vain to expect in the
+French nation any such ally, as newly established States ought to look
+out for, to give maturity and firmness to their constitutions.
+
+As to Spain, every argument which has been stated respecting diversity
+of language, manners, government, monopolies, and system of commerce,
+from those which prevail in the United States of America, obtains in a
+superior degree. And much more to add besides, for Spain is not only
+incompetent to interchange reciprocities with the American States, but
+likewise her own situation in America will at all times render her
+extremely jealous of her neighbors. The only activity which Spain has
+exerted in the war, has been to procure a barrier against the American
+States, by annexing West Florida to her former acquisition of New
+Orleans; thereby embracing the mouth of the Mississippi, and by means
+of that river, jointly with her landed possessions, establishing a
+strong and jealous boundary against any future progress of the
+American States in those parts. Spain, therefore, cannot be looked
+upon by the American States as a suitable object of their election, to
+become a permanent ally and friend to them. Portugal, likewise, labors
+under all the disabilities of language, manners, monopolies,
+government and system of commerce. Her national power and importance
+would be likewise insufficient to constitute a strong and permanent
+ally to the American States. All these nations will undoubtedly be
+found to have many commodious qualities for participation in commerce;
+but the permanent facilities necessary to constitute a firm and
+permanent ally to the American States, will be found deficient in
+them.
+
+As to the Italian States, or any other powers in the Mediterranean,
+they are certainly not adequate to any competition of political
+alliance with the rising States of America. They will also form very
+commodious links and connexions in the general circuit of commerce;
+but beyond these considerations, they have no share in the present
+question. The several States in the Germanic body are in the same
+predicament.
+
+As to the Northern powers, viz. those in the Baltic, they are not
+favored either by vicinity, or climate, for a frequent or facile
+intercourse of commerce with America. And even respecting several
+material articles of commerce, jealousies and competitions might
+arise. As to political alliances, there are no such in prospect from
+them to the American States. Even if there were any superfluity of
+force in any of them beyond the necessities of their respective
+domestic situations, the extreme distance would be conclusive against
+any possible application of such power, as a political alliance
+favorable to the establishment and conformation of the American
+States.
+
+The only maritime state on the continent of Europe remaining to be
+discussed, as a competent candidate for commerce, or connexion with
+America, is the Republic of the United Netherlands, commonly called
+Holland. In respect to American commerce, the Dutch have among
+themselves every facility combined, which the separate States of
+Europe, possess distinctly in their own concerns, or nearly. Their
+industry, frugality, and habits of commerce, may even carry them so
+far, as to make them rivals to the Americans themselves, in the
+transportation of European merchandise to America. These faculties of
+commerce would have been of infinite importance to the American
+States, if the war had continued between Great Britain and them. But
+upon the event of peace, it becomes a matter of the most perfect
+indifference to America, whether each European State navigates its own
+commerce into the ports of America, which will open to all, or whether
+the commercial faculties of Holland enable her to exceed in rivalship
+her European neighbors, and thereby to navigate European goods to
+America beyond the proportion of her national share. The faculties of
+a nation of carriers may be fortunate for the marine of that nation;
+but considered in themselves, and with respect to other nations, they
+are but secondaries in commerce. They give no ground of reciprocities,
+or participation. That one nation should say to another, you shall
+navigate all our rivers, harbors, lakes, ports, and places, if we may
+do the same in yours, is a proposition of reciprocity; but that
+Holland should say to America, we will bring European goods to you, or
+you may be your own carriers, is neither concession nor reciprocity.
+Holland is not a nation of rivers, harbors, lakes, ports, and places,
+for the distribution of goods and manufactures for internal
+consumption, and, therefore, her reciprocities must be very scanty.
+Holland is the market-place of Europe, and the Dutch seamen are the
+carriers appertaining to that market-place. The admission of American
+ships to that market-place, freely to import and to export, is,
+undoubtedly, an act of reciprocity on the part of Holland as far as it
+goes, but in no degree adequate to the unlimited participation of
+American commerce throughout the rivers, harbors, lakes, ports, and
+places of that vast continent. The commercial reciprocities of
+Holland, therefore, being inferior, on her part, towards America, the
+next point of view in which Holland is to be considered, as relevant
+to this question, is, as a nation of power, capable of becoming an
+effectual and permanent ally and guarantee to the American States, for
+that is the great object, which America, as a wise nation, recently
+arisen into independence, ought to keep in view. Holland has certainly
+been a nation of great and celebrated naval force. She remains so
+still; but having for many years suspended her exertions of force, and
+having directed the faculties of her people into the commercial line,
+she seems not to have any superfluity of force beyond the necessity of
+providing for her own security; and, certainly, no such redundance of
+power, as to extend to the protection of distant nations, as allies or
+guarantees. It appears, therefore, upon the whole of this argument,
+that Holland, although a commercial nation, cannot even interchange
+commercial reciprocities with America upon an equal footing, and that
+her faculties of force are inadequate to those, which America ought to
+expect in the permanent allies and guarantees of her country.
+
+The independence of the American States being established, their first
+consideration ought to be, to determine with what friendships and
+alliances they will enter into the new world of nations. They will
+look round them, and cast about for some natural, permanent, and
+powerful ally, with whom they may interchange all cementing
+reciprocities, both commercial and political. If such an ally be to be
+found anywhere for them, it is still in Great Britain; at least, it
+is certain, that, in looking round Europe, no other is to be found.
+There is no inherent impossibility to prevent such a connexion from
+taking place; it must depend on the free will and common interest of
+the parties. There are all possible faculties on both sides, to give
+and to receive all adequate and beneficial reciprocities, which are
+practicable and more likely to be permanent between independent
+parties, than between two parties, of which one is dependent on the
+other. Great Britain is, undoubtedly, the first of European nations,
+in riches, credit, faculties, industry, commerce, manufactures,
+internal consumption, and foreign export, together with civil liberty,
+which is the source of all, and naval power, which is the support of
+all. The dominions appertaining to the Crown of Great Britain are
+large and fertile; its Colonies still extensive, and in close vicinity
+to the American States, Great Britain being an American, as well as an
+European power, and all her empire connected by her naval force.
+
+The territories of the American States, from the Atlantic ocean to the
+Mississippi, contain an inexhaustible source of riches, industry, and
+future power. These will be the foundations of great events in the new
+page of life. Infinite good, or infinite evil, may arise according to
+the principles upon which the intercourse between Great Britain and
+America shall be arranged in its foundation. Great Britain and America
+must be still inseparable, either as friends or foes. This is an awful
+and important truth. These are considerations not to be thought of
+slightly; not to be prejudged in passion, nor the arrangements of them
+to be hastily foreclosed. Time given for consideration may have
+excellent effects on both sides. The pause of peace, with friendly
+intercourse, returning affection, and dispassionate inquiry, can
+alone decide these important events, or do justice to the anxious
+expectations of Great Britain and America.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Philadelphia, June 16th, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+I am sorry to inform you, that by the resignation of Mr Livingston as
+Minister for Foreign Affairs, it has become necessary that you should
+receive the resolutions of Congress, relative to your mission through
+my hands. The disadvantage arising from this necessity, until a
+successor to that worthy gentleman is appointed, will be yours, as it
+is impossible for me to do more than barely to transmit the acts of
+Congress necessary for your information.
+
+Enclosed you have one of the 1st of May last, and another of the 12th
+instant, which I hope will get safe to hand time enough for your
+government. The commission and instructions referred to in the first,
+not being ready, it was thought best to forward the resolution without
+delay, that you might know what was intended in the present important
+period of your negotiation. We have been much surprised, that we have
+not received any communications from you since the cessation of
+hostilities, except a letter of the 5th of April, from Mr Laurens.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ELIAS BOUDINOT, _President_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ HENRY LAURENS TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ London, June 17th, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+I had the honor of addressing you on the 10th, immediately after my
+landing at Dover. As early as possible after my arrival here, I
+obtained an interview with Mr Secretary Fox, who was pleased to read
+to me part of his latest despatches to Mr Hartley, which he supposed
+would reach Paris on the 14th. It is probable, therefore, that before
+this time, as much of the contents as is proper for your knowledge has
+been communicated.
+
+"Reciprocity," since the 10th of April, has undergone a certain degree
+of refinement. The definition of that term appears now to be
+possession of advantages on one side, and restrictions on the other.
+"The navigation act is the vital of Great Britain, too delicate to
+bear a touch." The sudden and unexpected, perhaps illicit, arrival of
+ships and cargoes from America, may have caused this change of tone.
+But you have heard in detail, and are more competent to judge.
+
+From a desire of forming an opinion, I asked Mr Fox, whether he
+thought I might venture for a few days, to take the benefit of Bath,
+and yet be in time enough at Paris for the intended commercial
+agreement? He replied, "I rather think you may." One need not be a
+conjurer to draw an inference; you will either have finished the
+business before I could travel to Paris, or without being missed there
+I may go to Bath and repair my nerves.
+
+In this state of uncertainty, when it is easy to perceive affections
+are not as we could wish them, nor quite so warm as we had been taught
+to believe, it would not be wise to commit the United States;
+wherefore I shall rest the business till I hear from you, or until a
+more favorable prospect; flattering myself with hopes of your
+surmounting the late seeming difficulties. An inconvenience on your
+side is preferable to the hazard of a disgrace.
+
+I am, with great regard and respect, &c.
+
+ HENRY LAURENS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO B. FRANKLIN.
+
+ Philadelphia, June 18th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor of enclosing you an official letter, directed to our
+Ministers Plenipotentiary at Paris.
+
+The resignation of the late Secretary for Foreign Affairs, (occasioned
+by his preference of the Chancellorship of the State of New York,
+which he could not hold longer and retain his Secretaryship,) has cast
+the business of his office on me, till a successor is elected, which I
+hope will speedily take place.
+
+As part of the resolution of Congress of the 12th instant, enclosed in
+that letter, is of a secret nature, I have written it in cyphers, but
+not having that of Mr Livingston's, I thought it best to use Mr
+Morris's to you, which he has obligingly supplied me with; so that the
+Ministers will be indebted for your decyphering it.
+
+Your letter to Mr Livingston of the 15th of April, enclosing the two
+medals, came to hand this morning. I am sorry to find, that you have
+cause for similar complaints to those we have been making for two
+months past, on the subject of want of intelligence. We have not heard
+from any of our Commissioners at Paris, since February, excepting a
+letter from Mr Laurens, though our anxiety and expectations have been
+wound up to the highest pitch.
+
+I feel myself much indebted for your polite compliment of the medal;
+it is thought very elegant, and the device and workmanship much
+admired. You will be pleased, Sir, to accept my acknowledgments on
+this occasion. As I doubt not but the copper one was designed for Mr
+Livingston personally, I shall send it to him by the first convenient
+opportunity. He is a worthy deserving character, and the United States
+will suffer greatly by his resignation, though I think him justified
+in attending to the calls of his private affairs.
+
+You will receive herewith a number of our late newspapers, in which
+are inserted many resolves, associations, &c. from all parts of the
+country, which I earnestly wish could be kept out of sight. But the
+truth is, that the cruelties, ravages, and barbarisms of the refugees
+and loyalists, have left the people so sore, that it is not yet time
+for them to exercise their good sense and cooler judgment. And that
+cannot take place, while the citizens of New York are kept out of
+their city, and despoiled daily of their property, by the sending off
+their negroes by hundreds, in the face of the treaty. It has been
+exceedingly ill judged in the British to retain New York so long, and
+to persist in sending away the negroes, as it has irritated the
+citizens of America to an alarming degree.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ELIAS BOUDINOT.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ HENRY LAURENS TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ London, June 20th, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+Permit me to refer to what I had the honor of writing to you the 17th.
+You will recollect my suggestions, as soon as we perceived the falling
+off from those warm assurances, which had been pressed in March and
+April. They were not ill founded. I delayed a week in hopes of
+intelligence, and left you with reluctance; the temper of the times
+forbids even an essay.
+
+What a happy country is this, where everything pertaining to the
+public is rendered to them in public newspapers. See the enclosed,
+containing nearly as accurate an account of certain recent
+occurrences, as if it had been penned by one of the parties. It might
+indeed have been made a little stronger. Modest men are sometimes
+restrained from attempting a public good, from a dread of the effects
+of envy, of being held up in an invidious light. It would be cruel to
+disturb them.
+
+I have heard nothing from America, save what you may have read in the
+prints. Tomorrow I shall proceed to Bath, and be waiting for
+intelligence, as well from yourselves as from Congress. Some
+consolation arises from reflecting, that while I am endeavoring to
+mend my health, you suffer no inconvenience from my absence.
+
+With sincere regard and respect,
+
+ HENRY LAURENS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+ Passy, June 28th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Mr Grand, banker to the Congress, having laid before us the annexed
+state of their affairs in his hands, we conceive ourselves
+indispensably obliged to communicate the same to your Excellency, as
+some important interests of both countries are concerned.[15]
+
+Before the peace was known in America, and while Mr Morris had hopes
+of obtaining the five per cent duty and a larger loan from his
+Majesty, the immediate urgent necessities of the army obliged him to
+draw bills, and sell them to the merchants, to raise money for the
+purchase of provisions, to prevent their starving or disbanding.
+
+The merchants have thereupon formed their plans of business, and
+remitted those bills to their correspondents here, to pay debts, and
+purchase goods in this kingdom, to be carried home in the ships, that
+are come, or coming to France, thus to open a larger commerce with
+this nation.
+
+If those bills cannot be paid, the creditors of America will be
+disappointed and greatly hurt, and the commerce will be deranged and
+discouraged in its first operations, of which the numerous ill
+consequences are more easily imagined than described.
+
+Our loan in Holland is going on, and with such prospect of success,
+that the bankers, who have the care of it, have lately sent by express
+to Mr Adams all the blank obligations, necessary to complete it, for
+him to sign, that they might have them ready to deliver, as demanded,
+his return thither being delayed.
+
+This loan will, therefore, probably answer the bills Mr Morris has
+drawn on those bankers.
+
+But the protesting any of his bills here would occasion such an alarm
+there, as must probably entirely stop any further progress of that
+loan, and thereby increase the mischief.
+
+The government of the Congress would also be enfeebled by it.
+
+We apprehend, too, that, in the present unsettled situation of our
+affairs with England, such a failure might have very ill effects, with
+respect to our negotiations.
+
+We therefore request your counsel, hoping your wisdom, which has so
+often befriended our nation, may point out some way, by which we may
+be extricated from this distress.
+
+And as the King has hitherto so generously assisted us, we hope that,
+if it is any way practicable, his Majesty will crown the glorious
+work, by affording us this help, at the different periods when it will
+be wanted, and which is absolutely the last that will be asked.
+
+We are, with sincere and great respect, &c.
+
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[15] See Mr Grand's letter above, p. 139.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ PROPOSITIONS MADE BY THE COMMISSIONERS TO DAVID HARTLEY
+ FOR THE DEFINITIVE TREATY.
+
+ARTICLE I. To omit in the definitive treaty the exception, at the end
+of the second Article of the provisional treaty, viz. these words,
+"excepting such islands as now are, or heretofore have been within the
+limits of the said Province of Nova Scotia."
+
+ARTICLE II. The prisoners made respectively, by the arms of his
+Britannic Majesty, and the United States, by sea and by land, not
+already set at liberty, shall be restored reciprocally and _bona
+fide_, immediately after the ratification of the definitive treaty,
+without ransom, and on paying the debts they may have contracted
+during their captivity; and each party shall respectively reimburse
+the sums, which shall have been advanced, for the subsistence and
+maintenance of the prisoners, by the sovereign of the country where
+they shall have been detained, according to the receipts and attested
+accounts, and other authentic titles, which shall be produced on each
+side.
+
+ARTICLE III. His Britannic Majesty shall employ his good offices and
+interposition with the King or Emperor of Morocco or Fez, the
+Regencies of Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli, or with any of them, and also
+with every other Prince, State or power of the coast of Barbary, in
+Africa, and the subjects of the said King, Emperor, States and powers
+and each of them, in order to provide as fully and efficaciously as
+possible for the benefit, conveniency and safety of the said United
+States and each of them, their subjects, people and inhabitants, and
+their vessels and effects, against all violence, insult, attacks or
+depredations on the part of the said Princes and States of Barbary, or
+their subjects.
+
+ARTICLE IV. If war should hereafter arise between Great Britain and
+the United States, which God forbid, the merchants of either country
+then residing in the other, shall be allowed to remain nine months to
+collect their debts and settle their affairs, and may depart freely,
+carrying off all their effects without molestation or hinderance. And
+all fishermen, all cultivators of the earth, and all artisans and
+manufacturers unarmed and inhabiting unfortified towns, villages or
+places, who labor for the common subsistence and benefit of mankind,
+and peaceably follow their respective employments, shall be allowed to
+continue the same, and shall not be molested by the armed force of the
+enemy in whose power, by the events of war, they may happen to fall;
+but if anything is necessary to be taken from them, for the use of
+such armed force, the same shall be paid for at a reasonable price.
+And all merchants or traders with their unarmed vessels employed in
+commerce, exchanging the products of different places and thereby
+rendering the necessaries, conveniences and comforts of human life
+more easy to obtain, and more general, shall be allowed to pass freely
+unmolested. And neither of the powers, parties to this treaty, shall
+grant or issue any commission, to any private armed vessels,
+empowering them to take or destroy such trading ships, or interrupt
+such commerce.
+
+ARTICLE V. And in case either of the contracting parties, shall happen
+to be engaged in war with any other nation, it is further agreed, in
+order to prevent all the difficulties and misunderstandings that
+usually arise respecting the merchandise heretofore called contraband,
+such as arms, ammunition, and military stores of all kinds, that no
+such articles carrying by the ships or subjects of one of the parties
+to the enemies of the other, shall on any account be deemed
+contraband, so as to induce confiscation and a loss of property to
+individuals. Nevertheless, it shall be lawful to stop such ships and
+detain them for such length of time as the captors may think necessary
+to prevent the inconveniences or damage that might ensue from their
+proceeding on their voyage, paying, however, a reasonable compensation
+for the loss such arrest shall occasion to the proprietors. And it
+shall further be allowed to use in the service of the captors, the
+whole or any part of the military stores so detained, paying to the
+owners the full value of the same.
+
+ARTICLE VI. The citizens and inhabitants of the said United States, or
+any of them, may take and hold real estates in Great Britain, Ireland,
+or any other of his Majesty's dominions, and dispose by testaments,
+donations or otherwise of their property, real or personal, in favor
+of such person as to them shall seem fit; and their heirs, citizens of
+the said United States, or any of them residing in the British
+dominions or elsewhere, may succeed them _ab intestato_, without being
+obliged to obtain letters of naturalization. The subjects of his
+Britannic Majesty shall enjoy on their parts, in all the dominions of
+the said United States, an entire and perfect reciprocity, relative to
+the stipulations contained in the present Article.
+
+ARTICLE VII. The ratifications of the definitive treaty shall be
+expedited in good and due form, and exchanged in the space of five
+months, or sooner if it can be done, to be computed from the day of
+the signature.
+
+ARTICLE VIII. Query. Whether the King of Great Britain will admit the
+citizens of the United States to cut logwood on the district allotted
+to his Majesty by Spain, and on what terms?
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DAVID HARTLEY'S SIX PROPOSITIONS FOR A DEFINITIVE TREATY.
+
+ June, 1783.
+
+1st. That lands belonging to persons of any description, which have
+not actually been sold, shall be restored to the old possessors
+without price.
+
+2dly. That an equal and free participation of the different carrying
+places, and the navigation of all the lakes and rivers of that
+country, through which the water line of division passes between
+Canada and the United States, shall be enjoyed fully and
+uninterruptedly by both parties.
+
+3dly. That in any such places, within the boundaries assigned
+generally to the American States, as are adjoining to the water line
+of division, and which are not specifically under the dominion of any
+one State, all persons at present resident, or having possessions or
+occupations as merchants, or otherwise, may remain in peaceable
+enjoyment of all civil rights, and in pursuit of their respective
+occupations.
+
+4thly. That in any such places adjoining to the water line of
+division, as may be under the specific dominion of any particular
+State, all persons at present resident, or having possessions or
+occupations as merchants, or otherwise, may remain in the peaceable
+enjoyment of all civil rights, and in pursuit of their occupations,
+until they shall receive notice of removal from the State to which
+any such place may appertain; and, upon any such notice of removal, a
+term of three years shall be allowed for selling, or withdrawing their
+valuable effects, and for settling their affairs.
+
+5thly. That his Britannic Majesty's forces, not exceeding ---- in
+number, may continue in the posts now occupied by them contiguous to
+the water line, for the term of three years, for the purpose of
+securing the lives, property, and peace of any persons settled in that
+country, against the invasion or ravages of the neighboring Indian
+nations, who may be suspected of retaining resentments, in consequence
+of the late war.
+
+6thly. That no tax or impost whatsoever, shall be laid on any articles
+of commerce passing or repassing through the country, but that the
+trade may be left entirely open, for the benefit of all parties
+interested therein.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE COMMISSIONERS' ANSWERS TO MR HARTLEY'S SIX PROPOSITIONS.
+
+To the 1st. This matter has been already regulated in the 5th and 6th
+Articles of the Provisional Treaty, to the utmost extent of our
+powers. The rest must be left to the several States.
+
+2dly. All the lakes, rivers, and waters, divided by the boundary line,
+or lines, between the United States and his Britannic Majesty's
+territories, shall be freely used and navigated by both parties,
+during the whole extent of such divisions. Regulations concerning
+roads, carrying places, and any land communications between said
+waters, whether within the line of the United States or that of his
+Majesty, together with the navigation of all waters and rivers in
+America, belonging to either party, may be made in a negotiation of a
+treaty of commerce.
+
+3dly. That in all places belonging to the United States, in the
+country adjoining to the water line of division, and which, during the
+war, were in his Majesty's possession, all persons at present
+resident, or having possessions or occupations as merchants, or
+otherwise, may remain in the peaceable enjoyment of all civil rights,
+and in pursuit of their occupations, until they shall receive notice
+of removal from Congress, or the State to which any such place may
+appertain; and that upon any such notice of removal, a term of two
+years shall be allowed for selling, or withdrawing their effects, and
+for settling their affairs.
+
+4thly. That his Britannic Majesty's forces, not exceeding ---- in
+number, may continue in the posts now occupied by them contiguous to
+the water line, until Congress shall give them notice to evacuate the
+said posts, and garrisons of their own shall arrive at said posts, for
+the purpose of securing the lives, property, and peace of any persons
+settled in that country, against the invasion or ravages of the
+neighboring Indian nations, who may be suspected of retaining
+resentments, in consequence of the late war.
+
+5thly. The consideration of this proposition may be left to the treaty
+of commerce.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO DAVID HARTLEY.
+
+ Passy, July 17th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We have the honor to inform you, that we have just received from
+Congress, their ratification in due form, of the Provisional Articles
+of the 30th of November, 1782, and we are ready to exchange
+ratifications with his Britannic Majesty's Ministers as soon as may
+be.
+
+By the same Articles it is stipulated, that his Britannic Majesty
+shall, with all convenient speed, and without causing any destruction,
+or carrying away any negroes, or other property of the American
+inhabitants, withdraw all his armies, garrisons, and fleets from the
+United States, and from every port, place, and harbor within the same.
+But, by intelligence lately received from America, and by the enclosed
+copies of letters and conferences between General Washington and Sir
+Guy Carleton, it appears that a considerable number of negroes,
+belonging to the citizens of the United States, have been carried off
+from New York, contrary to the express stipulation contained in the
+said Article. We have received from Congress their instructions to
+represent this matter to you, and to request that speedy and effectual
+measures be taken to render that justice to the parties interested,
+which the true intent and meaning of the Article in question plainly
+dictates.
+
+We are also instructed to represent to you, that many of the British
+debtors in America have, in the course of the war, sustained such
+considerable and heavy losses by the operations of the British arms in
+that country, that a great number of them have been rendered
+incapable of immediately satisfying those debts; we refer it to the
+justice and equity of Great Britain, so far to amend the Article on
+that subject, as that no execution shall be issued on a judgment to be
+obtained in any such case, but after the expiration of three years
+from the date of the definitive treaty of peace. Congress also think
+it reasonable, that such part of the interest, which may have accrued
+on such debts during the war, shall not be payable, because all
+intercourse between the two countries had, during that period, become
+impracticable, as well as improper. It does not appear just, that
+individuals in America should pay for delays in payment, which were
+occasioned by the civil and military measures of Great Britain. In our
+opinion, the interest of the creditors as well as the debtors,
+requires that some tenderness be shown to the latter, and that they
+should be allowed a little time to acquire the means of discharging
+debts, which, in many instances, exceed the whole amount of their
+property.
+
+As it is necessary to ascertain an epocha for the restitutions and
+evacuations to be made, we propose, that it be agreed, that his
+Britannic Majesty shall cause to be evacuated the posts of New York,
+Penobscot, and their dependencies with all other posts and places in
+possession of his Majesty's arms within the United States, in the
+space of three months after the signature of the definitive treaty, or
+sooner, if possible, excepting those posts contiguous to the water
+line, mentioned in the 4th proposition, and those shall be evacuated
+when Congress shall give the notice therein mentioned.
+
+We do ourselves the honor of making these communications to you, Sir,
+that you may transmit them, and the papers accompanying them, to your
+Court, and inform us of their answer.
+
+We have the honor to be, &c. &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Passy, July 18th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We have had the honor of receiving by Captain Barney your two letters
+of the 25th of March and 21st of April, with the papers referred to in
+them.
+
+We are happy to find, that the Provisional Articles have been approved
+and ratified by Congress, and we regret, that the manner in which that
+business was conducted, does not coincide with your ideas of
+propriety. We are persuaded, however, that this is principally owing
+to your being necessarily unacquainted with a number of circumstances,
+known to us, who were on the spot, and which will be particularly
+explained to you hereafter, and, we trust, to your satisfaction, and
+that of the Congress.
+
+Your doubts respecting the Separate Article, we think, are capable of
+being removed; but as a full state of the reasons and circumstances,
+which prompted that measure, would be very prolix, we shall content
+ourselves with giving you the general outlines.
+
+Mr Oswald was desirous to cover as much of the eastern shores of the
+Mississippi with British claims as possible; and, for this purpose,
+we were told a great deal about the ancient bounds of Canada,
+Louisiana, &c. &c. The British Court, who had, probably, not yet
+adopted the idea of relinquishing the Floridas, seemed desirous of
+annexing as much territory to them as possible, even up to the mouth
+of the Ohio. Mr Oswald adhered strongly to that object, as well to
+render the British countries there of sufficient extent to be (as he
+expressed it) worth keeping and protecting, as to afford a convenient
+retreat to the tories, for whom it would be difficult otherwise to
+provide; and, among other arguments, he finally urged his being
+willing to yield to our demands to the east, north, and west, as a
+further reason for our gratifying him on the point in question. He
+also produced the commission of Governor Johnson, extending the bounds
+of his government of West Florida, up to the river Yazoo; and
+contended for that extent as a matter of right, upon various
+principles, which, however, we did not admit, the King not being
+authorised, in our opinion to extend or contract the bounds of the
+colonies at pleasure.
+
+We were of opinion, that the country in contest was of great value,
+both on account of its natural fertility and of its position, it
+being, in our opinion, the interest of America to extend as far down
+towards the mouth of the Mississippi as we possibly could. We also
+thought it advisable to impress Britain with a strong sense of the
+importance of the navigation of that river to their future commerce on
+the interior waters, from the mouth of the St Lawrence to that of the
+Mississippi, and thereby render that Court averse to any stipulations
+with Spain to relinquish it. These two objects militated against each
+other, because to enhance the value of the navigation, was also to
+enhance the value of the countries contiguous to it, and thereby
+disincline Britain to the dereliction of them. We thought, therefore,
+that the surest way to reconcile and obtain both objects would be by a
+composition beneficial to both parties. We therefore proposed, that
+Britain should withdraw her pretensions to all the country above the
+Yazoo, and that we would cede all below it to her, in case she should
+have the Floridas at the end of the war; and, at all events, that she
+should have a right to navigate the river throughout its whole extent.
+This proposition was accepted, and we agreed to insert the contingent
+fact of it in a separate Article, for the express purpose of keeping
+it secret for the present. That Article ought not, therefore, to be
+considered as a mere matter of favor to Britain, but as the result of
+a bargain, in which that Article was a _quid pro quo_.
+
+It was in our opinion, both necessary and justifiable, to keep this
+Article secret. The negotiations between Spain, France, and Britain
+were then in full vigor, and embarrassed by a variety of clashing
+demands. The publication of this Article would have irritated Spain,
+and retarded, if not have prevented her coming to an agreement with
+Britain.
+
+Had we mentioned it to the French Minister, he must have not only
+informed Spain of it, but also been obliged to act a part respecting
+it, that would probably have been disagreeable to America; and he
+certainly has reason to rejoice that our silence saved him that
+delicate and disagreeable task.
+
+This was an Article, in which France had not the smallest interest,
+nor is there anything in her treaty with us, that restrains us from
+making what bargain we please with Britain about those or any other
+lands, without rendering account of such transaction to her or any
+other power whatever. The same observation applies with still greater
+force to Spain; and neither justice nor honor forbid us to dispose as
+we pleased of our own lands without her knowledge or consent. Spain at
+that very time extended her pretensions and claims of dominion, not
+only over the tract in question but over the vast region lying between
+the Floridas and Lake Superior; and this Court was also, at that very
+time, soothing and nursing those pretensions by a proposed
+conciliatory line for splitting the difference. Suppose, therefore, we
+had offered this tract to Spain, in case she retained the Floridas,
+should we even have had thanks for it? or would it have abated the
+chagrin she experienced from being disappointed in her extravagant and
+improper designs on that whole country? We think not.
+
+We perfectly concur with you in sentiment, Sir, that "_honesty is the
+best policy_." But, until it be shown that we have trespassed on the
+rights of any man, or body of men, you must excuse our thinking that
+this remark as applied to our proceedings was unnecessary.
+
+Should any explanations, either with France or Spain become necessary
+on this subject, we hope and expect to meet with no embarrassment. We
+shall neither amuse them nor perplex ourselves with flimsy excuses,
+but tell them plainly, that it was not our duty to give them the
+information; we considered ourselves at liberty to withhold it. And
+we shall remind the French Minister that he has more reason to be
+pleased than displeased with our silence. Since we have assumed a
+place in the political system of the world, let us move like a primary
+and not like a secondary planet.
+
+We are persuaded, Sir, that your remarks on these subjects resulted
+from real opinion and were made with candor and sincerity. The best
+men will view objects of this kind in different lights even when
+standing on the same ground; and it is not to be wondered at, that we,
+who are on the spot and have the whole transaction under our eyes,
+should see many parts of it in a stronger point of light, than persons
+at a distance, who can only view it through the dull medium of
+representation.
+
+It would give us great pain if anything we have written or now write
+respecting this Court should be construed to impeach the friendship of
+the King and nation for us. We also believe that the Minister is so
+far our friend, and is disposed so far to do us good offices, as may
+correspond with, and be dictated by his system of policy for promoting
+the power, riches, and glory of France. God forbid that we should ever
+sacrifice our faith, our gratitude, or our honor, to any
+considerations of convenience; and may He also forbid that we should
+ever be unmindful of the dignity and independent spirit, which should
+always characterize a free and generous people.
+
+We shall immediately propose an Article to be inserted in the
+definitive treaty for postponing the payment of British debts for the
+time mentioned by Congress.
+
+There are, no doubt, certain ambiguities in our Articles, but it is
+not to be wondered at, when it is considered how exceedingly averse
+Britain was to any expressions, which explicitly wounded the tories;
+and how disinclined we were to use any, that should amount to absolute
+stipulations in their favor.
+
+The words for returning the property of _real British subjects_ were
+well understood and explained between us, _not_ to mean or comprehend
+_American refugees_. Mr Oswald and Mr Fitzherbert know this to have
+been the case, and will readily confess and admit it. This mode of
+expression was preferred by them, as a more delicate mode of excluding
+those refugees, and of making a proper distinction between them and
+the subjects of Britain, whose only particular interest in America
+consisted in holding lands or property there.
+
+The 6th Article, viz. where it declares, that no _future
+confiscations_ shall be made, &c. ought to have fixed the time with
+greater accuracy. We think the most fair and true construction is,
+that it relates to the date of the cessation of hostilities. That is
+the time when peace in fact took place, in consequence of prior
+informal, though binding, contracts to terminate the war. We consider
+the definitive treaties, as only giving the dress of form to those
+contracts, and not as constituting the obligation of them. Had the
+cessation of hostilities been the effect of truce, and consequently
+nothing more than a temporary suspension of war, another construction
+would have been the true one.
+
+We are officially assured by Mr Hartley, that positive orders for the
+evacuation of New York have been despatched, and that no avoidable
+delay will retard that event. Had we proposed to fix a time for it,
+the British Commissioner would have contended, that it should be a
+time posterior to the date of the definitive treaty, and that would
+have been probably more disadvantageous to us, than as that Article
+now stands.
+
+We are surprised to hear, that any doubts have arisen in America,
+respecting the time when the cessation of hostilities took place
+there. It most certainly took place at the expiration of one month
+after the date of that declaration, in all parts of the world, whether
+by land or sea, that lay north of the latitude of the Canaries.
+
+The ships afterwards taken from us, in the more northerly latitudes,
+ought to be reclaimed and given up. We shall apply to Mr Hartley on
+this subject, and also on that of the transportation of negroes from
+New York, contrary to the words and intention of the provisional
+articles.
+
+We have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 27th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The definitive treaties between the late belligerent powers are none
+of them yet completed. Ours has gone on slowly, owing partly to the
+necessity Mr Hartley, successor of Mr Oswald, thinks himself under of
+sending every proposition, either his own or ours, to his Court for
+their approbation, and their delay in answering, through negligence
+perhaps, since they have heard our ports are open, or through
+indecision, occasioned by ignorance of the subject, or through want of
+union among the Ministers. We send you herewith copies of several
+papers, that have passed between us. He has for some time assured us,
+that he is in hourly expectation of answers, but they do not arrive.
+The British Proclamation, respecting the commerce, appears to vex him
+a good deal. We enclose a copy. And we are of opinion, that finally we
+shall find it best to drop all commercial articles in our definitive
+treaty, and leave everything of that kind to a future special treaty,
+to be made either in America or in Europe, as Congress shall think fit
+to order. Perhaps it may be best to give powers for that purpose to
+the Minister, that probably will be sent to London. The opinion here
+is, that it will be becoming in us to take the first step towards the
+mutual exchange of Ministers, and we have been assured by the English
+Minister, who treats with us here, that ours will be well received.
+
+The Dutch preliminaries are not yet agreed on, and it seems to be
+settled, that we are to sign all together, in the presence of the
+Ministers of the two Imperial Courts, who are to be complimented with
+the opportunity of signing as mediators, though they have not yet, and
+perhaps will not be consulted in the negotiations. Mr Adams has gone
+to Holland for three weeks, but will return sooner if wanted. The
+propositions you mention, as made to us from that State, we suppose he
+has given you an account of. Nothing was, or is likely to be, done
+upon them here, and therefore it was less necessary to say anything
+concerning them. A Minister from thence has been gone some time to
+Congress, and if he has those propositions in charge, they will best
+be considered there.
+
+With great esteem, we have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ PROJECT FOR A DEFINITIVE TREATY OF PEACE.
+
+ _Project for the Definitive Treaty of Peace and Friendship,
+ between his Britannic Majesty and the United States of America,
+ concluded at ---- the ---- day of ---- 1783._
+
+Be it known to all those, to whom it shall or may in any manner
+belong.
+
+It has pleased the Most High to diffuse the spirit of union and
+concord among the nations, whose divisions had spread troubles in the
+four parts of the world, and to inspire them with the inclination to
+cause the comforts of peace, to succeed to the misfortunes of a long
+and bloody war, which having arisen between Great Britain and the
+United States of America, in its progress communicated itself to
+France, Spain, and the United Netherlands.
+
+Consequently the United States of America, did, on the fifteenth of
+June, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
+eightyone, name and appoint their Ministers Plenipotentiary, and
+resolve, ordain, and grant their Commission in the following words,
+viz. [See page 71.]
+
+And his Majesty, the King of Great Britain, did on the twentyfirst day
+of September, in the twentysecond year of his reign, issue his
+Commission, under the great seal of Great Britain, to Richard Oswald,
+in the words following, viz. [See page 80.]
+
+And his said Britannic Majesty, on the one part, and the said United
+States of America on the other, did lay the foundations of peace in
+the preliminaries, signed at Paris, on the thirtieth of November last,
+by the said Richard Oswald, on the part of his said Majesty, and by
+the said John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens,
+on the part of the said United States, in virtue of their respective
+full powers aforesaid, and after having mutually shown to each other
+their said full powers in good form, and mutually exchanged
+authenticated copies of the same.
+
+And his said Britannic Majesty did, on the twentyfourth day of July,
+in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and eightytwo, and
+in the twentysecond year of his reign, issue his Commission, signed
+with his royal hand, and under the great seal of Great Britain, to
+Alleyne Fitzherbert, in the following words, viz. [Here follows the
+Commission.]
+
+And the said Alleyne Fitzherbert, on the part of his said Britannic
+Majesty, and John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, in the necessary
+absence of the said John Jay and Henry Laurens, on the part of the
+said United States, did, at Versailles, on the twentieth day of
+January last, communicate to each other their full powers aforesaid,
+in good form, and agreed upon an armistice in the words following;
+[See pp. 121, 123.]
+
+And his Britannic Majesty did on the ---- day of ---- in the year of
+our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eightythree, and in the
+twentythird year of his reign, issue his Commission, signed with his
+royal hand, and under the great seal of Great Britain, to David
+Hartley, in the following words, viz.; [Here follows the Commission.]
+
+And now the said David Hartley, Minister Plenipotentiary of his said
+Britannic Majesty, in behalf of his said Majesty on the one part, and
+John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay, Ministers Plenipotentiary
+of the said United States of America, in behalf of the said States on
+the other, having communicated to each other their aforesaid full
+powers in good form, and mutually exchanged authenticated copies of
+the same, have, by virtue thereof agreed, and do hereby agree and
+conclude upon the Articles, the tenor of which is as follows, viz.
+
+Whereas reciprocal advantages and mutual convenience are found, by
+experience, to form the only permanent foundation of peace and
+friendship between States, it is agreed to form the Articles of this
+treaty on such principles of liberal equity and reciprocity, as that
+partial advantages, those seeds of discord, being excluded, such a
+beneficial and satisfactory intercourse between the two countries may
+be established, as to promise and secure to both perpetual peace and
+harmony.
+
+ ARTICLE I.
+
+The same as Article 1st of the preliminary treaty, but finishing at
+"every part thereof."
+
+ ARTICLE II.
+
+The same as Article 2d of the preliminary treaty, but commencing with
+the remaining part of Article 1st, "and that all disputes," &c. and
+ending with the words, "and the Atlantic ocean."
+
+ ARTICLE III.
+
+The same as Article 3d of the preliminary treaty.
+
+ ARTICLE IV.
+
+It is agreed, that creditors on either side, shall meet with no lawful
+impediment to the recovery of the full value in sterling money of all
+_bona fide_ debts heretofore contracted, excepting that the
+respective governments on both sides may, if they think proper, pass
+acts directing, that, in consideration of the distresses and
+disabilities brought on by the war, and by the interruption of
+commerce, no execution shall be issued on a judgment to be obtained in
+any such case, until after the expiration of three years from the date
+of this definitive treaty; nor shall such judgments include any
+allowance for interest for the time that passed during the war, and
+until the signing hereof.
+
+ ARTICLE V.
+
+And whereas doubts have arisen concerning the true construction of the
+5th Article of the provisional treaty, and great difficulties are
+likely to arise in its execution, it is hereby agreed, that the same
+shall be declared void, and omitted in this definitive treaty.
+
+And, instead thereof, it is agreed, that as exact an account as may
+be, shall be taken by Commissioners to be appointed for that purpose
+on each part, of all seizures, confiscations, or destruction of
+property belonging to the adherents of the Crown of Great Britain in
+America, (exclusive of prizes made at sea, and debts mentioned in the
+preceding Article,) and an account of all seizures, confiscations, or
+destruction of property belonging to the adherents of the United
+States residing either therein, or in Canada; and the said property
+being duly appraized and valued, the accounts thereof shall be
+compared, and the balance shall be paid in money by the party, which
+has suffered least, within one year after such adjustment of the said
+accounts. And it is further agreed, that all persons, who have any
+interest in confiscated lands, either by debts, or marriage
+settlements, or otherwise, shall meet with no lawful impediment in the
+prosecution of their just rights.
+
+ ARTICLE VI.
+
+The same as Article 6th of the preliminary treaty.
+
+ ARTICLE VII.
+
+There shall be a firm and perpetual peace between his Britannic
+Majesty and the said States, and between the subjects of the one, and
+the citizens of the other. And his Britannic Majesty shall; with all
+convenient speed, and without causing any destruction, or carrying
+away any negroes, or other property of the American inhabitants,
+withdraw all his armies, garrisons, and fleets from the said United
+States, and from every port, place, and harbor within the same,
+leaving in all fortifications the American artillery that may be
+therein. And shall also order and cause all archives, records, deeds,
+and papers belonging to any of the said States, or their citizens,
+which, in the course of the war, may have fallen into the hands of his
+officers, to be forthwith restored and delivered to the proper States
+and persons to whom they belong. And all destruction of property, or
+carrying away of negroes, or other property belonging to the American
+inhabitants, contrary to the above stipulation, shall be duly
+estimated and compensated to the owners.
+
+ ARTICLE VIII.
+
+The navigation of the rivers Mississippi and St Lawrence from their
+sources to the ocean, shall forever remain free and open to the
+subjects of Great Britain and the citizens of the United States.
+
+ ARTICLE IX.
+
+The prisoners made respectively by the arms of his Britannic Majesty
+and the United States, by land and by sea, not already set at
+liberty, shall be restored reciprocally and _bona fide_, immediately
+after the ratification of the definitive treaty, without ransom, and
+on paying the debts they may have contracted during their captivity;
+and each party shall respectively reimburse the sums which shall have
+been advanced for the subsistence and maintenance of their prisoners
+by the sovereign of the country where they shall have been detained,
+according to the receipts and attested accounts and other authentic
+titles, which shall be produced on each side to commissioners, who
+shall be mutually appointed for the purpose of settling the same.
+
+ ARTICLE X.
+
+His Britannic Majesty shall employ his good offices and interposition
+with the King or Emperor of Morocco or Fez, the Regencies of Algiers,
+Tunis, and Tripoli, or with any of them, and also with every other
+Prince, State, or Power of the coast of Barbary in Africa, and the
+subjects of the said King, Emperor, States, and Powers, and each of
+them, in order to provide, as fully and efficaciously as possible, for
+the benefit, conveniency and safety of the said United States, and
+each of them, their subjects, people, and inhabitants, and their
+vessels and effects, against all violence, insult, attacks, or
+depredations, on the part of the said Provinces and States of Barbary,
+or their subjects.
+
+ ARTICLE XI.
+
+If war should hereafter arise between Great Britain and the United
+States, which God forbid, the merchants of either country, then
+residing in the other, shall be allowed to remain nine months to
+collect their debts and settle their affairs, and may depart freely,
+carrying off all their effects, without molestation or hinderance. And
+all fishermen, all cultivators of the earth, and all artisans or
+manufacturers, unarmed and inhabiting unfortified towns, villages, or
+places, who labor for the common subsistence and benefit of mankind,
+and peaceably follow their respective employments, shall be allowed to
+continue the same, and shall not be molested by the armed force of the
+enemy, in whose power, by the events of war, they may happen to fall;
+but if anything is necessary to be taken from them for the use of such
+armed force, the same shall be paid for at a reasonable price. All
+merchants or traders, with their unarmed vessels employed in commerce,
+exchanging the products of different places, and thereby rendering the
+necessaries, conveniences and comforts of human life more easy to
+obtain, and more general, shall be allowed to pass freely unmolested.
+And neither of the powers, parties to this treaty, shall grant or
+issue any commission to any private armed vessel, empowering them to
+take or destroy such trading ships or interrupt such commerce.
+
+ ARTICLE XII.
+
+And in case either of the contracting parties shall happen to be
+engaged in war with any other nation, it is further agreed, in order
+to prevent all the difficulties and misunderstandings that usually
+arise respecting the merchandise heretofore called contraband, such as
+arms, ammunition, and military stores of all kinds, that no such
+articles carrying by the ships or subjects of one of the parties to
+the enemies of the other, shall, on any account, be deemed contraband,
+so as to induce confiscation and a loss of property to individuals;
+nevertheless, it shall be lawful to stop such ships and detain them
+for such length of time as the captors may think necessary to prevent
+the inconvenience or damage that might ensue from their proceeding on
+their voyage, paying, however, a reasonable compensation for the loss
+such arrest shall occasion to the proprietors. And it shall further be
+allowed to use in the service of the captors, the whole, or any part
+of the military stores so detained, paying to the owners the full
+value of the same, to be ascertained by the current price at the place
+of its destination.
+
+ ARTICLE XIII.
+
+The citizens and inhabitants of the said United States, or any of
+them, may take and hold real estates in Great Britain, Ireland, or any
+other of his Majesty's dominions, and dispose by testament, donation,
+or otherwise, of their property, real or personal, in favor of such
+persons as to them shall seem fit; and their heirs, citizens of the
+United States, or any of them, residing in the British dominions, or
+elsewhere, may succeed them, _ab intestato_, without being obliged to
+obtain letters of naturalization.
+
+The subjects of his Britannic Majesty shall enjoy on their part, in
+all the dominions of the said United States, an entire and perfect
+reciprocity, relative to the stipulations contained in the present
+Article.
+
+ ARTICLE XIV.
+
+His Majesty consents, that the citizens of the United States may cut
+logwood as heretofore in the district allotted to his subjects by the
+treaty with Spain, on condition that they bring or send the said
+logwood to Great Britain, or Ireland, and to no other part of Europe.
+
+ ARTICLE XV.
+
+All the lakes, rivers, and waters, divided by the boundary line, or
+lines, between his Britannic Majesty's territories and those of the
+United States, as well as the rivers mentioned in Article ---- shall
+be freely used and navigated by the subjects and citizens of his said
+Majesty and of the said States, in common over the whole extent or
+breadth of the said lakes, rivers and waters. And all the carrying
+places, on which side soever situated of the said dividing waters, or
+between the said rivers and the waters or territories of either of the
+parties, may and shall be freely used by the traders of both, without
+any restraint, demand of duties, or tax, or any imposition whatsoever,
+except such as inhabitants of the country may be subject to.
+
+ ARTICLE XVI.
+
+That in all places belonging to the United States, or either of them,
+in the country adjoining to the water line of division, and which,
+during the war, were in his Majesty's possession, all persons at
+present resident or having possessions or occupations as merchants or
+otherwise, may remain in the peaceable enjoyment of all civil rights,
+and in pursuit of their occupations, unless they shall within seven
+years from the date hereof, receive notice from Congress or the State
+to which any such place may appertain, to remove, and that upon any
+such notice of removal a term of two years shall be allowed for
+selling or withdrawing their effects and for settling their affairs.
+
+
+ ARTICLE XVII.
+
+It is further agreed, that his Britannic Majesty's forces, not
+exceeding ---- in number, may continue in the posts now occupied by
+them, contiguous to the water line, until Congress shall give them
+notice to evacuate the said posts, and American garrisons shall arrive
+at said posts for the purpose of securing the lives, property, and
+peace of any persons settled in that country, against the invasion or
+ravages of the neighboring Indian nations, who may be suspected of
+retaining resentments in consequence of the late war.
+
+ ARTICLE XVIII.
+
+It is further agreed, that his Britannic Majesty shall cause to be
+evacuated the ports of New York, Penobscot and their dependencies,
+with all other posts and places in possession of his Majesty's arms
+within the United States, in three months after the signing of this
+treaty, or sooner if possible, excepting those posts contiguous to the
+water line abovementioned, which are to be evacuated on notice as
+specified in Article XVII.
+
+ ARTICLE XIX.
+
+It is agreed that all vessels, which shall have been taken by either
+party from the other, after the term of twelve days within the Channel
+or the North Seas, or after the term of one month anywhere to the
+northward of the latitude of the Canaries inclusively, or after the
+term of two months between the latitude of the Canaries and the
+Equinoctial line, or after the term of five months in any other part
+of the world (all which said terms are to be computed from the third
+day of February last,) shall be restored.
+
+His said Britannic Majesty and the said United States promise to
+observe sincerely and _bona fide_, all the Articles contained and
+settled in the present treaty; and they will not suffer the same to be
+infringed, directly or indirectly, by their respective subjects and
+citizens.
+
+The solemn ratifications of the present treaty, expedited in good and
+due form, shall be exchanged in the city of London, or Philadelphia,
+between the contracting parties in the space of ---- months, or sooner
+if possible, to be computed from the day of the signature of the
+present treaty.
+
+In witness whereof, we, the underwritten, their Ministers
+Plenipotentiary, have signed with our hands, in their name, and in
+virtue of our full powers, the present definitive treaty, and have
+caused the seal of our arms to be put thereto.
+
+ Done at ---- the ---- day of
+ ---- 1783.
+
+ RATIFICATION OF THE PROVISIONAL ARTICLES BY GREAT BRITAIN.
+
+ George R.
+
+George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France
+and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburg,
+Arch Treasurer, and Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, &c.
+
+Whereas Provisional Articles between us and our good friends, the
+United States of America, viz. New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode
+Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey,
+Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South
+Carolina, and Georgia, were concluded and signed at Paris, on the
+thirtieth day of November, one thousand seven hundred and eightytwo,
+by the Commissioners of us and our said good friends, duly and
+respectively authorised for that purpose; which Provisional Articles
+are in the form and words following; [Here follows the treaty. See
+pages 109 to 115.]
+
+We having seen and considered the Provisional Articles aforesaid, have
+approved, ratified, accepted, and confirmed the same in all and every
+one of their clauses, and provisos, as we do by these presents,
+approve, ratify, accept, and confirm them, for ourself, our heirs, and
+successors; engaging and promising upon our royal word, that we will
+sincerely and faithfully perform and observe, all and singular the
+things which are contained in the aforesaid Provisional Articles, and
+that we will never suffer them to be violated by any one, or
+transgressed in any manner, as far as it lies in our power. For the
+greater testimony and validity of all which, we have caused our great
+seal of Great Britain to be affixed to these presents, which we have
+signed with our royal hand.
+
+Given at our Court at St James, the sixth day of August, one thousand
+seven hundred and eightythree, in the twentythird year of our reign.
+
+ GEORGE R.
+
+ * * *
+
+ _An Act of the British Parliament, repealing certain Acts
+ prohibiting Intercourse with the United States._
+
+An Act to repeal so much of two Acts, made in the sixteenth and
+seventeenth years of the reign of his present Majesty, as prohibits
+trade and intercourse with the United States of America.
+
+Whereas it is highly expedient, that the intercourse between Great
+Britain and the United States of America should be immediately opened;
+be it therefore enacted and declared by the King's Most Excellent
+Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and
+Temporal and Commons, in the present Parliament assembled, and by the
+authority of the same, that an Act passed in the sixteenth year of his
+Majesty's reign, entitled, "An Act to prohibit all trade and
+intercourse with the Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay,
+Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the
+three lower counties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina,
+South Carolina and Georgia, during the continuance of the present
+rebellion within the said Colonies respectively, for repealing an Act
+made in the fourteenth year of the reign of his present Majesty, to
+discontinue the lading and discharging, lading or shipping, of goods,
+wares, and merchandise, at the town and within the harbor of Boston in
+the province of Massachusetts Bay; and also two Acts, made in the last
+session of Parliament, for restraining the trade and commerce of the
+Colonies in the said Acts respectively mentioned; and to enable any
+person or persons, appointed and authorised by his Majesty to grant
+pardons, to issue proclamations, in the cases and for the purposes
+therein mentioned;" and also an Act, passed in the seventeenth year of
+his Majesty's reign, entitled, "An Act for enabling the Commissioners
+for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, to
+grant commissions to the commanders of private ships, and vessels
+employed in trade, or retained in his Majesty's service, to take and
+make prize of all such ships and vessels, and their cargoes, as are
+therein mentioned, for a limited time;" so far as the said Acts, or
+either of them, may extend, or be construed to extend, to prohibit
+trade and intercourse with the territories now composing the said
+United States of America, or to authorise any hostilities against the
+persons or properties of the subjects and citizens of the said United
+States, after the respective periods set forth in his Majesty's
+proclamation for the cessation of hostilities between Great Britain
+and the United States of America, bearing date the fourteenth day of
+February, one thousand seven hundred and eightythree, shall be, and
+the same are henceforth repealed.
+
+Anno vicesimo tertio Georgii III, Regis; cap. 26.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DAVID HARTLEY TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Paris, August, 29th, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+As the day is now fixed for the signatures of the definitive treaties,
+between Great Britain, France, and Spain, I beg leave to inform your
+Excellencies, that I am ready to sign the definitive treaty, between
+Great Britain and the United States of America, whenever it shall be
+convenient to you. I beg the favor, therefore, of you to fix the day.
+My instructions confine me to Paris, as the place appointed to me for
+the exercise of my functions, and, therefore, whatever day you may fix
+upon for the signature, I shall hope to receive the honor of your
+company at the _Hotel de York_.
+
+I am, Gentlemen, with the greatest respect, yours, &c.
+
+ DAVID HARTLEY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO DAVID HARTLEY.
+
+ Passy, August 30th, 1783.
+
+The American Ministers Plenipotentiary for making peace with Great
+Britain, present their compliments to Mr Hartley. They regret that Mr
+Hartley's instructions will not permit him to sign the definitive
+treaty of peace with America at the place appointed for the signature
+of the others. They will, nevertheless, have the honor of waiting upon
+Mr Hartley at his lodgings at Paris, for the purpose of signing the
+treaty in question, on Wednesday morning at eight o'clock.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DAVID HARTLEY TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ Paris, September 4th, 1783.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+It is with the sincerest pleasure that I congratulate you on the happy
+event which took place yesterday, viz.; the signature of the
+definitive treaty between our two countries. I considered it as the
+auspicious presage of returning confidence, and of the future
+intercourse of all good offices between us. I doubt not that our two
+countries will entertain the same sentiments, and that they will
+behold with satisfaction the period which terminates the memory of
+their late unhappy dissensions, and which leads to the renewal of all
+the ancient ties of amity and peace. I can assure you, that his
+Britannic Majesty and his confidential servants entertain the
+strongest desire of a cordial good understanding with the United
+States of America. And that nothing may be wanting on our parts to
+perfect the great work of pacification, I shall propose to you in a
+very short time, to renew the discussion of those points of amity and
+intercourse which have been lately suspended, to make way for the
+signature of the treaties between all the late belligerent powers,
+which took place yesterday.
+
+We have now the fairest prospects before us, and an unembarrassed
+field for the exercise of every beneficent disposition, and for the
+accomplishment of every object of reciprocal advantage between us. Let
+us, then, join our hearts and hands together in one common cause for
+the reunion of all our ancient affections and common interests.[16]
+
+I am, Gentlemen, &c.
+
+ DAVID HARTLEY.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[16] As the definitive treaty was an exact copy of the Provisional
+Articles (see above, p. 109) it is here omitted.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ B. FRANKLIN TO CHARLES FOX.
+
+ Passy, September 5th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I received in its time the letter you did me the honor of writing to
+me by Mr Hartley; and I cannot let him depart without expressing my
+satisfaction in his conduct towards us, and applauding the prudence of
+that choice, which sent us a man possessed of such a spirit of
+conciliation, and of all that frankness, sincerity, and candor, which
+naturally produce confidence, and thereby facilitate the most
+difficult negotiations. Our countries are now happily at peace, on
+which I congratulate you most cordially; and I beg you to be assured,
+that as long as I have any concern in public affairs, I shall readily
+and heartily concur with you in promoting every measure that may tend
+to promote the common felicity.
+
+With great and sincere esteem and respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ B. FRANKLIN.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO DAVID HARTLEY.
+
+ Passy, September 5th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We have received the letter you did us the honor to write yesterday.
+
+Your friendly congratulations on the signature of the definitive
+treaty meet with cordial returns on our part; and we sincerely rejoice
+with you on that event, by which the Ruler of nations has been
+graciously pleased to give peace to our two countries.
+
+We are no less ready to join our endeavors than our wishes with yours,
+to concert such measures for regulating the future intercourse between
+Great Britain and the United States, as, by being consistent with the
+honor and interests of both, may tend to increase and perpetuate
+mutual confidence and good will.
+
+We ought, nevertheless, to apprize you, that as no construction of our
+commission could at any period extend it, unless by implication, to
+several of the proposed stipulations; and as our instructions
+respecting commercial provisions, however explicit, suppose their
+being incorporated in the definitive treaty, a recurrence to Congress
+previous to the signature of them will be necessary, unless obviated
+by the despatches we may sooner receive from them.
+
+We shall immediately write to them on the subject, and we are
+persuaded that the same disposition to confidence and friendship,
+which has induced them already to give unrestrained course to British
+commerce and unconditionally to liberate all prisoners at a time when
+more caution would not have appeared singular, will also urge their
+attention to the objects in question, and lead them to every proper
+measure for promoting a liberal and satisfactory intercourse between
+the two countries.
+
+We have communicated to Congress the repeated friendly assurances with
+which you have officially honored us on these subjects, and we are
+persuaded that the period of their being realized will have an
+auspicious and conciliating influence on all the parties in the late
+unhappy dissensions.
+
+We have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO DAVID HARTLEY.
+
+ Passy, September 7th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We have the honor of transmitting, herewith enclosed an extract of a
+resolution of Congress of the 1st of May last, which we have just
+received.
+
+You will perceive from it, that we may daily expect a commission in
+due form, for the purposes mentioned in it; and we assure you of our
+readiness to enter upon the business whenever you may think
+proper.[17]
+
+We have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[17] _In Congress, May 1st, 1783._ On the report of a committee to
+whom was referred a letter of February 5th, from the honorable John
+Adams,
+
+"Ordered, That a commission be prepared to Messrs John Adams, Benjamin
+Franklin and John Jay, authorising them, or either of them in the
+absence of the others, to enter into a treaty of commerce between the
+United States of America and Great Britain, subject to the revisal of
+the contracting parties, previous to its final conclusion, and in the
+meantime to enter into a commercial convention, to continue in force
+one year.
+
+"That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs lay before Congress, without
+delay, a plan of a treaty of commerce, and instructions relative to
+the same, to be transmitted to the said commissioners."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Passy, September 10th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the 3d instant definitive treaties of peace were concluded between
+all the late belligerent powers, except the Dutch, who the day before
+settled and signed preliminary articles of peace with Britain.
+
+We most sincerely and cordially congratulate Congress and our country
+in general on this happy event; and we hope, that the same kind
+providence, which has led us through a rigorous war to an honorable
+peace, will enable us to make a wise and moderate use of that
+inestimable blessing.
+
+We have communicated a duplicate original of the treaty to the care of
+Mr Thaxter, who will go immediately to L'Orient, whence he will sail
+in the French packet to New York. That gentleman left America with Mr
+Adams as his private Secretary, and his conduct having been perfectly
+satisfactory to that Minister, we join in recommending him to the
+attention of Congress. We have ordered Mr Grand to pay him one hundred
+and thirty louis d'ors, on account of the reasonable expenses to be
+incurred by his mission to Congress, and his journey from thence to
+his family at Hingham, in the Massachusetts Bay. For the disposition
+of the money he is to account. The definitive treaty being in the
+terms of the Provisional Articles, and not comprehending any of the
+objects of our subsequent negotiations, it is proper that we give a
+summary account of them.
+
+When Mr Hartley arrived here, he brought with him only a set of
+instructions, signed by the King. We objected to proceeding with him
+until he should have a commission in form. This occasioned some delay.
+A proper commission was, however, transmitted to him, a copy of which
+was shortly after sent to Mr Livingston.
+
+We having been instructed to obtain, if possible, an Article for a
+direct trade to the West Indies, made to Mr Hartley the proposition
+No. 1.[18]
+
+He approved of it greatly, and recommended it to his Court, but they
+declined assenting to it.
+
+Mr Hartley then made us the proposition No. 2;[19] but being asked,
+whether he was authorised to sign it, in case we agreed to it, he
+answered in the negative. We, therefore, thought it improper to
+proceed to the consideration of it, until after he should have
+obtained the consent of his Court to it. We also desired to be
+informed, whether his Court would, or would not, comprehend Ireland in
+their stipulations with us.
+
+The British Cabinet would not adopt Mr Hartley's propositions, but
+their letters to him were calculated to inspire us with expectations,
+that as nothing but particular local circumstances, which would
+probably not be of long duration, restrained them from preferring the
+most liberal system of commerce with us, the Ministry would take the
+earliest opportunity of gratifying their own wishes, as well as ours,
+on that subject.
+
+Mr Hartley then made us the propositions No. 3.[20] At this time, we
+were informed, that letters for us had arrived in France from
+Philadelphia; we expected to receive instructions in them, and told Mr
+Hartley, that this expectation induced us to postpone giving him an
+answer for a few days.
+
+The vessel by which we expected these letters, it seems had not
+brought any for us. But at that time information arrived from America,
+that our ports were all opened to British vessels. Mr Hartley
+thereupon did not think himself at liberty to proceed, until after he
+should communicate that intelligence to his Court and receive their
+further instructions.
+
+Those further instructions never came; and thus our endeavors as to
+commercial regulations proved fruitless. We had many conferences, and
+received long Memorials from Mr Hartley on the subject; but his zeal
+for systems friendly to us, constantly exceeded his authority to
+concert and agree to them.
+
+During the long interval of his expecting instructions, for his
+expectations were permitted to exist almost to the last, we proceeded
+to make and receive propositions for perfecting the definitive treaty.
+Details of all the amendments, alterations, objections, expectations,
+&c. which occurred in the course of these discussions, would be
+voluminous. We finally agreed that he should send to his Court the
+project or draft of a treaty, No. 4.[21] He did so, but after much
+time, and when pressed by France, who insisted that we should all
+conclude together, he was instructed to sign a definitive treaty in
+the terms of the Provisional Articles.
+
+Whether the British Court meant to avoid a definitive treaty with us,
+through a vain hope, from the exaggerated accounts of divisions among
+our people, and want of authority in Congress, that some revolution
+might soon happen in their favor; or whether their dilatory conduct
+was caused by the strife of the two opposite and nearly equal parties
+in the Cabinet, is hard to decide.
+
+Your Excellency will observe, that the treaty was signed at Paris, and
+not at Versailles. Mr Hartley's letter of August 29th, and our answer,
+will explain this. His objections, and indeed our proceedings in
+general, were communicated to the French Minister, who was content
+that we should acquiesce, but desired that we would appoint the
+signing early in the morning, and give him an account of it at
+Versailles by express, for that he would not proceed to sign on the
+part of France, till he was sure that our business was done.
+
+The day after the signature of the treaty, Mr Hartley wrote us a
+congratulatory letter, to which we replied.
+
+He has gone to England, and expects soon to return, which for our
+parts we think uncertain. We have taken care to speak to him in strong
+terms, on the subject of the evacuation of New York, and the other
+important subjects proper to be mentioned to him. We think we may rely
+on his doing everything in his power to influence his Court to do what
+they ought to do; but it does not appear, that they have as yet
+formed any settled system for their conduct relative to the United
+States. We cannot but think, that the late and present aspect of
+affairs in America, has had and continues to have, an unfavorable
+influence, not only in Britain but throughout Europe.
+
+In whatever light the Article respecting the tories may be viewed in
+America, it is considered in Europe as very humiliating to Britain,
+and therefore as being one, which we ought in honor to perform and
+fulfil with the most scrupulous regard to good faith, and in a manner
+least offensive to the feelings of the King and Court of Great
+Britain, who upon that point are extremely tender.
+
+The unseasonable and unnecessary resolves of various towns on this
+subject, the actual expulsion of tories from some places, and the
+avowed implacability of almost all who have published their sentiments
+about the matter, are circumstances, which are construed, not only to
+the prejudice of our national magnanimity and good faith, but also to
+the prejudice of our governments.
+
+Popular committees are considered here, as with us, in the light of
+substitutes to constitutional government, and as being only necessary
+in the interval between the removal of the former and the
+establishment of the present.
+
+The constitutions of the different States have been translated and
+published, and pains have been taken to lead Europe to believe, that
+the American States, not only made their own laws, but obeyed them.
+But the continuance of popular assemblies, convened expressly to
+deliberate on matters proper only for the cognizance of the different
+legislatures and officers of government, and their proceeding not only
+to ordain, but to enforce their resolutions, has exceedingly lessened
+the dignity of the States in the eyes of these nations.
+
+To this we may also add, that the situation of the army, the
+reluctance of the people to pay taxes, and the circumstances under
+which Congress removed from Philadelphia, have diminished the
+admiration, in which the people of America were held among the nations
+of Europe, and somewhat abated their ardor for forming connexions with
+us, before our affairs acquire a greater degree of order and
+consistence.
+
+Permit us to observe, that in our opinion, the recommendation of
+Congress, promised in the fifth Article, should immediately be made in
+the terms of it, and published, and that the States should be
+requested to take it into consideration, as soon as the evacuation by
+the enemy shall be completed. It is also much to be wished, that the
+legislatures may not involve all the tories in banishment and ruin,
+but that such discrimination may be made, as to entitle the decisions
+to the approbation of disinterested men and dispassionate posterity.
+
+On the 7th instant we received your Excellency's letter of the 16th of
+June last, covering a resolution of Congress of the 1st of May,
+directing a commission to us for making a treaty of commerce, &c. with
+Great Britain. This intelligence arrived very opportunely to prevent
+the anti-American party in England from ascribing any delays, on our
+part, to motives of resentment to that country. Great Britain will
+send a Minister to Congress, as soon as Congress shall send a Minister
+to Britain, and we think much good might result from that measure.
+
+The information of M. Dumas, that we encouraged the idea of entering
+into engagements with the Dutch, to defend the freedom of trade, was
+not well founded. Our sentiments on that subject exactly correspond
+with those of Congress; nor did we even think or pretend, that we had
+authority to adopt any such measures.
+
+We have reason to think that the Emperor, and Russia, and other
+commercial nations, are ready to make treaties of commerce with the
+United States. Perhaps it might not be improper for Congress to
+direct, that their disposition on the subject be communicated to those
+Courts, and thereby prepare the way for such treaties.
+
+The Emperor of Morocco has manifested a very friendly disposition
+towards us. He expects, and is ready to receive a Minister from us;
+and as he may either change his mind, or may be succeeded by a prince
+differently disposed, a treaty with him may be of importance. Our
+trade to the Mediterranean will not be inconsiderable, and the
+friendship of Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli may become very
+interesting, in case the Russians should succeed in their endeavors to
+navigate freely into it by Constantinople.
+
+Much, we think, will depend on the success of our negotiations with
+England. If she should be prevailed upon to agree to a liberal system
+of commerce, France, and perhaps some other nations, will follow her
+example; but if she should prefer an exclusive, monopolizing plan, it
+is probable that her neighbors will continue to adhere to their
+favorite restrictions.
+
+Were it certain that the United States could be brought to act as a
+nation, and would jointly and fairly conduct their commerce on
+principles of exact reciprocity with all nations, we think it probable
+that Britain would make extensive concessions. But, on the contrary,
+while the prospect of disunion in our councils, or want of power and
+energy in our executive departments exist, they will not be
+apprehensive of retaliation, and consequently lose their principal
+motive to liberty. Unless, with respect to all foreign nations and
+transactions, we uniformly act as an entire united nation, faithfully
+executing and obeying the constitutional acts of Congress on those
+subjects, we shall soon find ourselves in the situation in which all
+Europe wishes to see us, viz. as unimportant consumers of her
+manufactures and productions, and as useful laborers to furnish her
+with raw materials.
+
+We beg leave to assure Congress that we shall apply our best endeavors
+to execute this new commission to their satisfaction, and shall
+punctually obey such instructions as they may be pleased to give us
+relative to it. Unless Congress have nominated a Secretary to that
+commission, we shall consider ourselves at liberty to appoint one; and
+as we are satisfied with the conduct of Mr Franklin, the Secretary to
+our late commission, we propose to appoint him, leaving it to Congress
+to make such compensation for his services as they may judge proper.
+
+Count de Vergennes communicated to us a proposition, viz. herewith
+enclosed,[22] for explaining the 2d and 3d Articles of our treaty with
+France in a manner different from the sense in which we understand
+them. This being a matter in which we have no right to interfere, we
+have not expressed any opinion about it to the Court.
+
+With great respect, we have the honor to be, Sir, your Excellency's
+most obedient and most humble servants,
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+ B. FRANKLIN,
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[18] See Mr Adams's proposed agreement, above, p. 151.
+
+[19] See Mr Hartley's proposed agreement, p. 154.
+
+[20] Above, p. 182.
+
+[21] See above, p. 195.
+
+[22] See above, p. 146.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ FROM CONGRESS TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
+
+ October 29th, 1783.
+
+By the United States in Congress assembled.
+
+ To the Commissioners of the United States of America at the Court
+ of Versailles, empowered to negotiate a peace, or to any one or
+ more of them;
+
+1st. You are instructed and authorised to announce to his Imperial
+Majesty the Emperor of Germany, or to his Ministers, the high sense
+which the United States in Congress assembled entertain of his exalted
+character and eminent virtues, and their earnest desire to cultivate
+his friendship, and to enter into a treaty of amity and commerce for
+the mutual advantage of the subjects of his Imperial Majesty, and the
+citizens of these United States.
+
+2dly. You are instructed to meet the advances and encourage the
+disposition of the other commercial powers in Europe for entering into
+treaties of amity and commerce with these United States. In
+negotiations on this subject, you will lay it down as a principle in
+no case to be deviated from, that they shall respectively have for
+their basis the mutual advantage of the contracting parties on terms
+of the most perfect equality and reciprocity, and not to be repugnant
+to any of the treaties already entered into by the United States with
+France and other foreign powers. That such treaties shall, in the
+first instance, be proposed for a term not exceeding fifteen years,
+and shall not be finally conclusive until they shall respectively have
+been transmitted to the United States in Congress assembled, for their
+examination and final direction; and that, with the drafts or
+propositions for such treaties, shall be transmitted all the
+information which shall come within the knowledge of the said
+Ministers respecting the same; and their observations after the most
+mature inquiry on the probable advantages or disadvantages and effects
+of such treaties respectively.
+
+3dly. You are instructed to continue to press upon the Ministers of
+his Danish Majesty the justice of causing satisfaction to be made for
+the value of the ships and goods captured by the Alliance frigate and
+sent into Bergen, and how essentially it concerns the honor of the
+United States that their gallant citizens should not be deprived of
+any part of those prizes, which they had so justly acquired by their
+valor. That as far as Congress have been informed, the estimate of
+those prizes at fifty thousand pounds sterling is not immoderate; that
+no more however is desired than their true value, after every
+deduction which shall be thought equitable. That Congress have a
+sincere disposition to cultivate the friendship of his Danish Majesty,
+and to promote a commercial intercourse between his subjects and the
+citizens of the United States, on terms which shall promise mutual
+advantage to both nations. That it is therefore the wish of Congress,
+that this claim should still be referred to the equitable disposition
+of his Danish Majesty, in full confidence that the reasonable
+expectations of the parties interested will be fully answered;
+accordingly you are fully authorised and directed, after exerting your
+best endeavors to enforce the said claim to the extent it shall appear
+to you to be well founded, to make abatements if necessary, and
+ultimately to accept such compensation as his Danish Majesty can be
+prevailed upon to grant.
+
+4thly. You are further instructed, to inquire and report to Congress
+the reasons why the expedition of the Alliance and Bon Homme Richard,
+and the squadron which accompanied them, was carried on at the expense
+and on account of the Court of France; whether any part of the profit
+arising therefrom accrued to the United States; or any of the expense
+thereof has been placed to their account; whether the proceeds of any
+of the prizes taken in that expedition, and which is due to the
+American officers and seamen employed therein, is deposited in Europe;
+and what amount, where, and in whose hands.
+
+5thly. The acquisition of support to the independence of the United
+States having been the primary object of the instructions to our
+Ministers respecting the convention of the neutral maritime powers for
+maintaining the freedom of commerce, you will observe, that the
+necessity of such support is superseded by the treaties lately entered
+into for restoring peace. And although Congress approve of the
+principles of that convention, as it was founded on the liberal basis
+of the maintenance of the rights of neutral nations, and of the
+privileges of commerce, yet they are unwilling at this juncture, to
+become a party to a confederacy which may hereafter too far complicate
+the interests of the United States with the politics of Europe; and,
+therefore, if such a progress is not already made in this business as
+may render it dishonorable to recede, it is the desire of Congress and
+their instruction to each of the Ministers of the United States at the
+respective Courts in Europe, that no further measures be taken at
+present towards the admission of the United States into that
+confederacy.
+
+6thly. The Ministers of these States for negotiating a peace with
+Great Britain are hereby instructed, authorised and directed, to urge
+forward the definitive treaty to a speedy conclusion; and unless there
+shall be an immediate prospect of obtaining articles or explanations
+beneficial to the United States, in addition to the Provisional
+Articles, that they shall agree to adopt the Provisional Articles as
+the substance of a definitive treaty of peace.
+
+7thly. The Minister or Ministers of these United States for
+negotiating a peace are hereby instructed to negotiate an explanation
+of the following paragraph of the declaration acceded to by them on
+the 20th of January, 1783, relative to captures, viz. "that the term
+should be one month from the Channel and North Sea as far as the
+Canary Islands, inclusively, whether in the ocean or the
+Mediterranean."
+
+8thly. Mr Jay is hereby authorised to direct Mr Carmichael to repair
+to Paris, should Mr Jay be of opinion that the interest of the United
+States at the Court of Madrid may not be injured by Mr Carmichael's
+absence; and that Mr Carmichael carry with him the books and vouchers
+necessary to make a final and complete settlement of the accounts of
+public moneys which have passed through the hands of Mr Jay and
+himself; and that Mr Barclay attend Mr Jay and Mr Carmichael to adjust
+those accounts.
+
+9thly. Mr Jay has leave to go to Bath, should he find it necessary for
+the benefit of his health.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ RATIFICATION OF THE DEFINITIVE TREATY BY CONGRESS.
+
+Know ye, that we, the United States in Congress assembled, having seen
+and considered the Definitive Articles aforesaid, (meaning the treaty
+signed by the Commissioners in Paris, on the 30th of November, 1782,)
+have approved, ratified, and confirmed, and by these presents do
+approve, ratify, and confirm the said Articles, and every part and
+clause thereof, engaging and promising, that we will sincerely and
+faithfully perform and observe the same, and never suffer them to be
+violated by any one, or transgressed in any manner, as far as lies in
+our power.
+
+In testimony whereof, we have caused the seal of the United States to
+be hereunto affixed. Witness, his Excellency THOMAS MIFFLIN,
+President, this fourteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord,
+one thousand seven hundred and eighty four, and in the eighth year of
+the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ PROCLAMATION OF CONGRESS RESPECTING THE DEFINITIVE TREATY.
+
+By the United States in Congress assembled,
+
+ A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas Definitive Articles of peace and friendship between the United
+States of America and his Britannic Majesty, were concluded and signed
+at Paris, on the third day of September, one thousand seven hundred
+and eightythree, by the Plenipotentiaries of the said United States
+and of his said Britannic Majesty, duly and respectively authorised
+for that purpose; which Definitive Articles are in the words
+following; [Here follows the treaty.]
+
+And we, the United States in Congress assembled, having seen and duly
+considered the Definitive Articles aforesaid, did, by a certain act
+under the seal of the United States, bearing date this 14th day of
+January, 1784, approve, ratify, and confirm the same, and every part
+and clause thereof, engaging and promising, that we would sincerely
+and faithfully perform and observe the same, and never suffer them to
+be violated by any one, or transgressed in any manner, as far as
+should be in our power; and being sincerely disposed to carry the said
+Articles into execution, truly, honestly, and with good faith,
+according to the intent and meaning thereof, we have thought proper by
+these presents, to notify the premises to all the good citizens of the
+United States, hereby requiring and enjoining all bodies of
+magistracy, legislative, executive, and judiciary, all persons bearing
+office, civil or military, of whatever rank, degree, and powers, and
+all others the good citizens of these States, of every vocation and
+condition, that reverencing those stipulations entered into on their
+behalf, under the authority of that federal bond, by which their
+existence as an independent people is bound up together, and is known
+and acknowledged by the nations of the world, and with that good
+faith, which is every man's surest guide, within their several
+offices, jurisdictions, and vocations, they carry into effect the said
+Definitive Articles, and every clause and sentence thereof, sincerely,
+strictly, and completely.
+
+Given under the seal of the United States. Witness, his Excellency
+Thomas Mifflin, our President, at Annapolis, this fourteenth day of
+January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and
+eightyfour, and of the sovereignty and independence of the United
+States of America, the eighth.
+
+ * * *
+
+Resolved, unanimously, nine States being present, that it be, and it
+is hereby earnestly recommended to the legislatures of the respective
+States, to provide for the restitution of all estates, rights, and
+properties, which have been confiscated, belonging to real British
+subjects; and also of the estates, rights, and properties of persons
+resident in districts, which were in the possession of his Britannic
+Majesty's arms, at any time between the thirtieth day of November,
+1782, and the 14th day of January, 1784, and who have not borne arms
+against the said United States; and that persons of any other
+description shall have free liberty to go to any part or parts of any
+of the Thirteen United States, and therein to remain twelve months
+unmolested in their endeavors to obtain the restitution of such of
+their estates, rights, and properties, as may have been confiscated;
+and it is also hereby earnestly recommended to the several States, to
+reconsider and revise all their acts or laws regarding the premises,
+so as to render the said laws or acts perfectly consistent, not only
+with justice and equity, but with that spirit of conciliation, which,
+on the return of the blessings of peace, should universally prevail;
+and it is hereby also earnestly recommended to the several States,
+that the estates, rights, and properties of such last mentioned
+persons should be restored to them, they refunding to any persons who
+may be now in possession, the _bona fide_ price, (where any has been
+given) which such persons may have paid on purchasing any of the said
+lands, rights, or properties since the confiscation.
+
+Ordered, That a copy of the Proclamation of this date, together with
+the recommendation, be transmitted to the several States by the
+Secretary.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+
+ RATIFICATION OF THE DEFINITIVE TREATY BY GREAT BRITAIN.
+
+George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France,
+and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburg,
+Arch Treasurer, and Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, &c. To
+all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting.
+
+Whereas a definitive treaty of peace and friendship, between us and
+our good friends, the United Stales of America, viz. New Hampshire,
+Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,
+Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland,
+Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, was concluded
+and signed at Paris, the 3d day of September last, by the
+Plenipotentiaries of us, and our said good friends, duly and
+respectively authorised for that purpose, which definitive treaty is
+in the form and words following; [Here follows the treaty.]
+
+We, having seen and considered the definitive treaty aforesaid, have
+approved, ratified, accepted, and confirmed it, in all and every one
+of its Articles and clauses, as we do by these presents, for ourself,
+our heirs and successors, approve, ratify, accept, and confirm the
+same, engaging and promising, upon our royal word, that we will
+sincerely and faithfully perform and observe all and singular the
+things which are contained in the aforesaid treaty, and that we will
+never suffer it to be violated by any one, or transgressed in any
+manner, as far as it lies in our power. For the greater testimony and
+validity of all which, we have caused our great seal of Great Britain
+to be affixed to these presents, which we have signed with our royal
+hand.
+
+Given at the Court of St James, the ninth day of April, one thousand
+seven hundred and eightyfour, in the twentyfourth year of our reign.
+
+ GEORGE R.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF
+
+CONRAD ALEXANDER GERARD;
+
+MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY FROM THE COURT OF FRANCE TO THE UNITED
+STATES.
+
+
+Conrad Alexander Gerard was the first Minister from any foreign Court
+to the United States. When the American Commissioners went to Paris,
+in the year 1776, he was principal Secretary to the Council of State,
+and on terms of the strictest intimacy and confidence with Count de
+Vergennes, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Under the auspices of that
+Minister, and in concert with him, M. Gerard early took a strong
+interest in the concerns of the United States, and abetted the cause
+of their independence. He negotiated, on the part of the French
+government, the first treaties of alliance and commerce with the
+United States, signed on the 6th of February, 1778, by him for one of
+the contracting parties, and by Franklin, Deane, and Lee for the
+other.
+
+His knowledge of American affairs, and his general ability, pointed
+him out as the most suitable person to represent the French Court as
+Minister to Congress. He came over to this country in the fleet with
+Count d'Estaing and arrived in Philadelphia about the middle of July,
+1778. After discharging the duties of a Minister Plenipotentiary for
+more than a year, in a manner highly acceptable to Congress and the
+whole country, as well as to his own government, he asked his recall,
+and took his final leave of Congress on the 17th of September, 1779.
+He returned to Europe in the same vessel, which took out Mr Jay as
+Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Spain.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF
+
+CONRAD ALEXANDER GERARD;
+
+MINISTER FROM FRANCE.
+
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ LETTER FROM THE KING OF FRANCE TO CONGRESS.
+
+ Very dear and great Friends and Allies,
+
+The treaties which we have signed with you in consequence of the
+propositions made to us on your part, by your deputies, are a certain
+guarantee to you of our affection for the United States in general,
+and for each one of them individually, as well as of the interest
+which we take, and shall always continue to take, in their happiness
+and prosperity. In order to convince you of this in a more particular
+manner, we have appointed M. Gerard, Secretary of our Council of
+State, to reside near you in quality of our Minister Plenipotentiary.
+He is the better acquainted with the sentiments which we entertain
+towards you, and is the more able to answer for them to you, as he has
+been intrusted on our part with negotiating with your deputies, and as
+he has signed with them the treaties which cement our union, we
+request you to give full credit to all that he shall say to you on our
+part, particularly when he shall assure you of our affection and of
+our constant friendship for you. Moreover, we pray God, that he will
+have you, very dear and great Friends and Allies, under his holy and
+worthy protection.
+
+Written at Versailles, the 28th of March, 1778.
+
+Your good Friend and Ally,
+
+ LOUIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ APPOINTMENT OF CONSUL-GENERAL OF FRANCE IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Louis, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre, to all those
+to whom these presents shall come, Greeting.
+
+Thinking it necessary to create the office of our Consul-General at
+Boston, and other ports belonging to the United States of North
+America, and being desirous to confer a favor on M. Gerard, we have
+thought that we could not make choice of a better person than he, to
+fulfil the duties of this office, by our knowledge of his zeal and
+affection for our service and for the interests of our subjects, and
+of his judgment and ability in naval affairs; for these reasons, and
+others moving us thereto, we have nominated and appointed the said M.
+Gerard, and by these presents signed with our hand, do nominate and
+appoint him our Consul-General at Boston, and other ports belonging to
+the United States of North America, with power to appoint consuls and
+vice-consuls in the places where he shall judge them necessary; to
+have and to hold the said office, to exercise, enjoy, and use it, so
+long as it shall please us, with the honors, authorities, advantages,
+prerogatives, privileges, exemptions, rights, benefits, profits,
+revenues, and emoluments which belong to it, such, and the same as
+those which our other Consuls-General enjoy. We prohibit all French
+merchants, and all persons sailing under the French flag, from
+disturbing him in the possession, duties and exercise of this
+consulate. We enjoin on all captains, masters and commanders of ships,
+barks and other vessels, armed and sailing under the said flag, as
+well as on all our other subjects, to acknowledge the said M. Gerard,
+and to obey him in this capacity. We pray and request our very dear
+and great Friends and Allies, the Congress of the United States of
+North America, their governors and other officers whom it shall
+concern, to allow the said M. Gerard, and the consuls and vice-consuls
+whom he shall appoint to the said office, to possess it fully and
+peaceably, without causing, or allowing to be caused to them, any
+disturbance or hinderance; but on the contrary to give them all favor
+and assistance; offering to do the same for all those who shall be
+thus recommended to us on their part. In witness whereof we have
+caused our privy seal to be affixed to these presents.
+
+Given at Versailles, the twentyeighth day of March, in the year of our
+Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventyeight, and of our reign the
+fifth.
+
+ LOUIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE KING OF FRANCE TO CONGRESS.
+
+ Very dear and great Friends and Allies,
+
+You will learn, undoubtedly, with gratitude, the measure, which the
+conduct of the King of Great Britain has induced us to take, of
+sending a fleet to endeavor to destroy the English forces upon the
+shores of North America. This expedition will convince you of the
+eagerness and the vigor, which we are resolved to bring to the
+execution of the engagements, which we have contracted with you. We
+are firmly persuaded, that your fidelity to the obligations, which
+your Plenipotentiaries have contracted in your name, will animate more
+and more the efforts, which you are making with so much courage and
+perseverance.
+
+The Count d'Estaing, Vice-Admiral of France, is charged to concert
+with you the operations, the conduct of which we have intrusted to
+him, in order that the combination of measures on each side may render
+them as advantageous to the common cause as circumstances will permit.
+We entreat you to give full credit to everything, which he shall
+communicate to you on our part, and to place confidence in his zeal
+and in his talents.
+
+Moreover, we pray God, that he will have you, very dear and great
+Friends and Allies, under his holy protection.
+
+Written at Versailles, the twentyeighth day of March, in the year of
+our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventyeight.
+
+ LOUIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ COUNT D'ESTAING TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ At Sea, July 8th, 1778.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor of informing your Excellency, and by you of giving
+notice to Congress, of the arrival of the squadron of the King upon
+the shores of the United States of America.
+
+Honored with full powers from the King to treat with Congress, I have
+the honor, Sir, of sending to your Excellency the copy of my
+credentials relating to this subject, the honor of presenting them
+myself; my desire to wait upon the respectable representatives of a
+free nation, my eagerness to reverence in them the noble qualities of
+wisdom and firmness, which distinguish them, virtues which all Europe
+admires and which France loves, are a happiness, which can be delayed
+only by my desire to render myself worthy of the favors of the United
+States, while I begin by performing the duties, which circumstances
+and my military functions impose upon me; I hope that they will serve
+as my excuse, and that your Excellency will have the kindness to offer
+them as such to Congress.
+
+I have the honor of writing to his Excellency, General Washington, and
+shall have that of sending to his head quarters two officers in
+succession, in order to offer to him to combine my movements with his
+own. The merited reputation, which so great a soldier has so justly
+acquired, does not allow me to doubt that he is convinced better than
+any one else of the value of the first movements. I hope that the
+authority vested in him by Congress, has allowed him the liberty of
+taking advantage of them, and that we shall be able immediately, and
+without any delay, to act in concert for the benefit of the common
+cause; which seemed to me to require, that the orders of Congress
+should remove as speedily as possible, the legal difficulties, of
+which, perhaps, there are none.
+
+Monsieur de Chouin, Major of infantry, and relation of M. de Sartine,
+is charged with delivering this letter to your Excellency; he is one
+of the officers whom I send to General Washington.
+
+The readiness with which his Excellency, M. Gerard, Minister
+Plenipotentiary of the King, is hastening to take up his residence
+near Congress, and there to display the character with which his
+Majesty has invested him, will prevent all the delays, which my
+distance might occasion with regard to the military agreements. I have
+the honor of assuring your Excellency, that I shall make it my duty
+and pleasure to execute everything that M. Gerard shall promise. The
+promises, which he will make to you, will need no other ratifications
+on my part than those, which my physical force demands, and which the
+nature of the profession makes necessarily to depend upon the military
+or naval force, which is in operation.
+
+A Minister so happy as to have had the glory of signing the treaty,
+which unites two powers whose interests are so intimately connected,
+will preserve the most important influence upon my further designs.
+The escort, which conducts him, that by which the King sends back to
+the United States his Excellency, Silas Deane, is, undoubtedly, the
+most brilliant which has ever accompanied Ambassadors. I dare hope
+that it will prove useful to the mutual interest of the two nations.
+
+That will be the happiest moment of my life, in which I shall be able
+to contribute to it in anything. I shall, at the same time fulfil my
+duty, as an officer charged with the orders of his Majesty, and I
+shall satisfy my principles and my inclination as an individual.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ESTAING.
+
+_P. S._ Permit me to recommend to the favor of Congress, Messrs John
+Nicholson, Elias Johnson, and Henry Johnson. Mr Nicholson preserved
+the ship Tonnant, which is the second in the squadron, and Mr Elias
+Johnson conducted himself with the greatest zeal and the greatest
+bravery on board the frigate Engageante, in the engagement in which
+she took the privateer Rose, in the Chesapeake Bay.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ RESOLVES OF CONGRESS RESPECTING THE COUNT D'ESTAING'S LETTER,
+ AND THE RECEPTION OF M. GERARD.
+
+ In Congress, July 11th, 1778.
+
+Resolved, that General Washington be informed by the President, that
+it is the desire of Congress, that he co-operate with the Count
+d'Estaing, commander of a French squadron now on the coast of North
+America, and proceeding to New York, in the execution of such
+offensive operations against the enemy as they shall mutually approve.
+
+His Most Christian Majesty, the King of France, having thought proper
+to send on the coasts a powerful fleet, in order to co-operate with
+the forces of these States in the reduction of the British army and
+navy, Resolved, that General Washington be impowered to call on the
+States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, Rhode Island,
+New York, New Jersey, or such of them as he shall judge proper, for
+such aids of their militia as he shall think requisite for carrying on
+his operations, in concert with Count d'Estaing, commander of the
+French fleet; and that it be earnestly recommended to the
+abovementioned, to exert themselves in forwarding the force, which may
+be required of them with the utmost despatch.
+
+Resolved, that the Marine Committee be directed to order the
+Commissioners of the navy to the eastward, to fit out as many
+continental frigates and armed vessels as possible, with the utmost
+despatch, to join the French squadron in their operations against the
+enemy.
+
+Ordered, that the Board of War take measures for providing a suitable
+house for the accommodation of M. Gerard; and that they give the
+necessary orders for receiving M. Gerard with proper honor on his
+arrival.
+
+Resolved, that a committee of five be appointed to wait on M. Gerard
+on his arrival, and conduct him to his lodgings.
+
+The members chosen, Mr Hancock, Mr Lee, Mr Drayton, Mr Roberdeau, and
+Mr Duer.
+
+Next morning the committee went to Chester to meet M. Gerard, who
+received them on board the frigate. In going on board they were
+saluted with fifteen guns. They then went on shore and waited on him
+to Philadelphia, and conducted him to General Arnold's head quarters,
+where a dinner was provided for him and his suit, and a number of the
+members of Congress. Before dinner he waited on the President.
+
+On Tuesday he delivered to the President sundry papers to be laid
+before Congress,[23] desiring to know in what capacity Congress were
+willing to receive him; whether as Minister Plenipotentiary or
+resident, intimating, that in whatever quality he was received, it
+would be expected, that the Commissioners from the States at the Court
+of France should be vested with the same.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[23] Letters from the King, and notes of M. Gerard.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 14th, 1778.
+
+ Sir,
+
+His Excellency, the Count d'Estaing, Vice-Admiral of France, commander
+of the squadron of the King, being desirous to procure for the armed
+vessels, whether public or private, of the United States, the means of
+availing themselves of the operations of this squadron, in order to
+take prizes from the common enemy, the undersigned has the honor to
+inform Congress, that all their armed vessels will enjoy the most
+extended protection of the squadron of his Most Christian Majesty, and
+that the prizes which they may be able to take will belong entirely to
+them. He leaves it to the wisdom of Congress to fix upon the means of
+deriving from this arrangement, the advantage of which it is
+susceptible. The American vessels, which shall apply to his Excellency
+the Vice-Admiral, will receive the signals which will be necessary;
+and the undersigned will successively communicate them to Congress,
+that information of them may be given to those who shall sail from the
+ports. He relies on the prudence of Congress in relation to the
+measures necessary to ensure success in this matter.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 14th, 1778.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The squadron which the King, my master, has sent, in order to act in
+concert with the United States, against the common enemy, having taken
+some prisoners during its passage, the keeping of whom on board of the
+vessels would be embarrassing and even dangerous, the undersigned
+requests the Congress of the said United States to have the goodness
+to cause these prisoners, as well as those whom the King's squadron
+shall be able to take in the course of its operations, to be received,
+to cause provision to be made for their safe keeping and subsistence,
+in the same manner as that which it makes use of for its own
+prisoners, and to hold them at the disposal of the King, and subject
+to the orders of his Excellency, the Count d'Estaing, Vice-Admiral of
+France, and commander of his Majesty's squadron.
+
+The undersigned will take care to cause all the expenses incurred on
+this occasion to be reimbursed at certain periods, in such manner as
+the Congress shall be pleased to point out.[24]
+
+ GERARD.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[24] Congress took into consideration the Memorial respecting
+prisoners, and thereupon
+
+"Resolved, that all prisoners taken, or which may be taken, by the
+squadron of his Most Christian Majesty, under the command of the Count
+d'Estaing, Vice-Admiral of France, be received by the Commissary-General
+of prisoners, and that he provide for their safe custody and
+subsistence in like manner as has been usual for the prisoners of
+these States. That he make monthly returns of all prisoners, which
+shall be by him so received, to the Board of War. That he make
+monthly returns to the treasury, of the accounts of all moneys
+expended for the purposes aforesaid, and that the prisoners be held at
+the disposal of his Most Christian Majesty, and subject to the orders
+of his Excellency Count d'Estaing.
+
+"Ordered, that the paper relative to the encouragement given by the
+Count d'Estaing to American armed vessels, whether public or private,
+be published."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ CEREMONIAL OF ADMITTING THE FRENCH MINISTER TO CONGRESS.
+
+ In Congress, July 20th, 1781.
+
+Resolved, That the ceremonial for a Minister Plenipotentiary, or
+Envoy, shall be as follows;
+
+When a Minister Plenipotentiary, or Envoy, shall arrive within any of
+the United States, he shall receive at all places where there are
+guards, sentries, or the like, such military honors as are paid to a
+general officer of the second rank in the armies of the United States.
+
+When he shall arrive at a place in which Congress shall be, he shall
+wait upon the President and deliver his credentials, or a copy
+thereof. Two members of Congress shall then be deputed to wait upon
+him, and inform him where and when he shall receive audience of
+Congress.
+
+At the time he is to receive his audience, the two members shall again
+wait upon him in a coach belonging to the States, and the person first
+named of two, shall return with the Minister Plenipotentiary, or
+Envoy, in the coach, giving the Minister the right hand, and placing
+himself on the left, with the other member on the front seat.
+
+When the Minister Plenipotentiary, or Envoy, is arrived at the door of
+the Congress Hall, he shall be introduced to his chair by the two
+members, who shall stand at his left hand. Then the member first named
+shall present and announce him to the President and the House,
+whereupon he shall bow to the President and Congress, and they to him.
+He and the President shall then again bow to each other and be seated,
+after which the House shall sit down.
+
+Having spoken and being answered, the Minister and the President shall
+bow to each other, at which time the House shall bow, and then he
+shall be conducted home in the manner in which he was brought to the
+House.
+
+Those who shall wait upon the Minister shall inform him, that if in
+any audience he shall choose to speak on matters of business, it will
+be necessary previously to deliver in writing to the President what he
+intends to say at the audience, and if he shall not incline thereto,
+it will, from the constitution of Congress, be impracticable for him
+to receive an immediate answer.
+
+The style of address to Congress shall be, "Gentlemen of the
+Congress."
+
+All speeches or communications in writing may, if the public Minister
+choose it, be in the language of their respective countries, and all
+replies or answers shall be in the language of the United States.
+
+After the audience, the members of Congress shall be first visited by
+the Minister Plenipotentiary, or Envoy.
+
+_July 30th._ Resolved, That Thursday next be assigned for giving
+audience to the honorable M. Gerard, Minister Plenipotentiary from his
+Most Christian Majesty.
+
+_August 5th._ Resolved, That when the Minister is introduced to his
+chair by the two members, he shall sit down.
+
+His Secretary shall then deliver to the President the letters of his
+Sovereign, which shall be read and translated by the Secretary of
+Congress. Then the Minister shall be announced. At which time the
+President, the House, and the Minister shall rise together. The
+Minister shall then bow to the President and the House, and they to
+him. The Minister and the President shall then bow to each other and
+be seated; after which the House shall sit down. The Minister shall
+deliver his speech standing, the President and the House shall set
+while the Minister is delivering his speech.
+
+The House shall rise, and the President shall deliver the answer
+standing. The Minister shall stand while the President delivers the
+answer.
+
+Having spoken, and being answered, the Minister and the President
+shall bow to each other, at which time the House shall bow, and then
+the Minister shall be conducted home in the manner in which he was
+brought to the House.
+
+Resolved, That the door of the Congress chamber be open during the
+audience to be given to the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Most
+Christian Majesty.
+
+That the delegates of Pennsylvania be requested to inform the Vice
+President, the Supreme Executive Council, and the Speaker and Assembly
+of the said State, that the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Most
+Christian Majesty, the King of France, will receive his audience of
+Congress at twelve o'clock tomorrow, when the doors of the chamber
+will be opened.
+
+That each member of Congress may give two tickets for the admittance
+of other persons to the audience, and that no other persons except
+those specified in the foregoing resolution, be admitted without such
+a ticket signed by the members appointed to introduce the Minister to
+the Congress.
+
+_Thursday, August 6th._ According to order the honorable M. Gerard was
+introduced to an audience by two members of Congress, and being
+seated, his Secretary delivered to the President a letter from his
+Most Christian Majesty, directed "To our very dear and great Friends
+and Allies, the President and Members of the General Congress of the
+United States," in the words following;
+
+[See this letter above, p. 235, dated March 28th, 1778.]
+
+The Minister was then announced to the House, whereupon he arose and
+addressed Congress in a speech which, when he had finished, his
+Secretary delivered in writing to the President, and is as follows;
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "Gentlemen,
+
+"The connexions which the King, my master, has formed with the United
+States of America, are so agreeable to him, that he has been unwilling
+to delay sending me to reside near you to unite them more closely. His
+Majesty will be gratified to learn, that the sentiments which are
+manifested on this occasion justify the confidence, with which the
+zeal and the character of the deputies of the United States in France,
+the wisdom and the firmness which have directed your resolutions,
+together with the courage and the constancy which the people have
+displayed, have inspired him. You know, Gentlemen, that this
+confidence has laid the foundation of the truly friendly and
+disinterested plan, upon which his Majesty has treated with the United
+States.
+
+"It has not rested with him, that his engagements could not secure
+your independence and your tranquillity without the further effusion
+of blood, and without aggravating the miseries of mankind, of which it
+is his whole ambition to secure the happiness; but the hostile
+dispositions and resolutions of the common enemy having given a
+present force, positive, permanent, and indissoluble, to engagements
+wholly eventual, the King, my master, has thought that the two allies
+should occupy themselves only with the means of fulfilling them in the
+manner the most useful to the common cause, and of the most effect in
+obtaining peace, which is the object of the alliance. It is in
+conformity with this principle, that his Majesty has hastened to send
+you a powerful assistance. You owe it, Gentlemen, to his friendship,
+to the sincere interest which he takes in the welfare of the United
+States, and to the desire which he has of concurring effectually in
+securing your peace and your prosperity on honorable and firm
+foundations. He hopes, moreover, that the principles adopted by the
+governments will contribute to extend the connexions, which the mutual
+interest of the respective nations had already begun to form between
+them. The principal point of my instructions is to make the interests
+of France and those of the United States keep pace together. I flatter
+myself, that my past conduct in affairs which interest them, has
+already convinced you that I have no more earnest desire, than that of
+executing my instructions in such a manner as to deserve the
+confidence of Congress, the friendship of its members, and the esteem
+of all the citizens."
+
+To this speech the President returned the following answer;
+
+ "Sir,
+
+"The treaties between his Most Christian Majesty and the United States
+of America so fully demonstrate his wisdom and magnanimity as to
+command the reverence of all nations. The virtuous citizens of America
+in particular can never forget his beneficent attention to their
+violated rights, nor cease to acknowledge the hand of a gracious
+Providence in raising for them so powerful and illustrious a friend.
+It is the hope and the opinion of Congress, that the confidence his
+Majesty reposes in the firmness of these States will receive
+additional strength from every day's experience.
+
+"This assembly are convinced, Sir, that had it rested solely with the
+Most Christian King, not only the independence of these States would
+have been universally acknowledged, but their tranquillity fully
+established; we lament that lust of domination, which gave birth to
+the present war and has prolonged and extended the miseries of
+mankind. We ardently wish to sheathe the sword, and spare the further
+effusion of blood; but we are determined, by every means in our power,
+to fulfil those eventual engagements, which have acquired positive and
+permanent force from the hostile designs and measures of the common
+enemy.
+
+"Congress have reason to believe, that the assistance so wisely and
+generously sent will bring Great Britain to a sense of justice and
+moderation, promote the interests of France and America, and secure
+peace and tranquillity on the most firm and honorable foundation.
+Neither can it be doubted, that those who administer the powers of
+government, within the several States of this Union, will cement that
+connexion with the subjects of France, the beneficent effects of which
+have already been so sensibly felt.
+
+"Sir, from the experience we have had of your exertions to promote the
+true interests of our country as well as your own, it is with the
+highest satisfaction Congress receive as the first Minister from his
+Most Christian Majesty, a gentleman, whose past conduct affords a
+happy presage that he will merit the confidence of this body, the
+friendship of its members, and the esteem of the citizens of America."
+
+ * * *
+
+The Secretary of Congress delivered to the Minister a copy of the
+foregoing speech, dated "In Congress, August 6th, 1778," and signed
+"Henry Laurens, President." Whereupon the Minister withdrew, and was
+conducted home in the manner in which he was brought to the House.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, November 9th, 1778.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to inform the
+Congress of the United States of North America, that he has obtained,
+on account of his Majesty, the cargo of two schooners; the one called
+the Gentil, George Andre, Captain, and the other the Adventurer,
+commanded by Captain Joseph Taffier, these two vessels being now in
+the port of Petersburg, Virginia, and their cargoes delivered,
+consisting of from twelve to thirteen hundred barrels of flour, and
+about fifty barrels of biscuit. The destination of these provisions,
+requiring that they should depart immediately, the undersigned
+Minister Plenipotentiary requests Congress to be pleased to take the
+measures which it shall judge necessary, in order, that the departure
+of these two vessels with their cargoes may meet with no obstacle. An
+express will wait for the orders, which it may be necessary to send
+into Virginia, in relation to this object.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+Whereupon Congress ordered, that the President write to the Governor
+of Virginia, explain to him the nature of this transaction, and the
+necessity of the vessels' immediate departure, and desire him to give
+orders accordingly.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+_November 18th, 1778._ Two letters from the Honorable the Minister
+Plenipotentiary of France were read, requesting a passage on board of
+one of the continental frigates, for the Chevalier de Raymondis,
+Captain of the Caesar, and that a vessel on board of which are a number
+of invalids, may be taken under convoy of the frigate until she be
+safe at sea. These were referred to the Marine Committee, with
+directions to comply with the request therein contained.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, November 20th, 1778.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister of France thinks it his duty to have the honor of
+communicating to the President of Congress the reflection that,
+according to ordinary rules, treaties are not published until the
+respective ratifications have been exchanged, and that so far as he is
+informed, that of the King has not arrived. If Congress, however, has
+motives to proceed immediately to this publication, the Minister
+requests it not to be stopped by his reflection; the wisdom of their
+views deserving all preference over what can only be regarded as a
+mere formality.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ Philadelphia, December 2d, 1778.
+
+The President communicated to Congress the following unsigned note
+from the Minister of France.
+
+"It is thought proper to inform persons, who have business in France,
+that all judicial and extra-judicial acts, powers of attorney, &c.
+which are destined to be sent thither, ought to be invested with the
+authorisation of the Minister Plenipotentiary, or the Consuls of this
+Crown established in the different States of America. By means of this
+formality, all the acts valid in America will have the same validity
+in France in all cases."
+
+_December 4th._ The President communicated to Congress another
+unsigned note from the Minister of France, relative to a plan he had
+proposed for discharging the debt due to Roderique Hortalez & Co.
+namely, by furnishing the French fleet in America with provisions, for
+the amount of which the Court would procure the United States a credit
+with Hortalez & Co. The note was delivered in English, in the words
+following.
+
+"Leave is begged from the Honorable the President of Congress to
+submit to him some reflections upon a late conversation. The
+insinuation made was founded upon the consideration, that the method
+proposed would be more simple, more easy, and more convenient, than
+any other, and that besides, the troubles, the expenses, the dangers
+of the sea, and of the enemy, the spoiling of the cargoes, &c. would
+be avoided.
+
+"The manner of executing this plan, if adopted, would be very simple,
+and attended with no inconveniency; the Court shall take upon itself
+to satisfy the furnisher of the articles in question, and Congress
+shall receive the discharge for ready money, in their accounts with
+the Court."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, December 6th, 1778.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France, considering that it is of
+great importance for the interests of France and the United States of
+America to prevent, or to delay as much as possible, the repairs, and
+consequently the activity of the enemy's ships, and that one of the
+most efficacious means would be, to intercept the masts which they are
+obliged to bring from Halifax, is firmly persuaded, that this subject
+has not escaped the consideration of Congress, but believing that it
+is for the interest of the King, his master, that his Majesty should
+contribute to the measures which may effect this object, his intention
+is to offer a reward to the owners of privateers, who shall take or
+destroy vessels loaded with masts proper for ships of the line or for
+frigates. This encouragement seemed necessary, in order to turn the
+efforts of privateers in this direction, considering the low price of
+this commodity in proportion to other cargoes, but the said Minister
+did not wish to execute this plan without communicating it to
+Congress, and before knowing its opinion on this subject.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, December 7th, 1778.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have had the honor to make known to you the reasons of my
+perplexity, with regard to transmitting to my Court some ideas
+respecting certain persons strongly suspected of being emissaries of
+the Court of London, as well as concerning the doctrine of the
+liberty, which it is pretended the United States have preserved of
+treating with this power separately from their ally, so long as Great
+Britain has not declared war upon the King my master. I have expressed
+to you how far it is from my character to pay regard to public rumors
+and to the reports of any individuals, in a matter as important as it
+is delicate, and the desire which I feel that Congress would be
+pleased to furnish me with the means of placing my Court, and by its
+means, all the present and future friends of the United States in
+Europe, on their guard against the impressions which these ideas might
+produce. They appeared to me particularly dangerous in relation to
+England, where they would nourish the hope of sowing domestic
+divisions in the bosom of the United States, and of separating them
+from their ally, by annulling, also, the treaties concluded with him.
+It seems, in fact, that as long as this double hope shall continue,
+England will not think seriously of acknowledging your independence on
+the footing expressed in the treaty of Paris. Your zeal, Sir, for your
+country, and for the maintenance of the harmony so happily
+established, is too well known for me not to hope that you will be
+pleased to lay before Congress this subject, which my solicitude for
+whatever concerns the maintenance of the reputation of the alliance
+has caused me to regard as very important.
+
+I am persuaded, Sir, that you will at the same time have the goodness
+to inform Congress of the proof of firmness, and of attachment to the
+interests of the United States, to the common cause and to the
+alliance, which the King my master has given, in rejecting the
+overtures which the Court of London has made through Spain.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of respect, &c.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+To the memorial respecting masts, an answer was returned on the 16th.
+And in answer to the above letter Congress passed a resolution on the
+14th of January, 1779, as follows;
+
+"Whereas it has been represented to this House by M. Gerard, Minister
+Plenipotentiary of France, that it is pretended that the United States
+have preserved the liberty of treating with Great Britain separately
+from their ally, as long as Great Britain shall not have declared war
+against the King, his master, therefore,
+
+"Resolved unanimously, That as neither France nor these United States
+may of right, so these United States will not conclude either truce or
+peace with the common enemy without the formal consent of their ally
+first obtained, and that any matters or things which may be insinuated
+or asserted to the contrary thereof tend to the injury and dishonor of
+the said States."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, December 14th, 1778.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to remind
+Congress, that they were pleased to order in Virginia the purchase of
+eighteen thousand barrels of flour to complete the quantity of
+provisions destined for the fleet of his Most Christian Majesty, but
+the undersigned being informed of the scarcity of this article has
+confined himself to ten or twelve thousand. Information since received
+from Virginia causing him to fear that the flour of the current year
+has a disagreeable taste, and that, consequently, the aforesaid
+quantity cannot be furnished of a quality suitable for bearing the
+climate of the islands, the undersigned presumes that a part of it may
+be replaced by rice taken from South Carolina, where he is informed
+this article abounds.
+
+It is from these considerations that the undersigned Minister takes
+the liberty to request Congress to take the measures necessary in
+order that six thousand barrels of rice may be bought and exported
+from South Carolina, the said Minister being resolved to employ
+American citizens in these kinds of purchases, as he has promised,
+proposes to intrust this commission to Mr Gervais.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 4th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France learns by M. Francy, that, from
+the offer which he made in relation to the payment by compensation of
+a part of the sums due from the United States to M. de Beaumarchais,
+consequences have been drawn, which are contrary to the intentions of
+the undersigned.
+
+He finds himself obliged to prevent all mistakes by declaring in
+writing, as he always has done verbally, that all the supplies
+furnished by M. de Beaumarchais to the States, whether merchandise or
+cannons and military goods, were furnished in the way of commerce, and
+that the articles which came from the King's magazines and arsenals
+were sold to M. de Beaumarchais by the department of artillery, and
+that he has furnished his obligations for the price of these articles.
+He is, consequently, a debtor to the war department, whilst he is a
+creditor of the United States by the sale of these same articles,
+which had become his property. On the other side the King is a debtor
+to the United States.
+
+It is this situation, namely, the difficulty which Congress finds in
+paying M. de Beaumarchais by return of merchandise, and the
+considerable saving which would result to Congress, that has
+determined the undersigned to offer a mutual compensation, and to pay
+the King's debts to the United States to the amount of the receipts of
+M. de Beaumarchais, which Congress will receive in ready money. This
+is the simple and natural operation, which the undersigned has
+offered, and which ought not at all to change the situation of M. de
+Beaumarchais with regard to Congress, since he is and continues to be
+a creditor in his own name, of the United States, and since the
+undersigned simply offers to pay to the discharge of Congress a
+certain sum, which the undersigned will determine in concert with M.
+de Francy, when Congress shall have passed a resolution on this offer.
+
+The undersigned thinks that he owes these explanations to his respect
+for Congress, and he hopes that if there may remain any false ideas on
+this subject, Congress will be pleased to place him in a situation to
+supply all the information which may yet be desired.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 5th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France cannot forbear to submit to the
+Congress of the United States, the passages underscored in the two
+gazettes annexed, under date of the 3d and 5th of this month. He has
+no doubt of the indignation of Congress at the indiscreet assertions
+contained in these passages, which equally bring into question the
+dignity and reputation of the King my master, and that of the United
+States. These assertions will become, in the hands of the enemies of
+the common cause, a weapon the more powerful and dangerous, as the
+author is an officer of Congress, and as he takes advantage of his
+situation to give credit to his opinions and to his affirmations.
+
+The aforesaid Minister relies entirely on the wisdom of Congress to
+take measures suitable to the circumstance. It has not been owing to
+him, that the author has not himself repaired the injury which he has
+done, the Minister Plenipotentiary having hastened to convince him of
+the wrongs of which he was guilty, when the first of these gazettes
+appeared in public.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+The passages referred to in the above were contained in a piece
+published in the Pennsylvania Packet, under the title, "Common Sense
+to the Public on Mr Deane's Affair," written by Thomas Paine, then
+Secretary to the Committee of Foreign Affairs; and are as follows;
+
+"If Mr Deane, or any other gentleman, will procure an order from
+Congress to inspect an account in my office, or any of Mr Deane's
+friends in Congress will take the trouble of coming themselves, I will
+give him or them my attendance, and show them in a hand-writing, which
+Mr Deane is well acquainted with, that the supplies he so pompously
+plumes himself upon (namely, those which were sent from France in the
+Amphitrite, Seine, and Mercury) were promised and engaged, and that
+_as a present_, before he even arrived in France, and that the part
+which fell to Mr Deane was only to see it done, and how he has
+performed that service, the public are now acquainted with." The last
+paragraph in the account, is "upon Mr Deane's arrival in France, the
+business went into his hands, and the aids were at length embarked in
+the Amphitrite, Mercury, and Seine." "I have been the more explicit on
+this subject, not so much on Mr Deane's account, as from a principle
+of public justice. It shows, in the first instance, that the greatness
+of the American cause drew at its first beginning the attention of
+Europe, and that the justness of it was such as appeared to merit
+support; and in the second instance, _that those who are now her
+allies prefaced that alliance by an early and generous friendship_;
+yet, that we might not attribute too much to human or auxiliary aid,
+so unfortunate were those supplies, that only one ship out of the
+three arrived; the Mercury and the Seine fell into the enemy's
+hands."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 10th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I cannot forbear to present to Congress the striking observations
+occasioned by the delay, which the answer to my representation of the
+beginning of the past month meets with. Already the enemies of the
+common cause represent it as a proof of the diversity of the opinions
+which prevail in Congress, as if there could exist a contrariety of
+sentiments upon a subject so simple, and a matter so clear, that to
+call it in question would be at the same time to call in question the
+solidity, and even the existence of the alliance. Certainly, Sir, no
+one is farther than myself from adopting suspicions, which would be so
+fatal to the common cause; but I have had the honor to explain the
+motives, which should induce Congress to give to this subject a ready,
+formal, and explicit declaration. They know that erroneous opinions
+become more difficult to destroy when they have had time to take root
+in men's minds; it is then wished to remedy the evil, but it is found
+irremediable. The greater part of these reflections is applicable in
+an equal degree to the declaration, which I had the honor to make to
+Congress on the 5th of this month, and I wait impatiently for answers,
+which may quiet my Court against the efforts made by the enemies to
+draw from the facts in question, inferences injurious to the allies
+and the alliance, efforts of which Congress alone can avoid the
+dangers. My zeal and my respect do not allow me to conceal from them
+apprehensions, which seem to me but too well founded and worthy of all
+their attention.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+On the 12th of January, Congress taking into consideration the
+publication in the Pennsylvania Packet of the 2d and 5th instant,
+under the title of "Common Sense to the Public on Mr Deane's Affair,"
+of which Mr Thomas Paine, Secretary of the Committee of Foreign
+Affairs, has acknowledged himself to be the author, and also the
+memorials of the Minister Plenipotentiary of France, of the 5th and
+10th instant, respecting the said publication; "Resolved, unanimously,
+that in answer to the memorials of the Plenipotentiary of his Most
+Christian Majesty, of the 5th and 10th instant, the President be
+directed to assure the said Minister, that Congress do fully, in the
+clearest and most explicit manner, disavow the publications referred
+to in his said memorials, and, as they are convinced by indisputable
+evidence, that the supplies shipped in the Amphitrite, Seine, and
+Mercury, were not a present, and that his Most Christian Majesty, the
+great and generous ally of these United States, did not preface his
+alliance with any supplies whatever sent to America, so they have not
+authorised the writer of the said publication to make any such
+assertions as are contained therein, but, on the contrary, do highly
+disapprove of the same."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 14th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter, with which you honored me on the 13th of
+this month, on sending me the resolution of Congress in answer to the
+representations, which I had the honor to make to it on the 5th and
+10th.
+
+I request you to receive, and to offer to Congress, all the
+sensibility with which I have seen the frank, noble, and explicit
+manner in which they have destroyed false and dangerous insinuations,
+which might deceive the misinformed people, and give arms to the
+enemies of the common cause.
+
+The King, my master, Sir, does not need these proofs, in order to
+place his confidence in the disposition of firmness and constancy,
+which is exhibited by Congress in the principles of the alliance; but
+his Majesty will always see with pleasure the measures that Congress
+shall take to maintain its reputation inviolate, and it is from this
+same consideration, that I flatter myself he will have found my
+representation of the 7th of December last, equally worthy of his
+attention.
+
+
+I am, with respect and esteem, &c.
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 15th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+With all my eagerness for whatever can be agreeable to Congress, I
+have made use of their resolution relative to M. Duportail, and the
+officers who accompany him. They feel much honored by the praises,
+which their services and conduct have merited, as well as by the
+confidence which Congress shows in them, by desiring them to pass
+another campaign in the service of the United States. Their letter, a
+copy of which is annexed, expresses their resolution to accept this
+invitation, and moreover contains proofs of an unlimited confidence in
+the justice and goodness of Congress.
+
+I do not doubt, Sir, that these sentiments will increase the degree of
+esteem and good will, which they already deserve on account of their
+distinguished services. This affair being thus settled, I shall lose
+no time in asking of the King the consent, which the officers of
+engineers need. My knowledge of the dispositions of the King and his
+Ministry, in relation to whatever may be useful to the United States,
+does not allow me to doubt, that my conduct, and the attachment of
+these officers to the American service, will be approved.
+
+I am, with respectful esteem, &c.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ MESSRS DUPORTAIL, LA RADIERE, AND LAUMOY TO M. GERARD.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 15th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We have been penetrated with gratitude on seeing in the resolution of
+Congress, annexed to your Excellency's letter, proofs of esteem with
+which we are honored by our illustrious General, and which gives
+occasion to the proposition which is made to us, of continuing in the
+service of the United States through the next campaign. We willingly
+consent to it, since your Excellency thinks, that we shall thereby
+fulfil the intentions of the Court, and since you are so kind as to
+take upon yourself the trouble of asking from it the necessary
+permission. Relying also on the justice of Congress for the favors
+which we may merit from longer services, we affix no conditions to the
+continuance of our residence in America. But we deem it our duty to
+state, that being determined to remain here by our desire of serving,
+and of being useful to the United States, if the means of usefulness
+should disappear on any account whatsoever, we shall be desirous of
+preserving the liberty of returning into our country. Sensible of the
+interest which your Excellency is so kind as to take in this affair,
+we beg you to accept our most humble thanks.
+
+We are, respectfully, your Excellency's most obedient humble servants,
+
+ DUPORTAIL,
+ LA RADIERE,
+ LAUMOY.
+
+_P. S._ M. de Goudion has said, that he would agree to whatever we
+should do.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+_January 21st._ A Memorial from M. Gerard, Minister Plenipotentiary of
+France, and Consul-General, was read, enclosing a commission of Consul
+in the port of Boston, and other ports in Massachusetts Bay, to the
+Sieur Valnais. The commission was referred to the Marine Committee,
+and they were instructed to register it and to return the original to
+M. Valnais, and to take measures for making him known to all whom it
+may concern, as Consul of France in the State of Massachusetts.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, February 3d, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to represent to
+the Congress of the United States, that it is of infinite importance
+to the safety of the King's squadron, stationed in the Gulf of Mexico,
+to determine the supply of provisions on which it may rely. And
+several vessels being ready to sail for Martinique, the wisdom of
+Congress will show to that body the necessity of informing the
+commander of this squadron of it without delay.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, February 8th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France, being ordered to communicate
+to Congress subjects of the highest importance, has the honor to
+inform the President of it, and requests him to inform him, whether he
+wishes him to execute his orders through him, or if he prefers that he
+should communicate them to Congress in an audience.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ "Ordered, that the President acquaint M. Gerard, Minister
+ Plenipotentiary of France, that Congress will admit him to a
+ private audience, when he shall present himself, to make the
+ communication he is instructed to make to Congress."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, February 9th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+By instructions addressed to the undersigned on the 29th of October
+last, he is ordered to transmit to Congress the answer of the King to
+certain communications made to his Majesty by the Commissioners of the
+United States.
+
+1st. These Commissioners having desired his Majesty to continue the
+subsidy which he had granted them, he gave them to understand, that
+his affairs did not permit him to make this engagement, since the war
+which he is carrying on against England, and the general situation of
+Europe, require expenses which absorb all his resources, yet in
+consequence of the representations made by the deputies, of the
+difficulty which they found in honoring the bills of exchange which
+Congress had drawn upon them, for the interest due upon money which
+had been borrowed, his Majesty has been pleased to grant a sum of
+seven hundred and fifty thousand livres, as a new proof of his
+friendship for the United States.
+
+2dly. The same Commissioners made known to the King, that Congress had
+reason to presume, that a part of the articles furnished to the United
+States, was a present on the part of his Majesty. The undersigned is
+authorised to declare, that this intention never existed, that it was
+an affair entirely commercial, in which the Ministry had no other
+part, than that of permitting M. de Beaumarchais to take from the
+magazines and arsenals of the King, on condition of replacing them,
+the articles with which commerce could not supply him, that
+consequently the Ministry had no other power in this affair, than
+that of preventing Congress from being pressed too soon for payment
+for the articles taken from the magazines and arsenals of the King. As
+to the contract made with Roderique Hortalez & Co, the Ministry has
+declared to the American deputies, who asked their advice, upon the
+ratification or rejection of this contract, that they did not know the
+house of Roderique Hortalez & Co. and that they could not answer for
+it, nor express an opinion as to its stability and fidelity in the
+performance of its engagements.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, February 9th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has received a
+formal order from the King, his master, to make known to Congress,
+that the King of Spain, in order to put an end to the tergiversations
+of England, has determined upon a decisive and peremptory proceeding.
+His Catholic Majesty has, consequently, made to the King of England a
+final offer of his mediation; but with the declaration that it was the
+last, and that if it was as fruitless as those which preceded, it
+would only remain to him to perform the duties, which his alliance
+with the King imposes upon him.
+
+The King of Spain, by taking this proceeding upon himself in a
+friendly manner, has shown a disposition most favorable to the
+alliance. The King, my master, on his side, persists in the invariable
+resolution not to separate his interests from those of America, and
+to support the cause of the United States, as if it were his own
+personal cause.
+
+His Majesty thinks, while fulfilling the duties of the alliance by
+this confidential communication, that he ought to invite and urge
+Congress to furnish immediately with the necessary powers and
+instructions the person or persons whom they shall think proper to
+authorise to assist in the deliberations, and in the conclusion and
+signing of the treaty. His Majesty trusts that Congress will perceive
+the inestimable value of time in a juncture so critical and so
+important; and that the injuries caused by any delay would be
+irreparable both to the alliance and the allies. In complying with the
+invitations of the King, the United States would regard equally their
+dignity and their interests. The place of the negotiation is fixed at
+Madrid.
+
+His Majesty, while engaging in everything that can hasten the happy
+moment in which America can enjoy, peaceably, internal and external
+prosperity, which is the object of the revolution and the limit of his
+Majesty's wishes, has instructed the undersigned to suggest to
+Congress, that at a time in which they are employed in fixing their
+political existence, it seems to belong to their foresight to consider
+the sentiments of the States as to the peace in relation to Spain, and
+they will perhaps think, that the means of preventing all future
+discontents merits their attention, and ought to be one of the
+subjects of the positive and definite instructions, which the States
+will give for the conclusion of the peace.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+
+_February 13th._ The President was directed to inform the Minister,
+that Congress will take the subject of his memorials of the 9th into
+immediate consideration, and that if he wishes to communicate anything
+farther to them, Congress will receive the same from him in a private
+audience. And it was at the same time resolved, that all private
+audiences given to foreign Ministers be held in a committee of the
+whole.
+
+_February 15th._ The President acquainted the House, that pursuant to
+their order, he had informed the Minister of France, that Congress
+will take his memorials of the 9th into immediate consideration, and
+that if he wishes to communicate anything farther to them, Congress
+will receive the same in a private audience; that the Minister wished
+to make further communications to Congress, and would attend the House
+at twelve o'clock this day.
+
+The Minister, agreeably to his appointment, was introduced, and had a
+free conference with Congress, in which he represented the present
+state of affairs in Europe, the dispositions of the Spanish Court, and
+the measures it was about to take in order to restore peace; from
+thence he took occasion to press upon Congress the necessity of having
+a Minister in Europe properly empowered and instructed. He further
+signified, that it was the desire of his Most Christian Majesty, that
+the United States would speedily put themselves in a condition to take
+that part in the negotiation for peace apparently about to take place,
+which their dignity and interest required; and that they should lay a
+solid foundation for obtaining a speedy peace agreeably to the terms
+of the treaty, by giving their Plenipotentiary the most ample
+instructions and full powers. This he enforced by sundry arguments,
+and pressed the utmost despatch.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, March 14th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France, undersigned, does not doubt
+that the committee, charged on the part of Congress to persuade the
+undersigned to keep the rate of exchange at nine hundred per cent, in
+order to stop the farther depreciation which circumstances threatened,
+has reported the answer which the said Minister gave on this subject;
+but as the undersigned is still ignorant of the manner in which
+Congress has received this answer, he is the more desirous of being
+informed of it, as he must give an account to his Court of the success
+of the course which he has adopted, and as the agent of the royal navy
+has, till this time, confined himself to the rule proposed on the part
+of Congress, without any return to the interests of his Majesty.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, March 16th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France, being about to send M. de
+Maulcon to New York to effect the exchange of the French prisoners,
+who are detained there, takes the liberty to request the Congress of
+the United States of America to have the goodness to allow them the
+same facilities as heretofore, by charging their Commissioners to
+receive them on their landing at Elizabethtown and New London, and
+from thence as far as Philadelphia or Boston, and to give them, at the
+expense of his Most Christian Majesty, the same treatment which
+American prisoners receive.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, March 17th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to remind the
+Congress of the United States of North America, that in executing for
+five months the instructions with which he has been charged by the
+King, his master, in relation to the present state of affairs, the
+undersigned has expressed his Majesty's desire, that the United States
+should quickly put themselves in a situation to take, in the
+negotiation for peace which seems on the point of taking place, the
+part which their dignity and their interests require, and that they
+should lay firm foundations for obtaining a speedy pacification
+conformable to the terms of the alliance, by giving to their
+Plenipotentiary instructions the most ample, and powers the most
+extensive. It is, in fact, impossible to be too economical of time,
+when a correspondence is carried on at so great a distance, upon a
+business so important and so liable to be changed by many incidents
+impossible to be foreseen. These observations have still greater
+force, when the opening of the campaign is approaching, and when the
+greatest celerity alone can anticipate the moment of it. Every day's
+delay increases the obstacles to the success of the advantageous
+plans, which the King has communicated to the United States. To
+prolong the deliberation upon peace may be to reject it. His Majesty,
+who thinks that he has deserved the confidence of the United States,
+believes, moreover, that he has a right, after the assurances which
+Congress have so often repeated with regard to the uniformity of
+sentiments on the subject of his alliance with the United States, to
+hope that this subject will be treated with the promptness which the
+juncture requires.
+
+The indulgence with which Congress has received the reflections of the
+undersigned authorises him to submit these to their wisdom and
+prudence. He adds, that there may be reason to fear that longer delays
+may give rise to suspicions, and authorise the assertions which have
+been made in Europe, respecting a division of opinions and sentiments
+prevailing in Congress, and strengthen the hope which the enemy
+continues to entertain of fomenting this domestic discord, and at the
+same time of exciting distrust between the allies by pretending to
+treat with each of the States singly, in order to take them separately
+in the snare of their credulity, and to deprive them of the mutual
+support which they derive from their union. It is, moreover, well
+known, that the preliminary condition of the Court of London to the
+United States would be to renounce the alliance formed with France, to
+form an offensive coalition, and to restrain the commerce of America.
+The undersigned is very far from believing, that the wisdom and
+rectitude of Congress do not protect them from the effects of this
+insidious policy; but their glory and interests seem to require, that
+they should prevent the farther establishment of an opinion, which,
+more than anything else, will contribute to support the false
+expectation and the obstinacy of the common enemy.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, March 31st, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to inform you, that the season proper for my
+departure for France is coming on, and I take the liberty to request
+you to persuade Congress to hasten the time of it as much as possible.
+Even if my health did not require this voyage, circumstances would
+have induced me to undertake it, because I perceive how important it
+is for the common cause, that in the present situation of affairs,
+those men alone, who are informed of the actual state of things and
+opinions in America, and who enjoy an unlimited confidence, should be
+employed in this negotiation.
+
+Besides, Sir, as I must presume from the wisdom of Congress, that they
+have made the same reflections, that they have fixed, or will fix the
+choice of their Minister or Ministers Plenipotentiary, in consequence
+of what they must also have felt, that the only way of proceeding is
+to choose persons, who should enjoy the fullest confidence of the
+allied or friendly Courts, and to furnish them with the fullest and
+most extensive powers. In this case it will, in my opinion, be proper
+that I should depart with one or more of your Ministers, and it is an
+additional motive for urging this whole arrangement, with which your
+own interest inspires me, by increasing my eagerness to go where I
+shall think myself happy to announce, that union and unanimity prevail
+in America.
+
+Moreover, Sir, I request you to inform me in what manner Congress will
+judge proper that I should take my leave, with regard to the secrecy,
+which I endeavor to keep as to my speedy departure. I also flatter
+myself, that if they shall think proper to give me any commission,
+they will rely upon my carrying into France the same zeal for the
+interests of the United States and of the common cause, of which I
+have sought to give proofs during my residence in America.
+
+I have the honor to be, with respect and esteem, Sir, your most
+obedient humble servant,
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Mount Pleasant, April 6th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor of sending you the abstract of news, which I have
+just received from Martinique. It is not very interesting, but it will
+at least make known the present state of things. I send at the same
+time a paper relative to a financial operation, which has been
+performed in France. I request you to send it back to me again, and
+to accept the sentiments of respect with which I have the honor to be,
+Sir, &c.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ _Abstract of several Letters, dated Martinique, February 25th._
+
+"The King's vessels, Robuste of seventyfour guns, commanded by the
+Count de Grasse, commander of the squadron; Magnifique of seventyfour,
+by M. de Branche; Dauphin Royal of seventy, by M. de Mitton; and
+Vengeur of sixtyfour, by M. de Retz, having sailed from Brest the 14th
+of January, arrived at Fort Royal the 20th of this month. They had on
+board the second field regiment, eight hundred and fifty recruits, and
+a company of miners."
+
+_March 6th._ "We learn that Admiral Byron has on his part also
+received a reinforcement, but we do not know the force of it. He has
+not yet undertaken any operation. He has only twice sailed out with
+some ships, but he returned the day after. It is true, that he has not
+troops enough to make conquests and to preserve them. Sickness
+continues to make great ravages among those that are at St Lucia."
+
+_March 9th._ "The convoy from France, so much wished for, has just
+arrived, attended by many vessels.
+
+"The islands of St Martin and St Bartholomew, which the English had
+taken from us, have just been retaken without much exertion by three
+of our frigates, and an end put to the triumph, which our enemies had
+reaped from this easy conquest.
+
+"M. de Kersin, the lieutenant of the ship, took two prizes last week;
+one a merchant store-ship called Eliza, armed with twentyeight twelve
+pounders. Her crew consisted of one hundred and forty men, and her
+cargo of provisions and sails, to the value of twentyfive thousand
+livres. The store-ship was sheathed with copper. The other is a
+privateer of eighteen guns, and with a crew of seventysix men. Some
+American privateers have sent here two prizes coming from Halifax,
+loaded with fish and boards. The Minerva has also carried to Cape
+Francois another English frigate of twentyfour guns. The ability of
+the captain saved her from the danger of being taken by a ship of war
+and three frigates, by which she had been surprised in a calm."
+
+_Baltimore, April 2d._ "The captain of a sloop, which has arrived in
+twentytwo days from Martinique, reports that sickness had made
+dreadful ravages in the English army and fleet at St Lucia, that the
+two squadrons are supposed to be nearly equal in force, that the
+French frigates, are constantly at sea, often engaging with the
+English, that one of the former has taken the frigate Liverpool of
+twentysix guns, that in other respects, the situation of the French is
+entirely satisfactory to them, and that they appear to be unconcerned
+with regard to the success of the operations, which Admiral Byron
+intends to undertake."
+
+_Martinique, March 14th._ "We learn from France, that news has been
+received by Portuguese vessels returned from India, that the English
+commenced hostilities against the French in the month of April. A ship
+of war and a frigate attacked at that time the Brilliant, of
+seventyfour guns, commanded by M. de Tronjoly, who repelled the
+attack. We learn also, that they are making great exertions for the
+repair and arming of a force of fortyfive privateers, which the royal
+navy has taken from the English, and that the greater part of these
+vessels will in a short time be ready to sail."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, April 24th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Although the undersigned is not invested with any power on the part of
+his Catholic Majesty, he hopes that the Congress of the United States
+of North America, knowing the closeness of the union subsisting
+between his Catholic and his Most Christian Majesty, will not be
+surprised if the Minister of France has the honor to submit to them
+the representations, which two captains of Spanish vessels have made
+to Don Juan de Mirales. The facts on which these representations rest
+are contained in the annexed memorial, being taken from the letters of
+the captains. In a short time, the proceedings, and the act of appeal
+relating to one of the Spanish ships, whose cargo has been
+confiscated, will be laid before Congress, as well as the papers
+relating to the second ship, if this suffers the same fate; in order
+to implore the justice of Congress. Meanwhile it has been thought
+proper to communicate the facts to Congress, in order that they may be
+pleased previously to examine this affair, on which we are persuaded
+that they will be pleased to bestow the greater attention, as it
+involves the observance of a law generally adopted by commercial
+nations, for the maintenance of the public security upon the sea, as
+well as of the right of neutrality, which affects the interests of the
+United States, as much and more than those of any other nation, and
+in order not to give just cause of discontent to a power like Spain,
+by violating the immunity and dignity of her flag, and by depriving
+her subjects of their property without cause or pretext.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ _Memorial respecting two Spanish Vessels._
+
+ Translation.
+
+Memorial or relation of the injury sustained by two Captains of
+Spanish merchantmen, which had sailed, the one from the river of
+London, loaded with merchandise for Cadiz, on the account and at the
+risk of Spanish merchants; and the other from the port of Cadiz,
+loaded with wines, fruits, cochineal, and other articles, of the
+growth of the Spanish territory, belonging also to Spaniards, bound
+for London. These two vessels were stopped by two different
+privateers, carrying the flag of the United States of America, and
+brought the one to Newbury and the other to Beverly, and then on the
+demand of the owners of the privateer, the cargo of one of them was
+declared a lawful prize at Boston, the 28th of last March. They were
+on the point of passing sentence on the other at the same place, and
+not doubting that it will suffer the same fate as the first, according
+to the letters written by the said Captains from the said port of
+Boston to Don Juan de Mirales, one of which is without date, and the
+other bearing date of the 3d of this month, he has the honor to impart
+their contents to his Excellency M. Gerard, Minister Plenipotentiary
+of the Court of France to the United States of America, requesting him
+to have the goodness to lay the information before the honorable
+Congress of the said States, in order to obtain all the satisfaction
+due to the honor of the flag of his Catholic Majesty, his master, in
+conformity to the tenor of Articles 14th, 15th, 25th, and 26th, of the
+treaty of alliance and commerce, between his Most Christian Majesty
+and the said States of America, signed the 6th of February, 1778. He
+asks also for the punishment of the infringers of the treaty, or
+captors, and requests that the Judges may be punished, who have
+unjustly condemned and sentenced as a lawful prize the said cargo; and
+provided that the other vessel has met with the same fate, to sentence
+them to the payment of all the indemnities, expenses, damages, and
+losses, resulting from the injury sustained by the said vessels, and
+the interruption of their voyages, besides the injury which this
+occasions to the proprietors of the same; and this, seeing that at the
+time in which they were stopped, his Majesty the King of Spain was at
+peace with all the powers of Europe, and consequently had no enemy to
+fear; whereas it is possible that since that time, the state of peace
+between the Court of Spain and other powers may have changed, or will
+change, before the said Spanish vessels can perform the voyages for
+which they were designed; and also the decay of the vessels and of the
+merchandise with which they were loaded, and the great risk offered by
+a voyage from this continent to any European port, &c. &c. _to wit_;
+
+Captain Joseph Llanos, by his letter without date, (although there can
+be no doubt that it comes from Boston) says, that he sailed from
+London with his vessel, (without mentioning its name) belonging to Don
+Philip Aguixxe de San Fadder, loaded with merchandise for Cadiz,
+amounting to nearly two hundred thousand current piastres, and that
+in the course of his voyage he was stopped by a privateer schooner of
+Newbury, called the Success, Felix Trask Captain, belonging to
+Nathaniel Tracy of said Newbury, and forcibly brought to this place,
+notwithstanding, that he assured the said Captain Tracy, that the
+cargo belonged entirely to Spaniards, and that he was convinced of it
+by the bills of laden found on board, notwithstanding which, that the
+said cargo has been sentenced as a lawful prize, although the papers
+exhibit no fraud; as will be seen by the process, which is copied in
+order to be presented to the honorable Congress, to which appeal is
+made.
+
+The Captains claim the protection of the honorable Congress, that of
+his Excellency M. Gerard, and that of Don Juan de Miralles; the
+navigation of the Spanish being very much injured by the privateers of
+this continent, there being three vessels belonging to this nation in
+the same situation as the above, brought in by different privateers.
+These three vessels also propose to appeal to the honorable Congress,
+and are resolved to defend the rights of the Spanish.
+
+Captain Joachin Garcia de Luca, commander of a Spanish ship with three
+masts, her crew Spanish, says, in his letter dated at Boston, the 3d
+of the present month, that he sailed from Cadiz for London, loaded
+with wines, oils, cochineal, and fruits, on the account and at the
+risk of Spaniards, and that he was stopped, on the 21st of December,
+1778, when pursuing his voyage, by a privateer frigate, with the flag
+of the United States of America, which brought him to Beverly; that
+having learned that the owners of the said privateer were desirous,
+that the cargo of the Spanish vessel should be confiscated, he went
+to Boston, where the court of justice sits, before which he appeared
+on the 2d of the current month, not knowing at that time, but he
+should meet with the same fate, which his friend Don Joseph de Llanos
+has suffered with regard to his cargo, which was condemned on the 28th
+of last March.
+
+I, Don Juan de Miralles, truly certify, that the above was extracted
+from the letters which the Spanish Captains, Don Joseph de Llanos and
+Joachin Garcia de Luca, wrote to me, and which I received on the 19th
+current, at eight o'clock in the evening.
+
+ DON JUAN DE MIRALLES.
+
+ _Philadelphia, April 21, 1778._
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 3d, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has learnt, by despatches from
+his Court under date of the 25th of December, that the negotiation,
+which has been the subject of the overtures which the said Minister
+has had the honor to make to the Congress of the United States of
+North America for nearly three months, continues, and that his said
+Court earnestly desires, that Congress would be pleased to take prompt
+measures to take part in the said negotiation, as soon as
+circumstances shall have brought it to its proper state of
+advancement, which may happen at any moment.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ May 4th, 1779.
+
+"The Minister of France delivered to the President a letter from the
+King of France, with the following note."
+
+The custom in Holland, for sending to the States-General the letters
+by which the King notifies them of marriages or births, is to give
+them to the President of the week, who then goes to the house of the
+Ambassador, or Minister of the King, to compliment him in the name of
+the States-General, upon the event which forms the subject of the
+letters of notification.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ FROM THE KING OF FRANCE TO CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Very dear, and great Friends and Allies,
+
+We do not delay informing you of the birth of the Princess, to whom
+the Queen, our very dear consort, has just happily given birth. Our
+confidence in your friendship does not permit us to doubt your
+interest in this event, nor your participation in the satisfaction
+which we derive from this first fruit of the divine blessing on our
+marriage.
+
+The interest that we take in the prosperity of your Republic is our
+warrant for the pleasure, which we have in repeating to you the
+assurances of our esteem, and of our constant affection. Moreover, we
+pray God, that he may keep you, very dear and great friends and
+allies, under his holy and worthy protection.
+
+ LOUIS.
+
+ Written at Versailles, December 19th, 1778.
+
+"This letter being read, the President, with a committee consisting of
+one member from each State, was immediately to wait upon the Minister,
+and in the name of the United States to congratulate him upon the
+birth of the Princess. A committee was also appointed to prepare the
+draft of an answer to his Majesty's letter."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 6th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The anxiety of the undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France,
+for the maintenance of the most perfect harmony, and the care which he
+has been in the habit of taking from the commencement of the alliance
+to establish such a confidence, as can alone maintain it and conduce
+to its prosperity, do not allow him to conceal from the Congress of
+the United States the perplexity under which he labors, with regard to
+informing his Court of the delays which the negotiation, commenced in
+the month of February last, meets with. It must be allowed, that no
+affair so important and so pressing ever experienced so much delay,
+and the undersigned declares, that he can see no reason for warning
+France and Spain against the sinister interpretations, with which
+attempts are made to inspire them in regard to this conduct. The zeal
+and the good will of the petitioner do not suggest to him any other
+expedient, than that of requesting Congress to approve of his having
+the honor of imparting to them, as he now does, his perplexity and
+embarrassment.
+
+He adds, that the Court of France has received intelligences, that
+England was resolved to send a considerable reinforcement of troops to
+the continent of North America, and to carry on the war there with all
+possible vigor, in order to proceed to the conquest of America at the
+same time by force and by intrigue. The King, in consequence of his
+attention to whatever may concern the security and the happiness of
+his allies, has ordered his Minister Plenipotentiary to communicate
+this intelligence to the Congress of the United States. The
+undersigned has the honor to perform this commission by the present
+note. He believes that he should add, that his Majesty, adhering
+scrupulously to the spirit and principles of the alliance, which has
+the independence of the United States as an essential object, is
+always resolved to assist America by all the means, that the resources
+of his kingdom, and the general state of affairs, will permit him
+successively to devote to this grand object, without being turned from
+it by the idea of any conquest for himself.
+
+It is in consequence of these same dispositions and of this same
+disinterestedness, that his Majesty, although he has made no
+engagement to furnish supplies of money to the United States, and
+although the active and direct war which he is carrying on against the
+common enemy absorbs his resources, and ought to exempt him from all
+accessory and entirely voluntary expenses, is desirous to contribute
+to the re-establishment of the American finances, so far as his own
+necessities allow him to do so. He has thought that he should partly
+fulfil this object, by securing the payment of the interest on the
+loans, which have been stipulated to be paid in France, presuming that
+the credit of one of the public funds of the States would effectually
+contribute to the support of the others, and to the success of the
+measures, which the wisdom of Congress may adopt on this subject. A
+society of bankers, established under the authority of the King, has
+consequently taken upon itself to make the necessary advances, in the
+form of a loan made to America. The undersigned has not yet received
+the exact details of this arrangement, but he will have the honor of
+communicating them, so soon as he shall receive them.
+
+The confidence which the King places in the reciprocal attachment of
+the United States of America to the alliance, can alone induce him to
+determine upon proceedings, which are useful only to America,
+burdensome to France, and destitute of all advantage for her. His
+Majesty hopes to receive reciprocal proofs of these sentiments and
+feelings, but he neither demands nor expects anything for himself on
+the part of Congress. He only desires, that the States should employ
+all the resources at their disposal, in order to provide for their own
+security and tranquillity.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 9th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France, having thought it his duty to
+take upon himself to inform the Count d'Estaing of the desire, which
+Congress had expressed to him, that the King's squadron should come to
+the assistance of Georgia, this Vice-Admiral has just replied, that
+the superiority of the enemy in the Islands had not till this time,
+permitted him to leave those latitudes; but that in consequence of the
+intentions of his Majesty, which are, to grant to the United States,
+his allies, all the assistance compatible with the security of his own
+possessions, and with the general position of affairs, he proposes to
+sail immediately to the Southern coasts of the States, and to exert
+himself for the deliverance of Georgia, and the preservation of the
+Carolinas. From thence the King's squadron will sail to the mouth of
+the Delaware, and its further operations will depend upon the
+agreement that shall be made between Congress and the commander of his
+Majesty's forces, and will be calculated for the greatest advantage of
+the United States.
+
+The undersigned has no doubt, that this new proof of his Majesty's
+generous and disinterested friendship strengthens the confidence, with
+which these engagements and his conduct must have inspired the
+governments and people of America. Facts so evident will serve, on the
+other hand, to confound those ill-disposed men, who, by silent and
+clandestine insinuations, destitute of all proof, and of all
+probability, directed solely by private views, and evidently opposed
+to the honor and interest of the confederated Republic, seek to sow
+distrusts and jealousies, of which the common enemy alone can reap the
+advantage.
+
+The undersigned must add to the details above given, that it is
+impossible for the Count d'Estaing to carry provisions from Martinique
+sufficient for the campaign, which he proposes to make in the seas of
+North America. He hopes that Congress will be pleased to give the most
+precise and effectual orders for their being got in readiness and
+placed on the coast, so that the squadron may easily take them on
+board. The undersigned Minister, hopes that Congress will be pleased
+to inform him successively of what shall be done on this subject,
+since the said Minister must be personally responsible for these
+measures, the failure of which would expose to the greatest
+misfortunes the forces, which the King has destined to bring direct
+and immediate assistance to the United States, although his
+engagements, which he will always scrupulously fulfil, do not impose
+this duty on him.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 9th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+When the Congress of the United States did me the honor to ask my
+concurrence in inducing the Count d'Estaing to assist Georgia, I
+asserted, that this Vice-Admiral, in conformity with the intentions of
+the King, would do all that circumstances should permit. I proposed at
+the same time the means of proceeding to the execution of this plan;
+but Congress observed an entire silence, and did not deign to inform
+me of their resolution. It was only through a public channel, that I
+learned that the plan was abandoned; but my zeal having led me to
+write previously to the Count d'Estaing, and having received the
+answer of this Vice-Admiral, I do not think, Sir, that the interest of
+the alliance and of the United States allows me to act according to
+the presumed negative resolution of Congress, and I request you
+consequently to submit to that body the annexed Memorial.[25]
+
+I have the honor to be, with the highest esteem, Sir, your humble and
+most obedient servant.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[25] This Memorial is missing.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 19th, 1789.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I take the liberty of addressing to you a note of Don Juan de
+Miralles, concerning the Spanish ships carried into New England, and
+beg you to lay it before Congress, and to represent to them, that
+there is reason to fear, if the appeal which the council of Boston has
+reserved to itself should be decided before any measures be taken by
+Congress, the ships and merchandise will be sold, to the irreparable
+loss of the Spaniards.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the greatest respect, Sir,
+your most obedient humble servant.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ MEMORIAL.
+
+ Translation.
+
+Don Juan de Miralles, who, under date of the 21st of April last, had
+the honor to present a Memorial to his Excellency M. Gerard, Minister
+Plenipotentiary of the Court of France to the United States of
+America, to inform him of the proceedings of different privateers,
+with the flag of the said United States, against three vessels
+lawfully provided with the Spanish flag, which had sailed, one of them
+from London for Cadiz, and the two others from Cadiz for England,
+loaded with merchandise belonging, as well as the said vessels, to
+subjects of his Catholic Majesty, his master, which have been carried
+into different ports of New England, under the jurisdiction of the
+Province of Massachusetts, and that the respective indictments have
+been drawn against them before the Court of Admiralty of the city of
+Boston, where the cargo of one of the said vessels which sailed from
+London has been condemned, to the profit of the owners and crew of the
+privateer which captured her; another of the said vessels, which
+sailed from Cadiz, has also been condemned, and there is no doubt that
+the third has suffered or will suffer the same fate.
+
+Don Joseph de Llanos, Captain of the vessel which sailed from London,
+and Don Joachin Garcia de Luca, of the other which sailed from Cadiz,
+which, as has been said, have been condemned, have sent me an express,
+with copies of the said proceedings, which I have had the honor, in
+concurrence with the said M. Gerard, and in his presence, to deliver
+to his Excellency the President of the Honorable Congress, who was so
+kind as to receive them, and to offer to lay them before the Honorable
+Congress, in order that it may take into consideration an affair of so
+great consequence, and be pleased to order what is just, as well as it
+regards the interest of the proprietors of the vessels and cargoes, as
+the honor due to every neutral flag, and particularly to that of his
+Catholic Majesty.
+
+Having learnt, that considering that the said court of Boston has not
+agreed to grant to the said condemned Captains the appeal, which they
+have made from their sentences to the said Honorable Congress, and
+which has only been referred to the Supreme Court of the said Province
+of Massachusetts, they are to judge the said indictment definitively,
+in the last resort, and that there is no doubt that the first
+sentences pronounced by the Court of Admiralty of Boston will be
+confirmed; the said Don Juan de Miralles earnestly requests his
+Excellency, the said M. Gerard, that he would be pleased to interpose
+his influence and his mediation with the said Honorable Congress, in
+order that it may have the goodness to pass a resolution ordering the
+said Supreme Court of Massachusetts, and every other tribunal, to
+suspend every proceeding and determination with regard to the
+aforesaid three Spanish vessels and their cargoes, until the said
+Honorable Congress shall have decided definitively on this affair, and
+that this may be done soon, so that the order, which it may be pleased
+to give, may arrive at Boston before the said 5th of June next, which
+is the time at which the said causes are to be judged definitively and
+in the last resort.
+
+ JUAN DE MIRALLES.
+
+ _Philadelphia, May 18, 1779._
+
+ * * *
+
+The foregoing letter from the Minister of France, together with that
+of Don Juan de Miralles, was referred to Mr Burke, Mr Duane, and Mr
+Lovell, who on the 22d delivered in a report, and thereupon Congress
+passed the following resolution.
+
+Resolved, That the resolutions of Congress passed the 6th day of March
+last, relative to the control of Congress, by appeal in the last
+resort, over all jurisdictions for deciding the legality of captures
+on the high seas, be immediately transmitted to the several States,
+and that they be respectively requested to take effectual measures for
+conforming therewith.
+
+Resolved, That the following letter be written to the Minister
+Plenipotentiary of France, and signed by the President.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+"Congress having taken into consideration your letter of the 19th of
+this month, I am directed to assure you, that as soon as the matter
+shall in due course come before them, they will attend very
+particularly to the cases of the vessels, stated in the note from Don
+Juan de Miralles, to have been sailing under the flag of his Catholic
+Majesty, and captured by armed vessels under the flag of the United
+States, and that they will cause the law of nations to be most
+strictly observed; that if it shall be found after due trial, that the
+owners of the captured vessels have suffered damage from the
+misapprehension or violation of _the rights of war_ and _neutrality_,
+Congress will cause reparation to be made, in such a manner as to do
+ample justice, and vindicate the honor of the Spanish flag. That
+Congress have every possible disposition to cultivate the most perfect
+harmony with his Catholic Majesty, and to encourage the most liberal
+and friendly intercourse between his subjects and the citizens of
+these United States.
+
+"But they cannot consistently with the powers intrusted to them, and
+the rights of the States and of individuals, in any case suspend or
+interrupt the ordinary course of justice."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS,
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 22d, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France, not having been hitherto
+informed by Congress of the result of their deliberations upon the
+important overtures, which have formed for more than three months the
+constant subject of his representations, has reason to presume, that
+the resolutions relative to them have not yet been passed. Delays, so
+long and so unnatural, in a matter so clear, and in a juncture which
+requires so much celerity, and which so essentially concerns the
+United States, have rendered the undersigned apprehensive lest some
+doubt had arisen, either as to the main point of the matter, or as to
+the manner of proceeding, or as to the dispositions and views of the
+King; and as the said Minister is instructed to conceal from Congress
+nothing that can be useful to the interests of the United States, he
+asks permission to submit to them the summary of the most essential
+things, which seemed to him to deserve attention in the further course
+of its deliberations.
+
+It is well known, that the direct and essential object of the
+alliance, which subsists between his Most Christian Majesty and the
+United States, is to _maintain effectually the liberty, the
+sovereignty, and the independence, absolute and unlimited, of the said
+States, as well with respect to government as to commerce_, and
+consequently, the territorial rights belonging to sovereignty. To this
+object all the efforts and proceedings of the King are constantly
+tending. It is in order to attain it, and to procure for the people
+of America the power of this valuable independence, and the cessation
+of the evils and dangers under which an active and obstinate war makes
+them groan, that his Majesty has undertaken a difficult and expensive
+war against England, without any view of personal interest, and even
+with the refusal of the advantages which the United States appeared
+ready to grant him. He has already given brilliant proofs, that his
+friendship does not confine itself to the mere fulfilment of his
+engagements. He is in fact disposed to give to the United States all
+the assistance compatible with the situation of his own affairs, and
+with the general state of things, and he regards the interests of the
+United States as his own, in everything that relates to the object of
+the alliance, and that is conformable to the invariable principles on
+which his reciprocal connexions with the United States are founded. It
+is in consequence of his attention to execute literally the treaty of
+alliance, that he has not lost a moment in informing Congress of the
+overtures relative to the projected pacification, in entreating them
+to take without delay that part in this negotiation, which the dignity
+and interests of the United States require. He has moreover repeated
+to Congress the promise, that he would not treat with the common
+enemy, without making it a primary and essential condition, that the
+independence of the United States should be acknowledged, conformably
+to the stipulations of the treaty of alliance. His Majesty has at the
+same time ordered his Minister Plenipotentiary to lay before Congress
+some considerations relative to the state of affairs, and particularly
+to observe to them, that the alliance, unless victorious, cannot
+dictate terms to the common enemy. The undersigned has executed these
+orders either verbally or in writing.
+
+It is evident then, that his Majesty desires only the tranquillity and
+prosperity of America, upon the foundation of an honorable and firm
+peace, conformable to the stipulations of the treaty of alliance. He
+rejects every idea of conquest and acquisition of territory for
+himself. In order promptly to attain this advantageous object, and to
+fulfil his engagements, he is disposed to carry on the war with vigor,
+if the common enemy refuses the pacific system, which his Majesty has
+announced to the whole world, and which the United States adopted on
+signing the alliance. But in case that the perseverance of the Court
+of London in the desire to subdue, or to conquer America, should
+prolong the calamities of the war, his Majesty will consider himself
+at liberty to concert with the United States all the further measures
+adapted to this new order of things, and conformably to the mutual
+interests of the allies and of the common cause. It is thus that the
+King fulfils, and proposes to fulfil, the duties resulting from
+Articles 1st and 8th of the treaty of alliance, by urging on one side
+the United States to participate in the negotiation, which can conduct
+to the conclusion of a truce and of a peace, by making common cause
+with the said States, and on the other side, by enabling the two
+allies mutually to assist each other by their good offices, their
+councils, and their forces, as circumstances may require; in fine, by
+showing his perseverance, conformably to Article 8th, in the
+resolution not to lay down arms till independence shall have been
+formally or tacitly acknowledged. But as this last stipulation limits
+his Majesty's engagements on this subject to the very time of this
+acknowledgment, if England immediately agrees to this essential
+condition, his Most Christian Majesty will have fulfilled all his
+positive and direct engagements in relation to the conclusion of
+peace.
+
+It follows from these observations,
+
+1st. That the King has engaged to procure for the United States, by
+means of arms, the acknowledgment of their independence, and that his
+Majesty is faithful to fulfil this obligation, and even disposed to
+lend them assistance, to which he is not obliged by the treaty.
+
+2dly. That he has made no other engagements than those expressed in
+the stipulations of the treaty.
+
+3dly. That the United States have neither title nor right to require
+anything more, and that if they wish to persuade him to further
+engagements, it can only be voluntary on his part, and by uniting
+_reciprocal counsels_, conformably to the expression of Article 1st of
+the treaty, and as is proper for _good and faithful allies_. Even in
+this case, it is impossible to foresee the state of things and minds
+in Europe, or to judge what measures the important care of maintaining
+his reputation, and the system of equity and moderation, which he has
+made the fundamental principle of his reign, may require on his
+Majesty's part. These considerations seem particularly due to an ally,
+when he has contracted gratuitous obligations without any reciprocal
+advantages.
+
+4thly. By uniting the expressions of Articles 11th and 12th, it will
+be seen, that the success of the war being alone able to fix the fate
+of empires, it has been found impossible on concluding the treaty of
+alliance to determine the possessions that the United States may
+obtain on making peace; that consequently, the engagement of France
+can only be conditional and eventual on this subject; that she is not
+now held to any particular engagement, in relation to these
+possessions, whether real or pretended; and that this obligation will
+not commence till the time in which the possessions of the United
+States shall be fixed by the cessation of the war.
+
+5thly. In fine, it is indispensable to add to these considerations,
+that when any doubt arises as to the expressions, the extent and the
+application of the stipulations of a treaty, the laws of reason, and
+of universal justice, as well as the rules of a good and faithful
+alliance, decide, that an ally has no right to interpret it
+arbitrarily and partially; that the attempt would at the same time
+offend the dignity, and destroy the confidence of his ally; that
+neither of them can in fact arrogate to himself the superiority in
+connexions, which ought to be equal and reciprocal; that it is only by
+a friendly explanation, by a formal agreement, that these doubts can
+be removed, and the exact meaning of treaties determined; that in
+short, this method would become still more indispensable, if it should
+happen, that the pretensions of one of the parties were founded only
+upon farfetched inductions, subject to discussion and contradiction,
+and would tend to alter the essential and fundamental system of an
+alliance.
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France is fully confident, that the
+Congress of the United States, knowing the laws of proceedings, and
+the respect which Sovereigns mutually owe to each other, will observe
+them in their conduct towards his Most Christian Majesty; but the
+important, critical, and pressing juncture, in which the affairs of
+the alliance stand at the present moment, imposes on the undersigned
+Minister the sacred duty of contributing, as much as lies in his
+power, to hasten the resolutions of Congress, to prevent all mistakes
+and every subject of misunderstanding, to preserve the most perfect
+harmony and uniformity of views and sentiments, concerning the
+accomplishment of the advantageous stipulations of the alliance, and
+thus to deceive the expectation of the common enemy, who henceforth
+founds his principal hopes on the divisions, which he is intent upon
+fomenting. In fine, one of the objects of this Memorial is, to prove,
+solemnly, the faithful and friendly conduct of the King in this
+juncture, his Majesty hoping, that the knowledge of this conduct will
+confirm the governments and people of America in the sentiments of
+confidence, which the proceedings of his said Majesty have already
+inspired. It is only by thus placing before the eyes of Congress the
+indubitable principles expressed above, that the Minister
+Plenipotentiary of France thought that he could fulfil his duties to
+the King, his master, and to the alliance, and protect from all
+reproach his zeal for the common cause between France and America.
+
+If he has deceived himself in his conjectures, as to the immediate and
+apparent utility of his mode of proceeding, he begs Congress to accept
+his excuses for having consumed time of so much value, and he flatters
+himself, that knowing his attachment to the alliance, and to the
+United States, it will attribute his conduct to these sentiments
+alone.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 24th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I avail myself of the first respite, which my sickness allows me, to
+congratulate you as well as Congress upon the resolution, which I am
+assured they have taken, in relation to their finances. The execution
+of the system, which appeared connected with this first operation of a
+tax, will show to your friends and your enemies the extent of your
+resources, your firmness, and your ability to make a suitable and
+efficacious use of them. The eagerness with which the people seemed to
+expect an arrangement of this kind, gives beforehand the proof of
+their favorable dispositions and of their good will. This state of
+things, Sir, cannot but strengthen the very friendly intentions of the
+King, my master, by the confidence with which your own efforts, and
+the displaying of the resources of America, will inspire him in your
+dispositions. It will only remain for you to show vigor in your
+military operations, in order to destroy the hope entertained by the
+common enemy, of conquering America; then everything will inspire us
+with the hope of soon seeing the happy day dawn, in which America will
+enjoy independence, together with the advantages and delights of
+peace. Congress has received all the possible assurances of the
+King's, my master's, desire to hasten that moment, and he is
+convinced, that Congress will place no obstacle in the way.
+
+I have the honor to be, with respectful esteem, Sir, your humble and
+most obedient servant.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * *
+
+_May 24th._ Information being given to Congress of some outrages and
+wanton barbarities, committed on subjects of France by the enemy, on
+their landing in Virginia, the following resolutions were passed.
+
+Whereas it has been represented to Congress, that the enemy at the
+time of, and since their landing in Virginia, have perpetrated the
+most unnecessary, wanton, and outrageous barbarities, on divers of
+the citizens of that State, as well as on several of the subjects of
+his Most Christian Majesty residing therein, deliberately putting many
+of them to death in cool blood, after they had surrendered, abusing
+women, and desolating the country with fire,
+
+Resolved, That the Governor of Virginia, be requested to cause
+diligent inquiry to be made into the truth of the above
+representations, and to transmit to Congress the evidence he may
+collect on the subject.
+
+Resolved, That Congress will retaliate for cruelties and violations of
+the laws of nations committed in these States, against the subjects of
+his Most Christian Majesty, in like manner and measure as if committed
+against citizens of the said States, and that the protection of
+Congress shall be on all occasions equally extended to both.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 25th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received with the most lively satisfaction the letter with
+which you honored me on the 24th of this month, as well as the
+resolutions of Congress of the same date, which accompanied it, and
+which relate to the atrocious actions committed by the enemy's troops
+in Virginia, which violate equally the laws of war established between
+civilized nations, and the first principles of humanity, and attack
+the foundations of all human society.
+
+The whole world cannot but be convinced of the justice of the
+necessary measures to which the conduct of the common enemy compels
+Congress to have recourse, in order if possible to put an end to such
+horrible excesses.
+
+I must confine myself here, Sir, to requesting you to place before
+Congress this assurance of the sensibility with which the King, my
+master, and the whole French nation will receive the strong proof of
+friendship, union, and identity of feelings and interests, which the
+United States give in declaring, that they will make no distinction,
+in this respect, between their own subjects and those of their ally.
+This will give the common enemy a new evidence of the inviolability of
+the alliance which unites the two nations, and will afford the French,
+who have already given so many proofs of their individual attachment
+to the sentiments of the alliance, and of their zeal for the United
+States, a new motive of encouragement. By thus increasing more and
+more the connexions and the mutual confidence, the means of braving
+the effects of the ambition and the revenge of the common enemy will
+be increased.
+
+I have the honor to be, with respect and esteem, Sir, your most humble
+and obedient servant.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 27th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France, in consequence of the
+sentiment and the views, which have prompted his previous
+representations, has the honor to observe to the representatives of
+the United States of America in Congress assembled, that independently
+of the principal and direct interest of the confederated republic in
+the overtures of pacification, which the undersigned has been ordered
+to make to Congress, the general good of the alliance urges with all
+possible earnestness the hastening of the resolution of the said
+States. It is in fact only by enabling the Court of Spain to bring its
+mediation to its critical and decisive point, that it can be hoped
+that this power, convinced of the injustice of the views and of the
+ambition of England, will join the alliance, acknowledge the
+independence of the United States, and take an active part in the war.
+On the contrary, by delaying without communicating to the parties
+interested the motives which induce them to it, the States will be in
+danger of fatiguing this power, which keeps on foot the forces of the
+whole monarchy, principally with a view to give respectability to a
+mediation which appears to be neglected; they incur the risk of
+cooling the good will of his Catholic Majesty, and perhaps of
+alienating him as much by delays, as if resolutions, contrary to the
+system which he has appeared disposed to favor by his mediation,
+should give him lawful reasons for changing his conduct.
+
+The alliance will thus be deprived of a decisive support, which the
+goodness of its cause, the wisdom of its conduct, and the close union
+subsisting between France and Spain seemed to promise it. Moreover,
+the suspension of the said resolutions operates equally in another
+point of view, in a manner the most disadvantageous for the alliance
+in general, and for France in particular. On the one side, in fact,
+the expectation of the resolutions of Congress necessarily infuses
+into plans and measures an uncertainty injurious to the common good,
+and if the Count d'Estaing does not carry into execution the plan of
+coming upon the American coast, it can only be attributed to this
+cause. On the other hand, the season is already so far advanced, that
+this same uncertainty, by destroying the hope of seeing Spain declare
+herself during the course of the present campaign, leaves France alone
+exposed to the efforts of the principal body of the enemy's forces.
+
+The wisdom of Congress, and the faithful attachment which they show on
+every occasion, in a manner as conspicuous as it is satisfactory to
+the alliance, and the respect which they have always expressed for
+Spain, do not permit a doubt as to the attention which they will be
+pleased to give to considerations of such importance. The present
+Memorial is the last tribute that the zeal of the Minister
+Plenipotentiary of France will allow him to consecrate to the duty of
+facilitating and accelerating, as much as lies in his power, the
+deliberations of Congress, by suggesting considerations which might
+have such an influence.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * *
+
+_June 22d._ A Memorial from the Minister Plenipotentiary of France was
+read, accompanied with a commission given by him to the Sieur de St
+Hilaire, appointing him Vice-Consul for the port of Alexandria in
+Virginia. Ordered, that the same be referred to the Marine Committee
+to take order thereon.
+
+Another Memorial from the Minister was received and read, accompanied
+with two Memorials relative to violences, of which divers subjects of
+his Majesty complain. These were also referred to the Marine
+Committee.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, June 21st, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to represent to
+the Congress of the United States of America, that the daily
+experience of several ports of the continent proves how prejudicial
+the want of the proper regulations for maintaining the immunity of the
+flag, which is the foundation of a free commerce, is to navigators, to
+French merchants, and even to the interests and to the honor of the
+French nation. The treaty of commerce has foreseen this state of
+things, and has expressed the wish of the two parties to remedy it.
+The undersigned would have proposed to Congress, some time ago, to
+enter upon this negotiation, had he not perceived that their time was
+occupied by subjects of greater importance; but as the evil increases
+daily, it becomes indispensable and urgent to provide a remedy for it,
+at least with regard to the most pressing subjects, and by provisional
+regulations, which will have no force till the contract, stipulated by
+the treaty of commerce, is made.
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary consequently thinks it his duty to lay
+before Congress the annexed plan, and to propose a method, which
+seemed to him calculated to effect this object.
+
+Several States, perceiving the inconveniences of the present
+uncertainty, seemed disposed to provide a remedy for it by domestic
+laws; but the undersigned has not been willing to urge them, without
+being previously informed of the sentiments of Congress on this
+subject. He consequently requests that body to be pleased to inform
+him of them, and if they think proper that the daily complaints should
+be redressed by provisional regulations, while waiting till the
+subject shall be acted upon by a convention, to recommend this matter
+itself to the Legislatures of the several States. The regulations
+which they may make will show by experience, whether they are
+calculated to effect this object. They will throw light upon the rules
+observed among all commercial nations, and will give to the United
+States in general an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the
+manner in which the commerce between the two nations can be regulated,
+according to the principles of justice and equality, which should form
+the foundation of all the connexions that shall subsist between them,
+and according to the principles and forms which vary in different
+States.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 5th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has already had the honor to
+recommend to Congress the request made by the King's navy agent in
+relation to the expedition of the ship Defence, loaded with provisions
+for Cape Francois. He renews his entreaties by the present Memorial.
+The quantity of provisions on board this vessel is so inconsiderable,
+particularly considering the abundance of old grain which we see now,
+that the undersigned hopes that Congress will think that the
+exportation of them may be allowed, without injury to the service of
+the army or of the public. The undersigned, however, offers to have
+these same provisions received, so as to be deducted from the quantity
+promised for his Majesty's squadron, and particularly the flour, on
+account of the thousand barrels, to which the eighteen thousand,
+promised for the same service, have been reduced. The want of
+provisions is so great at Cape Francois, particularly in the vessels
+of Count d'Estaing's squadron, which are stationed there to protect
+the reciprocal commerce, that the said Minister is ready to subscribe
+to whatever conditions Congress shall think proper to impose with
+regard to this expedition. But he requests with the greatest
+earnestness, that they would be pleased not to defer giving a positive
+answer, in order not to increase, if its decision is in the negative,
+the costs and expenses which the King will be obliged to pay to the
+proprietors and fitters out of the said vessel.
+
+With regard to its destination, the undersigned had thought that he
+could flatter himself, that his character and conduct would prevent
+the doubts which a member of Congress has communicated in writing to
+the King's navy agent. Nevertheless, as so weighty a suspicion,
+declared in so serious a manner, and impeaching the probity and
+fidelity of the officers of the King, acting immediately under the
+direction of the said Minister, cannot have been suggested to Congress
+without important reasons, the undersigned entreats and requests them
+to be pleased to cause an account to be rendered of the reasons of his
+suspicions, and of the facts upon which they may have been grounded.
+The undersigned requests further, that the result of this verification
+may be communicated to him, in order that he may be in a situation to
+take the further part, that the dignity of the King, his respect for
+Congress, his regard for the public interest of America, and the
+delicacy which ought to characterise the conduct of every public man,
+may require.
+
+The undersigned makes the same request, and for the same reasons, with
+regard to the accusation made to Congress, that the vessels, which
+have been fitted out in the name of the King, have been loaded with
+quantities of flour on individual account. He declares that his first
+rule has always been to cause the whole of the vessels to be freighted
+on his Majesty's account; but if any frauds have been committed in
+this matter, it is of equal importance to the public good, and to the
+dignity of the King, that its authors should be known, in order to
+prevent further frauds. The delegates to Congress, by a verbal
+declaration made to the King's navy agent, have confined this
+imputation to one vessel alone, but it is not less important that the
+fact should be verified.
+
+Besides, although the Minister Plenipotentiary of France insists on
+this point, in order to make these odious imputations fall on those
+who may deserve them, he could have contented himself with declaring,
+that not having the right of police and inspection over the
+proprietors, owners, and Captains of the American vessels, which have
+been employed in these transportations, and who ought to be better
+acquainted than strangers with the laws of the country, it is only the
+officers of the State, appointed to receive the declarations of the
+ships which sail from the ports, who can, in examining the cargoes,
+determine the frauds which may have been committed; and that without
+directly and positively blaming the officers of the King, they cannot
+be made responsible for frauds, which it is not in their power to
+prevent. Very far from desiring any connivance on the part of the
+officers or of the governments of the different States of America, the
+undersigned earnestly desires, that they would be pleased to execute
+with vigor the powers which belong to them, and the laws which may
+have reference to these subjects.
+
+The undersigned hopes that Congress will be pleased not to defer its
+resolution, whatever it may be, respecting the ship Defence, till the
+verification of these facts. The two affairs have nothing in common,
+and the Minister Plenipotentiary, in repeating his offers expressed
+above, flatters himself that Congress, if they think proper to permit
+this expedition, will find that these arrangements can be made even
+after the departure of this vessel.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * *
+
+This Memorial being read, it was immediately
+
+Resolved, that it be recommended to his Excellency the Governor of
+Maryland to permit the ship Defence, which is loaded with provisions
+for the fleet of his Most Christian Majesty, to depart and carry her
+cargo to the place of her destination, and that care be taken that she
+carry no other provisions than the above, and what may be necessary
+for the crew.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 5th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to represent to
+Congress, that faithful to the promises which that body has asked
+for, on his part, in relation to the purchase of provisions destined
+for the squadron, which the King sent last year to the assistance of
+the United States, he has never authorised any purchase except through
+the very overseers appointed by Congress, or without giving notice of
+the operation to the members of the committees intrusted with this
+business. He has declared to them several times, that the provisions
+bought on the account, and with the money of the King, would always
+remain at the disposal of Congress, either for the public service, or
+for that of the American army. The undersigned hopes, that their
+members will be witnesses of it to Congress. Delicacy has been carried
+so far, that it has been preferred to expose the King's squadron to
+the want of provisions, which it has procured only in consequence of
+some happy accidents, rather than to break through an arrangement
+which Congress had judged necessary. The same principle has guided the
+conduct which has been pursued in the last place, when the
+undersigned, by his knowledge of the chief motives of Congress, having
+been obliged to demand the assurance of a certain quantity of
+provisions, the difficulty of circumstances induced him to combine
+purchases by way of commerce with the direct measures which Congress
+has judged proper to take. As Congress must have been informed of all
+that has taken place on this subject, the undersigned will not
+introduce it again here, and he will abstain from all reflection.
+
+He confines himself to representing to Congress, that the produce of
+these private purchases is reduced to a very small quantity, by the
+obstacles which the continental officers have thrown in their way, and
+by the seizure, by authority, of the articles bought, as well as by
+other similar events; and the agents employed on the King's account,
+being thus deprived of the security and of the power which every
+American citizen, and every foreign merchant enjoys, and the property
+of the King being so uncertain and exposed, the undersigned begs
+Congress to be pleased to cause all the provisions bought on the
+account and with the money of his Majesty, to be placed in the hands
+of the officers whom they shall judge proper to appoint for this
+purpose, in order that Congress may dispose of them in such manner as
+their own prudence and the public interest shall dictate; the
+undersigned declaring, that from the moment in which he was informed
+of these proceedings and of these obstacles, he has given order to put
+an end to every kind of purchase and supply of provisions. He annexes
+here the note of the provisions now in the hands of the King's agents;
+and if the commissions given heretofore have produced a greater
+quantity of them, he will have the honor to give notice of it to
+Congress, according as he shall be informed of it himself.
+
+But he must at the same time call the attention of Congress to the
+proposition, which he had the honor to make to them by the Memorial
+which contains the request for this new supply, that is to say, that
+they would be pleased to declare, whether the Minister Plenipotentiary
+of France may reckon upon the quantity of provisions, which are
+necessary for the important object which he has had the honor to
+communicate to Congress. In order to facilitate the success of his
+measures on this subject, the undersigned confines himself at the
+present time to requesting, that the quantity of five thousand barrels
+of flour may be immediately held in readiness. The remainder can be
+furnished in the course of September next, from grain the product of
+this year's harvest.
+
+The reasons alleged in the said Memorial compel the undersigned to
+repeat to Congress the formal demand of a prompt and explicit answer,
+with which he has not hitherto been honored. Congress has too much
+wisdom for any one to allow himself to set forth to it all the
+inconveniences which might result to America, and to the alliance from
+the least delay. The reports hitherto communicated are so uncertain,
+that it is impossible to make them the foundation of a confidence,
+which the experience of the past does not encourage, unless Congress
+authorises them by its sanction. A formal and explicit assurance on
+the part of Congress can alone effect an object so important, upon
+which the Minister Plenipotentiary of France has insisted since the
+month of May, and which the advancement of the season renders still
+more critical and pressing.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ REPORT OF A COMMITTEE RESPECTING A CONFERENCE WITH
+ THE MINISTER OF FRANCE.
+
+ In Congress, July 10th, 1779.
+
+The President informed Congress, that the Minister of France had
+communicated to him certain intelligence, about which it would, in his
+opinion, be expedient for Congress to confer with the Minister.
+
+Resolved, That the honorable M. Gerard be informed by the President,
+that Congress are desirous of conferring with him in a committee of
+the whole, on the subject of the intelligence communicated by him to
+the President, and that if agreeable to him, a private audience be had
+on Monday next, at 12 o'clock.
+
+_Monday, July 12th._ The President informed the house, that he had
+communicated to the Minister of France the resolution of Saturday, and
+that the Minister had agreed to meet Congress, in a committee of the
+whole, at 12 o'clock. Whereupon Congress was resolved into a committee
+of the whole, and had a conference with the Minister, and on the 14th
+of July, Mr Laurens, chairman of the committee, reported,
+
+That in obedience to the order of Congress, the committee of the whole
+have conferred with the Minister Plenipotentiary of France, who
+introduced the conference by saying, that he had received some
+despatches from his Court, which he was ordered to communicate to
+Congress, but that he expected no answer. That though it was not the
+usual practice to offer communications of this nature in writing, yet
+as it had been intimated to him by the President, that this mode would
+be most agreeable to Congress, he had committed the heads of them to
+paper, not as a Memorial, but merely for the assistance of the memory,
+in a form to which the term of "_ad statum legendi_" is appropriated
+by the usage of the Courts of Europe; that in reading the said paper
+he would take the liberty of making some explanations and reflections.
+
+That he then proceeded to read the paper herewith delivered, marked
+No. 1, divided into seven Articles, and at the close of each separate
+Article he added explanations and reflections, the substance of which
+the committee have endeavored to recollect, and have committed to
+writing in the paper marked No 2.
+
+ NO. I.
+
+ _Ad statum legendi._
+
+1st. The King has approved all the overtures, which were made by his
+Minister Plenipotentiary to the Honorable Congress, respecting the
+affairs of M. de Beaumarchais. Therefore a line ought to be drawn
+between the stores, which this gentleman has been permitted to take
+out of the royal magazine, for which he has made himself debtor to the
+department of war, and between those articles which the same gentleman
+has bought in the common way of trade for the use of the United
+States.
+
+2dly. A hint having been given to the Minister Plenipotentiary, that
+Congress desire to recruit their ships in France, from the English
+prisoners there, the Court in consequence of his representations is
+willing to facilitate this mode of recruiting seamen.
+
+3dly. The King and Ministry were extremely pleased with the
+resolution, which Congress has taken, to maintain only one Minister
+Plenipotentiary at this Court, as well as with the exclusive
+appointment of so steady and honest a man, and so firm and solid a
+patriot, as Dr Franklin.
+
+4thly. The Congress has given very great satisfaction to the Court of
+France, by the timely and spirited step, which was taken to disavow a
+certain ill-grounded and pernicious doctrine, relating to the mutual
+obligations of the allies, to conclude no truce or peace without the
+knowledge or consent of each other. The Court of France is of opinion,
+that this doctrine could only be maintained by those men, whose aim it
+was by any means to weaken the ties of the alliance, and to create
+disgust and diffidence between the allies.
+
+5thly. The Court has received with some surprise the intelligence,
+that Congress has published the treaties concluded with it, without
+the previous knowledge and consent of the party interested. It is not
+to be denied, that such a proceeding is but little consistent with
+reason, and with the general practice of Courts and nations.
+Nevertheless, this observation involves not any kind of reproach, but
+the King thinks, that so noble and generous a system of politics could
+but produce desirable effects by its publication.
+
+6thly. The intelligence, that in the first month of last winter there
+were no adequate preparations made in America towards a vigorous and
+successful campaign, was received at Versailles with all the concern,
+which the danger of the United States and the prolongation of the
+present contest can create in the most friendly mind. The Court of
+France is fully in the opinion, that the exertions of the United
+States are necessary to bring the common enemy to a proper sense of
+all the disappointments which he shall meet with.
+
+7thly. The Court, being desirous to acquaint Congress exactly with the
+state of affairs relating to the common cause, would not delay to
+inform this honorable body, that the Court of London, showing on one
+side dispositions to a reconciliation with France, rejects on the
+other side the very idea of a formal and explicit acknowledgment of
+the independence of the United States, which his Most Christian
+Majesty perseveres to hold up as a preliminary and essential
+condition. The behavior of the common enemy in this respect rendered a
+great deal more probable the conjecture, which was communicated to
+Congress some time ago, that the point of honor and pride of the King
+of England will be the greatest obstacle to the conclusion of peace
+upon those explicit terms; and perhaps the manner of overcoming this
+difficulty will of course become the most decisive object of the
+deliberations of Congress, when this honorable body shall determine to
+make peace, whatever middle way may be hit upon, that England shall
+treat with the United States as with a free people, and evacuate
+immediately all the territories belonging to them.
+
+
+ NO. II.
+
+ _The Substance of what the Minister said at the Conference in
+ explanation of the several Articles in the foregoing Paper,
+ entitled "ad statum legendi," as reported by the Committee._
+
+ARTICLE 1. From the bills and accounts with which Congress have been
+furnished by M. de Beaumarchais, Congress will be enabled to
+distinguish those articles which were drawn from the royal magazines,
+and those which he supplied in the way of trade. For these last,
+Congress will without doubt make remittances to M. de Beaumarchais in
+their own way, to enable him to perform the contracts he has entered
+into as a merchant. That for the former articles, the King, his
+master, taking upon himself to be creditor to the United States, would
+wait until Congress shall find it convenient to make compensation.
+
+ARTICLE 2. Though his Court had not resolved to retaliate upon the
+prisoners taken by the common enemy, yet for the reasons assigned, the
+King, his master, had assented to the proposal. But in carrying this
+matter into execution it would be proper to take such precautions,
+and to give such orders to the Captains, or other persons employed in
+this business, that it may be managed with prudence.
+
+ARTICLE 3. There is every reason to believe, that Congress will very
+soon receive proofs of the confidence, which his Court was always
+willing to show to the servants of these States. The personal
+character of Dr Franklin will enable the Court to act with a frankness
+becoming the alliance, and they will have no occasion to withhold any
+more the secrets which may interest the United States and the
+alliance.
+
+ARTICLE 4. The King, his master, after this explicit step, relies with
+the highest confidence upon the candor and faithfulness of Congress,
+in understanding as well as in executing the treaty, and in rejecting
+every arbitrary and unnatural interposition or construction, which
+false, subtle, or designing men can contrive. Congress by their own
+feelings must be sensible, that such interpretations and constructions
+are always hurtful, against common decency and dignity, and may
+oftentimes endanger mutual confidence, and of course the very
+existence of a treaty. But the sense Congress has manifested in this
+particular affair gives his Court the greatest hopes, that there will
+be no further motive for the painful reflections, which that affair
+gave rise to.
+
+ARTICLE 5. He begged leave to add, that this publication interfered
+with the situation of affairs in Europe, and was in a certain degree
+disadvantageous to the common cause, because it gave the common enemy
+a full knowledge of our system, and our mutual engagements, without
+procuring us any reason to guess at their views and resolutions.
+Happily these inconveniences have not been felt, and ample
+compensation has been obtained by convincing the people of America,
+not only that the treaty was just and equal, but that the heavy task
+which France had taken upon her was magnanimous, gratuitous and
+without reward. The whole world was at the same time convinced, that
+war, conquest, and ambition, were not the objects of the alliance, nor
+of any of the allies, but only the peaceable enjoyment of the
+sovereignty, liberty, security, and independence of these United
+States. And this conviction gave much honor, credit, and consideration
+to the alliance.
+
+ARTICLE 6. On this he observed, that he had endeavored since last
+fall, by order of his Court, to impress upon every mind, that England
+will never evacuate New York willingly, and could only be brought by
+proper exertions on the part of America to think seriously of granting
+independence. He believed that Congress had adopted a system so
+conformable to their engagements and to the situation of affairs, his
+Court was better informed than he was. But without reflecting on past
+events, the King hopes, that his amicable apprehensions will be
+overcome by the success of the campaign; that henceforth the United
+States will follow the example set them by his Majesty, and that they
+will exert themselves in their own cause, as his Majesty exerts
+himself for their sakes and in their cause, which he has adopted.
+
+ARTICLE 7. He said he was authorised to tell Congress in confidence,
+that this reflection is the result of the observations which the Court
+of Spain made upon the conduct of England throughout her negotiation
+of mediation; that the British Ministry seem to be solicitous to be
+reconciled with France, and to keep up this negotiation; that from
+thence probable hopes may be entertained of their internal disposition
+to peace, but at the same time they reject with haughtiness the formal
+acknowledgment of the independence insisted on by France and Spain.
+New orders have been given to the Spanish Ambassador at London, to
+ascertain as nearly as possible those dispositions. In these
+circumstances, the King, his master, ordered him to communicate this
+intelligence to the United States, that they may, if they think
+proper, take under consideration, if it would not be expedient to give
+their Plenipotentiary instructions and full powers, founded upon the
+necessity of the conjuncture and upon the treaty of alliance, the
+express and formal terms of which are, that peace shall not be made
+without an express or tacit acknowledgment of the sovereignty, and,
+consequently, and _a fortiori_, of the rights inherent in sovereignty,
+as well as of the independency of the United States in matters of
+government and of commerce.
+
+This substantial alternative in an engagement, which is a mere
+gratuitous gift, without any compensation or stipulation, ought,
+indeed, never to be forgotten in a negotiation for peace. France
+foresaw the extreme difficulties, which a formal and explicit
+acknowledgment might meet with. She knew by her own experience in
+similar contests, in which she has been deeply concerned, respecting
+the Republics of Holland, Genoa, and the Swiss cantons, how tenacious
+monarchs are, and how repugnant to pronounce the humiliating
+_formula_. It was only obtained for Holland _tacitly_, after a war of
+thirty years, and _explicitly_ after a resistance of seventy. To this
+day, Genoa and the Swiss cantons have obtained no renunciation or
+acknowledgment, either tacit or formal, from their former sovereigns.
+But they enjoy their sovereignty and independence only under the
+guarantee of France. His Court thought it important to provide, that
+difficulties of this nature, which consist merely in words, should not
+delay or prevent America from enjoying the thing itself.
+
+From these considerations arose the very important and explicit
+stipulation in the treaty, which he just now mentioned, and which has
+received the sanction of the United States. The circumstances seem
+such as call for the application of the alternative of tacit or
+explicit acknowledgement. All these considerations are adduced, that
+Congress may, if they think proper, consider whether the literal
+execution of the treaty in this point is not become necessary, and
+whether the safety and happiness of the American people, as well as
+the essential principles of the alliance, are not intimately connected
+with the resolutions that may be taken on this subject. And it remains
+with the prudence of Congress to examine, whether instructions upon
+some particular conditions may not frustrate the salutary purpose of
+the treaty of alliance, relative to a tacit acknowledgment which the
+situation of affairs may require.
+
+In thus executing, continued he, the orders I have received, I cannot
+omit observing, that these orders were given with the full
+presumption, that the business, which I laid before Congress in
+February last, would have been settled long before these despatches
+should come to my hands. However sensibly my Court will be
+disappointed in its expectations, I shall add nothing to the
+information and observations, which, with the warmest zeal for the
+interests and honor of both countries, and by the duties of my office,
+and my instructions, I found myself bound to deliver from time to time
+to Congress, in the course of this business. The apprehension of
+giving new matter to those who endeavor to blame Congress is a new
+motive for me to be silent. I beg only to remind this honorable body
+of the aforesaid information and reflections, and particularly of
+those which I had the honor to deliver in an assembly similar to the
+present. I shall only insist on a single point, which I established
+then and since, in one of my Memorials, namely, the manifest and
+striking necessity of enabling Spain, by the determination of just and
+moderate terms, to press upon England with her good offices and bring
+her mediation to an issue, in order that we may know whether we are to
+expect peace or war. This step is looked upon in Europe as immediately
+necessary. It was the proper object of the message I delivered in
+February last. I then established the strong reasons, which require
+that at the same time, and without delay, proper terms should be
+offered to his Catholic Majesty, in order to reconcile him perfectly
+to the American interest. I did not conceal, that it was to be feared,
+that any condition inconsistent with the established system of the
+alliance, which is the binding and only law of the allies, and
+contrary to the line of conduct, which Spain pursued in the course of
+her mediation, would lead her to drop the mediation, and prevent his
+Catholic Majesty, by motives of honor and of faithfulness, from
+joining in our common cause, and from completing the intended
+triumvirate. No loss, no unhappy event, could be so heavy upon the
+alliance as this. Indeed, although the British forces are already kept
+in check by the combined efforts of France and America, it is
+nevertheless evident, that the accession of Spain can only give to the
+alliance a decided superiority, adequate to our purposes, and free us
+from the fatal chance, that a single unlucky event may overthrow the
+balance.
+
+ * * *
+
+The committee then taking notice of what the Minister had said
+concerning a tacit assurance of the independence of these States, and
+the reluctance of the King of Great Britain to make an express
+acknowledgment thereof, requested to know his sense concerning the
+manner in which such tacit assurance could be given. To which, he
+premising that what he should now say ought to be considered only as
+his private sentiments, replied, that the British Court would probably
+endeavor to avoid an express acknowledgment, by imitating precedents,
+that had occurred in Europe on similar occasions, instancing the cases
+of the Swiss cantons, and the United Provinces of the Netherlands;
+that the mode adopted in the latter case had been for the Archduke, to
+whom the King of Spain had transferred his right of sovereignty, to
+treat with them "as with free and independent States." And that with
+respect to the cantons, France had not been able to obtain for them in
+the treaty of Munster any other than a declaration, that they should
+be in possession of as full liberty and exemption from the empire, and
+be in no manner subject to the jurisdiction thereof. But that in his
+opinion the circumstances of these States, and the manner in which
+they had conducted their opposition, would justify their expecting a
+more full declaration.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 26th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has received with gratitude the
+permission, which the Congress of the United States has been pleased
+to grant him, for the expedition of the ship Defence. His Court will
+be very sensible of the regard, which Congress have been pleased to
+pay to the situation of the vessels of war stationed at Cape Francois.
+
+The said Minister takes the liberty of reminding Congress of the
+request, which he made in one of his Memorials, dated the 5th of this
+month, relative to the accusations, which have been made before the
+whole House, of frauds which were thought to have been practised with
+regard to the cargo of the ship Defence, and of other vessels loaded
+with provisions for the French squadron. The undersigned has, by
+writing, on the 17th of this month, urged the committee intrusted with
+this verification, to be pleased to hasten its report, and he takes
+the liberty of addressing the same request to the Congress of the
+United States itself. Congress is also referred to the reflections
+contained in his said Memorial of the 5th instant.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 26th, 1779
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has received the resolution of
+Congress, dated the 15th of this month, in relation to the supplies of
+provisions destined for the squadron of the King. He requests Congress
+to accept his thanks for the measures, which have been taken to effect
+this important object. He is only under the necessity of representing,
+that no one of the officers of the King can, and that no American
+citizen will, take it upon himself to receive and take care of the
+provisions destined for this purpose. The unjust and arbitrary
+proceedings, to which they have been exposed, terrify them, and the
+undersigned is obliged to request Congress to leave the said
+provisions in their own magazines, and in the hands of their own
+officers, till the time of making use of them arrives. This request
+has more particular reference to the flour taken from Wilmington, and
+which has become the direct property of Congress by the transfer of
+it, which the undersigned made to Congress in one of his latest
+Memorials.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 26th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to lay before the
+Congress of the United States of America the sequel of the
+proceedings inserted in the public papers against M. Holker, Consul of
+the King, and his Majesty's general Navy Agent. The first part of
+these same proceedings is already in the hands of this august
+Assembly. The Minister of France intended merely to lay the facts
+before them, and to leave to their wisdom to determine the measures,
+that they should judge proper for putting an end to this offence; but
+the late unjust, injurious, and incompetent proceedings, which have
+been carried on against a public officer of the King in relation to
+the exercise of his functions, the further dangers with which he is
+threatened, the indirect consequences, which already result from them
+to the representative of his Majesty, and those which may result more
+directly from the sentiments and principles which are manifested, do
+not permit the Minister any longer to observe the same moderation.
+
+Congress have received the credentials of the undersigned Minister in
+the name of all the United States. They have accepted, and invested
+with their authority the other officers of his Majesty. It
+consequently belongs to Congress to protect them against the attacks,
+which may be made in their persons on the dignity of his Most
+Christian Majesty, and the laws common to all nations governed by the
+laws of police, relative to the free exercise of their functions.
+Congress is too enlightened to need a comment upon the insulting
+writings, which the Minister lays before them. He merely requests them
+to take into consideration the contents of the letter, which the said
+Minister has written to the President of the Executive Council of
+Pennsylvania, as well as that which the Consul of the King has
+addressed to him. Copies of them are annexed. He is persuaded that
+Congress will have the less hesitation to take this cause in hand, as
+facts are involved in it relative to the secret of the alliance, which
+have happened in the sight and with the consent of a committee; and as
+this reason alone would justify them in taking an exclusive cognizance
+of it; besides, the Consul of the King will most fully prove, if
+Congress think it necessary, that the orders he has given have been
+exactly conformable to the agreement made with the committee, and to
+the territorial laws of the State in which they were executed.
+
+Agreeably to these considerations, the Minister Plenipotentiary of
+France has the honor to beg and formally to request the Congress of
+the United States of America;
+
+1st. To be pleased to take under their special protection the Consul
+of the King, and, if circumstances require it, his Majesty's other
+officers.
+
+2dly. To cause the public notice already given to be repeated, that M.
+Holker has been accepted by this august body, and recognised as the
+Consul of his Most Christian Majesty.
+
+3dly. To grant to this public officer, or to procure for him, justice
+and satisfaction for the attacks publicly made on his honor and
+reputation.
+
+4thly. To declare that the Consul of the King has acted conformably to
+the views and wishes of Congress, in seeking to procure provisions for
+the King's squadron by the way of trade; that the condition of these
+private purchases has always been, that the articles procured should
+remain at the free disposal of Congress, either for the army, or for
+the benefit of the public, and that not a single barrel of flour
+should be exported without their consent and formal authorisation;
+that, in consequence of this agreement, the undersigned Minister has
+transferred to them the hundred and eightytwo barrels bought at
+Wilmington, and that this quantity of provisions has, from this time,
+become the property of the United States.
+
+Finally, the undersigned Minister requests Congress to take the
+effectual measures that their wisdom shall dictate, for protecting all
+the officers of the King, his master, from every unjust, injurious,
+and arbitrary proceeding, and for securing to them the liberty
+necessary for the exercise of their functions, without seeing the
+dignity of his Majesty and the honor of his officers exposed to
+farther insults.
+
+The justice of Congress, and their regard for the honor of a monarch,
+who is a friend and ally of the United States, will, doubtless,
+prevent the serious discussions and the misunderstanding which such
+proceedings, if they are not promptly and authentically made amends
+for, would undoubtedly occasion. It is with the most entire
+confidence, that the undersigned Minister places this whole affair in
+the hands of Congress.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * *
+
+ _The Papers referred to in the foregoing Memorial._
+
+ No. 1.
+
+ M. GERARD TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 26th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+M. Holker, Navy Agent and Consul of the King, my master, has presented
+to me his defence in relation to the suspicions, which some have been
+pleased to excite as to his conduct concerning the subsistence of the
+French fleet. I approve and confirm all the contents of his letter,
+and I declare, that he has acted on this occasion in his capacity of a
+public man and an officer of his Most Christian Majesty, and that all
+the orders that he has given for the said subsistence have been given
+under my direction, and with the consent and agreeably to the desire
+of the committee of the general Congress of the United States.
+
+I hope that the defence of the Consul of the King will satisfy your
+Excellency and the Executive Council of this Province, as well as
+every honest and unprejudiced man. At any rate, M. Holker and all the
+other consuls and officers of his Most Christian Majesty scattered
+throughout America, will always be ready, when they shall be properly
+requested, to answer as to anything that shall relate to the law of
+the country. It is the serious will of his Majesty; his
+representatives are ordered to see to it; and it is for this reason,
+that the offers of M. Holker have anticipated your wishes in this
+respect. But, Sir, in paying this just tribute to the sovereignty and
+to the territorial law, I must have the honor of observing to you,
+that there is no civilized nation where the agents and public servants
+of a foreign sovereign do not enjoy immunities and exemptions, which
+by the unanimous consent of these nations have been regarded as
+indispensably necessary for the free exercise of their functions; even
+when they act contrary to the law of the country, care is taken, and
+caution used, in order not to wound the dignity of their constituents,
+and not lightly to injure the public character of their officers. If
+they have acted only in their official capacity, people have neither
+the right nor the power to set themselves up for judges; but if there
+are evident proofs, they are transmitted to the superior officer, if
+there is one in the country, and it may be to the sovereign himself,
+and it is for him to cause satisfaction to be made, or the proper
+punishments to be inflicted.
+
+These officers, moreover, cannot be subjected to any inspection or
+inquisition with regard to the execution of their public functions,
+except to that of their own sovereign and his representatives; it does
+not belong to any one whatsoever to assume in this respect a power and
+an authority, which would become an attack on the rights of the
+sovereign of another country, and an injury to its representatives.
+This would be a violation of the laws common to nations governed by
+the laws of police, and a manifest infraction of the principles upon
+which the mutual and necessary communication between friendly nations
+is founded, and without which the appointment and the residence of the
+respective public officers would become dangerous and impossible, if
+in any country whatever these principles were not acknowledged, or if
+any person pretended, without the consent of a sovereign, to set up
+for a guardian of his officers, and to censure and condemn their
+conduct in his name, or under the pretext of his interest. If this
+usurped power extended even to actions, the scene of which was without
+the territory of the State; if it were allowable to take the property
+of a sovereign by force from the place of deposit, notwithstanding the
+protest of the civil magistrate, and in a foreign State, to which
+alone it would belong to protest against the violence of its laws; in
+fine, if after assuming the pretext of taking care of his interests,
+any one should dare to sentence explicitly or by implication a foreign
+King to pay a penalty or fines, and if the public officers were
+represented as enemies of the country, even while they were employed
+in affairs of the utmost secrecy and of the greatest importance for
+this very country's own interest, they would then be deprived of the
+liberty, which every citizen and every other stranger enjoys; while,
+on the other hand, the terrified citizens would refuse to take part in
+any affair relating to this power, in order to preserve their
+reputation and tranquillity. These officers would then be prevented
+from fulfilling their duties to their master, particularly if the
+crime of falsehood were publicly imputed to them while their title and
+quality were called in question, although publicly and authentically
+acknowledged by all the powers of the country. Such conduct would be a
+marked insult, and this situation very near to a state of hostilities
+would tend to destroy all confidence, all commerce, and all
+correspondence between the two friendly and allied nations; and there
+would remain only one course to be pursued by the representatives of
+that which should be injured, and which could not obtain immediate
+satisfaction; namely, that of seeking an asylum in a country where the
+respect which a nation owes to an independent, friendly, and allied
+power, as well as to its representatives, is known, and where, by
+conforming to the territorial laws, one can rely upon the effectual
+protection of the sovereign, against every injurious, violent, and
+arbitrary proceeding.
+
+My duty, Sir, places me under the necessity of offering these remarks
+to your Excellency and the Executive Council. Having no direct
+credentials for the Republic of Pennsylvania, I cannot demand
+reparations from it as a Minister, and I can only address myself to
+the Congress of the United States, forasmuch as the facts in question
+have all happened under its sanction and by its authorisation; but my
+desire to preserve the decency, harmony, and good understanding,
+which ought to prevail between two allied States, will justify me in
+earnestly requesting your Excellency and the Executive Council to take
+immediately into consideration the preceding observations, and without
+delay to communicate to me your opinion on this subject. An explicit
+and positive answer is indispensable in this delicate and critical
+juncture, in order that I may take the measures suitable to the
+dignity of the King, my master, as well as to the tranquillity and to
+the honor of his officers of all ranks and denominations, and at all
+events to enable his Majesty to provide himself for the maintenance of
+his dignity. Meanwhile I give orders to suspend every proceeding
+susceptible of new inconveniences, and every operation in the State of
+Pennsylvania on account of his Most Christian Majesty on the part of
+his officers, until the rules to which they are to conform shall be
+known and fixed, and till the public is convinced that the citizens do
+not expose their honor and their tranquillity, when they treat with
+the officers of the King, and when they conform to the laws of their
+States.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * *
+
+ No. 2.
+
+ M. HOLKER TO JOSEPH REED, PRESIDENT OF PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 24th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor of forwarding to your Excellency Mr Dunlap's
+publication of this day, in which I find, with some degree of
+surprise, a paragraph levelled at me and my official transactions. I
+observe that notwithstanding the most explicit and repeated offers I
+made to you yesterday morning, and through you to the honorable the
+Supreme Executive Council of this State, of proving that I had not in
+any shape violated or infringed the laws of Pennsylvania, that I had
+acted in perfect conformity therewith; notwithstanding I solemnly
+declared that the flour seized was bought and destined for the sole
+use of his Majesty's fleet; notwithstanding the many and forcible
+reasons urged to your Excellency to convince you that more proper and
+more decent measures might have been pursued, and that the steps I had
+taken to supply his Majesty's fleet were not only proper, but were
+dictated by mere necessity; notwithstanding all these circumstances, I
+am still held up to the public in a suspicious light, and as if I were
+answerable or accountable for the private and personal transactions of
+Mr Rumford of Wilmington, transactions totally foreign to me and to
+the instructions or orders given him by me.
+
+My application to you, Sir, in this respect, seems to have been so far
+ineffectual, as also your just and pointed representation on this
+subject, which you were pleased to communicate to me by your letter of
+this day. I am sorry to remark, that though I have acted in concert
+with his Excellency, our Minister Plenipotentiary, that Congress has
+always been apprised of the purchases made by my orders; though all
+the provisions purchased and delivered into the hands of my agents
+have been at all times at the disposal of Congress in consequence of
+express stipulations; though I have given with pleasure the widest
+room for inquiry into the grounds of all suspicions, in order that a
+thorough investigation might establish public tranquillity and public
+confidence, which I had the greatest reason to expect, because it is
+evident, even by the publications, that not a single suspicion was
+founded on solid ground, but merely on surmise; still his Majesty's
+representative in this Commonwealth, his Agent General in all the
+ports of the United States, acknowledged as such by Congress, by
+yourself, and the board at which you preside, specially charged, in
+conjunction with the Minister Plenipotentiary, with procuring the
+necessary supplies for his Majesty's squadron, expressly fitted out
+for the defence of these States against the common enemy, and for the
+protection of his dominions in America, acting in the strict line of
+his office and duty, is most wantonly traduced to the public, branded
+with the most injurious and unfair imputations in the newspapers
+published in this very city, where these facts and my public character
+are most notorious, under your eyes, with your knowledge, and in
+contradiction to your personal advice and disapprobation.
+
+I need not expatiate on the evil consequences, that may arise from
+such illiberal aggression. I need not claim your interposition. But
+the reasons I gave you yesterday, becoming every instant more forcible
+and more pressing, it is necessary that I demand the most immediate
+exertions of government on this occasion.
+
+It is with the utmost reluctance I sit down to appeal in this solemn
+manner to the Executive power of Pennsylvania for justice, lest my
+request may be construed an opposition to the respectable motives of
+the informers on my conduct; but I am accountable to my royal master
+for my actions, and obliged to exact that respect due to his
+representative in this State, and to support the dignity of the
+character with which he has been pleased to invest me. Therefore, it
+is in compliance with my duty, that I submit these facts and the
+repeated insults I meet with, to the reflections of your Excellency
+and Council, relying fully on your sense of propriety, and on your
+exertions on this occasion, as in all others, where I have applied for
+redress.[26]
+
+I remain with respect, your Excellency's most obedient and humble
+servant.
+
+ HOLKER.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[26] The publications relative to these complaints are found in the
+Pennsylvania Packet of Saturday, July 24th, 1779.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 28th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France thinking it necessary to lay
+before Congress all the information relative to the affair of the
+flour from Wilmington, has the honor to annex the copy of a letter,
+which the President of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania has
+written to M. Holker, as well as of the three pieces, which were
+annexed to this letter, and of which this Consul has informed the said
+President that he retained a copy.
+
+The undersigned Minister must at the same time have the honor to
+represent to Congress, that he is informed that there will be a new
+meeting of the city on Monday morning, and that the critical state of
+affairs seems to require, that it should be seen fit, before this
+time, to take some effectual measures conformable to the petition and
+to the request, which he has had the honor to address to Congress.
+Otherwise the undersigned, and the other officers of the King, would
+have no protection and no security against the effects of the unjust,
+injurious and violent principles and proceedings, of which the said
+Minister has complained; and he would be compelled to leave
+Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, in order to seek an asylum in another
+State, where liberty and protection could be secured to him, till he
+could receive the orders of the King, his master.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * *
+
+ _Copies of the Papers enclosed in the above Letter._
+
+ No 1.
+
+ JOSEPH REED TO M. HOLKER.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 24th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+After the visit you favored me with yesterday, and in consideration of
+the point on which we conversed, I wrote the letter enclosed, and
+about six o'clock the answer, also enclosed, was delivered me. I
+informed the gentlemen, two of the committee, that I had seen you that
+morning, that you conceived yourself able to remove the imputations
+conveyed in their representations, and had requested the Council to
+point out the parts of your conduct, on which doubts might arise. The
+gentlemen promised me they would inform the other gentlemen of what I
+had represented; and also that I still thought there would be an
+impropriety in making the publication in the present circumstances. I
+observe this morning, that the gentlemen have been of a different
+opinion, doubtless deeming themselves under a public obligation to
+communicate the transaction to the world without delay.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOSEPH REED.
+
+_P. S._ Not having any copies of the enclosed, I must beg you to
+return them after perusal.
+
+ No. 2.
+
+ In Council, Philadelphia, July 23d, 1779.
+
+ A paper, dated in committee, and signed William Henry, chairman, in
+ answer to the reference made by this Board on the 14th instant,
+ having been read,
+
+Ordered, that the Secretary do write to the said Mr Henry to inform
+him, that the papers alluded to in said answer did not accompany it,
+and to desire that they may be forwarded as soon as convenient.
+
+The President having informed this Board, that M. Holker had conferred
+with him on the above representation, and showed a copy thereof
+received by him (M. Holker) from the committee, and requested that
+this Board would point out such parts thereof as may appear to convey
+any imputations upon him, or distrust of his faithful performance of
+his duty as a public officer,
+
+Ordered, that the said paper be further considered tomorrow, that a
+proper answer may be given to the said request.
+
+Extract from the minutes,
+
+ JAMES TRIMBLE,
+ _for_ T. MATLACK, _Secretary_.
+
+ No. 3.
+
+ JOSEPH REED TO WILLIAM HENRY, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE.
+
+ Walnut Street, July 23d, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I received this morning the report of the committee on the affairs of
+M. Holker, which by a particular accident I was prevented from laying
+before the Council this morning. I observe it is proposed to publish
+it, but I presume this does not mean an immediate publication, as
+there will be an indelicacy and violation of usual forms to do this,
+until a return has been officially made thereupon by us to Congress,
+through whom the matter came to us. In all cases of petitions or other
+papers, to be presented to any public body, I take it to be a standing
+rule, that the matter shall be first communicated to them, before it
+is published to the world. As I observe you have sent a copy to M.
+Holker, I presume it is intended thereby to give him an opportunity to
+explain, deny, or admit, such a part of it as he may think proper to
+do. A publication will in some measure debar him from this, whereas at
+a future day, if the publication is still thought necessary, the whole
+may be given together; at all events, it will be the duty of the
+Council to make some report to Congress, in which this narration will
+appear. As to the flour itself, perhaps there may be no inconvenience
+in letting it remain a few days in its present condition. My earnest
+wish is, that this business may be conducted without fear, favor, or
+partiality, to the real interests of the community, all first
+suspicions converted into solid proof, and those of a contrary kind
+effectually banished.
+
+The good sense of the gentlemen to whom I address myself will, I am
+persuaded, make the necessary and present distinction between persons
+acting in a public capacity and character, especially of another
+nation, and our own citizens, who are to stand or fall by their own
+laws, and the estimation of their countrymen.
+
+I am, Gentlemen, &c.
+
+ JOSEPH REED.
+
+ No. 4.
+
+ WILLIAM HENRY TO JOSEPH REED.
+
+ Friday Afternoon, 5 o'clock, Committee Room.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We had the honor of your favor of this morning, and beg leave to
+observe in answer thereto, that Mr Morris having already published an
+account of the flour, both in behalf of himself and M. Holker, as may
+be judged by his publishing M. Holker's letters, and that publication
+being prior to any report from the Council to Congress, we conceive
+there can be no impropriety in our now taking the matter publicly up.
+Besides which, we apprehend ourselves laid under an immediate
+necessity to give satisfaction to our fellow citizens on the subject,
+and to publish our proceedings for the previous consideration of the
+meeting on Monday.
+
+M. Holker, we conceive, ought in justice to himself to have appealed
+to the Council agreeably to the resolution of Congress, which he has
+not done. We have deferred the matter to the last moment, and cannot
+now, without exposing the reputation of the committee, defer it
+longer.
+
+Your Excellency is sensible that nothing but the most pressing
+necessity could induce us to depart from the advice you are pleased to
+give, and we request you to accept the reasons we have assigned as an
+apology for so doing.
+
+By order of the committee.
+
+I have the honor to be your Excellency's most obedient, humble
+servant,
+
+ WILLIAM HENRY, _Chairman_.
+
+ * * *
+
+All the above memorials, letters, and papers received from the
+Minister this day, were referred to a committee of five, namely, Mr
+Huntington, Mr Laurens, Mr Smith, Mr Morris, and Mr Kean, who were
+instructed to confer with the President and the Supreme Executive
+Council of the State of Pennsylvania and with the Minister and Consul
+of France, and to prepare and report a state of facts, together with
+their opinion of the measures proper for Congress to adopt thereupon.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ M. HOLKER TO M. GERARD.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 29th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to send you the several annexed certificates, which
+have been sent to me by Mr Rumford of Wilmington. As these papers have
+a direct relation to the conduct of Mr Rumford, and to the seizure
+made of the flour bought by him for the King's squadron, and as they
+may give room for fuller information, as well with regard to my
+transactions as to that of this commissary, or of every one else, in
+relation to the said flour seized, I think it my duty to request you
+to transmit them as soon as possible to Congress, informing that body
+that I have sent duplicates of them to the Council of the State of
+Pennsylvania. I hope that there will be found in them proofs of the
+desire, which has always animated me to conform in everything to the
+resolutions or recommendations of Congress, as well as to dispel all
+the doubts or suspicions which insinuations, assertions, or
+publications could have shed upon me. I dare even flatter myself, that
+I shall at last receive the satisfactory testimonial, to which my
+conduct, my transactions, public or private, in everything that can
+concern the United States of America, seem to entitle me on the part
+of Congress.
+
+I am, Sir, respectfully, your obedient humble servant,
+
+ HOLKER.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 30th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Mr Rumford has sent to the Consul of the King some new documents,
+which throw great light on the affair of the flour from Wilmington. I
+have the honor to forward them to you, in the hope that you will be
+pleased to lay them before Congress, as well as the letter of M.
+Holker, which accompanies them.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, your most
+humble and obedient servant,
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ In Congress, July 30th, 1779.
+
+The above papers were referred to the committee of five, before
+mentioned, who on the 2d of August delivered in a report, whereupon
+Congress came to the following resolutions;
+
+Resolved, That the Minister of France be assured, that Congress will
+at all times afford every countenance and protection to the Consuls
+and other servants of his Most Christian Majesty, with the powers and
+authorities to them delegated by their constituents.
+
+That the several appointments of Consuls made, and which may hereafter
+be made and approved by Congress, be duly registered in the
+Secretary's office, and properly notified by the President to the
+Executive authorities of the respective States in whose ports such
+Consuls may reside.
+
+That the measures taken by M. Holker to procure flour for the fleet of
+his Most Christian Majesty in the way of commerce, have from time to
+time been made known unto, and been fully approved by Congress; that
+the several proceedings and publications complained of by the Minister
+on that subject are very injurious to the servants of his said
+Majesty, and that Congress do highly disapprove of the same.
+
+That the President and Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania be
+informed, that any prosecutions which it may be expedient to direct
+for such matters and things in the said publications or transactions,
+as may be against the laws of nations, shall be carried on at the
+expense of the United States.
+
+That the Minister of France be informed that the President and
+Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania have taken proper measures
+to restore the flour taken from the agents of M. Holker.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE PRESIDENT OF PENNSYLVANIA TO M. GERARD.
+
+ In Council, Philadelphia, July 31st, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have now the honor of addressing you in answer to the representation
+you were pleased to make to this Board on the 24th instant. When, to
+every principle of public affection, policy, and justice, there is
+added our experience of your personal friendship to America, and your
+attachment and engaging deportment to the citizens of Pennsylvania of
+every rank, all professions on our part to make your residence in the
+State happy, easy, and honorable, must be unnecessary. It is not easy,
+therefore, for us to find language to express our concern at any
+transaction which may disturb your repose, and interrupt the exercise
+of those functions discharged with so much honor to yourself and
+satisfaction to those, who are called to take any part in public
+affairs.
+
+In some communications which the Honorable Congress have been pleased
+to make to us, we also see, with great concern, that apprehensions are
+expressed, the reality of which we should deplore as an evil of the
+first magnitude. Be assured, Sir, that the citizens of Philadelphia,
+and of Pennsylvania, cannot entertain sentiments so unworthy; but if
+there are any so lost to every sense of propriety, decency, and order,
+the authority of the State has power equal to its inclination to check
+and suppress so licentious and wicked a procedure.
+
+We entreat you, therefore, to dismiss every idea so painful and so
+dishonorable to us as that of personal insult, and repose confidence
+in us when we confirm to you our assurances of the affection, respect,
+and esteem of our constituents. And if there are any persons, who
+presume to insinuate dangers of outrages, as suggested in your
+representations, we most earnestly request you to consider them either
+as ignorant of the real sentiments of those of whom they speak, or as
+acting from less honorable motives.
+
+I have now the honor of acquainting you, that upon the requisition of
+this Board, the flour in question, and which has given rise to this
+unhappy discussion, is delivered up to this Board, and that it is
+ready to be put into the disposal of M. Holker, or any person he may
+direct, for the purposes of its original destination, without any
+condition or restriction, a measure, which we hope both as to you and
+himself, will be considered as a relinquishment of those terms, which
+form a ground of your complaint. Our desire to make the most early and
+explicit avowal of our sentiments and intentions has induced us to
+make this communication, at the same time all other business being
+laid aside, we are considering the papers which touch the character of
+M. Holker, upon which we shall, without delay, address ourselves to
+the Honorable Congress of the United States, through whom those
+communications have been made to us, and we trust it will fully
+appear, that a veneration for the Prince, whose servant he is, respect
+to your interposition, justice to him, and a due regard to the rights
+and interests of this State, have influenced our determination.
+
+We observe all the papers respecting this transaction have been
+transmitted to you, except a resolution of this Board passed on the
+14th instant, which, probably, by some accident has been omitted. I
+have now the honor of enclosing it, that every proceeding may be fully
+before you.
+
+Signed in and by order of Council.
+
+ JOSEPH REED, _President_.
+
+ * * *
+
+_In Congress._ On the 4th of August the committee to whom was referred
+the Memorial of the Minister, relative to the ship Mary and
+Elizabeth's cargo, delivered in a report, whereupon,
+
+Resolved, That Congress do not entertain any suspicion, that M.
+Holker, agent of the marine of his Most Christian Majesty, had any
+participation in, or knowledge of, the shipping of provisions on
+private account on board vessels despatched in the name of his Most
+Christian Majesty.
+
+Resolved, That frauds by masters and shippers are offences against the
+municipal laws, and are to be investigated by the magistrates of the
+States respectively.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, August 5th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received with gratitude the resolution of Congress, which you
+were so kind as to send me yesterday. I express my sentiments on this
+subject in the annexed Memorial, which I request you to be pleased to
+lay before Congress.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, your most
+obedient and humble servant,
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, August 5th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France is eager to thank Congress for
+the readiness with which they have been pleased to yield to his
+representations of the 26th of last month.
+
+The resolutions, which have been communicated to the undersigned in
+the name of Congress, appear to him to leave nothing to be desired; he
+only hopes that the public will be informed of the opinions of
+Congress, in whatever form they shall think the most suitable; and the
+Minister Plenipotentiary is persuaded, that his Court will regard the
+said resolutions as a suitable and sufficient satisfaction for the
+proceedings which they condemn, and the offence which has resulted
+from them.
+
+It is under this impression, that the undersigned Minister takes the
+liberty to request Congress not to carry into execution that one of
+their resolutions which orders, that those who on this occasion may
+have violated the laws of nations shall be prosecuted. The King's
+greatness of mind forbids his Minister to insist upon such a measure.
+Between nations closely connected by the most powerful motives of
+friendship and interest, even the most lawful reparations ought always
+to stop short of revenge. It is sufficient to undeceive the public,
+and to restrain the evil-disposed men, who sometimes conceal
+themselves under the pretence of the common good. The said Minister,
+consequently, earnestly requests Congress to stop the said
+prosecutions, and he dares hope this from the moderation of Congress,
+provided that motives foreign to France and independent of the present
+affair do not cause this august body, or the Executive Council of
+Pennsylvania, to see in this indulgence inconveniences, which are out
+of the sphere of the undersigned Minister.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * *
+
+ In Congress, August 9th, 1779.
+
+Resolved, that the Minister of France be informed, that the
+resolutions alluded to in his Memorial of the 5th instant will be
+published in the journals of Congress, and that in the meantime he
+consider himself at liberty to make such use of the copies transmitted
+to him, as he may think expedient.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, August 11th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+It is with the greatest regret that I learn, that the attempt made at
+Martinique to obtain military stores has been fruitless. You will see
+the reasons of it in the letter of the Marquis de Bouille, which I
+have the honor to send you. Nothing but the impossibility of the thing
+could prevent the servants of the King from rendering all possible
+services to the American cause, and compel them to delay complying
+with the requests of Congress.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, your most
+humble and most obedient servant.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE MARQUIS DE BOUILLE TO M. GERARD.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Martinique, July 11, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter, which you did me the honor to write on the
+8th of June, in which you inform me of Congress' want of powder. I am
+very sorry that the supplies for this colony, which are much less than
+they ought to be, will not permit me to furnish any to the United
+States of America. The immense and unforeseen consumption occasioned
+by Count d'Estaing's fleet, and his unhappy expedition against St
+Lucia, have laid me under the necessity of purchasing up all the
+powder in the hands of merchants to the amount of fifty thousand
+pounds, and you must be sensible, that nothing but the most urgent
+necessity could have induced me to go to such expense on account of
+the King, at a time when I am in so much want of money. Mr Bingham who
+is here, an agent of Congress, will be able to purchase lead of the
+merchants. As to arms, they are become scarce.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ BOUILLE.
+
+_P. S._ I beg of you, Sir, to use all your efforts, that we may
+receive as much provisions as possible before the month of November
+next at farthest, and cause them to be addressed to me either at Fort
+Royal, at St Pierre, or at Trinite in this Island, and that you would
+not let the price of freight prevent you. You will thereby do us the
+most essential service.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ In Congress, August 23d, 1779.
+
+Resolved unanimously, that a committee consisting of one member from
+each State be appointed to congratulate the Minister of France on the
+anniversary of the birth of his Most Christian Majesty, and to assure
+him that the pleasure, which we feel on this occasion, can be
+estimated by those only who have a just sense of the extensive
+blessings, which many nations have already derived from his wisdom,
+justice, and magnanimity, and of the prospect of general happiness to
+mankind through the influence of his Majesty's virtuous exertions and
+glorious example.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ M. GERARD TO THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, August 23d, 1779.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+The manner in which Congress are pleased to express their sentiments
+on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of the King, my
+master, is a mark of their friendship and respect for his Majesty.
+Your expressions are truly worthy of a faithful ally, and I dare
+assure you, that the account, which I shall render to his Majesty of
+them, will be in the highest degree agreeable to him.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE COUNT DE VERGENNES TO M. GERARD.
+
+ _In Congress, September 7th._ The President laid before Congress a
+ paper of intelligence, which he received from the Minister
+ Plenipotentiary of France, and which is as follows, being an
+ extract of a letter from Count de Vergennes to M. Gerard, dated
+ Versailles, June 29th, 1779.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+"The decision of Spain is public. Her Ambassador quitted London on the
+18th of this month; he is now at Paris. Her forces are on their march
+to join with ours. The junction made, they will endeavor to inflict on
+England a blow sufficiently heavy to force her to acknowledge the
+independence of America. To free herself if possible from this hard
+necessity, and to procure herself the power of opposing at some future
+time a nation, which she will not without great reluctance consent to
+free from the servitude, which she wished to impose upon them, it
+seems that she has sent two emissaries to Congress with the offer of a
+truce, and even with power to withdraw all the English forces, if
+America will determine to give up our alliance, and to separate
+herself from us.
+
+"I do not imagine that this treachery can even enter into the mind of
+Congress, but if they should be enticed by the love of peace, a single
+reflection ought to stop it. As soon as England shall have proved the
+defection, she can settle her affairs with us, and we shall have no
+reason to refuse to do it; she will then fall upon America with the
+whole mass of her power, very certain that no nation in Europe will
+afterwards take any interest in a nation, which shall have signalized
+its birth by the most unworthy cowardice of which a government can be
+guilty. I am persuaded, Sir, that this reflection seasonably
+presented, will be of great effect. There are many other reflections,
+which certainly will not escape your wisdom."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, September 15th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to inform the
+Congress of the United States of America, that he has appointed Mr
+James Wilson Attorney-General of the French nation, in order that he
+may be intrusted with all causes and matters relative to navigation
+and commerce. The said Minister thought it proper to communicate this
+proceeding to Congress.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, September 15th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France, who is preparing to depart
+immediately, has the honor to request the Congress of the United
+States to be pleased, in the course of the week, if it be not
+inconvenient, to grant him an audience for the purpose of taking leave
+of Congress.
+
+ GERARD.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ In Congress, September 15th, 1779.
+
+Resolved, That Friday next be assigned for granting a private audience
+to M. Gerard, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, in order to his
+taking leave.
+
+Resolved, That this private audience be in full Congress.
+
+_Friday, September 17th._ Resolved, That two members be appointed to
+introduce the Minister to the private audience.
+
+The Minister being introduced, took his leave in the following speech.
+
+
+ M. GERARD'S SPEECH ON TAKING LEAVE OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "Gentlemen,
+
+"The King, my master, having been pleased to accept the
+representations, which my bad state of health compelled me to make to
+him, has permitted me to return. At the same time he has been in haste
+to send another Minister Plenipotentiary to America, in order that
+there may be no interruption in the care of cultivating the mutual
+friendship. I must leave it to the talents of the Chevalier de la
+Luzerne to explain to you his Majesty's sentiments, and will confine
+myself here, Gentlemen, to expressing to you the satisfaction I shall
+experience in giving an account to him of the events, of which I have
+been a witness during more than a year's residence with you. He will
+perceive in them the sentiments, which animate and direct your
+counsels, your wisdom, your firmness, your attachment to the alliance,
+and your zeal for the prosperity of the common cause and of the two
+respective nations. He will see, with pleasure, the valuable union,
+which constitutes the principal force and power of confederated
+America, that not only the citizens are in no want of zeal or vigor to
+repel the incursions, which henceforth can have no other object than a
+barbarous devastation, but also that there is no American, who does
+not perceive the necessity of uniting to humble the common enemy more
+and more, and to weaken him by efforts proportionate to the importance
+of putting a happy end to a glorious revolution, and also of securing
+to confederated America, by a firm and honorable peace, as quickly as
+possible, the inestimable advantages of liberty and independence,
+which form the essential and fundamental object of the alliance, and
+of the war provoked and made necessary by England.
+
+"It remains to me, Gentlemen, to offer you in general and
+individually, the tribute of my gratitude for the marks of confidence
+and esteem, and for the attentions which I have received from you. I
+have always endeavored to deserve them by the most sincere and lively
+attachment to the interests and to the dignity of the United States,
+as well as to the principles and sentiments resulting from the
+alliance. I have not lacked zeal for everything that might relate to
+them, and cement more and more the connexions, whether political or
+personal, between the two nations. The most flattering recompense of
+my labors would be the expression of your satisfaction.
+
+ GERARD."
+
+
+ REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO M. GERARD'S SPEECH
+ ON HIS TAKING LEAVE.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+"We receive with much concern the intimation you have given us, that
+the bad state of your health obliges you to leave America; though, at
+the same time, we are sensible of the continued friendly care of his
+Most Christian Majesty in sending a new Minister Plenipotentiary to
+these States.
+
+"Great as our regret is in thus parting with you, yet it affords us
+pleasure to think how well disposed you are to improve the favorable
+opportunities you will have on your return to France, of evincing to
+his Majesty the reality of those sentiments on our part, which may
+justly be termed the animating principles of the United States.
+
+"By such representations, the King will be assured that the citizens
+of these States observe with the most lively satisfaction the repeated
+instances of his amity for them; that they regard the alliance as an
+inestimable connexion, endeared to them by the purity of the motives
+on which it was founded, the advantages derived from it, and the
+blessings it promises to both nations; that their resolution of
+securing its essential objects, liberty and independence, is
+unalterable; that they are determined, by all the exertions in their
+power, to advance the common cause, and to demonstrate, that while
+they are attentive to their own interests, they as ardently desire to
+approve themselves not only faithful, but affectionate allies.
+
+"By a residence of more than a year near Congress, you are enabled to
+form a competent judgment of the difficulties we have had to
+encounter, as well as of our efforts to remove them.
+
+"Sir, we should be deficient in the respect due to distinguished
+merit, if we should fail to embrace this opportunity of testifying the
+high esteem, which you have obtained throughout this country by your
+public and private conduct. You have happily combined a vigilant
+devotion to the dignity and interest of our most excellent and
+illustrious ally, with a zealous attachment to the honor and welfare
+of these States.
+
+"Your prudence, integrity, ability, and diligence in discharging the
+eminent trust reposed in you, have secured our entire confidence, and
+now solicit from us the strongest declarations of our satisfaction
+with your behavior.
+
+"That you may be blessed with a favorable voyage, the approbation of
+your sovereign, the perfect recovery of your health, and all
+happiness, is among the warmest wishes of every member of this body.
+
+"By order of Congress,
+
+ JOHN JAY, _President_."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ CONGRESS TO THE KING OF FRANCE.
+
+ Great, Faithful, and Beloved Friend and Ally,
+
+The conduct of your Majesty's Minister, M. Gerard, during his
+residence in America, has been in every respect so commendable, that
+we cannot forbear testifying to your Majesty our sense of his merit,
+without feeling that uneasiness which arises from a neglect of the
+obligations of justice.
+
+His behavior appears to us to have been uniformly regulated by a
+devotion to your Majesty's dignity and interest, and an adherence to
+the terms and principles of the alliance, while, at the same time, he
+demonstrated his attachment to the honor and prosperity of these
+States.
+
+Thus serving his sovereign, he acquired our entire confidence and
+esteem, and has evinced your royal wisdom in selecting a person so
+properly qualified to be the first Minister sent to the United States
+of America.
+
+That the Supreme Ruler of the universe may bestow all happiness on
+your Majesty, is the prayer of your faithful and affectionate friends
+and allies.
+
+Done at Philadelphia, the seventeenth day of September, in the year of
+our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventynine, by the Congress
+of the United States of America.
+
+ JOHN JAY, _President_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ In Congress, September 25th, 1779.
+
+ The committee to whom was referred the paper of intelligence
+ communicated by M. Gerard, on the 7th instant,[27] reported the
+ draft of a letter in answer to the said communication, which was
+ read as follows;
+
+ "Sir,
+
+"The sentiments contained in the paper laid before Congress on the 7th
+instant have given us great uneasiness, as they admitted the
+possibility of an event, which we cannot contemplate without pain and
+regret. Nevertheless, as they demonstrate the anxieties of a faithful
+friend, Congress are willing again to testify their unalterable
+attachment to the terms and principles of the alliance, more
+especially as we wish you on leaving America to take with you a solemn
+assurance of our fixed dispositions.
+
+"Reposing ourselves upon that Almighty power, whose interposition in
+our behalf we have often seen and adored, confident of the unanimity
+and zeal of our fellow-citizens throughout these States, assured of
+the assistance and support of our great ally, relying that the good
+and brave everywhere regard our cause with interested attention, we
+firmly repeat what we have already declared, that no offer of
+advantage, however great and alluring, no extremes of danger, however
+alarming, shall induce us to violate the faith we have given and the
+resolutions we have adopted, for the observance of which we have
+solemnly pledged our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
+
+After debate, Ordered, that the President return the following answer;
+
+ "Sir,
+
+"Congress feel themselves obliged by your communication of the 7th
+instant, and are happy that M. Gerard will be able to contradict from
+the fullest evidence every insinuation, which may be made prejudicial
+to the faith and honor of the United States."
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[27] See this paper above, p. 349.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF
+
+C. A. DE LA LUZERNE;
+
+MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY FROM FRANCE TO THE UNITED STATES.
+
+
+Caesar Anne de la Luzerne succeeded M. Gerard as Minister
+Plenipotentiary from France to the United States. He had previously
+been employed in a diplomatic capacity, and with much success, in
+Bavaria, which he left in July, 1778. He was soon after appointed to
+supply the place of M. Gerard, and arrived in Philadelphia on the 21st
+of September, 1779. As his predecessor was still discharging the
+functions of his office, the Chevalier de la Luzerne did not receive
+his first audience of Congress till the 17th of November.
+
+From that time to the end of the war he applied himself sedulously to
+the duties of his station, and by the suavity of his manners, as well
+as by the uniform discretion of his official conduct, he won the
+esteem and confidence of the American people. His efforts were all
+directed to the support of the alliance, on the principles of equity,
+and the broad basis of reciprocal interests established in the
+treaties.
+
+After remaining in the United States more than five years, he obtained
+permission to visit France, although he did not then resign his
+commission as Minister. A few months afterwards, however, he wrote to
+Mr Jay, then Secretary of Foreign Affairs, that, being designed by the
+King for another appointment, his character as Plenipotentiary to the
+United States had ceased. M. Barbe Marbois, who had been the Secretary
+of Legation during the whole of M. de la Luzerne's residence in
+America, succeeded him as _Charge d'Affaires_.
+
+The Chevalier de la Luzerne accepted the appointment of Ambassador
+from France to the Court of London, in January, 1788. He remained
+there till his death, which happened on the 14th of September, 1791,
+at the age of fifty years.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF
+
+C. A. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ SUBSTANCE OF A CONFERENCE BETWEEN M. DE LA LUZERNE AND GENERAL
+ WASHINGTON AT HEAD QUARTERS, WEST POINT.[28]
+
+ September 16th, 1779.
+
+The Minister opened the conference by observing, that the Council of
+Massachusetts had represented to him the disadvantages, which their
+commerce was likely to suffer from the late misfortune in Penobscot,
+and the advantages which would result if his Excellency, Count
+d'Estaing, could detach a few ships of the line and frigates to be
+stationed upon their coast for protecting their commerce, and
+countenancing the operations of their cruisers against that of the
+enemy. But before he should propose such a measure to Count d'Estaing,
+he wished to know from the General, what purposes the detachment would
+answer to his military operations, and whether it would enable him to
+prosecute any offensive enterprise against the enemy. That if he could
+accompany the request of the Council with assurance of this kind, a
+motive of such importance would have the greatest influence in
+determining the concurrence of Count d'Estaing, and might the better
+justify him in deranging or contracting his plans in the West Indies,
+by making a detachment of his force.
+
+The General answered, that if Count d'Estaing could spare a detachment
+superior to the enemy's naval force upon this continent, retaining
+such a force in the West Indies, as would put it out of the enemy's
+power to detach an equal force to this continent without leaving
+themselves inferior in the Islands, the measure would have a high
+probability of many important and perhaps decisive advantages; but
+these would depend upon several contingencies; as the time in which
+the detachment can arrive, and the position and force of the enemy
+when it arrives. That the season proper for military operations was
+now pretty far advanced, and to make a winter campaign would require a
+disposition of our magazines peculiar to it, which could not be made
+without a large increase of expense, a circumstance not to be desired
+in the present posture of our affairs, unless the arrival of a naval
+succor was an event of some certainty. That with respect to the
+position and force of the enemy, they had now about fourteen thousand
+men at New York and its dependencies, and between three and four
+thousand at Rhode Island; that to reduce the former, if it should be
+concentered on the Island, would require extensive preparations
+beforehand, both as to magazines and aids of men, which could not with
+propriety be undertaken on a precarious expectation of assistance.
+But that if the garrison of Rhode Island should continue there, we
+should have every reason to expect its reduction by a combined
+operation; it might, however, be withdrawn; he added, that the enemy
+appear to be making large detachments from New York, which the present
+situation of their affairs seems to exact; that there is a high
+probability of their being left so weak as to give us an opportunity,
+during the winter, of acting effectually against New York, in case of
+the arrival of a fleet to co-operate with us, even with the force we
+now have and could suddenly assemble on an emergency; that, at all
+events, the French squadron would be able to strike an important
+stroke, in the capture and destruction of the enemy's vessels of war,
+with a large number of transports and perhaps seamen.
+
+He concluded with observing, that though in the great uncertainty of
+the arrival of a squadron, he could not undertake to make expensive
+preparations for co-operating, nor pledge himself for doing it
+effectually, yet there was the greatest prospect of utility from the
+arrival of such a squadron, and he would engage to do everything in
+his power for improving its aid, if it should appear upon our coast;
+that if the present or future circumstances should permit Count
+d'Estaing to concert a combined operation with the troops of these
+States against the enemy's fleets and armies within these States, he
+would be ready to promote the measure to the utmost of our resources,
+and should have the highest hopes of its success; it would, however,
+be necessary, to prevent delay and give efficacy to the project, that
+he should have some previous notice.
+
+The Minister replied, that the General's delicacy upon the occasion
+was very proper, but as he seemed unwilling to give assurances of
+effectual co-operation, in conveying the application to the Admiral he
+would only make use of the name of the Council, which would, no doubt,
+have all the weight due to the application of so respectable a body.
+
+The General assented, observing, that occasional mention might be made
+of the military advantages to be expected from the measure.
+
+The Minister next informed the General, that there had been some
+negotiations between Congress and M. Gerard, on the subject of the
+Floridas and the limits of the Spanish dominions in that quarter,
+concerning which, certain resolutions had been taken by Congress,
+which he supposed were known to the General. He added, that the
+Spaniards had in contemplation an expedition against the Floridas,
+which was either already begun or very soon would be begun, and he
+wished to know the General's opinion of a co-operation on our part;
+that it was probable this expedition would immediately divert the
+enemy's force from South Carolina and Georgia, and the question then
+would be, whether General Lincoln's army would be necessary elsewhere,
+or might be employed in a co-operation with the Spanish forces. That
+the motive with the French Court for wishing such a co-operation was,
+that it would be a meritorious act on the side of the United States
+towards Spain, who, though she had all along been well disposed to the
+revolution, had entered reluctantly into the war and had not yet
+acknowledged our independence; that a step of this kind would serve to
+confirm her good dispositions, and to induce her not only to enter
+into a treaty with us, but, perhaps, to assist with a loan of money.
+That the forces of Spain in the Islands were so considerable, as would
+in all appearance make our aid unnecessary; on which account the
+utility of it, only contingent and possible, was but a secondary
+consideration with the Court of France; the desire to engage Spain
+more firmly in our interests, by a mark of our good will to her, was
+the leading and principal one.
+
+The General assured the Minister, that he had the deepest sense of the
+friendship of France, but replied to the matter in question, that he
+was altogether a stranger to the measures adopted by Congress relative
+to the Floridas, and could give no opinion of the propriety of the
+co-operation proposed in a civil or political light; but considering
+it merely as a military question, he saw no objection to the measure,
+on the supposition that the enemy's force in Georgia and South
+Carolina be withdrawn, without which it would, of course, be
+impossible.
+
+The Minister then asked, in case the operation by the Spaniards
+against the Floridas should not induce the English to abandon the
+Southern States, whether it would be agreeable that the forces, either
+French or Spanish, employed there, should co-operate with our troops
+against those of the enemy in Georgia and South Carolina.
+
+The General replied, that he imagined such a co-operation would be
+desirable.
+
+The Minister inquired in the next place, whether in case the Court of
+France should find it convenient to send directly from France a
+squadron and a few regiments attached to it, to act in conjunction
+with us in this quarter, it would be agreeable to the United States.
+
+The General thought it would contribute much to advance the common
+cause.
+
+The Minister informed us, that Dr Franklin had purchased a fifty gun
+ship, which the King of France intended to equip for the benefit of
+the United States, to be sent with two or three frigates to
+Newfoundland to act against the enemy's vessels employed in the
+fishery, and afterwards to proceed to Boston to cruise from that port.
+
+He concluded the conference with stating, that in Boston several
+gentlemen of influence, some of them members of Congress, had
+conversed with him on the subject of an expedition against Canada and
+Nova Scotia; that his Christian Majesty had a sincere and
+disinterested desire to see those two Provinces annexed to the
+American Confederacy, and would be disposed to promote a plan for this
+purpose; but that he would undertake nothing of the kind unless the
+plan was previously approved and digested by the General. He added,
+that a letter from the General to Congress some time since, on the
+subject of an expedition to Canada, had appeared in France, and had
+been submitted to the best military judges, who approved the
+reasoning, and thought the objections to the plan, which had been
+proposed, very plausible and powerful. That whenever the General
+should think the circumstances of this country favorable to such an
+undertaking, he should be very glad to recommend the plan he should
+propose, and he was assured that the French Court would give it all
+the aid in their power.
+
+The General again expressed his sense of the good dispositions of his
+Christian Majesty, but observed, that while the enemy remain in force
+in these States, the difficulties stated in his letter alluded to by
+the Minister would still subsist; but that whenever that force should
+be removed, he doubted not it would be a leading object with the
+government to wrest the two aforementioned Provinces from the power of
+Britain; that in this case, he should esteem himself honored in being
+consulted on the plan; and was of opinion, that though we should have
+land force enough for the undertaking, without in this respect
+intruding upon the generosity of our allies, a naval co-operation
+would certainly be very useful and necessary.
+
+The rest of the conference consisted in mutual assurances of
+friendship of the two countries, &c. interspersed on the General's
+side with occasional remarks on the importance of removing the war
+from these States, as it would enable us to afford ample supplies to
+the operations in the West Indies, and to act with efficacy in
+annoying the commerce of the enemy, and dispossessing them of their
+dominions on this continent.
+
+ Head Quarters, September 18th, 1779.
+
+The foregoing is, to the best of my recollection, the substance of a
+conference at which I was present at the time mentioned, and
+interpreted between the Minister and the General.
+
+ A. HAMILTON.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[28] The Chevalier de la Luzerne arrived at Boston on the 2d of
+August, and on his way to Philadelphia visited General Washington at
+West Point. Hence this conference took place before his public
+introduction to Congress as Minister Plenipotentiary.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ RECEPTION OF THE FRENCH MINISTER BY CONGRESS.[29]
+
+ In Congress, November 17th, 1779.
+
+According to order the Chevalier de la Luzerne was introduced by Mr
+Mathews and Mr Morris, the two members appointed for that purpose; and
+being seated in his chair, the Secretary of the Embassy delivered to
+the President a sealed letter from his Most Christian Majesty, in the
+terms following;
+
+ THE KING OF FRANCE TO CONGRESS.
+
+"To our dear great Friends and Allies, the President and Members of
+the General Congress of the United States of North America.
+
+ Very Dear Great Friends and Allies,
+
+"The bad state of health of M. Gerard, our Minister Plenipotentiary to
+you, having laid him under the necessity of applying for a recall, we
+have made choice of the Chevalier de la Luzerne, a Colonel in our
+service, to supply his place. We have no doubt, that he will be
+agreeable to you, and that you will repose entire confidence in him.
+We pray you to give full credit to all he shall say to you on our
+behalf, especially when he shall assure you of the sincerity of our
+wishes for your prosperity, as well as the constancy of our affection
+and our friendship for the United States in general, and for each one
+of them in particular. We pray God to keep you, our very dear great
+friends and allies, in his holy protection.
+
+"Done at Versailles, the 31st of May, 1779.
+
+"Your good friend and ally,
+
+ LOUIS."
+
+The Minister being announced, he addressed Congress in the following
+speech.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "Gentlemen,
+
+"The wisdom and courage, which have founded your Republic, the
+prudence which presides over your deliberations, your firmness in
+execution, the skill and valor displayed by your Generals and
+soldiers during the course of the war, have attracted the admiration
+and regard of the whole world.
+
+"The King, my master, was the first to acknowledge a liberty acquired
+amidst so many perils and with so much glory. Since treaties dictated
+by moderation have fixed upon a permanent basis the union of France
+with the American Republic, his Majesty's whole conduct must have
+demonstrated how dearly he cherishes your prosperity, and his firm
+resolution to maintain your independence by every means in his power.
+The events, which have successively unfolded themselves, show the
+wisdom of those measures. A powerful ally has acknowledged the justice
+of those motives, which had compelled the King to take arms, and we
+may reasonably hope for the most solid success from the operations of
+the united fleets. The naval force of the enemy has been diverted from
+your continent, compelled to flee to the defence of their own
+possessions. All their efforts have been too feeble to prevent our
+troops from conquering a considerable part. Other British Islands
+feared the same lot, when the French General stopped the current of
+his success to seek new dangers here. In conforming to his Majesty's
+intentions, he has acceded to his own inclinations, to the desires of
+the French, and to the request of the Americans, who invited him to
+join his arms to those of your Republic. Events have not completely
+answered his courage and his efforts, but his blood and that of my
+countrymen, shed in a cause so dear to us, has cemented the basis on
+which the alliance is founded, and impressed on it a character as
+indelible as are all those by which it is already consecrated.
+
+"That alliance, Gentlemen, becomes daily more indissoluble, and the
+benefits, which the two nations derive from it, have given it the most
+perfect consistency.
+
+"The relations of commerce between the subjects of the King, my
+master, and the inhabitants of the Thirteen United States, continually
+multiply, and we may already perceive, in spite of those obstacles,
+which embarrass the reciprocal communication, how natural it is, how
+advantageous it will be to the two nations, and all who participate in
+it, and how much the monopolising spirit, the jealous attention and
+prohibitory edicts of the enemy to your freedom, have been prejudicial
+to your happiness. It is under these circumstances, Gentlemen, that
+the King has been pleased to appoint me his Minister Plenipotentiary
+to your Republic. You have seen in the letter, which I had just now
+the honor to deliver from him, fresh assurances of his friendship. I
+consider as the happiest circumstance of my life a mission, in the
+course of which I am certain of fulfilling my duty, when I labor for
+your prosperity, and I felicitate myself upon being sent to a nation,
+whose interests are so intimately blended with our own, that I can be
+useful neither to France nor the American Republic, without rendering
+myself agreeable both to the one and the other.
+
+"It was certainly desirable that the affairs with which I am charged
+had remained in the hands of that enlightened Minister, whom I
+succeed, and whose health compels him to return to France. I have not
+his abilities; but like him, I have an unbounded zeal for the welfare
+and success of the common cause. Like him, I am directed to concur in
+everything, which can be useful or agreeable to your Republic. I have
+the same attachment to the people whom you, Gentlemen, represent, and
+the same admiration of their conduct. I have the most fervent wish to
+give you the proof of it; and I hope by these different titles to
+merit your confidence and your esteem.
+
+ LUZERNE."
+
+The translation of the foregoing speech being read to the House by the
+Secretary of Congress, the President returned the following answer.
+
+
+ "Sir,
+
+"The early attention of our good friend and ally to these United
+States is gratefully felt by all their virtuous citizens, and we
+should be unfaithful representatives if we did not warmly acknowledge
+every instance of his regard, and take every opportunity of expressing
+the attachment of our constituents to treaties formed upon the purest
+principles.
+
+"His Most Christian Majesty, in rendering himself a protector of the
+rights of mankind, became entitled to assistance from the friends of
+man. This title could not but be recognised by a monarch, whose diadem
+is adorned with equity and truth. That monarch, by joining his arms to
+those of our great ally, has given a fatal blow to the common enemy,
+and from the justice of the motives which unite the combined fleets,
+we expect the most solid benefits will crown their operations. Nor can
+we doubt that other powers will rejoice to see that haughty nation
+humbled, in proportion as they have been insulted by her presumptuous
+arrogance. We well know, and all the world must acknowledge, the
+moderation and friendship of the Most Christian King, in neglecting
+conquests which courted his acceptance, for the benevolent pleasure of
+succoring his allies. In this, as in every other instance, we
+perceive his strict adherence to the principles of our defensive
+alliance. We are sensible of the zeal of the French General in
+executing his Majesty's orders. We esteem his courage, we lament his
+wounds, and we respect that generous valor, which has led your
+countrymen to contend with ours in the same common cause in the same
+field of glory; a noble emulation, which has poured out the blood of
+the two nations and mingled it together as a sacred pledge of
+perpetual union.
+
+"The consequences, which have followed from the appearance of the
+French fleet upon our coasts, particularly by disconcerting the
+enemy's plans of operations, and destroying a considerable part of
+their naval force, demonstrate the wisdom of the measure. That they
+have not been still more beneficial is to be attributed to those
+incidents, which in the hand of Providence determine all human events.
+But our disappointment is compensated by reflecting on the perfect
+harmony, that subsisted between the Generals and the troops of the two
+nations.
+
+"The prosperous course of this campaign gives a pleasing hope that the
+moment of peace may soon arrive, when the reciprocation of mutual good
+offices shall amply recompence our mutual labors and cares, and we
+doubt not but in that moment the commerce between the allied nations,
+now struggling under great inconveniences, will shoot forth with vigor
+and advantage, and happily demonstrate the injuries we once suffered
+from the restraints of our enemies.
+
+"While we lament, Sir, the loss of your worthy predecessor, we are led
+from your personal character to the pleasing expectation, that you
+will possess that confidence and esteem which he enjoyed. They are due
+to the servant of our benefactor; we are happy in his choice, and
+being thoroughly convinced of the intimate connexion between the
+interests and views of the allied nations, we cannot but persuade
+ourselves, that the more attentively you shall perform your duty to
+your Sovereign, and the more sedulously you shall guard and promote
+the welfare of your country, the more agreeable and respectable you
+will render yourself to the citizens of America.[30]
+
+ SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_."
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[29] The ceremonial of the introduction of M. de la Luzerne to
+Congress was the same, as had been adopted in the case of M. Gerard.
+See the _Correspondence of M. Gerard_, above, p. 245.
+
+[30] Mr John Adams came over from France in the same ship with M. de
+la Luzerne, and the Secretary of Legation, M. de Marbois. See his
+account of these gentlemen in _John Adams's Correspondence_, Vol. IV
+p. 310.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DON JUAN MIRALLES TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, November 25th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I had the honor of communicating to you on the 22d instant two
+letters, which I received from the Governor-General of the Island of
+Cuba, dated the 13th and the 22d of July last. He informs me by order
+of the King, my master, that the declaration of war against the King
+of Great Britain, made by his Majesty, was solemnly published at
+Havana, on the 22d of the said month of July, and he requests me to
+ask for the co-operation of the United States of America in the
+measures, the substance of which I am now to have the honor of
+recalling to your recollection.
+
+The Honorable Congress having formerly proposed to lay siege to the
+town of St Augustine in East Florida, in order to restore it, in case
+of success, to the troops of his Catholic Majesty, I am ordered to
+urge the said Congress to direct the arms of the United States against
+that place, in the hope that this diversion will give powerful
+assistance to those, which the forces of the King have made by their
+attack on Pensacola; and that consequently, the English troops may be
+more readily driven from the territory of the American Republics. I am
+to inform the Governor-General of Havana, at what time the Honorable
+Congress will be able to undertake this conquest, as well as what land
+and naval forces that body will be able to employ in effecting it; in
+order that the Spanish Generals may arrange their operations agreeably
+to the information, which I shall transmit to them.
+
+I am also ordered to invite the Honorable Congress to undertake the
+conquest of the territory and the possessions held by the English to
+the northeast of Louisiana; and as the Governor of that province may
+by his experience contribute greatly to the success of such an
+enterprise, he is desirous of knowing the plan of operations, which
+Congress will adopt in this affair, in order that on his part he may
+second it by every effort in his power.
+
+The Governor-General of Havana is desirous of knowing the quantity and
+kind of provisions, productions, and supplies, with which the United
+States of America will be able to assist Havana, and the Island of
+Cuba, as well as the other possessions of his Majesty in America, in
+order that he may decide according to such information, upon the
+measures to be adopted for procuring his supplies of provisions.
+
+I had yesterday the honor of communicating these various requests to
+the Honorable Congress, which body was pleased to appoint three of
+its members to confer with me upon them. They declared, Sir, that they
+should be much gratified to see my proposals supported by you; and I
+entreat you to be pleased by your intervention to give all requisite
+weight to the importance of these great objects.
+
+The sending as soon as possible, of such forces and stores as Congress
+shall think proper, is of the greatest consequence. Of equal
+importance are the means of securing their arrival at their place of
+destination, with all the security which circumstances will allow. It
+is then desirable, Sir, that you would have the kindness to persuade
+the Count de Grasse to be pleased to take them on board of his
+squadron, and to conduct them under his convoy to South Carolina or
+Georgia; and the deputies of Congress have desired me to make this
+request of you. I have answered them, in consequence of the
+communications, which you have been pleased to make to me, that you
+had already made some overtures to that commander, in relation to the
+operations in which he might engage, and that you were now expecting
+his answer.
+
+The interests of our Sovereigns, Sir, are so closely connected, the
+independence and welfare of United America are objects so dear and so
+important to you, that I have no doubt you will use all efforts to
+secure a compliance with the requests, which I have the honor to make
+of you in the name of the King, my master, and on the success of which
+depends, in a great degree, the success of the general operations of
+the allied powers.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ DON JUAN DE MIRALLES.
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, November 26th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor of communicating
+to the Congress of the United States, a letter of Don Juan de
+Miralles, containing sundry propositions, which appear to him to
+deserve the most serious attention. Although the Chevalier de la
+Luzerne has no instructions from his Catholic Majesty, he is too
+sensible of the good understanding and intimate connexion subsisting
+between the Courts of Versailles and Madrid, not to recommend these
+overtures in the most pressing manner to the consideration of
+Congress.
+
+The great design is to act against the common enemy, and the more
+pains that are taken to unite the strokes aimed against them, the more
+certain will be their effects. As to what regards the concurrence of
+the royal fleet in the operations proposed, the underwritten has the
+honor to observe, that he is entirely uninformed touching the part it
+will be able to take. He has, however, written a letter to the Count
+de Grasse, which that commander will receive on his arrival at
+Hampton. As soon as the underwritten shall have received an answer,
+and the necessary information, he will take the earliest opportunity
+of communicating them to such of the delegates as Congress shall be
+pleased to appoint.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, December 6th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor of
+informing Congress, that he has received from St Domingo intelligence
+of the capture of the Greyhound, by eight American sailors. He annexes
+a summary of some facts relative to this capture.
+
+In the terms of the intelligence, given on the 4th of August, of the
+present year, by the officers of the Admiralty of Port Paix, "the
+eight American sailors, having taken the said schooner, without being
+provided with any commission, have been sent back before Congress, in
+order that this affair may be decided in conformity with the laws of
+their country."
+
+The undersigned Minister is then desirous, that Congress would be
+pleased to inform him, what use they shall judge proper to make of the
+thirteen thousand nine hundred and eighty nine livres, ten sols, which
+remain in the registry of the Admiralty of Port Paix; whether it be
+thought proper that this sum should be remitted to the agent of
+Congress at St Domingo, in order that he may transmit it to the eight
+men interested, in such manner as he shall think fit, or whether
+Congress shall adopt an entirely different mode of proceeding. The
+Chevalier de la Luzerne will hasten to communicate to the commandants
+of the Island of St Domingo, whatever resolution may have been
+adopted, in order that they may without delay make arrangements
+accordingly. The undersigned would have wished to spare Congress the
+detail of this affair, by addressing himself directly to the States
+of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, in order to ascertain their
+intentions, but the intelligence upon which the order of the General
+and Intendant of St Domingo has intervened, obliges the parties to
+come before Congress; besides, this form is the best adapted to
+prevent all delays, and to cause this money to arrive promptly at the
+destination, which shall be determined upon.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ In Congress, December 16th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I am directed to inform you, that Congress in order to testify their
+attention to the interest of his Catholic Majesty, appointed a
+commissioner to confer with General Washington on the subject of your
+letter, accompanying the representation of Don Juan de Miralles;[31]
+and though from the result of their conference, they have reason to
+believe that our grand army cannot be weakened while the enemy retain
+their present force at New York, without considerable danger, yet they
+have upon mature deliberation determined rather to incur that danger,
+than not to comply, as far as is consistent with our circumstances,
+with the views of his Catholic Majesty, to whom they feel themselves
+bound by that union of interest, which a common enemy creates, by the
+favorable disposition manifested by his Catholic Majesty to these
+United States, and by those ties, which connect the House of Bourbon
+with the happiness of mankind.
+
+Under these impressions they have ordered a considerable detachment
+from the grand army to join the troops in Carolina, which, together
+with the forces already there or on the way, will amount to about four
+thousand men, exclusive of the militia of the Southern States, whom
+Congress have called for upon this occasion. Congress have also
+ordered three of their frigates to Charleston, to be put under the
+direction of the commanding officer in that department.
+
+This force they conceive will make so powerful a diversion in favor of
+his Catholic Majesty's army, as to afford probable hopes of their
+being crowned with success. You will perceive, Sir, that any other
+co-operation with the troops of Spain is impossible, while Savannah
+opposes a barrier to a junction of our force. This, from its present
+strength, it will not be easy for us to remove, till a more decided
+superiority in this quarter enables us to transfer a greater
+proportion of our army thither. Unless, in the meantime, the Governor
+of Havana shall think proper to furnish such aid, as when joined with
+the forces of the United States in that quarter, will be sufficient to
+effect the purposes before mentioned. But as Congress were desirous of
+extending their views still further, and conceiving the conquest of
+East Florida to be an object of great importance, as well to his
+Catholic Majesty, as to these States, they have therefore directed me
+to inform you, and through you Don Juan de Miralles, by whom the
+intentions of his Catholic Majesty are communicated, that they have
+given full power to their General commanding in the Southern
+department to correspond and concert with the Governor of Havana, or
+any other person or persons, authorised by his Catholic Majesty for
+that purpose, such plan as can be agreed upon between them for
+carrying our views into execution.
+
+I am, Sir, directed further to inform you, that though Congress cannot
+promise any considerable quantity of provisions until the army of the
+United States are supplied, yet as soon as that can be done, every
+means will be used to furnish provisions for his Catholic Majesty's
+Islands and fleet. But in the meantime they conceive, that a large
+supply of rice may be afforded by the State of South Carolina, while
+Congress will readily aid the agents of Spain in procuring the same.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[31] See above pp. 373, 375.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ M. HOLKER TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 10th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor of transmitting to you the annexed letter, and copy
+of a late law of the State of Maryland, which I have this moment
+received from Mr William Smith, a merchant at Baltimore. As it is of a
+nature to alarm us in relation to all the operations, which have been
+concerted in the Islands, or contemplated with respect to other places
+during the course of the ensuing summer; as, moreover, the vessels and
+store-ships, which I expect from Martinique, to supply the place of
+those which were destined by the Count d'Estaing for the Chesapeake
+Bay, and which the officers of the King have thought it their duty to
+sacrifice and sell to the State of Carolina, with a view to
+contribute, as far as lay in their power, to the security and defence
+of that place; as, I say, these store-ships might arrive immediately,
+and I might be obliged to send them back in ballast, if the corn and
+wheat, which I have purchased in Maryland, should be seized, and as,
+thereby, all my transactions and engagements would not only become
+uncertain, but might terminate in a manner disgraceful to me, and in
+the failure of the naval operations of the King in America, I cannot
+forbear to claim, in the most urgent manner, the influence of your
+character with the Congress of the United States upon this occasion,
+while I observe to you, that if the law of Maryland is put in
+execution in relation to the provisions, which I have collected at a
+great expense and with every possible precaution, I shall, for the
+future, be unable to take a single step in the service of the King,
+and shall be obliged to pay large sums to indemnify those with whom I
+have made engagements.
+
+Your Excellency is aware of the innumerable difficulties, which I have
+experienced since I have been engaged in this country, in the naval
+service of the King. They seem to multiply every moment, and have
+become so great that I am compelled to declare to you, that I cannot
+guaranty or be answerable for the success of the least operation,
+unless you shall be able most speedily to persuade Congress to take
+with each and every State in the Union, decisive and effectual
+measures to cause respect to be shown to my transactions, carried on
+in the name and on the account of his Majesty; while I repeat my
+offers to oblige my agents and correspondents to conform to such
+suitable formalities, as your Excellency shall think proper to
+prescribe for the general tranquillity and satisfaction.
+
+I am, Sir, &c.
+
+ HOLKER.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ WILLIAM SMITH TO M. HOLKER.
+
+ Baltimore, January 7th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+By express I send enclosed a copy of a letter I received yesterday
+from the Governor and Council of this State, in answer to my
+application for permission to load the brig Hawk with flour for Cape
+Francois, on account of his Most Christian Majesty. You will perceive
+by this letter, that I am not permitted to proceed in loading this
+vessel as you direct, nor will any permission for that purpose be
+granted until the army is supplied.
+
+That the army ought to be supplied, I doubt not you will think right;
+but that the wheat and flour collected in this port should be taken
+for that purpose, when I presume a sufficient quantity may be had much
+more convenient to the army and less prejudicial to your interest, you
+will, probably, conclude is not so convenient, and might, if duly
+considered, have been avoided. I am well informed that the public
+purchasers in Harford county have now on hand upwards of three
+thousand barrels, which, for a wagon at this season of the year, are
+at least three days nearer camp than this place. Besides, very
+considerable magazines must be provided on the eastern shore of this
+State; and it seems to me, that the distresses of our army have arisen
+more from the want of carriages to convey a sufficient quantity of
+flour to camp, than from any other cause.
+
+Be that as it may, I find that the Commissioners for this county are
+determined to lay their hands on all your wheat and flour, and have
+already seized some of your wheat, and I doubt not but the whole on
+the eastern and western shores will be taken as soon as they
+conveniently can do it. Therefore, I thought it my duty to despatch
+this information to you by express, that you may take such measures in
+the premises as you judge best. You will see by the enclosed letter,
+that no relief is to be expected from our Governor and Council.
+Perhaps an application to Congress may procure a resolve directing
+your magazines to be spared, by lending some for the present
+emergency. But that ought to be taken when most convenient for the
+army, and least prejudicial to you.
+
+You will please to favor me with a line by return of the bearer,
+directing whatever steps you may think will be most conducive to the
+interest of his Most Christian Majesty.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ WILLIAM SMITH.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF MARYLAND TO WILLIAM SMITH.
+
+ In Council, Annapolis, January 6th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We received your favor of the 3d instant by express. As the grand
+object of the "Acts for the immediate supply of the army, &c." is to
+procure an immediate and full supply of provisions for _our_ army, it
+was necessary that the Commissioners should be vested with
+extraordinary powers, that those powers should be accurately defined,
+and that the mode to be pursued by them should be plainly delineated;
+which is done. We do not think that flour or wheat purchased for the
+Marine of France, privileged or exempted from seizure, and we are
+certain it was not the intention of the Legislature that those
+articles should be, because such exemption would, in a great degree,
+if not wholly, frustrate the design of the law.
+
+We deem it our duty to afford the Commissioners every aid in our power
+to facilitate the execution of the law, and, therefore, cannot at this
+time grant permission to export flour or wheat purchased by the agents
+of France; because we should thereby restrain that extensive operation
+of the act, by which alone we can obtain an immediate supply adequate
+to our pressing wants. We are sensible, that it is of importance that
+the Marine of France should be furnished with flour, and it is with
+the utmost regret that we have refused permission, and nothing could
+have induced us to do it, but the alarming and distressful situation
+of our army; and when we have assurances that their wants are
+relieved, we shall with pleasure grant license as heretofore.
+
+The numerous evils, that would result from procrastinating the
+supplies when contrasted with the inconveniencies alluded to by you,
+will, we trust, evince the propriety of our conduct and justify our
+refusal.
+
+We are, with respect, Sir, &c.
+
+ J. T. CHASE, _President of the Council_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 10th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has just received
+from M. Holker a letter, of which a copy is annexed, in relation to a
+law, passed by the State of Maryland, to authorise the Commissioners
+therein named to seize the grain, corn, and rice, which may be found
+stored in the hands of individuals in that State, and to carry them
+away. It is to be presumed, that if the General Assembly of Maryland
+had been informed of the measures taken, at a great expense, to
+procure supplies for the fleets of his Majesty and for his garrisons
+in the French Islands, and of the pressing wants which they suffer,
+they would have excepted from this law the provisions found in the
+hands of Mr Smith.
+
+The undersigned is about to take suitable measures for inducing the
+government to refrain from seizing the said provisions, and to replace
+them in case that they are already seized. He earnestly entreats
+Congress to be pleased, on its part, to recommend to the Councils and
+Assemblies of the Thirteen States to refrain, in circumstances of this
+nature, and in all other cases, from all measures which may cause any
+uncertainty in the operations of the King's Navy Agents, endanger the
+success of the plans of the campaign, and expose to want and to the
+greatest inconveniences the garrisons of the French Islands, the
+governors of which are previously informed of the measures taken to
+procure supplies for them in the United States, and in concert with
+Congress and the respective governments of the States.
+
+The present juncture being of a very pressing nature, the undersigned
+entreats Congress to be pleased to come to a decision on this subject
+as quickly as possible. He, moreover, proposes to the Council of
+Maryland to subject the agents and Commissioners, charged with making
+purchases on account of his Majesty, to all the legal forms best
+adapted to prevent every kind of abuse on their part; and he is
+desirous that the States, in which purchases of this nature may be
+made, should be pleased to take similar measures.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 23d, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Advices recently received from Europe make mention of the efforts,
+which the English have made in Germany to procure recruits and new
+levies, and of the difficulty they have experienced even on the part
+of those Courts with whom they had before treated. The greatest part
+of the German Princes, who have sold soldiers to the Court of London,
+now blush at these sales, which have excited their subjects against
+them, and which besides have drained their States. They are reluctant
+to give troops to a power, that is making war against France, with
+whom they have always preserved amicable ties, and I am assured, that
+it is even doubtful whether the English will be able to procure a few
+recruits to complete the corps they have in America.
+
+I am informed, that these circumstances have determined the British
+government to make every effort to obtain men in America, whom they
+cannot procure in Europe, and that Mr Clinton has received orders to
+spare no pains to effect the exchange or deliverance of the troops of
+the Convention of Saratoga, and of other prisoners, who are in the
+hands of the Americans. It is added, that the want of the Court of
+London for soldiers is so pressing, that General Clinton has been
+authorised to surmount all the difficulties, which may arise in the
+negotiation of this exchange, and that he is even permitted in case of
+absolute necessity to treat with Congress, or their Ministers, on
+terms of perfect equality, and as with an independent power. He has
+also equally full liberty to agree upon the number of private
+soldiers, who may be given in exchange for an officer of any rank
+whatsoever; and they order him simply to remember in treating of this
+matter, that an English soldier transported to America is of an
+infinite price to England, and they exhort him to employ all his
+efforts to bring about an exchange whatever may be the conditions.
+
+I hasten to communicate these interesting ideas to Congress, and I
+have learned, that they were confirmed by the event, and that Major
+General Phillips had in effect drawn on a negotiation, the progress of
+which had been entirely confided to your Excellency. They prayed me at
+the same time to send you a communication of these objects, which the
+Congress think ought greatly to influence the measures, which it will
+be in your power to take, when you know that the English Commissioners
+have orders to pass over all difficulties, and to grant all the
+demands, which may be made, rather than to lose the occasion of
+reinforcing the army they have upon this continent.
+
+I join to this some extracts, the contents of which have appeared to
+me of a nature to interest your Excellency. You will see besides, Sir,
+by the despatch of the British Minister, with what affectation he
+seeks to make the Thirteen States to be considered as subjected to the
+English domination, and you will judge of what importance it is to you
+to treat with the Court of London upon the footing of perfect
+equality, and how useful an act of this nature may be to the
+negotiations of Congress in Europe, when they can add to all the
+facts, of which the Court of Madrid makes mention in its memoir, a
+cartel regulated on the footing of perfect parity, and which would
+prejudge beforehand the question of your independence. I congratulate
+myself, that this negotiation is in your hands, and I am well
+persuaded, that nothing will pass derogatory to the part, which my
+Court has taken in acknowledging the independence and the perfect
+sovereignty of the United States.
+
+I shall intrust to your Excellency, that the King is disposed to send
+over succors to this continent, of arms and ammunition, but as the
+events of the sea are uncertain, I believe that it will be proper to
+make no change in the measures, which may have been taken otherwise to
+procure them. This news not having reached me till yesterday, I have
+not yet been able to make a communication of it to Congress.
+
+As you may be retained in your quarters by important considerations, I
+propose to go to render you my duties in the course of the next month,
+and confer with your Excellency on objects of great importance, and
+relative to the measures necessary to push the next campaign with
+vigor, and to put the American army in a condition truly proper to
+hold the enemy in check upon the continent, whilst his Majesty and the
+King of Spain shall display in the other parts of the world all their
+forces to secure advantageous terms of peace to the allies.
+
+I am, with respect, Sir,
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+_P. S._ This letter will be delivered to your Excellency by M. de
+Galvan, who has been raised to the rank of Major by your goodness; he
+desires to merit it anew, and prays me to solicit you to put his zeal
+in activity. I shall be very grateful for what you may be pleased to
+do for him. He was particularly recommended to me by the Minister of
+France. He appeared to me to merit a great deal from his zeal, and
+from his personal attachment to your Excellency.
+
+ * * *
+
+ PAPERS MENTIONED IN THE ABOVE LETTER.
+
+ No. 1.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ _Extract of a Memorial communicated by the Ambassador of England to
+ the Court of Madrid, on the 28th of March, 1779._
+
+Let the Colonies expose also their grievances, and the conditions for
+their security, or for their precaution, in order that the continuance
+and authority of lawful government may be re-established; and then we
+shall see if a direct and immediate accommodation can take place. If
+this same method is preferred in this last case only, let a truce be
+made in North America, that is to say, a real truce and suspension of
+arms, during which may be established and secured the liberty and
+estates of persons of every condition, and let all sort of violence
+against the respective subjects, or against the estates or effects
+which they possess, be made to cease. During this truce, the French
+may treat upon their particular concerns, avoiding thereby the
+suspicions, to which they would necessarily expose themselves, if they
+wish to involve in the negotiation their private advantage relatively
+to the pretended interests of those, whom France with affectation
+calls her allies; and his Majesty will be able to establish the
+government of his own dominions, without suffering the humiliation of
+not receiving, but from the hand of a declared enemy, the conditions
+which regard this government.
+
+ * * *
+
+ No. 2.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ _Ultimatum proposed by the Court of Madrid to the Courts of France
+ and England, dated 3d of April, 1779._
+
+If these overtures or propositions had arrived here immediately after
+the King had made his to adjust the plan of reconciliation, several
+difficulties might have been some time since removed, by the
+modifications, which might have been negotiated, counting upon good
+faith and reciprocal confidence, as well as the desire of obtaining a
+peace; but after having lost more than two months, without reckoning
+the time that uselessly passed before, and after having observed that
+during this interval they did not cease to make great preparations of
+war, it must necessarily be suspected, that the object of England is
+to let glide away the months, which the campaign might still last, to
+continue the war with vigor. In this case all the efforts of the King
+to bring back the belligerent powers to peace would be ineffectual.
+Nevertheless, his Majesty, wishing to give one more proof of his love
+of humanity, and to make it appear that he has neglected nothing to
+stop and prevent the calamities of war, has ordered to propose to the
+two Courts the following plan, which will be on his part an ultimatum
+in this affair.
+
+"That there shall be an unlimited suspension of arms with France on
+the condition, that neither of the belligerent powers can break it
+without advertising the other a year beforehand.
+
+"That with a view of re-establishing reciprocal security and good
+faith between the two Crowns, by means of this suspension of
+hostilities, there shall be a general disarming in the space of one
+month on the side of Europe, in four months on that of America, and in
+eight months or a year for those of Africa and of Asia the most
+remote.
+
+"That they shall determine in a month the place where the
+Plenipotentiaries of the two Courts shall assemble, to treat of a
+definitive accommodation of peace, and to regulate the restitutions or
+compensations relative to the reprisals, which have been made without
+adjudication of war, and to other grievances or pretensions of one or
+the other Crown. For this purpose the King will continue his
+mediation, offering in the first place the city of Madrid to hold a
+Congress.
+
+"That the King of Great Britain shall grant a like cessation of
+hostilities to the American Colonies, by the intercession and
+mediation of his Catholic Majesty, a year beforehand, to the end, that
+he may apprize the said American Provinces, that they are equally
+ordered to make a reciprocal disarming at the epochas, and for the
+spaces of time, which have been specified with regard to France.
+
+"That the bounds be fixed beyond which neither of the two parties
+shall pass from the positions and territories, in which it shall be at
+the time of the ratification of this arrangement.
+
+"That they may send to Madrid one or more Commissioners on the part of
+the Colonies, and that his Britannic Majesty may also send others on
+his part under the mediation of the King, if necessary, in order to
+adjust all those points and others, which respect this suspension of
+arms, and the effects which it ought to produce, so long as it shall
+subsist, and that during this interval the Colonies shall be treated
+as independent in fact. That in case all the belligerent powers, or
+any others among them, or even the Colonies themselves, demand that
+the treaties or accommodations, which are concluded, be guarantied by
+those powers and by Spain, they shall in effect be so guarantied. And
+the Catholic King now offers his guarantee for the preliminaries."
+
+ * * *
+
+ No. 3.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ _Extract from the Exposition of the Motives of the Court of Spain
+ relative to England._
+
+Among the propositions of the ultimatum of the King of Spain, there is
+one for which the British Cabinet has affected to have the greatest
+repugnance, and that is the proposition which imparts, that the
+Colonies shall be treated as independent _in fact_, during the
+interval of the truce. It is extraordinary, since it is even
+ridiculous, that the Court of London after having treated the Colonies
+during the war as independent, not only _in fact_, but also _of
+right_, should have any repugnance to treat them as independent only
+_in fact_, during the truce, or suspension of arms. The Convention of
+Saratoga, General Burgoyne considered as a lawful prisoner, the
+exchange and liberation of other Colonial prisoners, the nomination of
+Commissioners to meet the Americans at their own homes, the act of
+having asked peace of them, and to treat with them, or with Congress,
+and a hundred other facts of this nature, authorised by the Court of
+London, have been genuine signs of an acknowledgment of the
+independence of the Colonies.
+
+It is the English nation itself, who can best judge and decide,
+whether all these acts are as compatible with the honor of the British
+Crown, as would be that of granting to the Colonies, by the
+interposition of his Catholic Majesty, a suspension of arms to discuss
+their differences, and to treat them during this interval as
+independent _in fact_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 24th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor of sending you the credentials, by which M. d'Anmours
+is provisionally appointed his Majesty's Consul in the State of North
+Carolina. I entreat you to be pleased to cause them to be invested
+with the sanction of Congress, by having them entered upon the
+registers, and by taking the trouble to affix your approval, or
+causing that of Mr Thompson to be affixed, according to the mode
+heretofore pursued in similar cases.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 25th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has received express orders
+from the King, his master, to inform Congress, that the present
+situation of the affairs of the alliance in Europe announces the
+necessity of another campaign, which is indispensable to bring England
+to an acknowledgment of the independence of the Thirteen United
+States, which is the essential purpose of the present war. That power
+is making preparations the most proper for continuing the war with
+vigor, and appears willing to employ, in the course of this year, all
+the means possible to procure reparation, by some important
+enterprise, for the losses it has already sustained. Congress cannot
+doubt, that in this situation of affairs his Most Christian Majesty
+and the King of Spain have concerted plans to maintain that
+superiority by sea, which has begun to appear in their favor; and the
+underwritten has reason to believe, that the United States have
+nothing to desire of their ally, touching the use he is making of the
+resources of his realm, and the efficacy of the measures adopted by
+the Cabinets of Versailles and Madrid.
+
+But while this powerful diversion retains in Europe, and the West
+Indies, the greater part of the land and sea forces of the common
+enemy, it is absolutely necessary, that the United States, on their
+part, should make efforts proportionable to the greatness of the
+object for which they are contending. The only means of putting an end
+to the calamities of the war is to push it with new vigor; to take
+effectual measures immediately for completing the army and putting it
+in condition to begin an early campaign.
+
+It is also necessary to concert, as far as the distance of places will
+permit, a plan of common operations; and this is one of the principal
+points on which the underwritten Minister is ordered to consult with
+Congress. He is also ordered to assure this Assembly, that the King
+being informed of the wants of the American army, with respect to arms
+and ammunition, has commanded his Ministers to make suitable
+arrangements for supplying them. It is necessary that the underwritten
+Minister should confer with Congress on the subjects just mentioned.
+Besides, he has some particular circumstances to communicate relative
+to the present or probable state of the negotiations; and he desires
+that this assembly will be pleased to inform him in what manner they
+will receive the communication, the subject of which, as well as the
+plan of operations for the ensuing campaign, requires the most
+profound secrecy. In the meanwhile, he now only assures Congress, that
+in the whole course of the negotiations carried on last year, the King
+would not listen to either peace or truce, without an assurance, of
+some sort, of the independence of the United States.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ REPORT OF A COMMITTEE ON THE COMMUNICATIONS
+ OF THE FRENCH MINISTER.
+
+ In Congress, January 28th, 1780.
+
+The committee appointed to receive the communications of the Minister
+of France, reported the following summary, accompanied with extracts
+of papers, which he had recently received.[32]
+
+The Minister of France informed the Committee, that he had it in
+command from his King to impress upon the minds of Congress, that the
+British Cabinet have an almost insuperable reluctance to admit the
+idea of the independence of these United States, and will use every
+possible endeavor to prevent it. That they have filled several of the
+Courts of Europe with negotiations, in order to excite them to a war
+against France, or to obtain succors; and are employing the most
+strenuous endeavors to persuade the several powers, that the United
+States are disposed to enter into treaties of accommodation. That many
+persons in Europe are actually employed in bringing such treaties to
+perfection; and that they have no doubt of their success. That the
+objects which the British Cabinet hope for from those measures are, to
+destroy the superiority, which France has now at sea, by diverting her
+powers and resources from naval to land operations, and by engaging
+her in a land war, where she must risk very important interests, while
+England would risk nothing but money; or to break, or weaken the
+alliance, by destroying the confidence, which the allies ought to have
+in each other.
+
+That his Most Christian Majesty gives no credit to the suggestions of
+Britain, relative to the disposition of the United States; and it is
+necessary, that measures be taken for the preventing of other powers
+from being deceived into a belief of them. That the negotiations of
+Britain, as far as could yet be learned, had not succeeded. That the
+dispositions of all the European powers are, as far as can be known,
+very friendly to France; but some of them may be engaged in secret
+treaties with Britain, which may oblige them, in some event, to assist
+her with troops even against their inclinations. That such event may
+arise, and if it should, it is probable it will produce an armed
+mediation, the consequences of which would be, that the allies must
+accept of the terms proposed by the mediator, or continue the war
+under the disadvantage of having the forces of the mediator united
+with those of their enemies. That in such event, it is possible the
+terms proposed will be such as Spain offered, and Britain rejected, in
+the last proposed mediation.
+
+That, though the powers who may be under such engagements by treaty to
+Great Britain, from their friendly disposition towards his Most
+Christian Majesty, may be very unwilling to give assistance to his
+enemies, yet they may find it indispensably necessary in compliance
+with their engagements; but it is not improbable that their
+reluctance, or the distance of their dominions, may delay such
+assistance, if granted at all, so as to be too late for the next
+campaign. That should the enemy be in possession of any part of the
+United States at the close of the next campaign, it will be extremely
+difficult to bring Great Britain to acknowledge their independence;
+and if a mediator should be offered, while the enemy is in possession
+of any part, an impartial mediator could not easily refute the
+arguments, which might be used for its retaining such possessions.
+And, probably, a mediator well disposed towards Great Britain might
+insist on her holding them; and if not agreed to, the hostility of
+such a mediator would be the necessary consequence. That should Great
+Britain form such alliances, or procure such aids, as are the objects
+of her present negotiations, there will be every reason to fear a long
+and an obstinate war, whereof the final event may be doubtful.
+
+That this view of affairs plainly points out the necessity for the
+greatest possible vigor in the operations of the next campaign, in
+order to dispossess the enemy of every part of the United States, and
+to put them in condition to treat of peace, and accept of a mediation
+with the greatest advantage; and the preparations for it ought to be
+as speedy and as effectual as possible. That France and Spain are
+prepared to make a very powerful diversion, and will exert themselves
+most strenuously for preserving and improving their naval superiority,
+and for employing the powers of the enemy in Europe and the West
+Indies. The Minister declared, as from himself, that he doubted not
+his Most Christian Majesty will spare some ships to the United States,
+if it can be done without endangering his superiority at sea; and that
+an application made to the Minister informally is more eligible than
+to the King, because it would give his Majesty great pain to refuse
+the request, though he might be in no condition to grant it. That at
+all events, supplies should be prepared on a supposition that the
+ships will be granted; and such supplies should be put into the hands
+of the Agent for the Marine of France, and considered as the King's
+property.
+
+He desires to be informed, as far as Congress may deem proper, what
+force the United States can bring into the field next campaign? On
+what resources they rely for their maintenance and necessary
+appointments? And what shall be the general plan of the campaign, on
+supposition either of having, or not having the aid of ships of war?
+He gives it as his opinion, that an application for clothing may be
+made to his Most Christian Majesty with prospect of success; and
+although measures have been taken for sending arms and warlike stores
+to America, yet it would be prudent in Congress not to neglect any
+other means for procuring those supplies, or supplies of clothing.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[32] These extracts were the same as had been sent to General
+Washington, and are printed above, in connexion with M. de la
+Luzerne's letter to him, dated January 23d, 1780.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ANSWER OF CONGRESS TO THE COMMUNICATIONS OF THE FRENCH MINISTER.
+
+ In Congress, January 31st, 1780.
+
+Congress taking into consideration the communications of the French
+Minister, as reported by the committee on the 28th instant,
+
+Resolved, That the following answer be given to the communications of
+the honorable the Minister Plenipotentiary of France;
+
+That Congress entertain the most grateful sense of the unremitting
+attention given to the interests of the United States by their
+illustrious ally; and consider the communications made to them by his
+Minister under his Majesty's special command as equally wise and
+interesting. That the confidence which they repose in his Majesty, in
+consequence of his so generously interesting himself in the affairs of
+these United States, and the wisdom and magnanimity of his councils,
+determine them to give the most perfect information in their power of
+their resources, their views, and their expectations.
+
+That to this end, they state as follows; that the United States have
+expectations, on which they can rely with confidence, of bringing into
+the field an army of twentyfive thousand effective men, exclusive of
+commissioned officers. That this army can be reinforced by militia so
+as to be in force sufficient for any enterprises against the posts
+occupied by the enemy within the United States. That supplies of
+provisions for the army in its greatest number can certainly be
+obtained within the United States; and the Congress, with the
+co-operation of the several States, can take effectual measures for
+procuring them in such manner as that no operation will be impeded.
+That provisions, also, for such of the forces of his Most Christian
+Majesty, as may be employed in conjunction or co-operation with those
+of the United States, can be procured under the direction of Congress;
+and such provisions shall be laid up in magazines, agreeably to such
+instructions as his Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary shall give; and
+the magazines shall be put under the direction of the Agent of the
+Marine of France.
+
+That Congress rely on the contributions of the States by taxes, and on
+moneys to be raised by internal loans, for the pay of the army. That
+supplies of clothing, of tents, of arms and warlike stores, must be
+principally obtained from foreign nations; and the United States must
+rely chiefly on the assistance of their ally for them; but every other
+means for procuring them are already taken, and will be prosecuted
+with the greatest diligence.
+
+That the United States, with the assistance of a competent naval
+force, would willingly, during the next campaign, carry on the most
+vigorous offensive operations against the enemy in all the posts
+occupied by them within the United States. That without such naval
+force, little more can be attempted by them than straitening the
+quarters of the enemy, and covering the interior parts of the country.
+That their forces must be disposed in such manner as to oppose the
+enemy with the greatest effect, wheresoever their most considerable
+operations may be directed.
+
+That at present, the Southern States seem to be their principal
+object, and their design to establish themselves in one or more of
+them; but their superiority at sea over the United States enables them
+to change their objects and operations with great facility, while
+those of the United States are rendered difficult by the great extent
+of country they have to defend.
+
+That Congress are happy to find that his Most Christian Majesty gives
+no credit to the suggestions of the British cabinet relative to the
+dispositions of the United States, or any of them, to enter into
+treaties of accommodation with Great Britain; and wish his Majesty and
+all the powers of Europe to be assured, that such suggestions are
+insidious and without foundation.
+
+That it will appear by the constitutions and other public acts of the
+several States, that the citizens of the United States possessed of
+arms, possessed of freedom, possessed of political power to create and
+direct their magistrates as they think proper, are united in their
+determinations to secure to themselves and their posterity the
+blessings of liberty, by supporting the independence of their
+governments, and observing their treaties and public engagements with
+immovable firmness and fidelity. And the Congress assure his Majesty,
+that should any individual in America be found base enough to show the
+least disposition for persuading the people to the contrary, such
+individual would instantly lose all power of effecting his purpose, by
+forfeiting the esteem and confidence of the people.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ COMMUNICATIONS OF THE FRENCH MINISTER TO A
+ COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS AT A SECOND CONFERENCE.
+
+ In Congress, February 2d, 1780.
+
+The Committee report, that in a second conference with the honorable
+the Minister Plenipotentiary of France he communicated to them;
+
+That his Most Christian Majesty, being uninformed of the appointment
+of a Minister Plenipotentiary to treat of an alliance between the
+United States and his Catholic Majesty, has signified to his Minister
+Plenipotentiary to the United States, that he wishes most earnestly
+for such an alliance; and in order to make the way thereto more easy,
+has commanded him to communicate to the Congress certain articles,
+which his Catholic Majesty deems of great importance to the interests
+of his Crown, and on which it is highly necessary that the United
+States explain themselves with precision, and with such moderation as
+may consist with their essential rights.
+
+That the articles are,
+
+1st. A precise and invariable western boundary to the United States.
+
+2dly. The exclusive navigation of the river Mississippi.
+
+3dly. The possession of the Floridas; and
+
+4thly. The lands on the left or eastern side of the river Mississippi.
+
+That on the first article, it is the idea of the cabinet of Madrid,
+that the United States extend to the westward no farther than
+settlements were permitted by the royal proclamation bearing date the
+---- day of ---- 1763.
+
+On the second, that the United States do not consider themselves as
+having any right to navigate the river Mississippi, no territory
+belonging to them being situated thereon.
+
+On the third, that it is probable that the King of Spain will conquer
+the Floridas during the course of the present war; and in such event,
+every cause of dispute relative thereto between Spain and these United
+States ought to be removed.
+
+On the fourth, that the lands lying on the east side of the
+Mississippi, whereon the settlements were prohibited by the aforesaid
+proclamation, are possessions of the Crown of Great Britain, and
+proper objects against which the arms of Spain may be employed, for
+the purpose of making a permanent conquest for the Spanish Crown. That
+such conquest may, probably, be made during the present war. That,
+therefore, it would be advisable to restrain the Southern States from
+making any settlements or conquests in those territories. That the
+Council of Madrid consider the United States as having no claims to
+those territories, either as not having had possession of them before
+the present war, or not having any foundation for a claim in the right
+of the sovereignty of Great Britain, whose dominion they have abjured.
+
+That his Most Christian Majesty, united to the Catholic King by blood
+and by the strictest alliances, and united with these States in
+treaties of alliance, and feeling towards them dispositions of the
+most perfect friendship, is exceedingly desirous of conciliating
+between his Catholic Majesty and these United States, the most happy
+and lasting friendship.
+
+That the United States may repose the utmost confidence in his good
+will to their interests, and in the justice and liberality of his
+Catholic Majesty; and that he cannot deem the revolution, which has
+set up the independence of these United States, as past all danger of
+unfavorable events, until his Catholic Majesty and the United States
+shall be established on those terms of confidence and amity, which are
+the objects of his Most Christian Majesty's very earnest wishes.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Head Quarters, Morristown, February 4th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Major Galvan delivered me the letter, which your Excellency did me the
+honor to write to me on the 23d of January, to which I have paid all
+the attention the importance of its contents demands. I am much
+flattered by this commencement of a correspondence, from which I have
+everything to gain, and equally indebted for the interesting
+communications it affords.
+
+It is a happy circumstance, that the efforts made by the British Court
+for obtaining troops in Germany are attended with so little success.
+This will naturally increase their exertions for procuring men in this
+country, and will, no doubt, make them more solicitous for effecting
+the exchange or release in some way or other, of their prisoners in
+our hands. It will be well, if in the negotiations on this subject, we
+can extract concessions favorable to those, which may take place in
+Europe, and you may depend the experiment shall be fully tried. But
+from the aspect of the late propositions on the part of the enemy, I
+should not entertain any sanguine hopes of the success of this
+experiment. The reinforcement they would derive from a full compliance
+with their proposals is not calculated at more than ten or eleven
+hundred private men; and this seems hardly to be an object of
+sufficient magnitude to induce them to concede to points of the
+nature, which your Excellency's information supposes; especially, as
+you emphatically express it, "after having sought with so much
+affectation to make the Thirteen States be considered as subjected to
+the English domination." The offers made through Major General
+Phillips are far more moderate, than any that have hitherto come from
+them, and appear, in a great measure, to have been influenced by his
+personal solicitations, dictated by an extreme anxiety to be released
+from captivity. But notwithstanding the matter in its present form
+wears to me the appearance I have mentioned, I shall not neglect any
+measure, which it may be in my power to take, to improve the
+intimation your Excellency has given, and entreat you to be assured,
+that I shall endeavor to make the event confirm the opinion you do me
+the honor to entertain, that nothing will be done derogatory to the
+magnanimous part your Court has acted, or the honor or interest of the
+United States.
+
+The inconsistency of the Court of London, so well delineated by that
+of Madrid in the extract you had the goodness to annex, would appear
+extraordinary, if their whole conduct in the course of the war did not
+exhibit many similar examples. But it is evident, that their refusing
+to consider these States as independent in fact, during a negotiation,
+was a mere pretext to cover their unwillingness to concur in the
+pacific views of His Catholic Majesty; and the Memorial from the
+British Ambassador shows, that they were artfully aiming to effect a
+separation of interests between France and these States, the better to
+prosecute their hostile designs against either or both.
+
+I thank your Excellency for the agreeable intelligence you give me of
+his Christian Majesty's intentions to send over succors of arms and
+ammunition. It is a new and valuable proof of his friendship, and will
+be of essential utility. I agree with you, that there ought to be no
+relaxation in the measures otherwise intended to be taken to procure
+the necessary supplies of those articles.
+
+I am sensibly mortified, that the present situation of affairs will by
+no means suffer me to yield to the desire I have of paying you my
+respects in Philadelphia; and I shall impatiently look for the
+opportunity of doing it here, which your Excellency promises me in the
+course of this month. Besides the important objects of public utility,
+which I am authorised to hope from it, I shall take pleasure on every
+occasion of testifying to you those sentiments of respect and esteem,
+with which I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+_P. S._ The interest your Excellency is pleased to take in Major
+Galvan, will be an additional motive with me to avail myself of his
+talents and zeal, as far as circumstances will possibly permit.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Head Quarters, Morristown, February 15th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's
+letter of the 4th,[33] which only reached me on the 13th.
+
+Sincerely desirous of doing everything in my power, by which the
+interest of his Christian Majesty, inseparable from that of these
+States, can in any manner be promoted, and still more in a point so
+essential as that which makes the subject of your letter, I should not
+hesitate to furnish the detachment required by Mr Duer, whatever might
+be my opinion of its necessity, did not the present state of the army
+absolutely forbid it. I with confidence assure your Excellency, that
+our force is so reduced by the expiration of the terms for which a
+considerable part of it was engaged, and will be so much more
+diminished in the course of a month or two from the same cause, as
+scarcely to suffice for the exigence of the service, and to afford
+just cause for uneasiness should the enemy be actuated by a spirit of
+enterprise, before we receive the reinforcements intended for the next
+campaign. So circumstanced, my duty to the common cause will not
+justify me in adding to the insecurity of our situation, by making a
+detachment, which, though apparently inconsiderable, would be
+materially felt in our present weakness; and I am persuaded, after the
+information now given, that your Excellency will wish me not to hazard
+the measure.
+
+With respect to the necessity of a covering party, I shall not venture
+to decide; but I should imagine in the present state of things, that
+the business may be carried on with tolerable security without one.
+The consequences of the late expedition promise tranquillity for some
+time to our frontier, and make it at any rate improbable that the
+savages will be able to penetrate so far at so early a period, and the
+proposition does not require that the covering party should remain
+longer than until the last of April. The intelligence I have received
+corresponds with these ideas. It might be added, that the garrison at
+Wyoming gives some degree of protection to the part of the country in
+question. But as it is very important, that no interruption should be
+given to the workmen, if a covering party should upon the whole be
+thought requisite, the best mode of furnishing it will be from the
+neighboring militia. For this purpose on your Excellency's application
+to Congress, I cannot doubt they will immediately make the necessary
+arrangements.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the most respect and attachment, &c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[33] Missing.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, March 8th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have just received from Martinique, a letter from M. Gerard, who
+informs me, that at his request the commander of Martinique has
+procured for the frigate Confederation, belonging to Congress, the
+same sources and facilities as are enjoyed by his Majesty's own
+vessels. But there are no materials for masts, and as this vessel has
+been dismasted, M. Gerard knows no other means of hastening her
+repairs, than that of sending masts to him from Boston, or any other
+part of the continent where Congress can procure them.[34]
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[34] See further particulars on this subject in the _Correspondence of
+John Jay_, Vol. VII. pp. 171, et seqq.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE KING OF FRANCE TO CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+To our Very Dear Great Friends and Allies the President and Members of
+the Congress of the United States of North America.
+
+ Very Dear Great Friends and Allies,
+
+We have received your letter of the 22d of November last, which you
+directed Dr Franklin to deliver. We have seen therein with pain the
+picture of the distressed state of your finances, and have been so
+affected, that we have determined to assist you as far as our own
+wants and the extraordinary and enormous expenses of the present war,
+in which we are engaged for your defence, will permit. The Chevalier
+de la Luzerne is enjoined to inform you more particularly of our
+intentions. And we are persuaded, that the details which he will make
+will induce you to exert your utmost efforts to second ours, and will
+more and more convince you how sincerely we interest ourselves in the
+cause of the United States; and that we employ all the means in our
+power to make it triumphant. You may rely on our perseverance in the
+principles, which have hitherto directed our conduct. It has been
+fully proved, as well as the sincere affection we entertain for the
+United States in general, and for each in particular. We pray God to
+have you, very dear great Friends and Allies, in his holy protection.
+
+ Written at Versailles, the 10th of March, 1781.
+
+Your good Friend and Ally,
+
+ LOUIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Morristown, May 5th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Two days since I had the honor of receiving your Excellency's letter
+of the 29th of April.
+
+The polite terms in which you mention the attention, which my
+respectful attachment for you dictated during your stay in camp, add
+to the obligation I felt for the honor of your visit. I was happy in
+that opportunity of giving you a new proof of my sentiments, and I
+entreat you to afford me others as frequently as possible. As the
+Minister of a Prince, to whom America owes so much, you have every
+title to my respect; and permit me to add, your personal qualities
+give you a claim, which my heart cheerfully acknowledges, to all my
+esteem and all my regard.
+
+I beg you to accept my thanks for your intention to represent the army
+in so favorable a light, as will recommend it to the approbation of
+his Most Christian Majesty; an honor as flattering as it will be
+precious.
+
+It would be a want of gratitude not to be convinced of the intimate
+concern he takes in our affairs, after the repeated and decided proofs
+he has given.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, &c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ 9 o'clock, A. M.
+
+_P. S._ I have this instant received a letter from my much esteemed
+and amiable friend, the Marquis de Lafayette, dated in Boston harbor,
+the 29th of last month. In the course of a day or two I shall expect
+to see him.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Morristown, May 11th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The attentions and honors paid to M. de Miralles[35] after his death
+were a tribute due to his character and merit, and dictated by the
+sincere esteem, which I always felt for him.
+
+I am much obliged to your Excellency for your intention of sending me
+a detail of the land and sea forces arrived at Martinique, which I beg
+leave to inform you was forgotten to be enclosed in your letter.
+
+You will participate in the joy I feel at the arrival of the Marquis
+de Lafayette. No event could have given me greater pleasure, on a
+personal account, and motives of public utility conspire to make it
+agreeable. He will shortly have the honor to wait upon your
+Excellency, and impart matters of the greatest moment to these States.
+He announces a fresh and striking instance of the friendship of your
+Court, and which cannot fail to contribute greatly to perpetuate the
+gratitude of this country.
+
+I am always happy to repeat to you the sentiments of respect and
+inviolable attachment, with which I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[35] M. de Miralles, Agent for the Spanish Government in this country,
+died in General Washington's camp, and was buried with military
+honors.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Head Quarters, Morristown, May 14th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Since my last I have had the honor to receive the detail of his Most
+Christian Majesty's fleet in the West Indies, which your Excellency
+has had the goodness to send me. I congratulate you very sincerely,
+Sir, on this very respectable armament, which I found to surpass my
+expectation, and I would willingly hope that an occasion will be
+afforded the Count de Guichen to strike some important blow with it,
+which shall advance the honor and interest of his Majesty, and of
+course the interest of these United States.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 16th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has the honor of
+informing Congress, that the King, in consequence of his affection,
+and friendship for the United States, and of his desire to put an end
+by effectual measures to the calamities of the present war, has
+resolved to send to this continent a reinforcement of troops, intended
+to act against the common enemy, and of vessels, which will be
+employed in assisting the operations of the land troops. As soon as
+Congress has decided on the plan of the campaign, the Marquis de
+Lafayette will receive all communications on this subject; and will on
+his part make the overtures, which shall be necessary to the success
+of the operations. But as despatch and secrecy ought to be the very
+soul of these operations, and as, moreover, Congress will undoubtedly
+find it indispensable to arrange them in concert with the Commander in
+Chief, the Chevalier de la Luzerne requests this Assembly to consider,
+whether the course most proper to be adopted under these circumstances
+be not to appoint, without the least delay, a small committee, who
+shall repair to the army, furnished with instructions, and there fix
+upon measures, which shall be carried into execution immediately on
+the arrival of the land forces, under the command of the Count de
+Rochambeau, Lieutenant General of the armies of the King, and the
+Chevalier de Ternay, commander of the squadron, at whatever part of
+the continent they may have had orders to land.
+
+As the measures to be taken, in relation to the supply of necessaries
+and provisions to the auxiliary troops, will require the concurrence
+of the Legislatures and Governors of the several States, and
+particularly of those of Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New
+Jersey, the undersigned Minister requests Congress to authorise the
+same committee to render their assistance to the measures, which the
+French General, or the Chevalier de la Luzerne, or the Commissioners
+authorised by them, shall be able to take with the different
+Legislatures; and with this view, to give to the delegates, who shall
+compose it, powers as extensive as Congress shall deem expedient.
+
+An object, which next to that just mentioned, requires all the
+attention of Congress, is the information, which it is important to
+obtain as to the forces, the situation, and the resources of the
+enemy, in all the posts in their possession on this continent. The
+Chevalier de la Luzerne is consequently desirous, that Congress would
+be pleased to appoint a committee to collect immediately all the
+intelligence, details, and information, which may exist in their
+deposits and archives, relative to the ports of North America, now
+held by the English, from Halifax to St Augustine, including Canada,
+to the depth of the bays, creeks, and anchorages; to the forces which
+are stationed there, and the forts and fortresses, which have been
+erected there, the dispositions and number of the inhabitants, the
+resources with regard to provisions, and in general, all that
+information, which may promote the success of the operations. It is
+equally desirable, that this committee should have authority to carry
+on a correspondence, as long as may be necessary, in the different
+parts of the continent, whence this information can be obtained, in
+order that the intelligence being always fresh, the commanders of the
+expeditions may be able to establish their plans upon sure bases. The
+Minister of France requests, that the committee may be authorised to
+communicate to him this various information, so far as such
+communication shall not be inconvenient to Congress. Whatever
+promptness these measures require, the Chevalier de la Luzerne prays
+Congress not to take them into consideration, till after the subject
+mentioned at the beginning of this Memorial has been definitively
+settled.
+
+Dr Franklin has undoubtedly rendered an account to Congress of the
+measures, which he has taken for sending to this continent arms,
+stores, and clothing, as well as of the means of facilitating the loan
+of three millions of livres, which that Minister has procured, as
+well to meet this expense, as to give effect to the treaties of
+Congress in relation to it; and the Chevalier de la Luzerne will not
+go into any detail on this subject.
+
+He will not close this Memorial, without congratulating the American
+Senate on the zeal and ardor, which are shown on every side to render
+the ensuing campaign decisive, and to inflict upon the common enemy
+blows, which shall be most sensibly felt, to expel him from this
+country without the possibility of return, and to secure forever the
+liberty of the Thirteen States.
+
+Circumstances have never been more favorable; the enemy, hard-pressed
+on every side, is not in a state to oppose an effectual resistance;
+the American forces are about to become more respectable than they
+have ever been, those of the King bring with them to this country the
+most sincere desire to second the brave efforts of their allies, and
+the two nations closely united for the purpose of bringing their
+combined enterprises to a successful issue, will seek only to
+distinguish themselves by their zeal, and their attachment to the
+common cause.[36]
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[36] For the proceedings of Congress on the subject of this letter,
+see the _Public Journals_, under the date of May 19th, 1780.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 21st, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+You will be informed by the Marquis de Lafayette, of the measures
+adopted by the Congress relative to the operations of the next
+campaign. I will not enter into a detail with respect to them. I
+confine myself to assure your Excellency of the eagerness of my
+countrymen to share in your success, of the zeal which animates them
+for the cause which you so gloriously defend, and of the desire I have
+to receive your advice and orders in everything in which you shall
+believe, that I may contribute to the success of the combined
+operations.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS ON A CONFERENCE WITH
+ THE FRENCH MINISTER.
+
+ In Congress, May 24th, 1780.
+
+The committee appointed to confer with the Minister of France on the
+subject of supplies and other matters mentioned in this appointment,
+report as follows.
+
+That in their first conference with the Minister, he mentioned his
+solicitude to procure the necessary provisions for the fleet and army
+of his Most Christian Majesty; that he wished to render every step he
+should take on this subject conformable to the designs of Congress,
+and conducive to the support of the combined forces; that he would
+therefore lay before the committee the measures, that he had already
+entered into, and was desirous to agree upon any plan for our mutual
+benefit, which we should think it proper to adopt.
+
+That previous to our appointment, the moments being precious, he had
+despatched an agent to consult the Commander in Chief and General
+Greene on the subject of supplies, and would inform us of their
+sentiments at his return; that lest his purchases might interfere
+with those, which the States should make on account of the continent,
+he had thought it most advisable to let the whole business pass
+through their hands, and had accordingly written to Governor Trumbull
+for a limited supply of beef, pork, and mutton, leaving it to his
+option, either to be paid in bills upon France, specie, or continental
+bills of credit.
+
+The committee have stated this information, that Congress may, if they
+should find it necessary, give them their directions before they
+digest any plan with the Minister of France on the return of his
+agent.
+
+The committee conceive the establishment of posts and expresses, who
+shall bring the earliest intelligence of the arrival of the fleet of
+our ally, and the motions of the enemy, as so necessary to the right
+application of our force, that they submit the following resolution.
+
+Resolved, that the Committee of Intelligence be directed to establish
+regular posts to and from the different parts of the sea coasts of
+this continent, from Charleston to Boston, in such manner as will most
+effectually procure information of the approach of the fleet of our
+ally, and the movements of the enemy in consequence thereof.
+
+The committee are further of opinion, from the representations of the
+Minister of France, that every means should be used to add to the
+strength of the fleet of our ally on their arrival, particularly by
+completing the ship America, since it is highly probable, that the
+naval force, which the enemy may send to this coast, in order to
+frustrate the friendly endeavors of our ally in our behalf, will be
+adapted to that of France, without taking into the calculation any
+addition which it may receive here. They therefore submit the
+following resolutions.
+
+Resolved, that the Board of Admiralty be directed to fit for sea, with
+the utmost expedition, the several ships of war and frigates now in
+port.
+
+Resolved, that it be earnestly recommended to the respective States
+within whose ports any of the said ships or frigates may be, to afford
+every assistance to the Board of Admiralty on this application for
+artificers, laborers, and materials, for preparing the same for sea,
+and for completing this compliment of men.
+
+Resolved, that Congress will defray every necessary expense, which any
+State shall incur in consequence of the above resolution.
+
+Resolved, that the Board of Admiralty be empowered, if they shall
+think it advisable to dispose of the Saratoga, to apply the proceeds
+thereof to complete the America, or any of the frigates, which may by
+that means be shortly fitted for sea.
+
+And whereas it is proper to make provision for repairing any damage,
+which the fleets of our ally may sustain by storms or otherwise,
+
+Resolved, that the Board of Admiralty be directed to cause as many
+masts, yards, and spars, as they shall deem necessary for the above
+purposes to be procured.
+
+Resolved, that they may be also directed to settle signals with the
+commanding officers of any ship or ships of our ally, which may now or
+shall hereafter be upon the coasts of the United States.
+
+And for the promoting of harmony and forwarding the common views of
+France and America, it was further agreed between the Minister of
+France and your committee, that they should suggest to Congress the
+propriety of adopting measures to prevent desertion from the fleet
+and army of our allies, in which view they submit the following
+resolution.
+
+Resolved, that it be recommended to the legislation of these United
+States, to pass laws for the punishment of such persons as shall
+encourage desertions from the fleets or armies of any foreign power,
+who shall prosecute the war in America in conjunction with these
+United States, and for the recovering such deserters as shall endeavor
+to conceal themselves among the inhabitants thereof.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON, _Chairman_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Morristown, June 5th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+My time has been so entirely engrossed in the preliminary arrangements
+of immediate necessity towards the intended co-operation, that I have
+not been able till now to do myself the honor to thank your Excellency
+for your letter of the 21st of May. We have too many proofs of the
+general zeal of your countrymen in the cause of America, not to be
+entirely convinced of it, and to feel all that the most grateful
+sensibility can inspire.
+
+I am happy in believing, that the troops and citizens of these States
+will eagerly embrace every opportunity to manifest their affection to
+the troops and citizens of your nation, as well as their gratitude and
+veneration to a Prince, from whom they have received the most
+important benefits. Penetrated with a sense of these, I shall think it
+my duty to cultivate correspondent sentiments, as far as my influence
+extends.
+
+The Marquis de Lafayette has given me an account of all your
+Excellency has done for the advancement of the combined operations. It
+will no doubt contribute essentially to their success, and gives you a
+claim to the acknowledgments of the two countries.
+
+I am too sensible of the value of the permission you gave me to
+solicit your aid in everything, in which you can continue to afford us
+your good offices, not to make use of it as frequently as possible. I
+begin by _entreating_ you to favor me with your advice with the
+greatest freedom, on whatever occurs to you interesting to our affairs
+at this period.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING
+ COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FRENCH MINISTER.
+
+ In Congress, June 5th, 1780.
+
+The committee appointed to receive the communications of his
+Excellency, the Minister of France, relating to supplies for the
+forces of his Most Christian Majesty, and on other matters, beg leave
+to report, that in a conference had on the 3d of the present month,
+the Minister was pleased to make the following communications, viz.
+
+That M. de Corney, Commissary of the troops of his Most Christian
+Majesty, had orders to purchase a number of horses, and to purchase or
+hire a number of teams in the States where they could be most
+conveniently procured, for the use of the forces of his Most Christian
+Majesty, that should arrive to co-operate with the forces of these
+United States.
+
+That M. de Corney had also orders to endeavor to procure in the
+several States, where it should be found most convenient, provisions
+for the forces above mentioned, in such manner as should least
+interfere with the purchaser of the States or agents of Congress, and
+as should be best adapted to support and establish the credit of the
+paper currency. That M. de Corney would apply to the supreme executive
+powers of the several States, in which the purchases were to be made,
+for their advice and aid in the matter.
+
+To obtain which, the Minister wished for the approbation of Congress,
+and that if they should think fit, letters might be written by the
+President to the supreme executive powers of the several States,
+requesting their advice and aid to M. de Corney in procuring those
+supplies.
+
+That M. de Corney had received L7000 of the bills lately emitted by
+the State of Pennsylvania, to use for the purposes above mentioned,
+and would in his negotiations avail himself of all opportunities for
+contributing to the utmost of his power for establishing the currency
+of the public bills of credit.
+
+That it would be necessary to give the said forces of his Most
+Christian Majesty the option of receiving their pay in specie, from
+their unacquaintedness with paper money in general, and ignorance of
+the language in which the bills of these United States are struck.
+
+Which circumstance the Minister thought proper to suggest, that
+Congress might take any measures they should judge necessary to
+prevent uneasiness arising therefrom to the troops of these United
+States, who might receive their pay in a different manner.
+
+That to prevent loss happening to any of the citizens of these United
+States, from receiving from the troops of his Most Christian Majesty
+any small coins they may be possessed of that shall be below the
+standard alloy, the same will be exchanged for other coins by persons
+that shall receive orders therefor.
+
+The Minister desired to be informed of the mode of intelligence
+Congress would rely on to give them immediate notice of the arrival of
+the forces from France, and for keeping up a constant communication
+after their arrival, and again repeated his wishes that nothing might
+be left unprovided for, that could promise despatch to their
+operations and render them most extensively useful to these United
+States.
+
+The Minister also wished to recommend to the consideration of Congress
+M. Louis Ethis de Corney, Provincial Commissary of the troops in the
+service of his Most Christian Majesty, for the honor of a brevet
+commission of Lieutenant Colonel, which title his office had given him
+in the French service. M. de Corney desired not command or pay, but
+was ambitious to deserve a mark of honor from these United States,
+from which benefits might result to him hereafter.
+
+ * * *
+
+Upon the foregoing information your committee beg leave to submit to
+the consideration of Congress the following resolutions,
+
+That a brevet commission of Lieutenant Colonel be granted to M. Louis
+Ethis de Corney.
+
+That M. de Corney be furnished with letters from the President to the
+supreme executive powers of the several States, or to such of them as
+M. de Corney shall apply for, requesting their advice and aid to him
+in procuring provisions and other necessaries for the forces of his
+Most Christian Majesty expected to arrive in these United States, in
+such manner as will best avoid a competition of purchases for the use
+above mentioned, and those for the use of the troops of these United
+States.
+
+That the Minister of France be informed, that it is the opinion of
+Congress, that the public service will be best promoted by having the
+same currency made use of, so far as may be, to procure supplies for
+the forces of his Most Christian Majesty as for those of these United
+States.
+
+That the Governors of the States of Virginia and Maryland be requested
+immediately to engage trusty persons in those States respectively, at
+proper distances from each other, on the main road from Cape Henry in
+Virginia to Philadelphia, to hold themselves in readiness, should the
+French fleet be discovered off that Cape or the adjacent coast, to
+forward intelligence thereof, and any despatches that may be received
+from them to Congress, in the most expeditious manner.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING
+ A CONFERENCE WITH THE FRENCH MINISTER.
+
+ In Congress, June 7th, 1780.
+
+The committee appointed to confer with the Minister of France on the
+mode of obtaining supplies for the forces of his Most Christian
+Majesty, and on other matters, report:
+
+That the Minister of France has communicated to your committee, that
+as M. de Corney, Commissary of the troops of his Most Christian
+Majesty, will go into the State of Connecticut to procure some
+supplies, it would be convenient for him to receive there an advance
+of money from these United States, either in Continental bills or the
+bills of that State, to be replaced in specie on the arrival of the
+fleet from France, and the Minister engages that the moneys, which
+shall be so advanced by these United States to M. de Corney, shall be
+replaced in specie as above mentioned.
+
+Upon which communication your committee beg leave to submit to the
+consideration of Congress the following resolution, viz.
+
+That the Governor of the State of Connecticut be, and he hereby is,
+authorised to receive on account of these United States, out of the
+moneys raised by that State more than sufficient to discharge the
+drafts heretofore made by Congress, and to comply with the requisition
+of Congress of the 20th of last month, or out of the bills that shall
+be completed and lodged in the Continental Loan Office in that State
+for the use of the United States, pursuant to a resolution of Congress
+of the 18th of March last, one million two hundred thousand dollars of
+the bills now in circulation, or thirty thousand dollars of the bills
+last mentioned, or a proportion of each, on the application of M. de
+Corney, Commissary of the troops in the service of his Most Christian
+Majesty, and advance the same to him, taking his receipt therefor, to
+replace the same in specie in the Treasury of these United States when
+required by Congress; said receipts to be transmitted to the Treasury
+Board as soon as may be.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, June 18th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned Minister of France has witnessed the efforts of
+Congress to enable the Commander in Chief to make a glorious
+commencement of the campaign; he is convinced of the zeal with which
+all its members are animated, and if the army has not hitherto
+received any of the reinforcements announced in January last, he is
+persuaded that Congress deeply lament those delays, and are sincerely
+desirous to prevent the fatal consequences, which might result from
+them. The undersigned has, since the beginning of this year, continued
+to make the most pressing representations on this subject, and all the
+answers that he has received tend to assure him that the arrangements,
+which were announced, would be carried into full execution at the
+beginning of this month. Now that the time fixed for putting the army
+on a respectable footing has passed by, and it is but too certain,
+that the reinforcements demanded four or five months ago have not yet
+arrived, he earnestly entreats Congress to be pleased to pay immediate
+attention to the supply of these troops, and to the fulfilment of
+their promises.
+
+The King, after the positive assurances, which he has received, has
+not the least doubt, _that the American army is now twentyfive
+thousand strong, not including commissioned officers, and that it is,
+at this moment, in a condition to undertake the most vigorous
+offensive operations against the enemy in the posts, which he occupies
+within the_ _territory of the United States_. Congress, while giving
+these assurances, expressed in an urgent manner the wish, that a
+French squadron should facilitate the operations of the land troops.
+The King has been eager to comply with the requests of the Thirteen
+States. Their assurances are the basis of the measures which his
+Majesty has taken. A squadron is on the point of arrival, and the
+French Generals expect to find forces, respectable in numbers, ready
+to enter upon action. If, at the moment of their arrival, they are
+deprived of the co-operation, upon which they have reason to rely, the
+most precious time for action will be lost; the enemy will have time
+to take the necessary measures for defence, and, perhaps, to receive
+reinforcements; the soldiers' ardor will be quenched in inaction, and
+this delay will cause the loss of all the advantages of a campaign,
+which, if conducted with suitable promptness and activity, might have
+been made most useful to the common cause, and perhaps decisive.
+
+It being manifestly necessary to complete the army, the undersigned
+has no doubt that Congress, as well from regard to the public
+interest, as to its own glory and the performance of its promises,
+will immediately take, for the accomplishment of this object, measures
+more effectual than those which have hitherto been taken. He hopes
+also, that the proper arrangements will be made for constantly
+maintaining, during the whole campaign, the number which has been
+announced, and he takes the liberty of recommending this important
+object in an equal degree to the consideration of Congress.
+
+The Minister of France, convinced of the zeal for the public good,
+which inspires this Assembly, as well as of its wisdom and prudence,
+hopes that it will see in his representations only a new proof of his
+attachment to the common cause; that it will not be offended at the
+freedom, with which he expresses himself upon so important a subject,
+and that it will be pleased to put him in a situation to transmit to
+his Court satisfactory details respecting the fulfilment of the
+assurances made to him by Congress in January last.[37]
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[37] See the proceedings of Congress on the subject of this letter in
+the _Public Journal of Congress_, under the date of June 21st, 1780.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, June 28th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor of informing
+Congress, that the Court of Madrid has sent to Havana land and naval
+forces sufficient to make a powerful diversion there. The Governor of
+Havana, having been informed of the assurances given by this Assembly
+on the 16th of December last, respecting the provisions of which the
+islands and the fleet of his Catholic Majesty might stand in need, is
+desirous that such quantities of corn as shall not be necessary for
+the subsistence of the armies destined to act upon this continent, may
+be successively sent to him. It is desirable, that the quantity now
+about to be sent should amount to three thousand barrels, and, with
+the approbation of Congress, the undersigned will give immediate
+orders to some merchants of this city to make purchases in the States
+in such manner as Congress shall think proper.
+
+The Governor of Havana is also desirous of being supplied with beef,
+and pork, suet, lard, and vegetables, and with large and even small
+live cattle. The Minister of France entreats Congress to be pleased to
+enable him to send to Havana a favorable answer to these different
+demands, and he will take pleasure in transmitting to the Court of
+Madrid the intelligence of the facilities for supplies of provision,
+which the Spanish Colonies shall have enjoyed throughout the Thirteen
+States.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ CONGRESS TO THE MINISTER OF FRANCE.
+
+ In Congress, July 7th, 1780.
+
+The Minister of France having, in a note dated the 28th of June,
+informed Congress that the Court of Madrid has sent to the Havana a
+considerable body of forces to make a diversion in that quarter; and
+that the Governor of Havana desires, that as much flour and fresh
+provisions, such as cattle, hogs, suet, lard, and pulse, as can be
+spared, should be sent thither; and the Minister having intimated,
+that three thousand barrels of flour are immediately wanted, and that
+he will undertake to have that quantity purchased and sent, if
+Congress approve the measure, the following answer was returned;
+
+That the Minister of France be informed, that through the loss of
+Charleston, the numerous army the States are under the necessity of
+maintaining in the Southern department, the ravages of the enemy, and
+the lightness of the crops in the Middle States, as well as the
+present extraordinary demand for the purposes of an effectual
+co-operation with the expected armament of his Most Christian
+Majesty, have not left these States in a situation to admit of any
+considerable export of provisions; yet Congress, desirous to testify
+their attention to the necessities of his Catholic Majesty's Colonies
+and armaments, and as far as lies in their power to compensate for the
+failure of supplies of rice, which an alteration in the circumstances
+of the Southern States has unhappily rendered it impracticable to
+afford, have resolved, that it be recommended to the State of Maryland
+to grant permission to such agent, as the Minister of France shall
+appoint, to purchase within that State any quantity of flour, not
+exceeding three thousand barrels, and to ship the same to such
+Colonies of his Catholic Majesty in the West Indies, as the Minister
+of France may direct. That many of the articles mentioned in this
+Memorial of the Minister being such as the Colonies of his Catholic
+Majesty furnish upon better terms than they can be procured from these
+States in their present situation, it is to be presumed they will feel
+no inconvenience from Congress' not entering at this time into any
+determination thereon.
+
+Resolved, That Congress will from time to time afford such supplies to
+the Colonies of his Catholic Majesty, as their circumstances may
+require, and the situation of these States enable them to grant.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 22d, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I take the earliest opportunity to inform you, that his Majesty's
+Minister, in giving me notice of the expedition of the squadron,
+which arrived at Rhode Island on the 12th instant, informs me, that
+particular considerations relative to the movements of the English,
+have induced his Majesty to send, in two divisions, the forces which
+are designated to act in this country. The first division, having
+happily arrived, will be immediately ready for active service. With
+regard to the second, it was to quit the French coast as soon as
+circumstances should permit. Will you have the kindness, Sir, in
+imparting this news to Congress, to inform that body, that it ought to
+be kept secret till the moment of execution. I hope that Congress will
+approve of this reserve, both on account of the uncertainty of events
+at sea, and because the enemy should be kept in ignorance of our
+measures.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 25th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+As the present state of things may render the frigates, and other
+vessels at the disposal of Congress, useful to the combined naval
+operations, I pray you to have the goodness to propose putting these
+vessels under the orders of M. de Ternay, commander of the French
+squadron, while instructions, such as shall be thought proper, are
+given to the American captains. If Congress approves of this
+proposition, it will be necessary to send orders to the frigates,
+which are now in the eastern ports, so that they may join the French
+squadron as soon as possible; if, however, they have been destined to
+any other service, and Congress is reluctant to change their
+destination, do not, I pray you, Sir, insist on my demand. If these
+vessels shall receive orders to join the French squadron, I wish to
+have it in my power to inform M. de Ternay at what time he may look
+for them, what signals they will make on their approach, and what
+signals he shall use in reply to theirs.
+
+I had hoped, Sir, after the assurances, which Congress was pleased to
+give me, that the Confederacy would be ready about the 15th of this
+month, at farthest. Will you have the kindness to let me know, with as
+much accuracy as circumstances will permit, about what time you think
+that she will be ready to set sail.[38]
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[38] _In Congress, July 27th._--"Resolved, That the frigates Trumbull,
+Confederacy, and Deane, and the sloop of war Saratoga, be put under
+the direction of General Washington, to be employed in co-operating
+with the fleet of his Most Christian Majesty, commanded by the
+Chevalier de Ternay, in any naval enterprise on the coasts of North
+America."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ JOSEPH REED TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ In Council, Philadelphia, July 25th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In answer to your Excellency's favor of this day, I have the honor to
+acquaint you, that the enlisting any deserter in the Continental army
+being expressly contrary to the direction of the Commander in Chief,
+the Hessian deserters are quite at liberty to enter into the service
+of his Most Christian Majesty, if his officers approve it, and they
+will in that case receive every encouragement from us to do.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOSEPH REED, _President of Pennsylvania_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 26th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Some Hessian deserters having come to me to obtain service in the body
+of French troops sent by the King to this continent, I have thought
+proper, before accepting their offers, to know the opinion of the
+State of Pennsylvania on this subject; and President Reed, whom I
+consulted, returned for answer the letter of which I annex a copy.
+Particular arrangements, relative to the subsistence of these new
+recruits, will make it necessary for me to have recourse to the Board
+of War; and I request, Sir, that Congress would be pleased to
+authorise the members composing it to agree with me on such measures
+as circumstances shall render necessary.[39]
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[39] _In Congress, July 31st, 1780._--"On a report from the Board of
+War, to whom the Minister's letter of the 26th was referred,
+
+"_Resolved_, That, agreeably to the request of the Honorable the
+Minister of France, the Board of War be authorised to take such
+measures relating to the subsistence of the recruits, who shall be
+enlisted into the service of his Most Christian Majesty out of the
+German deserters from the enemy, as the said Board shall deem
+proper."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Head Quarters, July 27th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a letter, which has
+just come to hand, from the Count de Rochambeau, of the 22d instant.
+It is certainly of great importance, that the precaution he mentions
+should be taken without loss of time. I should think the Delaware the
+best place for the reception of the second division, though there
+ought to be cruisers off both bays. It is necessary that a plan should
+be previously fixed for the junction of the fleets after the
+debarkation. I shall immediately write to the Count for this purpose.
+
+We have repeated accounts from New York, that General Clinton is
+making a large detachment for a combined attack upon the French fleet
+and army. This will be a hazardous attempt, and, therefore, though I
+do not regard it as impossible, I do not give it entire faith. The
+Count de Rochambeau has been some time since apprized of these
+demonstrations, and seems to have been preparing for what might
+happen.
+
+I have the honor to be, with every sentiment of respect and
+attachment, &c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 30th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I enclose to your Excellency a letter for M. de Ternay, in which you
+will see what measures I have taken to fulfil the intentions, which
+you imparted to me on the 27th instant. I beg you will seal this
+packet and send it to his address by the first opportunity.
+
+Congress have put under your orders the frigates, in directing them to
+come into the Delaware. You will be able to judge, after your
+arrangements with the Chevalier de Ternay, whether these vessels, or
+one of them, may not accomplish the commission desired. Their cruise
+may then be useful to the commerce of the United States. I know not
+whether M. de Ternay will communicate to them any signals, by means of
+which they may approach the coast without danger. Your Excellency may
+be able, should you think it necessary, to suggest it to him.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Peekskill, August 4th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Colonel Jamet arrived here last night, by whom I had the honor to
+receive your Excellency's request, that I would send instructions for
+the second division coming from France, with respect to the measures,
+which it should pursue for forming a junction with the first. I beg
+leave to inform your Excellency, that I wrote to the Count de
+Rochambeau, agreeably to my letter to you of the 27th ultimo, and
+requested that he, in concert with the Chevalier de Ternay, would
+communicate to me, that it might be transmitted to your Excellency,
+the line of conduct which they should judge proper to be pursued by
+this division.
+
+As the Marine are concerned, and the junction in present circumstances
+is a matter of peculiar delicacy, I did not think myself qualified to
+decide on the point. I have not received their answer yet, and
+therefore I cannot pretend to determine what should be done; I will,
+however, take the liberty to observe, that if the ships of war with
+this division are superior, or even fully equal to those of the enemy,
+off Rhode Island, I should suppose it would be eligible for them to
+proceed there at once, should they be met by the cruisers your
+Excellency has sent out on the Southern coast. If this is not the
+case, they ought to make the Delaware as soon as possible. In this
+event the troops might be forwarded to Trenton in the first instance,
+and the ships might remain until ulterior measures, with respect to
+them, should be determined. These, however, I would not offer but as
+mere suggestions, and much it would seem must depend on circumstances
+and the discretion of the officer commanding the division.
+
+Perhaps if the ships of war should proceed directly to Rhode Island,
+it will be best for them to disembarrass themselves of their
+transports, and send them into the Delaware as in the other case. I
+take it for granted, that signals of recognisance have been
+preconcerted between the two divisions.
+
+On the 31st ultimo, the enemy's fleet in the Sound returned from
+Huntington Bay to New York. From every information the Count de
+Rochambeau and his army were certainly their object, and they had
+embarked in considerable force, with a view of attacking him. I cannot
+determine with precision the reasons, which induced the enemy to
+relinquish their plan; but it is not improbable that the movements of
+our army, and the ulterior measures I was about to prosecute, operated
+in some measure to produce it.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Peekskill, August 6th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I had this morning the honor to receive your Excellency's letter of
+the 30th of July, with the one addressed to the Chevalier de Ternay,
+which I have sealed and forwarded by an express.
+
+With respect to the Continental frigates, I beg leave to inform your
+Excellency, that I did not apprehend, from the resolution of Congress
+concerning them, that they were to be under my orders, or to receive
+any instructions from me, until they had joined the Chevalier de
+Ternay, after assembling in the Delaware. This being the case, I
+cannot give any directions about them at present, and would take the
+liberty to recommend to your Excellency to apply to Congress or the
+Board of Admiralty; to the latter of whom I have written to give their
+orders to the captains of the frigates, on the conduct they are to
+pursue. The employment for them, or at least for one which your
+Excellency has suggested, appears to me to be proper, and that it will
+answer the double purposes you mention.
+
+I have, by my letter of today to the Chevalier de Ternay, requested
+him to advise me in what manner he thinks the frigates can be most
+usefully employed to assist his fleet, and that there might be no
+further delay, when matters with respect to them are ultimately fixed,
+I requested him also to communicate to the Captains of the frigates at
+Boston, as well as to myself, the signals of recognisance.
+
+When I receive his answer I will embrace the earliest occasion to
+transmit the signals.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, August 15th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter, with which you honored me on the 12th
+instant, with the resolutions of the 5th and 12th instants, which
+accompany it. Be pleased to assure Congress, that I will neglect no
+means in my power for securing the success of the prudent and
+patriotic measures, which are about to be taken, and I can assure you
+of the eagerness, with which the King will second those measures and
+of his resolution to assist the Thirteen States, to the utmost of his
+power. I shall transmit to his Majesty the resolution, which you have
+been pleased to communicate to me, and I have reason to believe, that
+he will entirely approve of everything, that may contribute to the
+immediate deliverance of the States invaded by the enemy.
+
+With regard to the concurrence of the forces of his Catholic Majesty,
+I am entirely uninformed, and although the good dispositions of the
+Court of Madrid towards the Thirteen States are undoubted, I do not
+know in what points the Spanish troops can assist the American armies.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, August 15th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter, which you did me the honor of writing to
+me on the 12th instant, with an act of Congress relative to the
+petition of George Basden. I shall transmit the whole to the Governors
+of St Domingo, in order to know their opinion on a subject of this
+nature, but I can inform you beforehand, that it seems to me doubtful,
+whether their opinion will be favorable to the petitioner, as the
+Bermudians, living under the English government, are not excepted from
+the number of our enemies, by any public act, which has come to my
+knowledge.
+
+Allow me, Sir, to have the honor to remind you on this occasion, that
+several notes, which I had the honor of sending to the Committee of
+Commerce, in relation to merchandise deposited in the hands of the
+Sieur Caraburse, at St Domingo, have remained unanswered.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, September 1st, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter, with which you yesterday honored me, and
+the account of the bills of exchange drawn on Dr Franklin. I deeply
+feel the confidence, which Congress repose in me, in confiding to me
+the details of this affair, and I have no doubt, that Congress are
+persuaded of the zeal and interest with which I shall lay before his
+Majesty's Minister, the actual state of the finances of the Thirteen
+United States. Their representatives are not ignorant how desirous the
+King is to render them effectual assistance, and the measures lately
+taken are new proofs of his friendship and kindness for them.
+
+As to the bills of exchange in question, I have said with freedom to
+the committee, with which I had the honor of conferring, that I was in
+no way authorised to give any hopes, that they would be accepted. I
+confided to that committee, with equal sincerity, my reasons for
+fearing, that great difficulties would be experienced in the payment
+of them, unless Congress themselves succeed in placing funds in the
+hands of their Plenipotentiary. I am persuaded, Sir, that the
+explanations, which I have had the honor of transmitting to Congress,
+by the committee appointed to confer with me, are conformable to the
+system of sincerity and frankness, which ought to exist between
+allies whose interests are so closely connected.[40]
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[40] See the resolutions of Congress, respecting the bills of exchange
+here mentioned, in the _Public Journal of Congress_, for August 9th
+and 15th, 1780.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Head Quarters, Bergen County, }
+ September 12th, 1780. }
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to enclose you a letter, which upon the whole I have
+thought it advisable to write to the Count de Guichen. As its contents
+are of a nature to make its falling into the enemy's hands in its
+present form dangerous, and as I have no cypher of communication with
+the Count, I take the liberty to request your Excellency's assistance,
+in making use of yours, and forwarding it by triplicates with your
+despatches by the first opportunities.
+
+I make no mention of a land force, because though it would be useful,
+it may be dispensed with. But if a body of troops could conveniently
+accompany the fleets, it would give greater energy and certainty of
+success to our operations. I am the more induced to desire it, as the
+composition of a considerable part of our army is temporary, and I am
+not informed what measures may be taken to replace the men whose times
+of service will expire.
+
+I need use no arguments to convince your Excellency of the extremity,
+to which our affairs are tending, and the necessity of support. You
+are an eye witness to all our perplexities and all our wants. You know
+the dangerous consequences of leaving the enemy in quiet possession
+of their southern conquests; either for negotiation this winter, or a
+continuance of the war. You know our inability alone to expel them, or
+perhaps even to stop their career.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the sincerest sentiments of respect and
+attachment,
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, September 15th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the annexed Declaration,[41] with orders to
+communicate it to Congress. Some American merchants, not knowing that
+Articles 11th and 12th, therein mentioned, had been annulled, have
+made use of them in the French Islands, to demand an exemption from
+the duties paid on the exportation of molasses.
+
+An authentic publication of the treaty will remove all remaining
+doubts as to the payment of this duty, to which the subjects of his
+Majesty are themselves subjected.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[41] See this _Declaration_, annulling the 11th and 12th Articles of
+the Treaty, in the _Correspondence of the Commissioners in France_,
+Vol. I. p. 432.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, September 16th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, being about to
+leave Philadelphia for some weeks, and being desirous that in the
+present state of things, there should be no interruption to the
+communications between Congress and the French Embassy, has the honor
+of informing this body, that M. de Marbois will remain here as _Charge
+d'Affaires_ of his Majesty. As the President and Delegates are aware
+of the attention, which he has paid to the affairs relative to them,
+the undersigned hopes that they will be pleased to grant him their
+confidence.[42]
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[42] _In Congress, September 19th._ "A letter of the 16th, from the
+Honorable the Minister Plenipotentiary of France, was read, informing
+Congress that he is about to leave Philadelphia, and to be absent for
+some weeks; but that M. de Marbois will remain here in quality of his
+Majesty's _Charge d'Affaires_; and hoping, that from his known
+attention to matters relative to the embassy, Congress will grant him
+their confidence; whereupon,
+
+"_Resolved_, That the President inform the Minister of France, that in
+his absence they will readily continue their intercourse with the
+embassy of his Most Christian Majesty, through M. de Marbois, as his
+Majesty's _Charge d'Affaires_, in whose abilities and attention to the
+interests of the Court of France and those of the United States they
+have just confidence."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ M. DE MARBOIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, October 8th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter, with which your Excellency honored me on
+the 7th instant, and the accompanying resolution of Congress. I shall,
+in compliance with the wishes of Congress, send it in three despatches
+to his Majesty's Minister, and shall make use of three different
+vessels, which will sail for France in the course of this week. I have
+no doubt that my Court is sensible of the attention, which Congress
+shows in communicating to it these measures, and that they will appear
+equally just, moderate, and prudent.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ MARBOIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ M. DE MARBOIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, October 27th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In obedience to an order, which the Captain of the store-ships in this
+port has just received, he will sail for Boston or Rhode Island on
+Monday or Tuesday next. Will your Excellency have the kindness to
+inform me, if he can be convoyed to the mouth of the Delaware, or to
+any other distance, by one of the Continental frigates.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ MARBOIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, November 1st, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Governors of the West India Islands express a wish, that Congress
+would be pleased to take into consideration the various inconveniences
+resulting from the abuse by the English of the papers, which they find
+on board of the American prizes, which fall into their hands. They
+make use of these papers to enable themselves to commit the most
+daring actions, and it is the more difficult to prevent them, as they
+sometimes have subjects of the United States on board, and as the
+English language is spoken by them in common with our allies.
+
+The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of his Most Christian
+Majesty, has the honor to propose to Congress, _that henceforth every
+Captain bound to the French Colonies shall sign his own papers in
+presence of the Commissioners of the American Admiralty, in order
+that, on his arrival in the French Islands, it may be ascertained
+whether this signature be the same as that which shall be made by him
+as Captain of the American vessel. It would be of equal use to endorse
+the signature of the Captain on the papers._ If Congress think of any
+other form equally adapted to fulfil the object desired, the
+undersigned will endeavor to have it adopted by the Governors of the
+French Islands.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ FROM CONGRESS TO THE KING OF FRANCE.
+
+The United States of America in Congress assembled, to their Great,
+Faithful and Beloved Friend and Ally, Louis the Sixteenth, King of
+France and Navarre.
+
+ Great, Faithful and Beloved Friend and Ally,
+
+Persuaded of your Majesty's friendship, and of your earnest desire to
+prosecute the war with glory and advantage to the alliance, we ought
+not to conceal from your Majesty the embarrassments, which have
+attended our national affairs, and rendered the last campaign
+unsuccessful.
+
+A naval superiority in the American seas having enabled the enemy, in
+the midst of the last winter, to divide their army, and extend the war
+in the Southern States, Charleston was subdued before a sufficient
+force could be assembled for its relief.
+
+With unabated ardor, and at a vast expense, we prepared for the
+succeeding campaign; a campaign from which, in a dependence on the
+co-operation of the squadron and troops generously destined by your
+Majesty for our assistance, we had formed the highest expectations.
+Again the enemy frustrated our measures. Your Majesty's succors were
+confined within the harbor of Newport, while the main body of the
+British army took refuge in their fortresses, and under protection of
+their marine, declining to hazard a battle in the open field; and
+regardless of their rank among civilized nations, they descended to
+wage a predatory war. Britons and savages united in sudden irruptions
+on our northern and western frontiers, and marked their progress with
+blood and desolation.
+
+The acquisition of Charleston, with the advantages gained in Georgia,
+and the defeat of a small army composed chiefly of militia, which had
+been hastily collected to check their operations, encouraged the
+British commander in that quarter to penetrate through South Carolina
+into the interior parts of North Carolina. And the ordinary calamities
+of war were embittered by implacable vengeance. They did not, however,
+long enjoy their triumph. Instead of being depressed, impending danger
+served only to rouse our citizens to correspondent exertions; and by a
+series of gallant and successful enterprises they compelled the enemy
+to retreat with precipitation and disgrace.
+
+They seem, however, resolved by all possible efforts, not only to
+retain their posts in Georgia and South Carolina, but to renew their
+attempts on North Carolina. To divert the reinforcements destined for
+those States, they are now executing an enterprise against the
+seacoast of Virginia; and from their preparations at New York and
+intelligence from Europe, it is manifest that the four southern States
+will now become a principal object of their hostilities.
+
+It is the voice of the people and the resolution of Congress to
+prosecute the war with redoubled vigor, and to draw into the field a
+permanent and well appointed army of thirtyfive thousand regular
+troops. By this decisive effort we trust that we shall be able, under
+the divine blessing, so effectually to co-operate with your Majesty's
+marine and land forces, as to expel the common enemy from our country,
+and render the great object of the alliance perpetual. But to
+accomplish an enterprise of such magnitude, and so interesting to both
+nations, whatever may be our spirit and our exertions, we know that
+our internal resources must prove incompetent. The sincerity of this
+declaration will be manifest from a short review of our circumstances.
+
+Unpractised in military arts, and unprepared with the means of
+defence, we were suddenly invaded by a formidable and vindictive
+nation. We supported the unequal conflict for years with very little
+foreign aid, but what was derived from your Majesty's generous
+friendship. Exertions uncommon, even among the most wealthy and best
+established governments, necessarily exhausted our finances, plunged
+us into debt, and anticipated our taxes; while the depredations of an
+active enemy by sea and land made deep impressions on our commerce and
+our productions. Thus encompassed with difficulties, in our
+representation to your Majesty of June 15, 1779, we disclosed our
+wants, and requested your Majesty to furnish us with clothing, arms,
+and ammunition for the last campaign, on the credit of the United
+States. We entertain a lively sense of your Majesty's friendly
+disposition, in enabling our Minister to procure a part of those
+supplies, of which, through unfortunate events, a very small
+proportion has arrived. The sufferings of our army from this
+disappointment have been so severe, that we must rely on your
+Majesty's attention to our welfare for effectual assistance. The
+articles of the estimate transmitted to our Minister are essential to
+our army, and we flatter ourselves, that through your Majesty's
+interposition they will be supplied.
+
+At a time when we feel ourselves strongly impressed by the weight of
+past obligations, it is with the utmost reluctance that we yield to
+the emergency of our affairs in requesting additional favors. An
+unreserved confidence in your Majesty, and a well grounded assurance,
+that we ask no more than is necessary to enable us effectually to
+co-operate with your Majesty, in terminating the war with glory and
+success, must be our justification.
+
+It is well known, that when the King of Great Britain found himself
+unable to subdue the populous States of North America by force, or to
+seduce them by art to relinquish the alliance with your Majesty, he
+resolved to protract the war, in expectation that the loss of our
+commerce, and the derangement of our finances, must eventually compel
+us to submit to his domination. Apprized of the necessity of foreign
+aids of money to support us in a contest with a nation so rich and
+powerful, we have long since authorised our Minister to borrow a
+sufficient sum in your Majesty's dominions, and in Spain, and in
+Holland, on the credit of these United States.
+
+We now view the prospect of a disappointment with the deeper concern,
+as the late misfortunes in the southern States, and the ravages of the
+northern and western frontiers, have, in a very considerable degree,
+impaired our internal resources. From a full investigation of our
+circumstances it is manifest, that in aid of our utmost exertions a
+foreign loan of specie, at least to the amount of twentyfive millions
+of livres, will be indispensably necessary for a vigorous prosecution
+of the war. On an occasion, in which the independence of these United
+States and your Majesty's glory are so intimately connected, we are
+constrained to request your Majesty effectually to support the
+applications of our Ministers for that loan. So essential is it to
+the common cause, that we shall without it be pressed with wants and
+distresses, which may render all our efforts languid, precarious, and
+indecisive. Whether it shall please your Majesty to stipulate for this
+necessary aid as our security, or to advance it from your royal
+coffers, we do hereby solemnly pledge the faith of these United States
+to indemnify, or reimburse your Majesty, according to the nature of
+the case, both for principal and interest, in such manner as shall be
+agreed upon with our Minister at your Majesty's Court.
+
+We beseech the Supreme Disposer of events to keep your Majesty in his
+holy protection, and long to continue to France the blessings arising
+from the administration of a Prince, who nobly asserts the rights of
+mankind.
+
+Done at Philadelphia, the 22d day of November, in the year of our
+Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty, by the Congress of the
+United States of North America, and in the fifth year of our
+independence.
+
+Your Faithful Friends and Allies.
+
+ SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.
+
+ Attest, CHARLES THOMSON, _Secretary_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, December 5th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I flattered myself, that the clothing destined for the army under the
+command of your Excellency had at length arrived in the river, in the
+vessel of Paul Jones, or in one of those coming under his convoy; but
+I regret that you have not yet had that satisfaction. A passenger,
+who arrived in one of this convoy, told me, that when this little
+squadron, which left France on the 8th of October, should arrive, they
+would bring but little clothing, being in great part laden with arms
+and ammunition; but he added, that the Serapis is destined to bring
+the remainder of the clothing, and that we may hope to see the vessel
+arrive soon in our ports. I am anxious to have an opportunity of
+giving your Excellency notice of the arrival of these articles.
+
+I have received certain intelligence, that an expedition composed of
+four thousand troops, convoyed by eight vessels of war, departed on
+the 16th of October from the Havana to attempt an expedition against
+Pensacola. But it is thought that the terrible tempests, which they
+may have received on the passage, may have retarded the fleet.
+
+Another expedition was to depart in the month of December to attack St
+Augustine. It was to be composed of ten thousand men, regulars and
+militia, and twelve vessels of war. I wish sincerely that the
+operation may meet with success, and thus make an advantageous
+diversion in favor of the United States in that quarter.
+
+The Chevalier de Chastellux, and the officers who had the honor of
+visiting you at head quarters, desire me to present their respects to
+you. They hope to have the honor of seeing you again on their return.
+
+I am, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ New Windsor, December 14th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Yesterday brought me the honor of your Excellency's favor without
+date; but which I suppose to have been written on the 5th instant, as
+it accompanied a letter from the Marquis de Lafayette of that date.
+
+Receive, my good Sir, the expressions of gratitude, which are due to
+your Excellency for the important intelligence you have communicated,
+relative to the designs of the Spanish Court upon the Floridas. I have
+transmitted the account of these interesting events to Count de
+Rochambeau, and the Chevalier de Ternay, with propositions, which, if
+acceded to, I shall do myself the honor of communicating to your
+Excellency.
+
+It would have been fortunate for the army, if your Excellency's
+feelings for its want of clothing could have been relieved by the
+agreeable tidings of the arrival of that article; but, alas! we are so
+accustomed to want, that we dare not flatter ourselves with relief.
+
+Your Excellency's despatches for Rhode Island, accompanying your
+letter to me, came to hand at the instant the post was setting out,
+and were committed to his care. It is the only means of conveyance now
+left me, since the chain of expresses formed by the dragoon horses,
+which were worn down and sent to their cantonment, have been
+discontinued. The Quarter Master General has it not in his power, for
+want of money, to furnish an express upon the most urgent occasion.
+
+I anticipate with much pleasure the visit I shall receive from the
+Chevalier de Chastellux and the other gentlemen of the French army,
+on their return to Rhode Island, and beg the favor of your Excellency
+to present my compliments to them and to M. de Marbois.
+
+With great respect and personal attachment, I have the honor to be,
+&c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 15th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have just received an authentic copy of a letter from the King to
+the Duc de Penthievre, Admiral of France, in relation to prizes taken
+by American privateers, in the ports of the kingdom. I have thought it
+proper, Sir, to communicate it to you, in order that the Americans,
+who take that course may be duly informed of the regulations, which it
+contains, and may know, that it is the intention of his Majesty, that
+they shall be treated in the same manner as his own subjects, in the
+judgment of the prizes, which they shall bring into the ports of the
+kingdom.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, February 25th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has the honor of
+informing Congress, that M. de Tilly, commander of the King's sixty
+gun ship, l'Eville, arrived in the Chesapeake Bay on the 11th instant,
+with two frigates. The undersigned has received no news of them later
+than the 16th, at which time it seems, that the commander of this
+little squadron proposed to prolong his stay as long as circumstances
+would permit, in order to co-operate with the land troops commanded by
+Generals Steuben and Nelson.
+
+The Chevalier de la Luzerne does not know how long these vessels will
+remain in their present station; but as it is important, that the
+communications between M. de Tilly and Philadelphia should take place
+with the greatest possible despatch, he requests Congress to inform
+him, whether the line of expresses has been kept up, and if so, to
+whom he is to apply in order to make use of it.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, February 28th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I think it necessary for the information of the department of finance
+to inform you, that Mr Robert Morris having strongly represented to
+me, that it was of importance to his operations, and to those of
+General Washington, to have a stock of bills of exchange, which might
+enable him to wait for the arrival of the funds brought by Colonel
+Laurens, I have taken upon myself to authorise him to draw bills of
+exchange, to the amount of 219,018 livres, 4s. 8d. Funds to that exact
+amount will be raised, and I hope that my Court will approve of the
+course, which I have taken, in consideration of the importance of the
+operations now going on.
+
+I have the honor to be, Sir, &c.
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, March 2d, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned, Minister of France, has the honor of informing
+Congress, that M. de Tilly has left the Chesapeake Bay with his
+squadron. He took there ten prizes, among which are two strong
+privateers, and during his passage from the Chesapeake to Newport in
+Rhode Island, he met the Romulus, of fortyfour guns, pierced for fifty
+guns. He took her and carried her into Newport, which he entered on
+the 24th ultimo, with five hundred English prisoners. The Chevalier de
+la Luzerne is informed, that the America, an English vessel, whose
+fate since the hurricane of the 21st of February had been unknown, has
+sailed into Gardner's Bay.
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary of France is desirous, that Congress
+would be pleased to appoint a committee, to whom he will have the
+honor of communicating some further information relative to these
+operations.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ M. DESTOUCHES TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ On Board the Duc de Bourgogne,}
+ March 19th, 1781.}
+
+ Sir,
+
+The enemy, informed without doubt, in some manner, arrived at the same
+time with myself at the Capes of Chesapeake Bay, and it would have
+been impracticable to attempt to disembark the troops, even from the
+vessels of war, in spite of the English squadron and under its fire.
+Obliged to renounce, for a time at least, the hope of rendering
+assistance to the State of Virginia, I have been employed only with
+the care of preserving the honor of his Majesty's arms, and I flatter
+myself that it has not suffered in my battle with the enemy.
+
+On the 16th instant, in consequence of a violent south wind, which had
+carried the squadron to the northeast, we discovered, at break of day,
+a frigate two gun-shots to windward. A short time after, we perceived
+several large vessels in rear of the squadron. I had then no doubt
+that this was the English squadron, which, being informed of my
+project, had arrived, almost at the same time, upon the coast of
+Virginia. I immediately made a signal to the squadron to form in line
+of battle, the English squadron being about two leagues to the south,
+and running on the same tack with me. At nine o'clock, I tacked, and
+the enemy did the same. Before one o'clock, afternoon, their vanguard
+was not more than half a league distant from the rear of my line. Till
+that time, I had manoeuvered without avoiding or seeking an
+engagement, because I perceived, that even the greatest success, with
+which I could flatter myself, would still render it impossible for me
+to fulfil my object; but the determined design, which was shown by the
+enemy of attacking my rearguard, and the honor of the royal arms,
+which I had to sustain, made me resolve to go and meet him. At one
+o'clock the firing commenced on both sides; the head of the English
+line had borne down, and the van of my squadron had done the same, so
+that the two squadrons fought for some time while running before the
+wind. A little before two o'clock, I determined to make the squadron
+haul nearer the wind, a movement, which made the whole squadron file
+before the head of the enemy's line.
+
+This manoeuvre completely succeeded; their leading ship had hardly
+felt the fire of the fifth vessel, when she retired from the
+engagement, under the escort of a frigate, which came to her
+assistance. The rear of the English squadron had still continued the
+combat with my rearguard, but that part of my squadron has sustained
+little injury. At a quarter before three o'clock, the firing ceased on
+both sides. The English squadron being in the rear, and to windward of
+mine, I made a signal to form again in order of battle, which was done
+in a short time. I then designed to turn again upon the enemy, who
+appeared to have sustained more injury than my own squadron; but the
+signals, which were made by the ships _le Conquerant_ and _l'Ardent_,
+informed me that these vessels, and particularly the former, had been
+considerably injured in the engagement. I then continued to run on the
+same tack, under easy sail, ready to receive the enemy, if he should
+think proper to risk a second encounter, but he prudently kept in the
+rear and to windward during the remainder of the day, without availing
+himself of the superior advantages of his situation for renewing the
+engagement.
+
+When night came on, the English squadron bore up, and I continued to
+run to the southeast. On the next morning, I assembled the captains to
+know the state of their vessels. I found that the rudder and all the
+masts of the ship, _le Conquerant_, were in the most dangerous state,
+and that the mainmast of _l'Ardent_ was very much injured; and also
+that several other vessels had received cannon-shots in their lower
+masts; it was, consequently, determined that the squadron should
+return directly to Newport to repair.
+
+I cannot too highly praise the courageous boldness, which was shown by
+the captains, officers, and crews of my squadron, as well as by the
+troops, embarked as passengers. Their valor made my force equal to
+that of the English squadron, which had one vessel more than mine, and
+if it had been only necessary to the success of our expedition to give
+the enemy another check, I should have regarded it as certain,
+notwithstanding the superiority of their forces.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+ DESTOUCHES.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, March 24th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to
+inform Congress, that the King, being made acquainted with the
+situation of the affairs of the confederacy, had resolved to continue
+during the next campaign the land and sea forces, which are now in
+this Continent. That unforeseen obstacles had prevented the junction
+of the second division of sea forces with the first as soon as was
+expected, but that it was to sail as soon as possible, and that
+Congress should use their utmost exertions to have their army ready
+for action without the least delay.
+
+But while the King, actuated by his love for the United States, of his
+mere motion was giving them succors, which he was under no obligation
+to do, and out of regard to them lessened the efforts, which he could
+have made for his own advantage, he had reason to expect a
+proportionable activity from Congress, and he hopes that the United
+States, which have so much to gain or lose by the issue of the
+contest, will employ all their resources in the present conjuncture;
+and that the Congress, who are intrusted with their dearest interest,
+will hasten to adopt effectual measures for conducting matters to a
+happy issue.
+
+The Chevalier de la Luzerne, when he communicated to the King the news
+of the final ratification of the confederation, thought himself
+warranted to assure his Majesty, that this event would have a happy
+influence on the councils of this Republic; that they would thereby
+acquire all the energy necessary for conducting the important business
+intrusted to them; that the Union would receive new force, and he did
+not doubt but the ensuing campaign would give decisive proofs of this.
+And the Minister relies that his hopes, which are the same as are
+entertained by the whole continent, will not be disappointed. It is at
+the same time essential, while Congress are making the necessary
+arrangements for the ensuing campaign, that they should know for
+certain that they are to count only on their own resources for
+defraying the expenses that it will require.
+
+The frankness of the King, and the friendship he bears to the United
+States, will not permit him to encourage an error, which they appear
+to be in, with respect to the pecuniary aids, which they seem to
+expect. The desire of securing their independence had induced his
+Majesty to exceed the measure of the engagements he had contracted
+with them, and he will continue to support their interests, either by
+powerful diversions or by immediate succors, and they may rely not
+only on his most scrupulous punctuality in the execution of his
+engagements, but upon all the extraordinary assistance, which it will
+be in his power to give them. But as to pecuniary aids, the enormous
+expenses of the present war, and the necessity of preserving credit,
+which is the only means of providing for those expenses, do not permit
+his Majesty's Ministers to give Congress the least hope in that
+respect.
+
+The Chevalier de la Luzerne will not dissemble, that his Court was
+exceedingly surprised on being informed of the step, which Congress
+had taken in disposing of bills drawn on their Minister, although they
+could not be ignorant that they had no funds for discharging them.
+This is a conduct totally inconsistent with that order, which his
+Majesty is forced to observe in his finances, and he has no doubt but
+in future Congress will most studiously avoid a repetition of it. He
+has, nevertheless, resolved to discharge the bills, which became due
+last year, to the amount of one million of livres; and it is probable
+his Majesty will be able to provide funds to the amount of three
+millions for the discharge of those, which will become due in the
+course of the present year.
+
+The King's Ministers have also procured for Dr Franklin, whose zeal,
+wisdom and patriotism, deserve their utmost confidence, the sums
+necessary for the purchase he is ordered to make. These expenses,
+joined to those occasioned by sending a fleet and army to this
+continent, far exceed what Congress had a right to expect from the
+friendship of their ally, and the Chevalier de la Luzerne is
+persuaded, that from this moment Congress will abstain from that
+ruinous measure of drawing bills of exchange without the previous
+knowledge and consent of his Majesty's Ministers. And as their
+attention is employed in what may be most for the convenience of the
+United States, they propose that Congress should furnish the fleet and
+army of his Majesty, which are in this country, with the necessary
+provisions, and receive in payment bills on the treasury of France,
+which will be punctually discharged.
+
+As to the manner in which this arrangement may be made, the Minister
+will have the honor of entering into a minute discussion with a
+committee, which he begs Congress would be pleased to appoint to
+confer with him on the subject.[43]
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[43] The above was referred to a committee of six, namely, Mr Jones,
+Mr S. Adams, Mr Burke, Mr M'Kean, Mr Madison, and Mr Hanson.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, March 27th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to send to your Excellency an open packet for the
+Count de Rochambeau. You will there find the copy of a letter to me
+from M. Destouches. I lament the ill success of an expedition, which,
+if it had succeeded, would have been doubly agreeable to us by its
+utility to our allies, and by the honor it would have reflected upon
+the arms of the King. As to the rest, it appears that our commanders
+have fulfilled this latter point, and all the world is satisfied,
+that, having a superior force to contend against, the manner of the
+contest has been highly honorable to them.
+
+I wait for happier events, Sir, from the campaign, which is now about
+to open, and I doubt not the Count de Rochambeau has given you in
+detail the news, which he has received from France.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Head Quarters, New Windsor, March 31st, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I was last evening honored with your Excellency's favor of the 27th,
+covering an open letter for the Count de Rochambeau, by which you have
+been so good as to make me the earliest communication of the action on
+the 16th, between the French and British fleets off the Capes of the
+Chesapeake. By the enclosed you will be informed of the return of the
+former into the harbor of Newport.
+
+I must confess to your Excellency, that I was never sanguine as to the
+success of that expedition, after the sailing of the two fleets so
+nearly together, knowing it would turn in great measure upon the
+arrival of M. Destouches in the Chesapeake before Mr Arbuthnot; a
+circumstance of the utmost uncertainty, not depending upon the skill
+or valor of the commanding officer, but upon winds and weather. And I
+assure you I more sensibly feel the anxiety expressed by the Baron
+Viomenil and the Chevalier Destouches, lest anything should be
+attributed to the want of execution on their parts, than I do the
+disappointment in the plan, which we had in contemplation. But certain
+I am, that instead of sentiments of so ungenerous a nature, there will
+be a universal admiration of the good conduct and bravery exhibited by
+the officers and men of his Most Christian Majesty's squadron, when
+opposed to one of superior force.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect and warmest personal
+attachment, &c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 7th, 1781
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to send you the copy of a letter, which I write to
+the Chevalier Destouches. I pray you to be persuaded, that I do not
+take upon me to propose an expedition to that commander, except at the
+pressing entreaties of the invaded States. But if it should be found
+at variance with the plans of the campaign, which you have formed, I
+beg you to withdraw my letter to M. Destouches, and the packet
+addressed to the Count de Rochambeau, from the express, who will
+deliver this to you, and to send them back to me by the first safe
+opportunity.
+
+I am, with respectful attachment, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO M. DESTOUCHES.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 7th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The accounts from Virginia and the other southern States leave no
+doubt but the English are resolved to attack them in very superior
+forces. They are already in a condition to command them by the
+advantage, which they have of transporting themselves by the sea and
+by all the rivers, as it suits them. Virginia, one of the most
+powerful States in the Union, finds herself by these means reduced to
+a state of inaction, and as the Bay of Chesapeake is entirely in the
+possession of the enemy, it is to be feared that Maryland will find
+herself shortly in the same condition and in the same danger. It is
+manifest, that the plan of the English is to harass and desolate them
+without intermission, to inspire part of the inhabitants with a desire
+of seeing an end of the quarrel, and when they think their weariness
+and their calamities are at the height, to make them propositions
+advantageous enough to withdraw them from the Confederation.
+
+Although these States are firmly attached to their independence, it
+has in the meantime become very important to make them participate as
+much as it is possible in the assistance, which his Majesty has
+granted to his allies, and I can assure you, Sir, that you cannot in
+present circumstances render them a greater service, than by entering
+the Bay of Chesapeake, and endeavoring to establish yourself there.
+
+Many other political considerations, into the details of which I
+shall not enter, press that measure, and if it be possible for you to
+carry it into execution, I have reason to believe that you will
+entirely disconcert the enemy's plans against Virginia and Maryland,
+and when you shall have given to those two States the liberty of
+exerting themselves, you will contribute very much at the same time to
+the relief of the more southern, by the assistance which they will be
+capable of affording. Your position in the Bay of Chesapeake will
+restrain also their communication between New York and Charleston, and
+perhaps prevent other events, which may be yet more grievous to the
+invaded States.
+
+In giving, Sir, my opinion upon the utility of the movement, I avow to
+you that I am totally incapable of forming one as to the possibility
+of carrying it into execution. I have had the honor of transmitting to
+you from time to time the details and plans, which can enable you to
+form a judgment. M. de Tilly having been better situated during his
+stay in Hampton Roads to make the necessary observations, you can
+decide by them. I pray you also to regard my entreaties, although
+pressing as the circumstances render them, as entirely subordinate to
+the instructions, which you may have received from the Court.
+
+I do not propose to you to change your position, only upon a
+supposition that you have no orders to the contrary, and that you have
+received no other destination.
+
+As to the measures you are in this case to expect from the States,
+which you will go to assist, I beg you to assure yourself, Sir, that
+they will spare nothing to satisfy you, and if an assemblage of land
+forces is judged necessary, as I presume it will be, they will send
+their instructions in consequence of it to the officers who command
+them.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 9th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Congress has been pleased, by a resolution, dated the 10th of November
+last, to take the measures suggested by the undersigned Minister of
+France, concerning the abuse by the English, of the papers, letters of
+marque, and commissions, which they find on board of the American
+vessels, of which they succeed in gaining possession. The Governors of
+our Islands observe, that the precautions pointed out in the
+resolution of Congress are insufficient, unless, independently of the
+vessels and ships of war, they extend to merchant vessels, and, in
+general, to all ships sailing from this continent. The similarity of
+language enables the English to gain admission into our Islands with
+great facility, by means of intercepted papers, and to send their
+spies and emissaries into the very middle of our ports, where their
+presence may be most dangerous.
+
+The said Governors remark, that the greater part of the vessels, which
+arrive at the Islands, do not conform to the resolutions of Congress;
+and, although they carry letters of marque, yet they do not take the
+precautions required by them. The undersigned requests, that this
+Assembly would be pleased to consider these observations, and to
+adopt, on this subject, such measures as shall seem best adapted to
+prevent the abuses in question.
+
+The commanding officer of St Domingo is also desirous, that Congress
+should be informed that the commanders of the American frigates have,
+while stationed at the Cape, given strong proofs of zeal for the
+common cause, whether in cruising against the enemy, or in convoying,
+at their departure, merchant vessels sailing from that Colony.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 22d, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor of sending you a copy of a letter from the King, in
+answer to that written to him from Congress, on the 22d of November
+last. I shall have the honor of sending you the original this evening.
+
+My despatches contain several important subjects, which I shall hasten
+to communicate to Congress, as soon as they shall be wholly
+decyphered.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE KING OF FRANCE TO CONGRESS.
+
+To our Very Dear Great Friends and Allies, the President and Members
+of the General Congress of the United States of North America.
+
+ Very Dear Great Friends and Allies,
+
+We have received your letter of the 22d of November last, which Dr
+Franklin was ordered to place in our hands. We have seen with pain,
+the picture of the embarrassment of your finances, and we have been so
+much touched by it, that we have resolved to assist you as much as our
+own necessities, and the extraordinary and very great expenses
+required on our part by the war, which we are carrying on for your
+defence, will permit. We have ordered the Chevalier de la Luzerne to
+acquaint you more particularly with our intentions. We are already
+convinced, that the details into which he shall enter, will induce you
+to make the greatest efforts to second our own, and that you will be
+more and more convinced by them, that we take the most sincere
+interest in the cause of the United States, and that we are employing
+every means in our power to ensure their final triumph. You may rely
+upon our perseverance in the principles, which have hitherto directed
+our conduct; it is exerted upon all occasions; as well as upon the
+sincere affection, which we entertain for the United States in
+general, and for each one of them in particular.
+
+We pray God, very dear great Friends and Allies, to keep you in his
+holy protection.
+
+Written at Versailles, this 10th of March, 1781.
+
+Your good friend and ally,
+
+ LOUIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Weathersfield, May 23d, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The letter, which I have the honor to enclose from the Count de
+Rochambeau, will, I imagine, inform your Excellency of the intended
+march of the French army towards the North River, and of the
+destination of the King's squadron now in the harbor of Newport, if
+circumstances will admit of the respective movements. I should be
+wanting in respect and confidence, were I not to add, that our object
+is New York.
+
+The season, the difficulty and expense of land transportation, and the
+continual waste of men in every attempt to reinforce the Southern
+States, are almost insuperable objections to marching another
+detachment from the army on the North River; nor do I see how it is
+possible to give effectual support to those States, and avert the
+evils which threaten them, while we are inferior in naval force in
+these seas. It is not for me to know in what manner the fleet of his
+Most Christian Majesty is to be employed in the West Indies this
+summer, or to inquire at what epoch it may be expected on this coast;
+but the appearance and aid of it in this quarter are of such essential
+importance in any offensive operation, and so necessary to stop the
+progress of the enemy's arms, that I shall be excused, I am persuaded,
+for endeavoring to engage your Excellency's good offices in
+facilitating an event on which so much depends. For this I have a
+stronger plea, when I assure you that General Rochambeau's opinion and
+wishes concur with mine, and that it is at his instance principally
+that I make you this address.
+
+If we are happy enough to find your Excellency in sentiment with us,
+it will be in your power to inform the Count de Grasse of the strength
+and situation of the enemy's naval and land force in this country; the
+destination of the French squadron under Admiral Barras and the
+intention of the allied arms, if a junction can be formed. At present,
+the British fleet lies within Block Island, and about five leagues
+from Point Judith.
+
+The Count de Rochambeau and the Chevalier Chastellux agree perfectly
+in sentiment with me, that, while affairs remain as they now are, the
+West India fleet should run immediately to Sandy Hook, if there are no
+concerted operations, where they may be met, with all the information
+requisite, and where, most likely, it will shut in, or cut off Admiral
+Arbuthnot, and may be joined by the Count de Barras. An early and
+frequent communication from the Count de Grasse would lead to
+preparatory measures on our part, and be a means of facilitating the
+operation in hand, or any other which may be thought more advisable.
+
+I know your Excellency's goodness, and your zeal for the common cause
+too well, to offer anything more as an apology for this liberty; and I
+persuade myself it is unnecessary for me to declare the respect and
+attachment, with which I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 25th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor of
+informing Congress, that it has been found impossible to send the
+second division of the troops under the command of Count de
+Rochambeau, and of the French squadron designed for the defence of the
+coasts of the Thirteen States, and that it can no longer be expected
+during the course of this campaign. The necessary measures have,
+however, been taken for increasing the body of troops now at Rhode
+Island, and, by sending some vessels of force, for putting the
+squadron into a condition to enter again upon active service.
+
+The undersigned requests Congress to be pleased to appoint a
+committee, to whom he will communicate the causes which have
+occasioned this change; and Congress will find in them new proofs of
+the wisdom of the motives, which direct the conduct of his Majesty.
+But if considerations of the greatest importance deprive him of the
+satisfaction of assisting the Thirteen United States in their own
+country, by sending a number of vessels and of auxiliaries, as
+considerable as he had proposed, he will make no less vigorous efforts
+against the enemy; and he hopes that these powerful diversions will
+prevent the enemy from forming any enterprise, to which the resources
+and the courage of the Thirteen States shall be unequal.
+
+The King has, at the same time, resolved to give a new proof of his
+affection and of his earnest desire to afford a remedy for the
+difficulties, which they experience in procuring the funds necessary
+for acting with vigor and effect during the present campaign. With
+this view, the King, notwithstanding the immense expense at which he
+is obliged to support the war in which he is engaged, has resolved to
+dispose of a considerable fund, which shall be appropriated to the
+purchase of clothing, arms, and stores, for which Dr Franklin has been
+instructed to ask. The Count de Vergennes will concert measures on
+this subject with the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States,
+Dr. Franklin; and M. Necker proposes to take the proper precautions,
+in order that the merchandise may be of a good and sound quality, and
+at a price answering to its exact value.
+
+The subsidy which the King has resolved to grant to the Thirteen
+United States amounts to six millions of livres tournois, independent
+of the four millions, which the Ministry have enabled Dr Franklin to
+borrow for the service of the current year. It is presumed, that this
+sum of six millions will not be wholly applied to the purchase of the
+articles asked for; and in that case, it is his Majesty's intention
+that the surplus should be reserved, that it may be at the disposal of
+Congress, or of the Superintendent of the finances of the Thirteen
+States, if they think proper to confide the management of it to him.
+It has not been possible for the Court, by reason of the speedy
+departure of the vessel which brought this intelligence to the
+undersigned Minister, to determine what will be the amount of the sums
+of money remaining after the purchase of the above mentioned articles,
+but lest there should seem to be any delay in supplying the wants of
+the Thirteen States, the Chevalier de la Luzerne takes it upon
+himself, without waiting for any further orders, to fix the amount of
+these sums at fifteen hundred thousand livres tournois, and if
+Congress, in fact, think that they shall need this whole sum, he will
+without delay inform his Court of it, in order that the necessary
+measures may be taken for discharging the bills of exchange, which
+shall consequently be drawn. As it is the intention of the King, that
+the greatest regularity shall take place in the payments, it will be
+well for the undersigned to agree with Congress, or with the
+Superintendent of Finance, and fix upon the times at which these bills
+shall be negotiated, and upon those at which they shall be payable. It
+is necessary that these times of payment should be at sufficient
+distances from each other, so that the department of finance may not
+be obliged to pay considerable sums in too short intervals of time.
+
+The intention of the King, in granting to the Thirteen States this
+purely gratuitous subsidy, is to put them in a condition to act
+vigorously during this campaign; and his Majesty is desirous that
+Congress would be pleased to give the necessary orders, that it may be
+entirely applied to this important object, which admits of no delay.
+The communications, which the undersigned is instructed to make to
+Congress, will convince that body of the necessity of losing no time.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 26th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The underwritten, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has received
+orders to communicate to Congress some important details touching the
+present situation of sundry affairs, in which the United States are
+immediately interested. The most essential are in regard to some
+overtures, which announce on the part of Great Britain a desire of
+peace. The Empress of Russia having invited the King and the Court of
+London to accept her mediation, the latter Court considered this as a
+formal offer and accepted it. This Court appeared at the same time to
+desire the Emperor of Austria to take part therein; and this Monarch
+has in fact proposed his co-mediation to the belligerent powers in
+Europe.
+
+The King could not but congratulate himself on seeing so important a
+negotiation in the hands of two mediators, whose understanding and
+justice are equal. Nevertheless, his Majesty, actuated by his
+affections for the United States, returned for answer, that it was not
+in his power to accept the offers made to him, and that the consent of
+his allies was necessary. The King wishes to have this consent before
+he formally accepts the proposed mediation. But it is possible that
+circumstances joined to the confidence he has in the mediators, and
+the justice of his cause, and that of the United States, his allies,
+may determine him to enter upon a negotiation before the answer of
+Congress can reach him.
+
+But in either case, it is of great importance, that this Assembly
+should give their Plenipotentiary instructions proper to announce
+their disposition to peace, and their moderation, and to convince the
+powers of Europe, that the independence of the Thirteen United States,
+and the engagements they have contracted with the King, are the sole
+motives, which determine them to continue the war; and that whenever
+they shall have full and satisfactory assurances on these two capital
+points, they will be ready to conclude a peace. The manner of
+conducting the negotiation, the extent of the powers of the American
+Plenipotentiary, the use to be made of them, and the confidence that
+ought to be reposed in the French Plenipotentiaries and the King's
+Ministers, are points, which should be fully discussed with a
+committee.
+
+And the underwritten Minister entreats, that Congress would be pleased
+to name a committee with whom he will have the honor to treat. He
+thinks that this Assembly will be sensible, that the King could not
+give a greater mark of his affection for the Thirteen United States,
+or of his attachment to the principles of the alliance, than by
+determining not to enter upon a negotiation before they were ready to
+take part therein, although in other respects, his confidence in the
+mediators, and the relation he stands in to one of them, were
+sufficient motives to induce him to accept their offers. Congress are
+too sensible of the uncertainty of negotiations of this sort not to
+know, that the moment of opening them is that precisely when the
+efforts against the enemy ought to be redoubled; and that nothing can
+facilitate the operation of the negotiators so much as the success of
+the arms of the allies; that a check would be productive of
+disagreeable consequences to both, and that the enemy would rise in
+their pretensions, their haughtiness, and obstinacy, in proportion to
+the languor and slackness of the confederates.
+
+The undersigned will have the honor to communicate to the committee
+some circumstances relative to the sending Mr Cumberland to Madrid; to
+the use, which Mr Adams thought he was authorised to make of his
+Plenipotentiary powers; to the mission of Mr Dana; to the association
+of the neutral powers; and to the present state of affairs in the
+south. Congress will find new motives for relying on the good will of
+the King, and on the interest he takes in favor of the United States
+in general, and of each one of them in particular.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ REPORT OF A CONFERENCE WITH THE FRENCH MINISTER.
+
+ In Congress, May 28th, 1781.
+
+The committee appointed to confer with the Minister of France, report,
+
+That the Minister communicated some parts of a despatch, which he had
+received from the Count de Vergennes, dated the 9th of March, 1781.
+That the resolves of Congress, which had been adopted on the
+association of the neutral powers, were found very wise by the Council
+of the King, and that it was thought they might be of service in the
+course of the negotiation. The French Ministry did not doubt but they
+would be very agreeable to the Empress of Russia. But they were not of
+the same opinion with respect to the appointment of Mr Dana, as a
+Minister to the Court of Petersburg. The reason is, that Catharine the
+Second has made it a point until now to profess the greatest
+impartiality between the belligerent powers. The conduct she pursues
+on this occasion is a consequence of the expectation she has, that
+peace maybe re-established by her mediation; therefore, she could by
+no means take any step, which might show on her side the least
+propension in favor of the Americans, and expose her to the suspicion
+of partiality towards America, and of course exclude her from the
+mediation. The appointment of Mr Dana, therefore, appears to be at
+least premature, and the opinion of the Council is, that this deputy
+ought not to make any use of his powers at this moment. In case he
+applies to the Count de Vergennes for advice, he shall be desired to
+delay making any use of his powers. The Count observes, it would be
+disagreeable to Congress that their Plenipotentiary should meet with a
+refusal, that their dignity would be offended, and that such a
+satisfaction ought not to be given to the Court of London, especially
+when negotiations of a greater moment are about to commence. However,
+the French Minister had orders to assure the committee, that his Court
+would use all their endeavors in proper time, to facilitate the
+admissions of the Plenipotentiary of Congress.
+
+The Minister communicated to the committee several observations
+respecting the conduct of Mr Adams; and in doing justice to his
+patriotic character, he gave notice to the committee, of several
+circumstances, which proved it necessary that Congress should draw a
+line of conduct to that Minister, of which he might not be allowed to
+lose sight. The Minister dwelt especially on a circumstance already
+known to Congress, namely, the use which Mr Adams thought he had a
+right to make of his powers to treat with Great Britain. The Minister
+concluded on this subject, that if Congress put any confidence in the
+King's friendship and benevolence; if they were persuaded of his
+inviolable attachment to the principle of the alliance, and of his
+firm resolution constantly to support the cause of the United States,
+they would be impressed with the necessity of prescribing to their
+Plenipotentiary a perfect and open confidence in the French Ministers,
+and a thorough reliance on the King, and would direct him to take no
+step without the approbation of his Majesty; and after giving him, in
+his instructions, the principal and most important outlines for his
+conduct, they would order him, with respect to the manner of carrying
+them into execution, to receive his directions from the Count de
+Vergennes, or from the person who might be charged with the
+negotiation in the name of the King.
+
+The Minister observed, that this matter is the more important,
+because, being allied with the United States, it is the business of
+the King to support their cause with those powers with whom Congress
+have no connexion, and can have none, until their independence is in a
+fair train to be acknowledged. That the King would make it a point of
+prudence and justice to support the Minister of Congress; but in case
+this Minister, by aiming at impossible things, forming exorbitant
+demands, which disinterested mediators might think ill-founded, or
+perhaps by misconstruing his instructions, should put the French
+negotiators under the necessity of proceeding in the course of the
+negotiation without a constant connexion with him, this would give
+rise to an unbecoming contradiction between France and the Thirteen
+United States, which could not but be of very bad effect in the course
+of the negotiation.
+
+In making these observations, the Minister remarked, that it was
+always to be taken for granted, that the most perfect independency is
+to be the foundation of the instructions to be given to Mr Adams, and
+that without this there would be no treaty at all. The Count de
+Vergennes observes, that it is of great importance that the
+instructions aforesaid be given as soon as possible to Mr Adams. And
+the Minister desired the committee to press Congress to have this done
+with all possible despatch.
+
+He communicated to the committee the following particulars, as a proof
+that this matter admits of no delay, and that it is probable the
+negotiation will very soon be opened. He told the committee that the
+English Ministry, in the false supposition that they might prevail on
+the Court of Madrid to sign a separate peace, had begun a secret
+negotiation with that Court, by the means of Mr Cumberland, but
+without any success. That the Court of Spain had constantly founded
+her answer on her engagements with his Most Christian Majesty. That on
+the other side, the King of France had declared to the King, his
+cousin, that the independence of the United States, either in fact, or
+acknowledged by a solemn treaty, should be the only foundation of the
+negotiations of the Court of France with that of London. That the
+British Court not seeming to be disposed to grant the independency, it
+appeared the negotiation of Mr Cumberland was superfluous. However,
+this English emissary continued, and still continues, his residence at
+Madrid, although he cannot have any expectation of obtaining the
+object of his commission. That this direct negotiation was known to
+all Europe, and that it seemed to render every mediation useless.
+That, however, the Empress of Russia, excited by motives of friendship
+to the belligerent powers, and in consequence of the share, which the
+association of the neutral powers had given her in the general
+emergency, has invited the king of France and the Court of London to
+require her mediation. That the Court of London has accepted the
+invitation with a kind of eagerness, and at the same time desired the
+Emperor of Germany to take a part in it. That the answer of the King
+of France to the overtures of the Court of Petersburg was, that he
+should be glad to restore peace by the mediation of Catharine, but
+that it was not in his power immediately to accept her offers, as he
+had allies whose consent was necessary for that purpose.
+
+To the same application made by the Court of Petersburg to that of
+Madrid, this Court answered, that having entered into a direct
+negotiation with the Court of London, by the means of Mr Cumberland,
+it thought proper to wait the issue of it before it had recourse to a
+mediation. The Emperor, as has already been observed, having been
+desired by the Court of London to take part in the mediation,
+immediately informed the King of France, as well as his Catholic
+Majesty, of this circumstance, offering his co-mediation to both the
+allied Monarchs. To this, the King of France gave the same answer,
+which he had given to the Empress of Russia. As to the King of Spain,
+he again expressed his surprise at the English Ministry's requesting a
+mediation, after having entered into a direct negotiation; and he
+declared, that unless this negotiation should be broken off by the
+English themselves, it would be impossible for him to listen to a
+mediation, which, in any other circumstance, would be infinitely
+agreeable to him.
+
+These answers, though of a dilatory nature, may be looked upon as an
+eventual acceptation of the mediation. The Minister observed, that it
+will be, in effect, difficult to avoid it. That a refusal will not be
+consistent with the dignity of the two powers, that had offered their
+interposition. That the King is obliged, from friendship and good
+policy, to treat them with attention. He further observed, that the
+demands of the King of France will be so just and so moderate, that
+they might be proposed to any tribunal whatever. That the only reason
+the King could have to suspend a formal acceptation is, that, at the
+time the offer was made, he was not acquainted with the intentions of
+his allies, namely, Spain and the United States.
+
+The Minister observed to the committee, that in his opinion this
+conduct must afford Congress a new proof of the perseverance of the
+King in the principles of the alliance, and of his scrupulous
+attention to observe his obligations; he added, that, however, it is
+not without inconveniency, that this dilatory plan has been adopted.
+The distance between the allied powers of France and the United
+States, has obliged the Court of Versailles to adopt that plan, though
+liable to inconveniences, in order to conform to the engagements made
+by the treaties, to determine nothing into a negotiation without the
+participation of Congress. Besides, several States being invaded by
+the enemy, the French Council thought it inconvenient to begin a
+negotiation under these unfavorable circumstances. And being in hopes
+that the diversions made by the King's arms, will prevent the British
+from making very great exertions against the Thirteen United States,
+the French Ministry expected, that during the course of the present
+campaign they might be enabled to present the situation of their
+allies in a more favorable light to the Congress, that might assemble
+for peace. These delays, however, cannot with propriety take place for
+any long time, and it was the opinion of the French Ministry, that it
+would be contrary to decency, prudence, and the laws of sound policy,
+again to refuse listening to the propositions of peace made by
+friendly powers; for which reason, the Chevalier de la Luzerne was
+directed to lay all these facts confidentially before Congress.
+
+The Minister informed the committee, that it was necessary, that the
+King should know the intentions of the United States with regard to
+the proposed mediation, and that his Majesty should be authorised by
+Congress to give notice of their dispositions to all the powers, who
+would take part in the negotiation for a pacification. The Minister
+delivered his own opinion, that he saw no inconveniency arising from
+the Congress imitating the example of the King, by showing themselves
+disposed to accept peace from the hands of the Emperor of Germany and
+the Empress of Russia. He added, that Congress should rely on the
+justice and wisdom of those two Sovereigns; and at the same time, he
+renewed the assurances, that his Majesty will defend the cause of the
+United States as zealously as the interests of his own Crown.
+
+He informed the committee, that according to all accounts, the British
+Ministry were removing as far as possible, in this negotiation, every
+idea of acknowledging the independence of what they call their
+Thirteen Colonies; and he said, that Congress would judge by
+themselves, that the Court of London would debate with the greatest
+energy and obstinacy the articles relating to America. He availed
+himself of this reflection to impress the committee with the necessity
+Congress are under, of securing in their favor the benevolence and
+good will of the mediating powers, by presenting their demands with
+the greatest moderation and reserve, save independence, which will not
+admit of any modification. He further observed, that it was possible
+the difficulty of making a definitive peace might engage the mediators
+to propose a truce; and that it was necessary, therefore, to
+authorise eventually the Plenipotentiary of the United States to
+declare their intention thereon.
+
+He further observed, that whatever might be the resolution of
+Congress, they would do well to recommend to their Plenipotentiary to
+adopt a line of conduct, that would deprive the British of every hope
+of causing divisions between the allies, and to assume a conciliating
+character, as much as can be consistent with the dignity of his
+constituents, and to show such a confidence in the Plenipotentiary of
+his Most Christian Majesty, as is due to a power so much interested to
+support the dignity and honor of a nation, whose independence they
+have acknowledged.
+
+The Minister told the committee, that whatever might be the resolution
+of Congress, respecting a peace or a truce, it was necessary to carry
+on the war with the utmost vigor. He urged reasons too well known to
+Congress to be related.
+
+He desired the committee to inform Congress, that in case the offer of
+mediation from the two Imperial Courts should become so serious and so
+pressing, as to oblige the King to give a decisive answer, his Majesty
+would accept of it conditionally for himself and for the United
+States. The taking this resolution would have no inconvenience, as the
+Court of France knew no reasons, which could prevent them from
+following the example of the King, by trusting their interests in the
+hands of just and wise mediators, and the refusal being liable to very
+dangerous consequences. The Minister concluded the conference by
+observing, that a great object was to secure the United States from
+the proposition of _uti possidetis_; that the surest way to obtain
+that end was to reduce the English to confess, that they are not able
+to conquer them. That present circumstances require great exertions
+from the consideration, and that it was plain that every success
+gained by the army of Congress would infinitely facilitate the
+negotiations of their Plenipotentiaries.[44]
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[44] _June 6th._ "Resolved, That the Minister Plenipotentiary, be
+authorised and instructed to concur, in behalf of these United States,
+with his Most Christian Majesty, in accepting the mediation proposed
+by the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany; but to accede to
+no treaty of peace, which shall not be such, as may effectually secure
+the independence and sovereignty of the Thirteen States, according to
+the form and effect of the treaties subsisting between the said States
+and his Most Christian Majesty, and in which the said treaties shall
+not be left in their full force and validity."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ CONGRESS TO THE KING OF FRANCE.
+
+The United States in Congress assembled, to their Great Faithful and
+Beloved Friend and Ally, Lewis the Sixteenth, King of France and
+Navarre.
+
+ Great, Faithful, and Beloved Friend and Ally,
+
+We have received your Majesty's letter of the 10th of March. The
+measures adopted by your Majesty in consequence of the representation
+made of the situation of our finances, the repeated testimonies of
+your Majesty's unalterable determination to render the cause of the
+United States triumphant, and also the affection, which your Majesty
+has been pleased to express for the United States in general, and for
+each State in particular, demand from us the strongest sentiments of
+gratitude.
+
+The important communications made by your Majesty's Plenipotentiary
+have been considered by us with the greatest attention. The result of
+our deliberations will be made known to your Majesty by our Minister
+Plenipotentiary at your Court, and will evince the entire confidence
+we have in your Majesty's friendship and perseverance in the
+principles, which have directed your conduct in maintaining the
+interest of the United States to this time.
+
+We pray God, that he will keep your Majesty, our great, faithful, and
+beloved friend and ally, in his holy protection.
+
+Done at Philadelphia, the 13th day of June, in the year of our Lord,
+1781, and in the fifth year of our independence.
+
+By the United States in Congress assembled.
+
+Your Faithful Friends and Allies.
+
+ SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.
+ CHARLES THOMSON, _Secretary_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, June 1st, 1781
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter, which your Excellency did me the honor to
+write on the 23d of the past month, and that of the Count de
+Rochambeau, with which it was accompanied.
+
+I wait with extreme impatience the news of the arrival of the French
+division before New York, and no one can desire more earnestly than I
+do to see it under your immediate command. I hoped that you would
+have been this spring in the command of a more considerable body of
+auxiliaries. The causes, which have hindered the execution of that
+plan, have been so urgent and so decisive, that I am sure you will
+approve them, after I shall have had the honor of making you
+acquainted with them. I have nevertheless been much pained, that I
+could not explain to you this change of measures, and my attachment to
+the cause, which you defend, has made me feel as sensibly as any
+citizen of America all the delays, that could happen to the
+assistance, which we wish to give to the Thirteen States.
+
+I am impressed with the necessity of maintaining a perfect confidence
+with your Excellency upon these different points, and I shall seize
+the first occasion which presents itself to visit your army.
+
+In the meantime I shall transmit to the Count de Grasse what your
+Excellency did me the honor to communicate. Be persuaded that I shall
+use the most pressing motives to determine him, and I shall do it with
+so much the more zeal, as I feel the necessity of it. I shall transmit
+to that General an extract of your letter, and I know nothing more
+likely to give weight to the demand, which I shall make of him.
+
+The King has charged me, Sir, to inform Congress, that he grants them
+a gratuitous subsidy to enable them to make the greatest efforts in
+the course of this campaign. This subsidy, amounting to _six millions
+of livres tournois_, is to be employed in the purchase of arms,
+ammunition, and clothing, and it is the intention of the King, that
+the surplus shall be at the disposal of Congress. I have not been
+instructed as to what will be the exact amount of this surplus, but
+it is determined, that one million and a half shall be employed by the
+Superintendent of Finance, according to the directions, which you
+shall give him, after the arrangements you shall make with him in the
+visit, which he intends paying you.
+
+I have informed Congress, and I intrust it to your Excellency, that
+the Emperor of Austria, and the Empress of Russia, have offered their
+mediation to the Court of London, who has accepted it. The same has
+also been offered to the Court of Versailles, and that of Madrid. But
+they have given for answer, that time must be left for Congress to
+determine, if it suits them to put the interests of the Thirteen
+United States into the hands of the mediators. In any event, it is of
+the greatest importance, that the allies make all their efforts to
+drive the enemy from this continent, and nothing will be more likely,
+than the success of the confederate arms, to make a successful
+negotiation.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+ Head Quarters, New Windsor,}
+ June 13th, 1781.}
+
+ Sir,
+
+His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau having requested me to forward
+the despatches herewith transmitted, by the safest possible
+conveyance, I now do myself the honor to send them by a gentleman of
+the Quarter Master General's department.
+
+Having been made acquainted by the Count de Rochambeau with the
+designs of the Count de Grasse, to come to this coast with his fleet,
+I cannot forbear expressing to your Excellency my ardent wishes, that
+a body of land forces might also attend this naval armament; as I am
+apprehensive such a decided superiority of men may not be drawn
+together by us, by the time the Count de Grasse will be here, as to
+insure our success against the enemy's most important posts; as his
+continuance in these seas may be limited to a short period, and as the
+addition of a respectable corps of troops from the West Indies would,
+in all human probability, terminate the matter very soon in our favor.
+If these should likewise be your sentiments, and if this plan should
+not interfere with the intentions and interests of his Most Christian
+Majesty elsewhere, I entreat your Excellency, by the first good
+conveyance, to represent the propriety and necessity of the measure to
+the commanders in the West Indies; that by one great decisive stroke
+the enemy may be expelled from the continent, and the independence of
+America established at the approaching negotiation.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ REPORT OF A CONFERENCE WITH THE FRENCH MINISTER.
+
+ In Congress, June 18th, 1781.
+
+The committee appointed to confer with the Minister Plenipotentiary of
+France, report,
+
+That on the second conference with the Minister of France, he
+communicated some parts of a despatch, dated the 7th of August, 1780,
+the first part relating to losses suffered by French merchants, either
+trading with private houses in America, or engaged in transactions of
+commerce for Congress, or the several States. He informed the
+committee that several papers, which should have accompanied this
+despatch, were not come to hand, so that he could not state what kind
+of compensation the merchants might expect. The Minister, however,
+mentioned in the conference, that without waiting the arrival of those
+papers, which may have been lost, or may be delayed for a long time,
+some recommendation might be thought proper to be sent from Congress
+to the several States, in order to prevent forever the effect of the
+tender laws operating against foreign merchants; that this would be an
+encouragement to commerce, and remove the fears of foreign traders in
+their transactions with the citizens of the United States. The
+Minister communicated that part of the Count de Vergennes' letter
+relating to the discussion between him and Mr John Adams, with respect
+to the depreciation of the paper money, and the effect this had
+produced on the French trade; however, he did not enter fully into the
+matter, not being furnished with the proper papers.
+
+The other objects of the communications of the Minister of France were
+the measures taken by the Court of Russia, and the northern powers, on
+account of the rights of neutrality, and the conduct to be observed by
+the belligerent powers towards subjects of neutral powers; and he
+informed the committee, that those northern Courts had made formal
+declarations to the powers at war respecting the principles of
+neutrality; and that they had concluded a convention for the security
+of their navigation and of their fair trade. That this convention was
+particularly obnoxious to the Court of London, as it was now obliged
+to respect neutral flags, which it had till then treated with the
+greatest severity, exercising against them every kind of depredation,
+according to its former practice. That France fully approved of that
+convention, the consequence of which was, that all the powers
+concerned, while they did justice to the principles of the King's
+Council, considered the British more and more as the tyrants of the
+sea.
+
+The King's Council, therefore, thought it proper to transmit this
+intelligence to Congress, leaving it to their wisdom to adopt the
+principles of the neutral powers laid down so long ago as the 26th of
+July, 1778, in an ordinance of the King, which the Minister of France
+delivered several months ago, with other printed papers on the same
+subject, to the Board of Admiralty. The Minister thought it the more
+important for the United States to conform their maritime laws to that
+system, as they would thereby conciliate to themselves the benevolence
+of the neutral powers. He observed, that American privateers had
+presumed to stop neutral vessels loaded with English merchandise,
+which had given rise to unfavorable observations and complaints
+against the United States. He observed, that Holland had taken a part
+in the association of the northern Courts; and that therefore she
+ought to be comprehended in the orders of Congress, if it should be
+thought proper in those orders to mention the names of particular
+powers. But if Congress adopted a conduct similar to that of France,
+they would extend their orders in favor of all neutral powers
+generally.
+
+The Minister then gave a short historical account of the negotiation
+of Mr Cumberland, observing that the matter being now obsolete, it was
+sufficient to mention that this agent, having made proposals of peace
+to the King of Spain, the first question he was asked was, what were
+the intentions of the Court of London respecting the United States?
+That he, having no instructions on this subject, or pretending to have
+none, had sent an express to London. That the express had not returned
+when this letter was written.
+
+The Minister informed the committee, that the Court of Versailles had
+neglected nothing to procure arms, ammunition, and clothing, for
+Congress. That the good intentions of the Court had not been well
+seconded by the American agents; that it was their fault if these
+articles had not been forwarded in time; that the Ministers did not
+intend to accuse any one in particular; but were of opinion, that
+Congress should inquire into the cause of the delay, in order to
+inflict such punishment as would prevent the like conduct in future.
+
+The Minister then communicated the substance of a despatch of the 9th
+of March, 1781; and entering fully into the subject, he told us, that
+so early as the beginning of the year 1780, he had informed Congress,
+that a mediation might be opened in Europe. That the mediators might
+propose the _uti possidetis_ as the basis of the negotiation. That it
+was of the utmost importance to prevent the effect of a proposition,
+so inconsistent with the independence of the United States. That the
+Court of France wished to give them every assistance in their power;
+but he had observed at the same time, that the political system of the
+kingdom, being closely connected with that of other European powers,
+France might be involved in difficulties, which would require the
+greatest attention, and a considerable part of her resources. That he
+had informed Congress confidentially, that the death of the Sovereigns
+of some of the European States, with whom the Court of France had the
+most intimate connexion, might oblige her to employ the greatest part
+of her resources to secure her against the dangers, which might be
+occasioned by such an event. That since that communication was made to
+Congress, both those cases had happened. That the Empress Queen was
+dead. That the Court of Versailles flattered itself, that this will
+not at this time give rise to any material change in the politics of
+the Courts of Vienna and Berlin. That circumstances, however, are
+such, that prudence dictates not to leave the frontier of France
+bordering on Germany unprovided for defence. That the character the
+King bears of guarantee or protector of the liberties of the German
+empire, obliges him to be ready to assist effectually the members of
+that body, whose safety may be endangered, and of consequence
+occasions extraordinary expenses. That France is at the same time
+obliged to spare the land forces of the kingdom, and at the present
+crisis not to keep them at too great a distance. That this, however,
+is only a point of caution and prudence. That the Court of France
+still hopes the issue will be peaceable and agreeable to her wishes;
+but has thought it proper to inform Congress of it.
+
+That matters are different with respect to the Dutch. That they are
+now in a state of war with the English; but there is among them a
+party in favor of England; and notwithstanding the accession of the
+two opposing provinces to the resolution of the States for making
+reprisals, a mediation has been entered into between London and the
+Hague; and the Empress of Russia acts as mediatrix. That it is evident
+the Court of London, by opening this negotiation, designs to draw the
+Seven Provinces to her side; and even goes so far as to expect, that
+she may employ the resources of the Dutch against France, either
+directly or indirectly. That the disposition of that Republic is still
+such as friends would wish. But the strongest argument, which the
+British party make use of to separate the Seven Provinces from France
+is, that they are destitute of a naval force; that their seamen are
+captured by the British; that all their riches will likewise fall a
+sacrifice; and that their settlements in the East and West Indies are
+in the greatest danger. That under these circumstances it was become
+necessary for France to afford immediate protection to the Dutch in
+Europe; and to make without delay a diversion, which may possibly save
+their East India possessions. That these measures had rendered it
+actually impossible to send to the United States the reinforcement,
+which was announced.
+
+The Minister of France thinks, that this confidential and friendly
+explanation of the situation of France will convince Congress, that
+the King could not pursue a different line of conduct; and that the
+consequences of the measures he has taken must at last turn to their
+advantage. That, however, Count de Rochambeau and M. Barras will
+receive some reinforcements, and will inform the Chevalier de la
+Luzerne how considerable they are.
+
+The Minister told the committee, that the friendship and benevolence
+of the King for the Thirteen United States had engaged him to trust
+Congress with these details, observing at the same time, that it would
+be proper to keep them secret.
+
+In giving an account of the subsidy granted by the King of France, the
+Minister concluded by observing, that the Count de Vergennes writes,
+that what remains of the six millions, after purchasing the supplies
+of arms and ammunition, would be at the disposal of Congress; or if
+they should so direct, at the disposal of the commander in chief, or
+of their financier, if there should be one; and that the resolution
+Congress took on this subject should be made known to the Ministry,
+that funds may be provided accordingly. In the course of the
+conference the Chevalier mentioned the sums, that had been procured
+for these States since the beginning of the year 1780. That in that
+year the Count de Vergennes had, on his own credit, procured for Dr
+Franklin three millions of livres. That in December Dr Franklin wanted
+one million more to honor the bills drawn by Congress; and that he
+received the fourth million. That in the course of the present year,
+the Count has procured for him on loan four millions of livres, which
+make eight millions borrowed on the guarentee of France, since the
+aforementioned period. And now the King makes a gratuitous donation of
+the subsidy of six millions, which in the whole make up the sum of
+fourteen millions, since the commencement of the year 1780.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 1st, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I am ready to go to the army of General Washington, and I shall have
+the honor of receiving your commissions this evening. My absence will,
+probably, be of short duration; I think it proper, however, to inform
+you, that M. de Marbois will perform, during this interval, the duties
+of _Charge d'Affaires_ of his Majesty, and I entreat you, Sir, to be
+pleased to honor him with your confidence, in case you have any
+communications to make to, or receive from, the King's embassy.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ M. DE MARBOIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 9th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned, _Charge d'Affaires_ of France, has the honor of
+informing Congress, that the Count de Barras, commander of his
+Majesty's squadron stationed on the coasts of the Thirteen States,
+labors at this moment under an urgent necessity of completing his
+crews. The diseases, which have prevailed on board of this squadron,
+the battle in which it has been engaged, a long absence from the ports
+of the kingdom, and the manoeuvres employed by many individuals to
+excite the French sailors to desertion, are causes, which have
+diminished in a considerable degree the number of those, who were
+employed on board of this squadron. The undersigned is instructed to
+communicate these circumstances to Congress. The French commander
+thinks, that if he may be authorised by the Legislatures of the New
+England States to impress French sailors, and to remove them from the
+different vessels, in which they may be found, he will very soon be
+enabled to remedy the diminution of numbers, which he has experienced.
+
+ MARBOIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ M. DE MARBOIS TO THE SECRETARY OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 11th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received, in the absence of the Chevalier de la Luzerne, the
+letter which you took the trouble to write, to inform that Minister of
+the King, that the Honorable Thomas McKean had been chosen President
+of Congress, in the place of the Honorable Samuel Huntington. I shall
+communicate this change to his Majesty's Minister, on his return to
+Philadelphia, and also to the Minister having the direction of Foreign
+Affairs in France. We are very sorry to see that Mr Huntington is
+obliged, by ill health, to resign an office, in the exercise of which
+he has given frequent proofs of his wisdom, and of his attachment to
+the Thirteen States, and to the alliance. But the choice by Congress
+of the Honorable Mr McKean, leaves nothing to be wished for, and I can
+assure you, Sir, that his Majesty's Minister will be eager to show to
+him the same confidence, which he has shown to his predecessor, and
+that we shall use all exertions to merit his in return.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ MARBOIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 20th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has the honor of
+informing Congress, that he has received despatches from his Court,
+the contents of which may be interesting to this Assembly, and that he
+is desirous of communicating them to it through a committee, if
+Congress shall be pleased to appoint one to confer with him. These
+communications relate to the state of public affairs in Europe, in the
+months of January and February last, to the rupture between England
+and the United Provinces, and to the measures to be taken to
+facilitate an alliance between the Thirteen United States and that
+Republic.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ REPORT OF COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FRENCH MINISTER.
+
+ In Congress, July 23d, 1781.
+
+The committee appointed to receive the communications of the Minister
+of France, delivered in the following report.
+
+The Minister, from his despatches of the 9th of January, 1781,
+communicated to your committee the causes which delayed the measures,
+which the Court of France proposed to take for the naval operations of
+this campaign, the length of the passage of Count d'Estaing to Brest,
+and, other circumstances not necessary now to be recapitulated; and
+then told us that he was desired, in the meanwhile, to continue to
+assure Congress, that the interest which his Majesty takes in the
+American cause will essentially influence his measures for the present
+campaign.
+
+The Minister continued by observing, that the present situation of
+affairs between Great Britain and Holland presented a favorable
+opportunity for a union of the two Republics.
+
+Your committee will not repeat the details of what has happened
+between the two powers of England and Holland; it is sufficient to
+observe, that Sweden and Denmark have adopted the plan of the armed
+neutrality, framed by the Empress of Russia; that the Dutch, upon
+invitation, had done the same, and the Court of London, irritated by
+this step, took hold of the pretence afforded by the papers found on
+Mr Laurens, and published a manifesto on the 21st day of December, as
+well as a proclamation for expediting letters of marque. That this
+state of affairs, and the other consequences of this step, deserve the
+attention of Congress. That, if their High Mightinesses should join in
+this war, it would bring the two Republics to terms of more intimate
+union. That the opinion of the Council of the King was, that Congress
+ought not to neglect to send to Holland a prudent and able man, with
+full powers. It would likewise be advantageous to give proper
+instructions to that Minister; and as it may happen in the course of
+the negotiations that unforeseen incidents may present themselves, and
+as it is impossible at this distance to have quick information, it
+would be proper to have further instructions given by Dr Franklin, in
+order to avoid all inconsistency or contradiction, and that the
+political operations of Congress, aiming towards the same end, may of
+course be more successful.
+
+The Minister communicated to your committee the contents of another
+despatch, of the 19th of February last. After stating some facts
+relating to Mr Laurens's capture, and its consequences, which Congress
+are already acquainted with, the Minister informed your committee,
+that the Empress of Russia had, on the 5th of January, received the
+accession of the United Provinces to the association of neutral
+powers, and that there was great probability, that her Imperial
+Majesty would support the Dutch against the tyranny of England, and
+that on every supposition, Congress would do well to take such
+measures, as to prepare, without delay, the means of uniting the
+interest of the two Republics, by making proper advances to the
+States-General. The Minister added, that he was authorised by the King
+to offer Congress his interposition for this purpose.
+
+The Minister informed, that according to appearances the Empress of
+Russia seemed to be well disposed to the independence of the United
+States; and that these dispositions give reason to think, that the
+Empress will see with pleasure, that Congress have adopted her
+principles as to the neutrality, and that the Count de Vergennes has
+sent that resolution to the Marquis Verac, the Minister of France to
+the Court of Russia.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 26th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The twentyninth article of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, between
+his Most Christian Majesty and the United States, reserves to the two
+contracting powers, "the liberty of having, each in the ports of the
+other, Consuls, Vice-Consuls, Agents, and Commissaries, whose
+functions shall be regulated by a particular agreement." In
+consequence of this stipulation, the Court of Versailles has caused a
+draft to be made of a convention, relative to the establishment of
+Consuls, which the undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France,
+has the honor to communicate to Congress. It is the desire of his
+Majesty, that this draft should be examined by Congress, and those
+points marked which admit of no difficulty; and that the others should
+be submitted to the examination of delegates appointed by both
+parties, who may make such observations as they shall judge proper,
+and propose such alterations as they may think convenient. These
+objects will require discussion in repeated conferences, and the
+undersigned entreats, that Congress would determine in what manner
+these conferences shall be held. The proposed convention requires the
+most mature consideration of both parties; while at the same time, it
+is equally the interest of both with all speed to introduce
+consistency and uniformity into their respective commercial
+establishments, and the undersigned is of opinion, that Congress will
+think it necessary to prosecute this business with all possible
+despatch.[45]
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[45] See the draft of this Convention in the _Secret Journal_, Vol.
+III. p. 6.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, August 23d, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has the honor of
+informing Congress, that the situation of affairs requires, that M. de
+l'Etombe, Consul General of France, in the four States of New England,
+should proceed immediately to his destination. This officer being
+provided with the commission of his Majesty, in the form made use of
+for the other French Consulates, in the different quarters of the
+world, it is desirable that his character should be recognized in the
+manner and form, which for the future are to take place uniformly
+throughout the Thirteen United States. The undersigned, Minister
+Plenipotentiary, consequently entreats Congress to determine
+provisionally, what this form shall henceforward be, without waiting
+till the plan to be agreed upon shall be definitively settled. He is
+also desirous, that Congress will be pleased to pass a resolution on
+the subject of the recognition of the character of Vice-Consuls.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Philadelphia, September 6th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has the honor of
+communicating to Congress the commission of M. de l'Etombe, as Consul
+General of France in the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode
+Island, and Connecticut. He requests Congress to be pleased to pass an
+act, or four different acts, in order to procure for the said Consul
+the _exequatur_ in each of the States, to which his functions are to
+extend.
+
+ LUZERNE.
+
+
+ END OF THE TENTH VOLUME.
+
+
+
+
++--------------------------------------------------------------------+
+| TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE. |
+| |
+| Omitted words, shown as blank spaces in the original, have been |
+| transcribed as four hyphens ('----'). |
+| |
+| Every effort was made to match the original text. Spelling |
+| variations between letters have been preserved. The following |
+| apparent typographical errors were corrected: |
+| "Triomphe" for "Trimophe" page 40 |
+| "November 5, 1782" for "November 5, 1882" page 94 |
+| "and who ought" for "and ho ought" page 308 |
+| "each other" for "eachother" page 314 |
++--------------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Diplomatic Correspondence of the
+American Revolution, Volume X (of 12), by Various
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