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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Diplomatic Correspondence of the
+American Revolution (Volume VI), 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 VI)
+
+Author: Various
+
+Editor: Jared Sparks
+
+Release Date: April 1, 2012 [EBook #39344]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DIPLOMATI CORR.--AMERICAN REVOLUTION ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Frank van Drogen, Melissa McDaniel and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+(This file was produced from images generously made
+available by the BibliothA"que nationale de France
+(BnF/Gallica) at http://gallica.bnf.fr)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF THE
+
+AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
+
+VOL. VI.
+
+
+
+
+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. VI.
+
+
+BOSTON:
+
+NATHAN HALE AND GRAY & BOWEN;
+
+G. & C. & H. CARVILL, NEW YORK; P. THOMPSON, WASHINGTON.
+
+
+1830.
+
+
+
+
+Steam Power Press--W. L. Lewis, Printer.
+
+No. 6, Congress Street, Boston.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+OF THE
+
+SIXTH VOLUME.
+
+
+JOHN ADAMS'S CORRESPONDENCE,
+
+CONTINUED.
+
+
+ Page.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 16th, 1781, 3
+
+ Diplomatic arts of the English.--A war in Holland is
+ not to be expected, unless there should be an
+ acknowledgment of the independence of America.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 21st,
+ 1781, 5
+
+ Ordinance of Prussia relative to navigation and
+ commerce.
+
+ To B. Franklin, Amsterdam, May 23d, 1781, 13
+
+ Drafts made on him by Congress.--Encloses despatches
+ for Dr Franklin and Mr Jay.--Thinks it advisable to
+ obtain the acknowledgment of independence from other
+ powers, before opening the conferences for
+ peace.--His mission is a subject of
+ deliberation.--Taxation in America.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 24th,
+ 1781, 15
+
+ Proposition of Amsterdam in the States of Holland,
+ urging the speedy adoption of measures of defence and
+ protection.--The example of Amsterdam has great
+ influence on the rest of the country.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 25th,
+ 1781, 21
+
+ Enclosing the convention concerning recaptures
+ between France and Holland.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 27th,
+ 1781, 24
+
+ Report of a Committee of the States-General on the
+ petition of the East India Company for convoy and for
+ the defence of the India possessions, recommending
+ aid.--Timidity and irresolution of the Dutch
+ government.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 29th,
+ 1781, 29
+
+ The English, by the capture of St Eustatia, break up
+ a trade in British manufactures to North
+ America.--The property seized there principally
+ English.--Much of it taken by the French on its
+ passage to England.--Inactivity of the Dutch naval
+ force.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 31st,
+ 1781, 30
+
+ Memorial of the Danish Minister, requesting their
+ High Mightinesses to evacuate certain forts in the
+ vicinity of the Danish settlements in Africa.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 31st,
+ 1781, 32
+
+ Declaration of Dort, approving the proposition of
+ Amsterdam to adopt measures of defence.--Note of the
+ Deputies of Haerlem, complaining of the silence of
+ the States of Holland in regard to the proposition of
+ Amsterdam.
+
+ To the President of the Assembly of the States-General.
+ Amsterdam, June 1st, 1781, 34
+
+ Informing him of the final ratification of the
+ confederation by the Thirteen United States, and
+ requesting him to communicate it to their High
+ Mightinesses.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 5th,
+ 1781, 35
+
+ Declaration of the Deputies of Middleburg in the
+ States of Zealand, approving the proposed increase of
+ bounty to those engaged in the naval service, and
+ recommending measures to increase the activity of the
+ States-General in preparing means of defence.--The
+ States of Zealand recommend to the States-General the
+ erection of batteries on the coast, and also resolve
+ to raise a loan.
+
+ To M. Berenger, Secretary of the French Embassy at the
+ Hague. Amsterdam, June 8th, 1781, 37
+
+ Requests to be informed why his presence is required
+ at Paris by the Count de Vergennes.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 11th,
+ 1781, 39
+
+ Petition of the inhabitants of Antwerp, urging the
+ opening of the Scheldt.--Remarks of M. Cerisier on
+ the petition; true causes of the decline of the
+ Austrian Low Countries, and of the prosperity of the
+ Dutch Provinces; absurdity of the pretensions of the
+ Austrian Provinces to the free navigation of the
+ Scheldt; the other powers would oppose the measure.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 12th,
+ 1781, 49
+
+ Petition of the Deputies of Dort, Haerlem, Amsterdam,
+ and Rotterdam, to the States of Holland and West
+ Friesland, with a petition of the same to the
+ States-General, praying for protection of the
+ commerce to Surinam.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 15th,
+ 1781, 59
+
+ Arrival at the Hague of a courier from St Petersburg,
+ supposed to bring despatches denying assistance from
+ the armed neutrality.--Probable
+ consequences.--Obstacles to an alliance between
+ Holland and France.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 23d,
+ 1781, 60
+
+ Answer of Russia above referred to.--Remarks of Mr
+ Adams on the answer.--America must not look to
+ European negotiations for safety.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 23d,
+ 1781, 63
+
+ Advice of the Deputies of Zieriksee to the States of
+ Zealand, complaining of the inactivity of the
+ government.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 26th,
+ 1781, 67
+
+ The Emperor takes measures to revive commerce in the
+ Austrian Low Countries; grants privileges to
+ Nieuport; advantages of that city for foreign and
+ domestic trade.--Great quantities of British
+ manufactures are introduced into America in neutral
+ bottoms and by clandestine channels.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 26th,
+ 1781, 69
+
+ The Regency of Amsterdam in an interview with the
+ Stadtholder, charge the Duke of Brunswick with
+ hostility to the welfare of the country, and devotion
+ to the interests of England, and demand his
+ dismission.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 27th,
+ 1781, 75
+
+ Major Jackson's services in the purchasing and
+ shipping of goods for the United states.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 29th,
+ 1781, 76
+
+ The Duke of Brunswick's reply to the memorial of
+ Amsterdam.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 5th,
+ 1781, 83
+
+ Speech of the Stadtholder to the States-General on
+ the subject of naval and military
+ preparations.--Letter from the same to the Provincial
+ States, on the same subject, recommending
+ augmentations of the land and sea forces for the
+ purpose of extending the protection of convoy to all
+ vessels whatsoever.--Answer of the States-General to
+ the proposition of the Stadtholder abovementioned.
+
+ To the Count de Vergennes. Versailles, July 7th, 1781, 92
+
+ Informing him of his arrival, and requesting an
+ interview.--The Count refers him to M. de
+ Rayneval.--Conversation with M. de Rayneval on the
+ proposition of the mediation of Russia and Austria.
+
+ M. de Rayneval to John Adams. Versailles, July 9th,
+ 1781, 93
+
+ Appointing a time for an interview with Count de
+ Vergennes.
+
+ To M. de Rayneval. Paris, July 9th, 1781, 94
+
+ Interview with Count de Vergennes.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 7th,
+ 1781, 94
+
+ Report of a Committee on the Duke of Brunswick's
+ reply to the Amsterdam memorial, declaring that there
+ appears no ground for the charges made against him.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 7th,
+ 1781, 96
+
+ Representations of the French Minister at Petersburg,
+ complaining of the violation of the principles of the
+ convention of neutrality, by the English.--Mr Dana
+ leaves Amsterdam for Petersburg.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 10th,
+ 1781, 97
+
+ The Duke of Brunswick requests a more formal
+ examination of the charges made against him.--The
+ request referred by the States-General to the
+ Provincial States.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Paris, July 11th, 1781, 98
+
+ Proposition of the mediation of Austria and Russia
+ between the European belligerents, the Americans
+ being left to treat separately.--The two
+ preliminaries on condition of which England proposes
+ the mediation; a rupture of France with America, and
+ the return of the latter to obedience.
+
+ To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 13th, 1781, 102
+
+ Enclosing his remarks on the proposed articles of a
+ basis for the negotiations.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Paris, July 15th, 1781, 107
+
+ Thinks there is no objection to sending a Minister of
+ the United States to the proposed Congress at Vienna,
+ without a previous acknowledgment of their
+ independence.--Little prospect of obtaining anything
+ by negotiation without successes in America, and the
+ expulsion of the English from the United States.
+
+ To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 16th, 1781, 109
+
+ Further remarks on the proposed basis of
+ negotiation.--The imperial Courts have omitted the
+ two preliminaries of the British Court, to which the
+ latter will probably adhere.--The English policy is
+ to amuse the powers with a pretended desire for
+ peace.--No objection to the presence of a Minister of
+ the United States at Vienna without a previous
+ acknowledgment of independence.--His instructions
+ forbid him to agree to the armistice or _statu quo_.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 17th,
+ 1781, 112
+
+ Memorial of Amsterdam against the Duke of Brunswick.
+
+ Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, July
+ 18th, 1781, 124
+
+ The United States cannot appear in the proposed
+ negotiation until certain preliminaries are settled.
+
+ To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 18th, 1781, 125
+
+ Feels little disposed to engage in the proposed
+ negotiations.--An American Minister ought not to
+ appear at Vienna, unless the propositions of the
+ Imperial Courts are communicated to Congress.
+
+ To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 19th, 1781, 127
+
+ An American Minister at Vienna, must be received as
+ Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States, and
+ by his commission can only treat with Ministers
+ vested with equal powers, which would be a virtual
+ acknowledgment of independence.--Objects to the
+ expression "American Colonies" in the articles.--The
+ United States can never consent to appear as subjects
+ of Great Britain, nor allow their sovereignty to be
+ called in question by any Congress of Ministers.--No
+ such Congress has ever ventured to interfere in the
+ domestic concerns of any power, or to aid a sovereign
+ in reducing his rebellious subjects.
+
+ To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 21st, 1781, 133
+
+ A proposition has been made, that each State of the
+ Union should send an agent to Vienna.--The States
+ have no authority to negotiate with foreign powers.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 21st,
+ 1781, 135
+
+ Sentiments of the Quarter of Westergo in regard to
+ the Amsterdam Memorial against the Duke of Brunswick.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 3d,
+ 1781, 137
+
+ Extract from the King's speech at the prorogation of
+ Parliament; the English Court will probably insist on
+ their two preliminaries, as conditions of accepting
+ the Imperial mediation.--Indications of the Emperor's
+ favorable disposition towards America, while visiting
+ the Low Countries.--Expressed a desire to meet Mr
+ Adams incog.
+
+ B. Franklin to John Adams. Passy, Aug. 6th, 1781, 140
+
+ Relative to Mr Adams's accounts.--The Ministers will
+ no longer be paid from the supplies furnished by the
+ French Court.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 6th,
+ 1781, 141
+
+ Courier from Petersburg to the English Court,
+ supposed to bear representations concerning the war
+ against Holland.--The answer of England to the
+ proposed preliminaries arrives in Russia; purport
+ unknown.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 6th,
+ 1781, 142
+
+ Quotes a paragraph from a London paper, stating that
+ Messrs Curson and Gouverneur are to be tried for high
+ treason.--Mr Adams's connexion with them.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 8th,
+ 1781, 144
+
+ The Dutch privateers are permitted to co-operate with
+ the American in any joint enterprise.--This amounts
+ to a virtual acknowledgment of the independence of
+ America.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 16th,
+ 1781, 145
+
+ Mr Temple, his character, services, and sufferings.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 16th,
+ 1781, 147
+
+ Offer of the mediation of the two Imperial Courts,
+ made to the Dutch Ambassador at Petersburg.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 18th,
+ 1781, 149
+
+ Admiral Parker's account of his action with Admiral
+ Zoutman.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 22d,
+ 1781, 150
+
+ Favorable influence of Amsterdam in animating the
+ Dutch.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 22d,
+ 1781, 152
+
+ Gradual progress of events in Holland.--The
+ declaration of the Stadtholder, that the vessels
+ which did not join the squadron of the Texel were
+ detained by the winds, and not by counter
+ orders.--The Prince's letter of thanks to the crews
+ of Admiral Zoutman's vessels.
+
+ To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Aug. 25th, 1781, 156
+
+ Acknowledges the receipt of his new
+ commission.--Proceedings under his former
+ commission.--Speculations on the policy of the Courts
+ at the proposed Congress.
+
+ James Lovell to John Adams. Philadelphia, September
+ 1st, 1781, 159
+
+ Enclosing instructions from Congress.
+
+ To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Oct. 4th, 1781, 160
+
+ His correspondence has been interrupted by
+ sickness.--Expresses his satisfaction with the new
+ commission.--Recommends the official communication of
+ it to Count de Vergennes, and some intimation of it
+ in the French journals.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 15th,
+ 1781, 161
+
+ Loss of his despatches.--Difficulty of safe
+ transmission.--Recent interruption by sickness.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 15th,
+ 1781, 163
+
+ The English will not treat with America at
+ present.--Has been unsuccessful in his attempts to
+ obtain a loan.--It is held out to the public as
+ full.--Uncertainty and delays of Dutch
+ politics.--Views of the English party in
+ Holland.--Obstacles to their success.--Thinks his
+ remaining longer in Europe unnecessary.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 15,
+ 1781, 169
+
+ Excitement in Holland.--Placard of the States of
+ Utrecht, offering reward for the discovery of the
+ author of a seditious pamphlet "To the People of the
+ Low Countries."
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 18th,
+ 1781, 172
+
+ Various petitions from the commercial interest in
+ Holland to the States-General; from certain
+ fisheries; from the merchants of Amsterdam, praying
+ indemnification for the loss occasioned by the delay
+ of the convoy; from the merchants of Amsterdam and
+ Rotterdam, trading to the Levant; from the
+ proprietors of plantations in Surinam and Curacao;
+ from the East India Company, praying assistance.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
+ October 23d, 1781, 178
+
+ Informing Mr Adams of his appointment as Secretary of
+ Foreign Affairs.--Requests information.--Surrender of
+ Lord Cornwallis.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October. 25th,
+ 1781, 182
+
+ Placard of Holland against the pamphlet "To the
+ People of the Low Countries."--Progress of
+ democratical principles in Europe, caused by the
+ American war.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, November 1st,
+ 1781, 187
+
+ Debates in the States of Guelderland relative to an
+ alliance with France and America.--The Baron Van der
+ Cappellen in favor of acknowledging the independence
+ of America.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
+ November 20th, 1781, 188
+
+ Requesting information of the parties in
+ Holland.--Has received indirect information that Mr
+ Adams has presented his credentials to the
+ States-General and printed his memorial.--Advises him
+ to conduct as a private individual.
+
+ To the Duc de la Vauguyon, Ambassador of France at the
+ Hague. Amsterdam, Nov. 24th, 1781, 192
+
+ Requesting an interview with him for the purpose of
+ communicating despatches from Congress. Account of
+ the interview.
+
+ Resolves of Congress, comprising the Instructions to
+ John Adams. In Congress, Aug. 16th, 1781, 194
+
+ Instructions to Mr Adams, respecting a Treaty of
+ Alliance with the United Provinces.--Commission to
+ the same for the same object.
+
+ To the Duc de la Vauguyon. Amsterdam, November 25th,
+ 1781, 197
+
+ Communicating the instructions and commission above
+ given.--Manner of proceeding in compliance
+ therewith.
+
+ To John Jay, American Minister at Madrid. Amsterdam,
+ November 26th, 1781, 199
+
+ Communicating his new instructions, and desiring to
+ open a correspondence with Mr Jay.--The Dutch are
+ well disposed, but cautious.
+
+ To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Nov. 26th, 1781, 200
+
+ His instructions have probably arrived in season to
+ prevent a separate peace between Holland and
+ England.--Capture of Cornwallis.--Co-operation of
+ Spain and Holland with France and America, would
+ quickly reduce England to submit.
+
+ To John Jay. Amsterdam, Nov. 28th, 1781, 201
+
+ The late successes in America have produced a great
+ impression in Europe. Prospect of a triple
+ alliance.--General Greene's successes in the South
+ have delivered Georgia and South Carolina.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 4th,
+ 1781, 203
+
+ Effect of the late successes in America.--General
+ desire in Holland for the triple alliance.--Remits
+ money to Mr Laurens in the Tower.--Has received
+ intimations that the English are secretly supplied
+ with masts from the United States.--The Continental
+ goods, left in Holland by Commodore Gillon detained
+ for freight and damages.
+
+ The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. The Hague,
+ December 7th, 1781, 205
+
+ Waits for orders in regard to the proposed
+ negotiations in Holland.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 13th,
+ 1781, 206
+
+ Answer of Lord Stormont to M. Simolin, accepting the
+ mediation of Russia, in negotiating a peace between
+ England and Holland.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 14th,
+ 1781, 209
+
+ The proposition of the Quarter of Oostergo to the
+ States of Friesland, urging the acknowledgment of the
+ independence of the United States.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 18th,
+ 1781, 212
+
+ Interview with the Duc de la Vauguyon, who recommends
+ a visit to the Hague, and afterward to the Regencies
+ of the several cities.
+
+ To the Duc de la Vauguyon. The Hague, December 19th,
+ 1781, 214
+
+ Requests to know if the Spanish Ambassador has
+ instructions to enter into a treaty with Holland.--Is
+ in favor of communicating the project of a triple or
+ quadruple alliance to some confidential members of
+ the States.--The mediation of Russia is only a
+ pretence of England, to prevent Holland from joining
+ the other belligerents.
+
+ The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. The Hague,
+ December 20th, 1781, 216
+
+ Desires to see Mr Adams.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 25th,
+ 1781, 216
+
+ Ulterior declaration of Prussia concerning the
+ navigation of Prussian subjects.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 25th,
+ 1781, 220
+
+ Lord Stormont's answer to the Swedish Envoy,
+ declining the mediation of Sweden, and accepting that
+ of Russia.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
+ December 26th, 1781, 223
+
+ Military operations in the United States.--Encloses
+ resolutions of Congress, relating to captures and
+ recaptures, and prohibiting all commerce in British
+ manufactures.--Requests information from Mr Adams.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 29th,
+ 1781, 226
+
+ Containing the act of accession to the armed
+ neutrality on the part of Austria, with the note of
+ the Imperial Minister to their High
+ Mightinesses.--Strength of the armed neutrality, if
+ conducted wisely and honestly.
+
+ The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. Versailles,
+ December 30th, 1781, 230
+
+ Count de Vergennes approves of Mr Adams's proposed
+ visit to members of government, on the subject of his
+ memorial, but advises that nothing be done in
+ writing.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
+ January 9th, 1782, 231
+
+ Military affairs.--The Marquis de Bouille.--Contrast
+ of the conduct of the English and French in America.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 14th,
+ 1782, 233
+
+ Interview with the President of their High
+ Mightinesses, in which Mr Adams demands a categorical
+ answer to his former request of an audience of the
+ States.--Visit to the Secretary of the States on the
+ same subject, who assures him that his request had
+ been taken _ad referendum_.--Similar visits to the
+ Deputies of all the cities.--Constitutions of the
+ municipal governments in Holland.--The nation favors
+ the triple alliance; the policy of the rulers is to
+ propose the mediation of Russia and the triple
+ alliance at the same time.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 15th,
+ 1782, 239
+
+ Transmitting the note of the Russian Ambassador,
+ proposing to the States that the neutral powers
+ provide their Ministers at the belligerent Courts
+ with full powers, in regard to affairs arising under
+ the convention of neutrality.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 16th,
+ 1782, 240
+
+ Memorial from the Swedish Envoy at London to Lord
+ Stormont, offering the mediation of Sweden in
+ negotiating a peace between Holland and England.--The
+ English Court complains of the refusal of a Swedish
+ captain to allow vessels under his convoy to be
+ visited.--The Swedish Court approves the
+ measure.--The same principle approved by Russia.--The
+ Russian Ministers at the belligerent Courts are
+ instructed, in similar cases, to make immediate
+ demands of reparation from the offending party.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston, Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
+ Amsterdam, February 14th, 1782, 244
+
+ Congratulates Mr Livingston on his
+ appointment.--State of affairs in Holland.--Difficult
+ for an American Minister to communicate with the
+ Ministers of other powers.--Mr Barclay purchases
+ goods for the United States in Holland.--British
+ manufactures bought without the knowledge of Mr
+ Adams.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February 19th,
+ 1782, 248
+
+ The English will not be easily discouraged by the
+ successes of the Americans.--Complicated state of
+ parties in Holland.--Inclinations of the Stadtholder
+ in favor of England.--Parties on subjects of domestic
+ policy.--Justification of the presentation of his
+ credentials.--Motives for printing his
+ memorial.--Conducts himself as a private
+ individual.--The States have accepted the mediation
+ of Russia.--Policy of France in relation to Holland
+ and Spain.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February 21st,
+ 1782, 255
+
+ Unable to understand the cypher.--Recapitulation of
+ events in Holland before the presentation of his
+ memorial.--Great change produced by that paper.--It
+ has obtained universal approbation in Europe.--Mr
+ Adams's proposition to the Duc de la Vauguyon,
+ produced the offer from France to Congress to assist
+ in effecting a treaty between Holland and the United
+ States.--Influence of the memorial on the policy and
+ late measures of the Emperor.--Other effects of the
+ memorial.--Conversation with the Duc de la Vauguyon
+ on the subject, previous to its presentation.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February 27th,
+ 1782, 267
+
+ The Province of Friesland acknowledges the
+ independence of the United States.--Holland will not
+ probably enter into an alliance with the
+ belligerents.--Buys a house at the Hague on the
+ public account.
+
+ The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. The Hague, March
+ 4th, 1782, 269
+
+ Objects to a proposition of Mr Adams as impolitic.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, March
+ 5th, 1782, 270
+
+ Holland can gain no advantage by a peace with
+ England.--Requests information on the naval force;
+ the public men and their sentiments in
+ Holland.--Recommends frequent visits to the
+ Hague.--Military operations in America.--Prosperous
+ state of the country.--Lord Cornwallis.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 10th, 1782, 275
+
+ Resolution of the House of Commons, that an offensive
+ war in America against the sense of the House would
+ be highly criminal.--Other indications of a
+ disposition for peace.--Causes of this state of
+ feeling.--Probable policy of the British Cabinet.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 11th, 1782, 277
+
+ Transmitting the Resolution of Friesland, instructing
+ the Deputies in the States-General to receive Mr
+ Adams in his official capacity.--Causes of the change
+ of sentiments on this point in the Regency of
+ Amsterdam.--Character and influence of Friesland.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 19th, 1782, 280
+
+ Proceedings of the county of Zutphen, on the subject
+ of the official reception of Mr Adams.--Petition of
+ the merchants and manufacturers of Leyden to the
+ grand council of the city, representing the
+ languishing condition of their manufactures, and
+ urging a treaty with America as a means of reviving
+ them.--Petition of the merchants and manufacturers of
+ Amsterdam to the States-General, urging the speedy
+ acknowledgment of American independence.--Petition of
+ the same to the Regency of the city, soliciting the
+ Regency to exert itself in obtaining an immediate
+ decision of the States of the Province in favor of
+ America.--Petition of the commercial interest of
+ Rotterdam to the Regency of the city, praying them to
+ insist on a speedy decision in favor of a treaty with
+ the United States, by the States of the
+ Province.--Petition of the merchants and
+ manufacturers of Holland and West Friesland to the
+ States of the Province, for the adoption of measures
+ in the States-General, and for securing the commerce
+ of America.--Resolution of the States of Holland and
+ West Friesland, to insist on the immediate reception
+ of Mr Adams by the States-General.--Petition of
+ Zwoll.--Addresses of thanks from the citizens of
+ Amsterdam; from the commercial interest of Leyden;
+ and from that of Utrecht, to the States of the
+ Province, for their abovementioned Resolution.
+
+ To Peter Van Bleiswick, Grand Pensionary of Holland.
+ Amsterdam, March 31st, 1782, 328
+
+ Mr Adams acknowledges the Resolution of the States of
+ Holland and West Friesland, recommending his official
+ reception by the Generality.
+
+ To the Duc de la Vauguyon. Amsterdam, April 10th, 1782, 329
+
+ Lord Shelburne is not satisfied with the
+ communication of all subjects discussed, to the
+ allies of America.--Holland will not probably treat
+ separately with England.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, April 19th, 1782, 330
+
+ Resolutions of the respective Provinces in favor of
+ the reception of Mr Adams, in his official
+ capacity.--Resolutions of the States-General,
+ acknowledging Mr Adams as Minister of the United
+ States.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 22d, 1782, 339
+
+ Presentation to the Prince of Orange.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 23d, 1782, 341
+
+ In a conference with the President of the
+ States-General, he proposes a treaty of amity and
+ commerce on the principle of reciprocity. Presents a
+ plan of a treaty to the committee of the States,
+ appointed to treat.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 23d, 1782, 342
+
+ Is introduced to the foreign Ministers at a dinner
+ made in honor of the United States by the French
+ Ambassador.--Receives visits in a private character
+ from the Spanish Minister.
+
+ To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, May 2d, 1782, 344
+
+ Considers it doubtful whether he shall be present at
+ the negotiations in Paris.--Difficulties in regard to
+ the loan.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, May 16th, 1782, 346
+
+ Mr Adams removes to the Hague.--Great obstacles, that
+ have been surmounted in Holland.--Difficulties in the
+ way of a loan.--Recommends to the attention of
+ Congress Messrs Dumas, Thaxter, Jennings, and
+ Cerisier.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, May
+ 22d, 1782, 351
+
+ The change of Ministry and measures in England will
+ have no effect on the determination of
+ America.--Congress refuses General Carleton's request
+ of a passport for his Secretary.--The salaries of the
+ Ministers will be paid quarterly in America.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, May
+ 29th, 1782, 353
+
+ Complains of not receiving answers to his
+ communications.--The policy of England to separate
+ France and America.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, May
+ 30th, 1782, 354
+
+ Acknowledges the receipt of several
+ letters.--Transmits a new cypher.--Victory of Admiral
+ Rodney.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, June 9th, 1782, 356
+
+ Report of the Admiralty on the plan of a treaty of
+ commerce, taken _ad referendum_ by the
+ Provinces.--Has opened a loan, but with little
+ prospect of success.--Holland will not treat
+ separately with England.--Mr Laurens declines serving
+ in the commission for peace.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, June 14th, 1782, 358
+
+ Answer of France to the request of Russia, not to
+ oppose a separate peace between Holland and England.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, June 15th, 1782, 360
+
+ Conference with the Grand Pensionary on the plan of
+ a treaty of commerce.--Mr Adams proposes the sending
+ to the United States an Ambassador and Consuls on the
+ part of Holland.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, July
+ 4th, 1782, 361
+
+ Recommends great precision in the terms of the treaty
+ with Holland.--Importance of securing the West India
+ trade.--Securities of a loan to the United
+ States.--Value of American commerce.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 5th, 1782, 363
+
+ Desires the ratification by Congress of his contract
+ for a loan.--Terms of the loan.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 5th, 1782, 365
+
+ Address of the merchants of Schiedam to Congress.
+
+ To John Jay. The Hague, August 10th, 1782, 369
+
+ Impolitic for the three American Ministers to appear
+ together at Paris, unless to meet an English Minister
+ with full powers to treat with the United States as
+ an independent nation.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, August 18th, 1782, 371
+
+ M. Brantzen appointed Minister of Holland to
+ negotiate a treaty of peace.--The States of Holland
+ and West Friesland approve the project of a treaty of
+ commerce.--Instructions of the States-General to
+ their Ministers for negotiating a peace at Paris.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, August 22d, 1782, 376
+
+ The States-General have received their instructions
+ relative to the treaty of commerce from all the
+ Provinces.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
+ August 29th, 1782, 376
+
+ Complains of the infrequency and delay of despatches
+ from Mr Adams.--Importance of the trade to the West
+ Indies.--Evacuation of Charleston.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 4th,
+ 1782, 380
+
+ Sketches of the prominent characters in Holland.--The
+ Duc de la Vauguyon.--Sketches of the foreign
+ Ministers at the Hague.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 6th,
+ 1782, 394
+
+ State of the connexion between France and
+ Holland.--Policy of France toward the United States.
+ Influence of the memorial of Mr Adams to the
+ States-General.--The Count de Vergennes opposes the
+ proposition of the triple alliance.--The American
+ Ministers in Europe ought not to be subject to the
+ control of the French Court.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 7th,
+ 1782, 401
+
+ Enclosing his accounts.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
+ September 15th, 1782, 404
+
+ Enclosing certain financial resolutions of
+ Congress.--Recommends the use of English language by
+ the American Ministers.--M. Dumas.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 17th,
+ 1782, 407
+
+ Conference with the Secretary of the States-General
+ for correcting the treaty of commerce.--Conversation
+ with the French Ambassador on the Dutch naval forces.
+
+ Extracts from the Records of the Resolutions of their
+ High Mightinesses the States-General of the United
+ Netherlands, 410
+
+ Authorising the Deputies for Foreign Affairs to
+ conclude and sign the treaty of commerce, and the
+ convention on the subject of recaptures, with Mr
+ Adams.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 17th,
+ 1782, 412
+
+ Probability of the continuance of the armed
+ neutrality.--The acknowledgment of American
+ Independence is not a violation of its
+ principles.--Jealousies of some powers against the
+ House of Bourbon.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 23d,
+ 1782, 416
+
+ Conversation with the Spanish Minister.--English,
+ Dutch, Spanish, and American Ministers at Paris,
+ without any appearance of a sincere desire to treat
+ on the part of England.--Visit to the Duc de la
+ Vauguyon.--The Duke instructed to propose the concert
+ of the Dutch naval forces with the French, in
+ intercepting the English West India fleet.
+
+ A Memorial concerning the Bank of Amsterdam, 419
+
+ Giving an account of its funds, mode of transacting
+ business, &c. Note on the above, correcting a
+ statement.
+
+ To M. de Lafayette. The Hague, Sept. 29th, 1782, 429
+
+ State of American affairs in Holland.--Conduct of the
+ different foreign Ministers towards Mr Adams.
+
+ To John Jay. The Hague, October 7th, 1782, 431
+
+ Causes which delay his going to Paris.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, October 8th, 1782, 432
+
+ The treaty of commerce, and the convention concerning
+ recaptures executed.--Remarks on some of the clauses,
+ and some rejected articles.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, October 12th, 1782, 435
+
+ Preparing to set out for Paris.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Oct. 31st, 1782, 436
+
+ Arrival in Paris.--Conference with Mr
+ Jay.--Difference of opinion as to the true sense of
+ the instructions to the Ministers, requiring them to
+ act only with the consent of the French
+ Ministry.--Contested points.--Visits the Dutch
+ Minister, who informs him that little progress has
+ been made in the negotiations between Holland and
+ England.--M. Rayneval's visit to England.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 6th, 1782, 439
+
+ Mr Jay and Mr Adams have declined treating without a
+ previous acknowledgment of independence.--Information
+ from Holland reaches America by the way of France,
+ before it can be transmitted directly.--The affairs
+ of the Foreign Department ought to be kept secret
+ from France.--Character of the English agents for
+ negotiating the peace.--Real disposition of Lord
+ Shelburne.--Have agreed on boundaries, and the
+ payment of British debts due before the
+ war.--Indemnification of tories and Eastern boundary,
+ points of dispute.--Secret influence of
+ France.--Negotiations at Versailles secret.--The
+ Dutch Ambassador suspects the sincerity of the
+ English.--Mr Oswald proposes that the British army
+ should be allowed to evacuate New York unmolested.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
+ November 6th, 1782, 445
+
+ Military operations have ceased.--Mr Fitzherbert's
+ commission.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 8th, 1782, 447
+
+ Importance of insisting upon points of
+ etiquette.--Thinks the instructions to communicate
+ everything to the French Minister is not to be
+ understood literally.--Good effects which have been
+ produced by disobeying them.--Submission of Dr
+ Franklin.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 11th, 1782, 451
+
+ Conversation with Count de Vergennes on the
+ controverted points, Eastern boundary, compensation
+ to tories.--Suspicions of the motives of
+ France.--All points should be definitively settled,
+ so as to leave America totally unconnected with any
+ European power.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
+ November 18th, 1782, 457
+
+ Mr Jefferson added to the commission.--The
+ resignation of Mr Laurens not accepted by
+ Congress.--Affair of Captain Asgill.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 18th, 1782, 459
+
+ Embarrassments occasioned by the instruction to
+ communicate on all matters with the French Ministers.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 24th, 1782, 462
+
+ Speculations on the probable disposition of the
+ British Cabinet, in case of change.--The
+ acknowledgment of independence still leaves room for
+ disputes on other points.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Dec. 4th, 1782, 464
+
+ Transmits the preliminary treaty.--Desires to resign
+ his commission in Holland.--Recommends Mr Laurens as
+ his successor.
+
+ Extracts from a Journal, 465
+
+ Propositions in regard to the Northern and Eastern
+ boundaries.--Mr Adams observes, that the questions of
+ compensation to the tories, and of allowing the
+ claims of British creditors are different in
+ principle.--Mr Jay refuses to treat with the Spanish
+ Minister without exchanging powers.--Mr Jay's refusal
+ to treat with the British, without a previous
+ acknowledgment of independence.--Mr Jay thinks the
+ French Court oppose the claims of the American
+ Ministers.--Visit to Count de
+ Vergennes.--Conversation with Mr Whiteford on the
+ policy of France.--Mr Adams called the Washington of
+ the negotiation.--Conversation with Mr Oswald
+ relative to the compensation of the
+ tories.--Conversation with Mr Vaughan on the same
+ subject.--Conversation with M. de Lafayette on the
+ subject of a loan.--Danger to America from European
+ politics.--Mr Strachey returns from London with the
+ adhesion of the Cabinet to the compensation of the
+ tories.--The fisheries.--Consultation of the American
+ Ministers.--Mr Fitzherbert's negotiations concerning
+ the fisheries.--Mr Adams proposes an article relative
+ to the right of fishing and curing fish.--Discussion
+ of the article.--The American Ministers propose
+ restoration of all goods carried off or destroyed in
+ America, if the compensation is insisted on.--The
+ English Ministers assent to the American ultimatum
+ respecting the fishery and the tories.--Final
+ meeting.--Mr Laurens proposes an article, that the
+ English should carry off no American
+ property.--Reflections on the negotiation.--State of
+ the Dutch negotiations.--"Letters of a distinguished
+ American," by Mr Adams.--Conversation with Mr Oswald
+ on the true policy of England toward America.--Dr
+ Franklin desires to enter upon the negotiation of the
+ definitive treaty.--Mr Adams and Mr Jay prepare the
+ joint letter to Congress.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF
+
+JOHN ADAMS,
+
+ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS TO FRANCE, MINISTER
+PLENIPOTENTIARY TO HOLLAND, AND ONE OF THE
+COMMISSIONERS FOR NEGOTIATING THE
+TREATY OF PEACE.
+
+VOL. VI. 1
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, May 16th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+There has been much said in the public papers concerning conferences
+for peace, concerning the mediation of the Emperor of Germany and the
+Empress of Russia, &c. &c. &c.
+
+I have never troubled Congress with these reports, because I have
+never received any official information or intimation of any such
+negotiation, either from England or France, or any other way. If any
+such negotiation has been going on, it has been carefully concealed
+from me. Perhaps something has been expected from the United States,
+which was not expected from me. For my own part, I know from so long
+experience, at the first glance of reflection, the real designs of the
+English government, that it is no vanity to say they cannot deceive
+me, if they can the Cabinets of Europe. I have fully known, that all
+their pretensions about peace were insidious, and therefore have paid
+no other attention to them, than to pity the nations of Europe, who,
+having not yet experience enough of British manoeuvres, are still
+imposed on to their own danger, disgrace, and damage. The British
+Ministry are exhausting all the resources of their subtility, if not
+of their treasures, to excite jealousies and diversions among the
+neutral, as well as belligerent powers. The same arts precisely, that
+they have practised so many years to seduce, deceive, and divide
+America, they are now exerting among the powers of Europe; but the
+voice of God and man is too decidedly against them to permit them much
+success.
+
+As to a loan of money in this Republic, after having tried every
+expedient and made every proposition, that I could be justified or
+excused for making, I am in absolute despair of obtaining any, until
+the States-General shall have acknowledged our independence. The bills
+already accepted by me are paying off as they become due, by the
+orders of his Excellency Dr Franklin; but he desires me to represent
+to Congress the danger and inconvenience of drawing before Congress
+have information that their bills can be honored. I must entreat
+Congress not to draw upon me, until they know I have money. At present
+I have none, not even for my subsistence, but what I derive from
+Paris.
+
+The true cause of the obstruction of our credit here is fear, which
+can never be removed but by the States-General acknowledging our
+independence; which, perhaps, in the course of twelve months they may
+do, but I do not expect it sooner. This country is indeed in a
+melancholy situation, sunk in ease, devoted to the pursuits of gain,
+overshadowed on all sides by more powerful neighbors, unanimated by a
+love of military glory, or any aspiring spirit, feeling little
+enthusiasm for the public, terrified at the loss of an old friend, and
+equally terrified at the prospect of being obliged to form connexions
+with a new one; incumbered with a complicated and perplexed
+constitution, divided among themselves in interest and sentiment, they
+seem afraid of everything. Success on the part of France, Spain, and
+especially of America, raises their spirits, and advances the good
+cause somewhat, but reverses seem to sink them much more.
+
+The war has occasioned such a stagnation of business, and thrown such
+numbers of people out of employment, that I think it is impossible
+things should remain long in the present insipid state. One system or
+another will be pursued; one party or another will prevail; much will
+depend on the events of the war. We have one security, and I fear but
+one, and that is the domineering character of the English, who will
+make peace with the Republic upon no other terms, than her joining
+them against all their enemies in the war, and this I think it is
+impossible she ever should do.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, May 21st, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the 30th of April, the King of Prussia published the following
+ordinance, relative to the navigation and commerce of his subjects,
+during the whole course of the present war between the maritime
+powers.
+
+
+ ORDINANCE OF PRUSSIA RELATIVE TO NAVIGATION.
+
+"From the commencement of the maritime war, almost generally spread
+through the southern part of Europe, the King has applied himself with
+particular care to procure to those of his subjects who traffic by
+sea, or who engage in navigation, all the security possible, and to
+this end he has caused to be required of the belligerent powers to
+give exact orders to their vessels of war and privateers, to respect
+the Prussian flag, and to suffer peaceably to pass all the Prussian
+vessels, which should be loaded with merchandises, which, according to
+the law of nations, are reputed lawful and not contraband, and not
+cause to them any damage or delay, and much less still to conduct them
+without necessity or right into foreign ports; to which these powers
+have answered by assurances friendly and proper to make things easy in
+this regard. To attain still more certainly to this end, his Majesty
+has ordered his Ministers, residing near the belligerent powers, to
+interest themselves as much as possible, and by representations the
+most energetic in favor of Prussian subjects, who trade at sea, and
+whose vessels might be taken, conducted into foreign ports, or as has
+often happened, pillaged even upon the high seas, and to insist on
+their speedy release, and that the processes at law, occasioned by
+their capture, should be decided without delay, and with the requisite
+impartiality. To the end, therefore, that the Ministers of the King
+may be in a condition to acquit themselves of these orders in this
+respect, it is necessary that the subjects of his Majesty, who find
+themselves in such a case, announce themselves, or by attorney, to the
+Envoy of the King, at the Court where the complaints ought to be
+carried, and that they may give him information in detail of their
+subjects of complaint, that he may be able to support them there,
+where they belong. They ought not, however, to repose themselves
+entirely on a similar intercession, but carry also their complaints
+themselves to the Admiralties, or Maritime Colleges of the country,
+where their vessel has been conducted, or in which they have caused
+him damage, support his complaints with requisite proofs, follow the
+judiciary order, and the different trials established in each country,
+and solicit and pursue with diligence their causes by advocates and
+attornies; by means of which, it is to be hoped, that they will obtain
+a prompt and impartial decision; in default of which, it shall be
+permitted to them to address themselves to the Envoys of the King, to
+carry to each Court the complaints, which the case may require, and
+obtain the redress of it.
+
+"But to secure still more the navigation of his subjects, the King has
+caused to be demanded by his Ministers, of her Majesty the Empress of
+Russia, and the two other Maritime Powers of the North, who, as is
+well known, have united to maintain the maritime neutrality, to be so
+good, as powers with whom the King has the satisfaction to live in the
+strictest union, as to order the commanders of their vessels of war,
+to take the Prussian merchant vessels, which they may meet in their
+courses, in their sight, and within reach of their cannon, under their
+convoy and protection, in case they shall be attacked or molested by
+the vessels of war, or privateers, of the belligerent powers. Her
+Majesty, the Empress of Russia, has assured the King, by a declaration
+written by her Ministry, that she had not only given precise orders to
+the commanders of her vessels of war, to protect, against all attacks
+and molestations, the vessels of Prussian merchants and navigators,
+that they may encounter in their course, as belonging to a power
+allied to Russia, and who observe exactly the rules of the maritime
+neutrality founded upon the law of nations, but that she would enjoin
+it also upon her Ministers at the Courts of the belligerent powers,
+that as often as the Envoys of the King of Prussia should have claims
+and complaints to carry to the Courts where they reside, relative to
+the hinderances occasioned to the maritime commerce of the Prussian
+subjects, they should support such complaints in the name of her
+Majesty, the Empress of Russia, by their good offices, and that she
+expected in return from his Majesty, the King, that he would equally
+furnish his Ministers to the belligerent powers with instructions,
+conformable to the maritime convention of the Powers of the North,
+with orders to accede by energetic representations to the complaints
+of the Ministers of the powers allied for the defence of the maritime
+neutrality, in case they shall have certain satisfaction to demand for
+the subjects of their sovereigns.
+
+"The King has accepted this friendly declaration of her Majesty, the
+Empress, with gratitude, and by a counter declaration, which is
+conformable to it, he has caused his Ministers to be instructed at
+foreign Courts. His Majesty has before, on occasion of another
+negotiation with the Court of Denmark, required his Danish Majesty to
+grant to Prussian merchant vessels the protection of his military
+marine, and has received the friendly assurances of it, that the
+Danish vessels of war should take under convoy and protection the
+Prussian merchant vessels, which should conform themselves to the
+treaties, which subsist between the Court of Denmark and the
+belligerent powers, with relation to merchandises of contraband. The
+King has addressed the same demand to the Court of Sweden, and
+promised himself from the friendship of his Swedish Majesty an answer
+as favorable as that of their Majesties, the Empress of Russia and the
+King of Denmark.
+
+"We give notice of those arrangements to all the subjects of the King,
+who exercise navigation and maritime commerce, to the end that they
+and their captains of vessels and skippers may conform themselves to
+them, and in case they shall be attacked, molested, or taken by the
+vessels of war and privateers of the belligerent nations, address
+themselves to the Russian, Swedish, or Danish vessels of war, which
+may be found within their reach, demand their protection and
+assistance, and join themselves as much as possible to the fleets and
+convoys of these maritime powers of the north.
+
+"But as the intention of his Majesty is simply to assure, by the
+beforementioned arrangements, the lawful maritime commerce of his
+subjects, and not to do any prejudice to the rights of the belligerent
+powers with whom he is in perfect harmony, or to favor an illicit
+commerce, which might be dangerous to them, all the subjects of his
+Majesty who exercise navigation and maritime commerce, ought to
+conduct themselves in such a manner as to observe an exact neutrality,
+such as is founded on the law of nature, and in the general laws of
+nations almost universally acknowledged. But the different treaties
+which several powers have concluded with each other relative to
+maritime commerce, occasioning a difference of law in this regard, it
+is principally to the known declaration which her Majesty, the Empress
+of Russia, caused to be presented the last year to the belligerent
+powers, and to the ordinance which she caused to be addressed in
+consequence to her College of Commerce on the 8th of March, 1780, that
+the subjects of the King will have to conform themselves with regard
+to their maritime commerce, the principles which are there announced
+being those which his Majesty finds the most conformable to the law of
+nations, and to his in particular. It is in consequence ordained by
+the present edict to all the subjects of the King, who exercise
+navigation or maritime commerce,
+
+"ARTICLE I. Not to take any part, under any pretence whatever, in the
+present war, and not to carry to any of the belligerent powers, under
+the Prussian flag, merchandises, generally acknowledged to be
+prohibited and contraband, and which properly constitute warlike
+stores, as cannons, mortars, bombs, grenades, fusils, pistols,
+bullets, flints, matches, powder, saltpetre, sulphur, pikes, swords,
+and saddles. The subjects of the King ought to have on board their
+merchant vessels only so much of these articles as is necessary for
+their own use.
+
+"ART. II. The subjects of the King may, on the contrary, carry in
+Prussian vessels as well to belligerent as to neutral nations, all the
+merchandises which are not comprehended in the preceding article, and
+which not properly belonging to warlike stores, are not prohibited,
+and particularly the productions of all the Provinces of the States of
+the King; his Majesty promising himself from the equity and the
+friendship of the belligerent powers, that they will not permit their
+armed vessels to molest or take the Prussian vessels loaded with
+masts, timber, pitch, corn, and other materials, which, without being
+warlike stores, may, nevertheless, in the sequel be converted into
+such stores, and which make the principal and almost the only object
+of Prussian commerce. These powers are too just to require that the
+commerce of a neutral nation should cease, or be entirely suspended on
+account of the war. After these principles, it is hoped that the
+belligerent powers will suffer freely to pass without seizure or
+confiscation, the lawful merchandises and cargoes of the Prussian
+subjects, which may be found on board the vessels of belligerent
+nations, as also the lawful cargoes and merchandises of belligerent
+nations loaded in Prussian vessels, and in all these cases, his
+Majesty will interest himself effectually in favor of his subjects
+trading by sea. It is, however, the part of prudence for these last to
+load as much as possible their merchandises and effects in Prussian
+vessels, and to transport them under the Prussian flag; not to employ
+themselves much in the coasting trade, but to apply themselves
+principally to a Prussian commerce without mixture, the better to
+avoid all accidents, misunderstandings, and difficulties.
+
+ART. III. All the Prussian vessels which shall put to sea, ought to
+furnish themselves with passports and attestations of the Admiralties,
+Chambers of War, and the domains of each Province, or of the
+magistrates of each city, as also with charter-parties, recognizances,
+and other certificates of common usage, which ought to express the
+quality and the quantity of the cargo, the name of the proprietor, and
+of him to whom the merchandises are consigned, as well as the place of
+the destination. These sea-papers ought to be clear, and to contain no
+equivocation. They ought to be found on board every vessel, and they
+ought not, under any pretence whatsoever, to throw them into the sea.
+The captains of vessels and skippers will take care above all, not to
+have in their vessels any sea-papers, double, equivocal, or false, by
+which they would render themselves unworthy of all protection.
+
+"ART. IV. Every Prussian vessel loaded in a foreign port, ought to
+furnish herself in the said port with sea-papers necessary, and in the
+form used in the place where she loads, to the end to be able to prove
+everywhere of what nation she is, what is her cargo, from whence she
+comes, and whither she goes.
+
+"ART. V. There ought not to be found on board of Prussian vessels,
+neither officers of marine, nor persons employed in it of the
+belligerent nations, nor more than one third of the crew of those
+nations.
+
+"ART. VI. It is forbidden to Prussian navigators to transport cargoes
+or merchandises of any sort whatever to places or ports besieged,
+blocked, or shut up closely by any one of the belligerent powers.
+
+ART. VII. It is forbidden to Prussian navigators, or merchants, to
+lend their names to foreign nations, and they ought to exercise
+commerce in general in a manner conformable to the rights and customs
+of nations, so that they commit no infringement of the rights of any
+of the belligerent powers, and that they may have no just subject of
+complaint.
+
+"The subjects of the King who shall conform exactly to the present
+edict, may promise themselves on the part of his Majesty all possible
+protection and assistance, instead of which, those who may contravene
+it, ought not to expect it, but to attribute to themselves the dangers
+and damages, which they may draw upon themselves, by a conduct
+contrary to this ordinance. Given at Berlin, the 30th of April, 1781.
+
+"By express order of the King.
+ HERTZBERG."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO B. FRANKLIN.
+
+ Amsterdam, May 23d, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor of your letter of the 19th with its enclosures, and I
+thank your Excellency for the pains you have taken to communicate the
+news from America, which I think can scarcely be called bad, though
+General Greene lost the field. I had before received and published in
+the Amsterdam Gazette the same accounts. The gazetteers are so earnest
+after American news, that I find it the shortest method of
+communicating the newspapers to all.
+
+I have received from Congress their resolution of the 3d of January,
+1781, to draw bills upon me in favor of Lee & Jones, at six months
+sight, for the full amount of the balance due on the contract made
+with them for a quantity of clothing for the army. I have also a
+letter from Mr Gibson, of the treasury office, of January 28th, which
+informs me that the amount of Jones & Lee's account is sixteen
+thousand two hundred and fortyfour pounds one shilling sterling.
+
+I have just received from Gottenburg the enclosed letters, one to your
+Excellency and one to Mr Jay. I received both unsealed, with a
+direction to take copies. I have put my own seal upon that to your
+Excellency, and request the favor of you to put yours upon that to Mr
+Jay, and to convey it in the safest manner. It contains matter of
+great importance, which ought to be carefully concealed from every eye
+but yours and Mr Jay's; for which reason I should be cautious of
+conveying it, even with the despatches of the Spanish Ambassador,
+especially as there are intimations in Mr Lovell's letter of too much
+curiosity with regard to Mr Jay's despatches, and as Mr Jay himself
+complains that his letters are opened. I hope this instruction will
+remove all the difficulties with Spain, whose accession to the treaty
+would be of great service to the reputation of our cause in every part
+of Europe.
+
+It seems to me of vast importance to us to obtain an acknowledgment of
+our independence from as many other Sovereigns as possible, before any
+conferences for peace shall be opened; because, if that event should
+take place first, and the powers at war with Great Britain, their
+armies, navies, and people weary of the war, and clamoring for peace,
+there is no knowing what hard conditions may be insisted on from us,
+nor into what embarrassments British arts and obstinacy may plunge us.
+
+By the tenth article of the Treaty of Alliance, the contracting
+parties agree to invite or admit other powers who may have received
+injuries from Great Britain, to accede to that treaty. If Russia and
+the northern powers, or any of them, should be involved in the war in
+support of the Dutch, would it not be a proper opportunity for the
+execution of this article? Or, why would it not be proper now to
+invite the Dutch?
+
+I have the honor to enclose a memorial to their High Mightinesses. My
+mission is now a subject of deliberation among the Regencies of the
+several cities and the bodies of nobles who compose the sovereignty of
+this country. It is not probable that any determination will be had
+soon. They will probably confer with Russia, and the northern powers,
+about it first. Perhaps, if these come into the war, nothing will be
+done but in concert with them. But if these do not come into the war,
+this Republic, I think, in that case will readily accede to the Treaty
+of Alliance between France and America; for all ideas of peace with
+England are false and delusive. England will make peace with the Dutch
+upon no other condition than their joining her in the war against all
+her enemies, which it is impossible for them to do, even if their
+inclinations were that way, which they are not. The public voice here
+is well decided against England.
+
+I have the honor to be much of your Excellency's opinion respecting
+duties. I mentioned tobacco, to show what duties America was able to
+bear. Whatever sums a people are able to bear, in duties upon exports
+or imports upon the decencies, conveniences, or necessaries of life,
+they are undoubtedly able to raise by a dry tax upon polls and
+estates, provided it is equally proportioned. Nay more, because the
+expense of collecting and guarding against frauds is saved.
+
+Our countrymen are getting right notions of revenue, and whenever
+these shall become general, I think there can be no difficulty in
+carrying on the war.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, May 24th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+A proposition of very great consequence has been made in the Assembly
+of the States of Holland, by the city of Amsterdam. It is conceived in
+these words;
+
+"The gentlemen, the Deputies of the city of Amsterdam, have, by the
+express orders of the gentlemen their principals, represented in the
+Assembly, that the venerable magistrates had flattered themselves
+that they should see the effects of the efforts attempted for some
+time by the Admiralties, to put to sea a quantity of vessels of war
+capable of protecting the commerce and the navigation of the
+inhabitants of this State, or at least some branches of them; that the
+gentlemen, their principals, had had reason to be confirmed in their
+expectation, above all when they were informed that a number
+sufficiently considerable of vessels of war, provided with things
+necessary, were ready to put to sea, and that orders had been
+positively given upon this subject; but, to their extreme astonishment
+they had learned some time after, that the officers who commanded the
+said vessels, upon the point of executing the said orders, had given
+notice that the want of stores, provisions, and victuals put them out
+of a condition to obey the said orders, that the gentlemen, their
+constituents, having considered that not only this want of stores,
+&c., ought not to have existed, but that it might have been seasonably
+obviated; they had been so struck with this unexpected delay in an
+affair, which they judged of the last importance for this country,
+especially on account of certain particular circumstances, that they
+could not refrain from declaring freely, that they had lawful reasons
+to fear that such inactivity left little hope of seeing effected a
+protection which is of the last necessity for the commerce and
+navigation, the total interruption of which cannot fail to occasion a
+great dearness, and to bring on very soon a most sensible scarcity,
+without speaking of the impossibility of striking blows to an enemy
+who has for five months attacked this State by an unjust war, and has
+already rendered himself master by surprise of a great number of rich
+vessels of war, and merchant ships, and of some of our distant
+possessions.
+
+"That the gentlemen, the principals, in virtue of these reasons, and
+of others not less pressing, have judged that they could not longer
+delay to lay before the eyes of the members of the Assembly of your
+Noble and Grand Mightinesses, in a manner the most pressing and the
+most lively, the terrible consequences, which this deplorable state of
+things makes them apprehend for their dear country. That the powers of
+the north, with whom the Republic is entered into alliance, and from
+whom she has sufficient reasons to expect succors, have marked more
+than once their astonishment at our inactivity, and at the affected
+tranquillity with which the Republic suffers all the insults of her
+enemy, without making the least preparation to repel them. That, from
+time to time, advices have come from our Ambassadors Extraordinary to
+the Court of Petersburg, that we had not to expect, neither from that
+Court, nor from her allies, succors, but in proportion to the efforts
+which the Republic should make on her part. That these things have
+appeared to the gentlemen, the principals, of so great importance, and
+of so extensive consequence, that it is more than time, that this
+sovereign Assembly pass, as soon as possible, to a scrupulous
+examination of the true causes of such inactivity; that she cause to
+be given instructions, and an explanation of the state of defence of
+the country, relative to the necessary orders which she has given;
+that she obtain information concerning the reasons of the extreme
+sloth and lukewarmness, with which they proceed to the protection of
+the country against an enemy formidable, especially for his activity,
+and concerning the means which we may and ought to employ, to shut up
+the source of these evils, and make them disappear.
+
+"That the gentlemen, the constituents, have desired to put themselves
+out of the reach of all reproach from the inhabitants of this country,
+whose total ruin advances with rapid strides, and who, to this day,
+have not ceased to pour out with joy into the public treasury, the
+imposts and taxes, which we have imposed on them, demanding in return,
+with the greatest justice, to be protected by the fathers of the
+country. To this end, and to ward off as much as it is in their power,
+the ruin of this Republic, formerly so flourishing and so respected by
+its neighbors, they have charged in the manner the most express their
+Deputies to these States to insist in the strongest manner, that we
+proceed to the beforementioned examination, and that on the part of
+this Province things be directed in the generality in such a manner,
+that we demand, as soon as possible, to enter into negotiation with
+the Court of France, which has not ceased to give us such numerous and
+shining marks of her good will, and of her inclination to succor us
+against the common enemy, and has already shown us, by the effects,
+that her offers of service do not consist in vain words; to deliberate
+with this Court concerning the manner in which it will be convenient
+and practicable to act, by communicating to each other the reciprocal
+plans of operation, which we may attempt during this summer.
+
+"That at the same time, it is not expedient to neglect to instruct our
+Ministers at the Courts of Russia, Sweden, and Denmark, of the state
+of things in this country, and of the means of defence, which the
+Republic puts in motion, with the express orders to make, without
+relaxation, to the said Courts, pressing and redoubled instances to
+send us a large number of vessels of war well equipped, to which at
+least one of them has already shown herself disposed; representing to
+them, at the same time, in a pressing manner, the present necessity of
+sending us, conformably to the stipulations of the convention lately
+concluded and ratified, as soon as possible, the succors promised in
+the said convention.
+
+"That, besides the propositions, which we have pointed out, and from
+the success of which the gentlemen, the constituents, promise
+themselves all sorts of advantages, the venerable magistrates are
+still in the opinion, that this State, although abandoned to itself,
+against all expectation and all hope, does not yet cease to have
+numerous and sufficient resources, not to consider its defence as
+absolutely desperate; for it is very true, that after a long peace,
+the first alarm of a war, and of an unforeseen attack, may at first
+throw men's minds into terror, disorder, and consternation; but it is
+not less true, that the riches and the resources of the nation in
+general, having received a considerable increase by the enjoyment of
+the fruits of this peace, the supreme government finds itself, by
+employing them in a useful and salutary manner, in a condition to make
+head for a long time against an enemy already exhausted by a long and
+expensive war, and to take so good measures, that we may force her to
+renew an honorable and advantageous peace.
+
+"In fine, the gentlemen, the said constituents, are of opinion, that,
+to give a ready effect to the resolutions tending to the said objects,
+and which may serve for the protection of the State, and of its
+establishments in the other parts of the world, and to discuss the
+resolutions with all the secrecy requisite, there be formed by the
+Lords the States, a committee of some gentlemen of the respective
+Provinces, giving them the power and instructions necessary to labor
+conjointly with his Highness, the Prince Hereditary Stadtholder, to
+contrive, prescribe, and put in execution, all the measures, which
+shall appear the most proper and the most convenient, to the end that
+we may, under the benediction of God Almighty, repair the past, and
+wash out the shame and the dishonor, with which this Republic is
+stained in the eyes of foreigners, and by a vigorous defence of the
+country, and of all which it holds most dear and precious, and to
+maintain it in the advantages of a liberty purchased so dear, against
+all further evils and calamities.
+
+"Finally, the gentlemen, the said Deputies, find themselves, moreover,
+expressly charged to cause to be laid in the records of Holland the
+said proposition for the apology and the discharge of the gentlemen,
+their constituents, and to insist in all the ways possible, that we
+take in this regard prompt resolutions, whereof we may see the
+effects; in the view of accomplishing their salutary designs, to pray
+in the manner the most earnest and pressing the other members to labor
+to obtain in favor of this proposition, the suffrage of the gentlemen,
+their principals, to carry it into the approaching Assembly."
+
+Thus ends this manly address, in which there is the appearance of the
+old Batavian spirit. In my excursions through the various parts of
+this country, I have found the eyes of all parties turned towards
+Amsterdam, and all true patriots said, that the salvation of this
+country depended upon the firmness of that city. There has indeed been
+in this city the appearance of feebleness and irresolution, but it has
+stood its ground. The presentation and publication of my Memorial to
+the States-General, which was more universally and highly applauded
+than was expected by me or any one else, furnished the regency of the
+city an opportunity to discover the general sense of the public voice,
+and they have not failed to take an early advantage of it. They have
+not mentioned a treaty with America, the reason of which was, that
+this subject was already taken _ad referendum_, and under the
+consideration of the several branches of the sovereignty. They mention
+only a negotiation with France, knowing very well, that this would
+necessarily draw on the other; so that things seem at present in a
+good train; but a long time will necessarily be taken up, according to
+the constitution, and in the present disposition of this country,
+before anything can be done to effect.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, May 25th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The following convention, concerning recaptures made from the English,
+is, it is hoped, the first step towards more intimate connexions
+between this Republic, on one side, and France and the United States
+of America on the other.
+
+
+ FRENCH AND DUTCH CONVENTION CONCERNING RECAPTURES.
+
+"The Lords the States-General, having judged, that it would be of
+reciprocal utility to establish between France and the United
+Provinces of the Low Countries, uniform principles with relation to
+captures and recaptures, which their respective subjects might make
+upon those of Great Britain, their common enemy, they have proposed
+to the Most Christian King to agree with them on a regulation
+concerning this matter. His Most Christian Majesty, animated with the
+same views, and desiring to consolidate more and more the good
+correspondence, which subsists between him and the United Provinces,
+has well received the overture of the Lords the States-General. In
+consequence, his said Most Christian Majesty, and the said Lords the
+States-General have given their full powers, to wit; His Most
+Christian Majesty to the Sieur Gravier, Count de Vergennes, &c. his
+Counsellor of State of the Sword, his Counsellor in all his Councils,
+Commander of his Orders, Minister and Secretary of State, and of his
+commands and finances; and the Lords the States-General to the Sieur
+de Berkenrode, their Ambassador to the Most Christian King, who, after
+having duly communicated their respective powers, have agreed on the
+following articles.
+
+"ARTICLE I. The vessels of one of the two nations, French and Dutch,
+retaken by the privateers of the other, shall be restored to the first
+owner, if they have not been in the power of the enemy during the
+space of twentyfour hours, at the charge of the said owner, to pay one
+third of the value of the vessel recaptured, as well as of her cargo,
+cannon, and apparel, which shall be estimated by agreement between the
+parties interested, and if they cannot agree among themselves, they
+shall apply to the officers of the Admiralty of the place where the
+recaptor shall have conducted the vessel retaken.
+
+"ART. II. If the vessel retaken has been in the power of the enemy
+more than twentyfour hours, it shall belong entirely to the recaptor.
+
+"ART. III. In case a vessel shall have been retaken by a vessel of war
+belonging to the Most Christian King, or to the United Provinces, it
+shall be restored to the first proprietor, paying the thirtieth part
+of the value of the vessel, of the cargo, cannon, and apparel, if it
+has been retaken in twentyfour hours; and the tenth, if it has been
+taken after the twentyfour hours; which sums shall be distributed as a
+gratification to the crews of the vessels recaptured. The estimation
+of the thirtieth and tenth, beforementioned shall be regulated
+conformably to the tenor of the article first of the present
+Convention.
+
+"ART. IV. The vessels of war and privateers of the one and the other
+of the two nations shall be admitted reciprocally both in Europe, and
+in the other parts of the world, in the respective ports with their
+prizes, which may be there unloaded, and sold according to the
+formalities used in the State where the prize shall have been
+conducted; provided, nevertheless, that the lawfulness of the prizes
+made by the French vessels shall be decided conformably to the laws
+and regulations established in France concerning this matter, in the
+same manner as that of prizes made by Dutch vessels shall be judged
+according to the laws and regulations established in the United
+Provinces.
+
+"ART. V. Moreover, it shall be free to His Most Christian Majesty, as
+well as to the Lords the States-General, to make such regulations as
+they shall judge good relative to the conduct, which their vessels and
+privateers respectively shall hold in regard to the vessels, which
+they shall have taken and carried into one of the ports of the two
+dominions.
+
+"In faith of which, the aforesaid Plenipotentiaries of His Most
+Christian Majesty, and of the Lords the States-General, in virtue of
+our powers respectively, have signed these presents, and have hereunto
+affixed the seal of our arms. Done at Versailles, the first of the
+month of May, 1781.
+
+ GRAVIER DE VERGENNES,
+ LESTEVENON VAN BERKENRODE."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, May 27th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In the Assembly of the States-General, the following Report has lately
+been made.
+
+"Messrs de Lynden de Hemmen, and other Deputies of their High
+Mightinesses for Maritime Affairs, have, in consequence of the
+commissorial Resolution of the 27th of the last month, examined a
+letter of the Directors named in the commission by the respective
+chambers of the granted general company of the Dutch East Indies, to
+the Assembly of Seventeen, held the 23d of the same month at
+Amsterdam, representing the great inconveniences to which it would be
+exposed by the delay of the expedition of the vessels of the company,
+if it were not soon provided with the customary provisions, at least
+as much as in ordinary times, as well as the possibility that the
+enemy may attempt an attack in that country, upon which the Directors
+would be exposed to answer for it, having in the different chambers
+seven vessels ready to put to sea, with the hope that ere long this
+number will be still further augmented; soliciting to this end, a
+convenient number of vessels of war, to give a safe escort to the
+ships of the company, while the Directors on their parts will put all
+in motion to watch over the safety of their vessels; wishing to this
+end to arm some of these vessels in an extraordinary manner, to the
+end that they may be able to oppose some resistance both for
+themselves and for the others, scattered over the sea of the Indies.
+That, nevertheless, if their High Mightinesses could not determine
+themselves to this, they, the Directors, hoped that they should not be
+responsible for the consequences which might result. That on the
+contrary, all the sharers in general, and their High Mightinesses in
+particular, would agree that in this the Directors have done all that
+could be required of persons to whom had been confided the direction
+of the goods of so many widows and orphans, of persons who, under the
+immediate auspices of their High Mightinesses, had the honor to direct
+a Colony whose prosperity is essentially connected with that of this
+country.
+
+"Upon which, having demanded and received the considerations and the
+advice of the committees of the Colleges of the respective
+Admiralties, which are at present here, we have reported to the
+Assembly, that the gentlemen, the Deputies, should be of opinion, that
+notwithstanding the most ardent wishes to employ a sufficient number
+of vessels of war, not only for the defence of the ships but also that
+of the possessions of the company of the East Indies of this country,
+it would, however, be impracticable at this time, considering the
+present situation of the navy of this State, universally known, which
+could not appear strange to any one instructed in the natural
+representations so often repeated from time to time by the Colleges of
+the Admiralty in this respect; especially if he considers, that a
+navy, fallen into so great a decay, could not be rebuilt so suddenly,
+and placed so soon upon a respectable footing; that, moreover, this
+navy already so enfeebled, was become still more so by the surprise
+and capture of different vessels of war, by casual disasters happened
+to others, and because the rest were dispersed into so many different
+places, that for the equipment projected for this year, there was
+wanting a great quantity of vessels and frigates well equipped and
+provided, at least such as in the case in question could be used; that
+besides the vessels ready to act, which are actually in the ports of
+the Republic, ought in the first place, and before all things, to
+serve for the defence of the coasts and harbors (or mouths of the
+rivers) as well as for the protection of the navigation towards the
+North Sea and the Baltic, and of the ships, which return from thence;
+that principally by reason of the unheard of scarcity of seamen,
+occasioned in a great measure by the capture of so enormous a quantity
+of Dutch merchant ships, which had been manned by the best seamen of
+the nation, it was almost impossible to determine the time when the
+other vessels of war in commissions should be able to act.
+
+"That, nevertheless, the Company of the East Indies was of too great
+importance to this country, for us to be able to reject entirely her
+demand; and by so much the less as the Directors do not request to be
+protected to the detriment of the Republic, but they demonstrate also
+that they are really willing on their part to make their last efforts
+for their own defence, and contented themselves to require the
+suitable support of the State, to sustain the forces which the company
+was about to put in action; that from the refusal of a requisition of
+this nature it might result, that in losing all hope in the protection
+of the State, they may neglect also those efforts, which otherwise
+might be employed with some appearance of success; that, besides, the
+national establishments in this distant part of the globe would also
+fall, and without the least resistance, into the hands of the enemy,
+and that this Republic at the end of the present war would find itself
+destitute of all its resources; that this presentiment, apparently,
+ought to effect a close union of all the forces, to fulfil as far as
+possible the desire of the said Directors, and that to the end to try
+all practicable means, expecting at the same time the celestial
+benediction, and the prompt and effectual succor of our high allies,
+in default of ordinary remedies, it is necessary to have recourse
+without the smallest loss of time to extraordinary remedies, and to
+this effect his Most Serene Highness, in his quality of Stadtholder
+and Admiral-General of the Republic, ought to be solicited and
+authorised, if it was possible, either by borrowing vessels of war,
+their equipages, or by purchasing or hiring here or elsewhere, other
+suitable ships, which might be appropriated to this, or finally in
+every other practicable manner to reinforce at the expense of the
+country, the marine of the State, with the greatest celerity, and as
+much as possible; in consequence of which, in concert with the said
+Directors of the East India Company, we may regulate the time, the
+manner, and the force of the protection to be procured for the company
+in question; the whole, as his Most Serene Highness, saving the sense
+of the resolution of their High Mightinesses of the 26th of March
+last, shall judge the most convenient for the greatest utility of the
+Republic, and of the said Company. Finally, that it would be
+convenient also to intimate to the Colleges of the Admiralty
+respectively of this country, to co-operate as much as possible with
+his Most Serene Highness, not only to put and hold with the greatest
+expedition in a convenient state the vessels of the Republic, but also
+in particular for everything that may contribute to accelerate their
+equipment and sailing, and to the greatest success of the enrolments;
+with a promise, that the extraordinary expenses which shall result
+from it and be advanced with the advice of his Most Serene Highness,
+shall be restored and made good to them.
+
+"Upon which, having deliberated, the Deputies of the Province of
+Zealand have taken a copy of this report, to be able to communicate
+more amply."
+
+I do myself the honor to transmit such state papers entire, because
+Congress will be able from them to collect the real state of things
+better than from any remarks of mine. The state of the Republic is
+deplorable enough. There is but one sure path for it to pursue, that
+is, instantly to accede to the Treaty of Alliance between France and
+America. They see this, but have not firmness to venture upon the
+measure. Indeed, the military character both at land and sea, seems to
+be lost out of this nation. The love of fame, the desire of glory, the
+love of country, the regard for posterity, in short, all the brilliant
+and sublime passions are lost, and succeeded by nothing but the love
+of ease and money; but the character of this people must change, or
+they are finally undone.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, May 29th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The English, by the capture of St Eustatia, seem to have committed the
+most complete blunder of all. There was found in that Island a greater
+quantity of property belonging to the Britons themselves, than to the
+French, Dutch, or Americans. They have broken up a trade, which was
+more advantageous to them, than to any of their enemies, as it was a
+channel through which British manufactures were conveyed to North
+America, and much provisions and assistance to their fleets and armies
+in the West Indies. As the British merchants were warranted by an act
+of Parliament to trade to this Island, all those who are sufferers by
+its capture are clamoring against government and especially against
+Rodney and Vaughan, for illegally seizing their property and
+threatening these commanders with as many law-suits as there are
+losses. But what completes the jest is, that M. de la Motte Piquet has
+carried safe into Brest two and twenty of the vessels loaded with the
+spoils of St Eustatia, which Rodney had sent under convoy of Commodore
+Hotham and four ships of the line; so that Rodney after having lost
+his booty is likely to have law-suits to defend, and very probably the
+whole to repay to the owners.
+
+Thus the cards are once more turned against the gambler; and the
+nation has gained nothing but an addition to their reputation for
+iniquity. This is good justice. There is room to hope for more
+instances of it; because their fleets are coming home from the West
+Indies, and the Spanish fleet of thirty sail of the line under Cordova
+is again at sea, and it is hoped the French fleet will soon go out
+again.
+
+The English fleets are so fully employed by the French and Spaniards,
+that the Dutch might do a great deal if they would; but something in
+this machine is fatally amiss. The patriots weep, but all in vain. The
+fleets and ships that sail, are said to have orders to act only on the
+defensive. The courtiers say, that Amsterdam is the cause of the war;
+the friends of Amsterdam say, the courtiers are corrupted by the
+English. Some say, the Prince declares he will never do anything
+against the English; others say, that he has authorised the French
+Ambassador to assure the King his master, that he was ready to make
+arrangements with him; others report sayings of the Princess, that the
+conduct of some of the courtiers will be the ruin of her family. All
+these reports serve to no purpose, but to show the confusion and
+distraction of the country. However, there must be a change soon for
+the better or worse, for hunger will break down all ordinary fences.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, May 31st, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The following memorial lays open a dispute between two nations.
+
+"High and Mighty Lords,
+
+"It is well known to your High Mightinesses, with what constancy and
+for how long a time, the subscriber has had the honor to lay before
+you, by order of his Court, how much she desires to accomplish a
+settlement of the differences, which exist upon the Rio Volta between
+her subjects and yours, who have by little and little wrongfully
+occupied and fortified the posts of Creve Coeur and of Good Hope,
+which at present incommode and restrain the Danish establishments upon
+that coast to a degree almost to destroy the existence of them, to put
+them to expenses for their maintenance, which absorb their utility,
+and to render more and more necessary measures, which his Majesty
+would desire not to be obliged to think of. In consequence, although
+the subscriber has rendered a faithful account of the assurances,
+which have been repeatedly given him, of the desire, which your High
+Mightinesses have to take away even from its source all subject of
+misunderstanding reciprocally, a desire very conformable with that of
+the King his master; nevertheless, as nothing has resulted from these
+general assurances he finds himself at present obliged to execute the
+orders, which he has received; to demand of your High Mightinesses to
+cause to be evacuated the said forts of Creve Coeur and Good Hope,
+the existence of which cannot consist with that of the establishment
+of Denmark. He has express orders to make this requisition, and to
+give to understand, that as his Majesty will be very sensible of this
+friendly manner of terminating the present differences upon the coast
+of Guinea, so will he see with sincere regret that you will oblige him
+to give to this affair a more serious attention. The Hague, April
+28th.
+
+ ST SAPHORIN."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, May 31st, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The cities of Haerlem and Dort have seconded Amsterdam, although the
+other cities of Holland have hitherto been silent, as appears by the
+following declarations.
+
+"A declaration of the gentlemen, the Deputies of Dort, concerning the
+proposition of the city of Amsterdam, made at the assembly of their
+Noble and Grand Mightinesses on the 18th of May, 1781.
+
+"The gentlemen, the Deputies of Dort, have declared to the assembly,
+that they had been earnest to transmit to the Regency of their city
+the propositions of the gentlemen, the Burgomasters and Counsellors of
+Amsterdam, communicating to them at the same time, that with regard to
+the matter, which makes the object of it, the gentlemen, the Deputies,
+had beforehand declared, that since the substance of the said
+proposition was entirely conformable to that, which for some time had
+formed among the gentlemen, the Constituents, the object of
+preliminary deliberations, the Deputies had believed themselves
+tacitly authorised to adopt immediately the said proposition in all
+its points, which determined them also to testify their very sincere
+gratitude to the gentlemen, the Deputies of Amsterdam, and in their
+persons to the gentlemen, the Burgomasters and Regents of the same
+city, for the enlightened and vigilant zeal with which these gentlemen
+in taking this step, so salutary and so necessary, had shown that they
+have at heart the true interests of their dear country, which had
+already experienced so many injuries. That at present, the gentlemen,
+the Deputies, after the communications alleged, found themselves
+expressly instructed to cause to be inserted in the minutes of their
+Noble and Grand Mightinesses, for the justification of the Regency of
+their city before posterity, that the venerable Magistracy of Dort,
+approving what is before mentioned, had learned with a lively
+satisfaction the proposition before mentioned; that it was ready and
+disposed in the name of that city, to concur efficaciously in all the
+means, which may be judged the most convenient, to save with alacrity
+this country, now threatened and surrounded with the greatest and most
+terrible dangers; that to this end the venerable Regents of Dort would
+not fail to deliberate immediately upon the particular points, which
+the proposition in question presents, and to cause in course their
+resolution to be transmitted to the assembly of their Noble and Grand
+Mightinesses."
+
+Note of the Deputies of Haerlem, touching the provisional resolution
+taken by their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, upon the proposition of
+Amsterdam.
+
+"The gentlemen, the Deputies of the city of Haerlem, resuming the
+extension of the 18th of May, have declared, that in accepting the
+proposition of the gentlemen, the Deputies of the city of Amsterdam,
+their advice had been, that since the said proposition ought to be
+attributed to a laudable desire to watch over the common interests,
+the gentlemen, the Deputies of Amsterdam, and in their persons, the
+gentlemen their constituents, ought to be thanked for the zeal and
+marked attention upon this occasion for the utility of their dear
+country. But, as at that time almost all the members relished this
+advice in such a manner, that the assembly had converted it into a
+provisional resolution, the gentlemen, the Deputies, had a good right
+to presume, that, in imitation of many antecedent facts, this advice
+would have become an essential measure, to cause to be passed the
+beforementioned provisional resolution. But the gentlemen, the
+Deputies, seeing the contrary, and their remarks made in this regard,
+answered by a frozen silence on the part of the other members, they
+have, both on account of this circumstance, and to ascertain what
+really passed in consequence of the proposition in question, and to
+justify the report made to the gentlemen, their principals, upon this
+object, judged necessary to cause this note to be inserted in the
+minutes of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses."
+
+With hearty wishes that this dumb spirit may be soon cast out, I have
+the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE STATES-GENERAL.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 1st, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received from my Sovereign, the United States of America, in
+Congress assembled, their express instructions to notify to their High
+Mightinesses, the States-General, the complete and final ratification
+of the confederation of the Thirteen United States, from New Hampshire
+to Georgia, both included, on the 1st day of March last.
+
+I do myself the honor to enclose an authentic copy of this important
+act, and to request the favor of you, Sir, to communicate it to their
+High Mightinesses in such a manner as you shall judge most convenient;
+as in the present circumstances of affairs I know of no more proper
+mode of discharging this part of my duty.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 5th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Deputies of Middleburg, in the assembly of the States of Zealand,
+on the 14th of May, consented to the petition for granting larger
+bounties to those who shall engage in the service of the Republic by
+sea. Their advice has been given in this manner;
+
+"The gentlemen, the Deputies of Middleburg, have said that they were
+authorised by the gentlemen, their principals, to conform themselves
+to the report in question, in all its parts. They are further
+specially instructed and ordered, (renewing the advice of their city,
+communicated with their consent to the two States of war of the 9th of
+last month,) to represent upon this occasion, in the name of the
+gentlemen, their principals, and to insist strongly, that without
+delay it should be deliberated by a committee, concerning the measures
+the most prompt and the most efficacious to be taken by this Province,
+to direct things in course in the generality, in such a manner, that
+in the critical and disastrous situation in which the Republic is, we
+should apply our attention conjointly, with redoubled zeal, activity,
+and wisdom, in defence of the territory, commerce, and possessions of
+the Republic; that we finally awake out of that unexpected inaction,
+in which as is too apparent the Republic is still found, the causes of
+which cannot, and ought not in any degree, to be attributed to this
+Province; or that at least, without delay and without reserve, the
+true reasons of this dangerous and disgraceful situation should be
+communicated to the Lords, the States of Zealand, from whom nothing,
+which concerns the Union ought to be concealed; to the end, that in
+course they may deliberate sincerely with the other confederates upon
+the means of deliverance and of precaution, the most prompt, and the
+most convenient for the common advantage, safety, and preservation.
+
+"The Lords, the States of Zealand, have also represented to their High
+Mightinesses, the propriety of establishing batteries upon the coast
+of Flanders, upon the places the most exposed, and to provide them
+with cannon and necessary stores, that they may be able to act, with
+the armed vessels stationed upon the river, against any enterprises
+which may be attempted by the enemy's vessels.
+
+"On the 22d of last month, their Noble and Grand Mightinesses
+deliberated upon the proposition of the Counsellor Pensionary, made on
+the 18th of the same month, in the name of the gentlemen, the
+counsellors' committees, viz. that it having been resolved, by a
+resolution of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses of the 16th of
+January, to negotiate a sum of eight millions, at two and a half per
+cent interest, this negotiation had had so happy a success, that it
+was almost filled up, as the treasury general and the other treasuries
+of the quarter of the south of this Province have received seven
+millions fortysix thousand six hundred and fifty florins, and those of
+the quarter of the north, five hundred and seventyeight thousand eight
+hundred florins. That the Counsellor Pensionary, seeing that the
+present situation of affairs requires in all respects, that the
+treasury of the State should be provided of a larger quantity of
+money, has proposed to the consideration of their Noble and Grand
+Mightinesses, whether they did not judge it convenient to augment the
+negotiation in question by four other millions, and, consequently, to
+extend it to twelve millions, upon the same footing and with the same
+interest, as determined by their resolution of the 16th of January
+last.
+
+"Upon which it was thought fit, and resolved, to consent to the
+negotiation of these eight millions, and to increase it with four
+others, so as to make twelve millions upon the same footing. The
+Prince has made a tour to the Brille, Helvoetsluys, Goeree, and
+Willemstadt, where he has reviewed the troops and vessels of war, and
+returned to the Hague on the third of this month."
+
+I send to Congress an account of these faint and feeble symptoms of
+life, because there is no appearance of any more vigorous. I am told
+that this _vis inertiae_ is profound policy. If it is policy at all, it
+is so profound, as to be perfectly incomprehensible. However, their
+property and dominion, their honor and dignity, their sovereignty and
+independence are their own, and if they choose to throw them all away,
+for aught I know, they have a right to do it. There is one comfort, if
+other nations have nothing to hope, they have nothing to fear from
+such policy.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO M. BERENGER, SECRETARY OF THE FRENCH EMBASSY AT THE HAGUE.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 8th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter, which you did me the honor to write me, on
+the 5th of this month, informing me, that you have received a letter
+from the Count de Vergennes, by which his Excellency directs you to
+tell me, that the interests of the United States require my presence
+at Paris, and that he should desire that I should go there, as soon as
+my affairs in Holland will permit me.
+
+I should be extremely obliged to you, Sir, if you would confide to me
+the nature of the business that requires me at Paris, that I might be
+able to form some judgment, whether it is of so much importance, and
+so pressing, as to make it necessary for me to go forthwith.
+
+His Excellency Dr Franklin, and Colonel Laurens, have arranged affairs
+in such a manner, that the accounts of the Indian are to be produced
+to me, and I am to draw bills to discharge them, so that it would
+retard the departure of that interesting vessel, if I were to go now;
+and it is of some importance to the public that I should complete my
+despatches to go to Congress by her. I am also unfortunately involved
+in a good deal of business, in accepting and discharging bills of
+exchange, a course of business which would be put into some confusion,
+if I were to go immediately; and the general affairs of Congress in
+this Republic might suffer somewhat by my absence. But notwithstanding
+all, if I were informed that it is anything respecting a general
+pacification, or an invitation of this Republic to accede to the
+alliance between France and the United States, or any other affair of
+sufficient weight to justify my quitting this port immediately, I
+would do it. Otherwise it would, as I humbly conceive, be more for the
+public interest, that I should wait until some of the business that
+lies upon me here is despatched, and the rest put into a better order.
+Let me beg the favor of your sentiments, Sir. Whenever I go, I must
+beg the favor of you to furnish me with a passport.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 11th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The following petition is too curious in itself, and too much attended
+to by the public at this time, to be omitted.
+
+"To the Gentlemen, the Burgomasters, Sheriffs and Counsellors of the
+city of Antwerp.
+
+"The inhabitants of the city of Antwerp in general, and those who are
+there concerned in commerce, in particular, should think that they
+injured their own interests, if they neglected, at a time when all
+Europe talks of the advantages, which the opening of the Scheldt would
+produce, to address themselves to you, Gentlemen, to make known their
+desire, that you would please to take the necessary measures for this
+purpose. While all nations fix at present their attention upon the
+liberty of navigation, shall we be the only people, who, although
+having a greater interest in it than others, should remain quiet, and
+suffer to pass away, unimproved, the moment, which appears to be now
+arrived to deliver ourselves from the yoke, which the Republic of
+Holland imposed upon us in the days of their first celebration? No! It
+is time that we awake! Since the treaty of Munster, this city and its
+commerce are fallen into a great decay, but we have still the means in
+our hands to revive them, because the inhabitants have ever continued
+to have an indirect portion in commerce. It was they, who after the
+suppression of the Company of Ostend, have assisted in the
+establishment of the East India Companies of Sweden and Denmark; and
+it would not be difficult to prove, that projects of all sorts have
+taken place in their speculations. What could they not do, therefore,
+when it shall be free to them to make a direct and unrestrained
+commerce? The simple hope, which they have of it, causes among them a
+revival of the spirit of commerce. When we compare the situation of
+the cities of Amsterdam and Antwerp, we shall find that that of the
+latter has many advantages over the former. The commerce of corn,
+which makes of Holland the factory of Europe, and all the trade of the
+North, offers itself to the city of Antwerp. We should soon find there
+magazines provided with everything necessary to extend commerce, and
+equal that of Amsterdam. This commerce alone would be sufficient to
+make a revival of the bright days, which preceded the peace of
+Munster.
+
+"But what afflicts us, Gentlemen, is, that there are persons who would
+divide the interests of provinces, and give birth to a rivalry between
+the ports of Ostend and Antwerp, as if one port the more would be too
+much for the States of his Majesty. If this could be a question, no
+man could doubt that the city of Antwerp is much better situated to
+make an extensive commerce, than the city of Ostend. Experience alone
+is sufficient to demonstrate it. The commerce, which Antwerp has made
+heretofore, came there naturally of itself, although it had been
+formerly at Bruges, because the port of Antwerp was better, and in all
+respects more advantageous. But these cities have nothing in common,
+and if the Scheldt was open, and remained open, Ostend would not
+suffer any damage from it. We have the advantage to have in our
+Sovereign a Prince, whose whole application tends to render his
+subjects happy; nothing can contribute more to their prosperity than
+commerce. The fine arts, which have supported themselves at Antwerp,
+in spite of the decay of commerce, for near one hundred and forty
+years, would acquire here a new degree of perfection and lustre.
+
+"We hope, Gentlemen, that your care and zeal for everything, which can
+contribute to the prosperity of a city, which you have already lately
+delivered from beggary, will make you discover, with particular
+satisfaction, new means of procuring labor for the poor and needy,
+diminish thereby the expense of their maintenance, without reckoning
+all the other advantages, and especially the augmentation of our
+population, which would be the result of our demand."
+
+This petition discloses objects of so much weight in those scales, in
+which the political and commercial interests of the nations of Europe
+are now balancing, that it is worth while to transmit some
+observations, which have been made upon it, which will lay open the
+whole subject, with all its connexions. They were written in French by
+M. Cerisier.
+
+"It is to have a false idea of things, to think and to say, that
+Holland and Zealand, taking an unjust advantage of their victories,
+and of the weakness of their enemies, have dictated, with arms in
+their hands, the outrageous and despotic conditions of holding their
+ports shut up. We have only to cast our eyes upon the geographical
+situation of Antwerp, we have only to recollect the first events of
+the Belgic Revolution, to acknowledge this error. The city of Antwerp
+for a long time made a part of the Belgic confederation; she entered
+into the union of Utrecht, as she had entered into the pacification of
+Ghent, she was even for several years the centre of the new Republic;
+it was not until 1585, that she fell back under the yoke of the
+Spaniards. But the Duke of Parma, in retaking Antwerp, could not
+equally make himself master of all the forts situated below that city,
+towards the mouth of the Scheldt. The confederates continued masters
+of these, and even retook some places, which had been taken from them
+in the course of the war. Thus they remained masters of the lower
+navigation of this river, an advantage, which they caused to be
+confirmed to them in the treaty of peace. In casting our eyes on the
+other hand, on the memorable siege of Antwerp, it is to this city that
+it is necessary to impute the misfortune of having an useless port,
+since, by a more vigorous and wise defence, she would have remained in
+the union, with all the advantages which resulted from it.
+
+"Zealand and the city of Amsterdam, have always held the slavery of
+the port of Antwerp of much importance. But it is very far from being
+true, that this city, by recovering the liberty of her navigation,
+would be able to draw away any considerable part of their commerce.
+The maritime places of the United Provinces have had for several ages,
+and many years before the revolution, a great navigation and a
+flourishing commerce; this has been demonstrated by modern authors.
+See the _Tableau de l'Histoire des Provinces Unies, et la Richesse de
+la Hollande_. It is an error then to believe, that they were raised
+upon the ruins of Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp; although we cannot deny,
+that they have received some augmentation from them.
+
+"But it is England, which has drawn the greatest advantages from them.
+The cause is evident; it is, that the same troubles, which chased
+commerce from these cities, agitated at the same time Holland,
+Zealand, Friesland, and the neighboring Provinces. The factions of the
+Houcks and the Cabeliaux, the Schieringers, and the Vetkopers, the
+Litchembergs, and the Gunterlings, the Hekeren, and the Bronkhorst,
+have nearly at the same time for many years, torn almost the whole
+country, which forms at this day the Republic of the United Provinces,
+in the times when Flanders was a prey to the most violent intestine
+dissensions, when Ghent and Bruges held the Emperor Maximilian in
+prison; and when the chastisements inflicted on these two cities,
+drove out the industry, and commerce, which enriched them. The United
+Provinces were the centre of the rebellion and the theatre of the most
+afflicting calamities, when the cruelties of the Spaniards chased
+commerce from the city of Antwerp. The most violent causes, in fact,
+are necessary to drive commerce from a country where she has fixed her
+residence. The powerful houses of commerce, the immense funds
+necessary to carry it on, the credit, the industry, do not transplant
+themselves easily from one country to another.
+
+"We ought not to impute to slavery the fall of the commerce of the
+Austrian Low Countries. We must ascend to that epocha, when the fiscal
+and religious despotism of Spain carried into the Low Countries the
+yoke of civil servitude and the flames of the Inquisition. Commerce
+cannot harmonise with slavery, with the tyrannical exaction of
+imposts, with persecutors, or with hangmen. It was principally to
+London, that industry, and the merchants of Louvain, Ghent, Bruges,
+and Antwerp, fled. Although Holland and Zealand were at the same time
+a prey to similar misfortunes, and even still more terrible, they
+found themselves in a condition to raise a powerful marine, to beat
+their ancient masters, and to seize upon their spoils in the Indies.
+It was upon their courage, upon their navigation, upon their
+establishments in the Indies, and not upon the mouth of the Scheldt,
+that they laid the foundations of a commerce, the richest and most
+extensive that ever was.
+
+"If all the Low Countries had remained attached to the confederation,
+they would all have partaken of the riches, the industry, the power,
+and the grandeur of the United Provinces. The Austrian Low Countries
+were not able to recover their brilliant commerce, because they had
+lost it. To repair this loss, it would have been necessary, that
+Holland and England, filled with their manufactures, should have had
+the complaisance to send them back all these manufactures with their
+riches, their workmen, and their raw materials. It was only Louis the
+Fourteenth who could in this respect take Philip the Second for a
+model. If the Flemish and the Brabantians, should have again a source
+of raw materials, and of workmen, would it be easy to recall industry
+and naturalise it there, after so long an exile? The little progress
+of commerce in those countries has many other causes, besides the
+subjugation of one of its brooks. It is necessary to look for them in
+the multitude and enormity of the duties imposed upon merchandises,
+which enter, or go out of the Austrian dominions, duties, which are
+repeated from one Province, and even from one city to another; it is
+necessary to look for them in the tyrannical and insolent inquisition
+of officers, with whom the frontiers are covered, in the fiscal and
+iniquitous subjection, to which packages and travellers are exposed;
+the former to a search, which exposes the goods to be spoiled, and the
+other to an indecent and odious inspection. They have forced women to
+strip themselves, even to their shifts, to discover, with a scandalous
+avidity, effects subject to these odious taxes.
+
+"A part of the commerce of Germany, and several Provinces of France
+with Holland, would have no other market than the Low Countries, if
+the imposts and the collection of them were not tyrannical. The
+merchants of St Quentin, of Rheims, of Paris, will all tell you, that
+the lawns, wines, and modes, which they send into the countries
+situated upon the Baltic, would be embarked at Ostend, without those
+armies of inquisitors like highwaymen, who drive away, by a perpetual
+restraint, commerce, the friend of liberty. Add to this, the delays,
+and the dearness of land-carriage, interrupted with barriers, in the
+countries, where there are no canals; all these obstacles do not only
+hurt the commerce of transportation, but also that of importation and
+exportation. The foreigner, finding so many difficulties in spreading
+his superfluities in those countries, is the less capable of taking
+off theirs.
+
+"Moreover, how many ameliorations may be made in the natural resources
+of that country? Before they allow themselves in uncertain
+speculations abroad, they should carry to the highest point, industry
+at home. There are even reformations, which are very difficult, and
+without which these countries will never hold the balance against
+countries, in which the number, the celibacy, the riches, and the
+laziness of the clergy, do not devour the industry of the people. Is
+the slavery of the Scheldt then the cause, that Louvain is peopled
+only with students and professors? Malines filled with attornies and
+judges? That Mons, Tournay, Ypres, Ghent, and Bruges, are no longer
+more than carcasses? If there were a means of reviving these cities,
+would it not be by the enlargement and the safety of the port of
+Ostend?
+
+"Even if the ports of Ostend, of Nieuport, and Antwerp offered roads
+free, safe, and commodious, would business fly to them for refuge,
+and abandon the ports of Hamburg, Dantzick, Amsterdam, Rotterdam,
+Middleburg, Dunkirk, Rouen, Nantes, Rochelle, Bordeaux, the Elbe, the
+Somme, the Seine, the Loire, the Garonne, and the ports of the three
+kingdoms of Great Britain, where it enjoys all the advantages and
+facilities, which it can desire? The English themselves, who dazzle at
+this day the Austrian Low Countries with the hope of a free and
+flourishing commerce, would not they be the first to oppose this
+revolution, if it had any appearance of success? It is their jealousy
+of the prosperity of Amsterdam, which makes them clamor against the
+subjection of the Scheldt. But they would clamor much louder, if the
+liberty of the Scheldt should restore to the Low Countries the hope of
+recovering their ancient commerce. All States seek with emulation to
+augment the national industry. Russia, and even other northern States,
+are making efforts and sacrifices to procure for themselves
+manufactures. All countries, even Spain and Portugal, begin to
+perceive that these things are more useful than _autos-da-fe_. The
+Austrian Low Countries have them also. But could they augment them at
+the expense of other countries; especially at a time, when so many
+States pique themselves in having a warlike marine to maintain their
+commerce and their national industry?
+
+"But, it will be said, is it not manifest that the navigation of
+Antwerp being opened, commerce, by reascending the river, would
+diffuse her benign influence throughout all the extent of an
+agreeable, and fertile territory, full of canals and great roads, &c.?
+I answer again, why would not the ports of Bruges, Ghent, Ostend, and
+Nieuport produce the same effect? It is even apparent, that these
+ports would lose by the new outlet of Antwerp, the little commerce
+which remained to them. In that case, Brabant would only raise itself
+on the ruins or at the expense of Flanders. The liberty of this river
+would enrich perhaps the interior of the country, but it would
+certainly impoverish the coasts of the sea. They say it is unjust to
+hold the Scheldt shut up; but would it not, on the contrary, be the
+height of injustice to open again a navigation, assured to the
+Hollanders by the natural consequence of a revolution universally
+ratified, and by a long possession? What man, what State, would be
+authorised to appropriate a thing to itself because it was for his
+convenience? This rule, it is true, has in our days effected the
+dismemberment of Poland, the invasion of Silesia, and the present war
+of England against Holland. But in taking away the property of the
+Dutch, with what right can one find fault with the violence of Russia?
+
+"It will be said, that the restraint of a river dug by nature, for the
+use of the inhabitants who live upon the banks, is contrary to natural
+right, against which no prescription ever runs. But do not the
+turnpikes, or fall-stops, with which these rivers are thickset,
+contravene also the rights of nature? The house of my neighbor
+intercepts the light, of which I have great occasion; have I the right
+for this reason to pull it down?
+
+"In one word, the mouth of the Scheldt is in the territory of the
+United Provinces. The Republic, according to received principles, may
+interdict the navigation of it to foreigners, as well as to its own
+subjects. She excludes only the former; because she finds her
+advantage in it, as the English find theirs in their famous act of
+navigation, much more tyrannical than the subjection of the Scheldt.
+The Belgians will say, the waters of this river wash and fertilize our
+country in passing through it. But have not the French still a better
+right to the same navigation, because this river takes its rise in
+France? The Swiss would have a good grace to wish to arrogate to
+themselves the free navigation of the whole course of the Rhone, the
+Po, the Danube, and the Rhine, because these rivers flow from the
+mountains of Helvetia. The subjection of the Scheldt was ratified in
+1648, in the famous treaty of Munster, or Westphalia, whereof all the
+powers of Europe are warranties, and which still passes for the basis
+of the political system of Europe, and for a fundamental law of the
+empire. We have seen in 1778, the Emperor himself obliged to renounce
+a succession supported upon authentic titles, because the powers,
+warranties of the peace of Westphalia, sustained, that this succession
+was contrary to that treaty. And yet it is wished, that in full peace,
+without title, without pretence, the Emperor should wrest from the
+Dutch a property, the fruits of which will never indemnify them for
+the sacrifices they have made for his house.
+
+"They would have the Emperor an ambitious Prince, rolling the vastest
+projects in his head. But with what eye will the other powers view an
+usurpation, which they ought to seek to prevent by all the motives of
+honor and of interest; even although it should be from the ambitious
+idea of acting their part in the affairs of Europe? How? Shall he
+expose himself in the present moment to spread the flames of a general
+war in Europe, and to lose perhaps the Low Countries, which would be
+from that moment surrounded by inimical powers. For what? To procure
+to the inhabitants of Antwerp, the facility of conducting a few ships
+into the German ocean.
+
+"Holland is in the last degree of weakness, embarrassment, and
+disunion; she has fear. Oh! yes; but the King of Prussia, but the
+electors of Saxony and Palatine, but the King of France, would have
+fear also; fear would unite them; and when one has a great deal, he
+begins to have less fear.
+
+"That which would make of Antwerp a new Sidon, or a new Carthage,
+which would render this city the rival of Bordeaux, of Rouen, of
+Amsterdam, and of London, would be infinitely prejudicial to the
+French and the Russians. Either this business would be a part detached
+from that of the ports of the channel, and of the Baltic sea, and, in
+that case, France and Russia would not consent to build up a place of
+commerce, which would flourish at their expense; they would oppose the
+opening of a port, which would draw away the inhabitants from those,
+which they are laboring to make flourish; or it would be composed of
+branches torn from that which is done at the Texel, upon the Meuse,
+and the Thames, and, in that case, they will refuse their consent to
+this transplantation. If it is necessary, that the commerce of the
+Dutch and the English should fall, Russia and France will choose to
+take advantage of its decay, to transport it into their harbors."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 12th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The States of Holland and West Friesland are adjourned to the 27th. In
+their last session, they consented to the augmentation of seventeen
+thousand six hundred and eightysix land forces, according to the
+plan, which the Council of State, in concert with the Stadtholder, had
+formed, on the 18th of April, and which had been carried on the 19th
+of the same month, to the Assembly of the States of the Province. They
+have also taken the resolution to lend to the East India Company the
+sum of one million two hundred thousand florins, at three per cent
+interest, to be reimbursed in thirtythree years, in payments of
+thirtysix thousand florins. The affairs of the Colony of Surinam are
+about to engage the attention of government, according to a petition,
+which the Deputies of the merchants of Dort, Haerlem, Amsterdam, and
+Rotterdam, presented on the 6th, to the States of Holland and West
+Friesland, and for which the merchants have demanded, in an audience,
+which they have had of the Stadtholder, the support of His Most Serene
+Highness. This petition was conceived in these terms.
+
+ PETITION FROM THE DEPUTIES OF DORT, HAERLEM, AMSTERDAM,
+ AND ROTTERDAM, TO HOLLAND AND WEST FRIESLAND.
+
+"The merchants, deputies of the cities of Dort, Haerlem, Amsterdam,
+and Rotterdam, represent in the most respectful manner, that the
+mortal stagnation of navigation and of commerce, which cannot preserve
+their well-being but by continual activity, has forced the petitioners
+not to disguise any longer the fatal effects, and in circumstances,
+when the naval force of the Republic is not yet in a state to procure
+them a sufficient protection, to seek for themselves a succor, which,
+in the extreme danger in which the colonies, which yet remain to the
+State, and even the State itself, are found at this day, may serve
+apparently to advance in more than one manner, the general interest
+of this Republic; that the supplicants, both for themselves, and
+speaking in favor and in the name of several thousands of their
+fellow-citizens, have taken the part to present to their High
+Mightinesses the States-General of the United Provinces, the petition,
+a copy of which is here joined, and to which they respectfully refer,
+as follows.
+
+ _Petition._
+
+"That as your Noble and Grand Mightinesses, have always testified,
+that the well-being of your fellow-citizens in general, and that of
+merchants in particular, ought to be supported in every manner, the
+petitioners assure themselves, that the more the danger becomes
+imminent, the more the zeal of your Noble and Grand Mightinesses will
+animate itself to prevent, under the divine blessing, the total ruin
+of the essential sources of the existence of the country; so that this
+danger being at present so great, and becoming from day to day more
+pressing, the petitioners dare to promise themselves, on the part of
+your Noble and Grand Mightinesses, all the succor and assistance
+requisite, and to hope, that they shall not invoke in vain their
+powerful support, relative to the prayer beforementioned. It is for
+this, that the petitioners address themselves to this Sovereign
+Assembly, in the manner the most respectful, and in a confidence the
+most entire in the inclination of your Noble and Grand Mightinesses
+for the protection of the citizens of the Republic, seriously praying,
+that it may please your Noble and Grand Mightinesses, to authorise
+your Deputies in the Assembly of the States-General to concur in
+directing, with all the earnestness possible, things in such a manner,
+that there be given to the petition aforesaid a prompt and favorable
+answer, and that measures be taken, to the end that the petitioners
+and those who are otherwise interested with them, may enjoy without
+delay the effect of a definitive determination, &c.
+
+"To their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United
+Provinces give respectfully to understand, the undersigned
+proprietors, and owners of vessels navigating to the Colony of
+Surinam, owners of plantations, situated there, merchants and others
+interested in the commerce of the said colony;
+
+"That this Colony, independently of the interest, which the
+undersigned, and a great number of others equally interested, take in
+it, may be regarded as of the greatest importance for the Republic
+itself, by reason of the very considerable revenues, which, for a long
+course of years, it has procured, not only to the direction privileged
+by grant, but also to the Republic itself, and which become every day
+more lucrative, by the enormous expenses, which the proprietors of
+plantations have made to cultivate new lands, and to improve the
+culture of several territorial productions.
+
+"To this effect, the petitioners refer to the estimate annexed,
+containing the quantity of productions, which for some years have been
+transported from the Colony into the ports of the country. That these
+productions, after having been transported from this country, some
+wrought up here, and others as they were received, procure continually
+to the treasury of the Republic very important sums, proceeding from
+different duties, which are directly or indirectly relative to them.
+That the necessity to go in search of all these productions of the
+Colony, and that of transporting thither provisions and other effects,
+employs annually a large number of great ships, which are for the
+most part fine frigates, solidly built, the number of which amounted
+to more than fourscore, which all pay every voyage the duties of lest,
+which are considerable, and serve, at the same time, for the
+maintenance of a numerous body of navigators, which amount to about
+three thousand well experienced seamen. That, moreover, the importance
+of this Colony does not fall short in point of utility of any other,
+both with relation to what has been alleged, and because, in exchange
+for its productions, we receive here the precious metals, and the cash
+of other nations, which remain in the bosom of the United Provinces;
+while, on the contrary, it is necessary to export them to the East
+Indies, there to pay for territorial productions, the manufactures of
+the Indies; and the payments, which foreigners make to us, to procure
+themselves merchandises, must equally return to the Indies for new
+purchases. That thus the navigation and the commerce with this Colony
+serve not only to the amelioration of the finances of the Republic,
+and to the augmentation of the national cash; but they are still an
+abundant source of general prosperity for the inhabitants, scattered
+in the Seven Provinces.
+
+"Many, by means of the free property of their plantations, draw from
+thence important revenues, and encouraged by success make them largely
+circulate; while a much larger number of our countrymen are the
+bearers of obligations, carrying large interests negotiated upon
+mortgages, the preservation of which is of the greatest weight,
+considering that the sustenance of so many thousands of our
+fellow-citizens depends upon them. That, moreover, all which serves
+for housekeeping, all which is wanted for the culture of the land, the
+building and repairing of edifices, and even eatables, must be
+transported from hence into this Colony. This commerce, therefore,
+cannot fail to procure to a great number of manufacturers, mercers,
+and traders, a continual outlet, which even surpasses all belief, and
+which is by so much the more useful, as this commerce consists for the
+most part in objects furnished by our territory, either in raw
+materials, or in things manufactured here. This article alone procures
+the maintenance of an infinite number of artisans in the cities, and
+of the cultivators of the field; without mentioning the construction
+and repairs of a great number of vessels employed in this navigation;
+of their provisions, both for the voyage and the return, which gives a
+living to several thousands of men.
+
+"That thus the public prosperity and that of individuals, so
+intimately connected together, would both receive an irreparable blow,
+if they were deprived of the advantages, which they draw from this
+abundant source. That this misfortune has already denounced itself,
+and in the most sensible manner from the commencement of this war, the
+further consequences of which are so alarming, that they deserve to be
+warded off or prevented by all means imaginable. That, nevertheless,
+the petitioners on their part cannot otherwise obviate them, than by
+putting the vessels they use in this navigation, in a necessary state
+of defence, and in equipping them sufficiently for the war; which will
+render them strong enough to repel all the enemy's privateers, of
+whatever size, and that they may be able to defend themselves even
+against the English men-of-war, and thereby assist and relieve the
+military marine of the Republic.
+
+"But that the excessively increased prices of everything, which
+concerns the equipment of vessels, the bounties and the pay, risen to
+near double, which must now be given to seamen, would render an
+equipment of this nature so expensive, that the charges would never be
+repaid by the freight. That, nevertheless, without an equipment of
+such vessels, we should risk too much; this consideration has even
+determined the owners, whose vessels were loaded before the hostile
+attack of the English, to unload them and suspend the voyages, to the
+great prejudice of the Colony, of themselves, and of their freighters.
+That, moreover, they still find great difficulties to expedite their
+ships; on the one hand, from the certainty that the passage to the
+Colony and in the West Indies themselves, is infested with the enemy's
+vessels of war and privateers, who by surprise have already made
+themselves masters of a great number of our merchant vessels, and have
+even invaded the defenceless possessions of the State, such as St
+Eustatia, St Martins, Essequebo, and Demerara; on the other hand, in
+the uncertainty whether this excellent Colony, in the neighborhood of
+which, as they have learned, the enemy's squadrons cruise without
+opposition, has not undergone the same fate; in which case their
+valuable vessels with their rich cargoes, would fall into the power of
+an enemy, who from the heights of fortresses, taken by surprise,
+continue to display the Dutch flag, under shelter of which, and by
+means of a certain number of vessels of war, he seizes upon merchant
+ships destitute of defence, who, confiding in the public faith, go in
+there without fear.
+
+"That, nevertheless, if by these considerations and others of the same
+nature, the navigation to this Colony is longer suspended, the
+well-being of the Republic cannot avoid the most sensible prejudice,
+and the Colony must be considered as abandoned; her inhabitants will
+see themselves even reduced to deliver themselves into the hands of
+their enemies, to the ruin and total loss not only of the classes the
+most at their ease, but of all the inhabitants whatsoever of the
+United Provinces; so that we ought not to delay a single moment, nor
+neglect any means of encouragement or precaution to preserve them; so
+much the rather, as it appears scarcely convenient under this
+embarrassment, to invoke the assistance of foreign nations, to make
+the transportation, and to go to the Colony and to return; because,
+that in that case, we should lose this navigation, and we should lend
+our own hand to the entire declension, not only of the aid furnished
+to the treasury of the Republic, by the activity of this commerce and
+this navigation, but also to the interruption of the sales of so many
+manufacturers, mercers, and traders, and even to the entire privation
+of the sustenance of an immense number of workmen and artisans, to
+whom this construction of vessels and this navigation so extended,
+procured their daily gain, which they cannot forego without being
+reduced to the most deplorable situation. That this repugnance to
+navigate on one's own account will be further followed by the
+desertion of a great number of sailors, who for want of finding
+employment here, and tempted by the advantageous promises of the
+enemy, will go there in search of service, to the double detriment of
+the public interest of the Republic. That the respectable fleet,
+composed of valuable vessels destined to this navigation, would rot in
+our ports, and the officers who command them, many of whom have not
+been thought unworthy to be called to the service of their country,
+would be obliged to abandon with their families this country, where
+all the other means of gaining a livelihood fail more and more; and
+as they have solely applied themselves to navigation, they would go in
+search of their subsistence into places, where, by our interruption,
+navigation makes new advances every day. That this method, indicated
+by necessity, of recurring to foreign flags, by the more considerable
+expenses which arise from it, would so absorb the revenues, that not
+only no planter would be able, with the little which should remain to
+him, to support his plantation, but, moreover, there would remain no
+well-grounded hope for the great number of bearers of obligations to
+flatter themselves with obtaining any payment, still less the entire
+payment of the interests promised them; since without having yet
+supported these additional expenses, and notwithstanding the excessive
+prices at which the productions have been sold, they have seen
+themselves forced to diminish considerably the interests, and in some
+cases to suspend even the entire payment; without mentioning so many
+other political considerations relative to this object, which cannot
+escape the penetrating eye of the Sovereign, so that without hope of a
+full protection, this single means of obtaining something, in ever so
+small a degree, is even considered as very precarious, and as
+augmenting more and more an inaction so fatal to a country, which
+under the divine blessing, owes its prosperity so envied, to its
+application, its valor, and the fortitude of its inhabitants. Time may
+pass away, (and certainly the moments are too precious) before they
+may dare to flatter themselves with a protection so efficacious, as
+the danger of the crews, the valuable cargoes, and the pressing
+necessity of the Colony require.
+
+"That to this effect, the pensioners take the liberty to solicit your
+High Mightinesses with profound respect, in case it is impossible to
+grant immediately a sufficient escort to go to the Colony and return,
+that in that case, as upon other occasions, it has been graciously
+granted by your High Mightinesses, for the support of trade, the
+equipment of vessels, societies, &c., to be so good also, as to grant
+generously in favor of the equipments to make for this Colony,
+Berbicia, and the interesting establishment of Curacao, an
+encouragement equivalent to the design of the considerable
+disbursements, which they will be obliged to make, to put their
+vessels in a certain state of defence; and, moreover, for better order
+and direction, to cause to be escorted, their ships sailing in
+company, by as many vessels of war as it will be possible to spare for
+this expedition. In fine, that under the good pleasure of your High
+Mightinesses, and that these ships well armed may also serve to molest
+as much as possible the enemy, there may be granted them letters of
+marque and reprisals, under the customary condition, to the end that
+they make use of them upon occasion, by the brave officers, which the
+subscribers dare boast that they will employ in their ships."
+
+This petition has been referred to the respective Deputies of the
+Colleges of the Admiralty, to make report on it as soon as possible.
+The Deputies of the merchants having beforehand solicited, in the most
+pressing manner, the Prince Stadtholder, to support with his powerful
+recommendation an affair of so great importance.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 15th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The long expected courier has at last arrived at the Hague from St
+Petersburg. The contents of his despatches are not public, but all
+hopes of assistance from the armed neutrality seem to be dissipated.
+The question now is, what is to be done next. Some are for alliances
+with the house of Bourbon and America, but a thousand fears arise.
+France, the Emperor, and the Republic, have Provinces so intermixed
+together in Brabant and Flanders, that it is supposed the Emperor
+would be much alarmed at an alliance between France and Holland, lest
+they should soon agree to divide his Provinces between them. The
+people in these Provinces would, it is supposed, have no objection.
+They all speak the French language, are of the same religion, and the
+policy of France in governing conquered Provinces, according to their
+ancient usages, and with great moderation, has taken away all aversion
+to a change of masters.
+
+Some people think, that an alliance between France and Holland would
+occasion a general war. This I think would be an advantage to America,
+although philanthropy would wish to prevent the further effusion of
+human blood.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 23d, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The answer from St Petersburg, as it is given to the public, is this;
+
+"Her Majesty, the Empress of all the Russias, declares, That as much
+as she has been satisfied with the zeal with which their High
+Mightinesses have accepted her mediation, so much and more has her
+compassionate heart been affected with the difficulties formed by the
+Court of London, in referring the reconciliation with the Republic to
+a subsequent and general negotiation of peace between all the
+belligerent powers, under the combined mediation of Her Imperial
+Majesty, and His Majesty, the Roman Emperor. As soon as this
+negotiation shall take place, her Majesty promises beforehand to the
+Republic, all the assistance, which depends upon her, to the end, that
+the Republic may without delay, return into the rank of neutral
+powers, and thereby enjoy entirely, and without restraint, all the
+rights and advantages, which her accession to the engagements between
+Her Imperial Majesty and the Kings, her high allies, ought to assure
+to her.
+
+"In this expectation, the intention of Her Imperial Majesty is,
+conjointly with their Majesties, to persuade that Court to that
+moderation, and those pacific sentiments, which their High
+Mightinesses, on their part have manifested. The Empress flatters
+herself, that the times and the events, which may unexpectedly happen,
+will bring forth circumstances of such a nature, as will put her in a
+situation to make appear, in a manner the most efficacious, her good
+will and her affection, of which she sincerely desires to be able to
+give proof to their High Mightinesses."
+
+This answer gives great scope to speculation and conjecture, but I
+shall trouble Congress with a very few remarks upon it.
+
+1. In the first place, and without insinuating her opinion concerning
+the justice or injustice of the war, between Great Britain and the
+United Provinces, she imputes the ill success of her mediation between
+them, to the Court of London, and not at all to the Republic.
+
+2. She applauds the moderation and pacific sentiments of their High
+Mightinesses, and implicitly censures the Court of London, for
+opposite dispositions.
+
+Thus far the declaration is unfavorable to the English, and a pledge
+of her Imperial honor, at least not to take any part in their favor.
+
+3. It appears, that the Court of London has proposed a negotiation for
+peace between all the belligerent powers, under the mediation of the
+Empress and the Emperor. But, as it is certain the Court of London
+does not admit the United States of America to be one of the
+belligerent powers, and as no other power of Europe, except France, as
+yet admits it to be a power, it is very plain to me, that the British
+Ministry mean nothing but chicanery, to unman and disarm their enemies
+with delusive dreams of peace, or to intrigue them, or some of them,
+into a peace separately from America, and without deciding our
+question.
+
+4. The declaration says not, that the Empress has accepted this
+mediation, nor upon what terms she would accept it. Here we are left
+to conjecture. The Dutch Ambassadors at St Petersburg wrote last
+winter to the Hague, that the Empress would not accept of this
+mediation with the Emperor, but upon two preliminary conditions, viz.
+that the Court of London should acknowledge the independence of
+America, and accede to the principles of the late marine treaty,
+concerning the rights of neutrals. To this she may have since added,
+that Holland should previously be set at peace, and become a neutral
+power, or she may have altered her sentiments. Here we can only
+conjecture.
+
+5. It appears, that the Kings of Denmark and Sweden have joined, or
+are to join, the Empress in a new effort with the Court of London, to
+persuade it to make peace with Holland. But how vigorous, or decisive
+this effort is to be, or what will be their conduct, if they should
+still be unsuccessful, is left only to conjecture.
+
+6. There are hints at future events, and circumstances, which her
+Majesty foresees, but the rest of the world do not, which may give her
+occasion to show her good will. Here is nothing declared, nothing
+promised, yet it leaves room to suppose, that her Majesty and her high
+allies may have insisted on conditions from the Court of London, which
+accepted, may give peace to the Republic, or rejected, may oblige
+Russia, Sweden, and Denmark, to join Holland in the war. But all this
+is so faint, reserved, and mysterious, that no dependence whatever can
+be placed upon it. I am sorry to see the idea of a negotiation for a
+general peace held up, because I am as well persuaded it is only an
+insidious manoeuvre of the British Ministry, as I am that many
+powers of Europe, and especially Holland, will be the dupe of it. I
+confess I should dread a negotiation for a general peace at this time,
+because I should expect propositions for short truces, _uti
+possidetis_, and other conditions, which would leave our trade more
+embarrassed, our union more precarious, and our liberties at greater
+hazard, than they can be in a continuance of the war, at the same time
+it would put us to as constant, and almost as great an expense.
+Nevertheless, if proposals of peace, or of conferences and
+negotiations to that end, should be proposed to me, which they have
+not as yet from any quarter, it will be my duty to attend to them with
+as much patience and delicacy too, as if I believed them sincere.
+
+Americans must wean themselves from the hope of any signal assistance
+from Europe. If all the negotiations of Congress can keep up the
+reputation of the United States so far as to prevent any nation from
+joining England, it will be much. But there are so many difficulties
+in doing this, and so many deadly blows are aimed at our reputation
+for honor, faith, integrity, union, fortitude, and power, even by
+persons who ought to have the highest opinion of them, and the
+tenderest regard for them, that I confess myself sometimes almost
+discouraged, and wish myself returning through all the dangers of the
+enemy to America, where I could not do less, and possibly might do
+more for the public good.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 23d, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Deputies of the city of Zieriksee have presented to their Noble
+Mightinesses, the Lords, the States of Zealand, on the 12th of this
+month, their advice concerning the report of the State, of the 19th
+of April last, relative to the building of vessels of war, to be done
+by the College of the Admiralty of this Province, in these words, viz.
+
+"That the venerable Regency having seen, by the Memorial of the
+gentlemen, the committees of the Admiralty of this Province, annexed
+to the said report, the serious difficulties which appear to oppose
+themselves to the resolution of building a larger number of vessels of
+war and frigates, has thought itself obliged to declare, that it is
+greatly afflicted at the dangerous situation in which the Republic and
+this Province are at present, being involved in a ruinous war, and
+almost entirely destitute of all convenient means, which could be
+employed for the safety and defence of the country; that this great
+distress might furnish to the venerable Regency, one of the best
+occasions to enlarge in reflections, how, by prompt directions and
+active foresight, in case that the re-establishment of our marine had
+really been taken to heart, the greatest obstacles alleged in the
+Memorial in question might have been prevented in time; but, that a
+repetition of what ought to have been executed in time, would in no
+degree ameliorate the present situation of affairs; and so much the
+more, as it is indispensably necessary that the deliberations
+concerning the further building of ships, should be at length
+terminated; the venerable Regency, then, for the present, would
+abstain from making even well founded observations, which,
+nevertheless, they might allege, both with regard to the contents of
+the Memorial in question, and to the means of advancing with greater
+vigor the construction, or to put the marine upon a more respectable
+footing by another way; they content themselves then, with declaring
+simply, that they are ready to concur in the completion of the
+aforesaid point of construction, either by conforming to the
+disposition of this report, or in any other manner whatsoever, that a
+general deliberation of all the members of the State may find the most
+convenient.
+
+"That, nevertheless, the venerable Regency cannot abstain from
+remarking further here, that at the beginning of this war, they had
+always been persuaded that the other confederates, whose sentiments
+concerning the first causes of this war have continually influenced
+those of Zealand, had taken the precautions necessary to be able to
+oppose the enemy conveniently, either by the national forces, or by
+the efficacious assistance of their allies, but that the issue of
+affairs already shows visibly with how much lukewarmness and levity,
+notwithstanding the serious exhortations and informations repeatedly
+made by this Province, we have conducted ourselves both with regard to
+the one and the other. The venerable Regency now sees the Republic at
+this moment deprived of all foreign succor, and abandoned to herself
+against a formidable enemy.
+
+"That, as such a dangerous situation ought naturally to excite in all
+those who participate in the public government, and really take to
+heart the true interests of their country, a redoubled zeal to set
+immediately at work, and in proportion to the danger, all the means of
+defence imaginable, and to employ them to protect, in the most
+effectual manner, their country, her commerce and possessions, and to
+annoy the enemy; the venerable Regency, seeing on the contrary, that
+the indolence, the inactivity, and even the continual indifference,
+are only increasing more and more, and that public affairs are
+administered in a manner, which cannot be reconciled with the danger
+to which the Republic is exposed, judge, in consequence, that the
+Lords, the States of this Province, will not be able longer to see,
+without speaking out, a situation so perilous; but that they ought to
+examine seriously the true causes and reasons of all this, to the end,
+that when we have obtained the explanations which we have a right to
+require, we may take, with the most serious zeal, the resolutions
+proper to maintain the excellent prerogatives, which we yet possess,
+and to guard against such misfortunes.
+
+"That the venerable Regency, having learnt with a great deal of
+satisfaction that similar observations have been made by other members
+of the body politic, hope that the deliberations concerning an object
+of this importance will be no longer delayed; but they trust that the
+affair, for which the advice of the gentlemen of Middleburg carried on
+the 15th of May to the Assembly of the States has been sent back, will
+be discussed as soon as possible, and without delay. The venerable
+Regency declaring, that they shall be always disposed to co-operate in
+taking every measure proper to obtain an end so salutary."
+
+Thus we see, that two cities of Zealand, Middleburg and Zieriksee, are
+co-operating with Amsterdam, Haerlem, Dort, Delft, &c. in order to
+arouse the Republic to action; how many months or years may roll away
+before they succeed, it is impossible for me to say, because it will
+depend upon events of war, reports of peace, and the councils of other
+sovereigns in Europe, as yet inscrutable, but it will depend upon
+nothing more than the fate of Clinton and Cornwallis in America.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 26th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Emperor appears to be more intent at present upon taking a fair
+advantage of the present circumstances, to introduce a flourishing
+commerce into the Austrian Flanders, than upon making treaties with
+England, or waging war in its favor. His Imperial, Royal, and
+Apostolical Majesty, has condescended to take off and break the
+shackles, which restrained the commerce and the communication of the
+port of Nieuport, in the interior of the country, and to discharge by
+his gracious decree, the commerce from the charges and impositions
+which were raised on the lands bordering upon the said port, under the
+denomination of Vate, Geld, Hast-Geld, Myle-Geld, &c. The
+frequentation of the port of Nieuport presents all the facilities
+which the merchants can require. Thus the city of Nieuport enjoys the
+most extensive privileges, both for storage and transportation to
+foreigners.
+
+We find there good magazines, merchants, factors, and commissioners,
+who will all serve punctually. The communications, both to the
+interior parts of the country and to foreigners, are free and easy,
+both by land, by means of the new causeway of Nieuport, which
+communicates with all the roads, and by water by means of the direct
+canals of Nieuport, to Bruges, to Ostend, to Ypres, to Dixmuide, to
+Furnes, and to Dunkirk, and from thence further on. One passes by the
+canal from Nieuport to Bruges, nearly in the same space of time, that
+we pass by the canal from Ostend to Bruges. All these canals have
+daily barks ready, easy and convenient for travellers, merchandises,
+and effects. The fishery of the sea, both of fresh fish, and of all
+sorts of herring and cod, is at Nieuport, in the most flourishing
+state, and enjoys there every privilege and exemption. The distillery
+of gin in the Dutch way, established at Nieuport, makes excellent gin,
+the transportation and expedition of which enjoys the greatest
+facilities. And the government of his Imperial Majesty, in the Low
+Countries, does not cease to grant all the privileges and facilities,
+which can tend to the well-being of the inhabitants, and of the
+commerce of the city and port of Nieuport. I should rejoice at these
+measures, for the benefit which American commerce would receive from
+them, provided the Emperor could oblige Americans to take their goods
+from Germany and not from England; but immense quantities of British
+manufactures will go to America from Nieuport, Ostend, and Bruges.
+
+This is a subject, which deserves the serious consideration of every
+American. British manufactures are going in vast quantities to
+America, from Holland, the Austrian Flanders, France, and Sweden, as
+well as by the way of New York and Charleston, &c. Whether it is
+possible to check it, much less to put a stop to it, I know not; and
+whether it would be good policy to put an end to it, if that were
+practicable, is made a question by many. If the Germans, the Dutch,
+the French, and Spaniards, or any other nations, would learn a little
+commercial policy, and give a credit to Americans, as the British
+merchants do, and encourage in their own countries manufactures,
+adapted to the wants and tastes of our countrymen, it is certain that
+in such a case, it would be our interest and duty to put an end to the
+trade in British goods, because nothing would weaken and distress the
+enemy so much, and therefore nothing would contribute more to bring
+the war to a conclusion. At present manufactures flourish in England,
+and the duties paid at the custom houses have been increasing these
+two or three years, merely owing to their recovering more and more of
+the American trade by neutral bottoms, and by other clandestine
+channels.
+
+Any American merchant by going over to London, obtains a credit. The
+language of the London merchants to the American merchants is, "Let us
+understand one another, and let the governments squabble." But
+Americans ought to consider, if we can carry on the war forever, our
+allies cannot, and without their assistance we should find it very
+difficult to do it.
+
+I wish the taste for British manufactures may not cost us more blood,
+than the difference between them and others is worth.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 26th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The rubicon is passed. A step has been at last taken by the Regency of
+Amsterdam, which must decide the fate of the Republic. The city of
+Amsterdam, finding that their proposition of the 18th of last month
+was not sufficient to change the conduct of administration, have
+ventured on another manoeuvre. On the 8th of this month, as soon as
+the States of Holland were separated, two Burgomasters of Amsterdam,
+M. Tenminck and M. Rendorp, accompanied with M. Vesser, the Pensionary
+of the city, demanded an audience of the Prince Stadtholder, who
+granted it, at his house in the grove. In this audience, they made to
+the Prince, by word of mouth, a representation, which they repeated in
+a memorial sent on the 14th, to the Counsellor Pensionary of the
+Province, the substance of which is as follows. The gentlemen of
+Amsterdam, said,
+
+"That their proposition of the 18th of May last, founded perhaps upon
+former examples, did not result from any suspicions with regard to the
+good dispositions and intentions of his Most Serene Highness, which
+they had no reason to distrust, although the Regency of the city of
+Amsterdam had learned with the most profound grief, that evil minded
+persons had endeavored to insinuate the contrary to his Most Serene
+Highness; but that their distrust fell solely upon him, whose
+influence over the mind of his Most Serene Highness was held for the
+most immediate cause, of the sloth and weakness in the administration
+of affairs, which as they could not but be extremely prejudicial to
+the well-being of the public, they had a long time expected, but in
+vain, that the dangerous circumstances in which the Republic found
+itself involved, would have, in the end, given rise to serious
+deliberations upon the means, which we ought to employ in their order
+and with more vigor; but that these hopes had hitherto been fruitless,
+and, that as the question now in agitation was concerning the safety
+of their dear country, of her dear bought liberty, of that of his Most
+Serene Highness and his house, in one word, of everything which is
+dear to the inhabitants of the Republic, the Regency of Amsterdam had
+judged, that they ought not any longer to render themselves guilty by
+their silence, of a neglect of their duty.
+
+"That, although with regret, they see themselves obliged to take this
+step, and to represent to his Highness with all due respect, but at
+the same time with all that frankness and freedom, which the
+importance of the affair requires, and to declare to him openly, that,
+according to the general opinion, the Field Marechal, the Duke Louis
+of Brunswick Wolfenbuttel, is held for the primary cause of the
+miserable and defective state in which this country finds itself, in
+regard to its defence, of all the negligence of duty, which has taken
+place with respect to this subject, and of all the perverse measures,
+which have been taken for a long time, with all the fatal consequences
+which have proceeded from them; and that they could assure his
+Highness, that the hatred and aversion of the nation for the person
+and administration of the Duke, were risen to such a height, that
+there was reason to apprehend from them, events the most melancholy,
+and the most disagreeable for the public prosperity and the general
+tranquillity.
+
+"That there was no doubt that the same assertion had been made to his
+Highness from other quarters; but that in case this had not been, it
+ought to be attributed solely to the fear of the effects of the
+resentment of the Duke, while, at the same time, they dared to appeal
+in this respect, with the firmest confidence, to the testimony of all
+the members of government, gentlemen of honor and frankness, that his
+Serene Highness would interrogate upon this subject, after having
+assured them of the necessary liberty of speaking without reserve, and
+after having exhorted them to tell him the truth, according to their
+duty and their conscience.
+
+"That the Regents of Amsterdam, had learned more than once with grief,
+that the Counsellor Pensionary of the Province had complained, in
+presence of divers members of the Regency of Holland, of the
+misunderstanding which took place between him, the Counsellor
+Pensionary, and the Duke, as also of the influence which the Duke has
+upon the spirit of his Highness, and by which his efforts for the good
+of the country had often been rendered fruitless.
+
+"That this discord, and this difference of views and sentiments between
+the principal Counsellor of his Serene Highness and the first Minister
+of this Province, might not only have consequences the most
+prejudicial, but that it furnished also a motive sufficient to make
+the strongest instances, to the end, to remove the source of this
+distrust and discord, while that, without the previous re-establishment
+of confidence and unanimity, there remained no longer any means of
+saving the Republic.
+
+"That nothing was more necessary for the well-being of the illustrious
+House of his Highness, to maintain his authority, to preserve to him
+the esteem and the attachment of the nation, and for his own
+reputation with the neighboring powers, since they could assure, and
+they ought to advertise his Highness, that it is possible he may
+become one day the object of the indifference and distrust of the
+public, instead of being and continuing always the worthy object of
+the love and esteem of the people; and the Regencies, as they made the
+sincerest wishes, that his Highness and his illustrious posterity
+might constantly enjoy them, considering, that thereon depended in a
+great measure, the conservation of the well-being of their country,
+and of the House of Orange.
+
+"That although they know very well, that the members of the
+sovereignty have always a right, and that their duty requires them
+even to expose their sentiments to his Highness and their co-regents,
+concerning the state and administration of public affairs, they
+should, however, have now voluntarily spared the present measure, if
+there had been only the smallest hope of amendment or alteration, but
+that from the aforesaid reasons, they dared not longer flatter
+themselves, and that the necessity having arisen to the highest point,
+it appeared that there was no other part to take, but to lay open in
+this manner to his Highness the real situation of affairs, praying him
+most earnestly to take it into serious consideration, and no longer
+listen to the counsels and insinuations of a man, upon whom the hatred
+of the great and the little was accumulated, and whom they regard as a
+stranger, not having a sufficient knowledge of our form of government,
+and not having a sincere affection for the Republic.
+
+"That the Regents of Amsterdam were very far from desiring to accuse
+this nobleman of that of which, however, he was too publicly charged;
+or to consider as well founded, the suspicions of an excessive
+attachment to the Court of London, of bad faith and of corruption,
+that they assure themselves, that a person of so illustrious a birth
+and so high rank, is incapable of such baseness; but that they judge,
+that the unfortunate ideas, which have been unhappily conceived with
+regard to him, and which have caused a general distrust, have rendered
+him absolutely useless and hurtful to the service of the country, and
+of his Highness.
+
+"That thus it was convenient to dismiss him from the direction of
+affairs, from the person and Court of his Highness, as being a
+perpetual obstacle to the re-establishment of that good harmony, so
+highly necessary between his Highness and the principal members of the
+State, while his continuance would but too much occasion the distrust
+conceived of his counsels, to fall, whether with or without reason,
+upon the person, and the administration of his Highness himself.
+
+"That these representations did not proceed from a principle of
+personal hatred or private rancor against the Duke, who, in former
+times, has had reason to value himself on the benevolence and real
+proofs of the affection of the Regency of Amsterdam; but that they
+ought to protest before God and the world, that the conservation of
+their country, and of the illustrious House of his Highness, and the
+desire to prevent their approaching ruin, had been the only motives of
+these representations.
+
+"That they had seen themselves obliged to them, both in quality of
+citizens of the country, and as an integral member of its sovereign
+Assembly, to the end to make by this step one last effort, and to
+furnish yet, perhaps in time, a means of saving, under the blessing of
+the Almighty, the vessel of the State from the most imminent dangers,
+and conduct it to a good port, or at least, in every case, to acquit
+themselves of their duty, and to satisfy their consciences, and to
+place themselves in safety from all reproach from the present age, and
+from posterity."
+
+To this representation, the Duke has made an answer to their High
+Mightinesses, in which he demands an inquiry and a vindication of his
+honor, as dearer to him than his life. This answer will be transmitted
+as soon as possible. The transaction will form a crisis, but what will
+be the result of this, or any other measure taken in this country, I
+cannot pretend to foretel.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 27th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Major Jackson has been some time here, in pursuance of instructions
+from Colonel Laurens, in order to despatch the purchase of the goods,
+and the shipping of the goods and cash, for the United States, which
+are to go by the South Carolina.
+
+But when all things appeared to be ready, I received a letter from his
+Excellency Dr Franklin, informing me that he feared his funds would
+not admit of his accepting bills for more than fifteen thousand pounds
+sterling, the accounts of the Indian and the goods amounted to more
+than fifty thousand pounds, which showed that there had not been an
+understanding sufficiently precise and explicit between the Doctor,
+and the Colonel. There was, however, no remedy but a journey to Passy,
+which Major Jackson undertook, despatched the whole business, and
+returned to Amsterdam in seven days, so that I hope now there will be
+no more delays.
+
+Major Jackson has conducted, through the whole of his residence here,
+as far as I have been able to observe, with great activity and
+accuracy in business, and an exemplary zeal for the public service.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 29th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the 21st of this month, the Field Marechal, Duke Louis, of
+Brunswick, presented to the States-General the following paper.
+
+"High and Mighty Lords,
+
+"It is not without the greatest reluctance, that I see myself forced
+to interrupt the important deliberations of your High Mightinesses,
+and to have recourse to you in an affair, which indeed regards me
+personally, but the simple explanation of which, I assure myself, will
+prove, that if I should neglect this step, I should be essentially
+wanting to the dignity of character, with which your High Mightinesses
+have clothed me.
+
+"After having passed in 1750 into the service of the State, it pleased
+your High Mightinesses, by your resolution of the 13th of November of
+the same year, to create me Field Marechal of your troops. When,
+afterwards, the arrangements for the tuition of the Stadtholder in his
+minority were resolved on, by express resolutions of all the High
+Confederates, and it was resolved, that his Highness should be
+represented in the administration of his military employments, your
+High Mightinesses then condescended, by honoring me with their
+distinguished confidence, to confer upon me, by your resolution of the
+13th of January, 1759, the title of the representative of the Prince
+Stadtholder, as Captain-General during the time of his minority.
+
+"I shall say nothing of the resolutions, which your High Mightinesses
+and the respective Provinces took on the 8th of March, 1766, the day
+of the majority of the Prince, and in the sequel, under different
+dates, relative to the manner in which I had answered to the
+confidence, which you had condescended to put in me. These resolutions
+are too flattering to be recited here; they are, however, sure
+pledges, that at that time, at least, I had the good fortune to see my
+conduct and my services rendered to the State, approved by the high
+government. In fine, your High Mightinesses continued to honor me with
+your confidence, even after the time of the minority of the
+Stadtholder. You took on the same 8th of March, 1766, the resolution
+to cause to be solicited by your Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of
+Vienna, the consent of her Imperial and Royal Majesty, in whose
+service I was also engaged as Field Marechal, to continue me still in
+the same quality in the service of your High Mightinesses. The
+pleasure of her Majesty being obtained, I did not refuse this honor,
+but continued vested with the character of Field Marechal of the
+troops of the State, in the service of your High Mightinesses.
+
+"Having thus filled for more than thirty years, under the eyes of
+their High Mightinesses, and in a manner which is sufficiently known
+to you, the employments which you had confided to me, could I have
+expected that they would one day render my person the object of the
+public hatred to such a degree, that I could be exposed to the step
+which they have taken upon my subject; a step the most dishonorable to
+the character, with which your High Mightinesses have condescended to
+invest me, and which puts me in the absolute necessity of addressing
+myself this day to you.
+
+"In effect, High and Mighty Lords, after having seen myself in
+public, the object of accusations and calumnies the most atrocious,
+(but which I have always despised as such, and of which I shall never
+take notice, while no one presents himself to support them) after that
+they had excited against me a general cry, as if my person could be no
+longer endured, it was necessary for me still further to suffer, that
+the gentlemen, the Deputies of the city of Amsterdam, and namely the
+two reigning Burgomasters, Messieurs Temminck and Rendorp, accompanied
+with the Pensionary Vischer, should have addressed themselves to my
+Lord, the Prince of Orange, and in presence of the Counsellor
+Pensionary of Holland, should have read to him a certain memorial, in
+the name and by the order of their constituents, who are therein
+throughout introduced as speaking in the name of the Regency of
+Amsterdam, and in which I receive an affront the most sensible for an
+upright heart. It is true, that the Deputies whom I have just named,
+took back with them this memorial; but, since, changing their plan,
+they have thought fit to transmit it, on the 14th of the month, by the
+Burgomaster Rendorp, not indeed in the name of the Regency of
+Amsterdam, but in that of the gentlemen the Burgomasters to the
+Counsellor Pensionary, praying him to transmit it to the Prince, to
+whom they left the liberty to make such use of it as should seem to
+him convenient.
+
+"Informed in this way, and by the communication which his Highness
+made to me of it, of the contents of this memorial, I there found so
+long a concatenation of expressions and reasonings, each more
+insulting than the other, against my person, which I should be afraid
+to abuse the attention of your High Mightinesses by inserting them
+here; lest, however, I should represent them out of their order, and
+the chain which connects them together, your High Mightinesses will
+pardon me, I hope, if I transcribe from the memorial, the periods
+which relate to me, and by which I am attacked.
+
+"After having made several reflections, which in nowise concern me,
+and which I ought, consequently, to leave to be answered by those who
+are attacked by them, but which tend to justify the proposition, which
+the gentlemen, the Deputies of the city of Amsterdam, made the 18th of
+May last, in the Assembly of the States of Holland in particular, to
+join to his Highness a privy council or committee, the gentlemen, the
+Burgomasters, continue to address themselves to the Prince literally
+in these terms."
+
+[Here follows the substance of the representations of the
+Burgomasters, contained in my letter to Congress, of the 26th of June,
+1781.]
+
+"In those pieces, which I have just now literally related, your High
+Mightinesses will perceive, and probably not without indignation, that
+after a train of reflections, each more injurious than the other, in
+which there is no accusation against me as Field Marechal, and which,
+moreover, are only grounded upon pretended public sentiments and
+reports artfully circulated, that nevertheless the gentlemen, the
+Burgomasters, have judged it necessary to insist that his Highness
+would remove me from his person and Court, in a manner the most
+disgraceful, and condemn me without further examination, as a criminal
+attainted and convicted to dishonorable exile.
+
+"I cannot then but consider a proceeding, accompanied with so many
+odious and humiliating expressions, which is not made by simple
+individuals, but a deputation of two reigning Burgomasters, with the
+Pensionary of one of the most considerable cities of Holland, in the
+name and by the order of the Regency of that city, (according to the
+terms of the memorial, although according to the letter whereof I have
+spoken of the Burgomaster Rendorp, it was only in the name of the
+gentlemen, the Burgomasters of that city) and that in a formal manner,
+after mature deliberation, and after having confirmed this action in
+the most injurious manner, by taking back the memorial, and causing it
+to be sent to his Highness, I cannot, I say, but consider this
+proceeding as wounding, in the most violent manner, my character and
+my person; and in this same writing, where they dare not specify any
+crime to my charge, and where they are obliged to acknowledge the
+falsity of the reports which have circulated against me, and of the
+suspicions of an excessive and illicit attachment to the English
+Court, of bad faith and of corruption, they appear, notwithstanding,
+to give credit to these calumnies, and to be willing to cast upon me
+the blame of the evils of the times, to the end, to exculpate those
+who are the true causes of it. I should think myself unworthy of
+bearing any longer the character that your High Mightinesses have
+confided to me, if I testified upon this article an indifference or an
+insensibility.
+
+"I dare also assure myself, that your High Mightinesses will consider
+my proceeding in the same point of light, and that they will agree
+with me, that it is of the highest importance to know, if he, whom
+your High Mightinesses have clothed with the dignity of Field
+Marechal, whom they have engaged and continued in their service in the
+manner abovementioned, is in fact the true cause of the deplorable
+state of the weakness of the Republic, of all the negligence they
+suppose to have taken place, of all the false steps, that they say
+have been taken, and of all the unhappy consequences, that have
+resulted from them. Your High Mightinesses are to examine in the most
+exact manner, things so interesting, and to see if this person is the
+source of the distrust and disunion; for what reasons he would be
+totally unuseful and prejudicial to the service of the State and of
+his Highness; what are the proofs of his want of affection to the
+country; in one word, for what reason he should be hereafter unworthy
+of the confidence of the Prince, who is placed at the head of this
+Republic, to whose testimony I here take the liberty of appealing;
+finally, for what reason he hath merited to be removed from the person
+of his Highness, and of his Court, as a perpetual obstacle to the good
+intelligence between his Highness and the Court.
+
+"And as my honor is more dear to me than life, and as I am attacked in
+a part so sensible, it is also for this reason, and in consideration
+of that, which I owe to myself even, and to the relations, which I
+have as well with this State and to your High Mightinesses, as to
+those which I still have with his Imperial and Royal Majesty, to which
+otherwise I should be too much wanting, that I see myself obliged to
+address myself to your High Mightinesses, and by them to all the
+confederates, to supplicate them respectfully, and to insist in the
+most express manner, that your High Mightinesses would deign, after
+the most severe and scrupulous examination, to take such measures in
+protecting efficaciously the character, which your High Mightinesses
+have confided to me, that I may be justified in a proper manner from
+the blame, that the abovementioned proceeding hath cast upon me, and
+that so sensible an affront as hath been offered me by it, may be
+suitably repaired; that to this end it may please your High
+Mightinesses to direct things in such a manner, that the four reigning
+Burgomasters of Amsterdam, who have caused to be delivered in their
+name the said Memorial, according to the letter of Burgomaster
+Rendorp, be obliged, as well as the Pensionary Vischer, to allege the
+reasons they have had of injuring me so grievously as they have done
+by the said proceeding, and by the accusation, therein contained, and
+to verify the whole in a suitable manner, which I cannot but consider
+all that, which is there said as calumnies, and that they may be
+obliged, moreover, to specify more precisely the other heads of
+accusation, that they pretend to allege to my charge, and to bring the
+requisite judiciary proofs of them; and in case that they can specify
+nothing, or that they cannot prove sufficiently their allegations,
+that the authors of the infamous reports circulated against me may be
+sought out, to the end, that they may be punished as calumniators,
+according to their deserts; finally, that your High Mightinesses will
+then, conjointly with all the confederates, take such justificatory
+resolutions, as will save my honor and my reputation in the nation,
+and in the eyes of all Europe; that thus I may be placed in a
+situation to support with proper dignity the character, which your
+High Mightinesses have given me, and that I may obtain the
+satisfaction, that your High Mightinesses, according to their profound
+wisdom and known equity, shall judge equivalent to the affront offered
+to my character and my relations.
+
+"I have the honor to be, with the most sincere and respectful
+attachment, High and Mighty Lords, your High Mightinesses' most
+humble, most obedient, and faithful servant, L. DUC DE BRUNSVIC."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, July 5th, 1781.[1]
+
+ Sir,
+
+The following is an extract from the registry of the resolutions of
+their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces of
+the Low Countries.
+
+_Thursday, June the 20th, 1781._ His Serene Highness, the Prince of
+Orange and Nassau, having appeared in the Assembly, made to their High
+Mightinesses the following proposition.
+
+ "High and Mighty Lords,
+
+"I have judged necessary to propose to your High Mightinesses to
+examine, with the greatest care, if, since the present troubles have
+arisen, proper attention has been paid to the placing the marine of
+the State in that situation, that it had been able to act
+efficaciously against an enemy, particularly one so strongly armed by
+sea as the kingdom of Great Britain is, or if any negligence or
+supineness hath had place in that respect, and in that case, to what
+it ought to be attributed; and to the end to receive the necessary
+information on that head, to write to the respective Colleges of
+Admiralty, that they may make report, and declare how many vessels
+they had in 1776, and how many were then equipped, and with how many
+men, what they have done since the English have begun to molest the
+ships of the inhabitants of this country, employed in the West India
+trade under pretext of the disputes arisen with their colonies in
+North America, and by consequence from the end of 1776 and the
+beginning of 1777, to place themselves as much as was possible and in
+their power, in a state to protect the commerce of this country, and
+what they have done since the troubles have begun in Europe, and that
+it was to be feared, that the Republic would have a share in them, for
+to put it as much as depended on them, in a state of not only
+protecting her commerce, but also to be able to assist in defending
+the country, and in attacking the enemy; if they have been active to
+effect that, which hath been resolved by your High Mightinesses for
+this object, or if there has been a negligence in this respect; and in
+that case, for what reason they have not executed these resolutions;
+if it has been possible for them to furnish the ships put in
+commission and equip them, to the end, that it may appear from whence
+it arises, that the Republic finds itself in so deplorable a state of
+defence by sea, which is certainly the point the most interesting in
+this war, and upon which all the inhabitants of this country have an
+eye. Although on this occasion I make only mention of the defence by
+sea, I esteem it necessary to represent to your High Mightinesses,
+that I am very far from avowing by that, that the land forces of this
+State are sufficient to assure us, that the country is in a
+respectable state of defence by land.
+
+"I do not think myself under the necessity of justifying my conduct,
+and that your High Mightinesses are ignorant of the efforts I have
+made since my majority to place everything, which regards this
+Republic, in a respectable posture of defence; nevertheless, I have
+thought it in my power to represent to your High Mightinesses, that I
+have on more than one occasion, given it as my opinion, that this
+Republic ought to be placed not only by land but also by sea, in a
+proper state of defence, to the end to be able to maintain its liberty
+and independence, and not to be obliged to take measures contrary to
+the true interests of the country; but conformable to those of a power
+from whose menaces it has at length more to fear, because it is not in
+a state to resist it.
+
+"It is for that reason that even in the beginning of 1771, I have
+given to understand, that the Deputies of the Province of Holland and
+West Friesland had proposed in the assembly of your High Mightinesses,
+by the express orders of the gentlemen, the States their constituents,
+to cause to be formed a petition for the construction of twentyfour
+vessels of war; that I have not neglected to insist upon all
+occasions, as well upon the re-establishment of the marine as upon the
+augmentation of the land forces, and to press particularly more than
+once the conclusion of the petition for the construction of vessels.
+
+"It is for the same reason, that in the beginning of the year 1775,
+upon occasion of the exertions made by the gentlemen, the Commissaries
+of your High Mightinesses for the affairs of war, with some members of
+the Council of State, to conciliate the different sentiments of the
+respective confederates, in regard to the plan of augmentation of the
+land forces, proposed by the Council of State, the 19th of July, 1773,
+I have made a conciliatory proposition to this purport, viz. 'that
+the sum for the department of war should be fixed at six hundred
+thousand florins for the marine, and to make amends for that, that the
+sum of one million five hundred thousand florins demanded in 1773, for
+an augmentation to be made of the land forces, should be reduced to
+nine hundred thousand florins;' which proposition was embraced at that
+time by the gentlemen, the States of Guelderland, Friesland,
+Overyssel, and Gronigen, but hath had no further operation.
+
+"I shall not allege here the entreaties that I have annually made with
+the Council of State by the general petition; but shall communicate
+only to your High Mightinesses the proposition that I have made to the
+assembly of the gentlemen, the States of Holland and West Friesland,
+the 10th of March, 1779, which is of the same tenor with the letter I
+wrote the same day to the gentlemen, the States of Guelderland,
+Zealand, Utrecht, Friesland, Overyssel, and Groningen, a copy of which
+I have the honor to remit to your High Mightinesses. I cannot disguise
+that in my opinion it was to have been wished, that what I then
+proposed had been more attended to, since I dare assure myself that if
+the republic had found it good at that time to have caused to be armed
+fifty or sixty vessels well equipped, and provided with every
+necessary, whereof not less than twenty or thirty should have been of
+the line, and to have augmented the land forces to fifty or sixty
+thousand men of foot, it would not have found itself in its present
+unhappy circumstances, but it would have been respected as an
+independent State by all the powers, it would have been able to
+maintain the system of neutrality, which it had embraced; and it would
+have seen itself in a state to promise itself with reason, under the
+divine benediction, that in giving great weight to the party to which
+it should be joined, it would not have been to be feared that any
+power whatsoever would have attacked it, but that it would have been
+managed by each, and that her friendship being sought by all, and not
+giving to any one of them just causes of complaint, it would have
+obtained the esteem and confidence of all the powers, which would have
+produced the best effects for the true interests of this State,
+certainly and in every case, if it had been attacked by an unjust war,
+to which a State is always exposed, it would have seen itself in a
+state to make an opposition with hopes of success, and of obliging the
+enemy to seek the friendship of this State, upon honorable terms for
+the Republic."
+
+The following is the letter from his Serene Highness to the Lords, the
+States of Guelderland, Zealand, Utrecht, Friesland, Overyssel, and
+Groningen, dated March 10th, 1779.
+
+"Noble and Mighty Lords, intimate and good Friends;--We think
+ourselves obliged to communicate to your Noble Mightinesses our
+sentiments respecting one of the most important objects of your
+deliberations, viz. we are very far from judging that it would be
+expedient that this Republic should renounce the lawful rights, which
+appertain to its inhabitants in virtue of solemn treaties; we think,
+on the contrary, that they ought to be maintained by all the means
+that Providence hath placed in the hands of this Republic, but that it
+belongs only to your Noble Mightinesses, and to the Noble Mighty
+Lords, the States of the other Provinces to decide, when it is time
+that their High Mightinesses ought to take the resolution of granting
+an unlimited protection to their commercial inhabitants, and that
+their High Mightinesses not having engaged themselves by any treaty
+whatsoever with any foreign power, to protect all branches of commerce
+without distinction, no one hath a right to exact from them, that, in
+granting protection, they ought to grant it to all vessels without
+distinction, without leaving to their prudence to decide if they are
+in a condition to protect all the branches of commerce; and if they
+can do it in the present moment without hazarding important interests,
+and exposing themselves to the greatest danger.
+
+"We think, then, that in this case it will be proper to pay no regard
+to anything else than the true interests of the Republic, and it is
+for this reason that before a final resolution is taken to convoy
+vessels loaded with wood, it would be necessary to examine the state
+of the Republic, both by land and sea. In our opinion, nothing will be
+more expedient for this Republic than an exact and punctual
+neutrality, without prejudicing the treaties which it has with foreign
+powers, but we think that to maintain and support it efficaciously,
+and not only for so long a time as it may please one of the
+belligerent powers to require of the Republic, in a violent and
+threatening manner, that it takes a part, that it will be proper that
+the Republic be put in an armed state, that to this end it will be
+necessary to equip at least fifty or sixty vessels, not less than
+twenty or thirty of them of the line, and to augment the land forces
+to fifty or sixty thousand men, and that the frontier places should be
+put in a proper state of defence, and the magazines provided with the
+requisite munitions of war. In which case we are of opinion, that the
+Republic would be respected by all the powers, and could do, without
+obstacle, what is permitted it by the treaties, or would not be
+prevented from doing and acting what it should judge proper to its
+true interests.
+
+"For these reasons we judge, that the fidelity we owe to our country
+requires us to offer this consideration to the enlightened minds of
+your Noble Mightinesses, and to give your Noble Mightinesses the
+deliberation of it, to take a resolution, to the end that by the
+construction of a considerable number of vessels, and particularly of
+the line, the marine may be reinforced, and that by the augmentation
+of the monthly pay or premiums, or by such other arrangements as your
+Noble Mightinesses, and the Lords, the States of the other Provinces,
+shall judge proper, it may be effected that the sailors necessary to
+equip them be procured, and that at the same time your Noble
+Mightinesses grant the sums for the necessary augmentation, to the end
+to carry the land forces to the number of fifty or sixty thousand men,
+and for the petitions respecting the fortifications and magazines.
+
+"When your Noble Mightinesses and the Lords the States of the other
+Provinces shall have done that, and this reinforcement, both by sea
+and land, shall have been carried into execution, we think that this
+is the epoch when the Republic may with advantage, and as an
+independent State, take the resolution of maintaining the rights which
+appertain to their inhabitants according to the treaties, and
+particularly that of Marine, in 1674. But before the Republic is put
+in a respectable state of defence, we should fear, that a resolution
+to take under convoy all vessels indiscriminately, according to the
+letter of the said treaty, and particularly vessels loaded with ship
+timber, might have very bad consequences for the true interests of
+this State, and expose the honor of its flag to an affront. And is for
+this reason we are of opinion, that it would be proper, that it should
+be resolved by an ulterior resolution, that the vessels loaded with
+masts, knees, beams, and other kinds of wood necessary to the
+construction of ships of war should not be taken under convoy, before
+an equipment of fifty or sixty vessels, (not less than twenty or
+thirty of them of the line,) is ready, and before having augmented the
+land forces to fifty or sixty thousand men of foot; but that in the
+meantime, to the end to protect as much as possible, the general
+commerce of this country, without exposing the important interests of
+the State, the necessary convoys as they were announced, shall be
+granted to all other vessels not loaded with contraband effects, to
+the end that all the branches of commerce may not be suspended and
+left without protection, during the time of the deliberation upon the
+protection of one branch only. We expect, that when the Republic shall
+be put into this armed state, all the powers will leave her to
+exercise the right which belongs to her of keeping an exact
+neutrality, and of observing also on their part, everything which the
+treaties it hath made may require, &c."
+
+Which having been deliberated, their High Mightinesses have thanked
+his Serene Highness for the said proposition.
+
+"They regard it as a new mark of his assiduous zeal and solicitude for
+the interests of the State, in declaring that their High Mightinesses
+acknowledged with gratitude, all the efforts that his Serene Highness
+hath employed since his majority, and in particular since the
+commencement of the war between the two neighboring kingdoms, to put
+the Republic in a proper state of defence, both by sea and land, and
+could have wished that these efforts might have had the desired effect
+in every respect; and besides, it has been found good and resolved,
+that conformably to the proposition of his Serene Highness, it shall
+be notified to the respective Colleges of the Admiralty, (in sending
+to them a copy of the said proposition,) that they make report and
+render an account how many vessels they had in 1776; in what condition
+they were, and how many of them were equipped with the number of men;
+afterwards what they have done since the English have begun to molest
+the ships of the inhabitants of this country trading to the West
+Indies, under pretext of disputes arisen with their Colonies in North
+America, and thus from the end of the year 1776, and at the beginning
+of 1777, to put themselves in a condition, as much as was possible and
+in their power, to protect the commerce of this country, and what they
+have done since the troubles have begun in Europe, and that it was to
+be feared that the Republic would become a party, to put themselves in
+a condition for what depended upon them, to protect not only their
+commerce, but also to be able to aid in defending the country and
+attacking the enemy; if they have been active to carry into effect
+what your High Mightinesses have resolved upon this subject, and if
+any negligence hath had place in this regard, and in this case, for
+what reasons they have not executed those resolutions; if they have
+been in a possibility of supporting and equipping the vessels put in
+commission, to the end that it may appear to what we ought to
+attribute the present situation."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[1] Mr Adams arrived at Paris on the 6th of July, and consequently
+could not have written this letter in Amsterdam on the 5th, although
+it is thus dated in the original. He was absent during the whole month
+of July, and yet several letters, as will be seen, are dated at
+Amsterdam in that time. These letters contain chiefly intelligence,
+which was probably collected by his Secretary, under different dates
+during Mr Adams' absence, and forwarded by him on his return without
+altering the dates. This will account for the circumstance of letters
+being dated throughout the month of July, both at Amsterdam and
+Paris.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+ Versailles, July 7th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to inform your Excellency, that upon an intimation
+from you, signified to me by M. Berenger, and afterwards by the Duc de
+la Vauguyon, that the interest of the United States required me here,
+I arrived last night in Paris, and am come today to Versailles, to pay
+my respects to your Excellency, and receive your further
+communications. As your Excellency was in council when I had the honor
+to call at your office, and as it is very possible that some other day
+may be more agreeable, I have the honor to request you to appoint the
+time, which will be most convenient for me to wait on you.
+
+I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most obedient,
+and most humble servant,
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+The foregoing letter I sent by my servant, who waited until the Count
+descended from council, when he delivered it into his hand. He broke
+the seal, read the letter, and said he was very sorry he could not see
+Mr Adams, but he was obliged to go into the country immediately after
+dinner; that Mr Adams, _seroit dans le cas de voir M. de Rayneval_,
+who lived at such a sign in such a street. After dinner, I called on
+M. Rayneval, who said; M. le Duc de la Vauguyon has informed me, that
+there is a question of a pacification, under the mediation of the
+Emperor of Germany and the Empress of Russia, and that it was
+necessary that I should have some consultations at leisure with the
+Count de Vergennes, that we might understand each other's views; that
+he would see the Count tomorrow morning, and write me when he would
+meet me; that they had not changed their principles nor their system;
+that the treaties were the foundation of all negotiation. I said, that
+I lodged at the hotel de Valois, where I did formerly; that I should
+be ready to wait on the Count when it would be agreeable to him, and
+to confer with him upon everything relative to any proposition, which
+the English might have made. He said the English had not made any
+propositions, but it was necessary to consider certain points, and
+make certain preparatory arrangements; to know whether we were British
+subjects, or in what light we were to be considered, &c. Smiling, I
+said, I was not a British subject, that I had renounced that character
+many years ago, forever; and that I should rather be a fugitive in
+China or Malabar, than ever reassume that character.
+
+On the 9th, was brought me by one of the Count de Vergennes' ordinary
+commissaries the following billet.
+
+ M. DE RAYNEVAL TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Versailles, July 9th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have had the honor to inform you, that the Count de Vergennes
+desired to have an interview with you, and it will give him pleasure
+if you can meet him on Wednesday next, at nine o'clock in the morning.
+
+Meantime, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ GERARD DE RAYNEVAL.
+
+ TO M. DE RAYNEVAL.
+
+ Paris, July 9th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have this moment the honor of your billet of this day's date, and
+will do myself the honor to wait on his Excellency the Count de
+Vergennes at his office, on Wednesday next, at nine of the clock in
+the morning according to his desire.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+Accordingly on Wednesday I went to Versailles, and met the Count at
+his office, with M. de Rayneval, at nine o'clock, who communicated to
+me the following articles proposed by the two Imperial Courts. That
+Spain had prepared her answers; that of France was nearly ready; but
+did not know that England had yet answered.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, July 7th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The following Resolution was passed at the Hague, the 2d of this
+month, by their High Mightinesses the States-General, respecting the
+Duke of Brunswick.
+
+"Heard the report of Messrs de Lynden, de Hemmen, and other deputies
+of their High Mightinesses for marine affairs, who, in consequence and
+conformably to a commissorial resolution of their High Mightinesses of
+the 21st of last month, have examined a letter of the Duke of
+Brunswick, dated at the Hague the same day, and containing serious
+complaints upon the proposition, that the gentlemen, the Deputies of
+the city of Amsterdam, have made to his Highness, after that many
+calumnies and atrocious accusations had been circulated against him in
+public; upon which, having deliberated, it hath been found good and
+resolved,
+
+"That, saving the deliberations of the Lords, the States of the
+respective Provinces, upon the complaints relative to the proceeding
+of the gentlemen, the Deputies of Amsterdam, their High Mightinesses,
+not being able to see with indifference, that my Lord the Duke of
+Brunswick, in quality of Field Marechal of this State, be publicly
+accused in so enormous a manner, it may from this time be declared,
+and it is declared by the present, that it is not manifest to their
+High Mightinesses that there are any reasons, which could furnish any
+ground for such accusations and suspicions of bad faith and of
+corruption as have been alleged to the charge of my Lord the Duke, and
+that have been circulated abroad in anonymous writings, defamatory
+libels, and dishonorable reports; that, on the contrary, their High
+Mightinesses regard them as false and injurious calumnies, spread with
+design to disgrace and wound the honor and reputation of my Lord the
+Duke; whilst that their High Mightinesses hold the said Lord the Duke
+entirely innocent and exempt from the blame, with which the libels and
+reports alleged endeavor to disgrace him.
+
+"That in consequence, the gentlemen, the States of the respective
+Provinces, should be required by writing, and that it should be
+submitted to their consideration, if they could not find it good each
+in their Provinces, conformably to the placards of the country, to
+make the necessary regulations to restrain the authors, printers, and
+distributors of such like defamatory libels and malicious and
+calumnious writings, by which the said Lord the Duke is so sensibly
+attacked and wounded in his honor and reputation."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, July 7th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Under the head of St Petersburg is the following article.
+
+"On the 8th of June, the Minister of the Court of Versailles had a
+conference with the Count Osterman, Vice Chancellor of the empire, and
+remitted to him a memorial, containing representations upon the
+continued proceedings of the English against the commerce and
+navigation of neuters; upon the little activity of these last to
+prevent these arbitrary proceedings, and supporting thereby the
+principles of their declarations made to the belligerent powers, and
+the convention of neutrality which has been agreed upon between them;
+upon the prejudice which ought naturally to result from it to the
+whole world, and upon the desire which the king his master has that it
+should be remedied by the vigorous co-operation of her Imperial
+Majesty, seeing that without that the said association of neutrality
+would turn only to the advantage of the enemies of France, and that
+the King, who to this moment has confined himself exactly to the
+principle of the abovementioned declaration and convention of
+neutrality, would see himself, although with regret, in the
+indispensable necessity of changing in like manner the system which he
+had hitherto followed, with respect to the commerce and navigation of
+neuters, and of measuring and regulating it upon the conduct which the
+English shall allow themselves, and which was so patiently borne by
+the neuters. Objects, in regard to which his Majesty has nevertheless
+judged it his duty to suspend his final resolution, until he can
+concert upon this subject with her Imperial Majesty."
+
+Mr Dana left Amsterdam this day, and is gone to Utrecht and from
+thence he will proceed on his journey to Petersburg without delay. Mr
+Jennings does not accompany him.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, July 10th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On Wednesday, the 4th of July, M. de Lynden Blitterswyk, presiding in
+the Assembly, hath related and acquainted their High Mightinesses,
+that the Duke of Brunswick had been with him that morning and given
+him to understand,
+
+"That he had been informed of the resolution, that their High
+Mightinesses had taken the 2d of July upon the letter, that he had the
+honor of remitting to them, the 21st of June last; that He was
+extremely sensible of the marks of confidence and affection, that
+their High Mightinesses had been pleased to give him on this occasion,
+and that in an affair, to the subject of which he had not directly
+carried his complaints to their High Mightinesses; that he was
+nevertheless not less persuaded, that the intention of their High
+Mightinesses could not be by that to let the affair rest
+provisionally, much less that thereby they should have satisfied the
+respectful demand and requisition contained in his said letter, by
+which he had required an exact and vigorous examination, and demanded
+for that purpose of their High Mightinesses such steps as had been
+more amply mentioned in the said letter; and that then only he had
+required such a justificatory resolution and satisfaction as had been
+afterwards demanded by that letter; that he ought to insist upon that
+so much the more, as by that provisional resolution, as taken without
+previous inquiry, one could by no means think him cleared from the
+blame and affront, which had been offered him, for which reason he had
+conceived that he could and ought to implore the resolution of all the
+High Confederates themselves, as he still continued to implore it with
+earnestness;" praying M. de Lynden, as President of the Assembly of
+their High Mightinesses, to be pleased to acquaint them therewith.
+
+Which having been deliberated, it hath been resolved and concluded,
+
+"To pray by the present, the gentlemen, the Deputies of the respective
+Provinces, to be pleased to acquaint the gentlemen, the States, their
+principals, with the above, to the end that in the deliberations upon
+the letter of the Duke of Brunswick, such reflections may be made upon
+the above as they shall judge proper."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Paris, July 11th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have only time by Major Jackson, to inform Congress, that upon
+information from the Count de Vergennes, that questions concerning
+peace under the mediation of the two Imperial Courts were in
+agitation, that required my presence here, I undertook the journey,
+and arrived here last Friday night, the 6th of the month, and have
+twice waited on the Count de Vergennes at Versailles, who this day
+communicated to me the enclosed propositions.
+
+These propositions are made to all the belligerent powers, by the
+Courts of Petersburg and Vienna, in consequence of some wild
+propositions made to them by the Court of London, "that they would
+undertake the office of mediators upon condition, that the league as
+they call it, between France and their rebel subjects in America
+should be dissolved, and these left to make their terms with Great
+Britain, after having returned to their allegiance and obedience."
+
+France and Spain have prepared their answers to these propositions of
+the Empress and Emperor, and I am desired to give my answer to the
+articles enclosed. It is not in my power at this time to enclose to
+Congress my answer, because I have not made it, nor written it, but
+Congress must see, that nothing can come of this manoeuvre, at least
+for a long time. Thus much I may say to Congress, that I have no
+objection to the proposition of treating with the English separately
+in the manner proposed, upon a peace, and a Treaty of Commerce with
+them, consistent with our engagements with France and Spain; but that
+the armistice never can be agreed to by me. The objections against it
+are as numerous as they are momentous and decisive. I may say further,
+that as there is no judge upon earth, of a Sovereign Power, but the
+nation that composes it, I can never agree to the mediation of any
+powers, however respectable, until they have acknowledged our
+sovereignty, so far at least as to admit a Minister Plenipotentiary
+from the United States, as the representative of a free and
+independent power. After this, we might discuss questions of peace or
+truce with Great Britain, without her acknowledging our sovereignty,
+but not before.
+
+I fancy, however, that Congress will be applied to for their
+sentiments, and I shall be ever ready and happy to obey their
+instructions, because I have a full confidence, that nothing will be
+decided by them, but what will be consistent with their character and
+dignity. Peace will only be retarded by relaxations and concessions,
+whereas firmness, patience, and perseverance will ensure us a good and
+lasting one in the end. The English are obliged to keep up the talk of
+peace, to lull their enemies, and to sustain their credit. But I hope
+the people of America will not be deceived. Nothing will obtain them
+real peace but skilful and successful war.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+ ARTICLES
+
+ _To serve as a Basis to the Negotiation for the
+ Re-establishment of Peace._
+
+ Translation.
+
+
+ ARTICLE I.
+
+The re-establishment of peace in America shall be negotiated between
+Great Britain and the American Colonies, but without the intervention
+of any of the other belligerent parties, nor even with that of the two
+Imperial Courts, unless their mediation should be formally asked and
+granted upon this object.
+
+
+ ARTICLE II.
+
+This separate peace cannot, however, be signed, but conjointly, and at
+the same time with that of those powers whose interests shall have
+been negotiated by the mediating Courts, for this reason, although
+each peace may be separately treated, yet they cannot be concluded
+without each other. Care shall be taken to inform the mediators with
+certainty of the measures and state of that, which regards Great
+Britain and the Colonies, to the end, that the mediation may be able
+to regulate the measures intrusted to it, by the state of the
+negotiation relating to the colonies, and both of the pacifications,
+which shall have been concluded at the same time, although separately,
+shall be solemnly guarantied by the mediating Courts, and every other
+neutral power, whose guarantee the belligerent parties may think
+proper to claim.
+
+
+ ARTICLE III.
+
+To render the negotiations for peace independent of the events of war,
+always uncertain, which may put a stop to, or at least retard their
+progress, there shall be a general armistice between all parties
+during the term of a year, reckoning from ---- of the month of ---- of
+the present year, or of ---- years, reckoning from ---- of the month
+of ---- of the year 1782, should it happen that peace should not be
+re-established in the first period, and whilst the duration of either
+of these periods continue, everything shall remain in the state in
+which they shall be found at signing the present preliminary
+articles.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+ Paris, July 13th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency some remarks upon the
+articles, to serve as a basis of the negotiation for the
+re-establishment of peace, which you did me the honor to communicate
+to me.
+
+As I am unacquainted, whether you desired my sentiments upon these
+articles merely for your own government, or with a design to
+communicate them to the Imperial Courts, I should be glad of your
+Excellency's advice concerning them. If your Excellency is of opinion
+there is anything exceptionable, or which ought to be altered, I
+should be glad to correct it; or if I have not perceived the points,
+or questions, upon which you desired my opinion, I shall be ready to
+give any further answers.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+ ANSWER
+
+_Of the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, to
+the Articles to serve as a Basis to the Negotiation for the
+Re-establishment of Peace._
+
+ARTICLE I. The United States of America have no objection, provided
+their allies have none, to a treaty with Great Britain, concerning the
+re-establishment of peace in America, or to another concerning the
+re-establishment of commerce between the two nations, consistent with
+their obligations to France and Spain, without the intervention of any
+of the other belligerent parties, and even without that of the two
+Imperial Courts, at least, unless their mediation should be formally
+demanded and granted upon this object, according to the first article
+communicated to me.
+
+ART. II. The United States have nothing to say, provided their allies
+have not, against the second article.
+
+ART. III. To the armistice, and the _statu quo_, in the third article,
+the United States have very great objections, which indeed are so
+numerous and decisive, and at the same time so obvious, as to make it
+unnecessary to state them in detail.
+
+The idea of a truce is not suggested in these articles; but as it is
+mentioned in some observations shown me by his Excellency, the Count
+de Vergennes, it may be necessary for me to add, that the United
+States are so deeply impressed with an apprehension, that any truce
+whatsoever would not fail to be productive of another long and bloody
+war at the termination of it, and that a short truce would be in many
+ways highly dangerous to them, that it would be with great reluctance
+that they should enter into any discussion at all upon such a subject.
+
+Two express conditions would be indispensable preliminaries to their
+taking into consideration the subject of a truce at all. The first is,
+that their allies agree, that the treaties now subsisting remain in
+full force during and after the truce, until the final acknowledgment
+of their independence by Great Britain. The second is, the antecedent
+removal of the British land and naval armaments from every part of the
+United States. Upon these two express conditions as preliminaries, if
+a truce should be proposed for so long a period, or for an indefinite
+period, requiring so long notice, previous to a renewal of
+hostilities, as to evince that it is on the part of Great Britain a
+virtual relinquishment of the object of the war, and an expedient
+only to avoid the mortification of an express acknowledgment of the
+independence and sovereignty of the United States, they, with the
+concurrence of their allies, might accede to it.
+
+It is requisite, however, to add; first, that the United States cannot
+consider themselves bound by this declaration, unless it should be
+agreed to before the opening of another campaign. Secondly, that it is
+not in the power of the Crown of Great Britain, by the constitution of
+that kingdom, to establish any truce, or even armistice with the
+United States, which would not be illusory without the intervention of
+an act of Parliament, repealing or suspending all their statutes,
+which have any relation to the United States, or any of them. Without
+this, every officer of the navy would be bound by the laws, according
+to the maxims of their constitution, to seize every American vessel
+that he should find, whose papers and distinction should not be found
+conformable to those statutes, and every French, Spanish, Dutch, or
+other foreign vessel, which he should find going to, or coming from
+America; notwithstanding any convention that is in the power of the
+Crown to make.
+
+After all, the greatest difficulty does not lie in anything as yet
+mentioned. The great question is, in what character are the United
+States to be considered? They know themselves to be a free, sovereign,
+and independent State, of right and in fact.
+
+They are considered and acknowledged as such by France. They cannot be
+represented in a Congress of Ministers from the several powers of
+Europe, whether their representative is called Ambassador, Minister,
+or Agent, without an acknowledgment of their independence, of which
+the very admission of a representative from them is an avowal. Great
+Britain cannot agree with their representative upon a truce, or even
+an armistice, without admitting their freedom and independence.
+
+As there is upon earth no judge of a sovereign State, but the nation
+that composes it, the United States can never consent, that their
+independence shall be discussed or called in question by any sovereign
+or sovereigns, however respectable, nor can their interests be made a
+question in any Congress, in which their character is not
+acknowledged, and their Minister admitted. If, therefore, the two
+Imperial Courts would acknowledge and lay down as a preliminary, the
+sovereignty of the United States, and admit their Minister to a
+Congress, after this, a treaty might be commenced between the Minister
+of Great Britain and the Minister of the United States, relative to a
+truce, or peace and commerce, in the manner proposed, without any
+express acknowledgment of their sovereignty by Great Britain, until
+the treaty should be concluded.
+
+The sovereigns of Europe have a right to negotiate concerning their
+own interests, and to deliberate concerning the question, whether it
+is consistent with their dignity and interests, to acknowledge
+expressly the sovereignty of the United States, and to make treaties
+with them, by their Ministers in a Congress, or otherwise; and America
+could make no objection to it; but neither the United States nor
+France can ever consent, that the existence of their sovereignty shall
+be made a question in such Congress; because, let that Congress
+determine as it might, their sovereignty, with submission only to
+Divine Providence, never can, and never will be given up.
+
+As the British Court, in first suggesting the idea of a Congress to
+the Imperial Courts, insisted upon the annihilation of the league, as
+they were pleased to call it, between France and their rebel subjects,
+as they were pleased again to phrase it, and upon the return of these
+to their allegiance and obedience, as preliminaries to any Congress or
+mediation; there is too much reason to fear, that the British Ministry
+have no serious intentions or sincere dispositions for peace, and that
+they mean nothing but amusement. Because, the support of the
+sovereignty of the United States was the primary object of the war, on
+the part of France and America; the destruction of it, that of Great
+Britain. If, therefore, the treaty between France and America were
+annulled, and the Americans returned to the domination and monopoly of
+Great Britain, there would be no need of troubling all Europe with a
+Congress to make peace. All points between France, Spain, and Great
+Britain, might be easily adjusted among themselves. Surely the affairs
+of Great Britain are, in no part of the world so triumphant, nor those
+of any of their enemies so adverse, as to give this Ministry any
+serious hopes, that France and America will renounce the object of the
+war. There must, therefore, be some other view.
+
+It is not difficult to penetrate the design of the British Ministry
+upon this, any more than upon many former occasions. They think that a
+distrust of them, and a jealousy that they would not adhere with good
+faith to the propositions of reconciliation, which they have made from
+time to time, were, in the minds of the Americans, the true cause why
+these propositions were not accepted. They now think, that by
+prevailing on the two Imperial Courts, and other Courts, to warranty
+to the Americans any similar terms they may propose to them, they
+shall remove this obstacle; and by this means, although they know that
+no public authority in America will agree to such terms, they think
+they shall be able to represent things in such a light, as to induce
+many desertions from the American army, and many apostates from the
+American independence and alliance. In this way, they pursue their
+long practised arts of seduction, deception, and division. In these
+again, as in so many former attempts, they would find themselves
+disappointed, and would make very few deserters or apostates. But it
+is to be hoped, that the powers of Europe will not give to these
+superficial artifices, with which that Ministry have so long destroyed
+the repose of the United States, and of the British dominions at home
+and abroad, and disturbed the tranquillity of Europe, so much
+attention as to enable them to continue much longer such evils to
+mankind.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Paris, July 15th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter to the Count de
+Vergennes, and of certain articles and their answers. The British
+Court proposed to the Imperial Courts, a Congress, upon two
+preliminary conditions, the rupture of the treaty with France, and the
+return of America to their obedience. The two Imperial Courts have
+since proposed the enclosed articles. Spain and France have prepared
+their answers. England has not answered yet, and no Ministers are yet
+commissioned or appointed by any power. If she accepts the terms, I
+should not scruple to accept them too, excepting the armistice and the
+_statu quo_. I mean I should not insist upon a previous explicit
+acknowledgment of the sovereignty of the United States, before I went
+to Vienna. I see nothing inconsistent with the character or dignity of
+the United States, in their Minister going to Vienna, at the same time
+when Ministers from the other powers are there, and entering into
+treaty with a British Minister without any explicit acknowledgment of
+our independence, before the conclusion of the treaty. The very
+existence of such a Congress would be of use to our reputation.
+
+But I cannot yet believe that Britain will wave her preliminaries. She
+will still insist upon the dissolution of the treaty, and upon the
+return of the Americans under her government. This, however, will do
+no honor to her moderation or pacific sentiments, in the opinion of
+the powers of Europe.
+
+Something may grow out of these negotiations in time, but it will
+probably be several years before anything can be done. Americans can
+only quicken these negotiations by decisive strokes. No depredations
+upon their trade, no conquests of their possessions in the East or
+West Indies will have any effect upon the English to induce them to
+make peace, while they see they have an army in the United States, and
+can flatter themselves with the hope of conquering or regaining
+America; because they think that with America under their government,
+they can easily regain whatever they may lose now in any part of the
+world. Whereas, the total expulsion of their forces in the United
+States would extinguish their hopes, and persuade them to peace,
+sooner than the loss of everything less. The belligerent powers and
+the neutral powers may flatter themselves with the hopes of a
+restoration of peace, but they will all be disappointed while the
+English have a soldier in America. It is amazing to me that France and
+Spain do not see it, and direct their forces accordingly.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+ Paris, July 16th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Since my letter of the 13th, upon further reflection, I have thought
+it necessary to explain myself a little more, particularly in some
+points, to your Excellency. If I comprehend the facts, the British
+Court first proposed to the Imperial Courts a Congress and a
+mediation, upon two conditions. 1st. The dissolution of the treaties
+between France and the United States. 2d. The return of the Americans
+under the British government.
+
+In consequence of this proposal from the Court of St James, the two
+Imperial Courts have made the proposition of the articles, which were
+shown to me, to the Courts of France, Spain, and England, neither of
+which has yet given its answer. Their Imperial Majesties have omitted
+the two conditions, which the British Court insisted on as
+preliminaries, and mean to admit a representative of the United States
+to the Congress, to negotiate separately with the British Minister,
+without ascertaining the title or character of the American
+representative, until the two pacifications shall be accomplished.
+
+I am in my own mind apprehensive, though I devoutly wish I may be
+mistaken, that the British Court in their answer to the articles, will
+adhere to their two preliminaries. It is very convenient for the
+English to hold up the idea of peace; it serves them to relieve their
+credit at certain times when it is in distress; it serves to
+disconcert the projects of the neutral powers to their disadvantage;
+it enables their friends in the United Provinces, to keep the Dutch
+nation in that state of division, sloth and inactivity, from which
+they derive so much plunder, with so much safety. But I cannot
+persuade myself, that the English will soberly think of peace, while
+they have any military force in the United States, and can preserve a
+gleam of hope of conquering or regaining America. While this hope
+remains, no depredations on their commerce, no loss of dominions in
+the East or West Indies, will induce them to make peace; because they
+think, that with America reunited to them they could easily regain
+whatever they may now lose. This opinion of theirs may be extravagant
+and enthusiastical, and they would not find it so easy to recover
+their losses; but they certainly entertain it, and while it remains, I
+fear they will not make peace.
+
+Yet it seems they have negotiated themselves into a delicate
+situation. If they should obstinately adhere to their two
+preliminaries, against the advice of the two Imperial Courts, this
+might seriously affect their reputation, if they have any, for
+moderation and for pacific dispositions, not only in those Courts, but
+in all the Courts and countries of Europe, and they would not easily
+answer it to their own subjects, who are weary of the war. Peace is so
+desirable an object, that humanity, as well as policy, demands of
+every nation at war a serious attention to every proposition, which
+seems to have a tendency to it, although there may be grounds to
+suspect, that the first proposer of it was not sincere. I think, that
+no power can judge the United States unreasonable in not agreeing to
+the _statu quo_, or the armistice. But perhaps I have not been
+sufficiently explicit upon another point.
+
+The proposal of a separate treaty between the British Minister and the
+Representative of the United States, seems to be a benevolent
+invention to avoid several difficulties; among others, first, that
+England may be allowed to save her national pride, to think and to
+say, that the independence of America was agreed to voluntarily, and
+was not dictated to her by France and Spain; secondly, to avoid the
+previous acknowledgment of American independence, and the previous
+ascertaining the title and character of the American Representative,
+which the Imperial Courts may think would be a partiality inconsistent
+with the character of mediators, and even of neutrals, especially as
+England has uniformly considered any such step as a hostility against
+them; though I know not upon what law of nations, or of reason.
+
+I cannot see, that the United States would make any concession, or
+submit to any indignity, or do anything inconsistent with their
+character, if their Minister should appear at Vienna, or elsewhere,
+with the Ministers of other powers, and conduct any negotiation with a
+British Minister, without having the independence of the United States
+or his own title and character acknowledged or ascertained, by any
+other power, except France, until the pacification should be
+concluded. I do not see, that America would lose anything by this, any
+more than by having a Minister in any part of Europe, with his
+character unacknowledged by all the powers of Europe. In order to
+remove every embarrassment, therefore, as much as possible, if your
+Excellency should be of the same opinion, and advise me to it, I would
+withdraw every objection to the Congress on the part of the United
+States, and decline nothing but the _statu quo_, and the armistice,
+against which such reasons might be given, as I think would convince
+all men, that the United States are bound to refuse them. If your
+Excellency should think it necessary for me to assign these reasons
+particularly, I will attempt some of them; but it is sufficient for me
+to say to your Excellency, that my positive instructions forbid me to
+agree either to the armistice, or _statu quo_.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, July 17th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Since my letter of the 26th of June last, the Memorial of the Deputies
+of the City of Amsterdam, of the 8th of June, has appeared entire, and
+is conceived in the following terms.
+
+ "Most Serene and Illustrious Prince and Lord,
+
+"The gentlemen, the Deputies of the City of Amsterdam, in the name and
+by the order of the gentlemen, their constituents, have the honor to
+represent to your Most Serene Highness, that the said constituents
+having learnt, with much uneasiness the discontent, that your Highness
+had taken, on the subject of their last proposition, made in the
+Assembly of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, although it had been
+contrary to their intention to give your Highness the least offence,
+or to offer him any insult or displeasure, they have seized with great
+satisfaction, an opportunity to give your Highness the most sincere
+assurances of it; that they flatter themselves, that, from what they
+shall have the honor of laying before you your Highness will be able
+to deduce the reasons, for which they have not previously acquainted
+him with the contents of the said proposition, before it hath been
+remitted to the Assembly of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses; that
+they should feel a real chagrin, if your Highness attributed this
+silence to any particular distrust towards his person; they declare,
+that they are absolutely divested of it, and that they have nothing so
+much at heart as to excite and cherish between your Highness and their
+City that confidence, that the well-being and advancement of the
+public cause render inevitably necessary; that by their proposition
+they have only wished to open a way to find out and carry into
+execution, such measures as the critical situation of affairs most
+pressingly requires for the safety and preservation of their dear
+country.
+
+"That placed at the head of the government of a very populous city, in
+which the lower class of the people begin already to feel that
+indigence, which results from a want of business, they are obliged to
+show in effect, and in the best manner possible, that they desire not
+to let any opportunity escape of encouraging and promoting the
+well-being of the country, and of its good citizens, unless they would
+run the risk of entirely destroying the proper authority, and the good
+order, which in a popular government are founded only upon the
+confidence of the people, and of the Burgesses in its Regents, and of
+seeing in a little time a total anarchy, that they had thought that
+affairs had, for a long time, and particularly since the rupture with
+England, appeared in the eyes of the whole nation, and not without
+reason, to be administered in a strange and inconceivable manner,
+seeing, that notwithstanding the extreme condescendence to the wishes
+of England, we had only experienced from that kingdom, each year
+contempt, affronts, and insults, which have been lately crowned by an
+open war, commenced by the capture of a considerable number of our
+vessels, and the invasion of our foreign possessions, and that,
+nevertheless, we had remained in a defenceless state, and taken no
+sufficient steps to place the Republic in a situation to protect its
+liberty, its well acquired rights, its extensive navigation, and its
+lawful commerce.
+
+"That, nevertheless, it is an incontestible truth, that the members of
+government have for a long time been of opinion, that it is
+principally by sea, that it is necessary to place themselves upon a
+respectable footing, as it evidently appears by the different
+resolutions taken in the year 1778, and following, by different
+reports, petitions, and assents to augment and reinforce the equipages
+of vessels of war, and particularly by the report of the 30th of
+March, 1779, that notwithstanding the said opinions and resolutions of
+the confederates, to equip all the vessels of war of the State, and to
+construct new ones, yet at this moment, after so much time has
+elapsed, and some things have taken so disadvantageous a turn, there
+hath not been put to sea the thirtytwo vessels stipulated in the month
+of April, 1779, much less still the fiftytwo, whose armament had been
+resolved upon the last year, so that to this moment none of the
+precautions proposed in the month of March, 1779, to the generality
+for the defence of our coasts, and the mouths of our rivers, have been
+taken.
+
+"That the regency of our city, with all the good citizens of the
+Republic, who discover the best disposition possible to pay the
+ordinary and extraordinary imposts, has been much surprised at the
+little promptitude and at the slowness in the executions of
+resolutions so important for the Sovereign; for it is impossible to
+believe that the situation in which the respective admiralties found
+themselves, should be so bad that they could not effect in two years
+the equipments that they themselves had proposed; as they had no want
+of money, and as the necessity of them became more and more pressing
+daily; that in consequence, one could not conceive what were the
+causes of this slowness and inactivity no more than of the
+non-execution of the resolutions and orders to secure the coasts and
+harbors, and above all, one could not form an idea of the unforeseen
+obstacles and difficulties which have prevented the sailing of few
+vessels, which had been supposed perfectly in a state of putting to
+sea, even when your Highness after a suitable examination of things,
+had given the necessary orders to this effect.
+
+"That seeing it is to this state of inactivity and incapacity of
+defending themselves, that it is necessary to attribute in the
+greatest measure the evils and calamities which have happened to the
+Republic, and which still threaten it, and that to this moment we have
+not been able to observe that any vigorous measures are taken to
+prevent future misfortunes, and to repair those already suffered,
+(without which we ought soon to expect the total ruin of the
+Republic,) we have judged it the indispensable duty of the brave
+regents, and that they cannot dispense themselves from searching out
+to what one ought to attribute this inexcusable negligence? And by
+what means one may remedy it, and direct and re-establish still
+affairs, as much as possible, for the safety of the State?
+
+"That this having been attempted from time to time, privately, but in
+vain, and affairs becoming more and more disadvantageous and critical,
+it was so much the more necessary to take vigorous resolutions, and
+one could not longer defer the concerting of suitable measures; that
+from a mature and deliberate consideration of the whole of this had
+resulted the proposition, made by order of the Regency of Amsterdam
+the 18th of May last to the Assembly of Holland, and submitted to the
+judgment and deliberations of the other members, to the end that these
+deliberations might give rise to resolutions the most useful and the
+most salutary to the country; that the said Regency are still of
+opinion, that duty to themselves, to their country, and to its good
+citizens, who for a long time had expected a similar measure on their
+part, required them to make the said proposition.
+
+"That, nevertheless, it was very far from their intention to give your
+Highness any uneasiness or discontent, or to introduce innovations, or
+to diminish and circumscribe in more narrow limits the authority
+lawfully acquired of my Lord the Stadtholder; that on the contrary,
+they could assure solemnly, that they would assist constantly with all
+their power, to maintain the present constitution of government with
+which they judge the well-being of the Republic is intimately
+connected; that they considered at the same time, that in the present
+circumstances of affairs nothing would be more necessary or more
+useful, for the direction and execution of the operations of the
+present war, and for to combine them with more secrecy and despatch
+than to form and establish a small council or committee, composed of
+the regencies of the respective Provinces, to assist your Highness
+with the advice and labors, and to co-operate conjointly to the
+preservation of the country.
+
+"That this proposition, (founded perhaps upon former examples,)
+proceeded not from any motive of distrust of the good intentions and
+designs of your Serene Highness, of which there is no reason to
+suspect their purity, although according to the information of the
+Regency of that city, some evil minded persons have endeavored to
+insinuate the contrary to your Serene Highness.
+
+"That such a distrust fell only upon him, whose influence over the
+mind of your Serene Highness is regarded as the first cause of the
+slowness and indolence in the administration of affairs, and as that
+cannot but be very prejudicial to the general good, one had in vain
+expected for a long time, that the dangerous circumstances in which
+the Republic finds itself at present, would at length have given rise
+to serious deliberations upon the measures necessary to be employed in
+future, and with more vigor than the past; but that this expectation
+having been vain to the present moment, and as the question in
+agitation was concerning the preservation of the country, of its dear
+bought liberty, of your Serene Highness, of his illustrious House, in
+one word, of everything dear and precious to the inhabitants of the
+Republic, it is for these reasons that the Regency of Amsterdam have
+judged that they could no longer by silence be wanting in their duty,
+but saw themselves forced, although with regret, to the present
+measure.
+
+"It is therefore with all the respect that they owe to your Serene
+Highness, but at the same time with the candor and honest freedom that
+the importance of the affair requires, that they represent to your
+Serene Highness, and declare to him expressly, that, according to the
+general opinion, the Lord the Duke is regarded as the principal cause
+of the deplorable state of weakness in which the Republic finds itself
+at this day, of all the negligence which hath had place, of all the
+false measures that have been taken for a long time, and of all the
+fatal consequences that have resulted from them; that your Serene
+Highness may be assured that the aversion and hatred of the nation
+against the person and administration of the Duke, are arisen to such
+a degree that one ought to dread an event the most grievous and the
+most disagreeable for the public tranquillity.
+
+"That without doubt your Serene Highness has been already informed by
+others of all these things; but in case your Serene Highness is still
+ignorant of them, it is necessary to attribute it solely to a fear of
+the effects of the resentment of the Duke. We dare, nevertheless, to
+appeal with confidence upon everything now advanced, to the testimony
+of all the honest and sincere members of the Regency, that your Serene
+Highness shall deign to interrogate, after granting them full liberty
+of speech, and summoning them to answer according to their duty and
+their conscience.
+
+"That they had heard many times with much regret, M. the Counsellor
+Pensionary, complain, in presence of divers members of the Province of
+Holland, of the misunderstanding which existed between him and the
+Lord the Duke, as well as of the ascendancy that the said Lord has
+over the mind of your Serene Highness, whereby all his effects for
+the good of the country were rendered fruitless.
+
+"That this disunion and this diversity of sentiments and views between
+the principal Counsellor of your Serene Highness and the first
+Minister of this Province must have not only consequences the most
+fatal, but furnished also a sufficient motive to make the strongest
+instances to remove the source of that distrust and of that discord;
+seeing it is only a previous re-establishment of confidence and
+concord that can save the Republic; that nothing is also more
+necessary for the happiness of your Most Serene House, for the support
+of your authority, the preservation of the esteem and confidence of
+the nation, and of your consideration among the neighboring powers;
+for we can assure your Serene Highness, and we are obliged to apprise
+him, that he might indeed lose one day the esteem and confidence of
+the people, instead of being and continuing the worthy object of the
+love and the veneration of this people, and of its Regents; which we
+pray and wish ardently that your Serene Highness may ever experience,
+seeing upon that depends, in a great measure, the preservation and the
+happiness of our dear country and of the House of Orange.
+
+"That as well persuaded as we may be, that the members of the
+sovereignty have always the liberty, and that it is sometimes even
+their duty to communicate to your Serene Highness and to the other
+members, their sentiments upon the state and administration of public
+affairs, we should have preferred, nevertheless, to have abstained
+from the present measure, if we had been able to conceive any hope,
+amelioration, and change; but since we can no longer flatter ourselves
+with that, for the reasons above alleged, and the danger has arisen to
+its highest degree, there remains no other part to take than that of
+laying before your Serene Highness the true state of things, of
+praying him, in the most solemn manner, to reflect seriously upon
+them, and of no longer listening to the councils and insinuations of a
+man loaded as he is with the hatred of the great and the small,
+regarded as a stranger destitute of a sufficient knowledge of the form
+of our government, and not possessed of a true affection to our
+country.
+
+"That we are very far from wishing to accuse this Lord of what he is
+but too openly charged, or of considering as founded, the suspicions
+circulated against him of an excessive and illicit attachment to the
+Court of England, or of bad faith and corruption; that we believe,
+that a Lord of so high a birth and so distinguished a rank, is
+incapable of such baseness, but that we think, that the unhappy ideas
+that have been unfortunately entertained of him, and which have caused
+a general distrust, render him totally unuseful and pernicious, even
+to the service of the State and of your Serene Highness, that he
+consequently be removed from the direction of affairs, and from the
+Court of your Serene Highness, as being a perpetual obstacle to the
+re-establishment of the good intelligence so necessary between your
+Serene Highness and the principal members of the State; seeing that on
+the contrary, his presence cannot but for the future, occasion the
+distrust conceived, whether with or without reason, of his counsels to
+fall upon your Serene Highness.
+
+"That these representations do not spring from a principle of hatred
+or of ill will against the Lord, the Duke, who has formerly had
+occasion to be well satisfied, even with the benevolence and the real
+marks of affection of the Regency of Amsterdam, but that we protest
+before God and the whole world, that the only motives which have
+dictated them to us, are the preservation of the country and of the
+illustrious House of your Most Serene Highness, and to prevent their
+approaching total ruin; that the Regency of our city have seen
+themselves obliged to take this measure, both in quality of
+inhabitants of this country, and as a member of its sovereign
+Assembly; to the end to make by this means the last effort, and to
+point out, perhaps, yet in time, a means of saving, with the blessing
+of the Almighty, the vessel of State from the most imminent danger,
+and of conducting it into a safe port, or of acquitting themselves at
+least in every case of their duty, and of exculpating themselves in
+the eyes of their fellow citizens and posterity.
+
+"That, in truth, it is not necessary to despair of the safety of the
+country; but that, nevertheless, affairs appear to have arrived to
+such an extremity, that it cannot be saved without the use of
+extraordinary means, and that for this reason, we ought still, with
+the approbation of your Serene Highness, to take the liberty to submit
+to his consideration, if the best means of managing hereafter affairs
+with success would not be, that your Serene Highness should associate
+to himself a small number of persons, chosen from among the most
+distinguished and the most experienced citizens born in the country,
+to concert assiduously with them everything which should be the most
+necessary or the most useful for the preservation and the service of
+the country during the present war, with such powers and such
+restrictions, as should be judged requisite to fulfil effectually the
+object of this commission; that we expect therefrom the two following
+effects, as important as useful.
+
+"1st. That, in a conjuncture like the present, in which every moment
+is precious, no delay occasioned by deliberations of long duration
+shall take place, and the requisite despatch would be given to the
+execution of that which shall have been resolved.
+
+"2dly. That thereby the confidence of the nation would be
+re-established, an universal tranquillity and content promoted, and
+each one would be encouraged and animated to contribute with joy
+everything in his power to the execution of the measures of the
+sovereign, whilst, that at present, we see the contrary take place,
+and hear everywhere of the general complaints of the division and of
+the inactivity of the government.
+
+"That this proposition appears of the highest necessity, not only to
+the Regency of Amsterdam, but we have reason to think, that it is
+considered in the same point of light by the principal members of this
+Province, and of all the others.
+
+"Besides, nothing is more necessary than to adopt a fixed system and
+plan of conduct, seeing that the Republic ought to choose between two
+conditions; either to re-establish the peace with England, or to
+prosecute the war with all our forces, to the end to accelerate by
+this means an honorable peace; which ought to be the sincere wish of
+every good citizen, and to which alone, without any further views, (as
+we can assure your Serene Highness in the most serious manner) has
+tended the overture made by our proposition of concerting with France
+the operations for this campaign. We desire nothing more ardently on
+our part, than to deliberate seriously with your Serene Highness upon
+the option between the two conditions alleged, and what means it will
+be necessary to employ to arrive at the end which shall be chosen; but
+we are absolutely of opinion, that above all things, we must never
+lose sight, although a reconciliation may be preferred, that nothing
+ought to be neglected or omitted, to place in every respect, the
+Republic in such a position that it has nothing to fear from its
+enemies, but, on the contrary, that it may be in a state to force them
+to wish the re-establishment of that peace, which, without any lawful
+cause, they have so unjustly and wickedly broken.
+
+"That the above piece is word for word the same without any addition
+or omission, as that which has been read to his Serene Highness, the
+8th of June, 1781, by the order of the gentlemen, the Burgomasters, by
+the Pensionary Vischer, in presence of the Counsellor Pensionary of
+Holland, and which is written with the hand of the said Pensionary, is
+that which we attest.
+
+ "Amsterdam, June 12th, 1781.
+ E. DE VRY TEMMINCK, } _Reigning_
+ J. RENDORP, } _Burgomasters._
+ C. W. VISCHER, _Pensionary._
+
+"Deposed in the cabinet of the gentlemen, the Burgomasters, the said
+12th of June, 1781."
+
+"The original of this memorial, which after the reading has been put
+into the hands of his Most Serene Highness, but taken back during the
+audience, has been sent, the 14th of June, to the Counsellor
+Pensionary, accompanied with a letter in the name of the Burgomasters,
+written by the Burgomaster Rendorp to the said Counsellor Pensionary."
+
+"By a resolution of the 6th of this month, the States-General have
+revoked the order, that their High Mightinesses had given, at the
+beginning of the war, to all captains or patrons of merchant-ships
+belonging to the subjects of this Republic, to remain in the ports
+where they found themselves, and not to make sail from them, either
+for their destination or to return into this country. Their High
+Mightinesses have this day given to the proprietors and captains of
+these vessels, the liberty of navigating and employing them in such a
+manner, and when they shall judge proper.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ COUNT DE VERGENNES TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Translation
+
+ Versailles, July 18th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter, which you did me the honor to write to me
+the 13th instant. It was owing to the confidence I placed in your
+judgment and zeal for your country, that I intrusted to you the
+propositions of the two Imperial Courts, and requested that you would
+make such observations as you might think them susceptible of. Things
+are not yet sufficiently advanced to admit of communicating them to
+the two mediating Courts. As you have seen in the sketch of our
+answer, there are preliminaries to be adjusted with respect to the
+United States, and until they are adjusted you cannot appear, and
+consequently you cannot transact anything officially with respect to
+the two mediators. By so doing you would hazard and expose the dignity
+of the character with which you are invested.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ DE VERGENNES.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+ Paris, July 18th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter, which your Excellency did me the honor to
+write me this day. I assure your Excellency, I never had a thought of
+appearing upon the scene, or of taking ministerially or otherwise any
+step towards the two mediators. I must confess to your Excellency that
+I have too many jealousies of the motives, and too many apprehensions
+of the consequences of this negotiation to be willing to take any part
+in it, without an express vocation. The English are tottering on such
+a precipice, and are in such a temper, that they will not hesitate at
+any measure, which they think can move every latent passion, and
+awaken every dormant interest in Europe, in order to embroil all the
+world. Without looking much to consequences, or weighing whether the
+quarrels they wish to excite will be serviceable to them or not, they
+seem to think the more confusion they can make the better; for which
+reason my fears from the proposed mediation are greater than my hopes.
+
+Nevertheless, if properly called upon, it will be my duty to attend to
+every step of it; but there are many questions arise in my mind, upon
+which in due time I should wish to know your Excellency's opinion.
+
+The two Imperial Courts have proposed, that there should be an
+American Representative at the Congress. This is not merely by
+implication, but expressly acknowledging, that there is a belligerent
+power in America, of sufficient importance to be taken notice of by
+them and the other powers of Europe. One would think after this, that
+the two Imperial Courts would have communicated their propositions to
+Congress. The propositions they have made and communicated to the
+Courts of France, Spain and England, imply that America is a Power, a
+free and Independent Power, as much as if they had communicated them
+also to Congress at Philadelphia. Without such a formal communication
+and an invitation to the United States in Congress, or to their
+Representative here by the two Imperial Courts, I do not see how an
+American Minister can with strict propriety appear at the proposed
+Congress at Vienna at all. I have never heard it intimated, that they
+have transmitted their propositions to Philadelphia; certainly I have
+received no instructions from thence, nor have I received any
+intimation of such propositions from any Minister of either of the
+mediating Courts, although as my mission has been long public and much
+talked of, I suppose it was well known to both that there was a person
+in Europe vested by America with power to make peace.
+
+It seems, therefore, that one step more might have been taken,
+perfectly consistent with the first, and that it may yet be taken, and
+that it is but reasonable to expect that it will be. How is the
+American Minister to know that there is a Congress, and that it is
+expected that he should repair to it? And that any Minister from Great
+Britain will meet him there? Is the British Court, or their
+Ambassador, to give him notice? This seems less probable, than that
+the mediators should do it.
+
+The dignity of North America does not consist in diplomatic
+ceremonials, or any of the subtleties of etiquette; it consists solely
+in reason, justice, truth, the rights of mankind, and the interests of
+the nations of Europe; all of which well understood, are clearly in
+her favor. I shall therefore never make unnecessary difficulties on
+the score of etiquette, and shall never insist upon anything of this
+sort, which your Excellency or some other Minister of our allies does
+not advise me to as indispensable; and therefore I shall certainly go
+to Vienna or elsewhere, if your Excellency should invite or advise me
+to go. But as these reflections occurred to me upon the point of
+propriety, I thought it my duty to mention them to your Excellency.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+ Paris, July 19th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In my letter of the 18th, I had the honor to mention some things,
+which lay upon my mind; but still I am apprehensive, that in a former
+letter, I have not conveyed my full meaning to your Excellency.
+
+In my letter of the 16th, I submitted to your Excellency's opinion and
+advice, whether an American Minister could appear at the Congress at
+Vienna, without having his character acknowledged by any power, more
+expressly than it is now. This was said upon the supposition, and
+taking it for granted, that it was the intention of the mediating
+Courts to admit a representative of the United States to the Congress,
+with such a commission and such a title as the United States should
+think fit to give him, and that during his whole residence and
+negotiations at Vienna, whether they should terminate in peace or not,
+he should enjoy all the prerogatives, which the law of nations has
+annexed to the character, person, habitation, and attendants of such a
+Minister. It is impossible that there should be a treaty at Vienna
+between Great Britain and the people of America, whether they are
+called United States or American Colonies, unless both nations appear
+there by representatives, who must be authorised by commissions or
+full powers, which must be mutually exchanged, and consequently
+admitted to be, what upon the face of them they purport to be. The
+commission from the United States for making peace, which has been in
+Europe almost two years, is that of a Minister Plenipotentiary, and it
+authorises him to treat only with Ministers vested with equal powers.
+If he were to appear at Vienna, he would certainly assume the title
+and character of a Minister Plenipotentiary, and could enter into no
+treaty or conference with any Minister from Great Britain, until they
+had mutually exchanged authentic copies of their full powers. This it
+is true, would be an implied acknowledgment of his character and
+title, and of those of the United States too; but such an
+acknowledgment is indispensable, because without it there can be no
+treaty at all. In consequence he would expect to enjoy all the
+prerogatives of that character, and the moment they should be denied
+him, he must quit the Congress, let the consequences be what they
+might.
+
+And I rely upon it, this is the intention of the two Imperial Courts;
+because otherwise, they would have proposed the Congress upon the
+basis of the two British preliminaries, a rupture of the treaty with
+France, and a return of the Americans to their submission to Great
+Britain; and because I cannot suppose it possible, that the Imperial
+Courts could believe the Americans capable of such infinite baseness,
+as to appear upon the stage of the universe, acknowledge themselves
+guilty of rebellion, and supplicate for grace; nor can I suppose they
+meant to fix a brand of disgrace upon the Americans in the sight of
+all nations, or to pronounce judgment against them; one or all of
+which suppositions must be made, before it can be believed, that these
+Courts did not mean to protect the American Representative in the
+enjoyment of the privileges attached to the character he must assume;
+and because, otherwise, all their propositions would be to no effect,
+for no Congress at Vienna can make either the one or the other of the
+two proposed peaces, without the United States. But upon looking over
+again the words of the first article, there seems to be room for
+dispute, of which a British Minister, in the present state of his
+country, would be capable of taking advantage. The terms used seems to
+be justly exceptionable. There are no "American Colonies" at war with
+Great Britain. The power at war is the United States of America. No
+American Colonies have any Representative in Europe, unless Nova
+Scotia or Quebec, or some of the West India Islands, may have an agent
+in London. The word Colony, in its usual acceptation, implies a
+metropolis, a mother country, a superior political Governor, ideas
+which the United States have long since renounced forever.
+
+I am therefore clear in my opinion, that a more explicit declaration
+ought to be insisted on, and that no American Representative ought to
+appear, without an express assurance, that while the Congress lasts,
+and in going to it, and returning from it, he shall be considered as a
+Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America, and
+entitled to all the prerogatives of such a Minister from a sovereign
+power. The Congress might be to him and to his country but a snare,
+unless the substance of this is _bona fide_ intended, and if it is
+intended, there can be no sufficient reason for declining to express
+it in words.
+
+If there is a Power upon earth, that imagines that America will ever
+appear at a Congress, before a Minister of Great Britain, or any other
+power in the character of repenting subjects, soliciting an amnesty,
+or a warranty of an amnesty, that Power is infinitely deceived. There
+are few Americans who would hold their lives upon such terms. I know
+of none who would not rather choose to appear upon a scaffold in their
+own country, or in Great Britain. All such odious ideas ought to be
+laid aside by the British Ministry, before they propose mediations.
+The bare mention of such a thing to the United States by Great Britain
+would be considered only as another repetition of injury and insult.
+The proposal of a rupture of the treaty is little less to France. But
+it is possible, that in the future course of this negotiation, there
+may be a proposal of a Congress of Ministers of the several mediating
+and belligerent powers, exclusive of the United States, to deliberate
+on the question, in what character the United States are to be
+considered, whether a Representative of the people of North America
+can be admitted, and what shall be his title and privileges.
+
+All that I can say to this case at present is this. The United States
+have assumed their equal station among the nations. They have assumed
+a sovereignty, which they acknowledge to hold only from God and their
+own swords. They can be represented only as a sovereign; and,
+therefore, although they might not be able to prevent it, they can
+never consent that any of these things shall be made questions. To
+give their consent, would be to make the surrender of their
+sovereignty their own act.
+
+France has acknowledged all these things, and bound her honor and
+faith to the support of them, and, therefore, although she might not
+be able to prevent it, she can never consent that they should be
+disputed. Her consent would make the surrender of the American
+sovereignty her act. And what end can it answer to dispute them,
+unless it be to extend the flames of war? If Great Britain had a color
+of reason for pretending, that France's acknowledgment of American
+independence was a hostility against her, the United States would have
+a stronger reason to say, that a denial of their sovereignty was a
+declaration of war against them. And as France is bound to support
+their sovereignty, she would have reason to say, that a denial of it
+is a hostility against her. If any power of Europe has an inclination
+to join England, and declare war against France and the United States,
+there is no need of a previous Congress to enable her to do it with
+more solemnity, or to furnish her with plausible pretexts. But on the
+other hand, if the powers of Europe are persuaded of the justice of
+the American pretensions, and think it their duty to humanity to
+endeavor to bring about peace, they may easily propose, that the
+character of the United States shall be acknowledged, and their
+Minister admitted.
+
+I cannot but persuade myself, that the two Imperial Courts are
+convinced of the justice of the American cause, of the stability of
+the American sovereignty, and of the propriety and necessity of an
+acknowledgment of it by all the powers of Europe. This, I think, may
+be fairly and conclusively inferred from the propositions themselves.
+Was there ever an example of a Congress of the powers of Europe to
+exhort, to influence, to overawe the rebellious subjects of any one of
+them into obedience? Is not every sovereign adequate to the
+government, punishment, or pardon of its own criminal subjects? Would
+it not be a precedent mischievous to mankind, and tending to universal
+despotism, if a sovereign, which has been proved to be unequal to the
+reformation or chastisement of the pretended crimes of its own
+subjects, should be countenanced in calling in the aid of all or any
+of the other powers of Europe to assist them? It is quite sufficient,
+that England has already been permitted to hire twenty thousand German
+troops, and to have the number annually recruited for seven years, in
+addition to her own whole force; it is quite sufficient, that she has
+been permitted to seduce innumerable tribes of savages, in addition to
+both, to assist her in propagating her system of tyranny, and
+committing her butcheries in America, without being able to succeed.
+
+After all this, which is notorious to all Europe, it is impossible to
+believe, that the Imperial Courts mean to give their influence in any
+degree towards bringing America to submission to Great Britain. It
+seems to me, therefore, most certain, that the Imperial Courts
+perceive, that American independence must be acknowledged; and if this
+is so, I think there can be no objection against ascertaining the
+character of the American Minister before any Congress meets, so that
+he may take his place in it as soon as it opens.
+
+But if any sentiments of delicacy should induce those Courts to think
+it necessary to wait for Great Britain to set the example of such
+acknowledgment, one would think it necessary to wait until that power
+shall discover some symptoms of an inclination that way. A Congress
+would have no tendency, that I know of, to give her such a
+disposition; on the contrary, a Congress in which Great Britain should
+be represented, and France and the United States not, would only give
+her an opportunity of forming parties, propagating prejudices and
+partial notions, and blowing up the coals of war.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+ Paris, July 21st, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Since my letter of the 19th, another point has occurred to me, upon
+which it seems necessary, that I should say something to your
+Excellency, before my departure for Holland, which will be on Monday
+morning.
+
+An idea has, I perceive, been suggested of the several States of
+America choosing agents separately to attend the Congress at Vienna,
+in order to make peace with Great Britain; so that there would be
+thirteen instead of one. The constitution of the United States, or
+their confederation, which has been solemnly adopted and ratified by
+each of them, has been officially and authentically notified to their
+Majesties, the Kings of France and Spain, and to their High
+Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces of the Low
+Countries, and communicated to all the Courts and nations of the
+world, as far as all the gazettes of Europe are able to spread it; so
+that it is now as well and universally known as any constitution of
+government in Europe. By this constitution, all power and authority of
+negotiating with foreign powers is expressly delegated to the United
+States in Congress assembled. It would, therefore, be a public
+disrespect and contempt offered to the constitution of the nation, if
+any power should make any application whatever to the Governors, or
+Legislature of the separate States. In this respect, the American
+Constitution is very different from the Batavian. If the two Imperial
+Courts should address their articles to the States separately, no
+Governor or President of any one of those Commonwealths could even
+communicate it to the Legislature. No President of a Senate could lay
+it before the body over which he presides. No Speaker of a House of
+Representatives could read it to the House. It would be an error, and
+a misdemeanor in any one of these officers to receive and communicate
+any such letter. All that he could do would be, after breaking the
+seal and reading it, to send it back. He could not even legally
+transmit it to Congress. If such an application, therefore, should be
+made and sent back, it would consume much time to no purpose, and
+perhaps have other worse effects.
+
+There is no method for the Courts of Europe to convey anything to the
+people of America but through the Congress of the United States, nor
+any way of negotiating with them but by means of that body. I must,
+therefore, entreat your Excellency, that the idea of summoning
+Ministers from the thirteen States may not be countenanced at all.
+
+I know very well, that if each State had in the confederation reserved
+to itself a right of negotiating with foreign powers, and such an
+application should have been made to them separately upon this
+occasion, they would all of them separately refer it to Congress,
+because the people universally know and are well agreed, that all
+connexions with foreign countries must, in their circumstances, be
+made under one direction.
+
+But all these things were very minutely considered in framing the
+confederation, by which the people of each State have taken away from
+themselves even the right of deliberating and debating upon these
+affairs, unless they should be referred to them by Congress for their
+advice, or unless they should think proper to instruct their delegates
+in Congress of their own accord.
+
+This matter may not appear to your Excellency in so important a light
+as it does to me, and the thought of such an application to the United
+States may not have been seriously entertained; but as it has been
+mentioned, although only in a way of transient speculation, I thought
+I could not excuse myself from saying something upon it, because I
+know it would be considered in so unfavorable a light in America; that
+I am persuaded Congress would think themselves bound to remonstrate
+against it in the most solemn manner.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, July 21st, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+From the Hague, there is an article of the following tenor.
+
+"As to the affair of the Field Marechal, the Duke of Brunswick, which
+makes an object of deliberation in the Assemblies of the Provinces,
+one sees in public a copy of the opinion of the Quarter of Westergo,
+(one of the four Chambers which form the States of Friesland,) in
+which it is joined by four Manors or Intendancies of the Quarter of
+Sevenwonde, which have protested against the opinion of the plurality
+of their Chamber; this opinion is of the following tenor."
+
+"The Quarter having examined with all due attention the memorial,
+presented by the Duke to their High Mightinesses, is of opinion, that
+the paragraphs of the memorial, remitted to his Highness in the name
+of the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, of which the said Lord the Duke
+complains, contain not the least thing by which the Lord the Duke may
+be considered to have been any way hurt in his character; but rather,
+that the paragraphs or complaints contained in the said Memorial,
+exhibit an accusation against the Duke in his quality of Counsellor of
+his Highness, and that they express the sentiments of the people,
+which the gentlemen, the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, have infused into
+the breast of our well beloved hereditary Stadtholder; by means of
+which, they have manifested an evident proof of their sincere
+attachment to his Highness and to his illustrious House. The Quarter
+is therefore of opinion, that in case the Lord Duke thinks himself
+aggrieved by the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, he ought to address
+himself to their ordinary and competent judge, seeing that this
+Assembly of their High Mightinesses is not a competent judge in this
+matter; and that, therefore, it is proper to charge the gentlemen, the
+Deputies in the Assembly of the States-General, not to enter into any
+deliberations upon this matter."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, August 3d, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to enclose copies of some papers, which passed
+between the Count de Vergennes and me, lately at Paris. The
+conjecture, that the British Court would insist upon their two
+preliminaries, is become more probable by the publication of the
+King's speech at the prorogation of Parliament.
+
+"The zeal and ardor, which you have shown for the honor of my Crown,"
+says the King, "your firm and steady support of a just cause, and the
+great efforts you have made to enable me to surmount all the
+difficulties of this extensive and complicated war, must convince the
+world, that the ancient spirit of the British nation is not abated or
+diminished.
+
+"While I lament the continuance of the present troubles, and the
+extension of the war, I have the conscious satisfaction to reflect,
+that the constant aim of all my counsels has been to bring back my
+deluded subjects in America to the happiness and liberty they formerly
+enjoyed, and to see the tranquillity of Europe restored.
+
+"To defend the dominions, and to maintain the rights of this country,
+was on my part the sole cause, and is the object of the war. Peace is
+the earnest wish of my heart, but I have too firm a reliance on the
+spirit and resources of the nation, the powerful assistance of my
+Parliament, and _the protection of a just and all ruling Providence_,
+to accept it upon any other terms or conditions than such as may
+consist with the honor and dignity of my Crown, and the permanent
+interest and security of my people."
+
+We all know very well what his meaning is when he mentions "the honor
+and dignity of his Crown, and the permanent interest and security of
+his people." Could the Minister who composed this speech expect that
+anybody would believe him when he said, that the constant aim of all
+his counsels had been to bring back the Americans to the happiness and
+liberty they formerly enjoyed?
+
+The whole of this speech is in a strain, which leaves no room to doubt
+that the cabinet of St James is yet resolved to persevere in the war
+to the last extremity, and to insist still upon the return of America
+to British obedience, and upon the rupture of the treaty with France,
+as preliminaries to the Congress at Vienna. Thus the two Imperial
+Courts will find themselves trifled with by the British. It is not to
+be supposed that either will be the voluntary bubble of such trickish
+policy. The Empress of Russia is supposed to be as sagacious as she is
+spirited; yet she seems to have given some attention to the pacific
+professions of the English. If she could see herself intentionally
+deceived, she will not probably be very patient.
+
+The Emperor, in his late journey through Holland, made himself the
+object of the esteem and admiration of all; affable and familiar, as a
+great sovereign can ever allow himself to be with dignity, he gave to
+many persons unequivocal intimations of his sentiments upon public
+affairs. Patriotism seemed to be the object which he wished to
+distinguish. Whoever espoused with zeal the honor and interest of his
+own country, was sure of some mark of his approbation; whoever
+appeared to countenance another country in preference to his own,
+found some symptom of his dislike; even the ladies, French or Dutch,
+who had any of the English modes in their dress, received from his
+Majesty some intimation of his disapprobation of their taste.
+Everybody here, since his departure, is confident of his entire
+detestation of the principles on which the English have conducted this
+war, and of his determination to take no part in it, in their favor.
+His sentiments concerning America are inferred from a very singular
+anecdote, which is so well attested, that it may not be improper to
+mention to Congress.
+
+His Majesty condescended, in a certain company, to inquire after the
+Minister of the United States of America to their High Mightinesses,
+said he was acquainted with his name and character, and should be glad
+to see him; a lady in company, asked his Majesty if he would drink tea
+with him at her house? He replied in the affirmative, in the character
+of the Count of Falkenstein. A lady in company undertook to form the
+party; but upon inquiry, the American was at Paris. It is supposed
+with good reason, that there could be nothing personal in this
+curiosity, and therefore that it was intended as a political
+signification of a certain degree of complaisance towards America.
+
+Thus it is, that the words, gestures, and countenances of sovereigns
+are watched, and political inferences drawn from them; but there is
+too much uncertainty in this science, to depend much upon it. It
+seems, however, that the Emperor made himself so popular here, as to
+excite some appearance of jealousy in Prussia. For my own part, I
+think that the greatest political stroke which the two Imperial Courts
+could make, would be upon receiving the answer from England adhering
+to her preliminaries, immediately to declare the United States
+independent. It would be to their immortal honor; it would be in the
+character of each of these, extraordinary geniuses; it would be a
+blessing to mankind; it would even be friendship to England.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ B. FRANKLIN TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Passy, August 6th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I sometime since gave orders, as you desired, to Mr Grand to furnish
+you with a credit in Holland for the remainder of your salary to
+November next. But I am now told that your account having been mixed
+with Mr Dana's, he finds it difficult to know the sum due to you. Be
+pleased therefore to state your account for two years, giving credit
+for the sums you have received, that an order may be made for the
+balance. Upon this occasion, it is right to acquaint you that I do not
+think we can depend on receiving any more money here, applicable to
+the support of the Congress Ministers.
+
+What aids are hereafter granted, will probably be transmitted by the
+government directly to America. It will, therefore, be proper to
+inform Congress, that care may be taken to furnish their servants by
+remittances from thence.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ B. FRANKLIN.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, August 6th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In the Utrecht Gazette of this morning is an article from Petersburg,
+of the 13th of July, in these words.
+
+"Saturday last, the government despatched a courier for London. He
+carries, it is assured, instructions to M. Simolin, our Minister to
+the King of England, to make to his Britannic Majesty, conjointly with
+the Ministers of Sweden and Denmark, certain representations
+concerning the war, which he has thought fit to declare against the
+Republic of the United Provinces.
+
+"The Minister of England, at our Court, received a courier from
+London, the day before yesterday, with the answer of the British
+Ministry to the preliminary articles of a Treaty of Peace to be
+concluded between the belligerent powers of Europe under the high
+mediation of her Majesty, the Empress, our Sovereign, and of his
+Majesty, the Emperor, King of Hungary and Bohemia; but nothing has
+transpired of the contents of this answer."
+
+"It is said, that the Grand Duke and the Grand Dutchess of Russia,
+will set off from hence for the Courts of Europe, which their Imperial
+Highnesses propose to visit, about the end of August or the beginning
+of September."
+
+A man, who is master of the history of England for the last twenty
+years, would be at no loss to conjecture the answer to the preliminary
+articles of the two Imperial Courts. Indeed the King's speech has
+already answered them before all the world. The King has not probably
+given one answer to Parliament, and his Ministers another to the
+mediating Courts.
+
+Thus all Europe is to be bubbled by a species of chicanery, that has
+been the derision of America for a number of years. In time, the
+Courts of Europe will learn the nature of these British tricks by
+experience, and receive them with the contempt or the indignation they
+deserve.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, August 6th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In several of the London newspapers of July the 26th, appeared the
+following paragraph.
+
+"An order has been sent from Lord Hillsborough's office for bringing
+Curson and Gouverneur, (whom we sometime ago mentioned to have been
+confined by command of Sir George Rodney, and General Vaughan, for
+having carried on a traitorous correspondence with the enemy at St
+Eustatia,) to town, to be confined in Newgate, to take their trial for
+the crime of high treason. The whole circumstances of their case, and
+all their correspondence has been submitted to the inspection of the
+Attorney and Solicitor-General, and they consider the offence in so
+serious a light, that a direct refusal has been given to a petition
+from Mr Curson to be indulged with the privilege of giving bail for
+appearance, on account of the ill-health, which he has experienced on
+board the Vengeance, where he and his colleague have been for some
+months confined, and which is now lying at Spithead. It has been
+discovered, from an inspection of their papers, that Mr Adams, the
+celebrated negotiator to Holland, was the man, with whom they held
+their illicit correspondence, and it is said, that the appearance of
+proof against them, has turned out much stronger than was originally
+supposed."
+
+Last fall Mr Searle informed me, that Messrs Curson and Gouverneur
+were Continental Agents at Eustatia, and advised me to send my
+despatches to their care, as worthy men, a part of whose duty it was
+to forward such things to Congress. I accordingly sent several packets
+of letters, newspapers, and pamphlets to their address, accompanied
+only with a line, simply requesting their attention to forward them by
+the first safe opportunity. I never saw those gentlemen, or received a
+line from either. It must have been imprudence, or negligence, to
+suffer my letters to fall into the hands of the enemy. I have looked
+over all the letters, which I wrote about that time, and I find no
+expression in any, that could do harm to the public, if printed in the
+gazettes, yet there are some things, which the English would not
+choose to publish, I fancy. What other correspondences of Messrs
+Curson and Gouverneur might have been discovered, I know not.
+
+The British Ministry seem to be growing outrageous. The more they
+despair, the more angry they are. They think not at all of peace.
+America should think of it as little; sighing, and longing for peace,
+will not obtain it. No terms short of eternal disgrace and
+irrecoverable ruin would be accepted. We must brace up our laws and
+our military discipline, and renounce that devoted and abandoned
+nation for ever. America must put an end to a foolish and disgraceful
+correspondence and intercourse, which some have indulged, but at which
+all ought to blush, as inconsistent with the character of man.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, August 8th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+This people must have their own way. They proceed like no other. There
+cannot be a more striking example of this, than the instructions given
+to privateers and letters of marque.
+
+The commander is ordered to bring his prizes into some port of the
+United Provinces, or into the ports or roads of the allies and friends
+of this Republic, especially France, Sweden, North America, or Spain;
+and the ship shall be at liberty to join, under a written convention,
+with one or more privateers or other similar ships of war, belonging
+to Hollanders, Zealanders, French, Americans, or Spanish, to undertake
+jointly anything advantageous, &c. This is not only an acknowledgment
+of the independence of North America, but it is avowing it to be an
+ally and friend. But I suppose, in order to elude and evade, it would
+be said, that these are only the instructions given by owners to their
+commanders; yet these instructions are required to be sworn to, and
+produced to the Admiralty for their approbation.
+
+It is certain, that the King of Spain, when he declared war against
+Great Britain, sent orders to all his officers to treat the Americans,
+as the best friends of Spain, and the King's pleasure, being a law to
+his subjects, they are bound by it. But what is there to oblige a
+citizen of the United Provinces to consider the Americans as the
+friends of the Republic? There is no such law, and these instructions
+cannot bind. Yet it is very certain, that no Dutchman will venture to
+take an American.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ A msterdam, August 16th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Mr Temple has held offices of such importance, and a rank so
+considerable in America, before the revolution, that his return to his
+native country at this time, cannot fail to cause much speculation,
+and it is to be feared some diversity of sentiments concerning him. As
+he came from London to Amsterdam, and did me the honor of a visit, in
+which he opened to me his design of returning, and his sentiments upon
+many public affairs, it will be expected in America by many, although
+it has not been requested by Mr Temple, that I should say something
+concerning him.
+
+I was never before personally acquainted with this gentleman, but I
+have long known his public character and private reputation. He was
+ever reputed a man of very delicate sentiments of honor, of integrity,
+and of attachment to his native country, although his education, his
+long residences in England, his numerous connexions there, and the
+high offices he held under the British government, did not even admit
+of a general opinion, that his sentiments were in all respects
+perfectly conformable to those of the most popular party in the
+Colonies. Nevertheless, he was never suspected, to my knowledge, of
+concurring in, or countenancing any of those many plots which were
+laid by other officers of the Crown, against our liberties, but on the
+contrary, was known to be the object of their jealousy, revenge, and
+malice, because he would not. He was, however, intimate with several
+gentlemen, who stood foremost in opposition, particularly Mr Otis, who
+has often communicated to me intelligence of very great importance,
+which he had from Mr Temple, and which he certainly could have got no
+other way, as early I believe as 1763 and 1764, and onwards.
+
+I cannot undertake to vindicate Mr Temple's policy in remaining so
+long in England; but it will be easily in his power to show what kind
+of company he has kept there; what kind of sentiments and conversation
+he has maintained, and in what occupations he has employed his time.
+It is not a view to recommend Mr Temple to honors or emoluments, that
+I write this. It would not be proper for me, and Congress know very
+well, that I have not ventured upon this practice, even in cases where
+I have much more personal knowledge than in this. But it is barely to
+prevent, as far as my poor opinion may go, jealousies and alarms upon
+Mr Temple's arrival. Many may suspect that he comes with secret and
+bad designs, in the confidence of the British Ministry, of which I do
+not believe him capable.
+
+Mr Temple it is most certain, has fallen from high rank and ample
+emoluments, merely because be would not join in hostile designs
+against his country. This I think should at least entitle him to the
+quiet enjoyment of the liberties of his country, and to the esteem of
+his fellow-citizens, provided there are no just grounds of suspicion
+of him. And I really think it a testimony due to truth, to say, that
+after a great deal of the very freest conversation with him, I see no
+reason to suspect his intentions.
+
+I have taken the liberty to give Mr Temple my own sentiments
+concerning the suspicions which have been, and are entertained
+concerning him, and the causes of them, and of all parts of his
+conduct, which have come to my knowledge, with so little disguise,
+that he will be well apprised of the disappointments he may meet
+with, if any. I hope, however, that he will meet a more friendly
+reception in America, and better prospects of a happy life there, than
+I have been able to assure him. Whether any services or sufferings of
+Mr Temple could support any claim upon the justice, gratitude, or
+generosity of the United States, or of that of Massachusetts in
+particular, is a question upon which it would be altogether improper
+for me to give my opinion, as I know not the facts so well as they may
+be made known, and as I am no judge, if I knew the facts. But this I
+know, that whenever the facts shall be laid before either the great
+Council of the United States, or that of Massachusetts, they will be
+judged of by the worthy Representatives of a just, grateful, and
+generous people, and therefore Mr Temple will have no reason to
+complain if the decision should be against him.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, August 16th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The following verbal insinuation, made to the Ambassador of Holland at
+the Court of Russia, was transmitted to Congress in my absence, and is
+now repeated by me, in order to complete the setts already forwarded.
+
+"The affection of the Empress to the interests of the Republic of the
+United Provinces, and her desire to see re-established, by a prompt
+reconciliation, a peace and good harmony between the two maritime
+powers, have been sufficiently manifested by the step, which she has
+taken, in offering them her separate mediation.
+
+"If she has not had the desired success, her Imperial Majesty has only
+been for that reason the more attentive to search out the means
+capable of conducting her to it. One such means offers itself in the
+combined mediation of the two Imperial Courts, under the auspices of
+which it is to be treated at Vienna of a general pacification of the
+Courts actually at war.
+
+"It belongs only to the Republic to regulate itself in the same
+manner. Her Imperial Majesty by an effect of her friendship for it,
+imposing upon herself the task to bring her co-mediator into an
+agreement to share with her the cares and the good offices, which she
+has displayed in its favor. As soon as it shall please their High
+Mightinesses to make known their intentions in this regard to the
+Prince de Gallitzin, the Envoy of the Empress at the Hague, charged to
+make to them the same insinuation, this last will write of it
+immediately to the Minister of her Imperial Majesty at Vienna, who
+will not fail to take with that Court the arrangements, which are
+prescribed to him, to the end to proceed in this affair by the same
+formalities, which we have made use of with the other powers.
+
+"Her Imperial Majesty flatters herself, that the Republic will receive
+this overture, as a fresh proof of her benevolence, and of the
+attention, which she preserves, to cultivate the ties of that
+friendship, and of that alliance, which subsists between them."
+
+It does not appear by this insinuation, that the articles proposed by
+the two Imperial Courts, to serve as a basis for the negotiations of
+peace at Vienna, were communicated to the Dutch Minister at
+Petersburg, or the Russian Minister at the Hague, or by either to
+their High Mightinesses; as the word, Courts at war, is used, and no
+hint about the United States in it, the probability is that the
+articles are not communicated.
+
+I must confess, I like the insinuation very much, because it may be in
+time an excellent precedent for making such an insinuation to the
+Minister of the United States of America.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, August 18th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We have received at last, Parker's account of the action with Admiral
+Zoutman; according to which, the battle was maintained with a
+continual fire for three hours and forty minutes, when it became
+impossible to work his ships. He made an attempt to recommence the
+action, but found it impracticable. The Bienfaisant had lost her
+maintopmast, and the Buffalo her mizzen-yard, and the other vessels
+were not less damaged in their masts, rigging, and sails. The enemy
+did not appear in a better condition. The two squadrons remained some
+time over against each other; at length the Dutch retired, taking with
+their convoy the course to the Texel. He was not in a condition to
+follow them. The officers and all on board behaved with great bravery,
+and the enemy did not discover less courage. He encloses the
+particulars of the number killed and wounded, and of the damages which
+the vessels have sustained. The last is prudently suppressed by the
+Ministry.
+
+The following is a list of the killed and wounded in the action of the
+5th of August.
+
+ _English._
+
+ Killed. Wounded. Total.
+Fortitude, 20 67 87
+Bienfaisant, 6 21 27
+Berwick, 18 58 76
+Princess Amelia, 19 56 75
+Preston, 10 40 50
+Buffalo, 20 64 84
+Dolphin, 11 33 44
+ --- --- ---
+ 104 339 443
+
+ _Dutch._
+
+ Killed. Wounded. Total.
+Admiral de Ruyter, 43 90 133
+Admiral-General, 7 41 48
+Batavier, 18 48 66
+Argo, 11 87 98
+Holland, 64
+Admiral Ret Hein, 9 58 67
+ ---
+ 476
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, August 22d, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The late glorious victory, obtained by Admiral Zoutman over Admiral
+Parker, is wholly to be ascribed to the exertions of Amsterdam.
+Pretences and excuses would have been devised for avoiding to send out
+the fleet, and indeed for avoiding an action when at sea, if it had
+not been for the measures which have been taken to arouse the
+attention and animate the zeal of the nation. The officers and men of
+the army, and especially of the navy, appear to have been as much
+affected and influenced by the proceedings of the Regency of
+Amsterdam, as any other parts of the community. Notwithstanding the
+apparent ill success of the enterprises of the great city, it is
+certain that a flame of patriotism and of valor has been kindled by
+them, which has already produced great effects, and will probably much
+greater.
+
+It is highly probable, however, that if the Regency of Amsterdam had
+taken another course, they would have succeeded better. If instead of
+a complaint of sloth in the Executive department, and a personal
+attack upon the Duke, they had taken the lead in a system of public
+measures, they would have found more zealous supporters, fewer
+powerful opposers, and perhaps would have seen the ardor of the nation
+increase with equal rapidity. For example, as the sovereignty of the
+United States was a question legally before them, they might have made
+a proposition in the States of Holland to acknowledge it, and make a
+treaty with them. This measure would have met with general applause
+among the people, throughout the Seven Provinces, and their example
+would have been followed by the Regencies of other cities, or they
+might have proposed in the States to accede to the treaty of alliance
+between France and America. However, we ought to presume, that these
+gentlemen know their own countrymen, and their true policy, better
+than strangers, and it may be their intention to propose other things
+in course. It is certain, that they have animated the nation to a high
+degree, so that a separate peace, or any mean concessions to Great
+Britain, cannot now be made.
+
+The good party have the upperhand, and patriotic counsels begin to
+prevail.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, August 22d, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The constitution of this country is such, that it is difficult to
+discover the general sense. There have been all along circumstances in
+which it might be discerned, but these were so feeble, and so
+susceptible of contradiction and disguise, that some extraordinary
+exertions were necessary to strike out unquestionable proofs of the
+temper and opinion of the nation.
+
+Last spring, the part of this people, which was most averse to war,
+was for making propositions and concessions to England, in order to
+obtain peace. This policy was not only injudicious, but would have
+been fruitless, because the English would have made peace upon no
+other terms, than this nation's joining them against France, Spain,
+and America, which would have been its ruin. Nevertheless, if the
+party had prevailed, and sent Ambassadors to London to solicit peace,
+the Court of London would have found so many arts and pretences for
+spinning out the negotiation, and would have obstructed the commerce
+of Holland so much, as to bring on a discouragement and despair among
+the people.
+
+In these critical circumstances, something uncommon was necessary to
+arouse the nation, and bring forth the public voice. The first step of
+this kind, was the proposition of the United States of America to
+their High Mightinesses, which being taken _ad referendum_, became a
+subject of deliberation in every city of the Republic, and the
+publication of the memorial of the 19th of April, 1781, which made the
+American cause, the primary object and main spring of the war, the
+topic of conversation in every private circle, as well as in every
+public assembly.
+
+This memorial gave all parties an opportunity to know with certainty
+the public opinion; and accordingly, such a general and decided
+approbation was discovered everywhere, that the few who detested it in
+their hearts, never dared to open their mouths. Emboldened by this, M.
+Van Berckel came forward with his application to the States for a
+vindication of his character, and although he has not obtained an
+answer, yet it has been discovered that his enemies have not been
+powerful enough either to condemn or to censure him. Not long after,
+followed the manly proposition of the Regency of Amsterdam for an
+inquiry into the causes of the inactivity of the State, and, in
+course, their direct attack upon the Duke of Brunswick.
+
+The American memorial has not obtained, and probably will not obtain
+for a long time, an acknowledgment of American independence, but it
+discovered with absolute certainty the sentiments of the nation. M.
+Van Berckel's petition has not procured him a formal justification,
+but it has proved that his enemies are too weak to punish or to
+censure him. The proposition of Amsterdam has not obtained an inquiry
+into the causes of the sloth of the State, nor the appointment of a
+committee to assist the Prince; but it has occasioned a universal
+declaration of the people's sentiments, that the State has been too
+inactive, and the counsels of the Court too slow. The application of
+Amsterdam against the Duke has not procured his removal, but it has
+procured a universal avowal, that the public counsels have been
+defective, and a universal cry for an alteration, and has obliged the
+Court to adopt a different system. When the public counsels of a
+country have taken a wrong bias, the public voice, pronounced with
+energy, will sometimes correct the error, without any violent
+remedies. The voice of the people, which had been so often declared,
+by the late sea action was found to be so clear, that it has produced
+many remarkable effects. Among which, none deserve more attention than
+the following declarations of the Prince. The first was inserted by
+order in the newspapers in these words.
+
+"As pains are taken to draw the public into an opinion, that the
+vessels of the Meuse, (Rotterdam) and of Middleburg, (Zealand) which
+at first had orders to join the squadron of the Texel, (only those of
+Amsterdam) had afterwards received counter orders, as it is given out
+in some cities almost in so many words, and which is propagated, (God
+knows with what design) it is to us a particular satisfaction to be
+able to assure the public, after authentic information, and even from
+the supreme authority, that such assertions are destitute of all
+foundation, and absolutely contrary to the truth; that the orders,
+given and never revoked, but, on the contrary, repeated more than once
+to the vessels of the Meuse, to join the convoy of the Texel, could
+not be executed, because it did not please Providence to grant a wind
+and the other favorable circumstances necessary to this effect, while
+the Province of Zealand, threatened at the same time with an attack
+from an English squadron, would not willingly have seen diminished the
+number of vessels, which lay at that time in their Road. It is,
+nevertheless, much to be regretted, that circumstances have not
+permitted us to render the Dutch squadron sufficiently strong, to have
+obtained over the enemy a victory as useful as it was glorious."
+
+On the 14th of August, the Prince wrote the following letter to the
+crews of the vessels of the State.
+
+"Noble, respectable, and virtuous, our faithful and well beloved; We
+have learned with the greatest satisfaction, that the squadron of the
+State, under the command of Rear Admiral Zoutman, although weaker by a
+great deal in ships, guns, and men, than the English squadron of Vice
+Admiral Parker, has resisted so courageously on the 5th of this month
+his attack, that the English squadron, after a most obstinate combat,
+which lasted from eight o'clock in the morning to half past eleven,
+has been obliged to desist and to retire. The heroic courage, with
+which Vice Admiral Zoutman, the captains, officers, petty officers,
+and common sailors and soldiers, who have had a part in the action,
+and who, under the blessing of God Almighty, have so well discharged
+their duty in this naval combat, merits the praises of all, and our
+particular approbation; it is for this cause, we have thought fit by
+the present, to write to you, to thank publicly in our name, the said
+Vice Admiral, captains, officers, petty officers, and common sailors
+and soldiers, by reading this letter on board of each ship, which took
+part in the action, and whose captains and crews have fought with so
+much courage and valor, and to transmit by the Secretary of the fleet
+of the State an authentic copy, as well to the said Rear Admiral
+Zoutman, as to the commanders of the ships under his orders, of the
+conduct of whom the said Rear Admiral had reason to be satisfied;
+testifying, moreover, that we doubt not, that they and all the other
+officers of the State, and soldiers, in those occasions, which may
+present, will give proofs that the State is not destitute of defenders
+of our dear country and of her liberty, and that the ancient heroic
+valor of the Batavians still exists, and will not be extinguished.
+Whereupon, noble, respectable, virtuous, our faithful and well
+beloved, we recommend you to the divine protection."
+
+"Your affectionate friend,
+
+ WILLIAM, _Prince of Orange_.
+
+Thus, although the enemies of England in this Republic do not appear
+to have carried any particular point against the opposite party, yet
+it appears that they have forced into execution their system by means
+of the national voice, and against all the measures of the Anglomanes.
+The national spirit is now very high; so high that it will be
+dangerous to resist it. In time, all things must give way to it. This
+will make a fine diversion, at least for America and her allies. I
+hope in time we may derive other advantages from it. But we must wait
+with patience here, as we are still obliged to do in Spain, and as we
+were obliged to do in France, where we waited years before we
+succeeded.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO B. FRANKLIN.
+
+ Amsterdam, August 25th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Last evening I received your Excellency's letter of the 16th of this
+month, accompanied with a letter from the President of Congress,
+containing the commissions you mention.
+
+You desire to know what steps have already been taken in this
+business. There has been no step taken by me in pursuance of my former
+commission, until my late journey to Paris, at the invitation of the
+Count de Vergennes, who communicated to me certain articles proposed
+by the mediating Courts, and desired me to make such observations upon
+them as should occur to me. Accordingly, I wrote a number of letters
+to his Excellency of the following dates; July 13th, enclosing an
+answer to the articles sixteen, eighteen, nineteen, twentyone. I would
+readily send you copies of the articles, and of those letters, but
+there are matters in them, which had better not be trusted to go so
+long a journey, especially as there is no necessity for it. The Count
+de Vergennes will readily give you copies of the articles and of my
+letters, which will prevent all risk.
+
+I am very apprehensive that our new commission will be as useless as
+my old one. Congress might very safely, I believe, permit us all to go
+home, if we had no other business, and stay there some years; at
+least, until every British soldier in the United States is killed or
+captivated. Till then, Britain will never think of peace, but for the
+purposes of chicanery.
+
+I see in the papers, that the British Ambassador at Petersburg has
+received an answer from his Court to the articles. What this answer
+is, we may conjecture from the King's speech. Yet the Empress of
+Russia has made an insinuation to their High Mightinesses, which
+deserves attention. Perhaps you may have seen it; but, lest you should
+not, I will add a translation of it, which I sent to Congress in the
+time of it, not having the original at hand.[2]
+
+I must beg the favor of your Excellency to communicate to me whatever
+you may learn, which has any connexion with this negotiation;
+particularly the French, Spanish, and British answers to the articles,
+as soon as you can obtain them. In my situation, it is not likely that
+I shall obtain any information of consequence, but from the French
+Court. Whatever may come to my knowledge, I will communicate to you
+without delay.
+
+If Britain persists in her two preliminaries, as I presume she does,
+what will be the consequence? Will the two Imperial Courts permit this
+great plan of a Congress at Vienna, which is public and made the
+common talk of Europe, to become another sublime bubble, like the
+armed neutrality? In what a light will these mediating Courts appear,
+after having listened to a proposition of England, so far as to make
+propositions themselves, and to refer to them in many public acts, if
+Britain refuses to agree to them? and insists upon such preliminaries
+as are at least an insult to France and America, and a kind of
+contempt to the common sense of all Europe? I am weary of such
+round-about and needless negotiations, as that of the armed
+neutrality, and this of the Congress at Vienna. I think the Dutch have
+at last discovered the only effectual method of negotiation, that is,
+by fighting the British fleets until every ship is obliged to answer
+the signal for renewing the battle by the signal of distress. There is
+no room for British chicanery in this. If I ever did any good, it was
+in stirring up the pure minds of the Dutchmen, and setting the old
+Batavian spirit in motion, after having slept so long.
+
+Our dear country will go fast asleep, in full assurance of having news
+of peace by winter, if not by the first vessel. Alas! what a
+disappointment they will meet. I believe I had better go home, and
+wake up our countrymen out of their reveries about peace. Congress
+have done very well to join others in the commission for peace, who
+have some faculties for it. My talent, if I have one, lies in making
+war. The Grand Seignior will finish the _proces des trois rois_,
+sooner than the Congress of Vienna will make peace, unless the two
+Imperial Courts act with dignity and consistency upon the occasion,
+and acknowledge American independency at once, upon Britain's
+insisting on her two insolent preliminaries.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[2] See pp. 147 and 148.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ JAMES LOVELL TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, September 1st, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Enclosed you have some important instructions, passed in Congress upon
+the 16th of last month.[3] They will probably reach you first through
+our Minister at Versailles, an opportunity to France having earliest
+presented itself. Should that not be the case, you will be careful to
+furnish copies to Dr Franklin and Mr Jay.
+
+I remain, &c.
+
+ JAMES LOVELL,
+ _For the Committee of Foreign Affairs._
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[3] See the _Secret Journals of Congress_, Vol. II. p. 470, 472.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO B. FRANKLIN.
+
+ Amsterdam, October 4th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Since the 25th of August, when I had the honor to write to you, this
+is the first time I have taken a pen in hand to write to anybody,
+having been confined and reduced too low, to do any kind of business,
+by a nervous fever.
+
+The new commission for peace has been a great consolation to me,
+because it removed from the public all danger of suffering any
+inconvenience, at a time, when, for many days together, there were
+many chances to one, that I should have nothing more to do with
+commissions of any sort. It is still a great satisfaction, because I
+think it a measure essentially right, both as it is a greater
+demonstration of respect to the powers, whose Ministers may assemble
+to make peace, and as it is better calculated to give satisfaction to
+the people of America in all parts, as the Commissioners are chosen
+from the most considerable places in that country.
+
+It is probable, that the French Court is already informed of the
+alteration. Nevertheless, I should think it proper, that it should be
+officially notified to the Count de Vergennes, and, if you are of the
+same opinion, as you are near, I should be obliged to you if you would
+communicate to his Excellency an authentic copy of the new commission.
+
+I should think, too, that it would be proper to give some intimation
+of it to the public, in the Gazette, or _Mercure de France_, the two
+papers, which are published with the consent of the Court, and, if you
+are of the same opinion, upon consulting the Count de Vergennes, I
+should be glad to see it done.
+
+Have you any information concerning Mr Jefferson, whether he has
+accepted the trust? Whether he has embarked? Or proposes soon to
+embark? I saw a paragraph in a Maryland paper, which expressed an
+apprehension, that he was taken prisoner, by a party of horse, in
+Virginia.
+
+I feel a strong curiosity to know the answer of the British Court, to
+the articles to serve as a basis, &c. and should be much obliged to
+your Excellency for a copy of it, if to be procured, and for your
+opinion, whether there will be a Congress or not.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, October 15th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I am very sorry to learn, that Congress have received no letters from
+me from October to June. It is not that I wrote less than usual in
+that period, but that I was more unfortunate. Two vessels, which
+sailed from hence for Boston, each of which had despatches from me for
+Congress, destroyed them, one upon being taken, and the other upon
+being chased. But the most of my despatches were lost at St Eustatia,
+I fear.
+
+While that island was in the possession of the Dutch, I sent a great
+number of letters, packets of papers, &c. by several vessels, to the
+care of Curson and Gouverneur, to be forwarded to Congress. It is very
+certain, the enemy have got possession of some, one very short and
+insignificant one they have published, and the London papers give
+intimations of more; but I fancy they will not choose to publish them.
+
+I hope Commodore Gillon has arrived before this day, who had letters
+from me, and all the public papers for some time. I sent despatches
+also by several other vessels, which have sailed from hence. It is
+extremely difficult for me to send letters by the way of Nantes,
+L'Orient, &c. or by the way of Spain. There is so much bad faith in
+the public posts, that it would not be possible for me to write
+without having my letters opened, perhaps copied, and there is
+scarcely ever an opportunity by a private hand to any sea-port in
+France.
+
+But I have a further apology to make to Congress for the few letters I
+have lately written. On the 2d of July I left Amsterdam at the
+invitation of the Count de Vergennes for Paris, for a conference upon
+the subject of peace, at the mediation of the two Imperial Courts, and
+the Congress at Vienna. After despatching all that was necessary
+relative to these sublime bubbles, I returned to Amsterdam. Not long
+after I got home, I found myself attacked by a fever, of which at
+first I made light, but which increased very gradually and slowly,
+until it was found to be a nervous fever of a very malignant kind, and
+so violent as to deprive me of almost all sensibility for four or five
+days, and all those who cared anything about me, of the hopes of my
+life.
+
+By the help, however, of great skill, and all powerful bark, I am
+still alive; but this the first time I have felt the courage to
+attempt to write to Congress. Absence and sickness are my apologies to
+Congress for the few letters they will receive from me since June.
+Whether it was the uncommon heat of the summer, or whether it was the
+mass of pestilential exhalations from the stagnant waters of this
+country, that brought this disorder upon me, I know not; but I have
+every reason to apprehend, that I shall not be able to re-establish my
+health in this country. A constitution ever infirm, and almost half a
+hundred years old, cannot expect to fare very well amidst such cold
+damps and putrid steams as arise from the immense quantities of dead
+water, that surround it.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, October 15th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I wish it were possible to communicate to Congress the present state
+of every affair, which they have been pleased to confide in any
+measure to me. I have received the new commission for peace, and the
+revocation of my commission and instructions of the 29th of September,
+1779.[4] To both of these measures of Congress, as to the commands of
+my sovereign, I shall pay the most exact attention. The present
+commission for peace, is a demonstration of greater respect to the
+powers of Europe, and must be more satisfactory to the people of
+America, than any former one; besides that it guards against
+accidents, which in my late sickness I had reason to think may well
+happen. I am, however, apprehensive that this commission will lie a
+long time neglected, and as useless as the former one.
+
+I am myself seriously of opinion, that the English will not treat with
+the United States for many years. They will see all their dominions in
+the East and West Indies conquered by the French and Spaniards; they
+will see their government reduced to the limits of their own island
+before they will do it. The present Ministers must die off, and the
+King too, before there will be any treaty between Britain and America.
+The nation will stand by the King and Ministry through every loss,
+while they persevere; whereas both would sink into total contempt and
+ridicule, if they were to make peace. While they persevere, they are
+masters of the purses and commerce too of the whole nation. Make peace
+and they lose a great part of this influence. National pride, when it
+has become a habitual passion by long indulgence, is the most
+obstinate thing in the world; and this war has been made so
+completely, though so artfully the national act, as well as that of
+King and Ministers, that the pride of the nation was never committed
+more entirely to the support of anything. It is not to be supposed
+that the present Ministry will treat with America, and if there should
+be a change, and the leaders of opposition should come in, they will
+not treat with America in any character, that she can with honor or
+safety assume. They might propose a peace separate from France, or
+they might withdraw their troops from the United States, but they
+would not make a general peace. The Congress at Vienna will prove but
+a magnificent chimera, as the British Ministry ever intended it should
+be.
+
+It has already answered their insidious ends, and now they are giving
+it a dismission, by insisting upon their two preliminaries; so that
+upon the whole, according to the best judgment I can form, it will not
+be worth while for Congress to be at the expense of continuing me in
+Europe, with a view to my assisting at any conferences for peace,
+especially as Dr Franklin has given me intimations, that I cannot
+depend upon him for my subsistence in future.
+
+My commission for borrowing money has hitherto been equally useless.
+It would fill a small volume to give a history of my negotiations with
+people of various stations and characters, in order to obtain a loan,
+and it would astonish Congress to see the unanimity with which all
+have refused to engage in the business, most of them declaring they
+were afraid to undertake it. I am told that no new loan was ever
+undertaken here, without meeting at first with all sorts of
+contradiction and opposition for a long time; but my loan is
+considered not only as a new one, but as entering deep into the
+essence of all the present political systems of the world, and no man
+dares engage in it, until it is clearly determined what characters are
+to bear rule, and what system is to prevail in this country.
+
+There is no authority in Europe more absolute, not even that of the
+two empires, not that of the simple monarchies, than that of the
+States-General is in their dominions, and nobody but M. de Neufville
+dares advance faster in a political manoeuvre than the States. M. de
+Neufville has done his utmost, and has been able to do nothing; three
+thousand guilders, less than three hundred pounds, is all that he has
+obtained. Notwithstanding this, there is a universal wish that the
+world may be made to believe that my loan is full. It is upon 'Change,
+by a unanimous dissimulation, pretended to be full, and there are
+persons, (who they are I know not,) who write to London, and fill the
+English papers with paragraphs that my loan is full. M. de Neufville
+has advertised in the customary form, for all persons possessed of
+American _coupons_, to come and receive the money at the end of the
+first six months. These persons cannot be more than three in number.
+
+My letters of credence to their High Mightinesses have been taken _ad
+referendum_ by the several Provinces, and are now under consideration
+of the several branches of the sovereignty of this country; but no one
+city or body of nobles has as yet determined upon them. None have
+declared themselves in favor of my admission to an audience, and none
+have decided against it; and it is much to be questioned whether any
+one will determine soon.
+
+I have often written to Congress, that I never could pretend to
+foretell what the States-General would do. I never found anybody here
+who guessed right; and upon reading over all the negotiations of
+Jeannin, Torcy, d'Avaux, and d'Estrades, in this country, I found
+every one of those Ministers were, at the several periods of their
+residence here, in the same uncertainty. It appears to have been for
+this century and a half, at least, the national character, to manage
+all the world as long as they could, to keep things undetermined as
+long as they could, and finally to decide suddenly upon some fresh
+motive of fear. It is very clear to me, that I shall never borrow
+money until I have had an audience; and if the States pursue their old
+maxims of policy, it may be many years before this is agreed to. I am
+much inclined to believe that nothing decisive will be done for two or
+three years, perhaps longer; yet it may be in a month. Parties are now
+very high, and their passions against each other warm; and to all
+appearance, the good party is vastly the most numerous; but we must
+remember, that the supreme Executive is supposed to be determined on
+the other side, so that there is real danger of popular commotions and
+tragical scenes.
+
+The question really is, whether the Republic shall make peace with
+England, by furnishing her ships and troops according to old treaties,
+and joining her against all her enemies, France, Spain, America, and
+as many more as may become enemies in the course of the war? The
+English party dare not speak out and say this openly; but if they have
+common sense they must know that England will make peace with them
+upon no other terms. They pretend that upon some little concessions,
+some trifling condescendencies, England would make peace with Holland
+separately. Some pretend that a separate peace might be had upon the
+single condition of agreeing not to trade with America; others upon
+the condition of considering naval stores as contraband goods; but the
+commercial cities are almost unanimously against both of these
+articles. The English party are sensible of this, yet they entertain
+hopes by keeping the Republic in a defenceless state, that commerce
+will be so far ruined, and the common people in the great trading
+cities reduced to such want and misery, as to become furious, demand
+peace at any rate, and fall upon the houses and persons of those who
+will not promote it.
+
+The English party, I think, will never carry their point so far as to
+induce the nation to join the English. There are three considerations,
+which convince me of this beyond a doubt. First, corrupted and
+abandoned as a great part of this nation, as well as every other in
+Europe is, there is still a public national sense and conscience, and
+the general, the almost universal sense of this nation is, that the
+English are wrong and the Americans right in this war. The conduct of
+the Americans is so like that of their venerable and heroic ancestors,
+it is evidently founded in such principles as are uniformly applauded
+in their history, and as every man has been educated in a habitual
+veneration for, that it is impossible for them to take a part in the
+war against America. This was universally conspicuous upon the
+publication of my memorial to the States. Secondly; the commercial
+part of these Provinces, I think, will never give up the American
+trade. Thirdly; England is so exhausted and so weak, and France,
+Spain, and America so strong, that joining the former against the
+three latter, would be the total ruin of the Republic. Nevertheless,
+the court party will find means of delay, and will embarrass the
+operations of war in so many ways, that it will be long before any
+decisive measures will be taken in favor of America.
+
+Whether, under all these circumstances, Congress will think proper to
+continue me in Europe, whether it will be in their power to furnish me
+with the means of subsistence, as Dr Franklin in his letter to me
+thinks I cannot depend upon him, and I have no hopes at all of
+obtaining any here, I know not, and must submit to their wisdom. But
+after all, the state of my health, which I have little reason to hope
+will be restored without a voyage home, and more relaxation from care
+and business than I can have in Europe, makes it very uncertain
+whether I shall be able to remain here. In short, my prospects both
+for the public and for myself are so dull, and the life I am likely to
+lead in Europe so gloomy and melancholy, and of so little use to the
+public, that I cannot but wish it may suit with the views of Congress
+to recall me.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[4] The new commission for negotiating peace was given to John Adams,
+Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Jefferson. See
+the Commission and Instructions in the _Secret Journals of Congress_.
+Vol. II. pp. 445, 447.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, October 17th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+There is at present a fermentation in this nation, which may arise to
+violent extremities. Hundreds of pamphlets have appeared, all of which
+must be adjudged to be seditious libels; some against the Court, and
+some against the city and sovereign magistrates of Amsterdam. At
+length, a large pamphlet has appeared in Dutch, and been distributed
+through the streets of the Hague, Leyden, Rotterdam, and other cities,
+which has occasioned a great alarm to the government, and a great
+agitation of spirits among the people. All parties speak of it as a
+composition, in the strongest terms of admiration. The substance of it
+will appear from the following placard against it.
+
+"We, the Deputies of the States of Utrecht, make known, that as it is
+come to our knowledge, that, notwithstanding the strong and serious
+advertisements and publications against the composition, sale, and
+distribution of lampoons, scandalous pamphlets, or libels, and
+defamatory writings of whatever sort, or in whatever form they may be,
+to the prejudice of the high sovereignty of these Provinces, and of
+those who are placed in any administration or direction of public
+affairs already, heretofore, and lately promulgated, both by the
+Lords, the States of this Province, and by others, and the rigorous
+penalty therein decreed against transgressors; nevertheless, the
+spirit of discord, of wickedness, of calumny, and of sedition has
+burst forth, and spread itself in this State so far, that it has not
+been possible, hitherto to restrain it by such advertisements, but, on
+the contrary, it has arrived at such a height, that there has been
+printed and dispersed within a few days a most pernicious libel, under
+the title of Aan het Volkvan Nederland, (to the people of the Low
+Countries) containing a great number of wicked and slanderous
+imputations against the Most Serene Person of his Most Serene
+Highness, our Lord, the Prince of Orange and Nassau, Hereditary
+Stadtholder, Captain and Admiral-General of these Provinces, against
+his Most Serene father and mother of glorious memory, as also our
+Lords, the Princes of Orange, William the First, Maurice, Frederick,
+Henry, William the Second, and William the Third, illustrious
+predecessors of his Most Serene Highness, and interspersing efforts
+the most seditious, tending to overturn not only the present form of
+the Regency, but even to introduce, instead of the Regency in the
+State, which also is therein painted, in the most hateful manner, a
+democracy, or Regency of the people, and thus to cause the Republic to
+fall into an entire anarchy, which would increase and multiply still
+more extremely, the dangers to which the dear country is exposed at
+present by a foreign war, joined to an intestine division; and taking
+into consideration that such most detestable wickedness, if not
+restrained, can have no other consequences, than the total ruin and
+destruction of the dear country, if God by his grace does not prevent
+it, and that it is incumbent on us to employ all the means possible to
+hinder it, and to punish offences according to their demerit; for
+these causes, we renew that which has been heretofore and lately
+ordained in this respect by the publication of their Noble
+Mightinesses, of the 4th of July of the present year, 1781, and not
+only the punishments by fine, but also of discretionary correction,
+according to the exigence of the case against the transgressors there
+mentioned, to discover the author or the authors, and the distributor
+or the distributors of such a dangerous libel as that before
+mentioned, and to the end that they be punished, as examples to
+others, according to the magnitude of such a crime, tending to the
+ruin of the country; we have thought fit to promise, as we do by these
+presents, a premium of a hundred ryders (fourteen hundred guilders) in
+favor of those who may discover or make known, the author or authors,
+distributor or distributors, in such manner that they may be
+juridically convicted and punished, concealing the name of the
+informer if he requires it. And we ordain, moreover, to all the
+officers and judges in the city, cities, and countries of this
+Province, to make all possible search, and to endeavor, without any
+negligence, dissimulation, or connivance, to discover and arrest the
+aforesaid malefactor, or malefactors, and to proceed and to cause to
+be proceeded, as is convenient, against them, as seditious persons,
+and disturbers of the public repose, guilty of overturning the
+foundations of the government of these Provinces, and of the
+sovereignty of the Lords, the States of the Provinces respectively,
+and as the enemies the most dangerous of the country; and to the end,
+that no man may pretend ignorance, these presents shall be published
+and posted up in convenient places.
+
+"Done at Utrecht, the 3d of October, 1781.
+
+ I. TACTS VAN AMERONGEN.
+
+"By order of the said Lords Deputies,
+
+ C.A. VOS."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, October 18th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Committees of the Fisheries of Vlaardingen and Maaslleys have
+presented to their High Mightinesses a petition to give them to
+understand, "that they learned with the most lively sensibility that
+the gentlemen, the committees of the respective colleges of Admiralty
+had proposed to their High Mightinesses to permit the free navigation
+of the ports of the Republic, with or without convoy, excepting,
+nevertheless, until further order, the vessels destined to the greater
+and lesser fisheries. The petitioners represent the inevitable losses,
+with which they are more and more threatened, in case that all the
+fishery, without exception, remain longer suspended; that they might
+very well find a remedy in a certain manner by excepting from this
+prohibition the ships employed in taking fish for salting, and in the
+fishery of fresh cod. They solicit, that it may please their High
+Mightinesses to revoke in this regard the placard of the 26th of
+January, 1781, or at least to make in it such alteration as their High
+Mightinesses may find convenient."
+
+This petition, accepted by the Province of Holland, has been rendered
+commissorial, and sent to the colleges of the Admiralty respectively.
+
+
+ ANOTHER PETITION,
+
+_From divers Merchants, Bookkeepers, and Owners of Ships of Amsterdam,
+containing in substance_,
+
+"That the petitioners having caused their vessels and cargoes, for the
+most part loaded beforehand, to sail under the escort of the convoy,
+there has resulted from it on the 5th of August, the famous
+rencounter between this convoy, commanded by the Vice Admiral Zoutman,
+and the British Vice Admiral Parker; a rencounter, which in truth had
+covered the naval forces of the Republic with immortal glory, but at
+the same time given to commerce a terrible blow, the merchant vessels
+having seen themselves obliged to return into the ports of the State.
+That the petitioners seeing themselves disappointed of their just and
+equitable expectation, of being able to obtain an escort sufficient
+and seasonably ready, found themselves forced to submit to necessity,
+and consequently to call back their ships, which without running the
+greatest danger, could not remain longer in their then station; that
+the petitioners could not refrain from representing to their High
+Mightinesses in the most pressing manner, the enormous prejudice which
+resulted from it to the petitioners and the freighters of vessels,
+who, after having for so many months held their vessels and crews
+ready, must now pay the expense of equipping them, the wages, the
+monthly pay and subsistence of their crews, as well as all the other
+charges that result from them.
+
+"But as all these disbursements are lost, the petitioners for the
+causes alleged, and others particularised in the petition, pray that
+it may please their High Mightinesses to assign to the petitioners,
+and especially to the proprietors and freighters of vessels, a
+convenient indemnification and sufficient for the cost, damages, and
+interest borne and suffered, because the said convoy has not set sail;
+from whence it has resulted, that they have detained the vessels
+belonging to the petitioners, who, at the first requisition, are ready
+to produce the particulars to their High Mightinesses, that it may
+also please their High Mightinesses to give the necessary orders, to
+the end that the convoy destined for this purpose may be ready early
+enough to be able to set sail next spring, even by the month of March,
+to the end that by accelerating their departure, the loss of time
+suffered in the current year may be, at least in some degree,
+compensated, and that there may be an opportunity that the ships which
+are now in Norway and at Elsinore; supposing they should be obliged to
+pass the winter there, may then profit of this convoy for their
+return. Finally, that they would please to give, concerning all these
+objects, precise orders, and such as their High Mightinesses may judge
+the most proper to fulfil the wishes of the petitioners, and for the
+greatest utility of commerce."
+
+This petition has been rendered commissorial for the respective
+Admiralties.
+
+
+ ANOTHER PETITION.
+
+"The undersigned, merchants trading to the Levant, living at Amsterdam
+and Rotterdam, give respectfully to understand, that the petitioners
+acknowledge with the most lively gratitude the paternal care which
+your High Mightinesses have always manifested for the prosperity of
+the commerce of the Levant, and particularly the advantages procured
+to the Belgic navigation by the resolutions of your High Mightinesses
+of the 21st of May, 1770, and of the first of April, 1776; the first
+of which authorises the directors of the commerce of the Levant, and
+of the navigation of the Mediterranean, besides the accustomed
+imposition of six per cent of freight, to require of all foreign
+vessels coming from the Levant, five per cent of the value of the
+effects; and the second of which tends to raise considerably the
+tariff, after which they always tax the abovementioned effects; which
+has also fully answered to the salutary end of your High Mightinesses,
+to wit, to inspire a general aversion in foreign ships to suffer
+themselves to be employed in the transportation of productions from
+the Levant into the ports of these countries. But, the situation of
+the navigation of this country by the unfortunate and cruel war, which
+the King of England unjustly makes upon our dear country, is in fact
+entirely changed, and almost entirely interrupted and ruined, in such
+sort, that by the present impossibility to make use of those ships
+which have not been taken, business in general, and that of the Levant
+in particular, is in the deplorable condition, even for the account of
+neutral foreigners, (for that upon our own account is entirely
+stopped) either to be wholly abandoned, or to be carried on by the
+means of foreign vessels.
+
+"The petitioners think it unnecessary to enumerate, particularly the
+disadvantages of the first points alleged, that is to say, the
+abandoning of this commerce, because in all times the considerable
+importance of the Levant trade has been universally acknowledged, and
+your High Mightinesses yourselves have always shown that you have been
+intimately persuaded of it. It is then manifest, that in the present
+situation of affairs there remains only the second means, which is to
+employ foreign ships; nevertheless, as the small quantity of these
+vessels joined to the inclination on all sides to employ them, has
+already occasioned an enormous rise of their freights, and since
+moreover they cannot be ensured, but by paying a premium three times
+larger than in past times, we encounter here obstacles the most
+discouraging and invincible, considering, that besides all this, the
+extraordinary imposition beforementioned of five per cent of the
+value of the merchandises calculated after the augmented tariff
+renders almost impracticable this manner of negotiating, and deprives
+it of all advantage; which in this critical situation of affairs, must
+ruin absolutely the commerce of the Levant; for since at this time it
+cannot be carried on, but for the account of neutral foreigners, it is
+incontestible that their enterprises being in all cases so much
+confined, they will find themselves in the indispensable necessity to
+suspend this commerce with us, and to transmit it to other places;
+besides this, there will be found many foreigners, who for these
+causes will excuse themselves from remitting to the petitioners what
+they justly owe because at present, by the enormous rise of bills of
+exchange this cannot be effected but by sending merchandises, which
+still augments and extends, in an aggravating manner, the risk of the
+petitioners.
+
+"But finally to ward off this misfortune in season, if possible, the
+petitioners take the liberty respectfully to address themselves to
+your High Mightinesses, praying that you would please, during the
+course of this war, consequently as long as the Belgic vessels cannot
+be employed, to exempt the effects, loaded upon foreign ships and
+coming from the Levant to the ports of this country, from the said
+extraordinary imposition of five per cent of their value, and that you
+would also give the same advantages to the merchandises loaded on
+board the Pisano, a Venetian vessel, commanded by Captain Antonio
+Ragusin, from Smyrna, and lately arrived at the Texel; to the end that
+this branch of Commerce, so important, may not perish entirely, and
+that it may be preserved for the general well-being of the dear
+country.
+
+"Divers freighters and part owners of vessels, fitted out for the
+Colony of Surinam, by the proprietors of plantations, merchants, and
+others interested in this commerce, as well as that of Curacao, have
+addressed a petition to their High Mightinesses, and laid open the
+"deplorable condition of the two Colonies; that in consequence of the
+Resolution of the 14th of last June, in virtue of the petition, which
+they then presented, they equipped their vessels with despatch, and
+that in two months they had put in order a fleet of seventeen vessels,
+armed with four hundred guns, and manned with twelve hundred men,
+expecting a suitable convoy; but that several circumstances having
+without doubt hindered it from being ready, they pray first, their
+High Mightinesses, that they would prepare as soon as possible a
+convenient convoy, to go out with their ships, at a certain day, and
+conduct them to the West Indies; secondly, that their High
+Mightinesses, in case of delay, would be so good as to grant them an
+indemnification; thirdly, that their High Mightinesses, upon the
+exhibition of a certificate, as it was stipulated by their resolution
+of the 31st of July last, would be so good as to cause to be given to
+those who shall have made the armaments required, the bounties which
+they shall judge convenient, the petitioners being ready to give
+convenient sureties, and even to engage their vessels, in case they
+are not ready to sail at the time appointed."
+
+At the requisition of his Highness, the request has been rendered
+commissorial in the respective Admiralties.
+
+The representative and the directors of the East India Company have
+notified to their High Mightinesses, "that their finances are
+diminished, and that they are in the indispensable necessity of
+demanding of their High Mightinesses a succor of at least 550,000
+florins; adding, that if some favorable change does not take place,
+they will soon be obliged to have again recourse to their High
+Mightinesses."
+
+This petition has been rendered commissorial.
+
+These papers will sufficiently show Congress how much the trade of
+this country is affected by the war, and what discontents must arise
+from it. Yet the British Ministry are amusing the government with
+their delusive ideas of mediation, armistices, Congresses, peace, and
+anything to lay them asleep.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, October 23d, 1781.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+The enclosed resolution will inform you that Congress have thought it
+advisable to new model their department of foreign affairs, by the
+appointment of a Secretary, through whose hands the communications
+with their Ministers abroad are to pass. Though they did me the honor
+to elect me so long since as August last, I but lately determined to
+accept, and did not enter upon business till two days ago, so that you
+must not expect those minute communications, which I shall think it my
+duty to make to you when I have had leisure to arrange my department,
+and to acquaint myself more fully with the sentiments of Congress,
+which must upon the whole be my direction.
+
+I can only say in general, that we consider your situation as
+extremely delicate, the state you are in, divided by powerful parties,
+and the bias that every man has to his own country, naturally gives
+him a predilection for that which most favors its interests. But this,
+though the child of virtue, is often the greatest obstacle to
+successful negotiations; it creates distrust and jealousies; it
+excites prejudices, which unfit us for conciliating the affections of
+those whose assistance we require, and induce too fond a reliance upon
+the information of those who wish to serve us. Aristocratic
+governments are, of all others, the most jealous of popular
+commotions; the rich and the powerful are equally engaged to resist
+them, and nothing will, in my opinion, so soon contribute to a peace
+between England and the United Provinces as the commotions which now
+clog the government of the latter.
+
+You must, Sir, be infinitely better acquainted with the interior of
+the State you are in than I can pretend to be, and I rely much on your
+information for light, which I cannot attain here. If I venture to
+give you my sentiments, it is with the hope that you will correct my
+errors when I have discovered them by my freedom.
+
+The United Provinces appear to me one of those governments whose very
+constitution disposes them to peace; the ambition of making conquests,
+either is or ought to be unknown to them. A war for the extension of
+commerce is a solecism in politics, since the shocks that the
+established trade sustains, infinitely overbalance any new accession
+that may be made by it. War, then, while the true interest of the
+United Provinces is considered, will be the child of necessity. That
+necessity happily exists at present, and will exist till Great Britain
+ceases to be the tyrant of the ocean. We are greatly interested in its
+continuance; but let us always bear in mind that the moment Great
+Britain makes the sacrifices, which prudence and justice require, the
+United Provinces will be drawn by the interest of commerce and the
+love of peace to close with them. Their acknowledgment of our
+independence would be an important and a leading object. Success here,
+and the injustice and cruelty of the British may affect it, but do not
+let us appear to be dissatisfied if it is delayed. They have a right
+to judge for themselves; from the very nature of their government,
+they must be slow in determining. Every appearance of dissatisfaction
+on our part, gives room to the British to believe the United Provinces
+disinclined to us, and paves the way to negotiations, which may end in
+a peace, which we are so much interested in preventing.
+
+Your first object, then, if I may venture my opinion, is to be well
+with the government; your second, to appear to be so, and to take no
+measures, which may bring upon you a public affront. You will
+naturally treat the friends we have with the politeness and attention
+that they justly merit, and even with that cordiality which your heart
+must feel for those who wish your country well, but your prudence will
+suggest to you to avoid giving offence to government, by the
+appearance of intrigue. I know nothing of the refinements of politics,
+nor do I wish to see them enter into our negotiations. Dignity of
+conduct, the resources of our country, and the value of our commerce,
+must render us respectable abroad. You will not fail to lay the
+foundation of your alliances in these, by displaying them in the
+strongest point of view. The spirit of injustice and cruelty, which
+characterise the English, must also afford you advantages, of which I
+dare say you avail yourself.
+
+I make no apology for the length or freedom of this; it is of the last
+importance to you (and I am satisfied you will think it so,) to be
+intimately acquainted with the sentiments entertained on this side of
+the water. In return, Sir, you will let me know, minutely, everything
+that can in any way be of use to us, particularly if either of the
+belligerent powers takes measures that may tend to establish a partial
+or general peace. At your leisure, acquaint me with the interior of
+the government you are in, and everything else interesting, which you
+may learn relative to others. Remember that Ministers are yet to be
+formed in this country, and let them want no light, which your
+situation enables you to afford them.
+
+I would submit it to you, whether it would not be most advisable to
+spend as much time as possible at the Hague, and to form connexions
+with the Ministers of the powers not interested in our affairs. They
+are frequently best informed, because least suspected, and while your
+public character is unacknowledged, and you can visit without the clog
+of ceremony, I should conceive it no difficult task to engage the
+friendship of some among them.
+
+But it is time to let you breathe; this I shall do without closing my
+letter, reserving the remainder of it for the communication of the
+most agreeable intelligence you ever received from America. The
+enclosed prints will announce one important victory to you, and we are
+in hourly expectation of the particulars of another, which will enable
+you to open your negotiations this winter with the utmost advantage.
+
+_October 24th._ I congratulate you, Sir, upon the pleasing
+intelligence which, agreeable to my hopes, I am enabled to convey to
+you; enclosed you have a letter from General Washington to Congress;
+the terms granted to Lord Cornwallis, his fleet and army, and the
+letters that passed previous to the surrender of both. I make no
+comments upon this event, but rely upon your judgment to improve it
+to the utmost; perhaps, this is the moment in which a loan may be
+opened with most advantage. The want of money is our weak side, and
+even in the high day of success we feel its pressure.
+
+As you may not perhaps be fully acquainted with the steps that led to
+this important victory, I enclose also an extract of my last letter to
+Dr Franklin. The British fleet consisting of twentysix sail of the
+line, including three fifties as such, with five thousand land forces,
+and General Clinton himself on board, sailed the 19th for the relief
+of Cornwallis. Count de Grasse is also out with thirtyfour sail of the
+line. I shall keep this open as long as possible, from the hopes of
+communicating an interesting account of their meeting.
+
+_November 1st._ I am under the necessity of closing this without being
+able to give you any other account of the fleets, than that the
+British have not yet returned to New York; nor are we certain that the
+Count de Grasse has yet left the Chesapeake. If anything in the nature
+of a Court calendar is published at the Hague, you will be pleased to
+send me one or two impressions of it, as it may be of use to us.
+
+I am, Sir, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, October 25th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I see in the London Courant, which arrived today, an advertisement of
+a translation into English of the address to the people of the
+Netherlands; so that this work is likely to be translated into all
+languages, and read by all the world, notwithstanding the placards
+against it. I have before sent that of Utrecht; that of Holland is as
+follows.
+
+"The States of Holland and of West Friesland, to all those who shall
+see these presents, or hear them read, Greeting. As it is come to our
+knowledge, that notwithstanding the placards and ordinances, from one
+time to another, issued against the impression and dissemination of
+seditious and slanderous writings, there has been lately dispersed in
+various places of this Province, a certain very seditious and
+slanderous libel, entitled _Aan het Volk van Nederland_, (To the
+People of the Low Countries) in which the supreme government of this
+country, his Most Serene Highness, our Lord the Prince Hereditary
+Stadtholder, as well as his illustrious predecessors, to whom under
+God, we are indebted for the foundation and maintenance of our
+Republic, as well as of its liberty, are calumniated in the most
+scandalous and enormous manner, and in which the good people are
+invited to an insurrection and to seditious commotions.
+
+"For these causes, being desirous to make provision in this case,
+without derogating from our former placards against lampoons, and
+other defamatory and scandalous writings, issued from time to time,
+and in particular from our renovation of the 18th of January, 1691,
+and our placard of the 17th of March, 1754, we have thought fit for
+the discovery of the author or authors of the said seditious and
+slanderous libel, entitled _Aan het Volk van Nederland_, and of his or
+their accomplices, to promise a reward of a thousand ryders of gold,
+(fourteen thousand florins) to him who shall give the necessary
+indications by which the author, writer, or printer of the said
+libel, or all those who may have had a part in it in any other manner,
+may fall into the hands of justice, and may be convicted of the fact;
+and in case that the informer was an accomplice in it, we declare by
+these presents, that we will pardon him for whatever upon this
+occasion he may have done amiss against his sovereign; moreover, he
+shall also enjoy the reward in question, and his name shall not be
+pointed out, but kept secret.
+
+"Forbidding, consequently, in the most solemn manner by these
+presents, every one of what estate, quality or condition soever he may
+be, to reprint in any manner the said seditious and slanderous libel,
+to distribute, scatter, or spread it, upon pain of the confiscation of
+the copies, and a fine of six thousand florins, besides at least, an
+everlasting banishment from the Province of Holland and West
+Friesland, which fine shall go, one third to the officer who shall
+make the seizure; another third to the informer; and the remaining
+third to the use of the poor of the place where the seizure shall be
+made. And whereas, some persons, to keep their unlawful practices
+concealed, may be tempted to pretend, that the libel in question had
+been addressed to them under a simple cover, they know not by whom,
+nor from what place, we ordain and decree, that all printers,
+booksellers, and moreover all and every one, to whom the said
+seditious and slanderous libel, entitled _Aan het Volk van Nederland_,
+may be sent, whether to be sold, given as a present, distributed, lent
+or read, shall be held to carry it forthwith; and deliver it to the
+officer or the magistrate of the place of their residence, or of the
+place where they may receive it, under penalty of being held for
+disseminators of it, and as such punished in the manner before pointed
+out. Ordaining most expressly to our Attorney-General, and to all our
+other officers, to execute strictly and exactly the present placard,
+according to the form and contents of it, without dissimulation or
+connivance, under pain of being deprived of their employments. And to
+the end, that no one may pretend cause of ignorance, but that every
+one may know how he ought to conduct himself in this regard, we order
+that these presents be published, and posted up everywhere, where it
+belongs, and where it is customary to do it.
+
+"Done at the Hague, under the small seal of the country, the 19th of
+October, 1781. By order of the States.
+
+ C. CLOTTERBOOKE."
+
+Such are the severe measures, which this government think themselves
+bound to take to suppress this libel. They will have, however, a
+contrary effect, and will make a pamphlet, which otherwise perhaps
+would have been known in a small circle, familiar to all Europe. The
+press cannot be restrained; all attempts of that kind in France and
+Holland are every day found to be ineffectual.
+
+I consider the disputes in the city of Geneva as arising from the
+progress of democratical principles in Europe. I consider this libel
+as a demonstration that there is a party here, and a very numerous
+one, too, who are proselytes to democratical principles. Who and what
+has given rise to the assuming pride of the people, as it is called in
+Europe, in every part of which they have been so thoroughly abased?
+The American revolution. The precepts, the reasonings, and example of
+the United States of America, disseminated by the press through every
+part of the world, have convinced the understanding, and have touched
+the heart. When I say democratical principles, I do not mean that the
+world is about adopting simple democracies, for these are
+impracticable, but multitudes are convinced that the people should
+have a voice, a share, and be made an integral part; and that the
+government should be such a mixture, and such a combination of the
+powers of one, the few and the many, as is best calculated to check
+and control each other, and oblige all to co-operate in this one
+democratical principle, that the end of all government is the
+happiness of the people; and in this other, that the greatest
+happiness of the greatest number is the point to be obtained. These
+principles are now so widely spread, that despotisms, monarchies, and
+aristocracies must conform to them in some degree in practice, or
+hazard a total revolution in religion and government throughout all
+Europe. The longer the American war lasts, the more the spirit of
+American government will spread in Europe, because the attention of
+the world will be fixed there, while the war lasts. I have often
+wondered that the Sovereigns of Europe have not seen the danger to
+their authority, which arises from a continuance of this war. It is
+their interest to get it finished, that their subjects may no longer
+be employed in speculating about the principles of government.
+
+The people of the Seven United Provinces appear to me of such a
+character, that they would make wild steerage at the first admission
+to any share in government; and whether any intimations of a desire of
+change at this time will not divide and weaken the nation, is a
+problem. I believe rather it will have a good effect, by convincing
+the government that they must exert themselves for the good of the
+people, to prevent them from exerting themselves in innovations.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, November 1st, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+It is still as problematical as ever, what is the political system of
+this Republic, and indeed whether it has any system at all. They talk
+much, and deliberate long, but execute nothing. By the violence with
+which they speak and write of each other, a stranger would think them
+ripe for a civil war. In the Assembly of the States of Guelderland,
+held to consider the requisition of the King of France of a
+negotiation of five millions of florins, under the warranty of the
+Republic, the debates were sustained with great warmth. Some were for
+an alliance with France. The Baron de Nagel, Senechal of Zutphen,
+evaded the putting of the question, and said among other things, "that
+he had rather acknowledge the independence of the Americans, than
+contract an alliance with France."
+
+The Baron Van der Cappellen de Marsch, was for an alliance with France
+and America too. He observed, "that nothing being more natural, than
+to act in concert with the enemies of our enemy, it was an object of
+serious deliberation to see if the interest of the Republic did not
+require to accept, without further tergiversation, the invitations and
+offers of the Americans; that no condescension for England could
+hinder us at present from uniting ourselves against a common enemy,
+with a nation so brave and so virtuous, a nation, which, after our
+example, owes its liberty to its valor, and even at this moment, is
+employed in defending itself from the tyranny of the enemy of the two
+nations; that, consequently, nothing could restrain us from
+acknowledging the independence of this new Republic; that our conduct
+differed very much from that held by our ancestors, who allied
+themselves to the Portuguese, as soon as they shook off the yoke of
+the Spaniards; that there was no doubt that the said alliances with
+the enemies of our enemy would soon restrain his fury, and operate a
+general peace advantageous for us."
+
+As this is the first opinion given openly, which has been published,
+in favor of acknowledging American independence, it deserves to be
+recorded, but it will be long, very long, before the Republic will be
+unanimously of this opinion.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, November 20th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Since my last of the 23d of October, nothing material has happened
+here, unless it be the return of Digby to New York, where he has
+relanded great part of his troops, and, as is said, proceeded to the
+West Indies with the fleet, though this is not fully ascertained. Nor
+have we any authentic account, that the Count de Grasse sailed from
+the Chesapeake on the 4th instant.
+
+It gives me pleasure, however, to mention an incident to you, which
+shows how much the yeomanry of this country have improved in military
+discipline, and must defeat every hope that Britain entertains of
+conquering a country so defended. It has been the custom of the enemy
+to move a large body of troops every fall, from Canada to Ticonderoga,
+while a light corps, with a number of Indians, entered the State from
+the westward, and destroyed the frontier settlements, burning the
+houses and barns, and scalping the old men, women, and children. Last
+year, they effected the destruction of Scoharie, and most of the
+settlements on the Mohawk River, before the militia could assemble to
+oppose them. This year, a small body of State troops, drafted from the
+militia for three months, about sixty New Hampshire levies, part of
+the militia of the country, and forty Oneida Indians, to the number of
+four hundred and eighty in all, under the command of Colonel Willet,
+hastily collected, upon the report of the enemy's coming from the
+westward to oppose them, while the rest of the militia, and some
+Continental troops marched upon Hudson's River, (the enemy having
+about two thousand men at Ticonderoga.) Willet met the enemy, who
+consisted of a picked corps of British troops, to the amount of six
+hundred and six, besides a number of Indians and tories; he fought and
+defeated them twice with his militia, killed their leader, Major Ross,
+and young Butler, as is said, made a number of prisoners, and pursued
+them three days, till he had driven them into the thickest part of the
+wilderness, whence fatigue and want of provision will prevent many of
+them from returning. Those at Ticonderoga have remained inactive ever
+since.
+
+It must be a mortifying circumstance to the proudest people in the
+world, to find themselves foiled, not only by the American regular
+troops, but by the rough undisciplined militia of the country.
+
+Admiral Zoutman's combat must also, I should imagine, have some effect
+in humbling their pride, and, what is of more consequence, in raising
+the spirits of the Dutch.
+
+We find from your letters, as well as from other accounts of the
+United Provinces, that they are divided into powerful parties for and
+against the war, and we are sorry to see some of the most
+distinguished names among what you call the Anglomanes. But your
+letters leave us in the dark relative to the principles and views of
+each party, which is no small inconvenience to us, as we know not how
+to adapt our measures to them. It is so important to the due execution
+of your mission, to penetrate the views of all parties, without
+seeming to be connected with either, that I have no doubt you have
+insinuated yourself into the good graces and confidence of the
+leaders, and that you can furnish the information we require; you may
+be persuaded no ill use will be made of any you give, and that it is
+expected from you.
+
+We learn from M. Dumas, that you have presented your credentials to
+the States-General; we are astonished, that you have not written on so
+important a subject, and developed the principle, that induced you to
+declare your public character before the States were disposed to
+acknowledge it. There is no doubt from your known prudence and
+knowledge of the world, that some peculiarity in your situation, or
+that of the politics and parties in the United Provinces, furnished
+you with the reasons, that overbalanced the objections to the measure,
+which arise from the humiliating light in which it places us. Congress
+would, I believe, wish to have them explained, and particularly your
+reason for printing your Memorial. I may form improper ideas of the
+government, interest, and policy of the United Provinces, but I
+frankly confess, that I have no hope, that they will recognise us as
+an independent State, and embarrass themselves in making their wished
+for peace, with our affairs. What inducements can we hold out to them?
+They know, that our own interest will lead us to trade with them, and
+we do not propose to purchase their alliance, by giving them any
+exclusive advantage in commerce.
+
+Your business, therefore, I think lies in a very narrow compass; it is
+to conciliate the affection of the people, to place our cause in the
+most advantageous light, to remove the prejudices, that Britain may
+endeavor to excite, to discover the views of the different parties, to
+watch every motion, that leads to peace between England and the United
+Provinces, and to get the surest aid of government in procuring a
+loan, which is almost the only thing wanting, to render our affairs
+respectable at home and abroad. To these objects I am satisfied you
+pay the strictest attention, because I am satisfied no man has more
+the interest of his country at heart, or is better acquainted with its
+wants. As our objects in Holland must be very similar to those of
+France, I should suppose it would be prudent for you to keep up the
+closest connexion with her Minister; to advise with him on great
+leading objects, and to counteract his opinion only upon the most
+mature deliberation.
+
+You were informed, before I came into office, that Mr Jay and Mr
+Franklin are joined in commission with you, and have received copies
+of the instructions, that Congress have given their commissioners;
+this whole business being terminated before I came down, I make no
+observations upon it, lest I should not enter fully into the views of
+Congress, and by that means help to mislead you in so important a
+subject. I enclose you a resolution, discharging the commission for
+_establishing a Commercial Treaty with Britain_. This also being a
+business of long standing, I for the same reason, transmit it without
+any observations thereon.
+
+I would recommend it to you, to be, in your language and conduct, a
+private gentleman. This will give you many advantages in making
+connexions, that will be lost on your insisting upon the assumption of
+a public character, and the rather, as this sentiment prevails
+generally among the members of Congress, though, for reasons of
+delicacy with respect to you, I have not chosen to ask the sense of
+Congress, to whom it is my sincere wish, as well as my leading object,
+in the free letters I wrote you, to enable you to render your measures
+acceptable. A number of your letters, written last winter and spring,
+have this moment come to hand.
+
+This letter will be sent to Europe by the Marquis de Lafayette, who
+has obtained leave of absence during the winter season. He wishes to
+correspond with you, and as from his connexion, his understanding, and
+attachment to this country he may be serviceable to you, I would wish
+you to write as freely to him, as you conceive those considerations
+may render prudent.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE DUC DE LA VAUGUYON, AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE AT THE HAGUE.
+
+ Amsterdam, November 24th, 1781.
+
+Mr Adams presents his most respectful compliments to his Excellency
+the Duc de la Vauguyon, and begs leave to acquaint him, that by the
+last night's post he received from Congress some important despatches,
+which it is his duty to communicate to the Ambassador of France. Mr
+Adams requests his Excellency to inform him, what hour will be most
+convenient for him to wait on him at the Arms of Amsterdam. Meantime,
+he most sincerely congratulates his Excellency on the glorious news
+from America by the Duc de Lauzun, of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis
+with his whole army, to the arms of the allies.
+
+This card I sent by my secretary Mr Thaxter. The Duke returned for
+answer, that he would call upon me at my house, between twelve and
+one, to congratulate me on the news from America. Accordingly about
+one, he came and spent with me about an hour and a half.
+
+I communicated to him my fresh instructions, and agreed to send
+him a copy of them tomorrow or next day, by the post waggon
+(_chariot-de-poste_.) He said he had not received any instructions
+from Versailles, upon the subject; but might receive some by next
+Tuesday's post. He asked me, what step I proposed to take in
+consequence of these instructions? I answered none, but with his
+participation and approbation; that I would be always ready to attend
+him at the Hague, or elsewhere, for the purpose of the most candid and
+confidential consultations, &c. He said that he thought that the
+subject was very well seen (_tres bien vu_) and the measure very well
+concerted, (_tres bien combine_) and that it would have a good effect
+at this time, to counteract the artifice of the British Ministry, in
+agreeing to the mediation of Russia, for a separate peace with this
+Republic.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ RESOLVES OF CONGRESS, COMPRISING THE INSTRUCTIONS TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ In Congress, August 16th, 1781.
+
+On the Report of the Committee, to whom was recommitted their report
+on the communications from the Honorable the Minister of France, and
+who are instructed to report instructions to the Honorable John Adams,
+respecting a Treaty of Alliance with the United Provinces of the
+Netherlands,
+
+_Resolved_, That the Minister Plenipotentiary of these United States
+at the Court of Versailles, be directed to inform His Most Christian
+Majesty, that the tender of his endeavors to accomplish a coalition
+between the United Provinces of the Netherlands, and these States, has
+been received by Congress, as a fresh proof of his solicitude for
+their interests. That previous to the communication of this His Most
+Christian Majesty's friendly purpose, Congress, impressed with the
+importance of such a connexion, had confided to Mr John Adams full
+powers to enter, on the part of the United States, into a Treaty of
+Amity and Commerce with the United Provinces, with a special
+instruction to conform himself therein to the treaties subsisting
+between His Most Christian Majesty and the United States. That
+Congress do, with pleasure, accept His Most Christian Majesty's
+interposition, and will transmit further powers to their Minister at
+the Hague, to form a Treaty of Alliance between His Most Christian
+Majesty, the United Provinces, and the United States, having for its
+object, and limited in its duration to, the present war with Great
+Britain. That he will be enjoined to confer, on all occasions, in the
+most confidential manner, with His Most Christian Majesty's Minister,
+at the Hague; and that provisional authority will also be sent to
+admit his Catholic Majesty as a party.
+
+_Resolved_, That the Minister Plenipotentiary of these United States
+at the Hague, be, and he is hereby instructed to propose a Treaty of
+Alliance between His Most Christian Majesty, the United Provinces of
+the Netherlands, and the United States of America, having for its
+object, and limited in its duration to, the present war with Great
+Britain, and conformed to the treaties subsisting between His Most
+Christian Majesty and the United States.
+
+That the indispensable conditions of the Alliance be, that their High
+Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces of the
+Netherlands, shall expressly recognise the sovereignty and
+independence of the United States of America, absolute and unlimited,
+as well in matters of government as of commerce. That the war with
+Great Britain shall be made a common cause, each party exerting itself
+according to its discretion in the most effectual hostility against
+the common enemy; and that no party shall conclude either truce or
+peace with Great Britain, without the formal consent of the whole
+first obtained; nor lay down their arms, until the sovereignty and
+independence of these United States shall be formally or tacitly
+assured by Great Britain, in a Treaty, which shall terminate the war.
+
+That the said Minister be, and he hereby is further instructed, to
+unite the two Republics by no stipulations of offence, nor guaranty
+any possessions of the United Provinces. To inform himself, from the
+Minister of these United States at the Court of Spain, of the
+progress of his negotiations at the said Court; and if an alliance
+shall have been entered into between his Catholic Majesty and these
+United States, to invite his Catholic Majesty into the Alliance herein
+intended; if no such alliance shall have been formed, to receive his
+Catholic Majesty, should he manifest a disposition to become a party
+to the alliance herein intended, according to the instructions given
+to the said Minister at the Court of Spain.
+
+That in all other matters, not repugnant to these instructions, the
+said Minister at the Hague do use his best discretion.
+
+_Resolved_, That the Minister Plenipotentiary of these United States
+at the Hague, be, and he hereby is instructed to confer in the most
+confidential manner with His Most Christian Majesty's Minister there.
+
+_Ordered_, That the foregoing resolutions be communicated to our
+Ministers at the Courts of Versailles and Madrid, that they may
+furnish every information and aid in their power to our Minister at
+the Hague, in the accomplishment of this business.
+
+_Resolved_, That the following commission be issued to Mr John Adams,
+for the purpose aforesaid.
+
+The United States in Congress assembled, to all who shall see these
+presents, send, greeting.
+
+Whereas a union of the force of the several powers engaged in the war
+against Great Britain may have a happy tendency to bring the said war
+to a speedy and favorable issue; and it being the desire of these
+United States to form an alliance between them and the United
+Provinces of the Netherlands; know ye, therefore, that we, confiding
+in the integrity, prudence, and ability of the Honorable John Adams,
+have nominated, constituted, and appointed, and by these presents do
+nominate, constitute, and appoint him, the said John Adams, our
+Minister Plenipotentiary, giving him full powers, general and special,
+to act in that quality, to confer, treat, agree, and conclude, with
+the person or persons vested with equal powers, by His Most Christian
+Majesty, and their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United
+Provinces of the Netherlands, of and concerning a Treaty of Alliance
+between His Most Christian Majesty, the United Provinces of the
+Netherlands, and the United States of America; and whatever shall be
+so agreed and concluded for us, and in our name, to sign, and
+thereupon to make such treaty, convention, and agreements as he shall
+judge conformable to the ends we have in view; hereby promising, in
+good faith, that we will accept, ratify, and execute, whatever shall
+be agreed, concluded, and signed by him our said Minister.
+
+In witness whereof we have caused these presents to be signed by our
+President, and sealed with his seal.
+
+Done at Philadelphia, this sixteenth day of August, in the year of our
+Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightyone; and in the sixth year
+of our independence, by the United States in Congress assembled.
+
+ THOMAS M'KEAN, _President_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE DUC DE LA VAUGUYON,
+
+ Amsterdam, November 25th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a copy of the fresh
+instructions of Congress of the 16th of August last, which I received
+by the post on the 23d instant. I have also received a further
+commission from Congress, with full powers to confer, treat, agree,
+and conclude, with the person or persons vested, with equal powers by
+His Most Christian Majesty, and their High Mightinesses, the
+States-General of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, of and
+concerning a Treaty of Alliance between His Most Christian Majesty,
+the United Provinces of the Netherlands, and the United States of
+America.
+
+This measure was apparently concerted between the Congress and the
+French Minister residing near them, and seems to be very happily
+adapted to the present times and circumstances.
+
+I beg leave to assure your Excellency, that I shall be at all times
+ready to attend you, at the Hague, or elsewhere, to confer with you,
+in the most entire confidence, respecting this negotiation, and shall
+take no material step in it, without your approbation and advice.
+
+There are three ways of proposing this business to their High
+Mightinesses; 1st, your Excellency may alone propose it in the name of
+His Most Christian Majesty; 2dly, it may be proposed jointly by the
+Minister of his Majesty, and the Minister of the United States; or
+3dly, it may be proposed by the Minister of the United States alone,
+and as a consequence of his former proposal of a Treaty of Commerce. I
+beg leave to submit these three measures, to your Excellency's
+consideration, and shall very cheerfully comply with any, which you
+may most approve.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY, AMERICAN MINISTER AT MADRID.
+
+ Amsterdam, November 26th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+By the last post, I received from L'Orient a set of fresh instructions
+from Congress, dated the 16th of August, and with the more pleasure,
+as I am enjoined to open a correspondence with your Excellency upon
+the subject of them.
+
+I presume you have a copy by the same vessel; but as it is possible it
+may have been omitted, I shall venture to enclose a copy, and hope it
+may pass unopened. I have communicated it to the French Ambassador
+here, who says it is "_tres bien vu; tres bien combine_." I shall take
+no step in it, without his knowledge and approbation. I shall hope for
+your Excellency's communications as soon as convenient.
+
+The Dutch have an inclination to ally themselves to France and
+America, but they have many whimsical fears, and are much embarrassed
+with party quarrels. In time, I hope, they will agree better with one
+another, and see their true interests more clearly. This measure of
+Congress is very well timed.
+
+I congratulate you on the glorious news of the surrender of
+Cornwallis. Some are of opinion it will produce a Congress at Vienna;
+but I cannot be of that sentiment. The English must have many more
+humiliations before they will agree to meet us upon equal terms, or
+upon any terms, that we can approve.
+
+What is the true principle of the policy of Spain, in delaying so long
+to declare themselves explicitly? Her delay has a bad effect here.
+
+Mr Dana has been gone northward these four months, but I have no
+letters from him. Whether the post is unfaithful, or whether he
+chooses to be talked about as little as possible at present, which I
+rather suspect, I do not know.
+
+My respects to Mr Carmichael, and to your family, if you please.
+
+With great esteem, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO B. FRANKLIN.
+
+ Amsterdam, November 26th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I presume you have a copy from Congress of their instructions to me of
+the 16th of August; but, as it is possible it may be otherwise, I have
+enclosed one. I have communicated them to the Duc de la Vauguyon. I
+shall do nothing in the business without communicating it beforehand
+to him, with the most entire confidence, and receiving his approbation
+and advice. He informs me, that he has not yet received any
+instructions from his Court respecting it.
+
+These instructions have arrived at a very proper time to counteract
+another insidious trick of the British Ministry, in agreeing to the
+mediation of Russia for a separate peace with Holland.
+
+With unfeigned joy I congratulate your Excellency on the glorious news
+of the surrender of Cornwallis to the arms of the allies. How easy a
+thing would it be to bring this war to a happy conclusion, if Spain
+and Holland would adopt the system of France, and co-operate in it
+with the same honor and sincerity. There is nothing wanting but a
+constant naval superiority in the West Indies, and on the coast of the
+United States, to obtain triumphs upon triumphs over the English, in
+all quarters of the globe. The allies now carry on the war in America
+with an infinite advantage over the English, whose infatuation,
+nevertheless, will continue to make them exhaust themselves there, to
+the neglect of all their possessions in other parts of the world.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Amsterdam, November 28th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I had the honor to write to you on the 26th instant by the post, a
+conveyance which I am determined to try until I am certainly informed
+of its infidelity; in which case I will ask the favor of the French or
+Spanish Ambassador, to enclose my despatches.
+
+I received, by the last post, a duplicate of despatches from Congress,
+the originals of which I received some time ago. I presume you have
+received the same from Congress, or from Passy; but, if otherwise, I
+will enclose in a future letter a commission and instructions for
+assisting at the conferences for peace, at Vienna or elsewhere,
+whenever they may take place. In this commission, Congress have added
+Mr Franklin, President Laurens, your Excellency, and Mr Jefferson; a
+measure which has taken off my mind a vast load, which, if I had ever
+at any time expected I should be called to sustain alone, would have
+been too heavy for my forces.
+
+The capture of Cornwallis and his army is the most masterly measure,
+both in the conception and execution, which has been taken this war.
+When France and Spain shall consider the certain triumphant success,
+which will ever attend them while they maintain a naval superiority in
+the West Indies and on the coast of North America, it is to be hoped,
+they will never depart from that policy. Many here are of opinion,
+that this event will bring peace; but I am not of that mind, although
+it is very true that there are distractions in the British Cabinet, a
+formidable faction against Lord G. Germain, and, it is said, the
+Bedford party are determined to move for peace.
+
+Our late triumphs have had an effect here. I have received several
+visits of congratulation, in consequence of them, from persons of
+consequence, from whom I did not expect them. But they are invisible
+fairies, who disconcert in the night all the operations of the
+patriots in the day.
+
+There will, probably, be a proposal soon of a triple alliance between
+France, America, and Holland. If Spain would join, and make it
+quadruple, it would be so much the better.
+
+General Green's last action in South Carolina, in consequence of
+which, that State and Georgia have both re-established their
+governments, is quite as glorious for the American arms as the capture
+of Cornwallis. The action was supported even by the militia, with a
+noble constancy. The victory on our side was complete, and the English
+lost twelve hundred men.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, December 4th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received those instructions, with which I was honored by
+Congress on the 16th of August, and communicated them forthwith to the
+French Ambassador, to their High Mightinesses, and to the American
+Ministers at Versailles and Madrid.[5] The Duc de la Vauguyon was of
+opinion, that they were very well considered and very well timed, to
+counteract another trait of British policy, in agreeing to the
+mediation of Russia for a separate peace with Holland. The British
+Ministry mean only to aid the stocks, and lull the Dutch.
+
+There is no longer any talk of a Congress at Vienna. The late news of
+General Washington's triumphs in Virginia, and of the friendly and
+effectual aid of the Counts de Rochambeau and de Grasse, have made a
+great impression here, and all over Europe. I shall punctually observe
+my instructions, and consult in perfect confidence with the Duc de la
+Vauguyon, in the execution of my late commission. A quadruple
+alliance, for the duration of the war, would, probably, soon bring it
+to a conclusion; but the Dutch are so indolent, so divided, so
+animated with party spirit, and above all so entirely in the power of
+their Chief, that it is very certain that they will take the
+proposition _ad referendum_ immediately, and then deliberate upon it a
+long time.
+
+This nation is not blind; it is bound and cannot get loose. There is
+great reason to fear, that they will be held inactive, until they are
+wholly ruined. Cornwallis' fate, however, has somewhat emboldened
+them, and I have received unexpected visits of congratulation from
+several persons of note; and there are appearances of a growing
+interest in favor of an alliance with France and America. If I were
+now to make the proposition, I think it would have a great effect. I
+must, however, wait for the approbation of the Duke, and he, perhaps,
+for instructions from Versailles, and, indeed, a little delay will
+perhaps do no harm, but give opportunity to prepare the way. The
+general cry at this time in pamphlets and public papers, is for an
+immediate connexion with France and America.
+
+The consent of Zealand is expected immediately to the loan of five
+millions for his Most Christian Majesty. My loan rests as it was, at a
+few thousand guilders, which, by the advice of Dr Franklin, I reserve
+for the relief of our countrymen, who escape from prison in England in
+distress. I have ordered a hundred pounds for President Laurens in the
+Tower, at the earnest solicitation of his daughter, who is in France,
+and of some of his friends in England; but for further supplies have
+referred them to Dr Franklin. I some time since had an intimation that
+the British Ministry were endeavoring to form secret contracts with
+traitorous Americans to supply the masts for the royal navy. According
+to my information, the British navigation in all parts of the world is
+at present distressed for masts, especially those of the largest size.
+Congress will take such measures as to their wisdom shall appear
+proper to prevent Americans from this wicked and infamous commerce, I
+wrote to Dr Franklin upon the subject, who communicated my letter, as
+I requested, at Court, and his Excellency supposes that the Count de
+Vergennes will write to Congress, or to the Chevalier de la Luzerne
+upon the subject.
+
+The Continental goods left here by Commodore Gillon, are detained for
+freight and damages, and very unjustly as I conceive. I am doing all
+in my power to obtain possession of them, and send them to America, or
+dispose of them here, at as little loss as possible, according to the
+desire and advice of Dr Franklin. It is not necessary to trouble
+Congress to read a volume of letters upon the subject of these goods.
+All that can be done by me, has been and shall be done to save the
+public interest. This piece of business has been managed as ill as any
+that has ever been done for Congress in Europe, whether it is owing to
+misfortune, want of skill, or anything more disagreeable.
+
+The Court of Russia does not at present appear to be acting that noble
+part, which their former conduct gave cause to expect. Mr Dana is at
+Petersburg, but he prudently avoids writing. If he sees no prospect of
+advantage in staying there, he will be very silent, I believe, and not
+stay very long.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[5] For these instructions, and Mr Adams' new commission to form a
+treaty of alliance with the United Provinces, see the _Secret Journals
+of Congress_, Vol. II pp. 470, 472.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE DUC DE LA VAUGUYON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ The Hague, December 7th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me, and the
+copy of the resolutions of Congress, of the 16th of August last. I
+flatter myself, that you will not doubt of my zeal to concert with you
+the ulterior measures, which they may require, as soon as the King has
+authorised me. But until his Majesty has transmitted to me his orders
+on this point, I can only repeat to you the assurances of my zeal for
+everything interesting to the common cause of France and North
+America, and the peculiar satisfaction I shall derive from my
+connexions with you in all circumstances.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ DE LA VAUGUYON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, December 13th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The answer of my Lord Stormont to M. Simolin is as follows.
+
+"The alliance, which has subsisted so many years between Great Britain
+and the States-General, has always been considered by his Majesty as a
+connexion founded on the most natural relations, and which was not
+only conformable to the interests of the two nations, but as essential
+to their mutual well-being. The King has done everything on his part
+to maintain these connexions and to strengthen them; and if the
+conduct of their High Mightinesses had been answerable to that of his
+Majesty, they would have subsisted at this hour in all their force.
+But from the commencement of the present troubles, the single return
+with which the Republic has requited the constant friendship of the
+King, has been the renunciation of the principles of an alliance, the
+primary object of which was the mutual defence of the two nations; an
+obstinate refusal to fulfil the most sacred obligations; a daily
+violation of the most solemn treaties; an assistance given to those
+very enemies against whom the King had a right to demand succor; an
+asylum granted to American pirates in the ports of Holland, in public
+violation of the clearest stipulations; and to fill up the measure, a
+denial of justice and of satisfaction for the affront offered to the
+dignity of the King by a secret league with his rebel subjects.
+
+"All these accumulated grievances have not permitted the King to act
+any other part, than that which he has taken with the most sensible
+reluctance. When we laid before the public the motives which had
+rendered this rupture inevitable, the King attributed the conduct of
+the Republic to its true cause, viz. the unfortunate influence of a
+faction, which sacrificed the interest of the nation to private views;
+but the King at the same time manifested the sincerest desire to be
+able to draw back the Republic to a system of strict union,
+efficacious alliance and reciprocal protection, which has so greatly
+contributed to the well-being and to the glory of the two nations.
+
+"When the Empress of Russia offered her good offices to effectuate a
+reconciliation by a particular peace, the King testified his gratitude
+for this fresh proof of a friendship, which is to him so precious, and
+avoided to expose the mediation of her Majesty to the danger of a
+fruitless negotiation; he explained the reasons which convinced him,
+that in the then prevailing disposition of the Republic, governed by a
+faction, any reconciliation during the war with France, would be but a
+reconciliation in appearance, and would give to the party which rule
+in the Republic, an opportunity to re-assume the part of a secret
+auxiliary of all the King's enemies, under the mask of a feigned
+alliance with Great Britain. But if there are certain indications of
+an alteration in this disposition; if the powerful intervention of her
+Imperial Majesty can accomplish this change, and reclaim the Republic
+to principles, which the wisest part of the nation has never
+abandoned; his Majesty will be ready to treat of a separate peace with
+their High Mightinesses; and he hopes that the Empress of all the
+Russias may be the sole mediatrix of this peace. She was the first to
+offer her good offices; and an intervention so efficacious and so
+powerful as her's, cannot gain in weight and influence by the
+accession of the most respectable allies. The friendship of the
+Empress towards the two nations, the interest which her empire has in
+their reciprocal welfare, her known impartiality, and her elevated
+views, are so many securities for the manner in which she will conduct
+this salutary work, and in a negotiation, which has for its end the
+termination of a war, caused by the violation of treaties, and an
+affront offered to the Crown of a King, his Majesty refers himself
+with equal satisfaction and confidence to the mediation of a
+Sovereign, who holds sacred the faith of treaties, who knows so well
+the value of the dignity of Sovereigns, and who has maintained her
+own, during her glorious reign, with so much firmness and grandeur."
+
+Thus the mediation of Russia is accepted, and that of Sweden and
+Denmark refused. The instructions of Congress and their new commission
+of last August are arrived in most happy time, to counteract this
+insidious manoeuvre, and I hope the Duc de la Vauguyon will receive
+his instructions on the same subject before it be too late.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, December 14th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The first public body, which has proposed a connexion with the United
+States, is the Quarter of Oostergo, in the Province of Friesland. The
+proposition is in these words;
+
+"Every impartial patriot has a long time perceived, that in the
+direction of affairs relative to this war with England, there has been
+manifested an inconceivable lukewarmness and sloth; but they discover
+themselves still more at this moment, by the little inclination which
+in general the Regencies of the Belgic Provinces testify to commence a
+treaty of commerce and friendship with the new Republic of the
+Thirteen United States of North America; and to contract engagements,
+at least during the continuance of this common war with the Crowns of
+France and Spain. Nevertheless, the necessity of these measures
+appears clearly, since according to our judgments, nothing was more
+natural, nor more conformable to sound policy, founded upon the laws
+of nature the most precise, than that this Republic immediately after
+the formal declaration of war by the English, (not being yet able to
+do anything by military exploits, not being in a state of defence
+sufficiently respectable to dare at sea to oppose one fleet or
+squadron to our perfidious enemy,) should have commenced by
+acknowledging, by a public declaration, the independence of North
+America.
+
+"This would have been from that time the greatest step to the
+humiliation of England, and our own re-establishment, and by this
+measure, the Republic would have proved her firm resolution to act
+with vigor. Every one of our inhabitants, all Europe, who have their
+eyes fixed upon us, the whole world expected, with just reason, this
+measure from the Republic. It is true, that before the formal
+declaration of war by England, one might perhaps have alleged some
+plausible reasons to justify in some degree the backwardness in this
+great and interesting affair. But, as at present Great Britain is no
+longer our secret, but our declared enemy, which dissolves all the
+connexions between the two nations; and as it is the duty not only of
+all the Regencies, but also of all the citizens of this Republic to
+reduce by all imaginable annoyances this enemy, so unjust to reason,
+and to force him if possible, to conclude an honorable peace; why
+should we hesitate any longer to strike, by this measure so
+reasonable, the most sensible blow to the common enemy? Will not this
+delay occasion a suspicion, that we prefer the interest of our enemy,
+to that of our country? North America, so sensibly offended by the
+refusal of her offer; France and Spain, in the midst of a war
+supported with activity, must they not regard us as the secret friends
+and favorers of their and our common enemy? Have they not reason to
+conclude from it, that our inaction ought to be less attributed to our
+weakness, than to our affection for England? Will not this opinion
+destroy all confidence in our nation heretofore so renowned in this
+respect? And our allies, at this time natural, must they not imagine,
+that it is better to have in us declared enemies, than pretended
+friends; and shall we not be involved in a ruinous war, which we might
+have rendered advantageous, if it had been well directed?
+
+"While, on the other hand, it is evident that by a new connexion with
+the States of North America, by engagements at least during this war
+with France and Spain, we shall obtain not only the confidence of
+these formidable powers instead of their distrust, but by this means
+we shall, moreover, place our Colonies in safety against every insult;
+we shall have a well-grounded hope of recovering with the aid of the
+allied powers, our lost possessions, if the English should make
+themselves masters of them, and our commerce, at present neglected and
+so shamefully pillaged, would reassume a new vigor, considering that
+in such case as it is manifestly proved by solid reasons, this
+Republic would derive from this commerce the most signal advantages.
+But since our interest excites us forcibly to act in concert with the
+enemies of our enemy; since the Thirteen United States of North
+America invited us to it long ago; since France appears inclined to
+concert her military operations with ours, although this power has
+infinitely less interest to ally itself with us, whose weakness
+manifests itself in so palpable a manner than we are to form an
+alliance the most respectable in the universe; it is indubitably the
+duty of every regency to promote it with all its forces, and with all
+the celerity imaginable.
+
+"To this effect we have thought it our duty to lay before your Noble
+Mightinesses, in the firm persuasion that the zeal of your Noble
+Mightinesses will be as earnest as ours, to concur to the
+accomplishment of this point, which is for us of the greatest
+importance; that consequently, your Noble Mightinesses will not delay
+to co-operate with us, that upon this important object there may be
+made to their High Mightinesses a proposition so vigorous, that it may
+have the desired success; and that this affair, of an importance
+beyond all expression for our common country, may be resolved and
+decided by unanimous suffrages, and in preference to every particular
+interest."
+
+M. Van der Capellan de Marsch was the first individual who ventured to
+propose in public a treaty with the United States, and the Quarter of
+Oostergo the first public body. This, indeed, is but a part of one
+branch of the sovereignty. But these motions will be honored by
+posterity. The whole Republic must follow. It is necessitated to it by
+a mechanism, as certain as clockwork; but its operations are and will
+be studiously and zealously slow. It will be a long time before the
+measure can be completed.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, December 18th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Having received an invitation to the Hague, in order to have some
+conversation with some gentlemen in the government, concerning the
+further steps proper for me to take in the present conjuncture, I had
+determined to have undertaken the journey today; but the arrival in
+town of the Duc de la Vauguyon, determined me to postpone it until
+tomorrow.
+
+At noon, today, his Excellency did me the honor of a visit, and a long
+conversation upon the state of affairs at my house. He informed me,
+that upon the communication I had made to him, when he was here last,
+in person, and afterwards by letter, of my new commission and
+instructions, he had written to the Count de Vergennes; that he had
+explained to that Minister his own sentiments, and expected an answer.
+His own idea is, that I should go to the Hague in some week, when
+there is a President whose sentiments and disposition are favorable,
+and demand an answer to my former proposition, and afterwards, that I
+should go round to the cities of Holland, and apply to the several
+Regencies.
+
+He thinks that I may now assume a higher tone, which the late
+_Cornwallization_ will well warrant. I shall, however, take care not
+to advance too fast, so as to be unable to retreat. His advice is, to
+go to the Hague tomorrow, and meet the gentlemen who wish to see me
+there; this I shall do.
+
+I have been very happy hitherto, in preserving an entire good
+understanding with this Minister, and nothing shall ever be wanting on
+my part, to deserve his confidence and esteem.
+
+I have transmitted by two opportunities, one by Captain Trowbridge,
+from hence, another by Dr Dexter by the way of France, despatches from
+Mr Dana, at Petersburg, by which Congress will perceive that material
+advantages will arise from that gentleman's residence in that place,
+whether he soon communicates his mission to that Court or not.
+
+The English papers, which I forward by this opportunity, will inform
+Congress of the state of things and parties in England. The Ministry
+talk of a new system. Perhaps they may attempt Rhode Island once more
+in exchange for Charleston, and try their skill in intercepting our
+trade.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE DUC DE LA VAUGUYON.
+
+ The Hague, December 19th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+It has been insinuated to me, that the Spanish Ambassador here has
+instructions from his Court to enter into a negotiation with their
+High Mightinesses, concerning an alliance between Spain and the
+Republic. If this fact has come to your Excellency's knowledge, and
+there is no inconvenience nor impropriety in communicating it to me, I
+should be very much obliged to you for the information; not from
+curiosity merely, but for my government, in the steps I may have to
+take.
+
+By my late instructions, of which your Excellency has a copy, I am to
+inform myself concerning the progress of American negotiations at the
+Court of Spain, and, if an alliance shall have been entered into
+between his Catholic Majesty and the United States, to invite his
+Catholic Majesty into the alliance proposed between France, their High
+Mightinesses, and the Congress. If no such alliance shall have been
+formed, to receive his Catholic Majesty, should he manifest a
+disposition to become a party, &c.
+
+Congress have wisely enjoined it upon me, to confer in the most
+confidential manner with your Excellency, and I have made it a law to
+myself, to take no material step in this negotiation without your
+approbation; but my instructions seem to make it necessary to take
+some measures, at least, to sound the disposition of the Spanish
+Ambassador. I would, therefore, beg leave to propose to your
+consideration, and to request your opinion, whether you think it
+advisable for me to do myself the honor of making a visit to the
+Spanish Ambassador, and communicating to him the substance of my
+instructions, as far as it relates to the Court of Madrid; or whether
+it would be better to communicate it by letter; or whether your
+Excellency will be so good as to take upon yourself this
+communication, and inform me of the result of it?
+
+I am advised here to wait on the President of their High Mightinesses
+as soon as possible, and demand a categorical answer to my former
+proposition, and then to wait on the Grand Pensionary and Mr Secretary
+Fagel, and, in turn, upon the Pensionaries of all the cities of
+Holland, to inform them of the demand made to the President. But I
+submit to your consideration, whether it will not be expedient to
+communicate the project of a triple or quadruple alliance to some
+confidential members of the States; as to the Pensionary of Dort,
+Haerlem, and Amsterdam, for example, with permission to them to
+communicate it, where they shall think it necessary, in order to give
+more weight to my demand?
+
+The Court of Great Britain are manifestly availing themselves of the
+mediation of Russia, in order to amuse this Republic, and restrain it
+from exerting itself in the war, and forming connexions with the other
+belligerent powers, without intending to make peace with her upon any
+conditions, which would not be ruinous to her. It is, therefore, of
+the last importance to Holland, as well as of much consequence to the
+other belligerent powers, to draw her out of the snare, which one
+should think might be now easily done by a proposition of a triple or
+quadruple alliance.
+
+Tomorrow morning at ten, I propose to do myself the honor of waiting
+on your Excellency, if that hour is agreeable, in order to avail
+myself more particularly of your sentiments upon these points.
+
+In the meantime, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE DUC DE LA VAUGUYON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ The Hague, December 20th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter you did me the honor to address me. I shall
+be impatient to converse with you on the subject to which it relates,
+and shall expect to see you at ten o'clock tomorrow morning, as you
+desire.
+
+Receive, Sir, my renewed assurances of the profound respect with which
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ DE LA VAUGUYON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, December 25th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+There has appeared an ulterior declaration, in addition to the
+ordinances of the 30th of April and the 3d of November, concerning the
+navigation and the maritime commerce of the subjects of Prussia during
+the present war.
+
+"The ordinances, which the King has caused to be published of the 30th
+of April and 3d of November of this year, have, in truth, already
+prescribed to the subjects of his Majesty, the manner in which they
+ought, for their greatest safety, to direct their navigation and their
+commerce; nevertheless, as several doubts have arisen in this regard,
+his Majesty, in order to obviate them, and to direct his subjects who
+trade by sea, has thought fit to establish, ordain, and declare, as
+follows.
+
+"ARTICLE I. It cannot be doubted, and it is understood, that the
+Prussian vessels, which have put to sea before the publication of the
+ordinance of the 3d of November, and which, by consequence, could not
+be furnished with passports expedited by the Minister of foreign
+affairs, which are therein prescribed, cannot be taken or molested, by
+reason of the want of such passports, but that the passports
+heretofore in use, which they have taken at their departure, ought to
+have, until their return, their force and value, and to procure them,
+until that time, a sufficient security. To remove, however, still more
+effectually, all difficulties, which might exist in this regard, the
+obligation to furnish themselves with immediate passports from Berlin,
+is not to commence until after the 1st of January, 1782, to the end
+that every one may have time to take his measures in consequence.
+
+"ART. II. It is repeated and ordained, that small vessels, which do
+not carry more than fifty lasts, as well as those which navigate only
+in the Baltic Sea, and in the North Sea, and which do not pass the
+Channel, which separates France and England, are not obliged, at least
+if they do not themselves think it proper, to take passports from
+Berlin; but to gain time, it is permitted to them to take them as
+heretofore, at their convenience, from the Admiralties, the Chambers
+of War, and of the Domains of each Province, and from the magistrates
+of the cities. In consequence of which, it is ordained to these
+Colleges in the most express manner, not to grant these passports but
+to the real and actual subjects of the King, with the greatest
+precaution, providing carefully against all abuses which may be made
+of them, and observing strictly the ordinances published upon this
+object. The end which his Majesty proposed to himself in publishing
+the declaration of the 3d of November, has been, and is, singly, to
+procure to Prussian vessels, which navigate beyond the Channel in the
+ocean or the Atlantic Sea, and which carry their commerce into these
+distant seas and regions, a safety so much the greater against all
+prejudicial accidents, in causing to be expedited to them passports by
+his Minister of Foreign Affairs, who, by his knowledge of the state of
+public affairs, is the most in a condition to take the necessary
+precautions.
+
+"ART. III. The navigators, not being able to send to Berlin complete
+bills of lading of the cargoes of their vessels, before they are
+entirely loaded, there is not required of those who have occasion for
+immediate passports of the Court, any other thing, except that they
+produce certificates, and general attestations from the Admiralties,
+the Chambers of Domains, or the magistrates of the cities, concerning
+the property of the vessel, and when the passport should express also
+the cargo, concerning the quality of the cargo, that is to say, in
+what it consists; which is sufficient to judge, whether the
+merchandises are lawful, and whether the passports requested can be
+granted. The bills of lading, and complete and specific attestations
+of the quantity of each merchandise may be expedited as heretofore, in
+the usual manner, to places where the loading is made by the
+Admiralties, the Chambers of Finances, or the magistrates of the
+cities.
+
+"ART. IV. In the ordinance of the 30th of April, his Majesty has been
+pleased, to encourage his subjects to the national commerce, to advise
+them to engage in maritime commerce as much as possible upon their own
+account, and with their own merchandises; and it has been established
+in consequence, in the declaration of the 3d of November, that to
+obtain passports from the Court, it was necessary to prove, by
+requisite certificates, that the owners both of the vessel and the
+cargo were Prussian subjects; nevertheless, all this was done properly
+in the form of advice, and to render them so much the more attentive
+to the precautions which they ought to take; it is not, for this the
+less free and lawful to the subjects of the King, who have obtained
+requisite passports, to transport also in their vessels, in conformity
+to the ordinance of the 30th of April, to places and ports which are
+not besieged, nor close blocked, merchandises and effects belonging to
+foreign nations, and even to belligerent nations, provided that these
+merchandises are of the nature of those, which, according to the 2d
+article of the declaration of the 30th of April, and conformably to
+the customs and rights of nations, are permitted and not of
+contraband; his Majesty will not fail to protect them, in such cases
+according to the principles which he has adopted and established in
+this regard with other powers, allies, and friends, and he has judged
+necessary to declare all which goes before, for preventing all abusive
+interpretation of the declaration of the 3d of November.
+
+"ART. V. The captains and commanders of Prussian vessels ought, when
+they arrive in ports or places, where reside consuls of the King, to
+present to them their passports, and demand of them attestations,
+which certify that their vessels are still furnished with passports
+expedited to them.
+
+"ART. VI. The commanders of these vessels would do well also, to take
+with them the ordinances of the 30th of April and the 3d of November,
+and the present declaration, to follow so much the better the precepts
+of it, and to be able, in case of need, to show them, and justify
+their conduct by them. Nevertheless, those two ordinances, as well as
+this, which renews them and serves to explain them, have not been
+published but for the direction of Prussian subjects, who exercise
+navigation and maritime commerce; and in cases even where they may
+fail in some point of their observation, and where they may not be
+furnished with passports requisite, they are not responsible for their
+negligence, but to his Majesty, their lawful sovereign, and the
+commanders of armed vessels of the belligerent powers cannot think
+themselves authorised thereby to stop them, or to take them, when they
+have not acted openly in a manner contrary to the principles of the
+maritime neutrality, adopted by his Majesty.
+
+"Given at Berlin, the 8th of December, 1781, by express order of the
+King.
+
+ DE HERTZBERG."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, December 25th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the 11th of September, Lord Stormont delivered to the Baron de
+Noleken, Envoy of Sweden, the following notification of the refusal of
+the mediation of the Court of Stockholm, and the acceptation of that
+of Russia.
+
+"The conservation of the public tranquillity has been the first object
+of the care of his Majesty, during the whole course of his reign. The
+commencement of this reign has been signalised by the return of peace.
+The King has made great sacrifices to procure this blessing to
+humanity, and he had reason to flatter himself, that, by this
+moderation in the midst of victory, he was establishing the public
+tranquillity upon solid and durable foundations; but these hopes have
+been disappointed, and these foundations have been shaken by the
+ambitious policy of the Court of Versailles. This Court, after having
+secretly fomented the rebellion enkindled in America, has leagued
+herself openly with the rebel subjects of his Majesty; and by this
+violation of the public faith, by this direct act of hostility, she
+began the war.
+
+"The conduct of the Republic of Holland, during the whole course of
+this war, has excited a general indignation. This nation presents
+itself under an aspect very different from that of a nation simply
+commercial. It is a respectable power, connected for a long time with
+Great Britain by the strictest alliance. The principal object of this
+alliance was their common safety, and especially their mutual
+protection against the ambitious designs of a dangerous neighbor,
+which their united efforts have so often defeated, to their mutual
+prosperity, and that of all Europe.
+
+"The desertion of all the principles of this alliance, which the King
+on his part had constantly maintained; an obstinate refusal to fulfil
+the most sacred engagements; a daily infraction of the most sacred
+treaties; succors furnished to those very enemies, against whom the
+King had a right to demand succor; an asylum and protection granted in
+the ports of Holland to American pirates, in direct violation of
+stipulations, the most clear and the most precise; and, to fill up the
+measure, a denial of satisfaction and of justice, for the affront
+committed to the dignity of the King, by a clandestine league with his
+rebel subjects; all these accumulated grievances have not left to the
+King any other part to take, than that which he has taken with the
+most sensible reluctance. In laying before the public the reasons,
+which have rendered this rupture inevitable, his Majesty attributed
+the conduct of the Republic to its true cause, the fatal influence of
+a faction, which sacrificed the national interest to private views;
+but the King has marked at the same time, the most sincere desire to
+draw back the Republic to the system of strict union, of efficacious
+alliance, and of mutual protection, which has so much contributed to
+the prosperity and the glory of the two States.
+
+"When the Empress of all the Russias offered her good offices to
+effectuate a reconciliation by a separate peace, the King signifying
+his just gratitude for this new proof of a friendship, which is so
+precious to him, avoided to involve the mediation of her Imperial
+Majesty in a fruitless negotiation; but at present, as there are
+certain indications of an alteration of disposition in the Republic,
+some marks of a desire to return to those principles, which the wisest
+part of the Batavian nation has never forsaken, a negotiation for a
+separate peace between the King and their High Mightinesses, may be
+opened with some hopes of success under the mediation of the Empress
+of all the Russias, who was the first to offer her good offices for
+this salutary work. If his Majesty did not at first take advantage of
+it, it was because he had every reason to believe, that the Republic
+at that time sought only to amuse, by an insidious negotiation; but
+the King would think, that he answered ill the sentiments, which
+dictated those first offers, and that he was wanting to those regards
+so justly due to her Imperial Majesty, and to the confidence, which
+she inspires, if he associated in this mediation any other, even that
+of an ally most respectable, and for whom the King has the sincerest
+friendship."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, December 26th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+It is very long since we had the pleasure of hearing from you. Before
+this you will probably have received two letters of mine; a duplicate
+of the last goes with this.
+
+Nothing material has happened since the date of that, except the
+evacuation of Wilmington, which was, as you know, a very important
+post, as it checked the trade of North Carolina, and kept up a
+dangerous connexion with almost the only tories on the Continent, who
+have shown spirit enough to support their principles openly.
+
+This new sacrifice by Britain of their partizans, conspiring with that
+made by the capitulation of York, must open their eyes, and teach them
+what the experience of ages should have taught, that those friendships
+are weak, which arise, from a fellowship in guilt.
+
+Our army, and the French troops are in quarters. The first in the
+Jerseys, and upon the Hudson river; the last in Virginia. General
+Greene will be reinforced by about eighteen hundred men, under St
+Clair. The enemy are shut up in New York, Savannah, and Charleston,
+though I believe they may yet have one or two posts, near the latter,
+which they will keep till St Clair joins Greene. Count de Grasse is in
+the West Indies, with so formidable an armament as promises the most
+important successes, during the winter; when joined by the force, that
+has sailed from Brest, and so many of the Spanish fleet as are
+prepared to co-operate with him, he will have about fifty sail of the
+line under his command.
+
+I enclose several resolutions of Congress, which will convince you
+that their late successes have not rendered them supine or negligent.
+The spirit which animates them will pervade most of the States. I need
+not suggest to you, the use that should be made of this information. I
+am persuaded, that your own knowledge of the world, and the particular
+situation of the government you are in, will direct you to the best
+means of rendering them useful to this country. I also enclose an
+ordinance relative to captures and recaptures lately passed by
+Congress. You will observe, that it is formed upon the plan
+recommended by the armed neutrality. It does credit in that view to
+our moderation. Perhaps the conduct of Britain, and the neglect of the
+neutral powers to enforce their own regulations, may render the policy
+of the measure doubtful. This, however, gives new force to the
+deductions drawn from it in favor of our moderation and justice.
+
+You will also observe, that it uses means to put an entire stop to all
+kind of commerce with Britain, or in British manufactures. In
+consequence of this, new habits and new fashions must be introduced.
+Wise nations will not neglect this favorable moment to render them
+subservient to the interest of their own commerce and manufactures.
+This affords you a topic which need not be urged to enlarge upon. I am
+very fearful that you will not fully understand the cyphers in which
+my last letters are written. I had them from the late committee of
+Foreign Affairs, though they say they never received any letters from
+you in them. Mr Lovell has enclosed what he thinks may serve as an
+explanation. I would recommend it to you to write to me in M. Dumas's
+cypher, till I can send you, or you send me one, by a safe hand.
+Should you be at Paris, Dr Franklin has Dumas's cypher.
+
+And now, Sir, for all this American intelligence, let me receive from
+you a full return in European commodities of the like kind. I do not
+hesitate to impose this task upon you, because I know it is one that
+you have never neglected, and that you are fully impressed with the
+idea of its importance to us. Among other things, I am persuaded
+Congress would wish to know the success of your loan, and your
+prospects; the disposition of the government, and the strength of the
+Marine of the United Provinces; its objects and preparations for the
+ensuing campaign; the negotiations which may be carrying on at
+present, either for peace or war; the designs, finances, and Marine of
+Russia. I shall also apply to Mr Dana for information on this subject,
+as it will be much more practicable to correspond with him through
+you, than to get letters to him at this season of the year from here.
+I shall, however, attempt both.
+
+I am too well acquainted with your industry and patriotism to think
+that you will repine at any trouble that this may give you. You know
+that Congress have a right to the fullest information from their
+Ministers, and that their Ministers have similar demands upon them. I
+shall endeavor, as far as lies in my power, to satisfy the last in
+future, since that charge has devolved upon me.
+
+I enclose a number of newspapers that may afford you some information
+and amusement, and have the honor to be, Sir, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, December 29th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Minister of the Court of Vienna has announced to their High
+Mightinesses, the accession of the Emperor to the armed neutrality, in
+the following manner.
+
+
+ ACCESSION OF AUSTRIA TO THE ARMED NEUTRALITY.
+
+"The Emperor having been invited by her Imperial Majesty of all the
+Russias, to accede to the principles of neutrality, which have been
+laid down in her declaration of the 28th of February, 1780,
+transmitted to the belligerent powers, his Majesty has accepted of
+this invitation, so much the more willingly, as he is convinced of the
+justice and equity of these principles. In consequence, their Imperial
+Majesties have resolved between themselves, and caused to be exchanged
+at St Petersburg, acts of accession on one part, and of acceptation on
+the other, of which the subscriber, Envoy Extraordinary, has the honor
+to transmit copies, by order of his Court, to their High Mightinesses,
+requesting them to accept of this communication, as a fresh testimony
+which the Emperor is pleased to give them of his affection, and of his
+most perfect confidence.
+
+"His Imperial Majesty hopes that this step will be considered as a new
+proof of his sincere and unalterable intentions to observe the
+strictest neutrality, and the most exact impartiality towards the
+belligerent powers. And as he has not ceased to give proofs of it
+through the whole course of this war, he flatters himself he shall be
+able to find in it sufficient pledges of that attention and regard,
+which he has a right to require in return on their part for the rights
+and liberties of neutral nations.
+
+"Done at the Hague, this 11th day of December, 1781.
+
+ THE BARON DE KEISCHACH."
+
+The act of accession, presented with the foregoing note, is of the
+following tenor.
+
+"Joseph the Second, by the grace of God, &c. having been invited
+amicably by her Majesty, the Empress of all the Russias, to concur
+with her in the consolidation of the principles of the neutrality upon
+the sea, tending to the maintenance of the liberty of the maritime
+commerce, and of the navigation of neutral powers, which she has laid
+down in her declaration of the 28th of February, 1780, presented on
+her part to the belligerent powers, which principles imply in
+substance,
+
+"1. That neutral vessels may navigate freely from port to port, and
+upon the coasts of the nations at war;
+
+"2. That effects belonging to the subjects of powers at war be free
+upon neutral vessels, excepting merchandises of contraband;
+
+"3. That no merchandises be considered as such, but those enumerated
+in the tenth and eleventh articles of the Treaty of Commerce,
+concluded between Russia and Great Britain the 28th of June, 1766;
+
+"4. That to determine what characterises a port blocked, this
+denomination is only to be given to that, where, by the disposition of
+the power, which attacks it, with vessels sufficiently near, there is
+an evident danger of entering;
+
+"5. Finally, that these principles serve as rules in proceedings and
+judgments concerning the legality of prizes.
+
+"And her said Imperial Majesty of all the Russias, having proposed to
+us, to this effect, to manifest by a formal act of accession, not only
+our full adhesion to these same principles, but also our immediate
+concurrence in the measures to assure the execution of them, that we
+would adopt on our part, by contracting reciprocally with her said
+Majesty, the engagements and stipulations, following, viz.
+
+"I. That on one part and on the other, we will continue to observe the
+most exact neutrality, and will carry into the most rigorous execution
+the prohibitions declared against the commerce of contraband of their
+respective subjects, with any of the powers already at war, or which
+may enter into the war in the sequel;
+
+"II. That if, in spite of all the cares employed to this effect, the
+merchant vessels of one of the two powers should be taken, or
+insulted, by any vessels whatsoever of the belligerent powers, the
+complaints of the injured power shall be supported in the most
+efficacious manner by the other; and that, if they refuse to render
+justice upon these complaints, they shall concert immediately upon the
+most proper manner of procuring it by just reprisals;
+
+"III. That if it should happen, that one or the other of the two
+powers, or both together, on occasion, or in resentment of this
+present agreement, should be disturbed, molested, or attacked, in such
+case they shall make common cause between themselves for their mutual
+defence, and labor in concert to procure themselves a full and entire
+satisfaction, both for the insult offered to their flag, and for the
+losses caused to their subjects;
+
+"IV. That these stipulations shall be considered on one part, and on
+the other, as permanent, and as making a rule, whenever it shall come
+in question to determine the rights of neutrality;
+
+"V. That the two powers shall communicate amicably their present
+mutual concert to all the powers who are actually at war.
+
+"We, willing, by an effect of the sincere friendship, which happily
+unites us to her Majesty, the Empress of all the Russias, as well as
+for the well-being of Europe in general, and of our countries and
+subjects in particular, to contribute on our part to the execution of
+views, of principles, and measures, as salutary as they are
+conformable to the most evident notions of the law of nations, have
+resolved to accede to them, as we do formally accede to them, in
+virtue of the present act, promising and engaging solemnly, as her
+Imperial Majesty of all the Russias engages herself to us, to observe,
+execute, and warrant all the foregoing points and stipulations. In
+faith of which, we have signed these presents with our own hand, and
+have hereto affixed our seal.
+
+"Given at Vienna, the 9th of October, 1781.
+
+ JOSEPH."
+
+The Prince de Gallitzin has notified the acceptation of Russia nearly
+in the same words. By the fifth article the two Imperial Courts ought
+to notify this to Congress, for it is most certain that the United
+States are one of the powers actually at war. Whether they will or no,
+time must discover; but by the articles, to serve as a basis of peace
+at the proposed Congress at Vienna, these two Courts have certainly
+acknowledged the American Colonies to be a power at war, and a power
+sufficiently free to appear at Vienna, and make peace with Great
+Britain.
+
+The confederation for the liberty of navigation of neutral nations, is
+now one of the most formidable that ever was formed in the world. The
+only question is, whether it is not too complicated and various to be
+managed to effect. The conduct of the Empress of Russia towards this
+Republic, and especially in offering her mediation for a separate
+peace between England and Holland, has excited some jealousies of her
+sincerity or her constancy. But I think it will appear in the end,
+that she intends that Holland shall enjoy the full benefit of this
+confederation, which will effectually deprive England of that
+sovereignty of the sea, which she so presumptuously claims and boasts.
+But if it should appear, which I do not expect, that the Empress
+should advise the Dutch to give up the right of carrying naval stores,
+after the example of Denmark, her glory will suffer no small
+diminution, and I presume that Holland, humble as she is, will not
+submit to it, but make immediately common cause with the enemies of
+her enemy.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE DUC DE LA VAUGUYON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Versailles, December 30th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+You desired that on my arrival at Versailles, I should communicate to
+the Count de Vergennes your disposition to adopt the measure you have
+been advised to pursue by several well disposed members of the States
+of Holland, and that I should at the same time make known to him your
+determination not to take that step without his approbation.
+
+The Minister directs me to inform you, that he sees no objection to
+the visit, which you wish to make to the President of the Assembly of
+the States-General, to the Ministers of the Republic, and to the
+deputies of the principal cities of the Province of Holland, provided
+that, without leaving with either of them any official writing, you
+limit yourself to the inquiry, whether the memorial, which you
+transmitted to them several months since has been made the subject of
+deliberation by their High Mightinesses, and what answer you may
+communicate to the Congress of the United States of North America.
+
+I do not know the precise time of my return to the Hague, but see no
+reason to suppose that my absence will be longer than I expected.
+
+Receive, Sir, my renewed assurance of the profound respect with which
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ DE LA VAUGUYON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, January 9th, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+I write merely to put you on your guard against any falsehood the
+enemy may think it necessary to publish about the time of opening
+their budget. All is well here. There has been no action to the
+southward. Many of the tories in North Carolina, enraged at being
+deserted, have joined our army, and, as is said, executed some of
+their leaders. The enemy have drawn all their troops into Charleston,
+and our advanced parties are as low down as Haddell's point.
+
+I congratulate you upon the brilliant expedition of the Marquis de
+Bouille. It does him the highest honor, and his subsequent conduct
+forms such a contrast to that of the English, as must, I should
+suppose, have great influence upon the minds of the people with you,
+and forward your negotiations. The one fighting to oppress and enslave
+a free people, the other to establish their rights; the one attempting
+to tyrannize over the ocean, and fetter the commerce of the world, the
+other resisting that tyranny, and rendering trade as free as nature
+made it; the one insulting, plundering, and abusing an old friend, an
+ally, in the midst of profound peace, the other extending in war mercy
+to their bitterest enemies, and marching to conquest with domestic
+peace in their train; the one burning defenceless towns and peaceful
+villages, where they have been hospitably entertained, the other
+guarding from violence with scrupulous attention the firesides of
+their inveterate foes; the one murdering in cold blood, or more
+cruelly by want and misery in prison ships, those who speak the same
+language, profess the same religion, and spring from the same
+ancestors; the other forgetting difference of religion, language, and
+hereditary enmity, spare the vanquished, administer to their wants,
+offer consolation in their distress, and prove more by their conduct
+than by their professions, that they are armed in the cause of
+humanity.
+
+The one, without regard to truth or decency, boasts of victories never
+gained, and ostentatiously exaggerates the little advantages, which
+superior numbers have sometimes given, while the other leaves the
+debility of their enemy to express the brilliancy of their actions.
+The one--but I should never have done if I were to mark the points in
+which the British differ from a brave, humane, and polished nation.
+The recapture of St Eustatia in all its circumstances, and the
+disgraceful defence of Yorktown, prove that they are no longer the
+people we once thought them; if ever they were brave and generous,
+they have lost those virtues with the spirit of freedom. Adieu, my
+Dear Sir, may your exertions in the cause of your country be attended
+with all the success they merit.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, January 14th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Having received the advice of several gentlemen, members of the
+States, and also of the opinion of the Duc de la Vauguyon and the
+Count de Vergennes, I went to the Hague on Tuesday, the 8th day of
+this month, and the next morning at ten, waited on the President of
+their High Mightinesses, M. Van der Sandheuvel of Dort, a city of
+Holland, to whom I made a verbal requisition in the following words.
+
+"The 4th of May last I had the honor of a conference with the
+President of their High Mightinesses, in which I informed him that I
+had received a commission from the United States of America, with full
+powers and instructions to propose and conclude a treaty of amity and
+commerce between the United States of America and the United Province
+of the Netherlands. I had the honor in the same conference to demand
+an audience of their High Mightinesses, for the purpose of presenting
+my credentials and full powers. The President assured me, that he
+would report everything that I had told him, to their High
+Mightinesses, so that the matter might be transmitted to the several
+members of the sovereignty, to be submitted to their deliberation and
+decision. I have not yet been honored with an answer, and for this
+reason I have the honor of addressing myself to you, Sir, to demand
+from you as I do demand, a categorical answer, which I may transmit to
+my sovereign."
+
+The President assured me, that he would not fail to make report to
+their High Mightinesses. After this, I sent a servant to the Grand
+Pensionary Bleiswick, to know at what hour I should have the honor of
+a conversation with him. The answer returned to me, with the
+compliments of the Grand Pensionary, was, that he was sick, unable to
+attend the Assembly of the States, and to receive any visits at home
+from anybody; but if my business was of a public nature, I might
+communicate it to his Secretary, which would be as well as to himself.
+Upon this, I requested M. Dumas to call upon the Secretary, and
+communicate my intentions to him, which he did.
+
+I went next morning at ten, to the Secretary of their High
+Mightinesses, M. Fagel, and communicated to him the step I had taken
+the day before, who told me that he had already been informed of it,
+for that the President, according to his promise, had made his report
+to their High Mightinesses; that it was true, that the Baron de Lynden
+de Hemmen had made his report to their High Mightinesses, on the 4th
+of last May, of my proposition to him, and that it had been forthwith
+taken _ad referendum_ by all the Provinces, but that no member of the
+sovereignty had yet returned any answer at all, either in the
+affirmative or negative; that my proposition of yesterday had in like
+manner been taken _ad referendum_ by all the Provinces, and that it
+was necessary to wait to see what answer they would give.
+
+The Secretary, who is perfectly well with the Court, as his ancestors
+and family have been for a long course of years, and who is as
+complaisant to England as any man in this country, received me with
+perfect politeness, and, when I took leave, insisted upon accompanying
+me through all the anti-chambers and long entries quite to my chariot
+door in the street, where he waited until we entered and drove off.
+
+After this, I went to the House of Dort, the Pensionary of which city,
+M. Gyselaer, received me with confidence and affection; told me, that
+all he could say to me in his public character was, that he thanked me
+for the communication I had made to him, and would communicate it to
+the deputation and to the Regency of his city, and that he hoped I
+should have as friendly an answer as I desired, for that he personally
+saw me with great pleasure, and very readily acknowledged my
+character, and that of my country.
+
+I went next, at the hour agreed on, to the House of Haerlem, where I
+was received by the whole deputation, consisting of two Burgomasters,
+two Schepins, and a Pensionary. Here passed a scene, which really
+affected my sensibility, and gave me great pleasure. The five
+gentlemen were all aged and venerable magistrates, who received me
+with an affection and cordiality, which discovered, in their air and
+countenance, the sincerity and satisfaction they felt in the word of
+their Pensionary when he told me, that they were only Deputies; that
+by the constitution of Haerlem, like all the others in the Republic,
+the sovereignty resided in their constituents, the Regency; that they
+thanked me for the communication I had made to them, that they would
+communicate it to the Regency of their city, and that for themselves,
+they heartily wished it success; for that the United States, as
+sufferers for, and defenders of the great cause of liberty, might
+depend upon the esteem, affection, and friendship, of the city of
+Haerlem, and that they heartily wished a connexion between the two
+Republics, and they congratulated us on the capture of Lord
+Cornwallis, to which we returned to them a congratulation for the
+recapture of St Eustatia, and took our leave.
+
+At the House of Leyden, we were received by the Pensionary, who told
+us he had the orders of his Burgomasters to receive me, to thank me
+for the communication, and to promise to communicate it to their
+Regency.
+
+At the House of Rotterdam, we were received by the whole deputation,
+consisting of two Burgomasters, two Schepins, or Judges, and the
+Pensionary. We received thanks for the communication, and a promise to
+lay it before the Regency.
+
+At the House of Gouda and the Brille, the same reception and the same
+answer. At another House, where the Deputies of five small cities
+lived together, the same answer. At the House, where the Deputies of
+Alcmaer and Enkhuisen reside, we were received by the whole
+deputations, obtained the same answers, with the addition of
+professions of esteem and wishes, that in time there might be a closer
+connexion between the two nations.
+
+Thus I had been introduced to the Ministers of the Republic, and to
+the Deputies of all the cities of Holland, except Amsterdam. In my
+messages to the deputations, I had followed the order of the cities,
+according to the rank they held in the confederation. I had sent to
+the House of Amsterdam in its course. The messenger, the first time,
+found only one of the Burgomasters at home, M. Rendorp, who returned
+for answer, that the gentlemen were not then together, but that they
+would send me word at what time they would receive me; but no answer
+came for a day or two. I sent again. The messenger found only the same
+Burgomaster, who returned the same answer. On Friday morning, having
+no answer, I sent a third time. The answer from the same Burgomaster
+was, that the gentlemen were then setting off for Amsterdam, being
+obliged to return upon business, and could not then see me, but would
+send me word. Upon this, I concluded to return to Amsterdam too, and
+to make the communication there in writing to the Regency; but
+reflecting that this step would occasion much speculation and many
+reflections upon Amsterdam, I desired M. Dumas to wait on M. Vischer,
+the Pensionary, who remained in town, and consult with him. The result
+was, that I made my visit to the House of Amsterdam, and made the
+communication to M. Vischer, who received me like a worthy Minister of
+the great city.
+
+It may not be amiss to conclude this letter by observing, that every
+city is considered as an independent Republic. The Burgomasters have
+the administration of the executive, like little kings. There is in
+the great council, consisting of the Burgomasters and Counsellors, a
+limited legislative authority. The Schepins are the judges. The
+Deputies are appointed by the Regency, which consists of the
+Burgomasters, Counsellors, and Schepins; and in the large cities, the
+Deputies consist of two Burgomasters, two Schepins or Counsellors, and
+one Pensionary. The Pensionary is the Secretary of State, or the
+Minister of the city. The Pensionaries are generally the speakers
+upon all occasions, even in the Assembly of the States of the
+Province.
+
+These operations at the Hague have been received by the public with
+great appearance of approbation and pleasure, and the gazettes and
+pamphlets universally cry against the mediation of Russia, and for an
+immediate alliance with France and America. But the leaders of the
+Republic, those of them I mean who are well intentioned, wish to have
+the two negotiations, that for peace under the mediation of Russia,
+and that for an alliance with France, Spain, and America, laid before
+the States and the public together, not so much with an expectation of
+accomplishing speedily an alliance with Bourbon and America, as with a
+hope of checking the English party, and preventing them from accepting
+a peace with England, or the mediation of Russia to that end, upon
+dangerous or dishonorable terms. If it was in any other country, I
+should conclude from all appearances, that an alliance with America
+and France, at least would be finished in a few weeks; but I have been
+long enough here to know the nation better. The constitution of
+government is so complicated and whimsical a thing, and the temper and
+character of the nation so peculiar, that this is considered
+everywhere as the most difficult embassy in Europe. But at present it
+is more so than ever; the nation is more divided than usual, and they
+are afraid of everybody, afraid of France, afraid of America, England,
+Russia, and the Northern powers, and above all of the Emperor, who is
+taking measures, that will infallibly ruin the commerce of this
+country, if they do not soon change their conduct.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, January 15th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The following note was presented to the Secretary Fagel by the Prince
+Gallitzin, and by the Secretary to the Assembly of their High
+Mightinesses, the 10th of this month.
+
+"Her Imperial Majesty of all the Russias, having reflected upon the
+loss of time, which is occasioned by a correspondence relative to
+complaints formed by the subjects of neutral powers, her allies,
+concerning the vexations and violations which they may suffer
+sometimes in their commercial navigation, has perceived that it will
+be essential to provide the Ministers of the allied powers with
+instructions sufficient for all cases of this nature. To this effect,
+her Imperial Majesty has thought fit to propose also to their High
+Mightinesses, the necessity and utility of general orders and
+instructions upon this object, with which they ought to provide their
+Ministers residing near the belligerent powers. Her Imperial Majesty
+is even of opinion that it will be indispensably necessary to detail
+the instructions in question in a manner so ample, that the Ministers
+may never be reduced to wait for ulterior orders; but on the contrary,
+that in all cases of this nature, they may be authorised to sustain
+each other efficaciously in their complaints and operations in making
+a common cause, and in interesting themselves without hesitation in
+the first complaints of the respective subjects of their Sovereigns,
+who claim their assistance.
+
+"Her Imperial Majesty has already exerted herself to despatch to her
+Ministers residing at the belligerent Courts, the necessary
+instructions to this effect. Certainly none of them will fail to
+contribute to the good of the common cause, conformably to mutual
+engagements, and to that which her Imperial Majesty has caused to be
+proposed to her other allies."
+
+I have transmitted this, as well as all other State papers, relative
+to the maritime confederation, because I hope it will be finally
+established, as it appears to be for the good of mankind in general,
+and of the United States in particular. The Dutch are so attached to
+it, that I think they will not give it up, and if the Empress has it
+sincerely at heart, she will not consent that the Dutch should
+relinquish it.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Amsterdam, January 16th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The following verbal insinuation made by the Baron de Noleken, Envoy
+of Sweden at London, to my Lord Stormont, the 31st of August, 1781, is
+of importance to show the intentions of the maritime confederacy.
+
+"The King has no occasion at this time to declare the principles,
+which have determined his conduct, from the time when he ascended the
+throne of his ancestors. He has been guided by the love of peace; and
+he would have wished to see all the powers of Europe enjoy the same
+happiness, equally constant and durable. These wishes dictated by the
+sentiments of humanity, which are natural to him, have not been
+satisfied. The flames of war, enkindled in another hemisphere, have
+communicated themselves to Europe, but the King still flattered
+himself that this conflagration, would not pass the bounds to which it
+was confined, and above all that a nation merely commercial, which had
+announced a neutrality as an invariable foundation of her conduct,
+would not be involved in it. Nevertheless, the contrary has happened
+almost at the very moment, when this power had contracted the most
+innocent engagements with the King and his two allies in the north.
+
+"If a neutrality the most exact, which was ever observed has not been
+able to warrant the King from feeling at first the inconveniences of
+the war, by the considerable losses, which were sustained by his
+trading subjects; by a stronger reason he was able to foresee the
+vexatious consequences when these disorders should become more
+extensive, when an open war, between Great Britain and the Republic of
+Holland should multiply them; finally, when the commerce of neuters
+was about to suffer new shackles by the hostilities, which were to be
+committed between these two powers. Accordingly the King did not fail
+soon to perceive it, and sincerely to wish, that the measures taken by
+the Empress of Russia, for extinguishing in its beginning the flame of
+this new war, had been followed with a perfect success. But as this
+salutary work has not been carried to perfection, the King has
+resolved to join himself to his allies, the Empress of Russia and the
+King of Denmark, to endeavor to dispose his Britannic Majesty to adopt
+those pacific sentiments, which their High Mightinesses, the
+States-General, have already manifested by their consent, to open a
+negotiation of peace.
+
+"If such were the dispositions of this monarch, as it ought not to be
+doubted, it seems that a suspension of hostilities should be a
+preliminary, by so much the more essential to their accomplishment, as
+military operations necessarily influencing a negotiation of this
+nature, would only serve to embarrass and to prolong it, while the
+allied Courts would not wish for anything so much, as to be able to
+accelerate it by all the means, which might serve for the satisfaction
+and advantage of the two belligerent parties. In the sincerity and the
+rectitude of the intentions, which animate his Majesty, as well as his
+allies, he cannot conceal the apprehension he is in, with regard to
+the continuation of the war, from whence may arise vexatious
+incidents, capable of exciting all sorts of wrangles and most
+disagreeable disputes.
+
+"This motive, and still more, that of preventing a still greater
+effusion of blood, are proper to operate upon the heart of the King of
+Great Britain; and in the entire confidence, which his Majesty places
+in it, he would feel a real satisfaction, if by his good offices and
+by his mediation joined to that of his allies, he could succeed in
+terminating the differences, which have arisen between his Britannic
+Majesty and the States-General of the United Provinces."
+
+They write from Stockholm, that the Court of London has thought proper
+to make representations to that of Sweden, concerning the rencounter
+which a convoy of merchant ships, under the escort of the Swedish
+frigate, the Jaramas, had with the English squadron of Commodore
+Stewart, who would have visited these merchant ships. The Court of
+London pretends, that he was authorised to make such a visit, even in
+virtue of the articles of the convention of the armed neutrality,
+concluded between the three powers of the north; but that the Court of
+Stockholm, far from blaming the refusal of the Captain of the
+Jaramas, to permit the visit, had highly approved his conduct, and
+answered, "that this officer had acted, conformably to his duty, for
+that the regulation in one of the articles of the convention of the
+armed neutrality in regard to the visits of merchant ships, respected
+only the vessels, which navigated without convoy, but not at all those
+which should be found under convoy, and consequently under the
+protection of a sovereign flag (Pavillon,) the warranty of the nature
+of their cargo, and of the property."
+
+_Petersburg, December 14th, 1781._ "The Minister of Sweden having
+communicated, by express order of the King his master, to our Court,
+the complaints which that of London had made, concerning the
+rencounter of the Swedish frigate, the Jaramas, with the squadron of
+Commodore Keith Stewart, as well as the answer, which had been given
+to those complaints, the Vice Chancellor, the Count d'Ostermann,
+declared the day before yesterday to this Minister, 'that her Imperial
+Majesty highly approved the answer of the Court of Stockholm, and
+found it in all points conformable to the principle, which she herself
+would follow in a parallel case. In consequence, if contrary to all
+appearance, the Court of London should not be satisfied with it, and
+should pretend to be able to visit neutral merchant ships, which
+should be found under the protection of the King, or under that of the
+sovereign flag of one of the allies, her Imperial Majesty would be
+always ready to concur, and to co-operate with his Swedish Majesty and
+the other allies, to oppose themselves to it, as well as to maintain
+the independence and respect due to their respective flags.' At the
+same time, orders have been sent to all the Ministers of the Empress,
+at the belligerent powers, that 'in case there should arise just
+complaints or difficulties, with relation to the detention, the
+capture, the carrying off, or the ill treatment, which merchant ships,
+navigating under the flag of this empire, or under that of one of the
+allies of the convention of neutrality, shall have suffered, from
+ships of war or armed vessels, of one or another of the belligerent
+powers, they should make at first, in such case, every one in his
+place, the necessary representations and requisitions, for reclaiming
+the said vessels, the reparation of losses, &c. and concur and concert
+to this effect with the other Ministers of the contracting Courts,
+without asking or waiting for further orders. The allied Courts will
+be requested, moreover, to give the orders to their respective
+Ministers residing near the belligerent powers.' A courier, despatched
+this day to the Hague and to London, carries these orders to the
+Ministers of the Empress, as well as the acts of accession of the
+Emperor to the principles of the convention of neutrality. The day
+before yesterday, the usual day of the conferences with the Vice
+Chancellor, he communicated the same acts to the foreign Ministers."
+
+With great respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON, SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
+
+ Amsterdam, February 14th, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Yesterday the duplicate of your letter of the 23d of October was
+brought to me, the original is not yet arrived. It is with great
+pleasure I learn, that a Minister is appointed for foreign affairs,
+who is so capable of introducing into that department an order, a
+constancy, and an activity, which could never be expected from a
+committee of Congress, so often changing, and so much engaged in other
+great affairs, however excellent their qualifications or dispositions.
+Indeed, Sir, it is of infinite importance to me to know the sentiments
+of Congress; yet I have never known them in any detail or with any
+regularity, since I have been in Europe. I fear Congress have heard as
+little from me since I have been in Holland. My despatches by the way
+of St Eustatia, and by several private vessels, and by the South
+Carolina, have been vastly unfortunate.
+
+My situation, Sir, has been very delicate; but as my whole life from
+my infancy has been passed through an uninterrupted series of delicate
+situations, when I find myself suddenly translated into a new one, the
+view of it neither confounds nor dismays me. I am very sensible,
+however, that such a habit of mind borders very nearly upon
+presumption, and deserves very serious reflections. My health is still
+precarious. My person has been thought by some to have been in danger;
+but at present I apprehend nothing to myself or the public.
+
+This nation will have peace with England, if they can obtain it upon
+honorable terms; but upon no other. They cannot obtain it upon any
+other, without giving offence to France, and England will not make
+peace upon such conditions. I shall, therefore, probably remain here
+in a very insipid and insignificant state a long time, without any
+affront or answer. In the parties, which divide the nation, I have
+never taken any share. I have treated all men of all parties whom I
+saw alike, and have been used quite as well by the Court party as
+their antagonists. Both parties have been in bodily fear of popular
+commotions, and the politics of both appear to me to be too much
+influenced by alternate fears, and I must add, hopes of popular
+commotions. Both parties agree in their determinations to obtain peace
+with England, if they can; but Great Britain will not cease to be the
+tyrant of the ocean until she ceases to be the tyrant of America. She
+will only give up her claims of empire over both together.
+
+The Dutch have an undoubted right to judge for themselves, whether it
+is for their interest to connect themselves with us or not. At present
+I have no reason to be dissatisfied. I have, in pursuance of the
+advice of the Count de Vergennes and the Duc de la Vauguyon, added to
+that of several members of the States, demanded an answer. I was
+received politely by all parties, though you will hear great
+complaints from others that I am not received well. They have their
+views in this; they know that this is a good string for them to touch.
+I stand now in an honorable light, openly and candidly demanding an
+answer in my public character. But it is the Republic that stands in a
+less respectable situation, not one member of the Sovereignty having
+yet ventured to give an answer in the negative. The dignity of the
+United States is, therefore, perfectly safe, and if that of this
+Republic is questionable, this is their own fault, not ours. Your
+advice, to be well with the government, and to take no measures which
+may bring upon me a public affront, is perfectly just. All appearance
+of intrigue, and all the refinements of politics, have been as distant
+from my conduct as you know them to be from my natural and habitual
+character.
+
+Your advice to spend much of my time at the Hague, I shall in future
+pursue, though I have had reasons for a different conduct hitherto. As
+to connexions with the Ministers of other powers, it is a matter of
+great delicacy. There is no power but what is interested directly or
+indirectly in our affairs at present. Every Minister has at his own
+Court a competitor, who keeps correspondences and spies, to be
+informed of every step; and open visits to or from any American
+Minister are too dangerous for them to venture on. It must be managed
+with so much art, and be contrived in third places, and with so much
+unmeaning intrigue, that it should not be too much indulged, and after
+all, nothing can come of it. There is not a Minister of them all, that
+is intrusted with anything, but from time to time to execute positive
+instructions from his Court.
+
+A loan of money has given me vast anxiety. I have tried every
+experiment and failed in all; and am fully of opinion, that we never
+shall obtain a credit here until we have a treaty. When this will be,
+I know not. If France has not other objects in view of more
+importance, in my opinion she may accomplish it in a short time.
+Whether she has or not, time must discover.
+
+Mr Barclay is here doing his utmost to despatch the public effects
+here; but these will turn out the dearest goods that Congress ever
+purchased if they ever arrive safe. It has been insinuated, I
+perceive, that I was privy to the purchase of a parcel of English
+manufactures among these goods. This is a mistake. It was carefully
+concealed from me, who certainly should not have countenanced it, if I
+had known it. Mr Barclay will exchange them all for the manufactures
+of Germany or Holland, or sell them here. The ordinance of Congress
+against British manufactures, is universally approved as far as I
+know, as a hostility against their enemies of more importance than the
+exertions of an army of twenty thousand men.
+
+With great esteem, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Amsterdam, February 19th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the 14th instant, I had the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
+your duplicate of the 23d of October. Today Major Porter brought me
+your favor of the 20th of November, and the original of that of the
+23d of October.
+
+I congratulate you, Sir, on the glorious news contained in these
+despatches; but I cannot be of your opinion, that, great as it is, it
+will defeat every hope that Britain entertains of conquering a country
+so defended. Vanity, Sir, is a passion capable of inspiring illusions,
+which astonish all other men; and the Britons are, without exception,
+the vainest people upon earth. By examining such a witness as Arnold,
+the Ministry can draw from him evidence, which will fully satisfy the
+people of England, that the conquest of America is still practicable.
+Sensible men see the error; but they have seen it these twenty years,
+and lamented it till their hearts are broken. The intention of
+government seems to be to break the spirit of the nation, and to bring
+affairs into so wretched a situation, that all men shall see that they
+cannot be made better by new Ministers, or by the punishment of the
+old ones.
+
+It is suggested, that some plan of conciliation will be brought into
+Parliament; but it will be only as deceitful as all the former ones.
+They begin to talk big, and threaten to send Arnold with seventeen
+thousand men to burn and destroy in the northern States; but this will
+prove but an annual vapor. I rejoice the more in Colonel Willet's
+glorious services, for a personal knowledge and esteem I have for that
+officer. Zoutman's battle on Doggerbank shows what the nation could
+do. But ... It is somewhat dangerous to write with perfect freedom
+concerning the views and principles of each party, as you desire.
+Indeed, the views of all parties are enveloped in clouds and darkness.
+There are unerring indications, that all parties agree secretly in
+this principle, that the Americans are right if they have power. There
+is here and there an individual who says the Americans are wrong; but
+these are very few. The English party are suspected to have it in view
+to engage the Republic to join the English in the war against France,
+Spain, and America.
+
+The Prince is supposed to wish that this were practicable, but to
+despair of it. Some of the great proprietors of English stocks,
+several great mercantile houses in the service of the British
+Ministry, are thought to wish it too; but if they are guilty of wishes
+so injurious to their country and humanity, none of them dares openly
+avow them. The Stadtholder is of opinion, that his house has been
+supported by England; that his office was created, and is preserved by
+her. But I do not see why his office would not be as safe in an
+alliance with France as with England, unless he apprehends that the
+republican party would in that case change sides, connect itself with
+England, and by her means overthrow him. There are jealousies that the
+Stadtholder aspires to be a sovereign; but these are the ordinary
+jealousies of liberty, and I should think, in this case, groundless.
+The opposite, which is called the republican party, is suspected of
+desires and designs of introducing innovations. Some are supposed to
+aim at the demolition of the Stadtholdership; others, of introducing
+the people to the right of choosing the Regencies; but I think these
+are very few in number, and very inconsiderable in power, though some
+of them may have wit and genius.
+
+There is another party, at the head of which is Amsterdam, who think
+the Stadtholdership necessary, but wish to have some further
+restraints or check upon it. Hence the proposition for a committee to
+assist his Highness. But there is no appearance that the project will
+succeed. All the divisions of the Republican party are thought to
+think well of America, and to wish a connexion with her and France.
+The opposite party do not openly declare themselves against this; but
+peace is the only thing in which all sides agree. No party dares say
+anything against peace; yet there are individuals very respectable,
+who think that it is not for the public interest to make peace.
+
+As to Congress' adapting measures to the views and interest of both
+parties, they have already done it in the most admirable manner. They
+could not have done better if they had been all present here, and I
+know of nothing to be added. They have a Plenipotentiary here, with
+instructions; they have given power to invite the Republic to accede
+to the alliance between France and America, with a power to admit
+Spain. All this is communicated to the Count de Vergennes and the Duc
+de la Vauguyon, and I wait only their advice for the time of making
+the proposition. I have endeavored to have the good graces of the
+leaders, and I have no reason to suspect that I do not enjoy their
+esteem, and I have received from the Prince repeatedly, and in strong
+terms by his Secretary the Baron de Larray, assurances of his personal
+esteem.
+
+I wrote, Sir, on the 3d and 7th of May, as full an account of my
+presenting my credentials, as it was proper to write, and am
+astonished that neither duplicates nor triplicates have arrived. I
+will venture a secret. I had the secret advice of our best friends in
+the Republic to take the step I did, though the French Ambassador
+thought the time a little too early. My situation would have been
+ridiculous and deplorable indeed, if I had not done it, and the
+success of the measure, as far as universal applause could be called
+success, has justified it. Those who detested the measure, Sir, were
+obliged to applaud it in words. I am surprised, to see you think it
+places us in a humiliating light. I am sure it raised me out of a very
+humiliating position, such as I never felt before, and shall never
+feel again, I believe. I have lately by the express advice of all our
+best friends, added to that of the Duc de la Vauguyon and the Count de
+Vergennes, demanded a categorical answer. I knew very well I should
+not have it; but it has placed the United States and their Minister in
+a glorious light, demanding candidly an answer, and the Republic has
+not yet equal dignity to give it.
+
+In this manner we may remain with perfect safety to the dignity of the
+United States, and the reputation of her Minister, until their High
+Mightinesses shall think fit to answer, or until we shall think it
+necessary to repeat the demand, or make a new one, which I shall not
+do without the advice of the French Ambassador, with whom I shall
+consult with perfect confidence.
+
+My motives for printing the Memorial were, that I had no other way to
+communicate my proposition to the Sovereign of the country. The
+gentlemen at the Hague, who are called their High Mightinesses, are
+not the Sovereign, they are only Deputies of the States-General, who
+compose the Sovereignty. These joint Deputies form only a diplomatic
+body, not a legislative nor an executive one. The States-General are
+the Regencies of cities and bodies of nobles. The Regencies of cities
+are the Burgomasters and Schepins, or Judges and Counsellors,
+composing in the whole a number of four or five thousand men,
+scattered all over the Republic. I had no way to come at them but by
+the press, because the President refused to receive my memorial. If he
+had received it, it would have been transmitted of course to all the
+Regencies; but in that case it would have been printed; for there is
+no memorial of a public Minister in this Republic, but what is
+printed.
+
+When the President said, "Sir, we have no authority to receive your
+memorial until your title and character are acknowledged by our
+constituents and sovereigns; we are not the sovereign;" I answered,
+"In that case, Sir, it will be my duty to make the memorial public in
+print, because I have no other possible way of addressing myself to
+the sovereign, your constituents."
+
+The President made no objection, and there has been no objection to
+this day. Those who dreaded the consequence to the cause of Anglomany,
+have never ventured to hint a word against it. The Anglomanes would
+have had a triumph if it had not been printed, and I should before
+this day have met with many disagreeable scenes, if not public
+affronts. This openness has protected me. To conciliate the affections
+of the people, to place our cause in an advantageous light, to remove
+the prejudices that Great Britain and her votaries excite, to discover
+the views of the different parties, to watch the motives that lead to
+peace between England and Holland, have been my constant aim since I
+have resided here. The secret aid of government in obtaining a loan, I
+have endeavored to procure, but it can never be obtained until there
+is a treaty. I have hitherto kept a friendly connexion with the
+French Ambassador, and that without interruption. The new commission
+for peace, and the revocation of that for a treaty of commerce with
+Great Britain I have received.
+
+My language and conduct are those of a private gentleman; but those
+members of Congress who think this proper, know that I have held
+public places in Europe, too public and conspicuous for me to be able
+to remain incognito in this country, nor is it for the interest of the
+public that I should attempt it.
+
+I should be extremely obliged to you, Sir, if you would let me know
+the dates of all the letters that have been received from me, since I
+have been in Holland, that I may send further copies of such as have
+miscarried. The States of Holland have accepted the mediation of
+Russia, on condition of saving the rights of the armed neutrality.
+There has been a balancing between a treaty with France, and the
+acceptance of this mediation. Amsterdam said nothing. The mediation
+was accepted; but several provinces have declared for a treaty with
+France. People of the best intentions are jealous of a peace with
+England upon dishonorable terms; but France will prevent this, though
+she does not choose to prevent the acceptance of the mediation, as she
+might have done by consenting to my making the proposition of a triple
+or quadruple alliance. Her Ambassador says, the King must not oppose
+the Empress of Russia, who will be of importance in the final
+settlement of peace.
+
+France has never discovered much inclination to a treaty with the
+Republic. The demolition of the barrier towns may explain this, as
+well as the Ambassador's opinion against presenting my memorial at the
+time it was done. I believe that France too can explain the reason of
+the delay of Spain, where we make a less respectable appearance than
+in this Republic. The delay of Spain is fatal to our affairs. Yet I
+know the American Minister there to be equal to any service, which
+makes me regret the more the delay of that kingdom. The constant cry
+is, why is Spain silent? We must wait for Spain. Nothing gives greater
+advantage to the English party.
+
+The nature of the government in an absolute monarchy, would render it
+improper to make any application or memorial public. The nature of
+this government rendered it indispensably necessary. The business must
+begin in the public, that is in all the Regencies. De Witt and Temple
+it is true, made a treaty in five days; but De Witt risked his head by
+it, upon the pardon and confirmation of the Regencies. But it was a
+time and a measure, which he knew to be universally wished for. The
+case at present is different. M. Van Bleiswick, though he told me he
+thought favorably of my first application, would not have dared to
+take a single step without the previous orders of his masters, as he
+told me.
+
+It is the United States of America, which must save this Republic from
+ruin. It is the only power that is externally respected by all
+parties, although no party dares as yet declare openly for it. One
+half the Republic nearly declares every day very indecently against
+France, the other against England; but neither one nor the other
+declares against America, which is more beloved and esteemed than any
+other nation of the world.
+
+We must wait, however, with patience. After oscillating a little
+longer, and grasping at peace, finding it unattainable, I think they
+will seek an alliance with America, if not with France. I had a week
+ago a visit from one of the first personages in Friesland, who
+promised me that in three weeks I should have an answer from that
+Province.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Amsterdam, February 21st, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I know very well the name of the family where I spent the evening with
+my worthy friend Mr ---- before we set off, and have made my alphabet
+accordingly; but I am, on this occasion, as on all others hitherto,
+utterly unable to comprehend the sense of the passages in cypher. The
+cypher is certainly not taken regularly under the two first letters of
+that name. I have been able sometimes to decypher words enough to show
+that I have the letters right; but, upon the whole, I can make nothing
+of it, which I regret very much upon this occasion, as I suppose the
+cyphers are a very material part of the letter.
+
+The friendly and patriotic anxiety with which you inquire after my
+motives and reasons for making the proposition of the 4th of May, and
+for printing the memorial, has put me upon recollecting the
+circumstances. If the series of my letters had arrived, I think the
+reasons would have appeared, but not with that force in which they
+existed at the time. I have never expressed in writing those reasons
+so strongly as I felt them. The hopes have never been strong in
+anybody of inducing the Republic to a sudden alliance with France and
+America. The utmost expectation, that many of the well intentioned
+have entertained has been to prevent the government from joining
+England. I am sorry to be obliged to say it, and if it ever should be
+made public, it might be ill taken. But there is no manner of doubt,
+that the most earnest wish of the cabinet has been to induce the
+nation to furnish the ships and troops to the English according to
+their interpretation of the treaty. Amsterdam distinguished itself,
+and its ancient and venerable Burgomaster, Temmink, and its eldest
+Pensionary, Van Berckel, have distinguished themselves in Amsterdam.
+
+When Mr Laurens's papers were discovered, they were sent forthwith to
+the Hague. The Prince, in person, laid them before the States. Sir
+Joseph Yorke thundered with his memorials against Amsterdam, her
+Burgomasters, and Pensionary. The nation was seized with amazement,
+and flew to the armed neutrality for shelter against the fierce wrath
+of the King. Instantly Sir Joseph Yorke is recalled, and a declaration
+of war appears, levelled against the city, against the Burgomasters,
+and M. Van Berckel. Sir George Rodney, in his despatches pursues the
+same partiality and personality against Amsterdam. What was the drift
+of all this? Manifestly to excite seditions against Temmink and Van
+Berckel. Here then, is a base and scandalous system of policy, in
+which the King of Great Britain, and his Ministry and Admiral, all
+condescended to engage, manifestly concerted by Sir Joseph Yorke, at
+the Hague; and I am sorry to add, too much favored by the cabinet, and
+even openly by the Prince, by his presenting Laurens's papers to the
+States, to sacrifice Temmink and Van Berckel to the fury of an enraged
+populace.
+
+This plan was so daringly supported by writers of the first fame on
+the side of the Court, that multitudes of writings appeared,
+attempting to show that what Temmink and Van Berckel had done was high
+treason. All this had such an effect, that all the best men seemed to
+shudder with fear. I should scarcely find credit in America, if I were
+to relate anecdotes. It would be ungenerous to mention names, as well
+as unnecessary. I need only say, that I was avoided like a pestilence
+by every man in government. Those gentlemen of the rank of
+Burgomasters, Schepins, Pensionaries, and even lawyers, who had
+treated me with great kindness and sociability, and even familiarity
+before, dared not see me, dared not be at home when I visited at their
+houses; dared not return my visit; dared not answer in writing, even a
+card that I wrote them. I had several messages in a roundabout way,
+and in confidence, that they were extremely sorry they could not
+answer my cards and letters in writing, because "_on fait tout son
+possible pour me sacrifier aux Anglomanes_."
+
+"Not long after, arrived the news of the capture of St Eustatia, &c.
+This filled up the measure. You can have no idea, Sir; no man, who was
+not upon the spot, can have any idea of the gloom and terror that was
+spread by this event. The creatures of the Court openly rejoiced in
+this, and threatened some of them in the most impudent terms. I had
+certain information, that some of them talked high of their
+expectations of popular insurrections against the Burgomasters of
+Amsterdam, and M. Van Berckel, and did Mr Adams the honor to mention
+him as one, that was to be hanged by the mob in such company.
+
+In the midst of this confusion and terror, my credentials arrived from
+Paris, through a hundred accidents and chances of being finally lost.
+As soon as I read my despatches, and heard the history of their escape
+by post, diligence and treck-schoots, it seemed to me as if the hand
+of Providence had sent them on purpose to dissipate all these vapors.
+
+With my despatches, arrived from Paris intimations of their contents,
+for there are no secrets kept at Paris. The people, who are generally
+eager for a connexion with America, began to talk, and paragraphs
+appeared in all the gazettes in Dutch, and French, and German,
+containing a thousand ridiculous conjectures about the American
+Ambassador and his errand. One of my children could scarcely go to
+school without some pompous account of it in the Dutch papers. I had
+been long enough in this country to see tolerably well where the
+balance lay, and to know that America was so much respected by all
+parties, that no one would dare to offer any insult to her Minister,
+as soon as he should be known. I wrote my memorial and presented it,
+and printed it in English, Dutch, and French. There was immediately
+the most universal and unanimous approbation of it expressed in all
+companies, pamphlets and newspapers, and no criticism ever appeared
+against it. Six or seven months afterwards a pamphlet appeared in
+Dutch, which was afterwards translated into French, called
+_Considerations on the Memorial_; but it has been read by very few,
+and is indeed not worth reading.
+
+The proposition to the President being taken _ad referendum_, it
+became a subject of the deliberation of the sovereignty. The Prince,
+therefore, and the whole Court, are legally bound to treat it with
+respect, and me with decency, at least it would be criminal in them to
+treat me or the subject with indecency. If it had not been presented
+and printed, I am very sure I could not long have resided in the
+Republic, and what would have been the consequence to the friends of
+liberty, I know not. They were so disheartened and intimidated, and
+the Anglomanes were so insolent, that no man can say, that a sudden
+frenzy might not have been excited among the soldiery and people, to
+demand a junction with England, as there was in the year 1748. Such a
+revolution would have injured America and her allies, have prolonged
+the war, and have been the total loss and ruin of the Republic.
+
+Immediately upon the presentation of my memorial, M. Van Berckel
+ventured to present his _requete_ and demand for a trial. This
+contributed still further to raise the spirits of the good people, and
+soon after the Burgomasters of Amsterdam appeared with their
+proposition for giving the Prince a committee for a council, and in
+course their attack upon the Duke; all which together excited such an
+enthusiasm in the nation, and among the officers of the navy, as
+produced the battle of the Doggerbank, which never would have
+happened, in all probability, but would have been eluded by secret
+orders and various artifices, if the spirit raised in the nation by
+the chain of proceedings, of which the American memorial was the first
+and an essential link, had not rendered a display of the national
+bravery indispensable for the honor of the navy, and perhaps for the
+safety of the Court.
+
+The memorial as a composition, has very little merit; yet almost every
+gazette in Europe has inserted it, and most of them with a compliment,
+none without any criticism. When I was in Paris and Versailles
+afterwards, no man ever expressed to me the smallest disapprobation of
+it, or the least apprehension that it could do any harm. On the
+contrary, several gentlemen of letters expressed higher compliments
+upon it than it deserved. The King of Sweden has done it a most
+illustrious honor, by quoting one of the most material sentiments in
+it, in a public answer to the King of Great Britain; and the Emperor
+of Germany has since done the author of it the honor to desire in the
+character of Count Falkenstein to see him, and what is more
+remarkable, has adopted the sentiments of it concerning religious
+liberty into a code of laws for his dominions; the greatest effort in
+favor of humanity, next to the American revolution, which has been
+produced in the eighteenth century.
+
+As my mission to this Republic was wisely communicated to the Court of
+Versailles, who can say that this transaction of Congress had not some
+influence in bringing De Grasse into the Chesapeake Bay? Another thing
+I ought to mention; I have a letter from Mr Jay, informing me that in
+the month of June last M. Del Campo was appointed by the Court of
+Madrid to treat with him; the exact time when my memorial appeared at
+Madrid. You may possibly say, that my imagination and self-love carry
+me extraordinary lengths; but when one is called upon to justify an
+action, one should look all round. All I contend for is, that the
+memorial has certainly done no harm; that it is probable it has done
+some good, and that it is possible it has done much more than can be
+proved. A man always makes an awkward figure when he is justifying
+himself and his own actions, and I hope I shall be pardoned. It is
+easy to say, "_il abonde trop dans son sens; il est vain et glorieux;
+il est plein de lui-meme; il ne voit que lui_;" and other modest
+things of that sort, with which even your Malesherbes, your Turgots,
+and Neckers, are sometimes sacrificed to very small intrigues.
+
+Your veterans in diplomacy and in affairs of State, consider us as a
+kind of militia, and hold us, perhaps, as is natural, in some degree
+of contempt; but wise men know that militia sometimes gain victories
+over regular troops, even by departing from the rules. Soon after I
+had presented the memorial, I wrote to the Duc de la Vauguyon upon the
+subject of inviting or admitting in concert, the Republic to accede to
+the alliance between France and America. The Duke transmitted that
+letter to the Count de Vergennes, which produced the offer to Congress
+from the King, to assist us in forming a connexion with the Republic,
+and the instructions upon the subject, which I shall execute as soon
+as the French Ambassador thinks proper. With him it now lies, and with
+him, thank God, I have hitherto preserved a perfectly good
+understanding, although I differed from him in opinion concerning the
+point of time to make the former proposition.
+
+The evacuation of the barrier towns has produced an important
+commentary upon the conversation I had with the Duke, and his opinion
+upon that occasion. How few weeks was it, after the publication of my
+memorial, that the Roman Emperor made that memorable visit to
+Brussels, Ostend, Bruges, Antwerp, and all the considerable maritime
+towns in his Provinces of Brabant and Flanders? How soon afterwards
+his memorable journies to Holland and to Paris? Was not the American
+memorial full of matter for the Emperor's contemplation, when he was
+at Ostend, Antwerp, and Bruges? Was it not full of matter, calculated
+to stimulate him to hasten his negotiations with France concerning the
+abolition of the barrier towns? Was not the same matter equally
+calculated to stimulate France to finish such an agreement with him,
+as we have seen the evidence of in the actual evacuation of those
+towns? If this evacuation is an advantage to France and to America, as
+it undoubtedly is, by putting this Republic more in the power of
+France, and more out of a possibility of pursuing the system of Orange
+by joining England, and my memorial is supposed to have contributed
+anything towards it, surely it was worth the while.
+
+The period since the 4th of May, 1781, has been thick sown with good
+events, all springing out of the American revolution, and connected
+with the matter contained in my memorial. The memorial of M. Van
+Berckel, the proposition of the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, their
+attack upon the Duke of Brunswick, and the battle of Doggerbank, the
+appointment of Senor del Campo, to treat with Mr Jay; the success of
+Colonel Laurens, in obtaining orders for the French fleet to go upon
+the coast of America; their victory over Graves, and the capture of
+Cornwallis; the Emperor's journey to his maritime towns, to Holland,
+and to Paris; his new regulations for encouraging the trade of his
+maritime towns; his demolition of the barrier fortifications; and his
+most liberal and sublime ecclesiastical reformation; and the King of
+Sweden's reproach to the King of England for continuing the war, in
+the very words of my memorial; these traits are all subsequent to that
+memorial, and they are too sublime and decisive proofs of the
+prosperity and glory of the American cause, to admit the belief, that
+the memorial has done it any material harm.
+
+By comparing facts and events, and dates, it is impossible not to
+believe, that the memorial had some influence in producing some of
+them. When Courts, Princes, and nations, have been long contemplating
+a great system of affairs, and their judgments begin to ripen, and
+they begin to see how things ought to go, and are going, a small
+publication, holding up these objects in a clear point of view,
+sometimes sets a vast machine in motion at once like the springing of
+a mine. What a dust we raise, said the fly upon the chariot wheel? It
+is impossible to prove, that this whole letter is not a similar
+delusion to that of the fly. The Councils of Princes are enveloped in
+impenetrable secrecy. The true motives and causes, which govern their
+actions, little or great, are carefully concealed. But I desire only
+that these events may be all combined together, and then, that an
+impartial judge may say, if he can, that he believes that that homely,
+harmless memorial had no share in producing any part of this great
+complication of good.
+
+But be all these speculations and conjectures as they will, the
+foresight of which could not have been sufficiently clear to have
+justified the measure, it is sufficient for me to say, that the
+measure was absolutely necessary and unavoidable. I should have been
+contemptible and ridiculous without it. By it I have secured to myself
+and my mission universal decency and respect, though no open
+acknowledgment or avowal. I write this to you in confidence. You may
+entirely suppress it, or communicate it in confidence, as you judge,
+for the public good.
+
+I might have added, that many gentlemen of letters, of various
+nations, have expressed their approbation of this measure, I will
+mention only two. M. d'Alembert and M. Raynal, I am well informed,
+have expressed their sense of it in terms too flattering for me to
+repeat. I might add the opinion of many men of letters in this
+Republic.
+
+The charge of vanity is the last resource of little wits and mercenary
+quacks, the vainest men alive, against men and measures, that they
+can find no other objection to. I doubt not but letters have gone to
+America, containing their weighty charge against me; but this charge,
+if supported only by the opinion of those who make it, may be brought
+against any man or thing. It may be said, that this memorial did not
+reach the Court of Versailles, until after Colonel Laurens had
+procured the promise of men and ships. But let it be considered,
+Colonel Laurens brought with him my credentials to their High
+Mightinesses, and instructions to Dr Franklin, to acquaint the Court
+of Versailles with it, and request their countenance and aid to me.
+Colonel Laurens arrived in March. On the 16th of April, I acquainted
+the Duc de la Vauguyon at the Hague, that I had received such
+credentials, and the next day waited on him in person, and had that
+day and the next two hours' conversation with him each day upon the
+subject, in which I informed him of my intention to go to their High
+Mightinesses. All this he transmitted to the Count de Vergennes; and
+though it might procure me the reputation of vanity and obstinacy, I
+shall forever believe, that it contributed to second and accelerate
+Colonel Laurens's negotiations, who succeeded to a marvel, though Dr
+Franklin says he gave great offence.[6]
+
+The earnest opposition made by the Duc de la Vauguyon, only served to
+give me a more full and ample persuasion and assurance of the utility
+and necessity of the measure. His zeal convinced me, that he had a
+stronger apprehension, that I should make a great impression
+somewhere, than I had myself. "Sir," says he, "the King and the United
+Slates are upon very intimate terms of friendship. Had not you better
+wait until we can make the proposition in concert?" "God grant they
+may ever continue in perfect friendship," said I; "but this friendship
+does not prevent your Excellency from conducting your negotiations
+without consulting me. Why then am I obliged, in proposing a simple
+treaty of commerce, which the United States have reserved the entire
+right of proposing, to consult your Excellency? If I were about to
+propose an alliance, or to invite or admit the Dutch to accede to the
+alliance between the King and the States, I should think myself
+obliged to consult your Excellency." "But," said he, "there is a loan
+talked of, to be opened by the United States here, under the warranty
+of the King. How will it look for you to go to the States without my
+concurrence?" "Of this I know nothing," said I, "but one thing I know,
+that if such a loan should be proposed, the proposition I design to
+make to the States, instead of obstructing, will facilitate it, and
+your proposal of a loan will rather countenance me."
+
+"Is there not danger," said he, "that the Empress of Russia, and the
+other northern powers, will take offence at your going to the
+States-General before them?" "Impossible," said I; "they all know,
+that the Dutch have been our old friends and allies, that we shall
+have more immediate connexions of commerce with Holland than with
+them. But what is decisive in this matter is, America and Holland have
+now a common enemy in England at open war, which is not the case with
+the northern powers."
+
+"Had you not better wait, until I can write to the Count de Vergennes,
+and have his opinion?" "I know already beforehand," said I, "what his
+opinion will be." "Aye, what?" "Why, directly against it." "For what
+reason?" "Because the Count de Vergennes will not commit the dignity
+of the King, or his own regulation, by advising me to apply until he
+is sure of success; and in this he may be right; but the United States
+stand in a different predicament. They have nothing to lose by such a
+measure, and may gain a great deal."
+
+"But," said he, "if Holland should join England in the war, it will be
+unfortunate." "If there was danger of this," said I, "a proposition
+from the United States would be one of the surest means of preventing
+it; but the situation of Holland is such, that I am persuaded they
+dare not join England. It is against their consciences, and they are
+in bodily fear of a hundred thousand men from France." "True," said
+he, "you have used an argument now, that you ought to speak out
+boldly, and repeat, peremptorily in all companies, for this people are
+governed very much by fear." "I have, however, spoken upon this
+subject with delicacy, upon all occasions, and shall continue to do
+so," said I, "but shall make no secret, that I am sensible of it."
+
+After turning the subject in all the lights it could bear I told him,
+that I believed he had urged every objection against the measure, that
+could be thought of, but that I was still clear in my former opinion.
+"Are you decided to go to the States?" "Yes, Sir. I must think it my
+duty." "Very well; in that case," said he, "you may depend upon it, I
+will do all in my power, as a man, to countenance and promote your
+application."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[6] See Dr Franklin's letters to Major Jackson, on this subject, in
+Franklin's Correspondence, Vol. III. pp. 227, 229.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Amsterdam, February 27th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Friesland has at last taken the provincial resolution to acknowledge
+the independence, of which United America is in full possession. It is
+thought that several cities of Holland will soon follow this example,
+and some say it will be followed forthwith by the whole Republic. The
+first Burgomaster of this city has said, within a few days past, that
+in six weeks at farthest the independence of America would be
+acknowledged by all seven of the United Provinces; but I have no
+expectation of such haste. This government does nothing with such
+celerity.
+
+By what I hear and read of their speculations, it seems to me, that
+the general sense is at present not to shackle themselves with any
+treaties either with France or Spain, nor to make any treaty of
+alliance with America, nor to make even a treaty of commerce with
+America, as yet for a considerable time, but for the several members
+of the Sovereignty, one after another, to acknowledge the Independence
+of America in the manner that Friesland has done; and for the States,
+the Prince and the Admiralties to exert themselves in preparing a
+fleet to command the North Sea, and wash out some of the stains in
+their character, which the English have so unjustly thrown upon it in
+their blood. There is a loud cry for vengeance, a stern demand of a
+fleet and battle with the English; and if the Court contrive to elude
+it, the Stadtholder will run a great risk of his power.
+
+Sensible and candid men tell me, "we wait for Spain, and we wait for
+Russia. We will not make any treaty with you. It is of no great
+importance to us or to you. We see there is a tremendous power arising
+in the West. We cannot meddle much; but we will at all events be your
+good friends. Whoever quarrels with you, we will not."
+
+In short I expect no treaty. I do not expect that our independence
+will be acknowledged by all the Provinces for a long time.
+Nevertheless, it appears to me of indispensable importance that a
+Minister should reside constantly here, vested with the same powers
+from Congress, with which they have honored me; for which reason,
+having the offer of a large and elegant house in a fine situation, on
+a noble spot of ground at the Hague, at a very reasonable rate, I
+have, in pursuance of the advice of Mr Barclay, M. Dumas, and other
+friends, purchased it and shall remove into it on or before the first
+of May. In case I should be recalled, or obliged to go away upon other
+services, any Minister that Congress may appoint here in my room, will
+find a house furnished at the Hague ready for him.
+
+The negotiation for the purchase was conducted secretly, but when it
+came to be known, I am informed, it gave a great deal of satisfaction
+in general.
+
+To pay for it, I have applied all the money I had of M. de Neufville's
+loan, and some cash of my own, which I brought with me from America;
+and for the second payment, I must borrow of a friend, if Dr Franklin
+cannot furnish the money, for which indeed I do not love to ask him,
+he has so many demands upon him from every quarter. The house,
+including purchase charges, &c. will amount to about sixteen thousand
+guilders, ten thousand of which I paid yesterday. I have been obliged
+to take the title in my own name, but shall transfer it to the United
+States as soon as they are acknowledged and the account settled,
+provided Congress approve of the transaction; otherwise I shall take
+the risk upon myself, and sell it again. I shall live hereafter at a
+smaller rent than I ever did before, though in a house much superior.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE DUC DE LA VAUGUYON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ The Hague, March 4th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter you did me the honor to address to me from
+Amsterdam, the 1st instant. I cannot answer it officially, in the
+capacity of King's Minister, not having any ulterior instructions on
+the subject to which it relates; but as you request my private
+opinion, I will give it to you with the greatest sincerity.
+
+"After having seriously reflected on the views, which you have
+communicated to me, whatever inclination I may have to adopt your
+opinions, I cannot conceal from myself the inconveniences attending
+the plan, which you appear disposed to follow. I think and I believe,
+that I have sufficient reason to lead me to the conclusion, that it
+will retard rather than accelerate the ultimate success. I shall have
+the honor of explaining myself more fully by word of mouth, if, as M.
+Dumas gives me to hope, you visit the Hague in the course of a few
+days.
+
+Receive, Sir, my renewed assurances of inviolable attachment, and
+profound respect, &c.
+
+ DE LA VAUGUYON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, March 6th, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+I have now before me your letters of the 15th, 17th, and 18th of
+October last. I am sorry to find that your health has suffered by the
+climate, but hope that the setting in of the winter has ere this
+re-established it. I am not directed to return any answer to your
+request to come home. Should I obtain the sense of Congress upon it
+before this is closed, it will be transmitted by this conveyance.
+
+The success of the allied arms in America, the recovery of the Dutch
+Islands, and the avowed superiority of the French in the West Indies,
+have so changed the face of affairs, that there is strong reason to
+believe negotiations will be set on foot this winter. Whether Britain
+is yet sufficiently humbled to desire peace is still doubtful; but
+whether she is or is not, she will probably negotiate, in which case
+your presence in Europe will be necessary; so that I believe you
+cannot at the most flatter yourself with anything more than a
+conditional leave to return.
+
+Your statement of the decline of commerce in the United Provinces,
+agrees exactly with that which we have received from other hands. I
+lament that a nation, which has such important reasons for exertion,
+and such means in their power, should want vigor to call them forth.
+They must and will, however, sooner or later, be brought to it. A
+separate peace with England is now impossible, without degrading the
+character of the nation, and exposing it to greater evils than they
+are threatened with from England. Besides, what advantages are to be
+derived from such a peace? Can Britain restore her conquests, now in
+the hands of the French? Can she give back the plunder of St Eustatia,
+or the cargoes of the Indiamen divided among the captors? Can she
+afford them a compensation for the loss of last year's commerce? Or
+can she draw from her exhausted purse sufficient sums to defend the
+barrier against the troops of France, who would certainly avenge
+herself for such ingratitude?
+
+The distress of the nation, then, must in the end force them to
+exertions, and however reluctantly they may go into the war, they must
+still go into it with vigor. But, Sir, though your letters detail the
+politics of the country, though they very ably explain the nature and
+general principles of the government, they leave us in the dark with
+respect to more important facts. They have not led us into the dock
+yards or arsenals; they have not told us what ships are prepared for
+sea, what are preparing, what the naval force will be this spring, or
+how it is to be applied. You have not yet introduced us to any of the
+leading members of the great council; you have not repeated your
+private conversations with them from which infinitely more is to be
+collected, than from all the pamphlets scattered about the streets of
+Amsterdam.
+
+If they avoid your company and conversation, it is a more unfavorable
+symptom than any you have mentioned; and shows clearly that your
+public character should have been concealed till your address had
+paved the way for its being acknowledged. If you have formed
+connexions with any of these people, and I cannot but presume that you
+have attended to so important a point, it will be very interesting to
+us to have their most striking features delineated, their sentiments
+with respect to us and to our opponents detailed, and the influence
+of each in the Assembly of the States. This will best acquaint us with
+the principles of the government, and direct our course towards them.
+
+Among other things, I wish to know in what light they view our cause,
+as just or unjust? What influence they imagine our independence will
+have upon the general system of Europe, or their own States? What
+expectations they form from our commerce; whether the apprehension of
+its being altogether thrown into another channel, if infused with
+address, would not awaken them into action? What are their ideas of
+the comparative power of France and Britain, so far as it may affect
+them? Whether they have entered into any treaty with France since the
+war; if they have, what are its objects? If they have not, whether any
+such thing is in contemplation?
+
+None of your letters takes the least notice of the French Ambassador
+at the Hague; is there no intercourse between you? If not, to what is
+it to be attributed? It appears to me, that our interests in Holland
+are similar to those of France. They are interested with us in
+forwarding our loans; in procuring a public acknowledgment of our
+independence; in urging the States to exertion. They have considerable
+influence on the government, as appears from the success that the
+loan, opened under their guarantee met with.
+
+I must again, therefore, request you to spend much of your time at the
+Hague, that great centre of politics, to cultivate the acquaintance
+and friendship of the French Ambassador, to confer with him freely and
+candidly upon the state of our affairs; and by his means, to extend
+your acquaintance to the other representatives of crowned heads at the
+Hague. Your having no public character, together with our avowed
+contempt for rank and idle ceremony, will greatly facilitate your
+intercourse with them, and enable you to efface the ill impressions
+they daily receive of us from our enemies.
+
+You see, Sir, I rely so much upon your good sense, as to write with
+freedom to you, and to mark out that line, which I conceive will best
+tend to render your mission useful. Should I suggest anything, which
+you may not approve, I should be happy to be informed of it, and the
+reasons upon which you act; so that I may be able fully to justify
+your measures, if, at any time, they should not be entirely approved
+on this side of the water. I communicated to Congress the letter of Dr
+Franklin, relative to your salary, in consequence of which, they have
+directed the superintendent of the finances to make provision for it
+in future.
+
+We have no intelligence of importance at this time, but have our eyes
+fixed with anxious expectation on the West Indies, whence we hourly
+expect to hear the particulars of the engagement between the Count de
+Grasse and Hood; and the issue of the attack upon St Christopher's.
+
+To the southward, things remain in the state they were, though we have
+some reason to believe the enemy entertain serious thoughts of
+withdrawing their troops from Charleston. Thirty empty transports have
+sailed from New York, with a view, as is said, to fetch them to that
+place, which will be the last they quit on the Continent. This we
+ought not to lament, since there is no situation better adapted to
+concentre our force, and no part of America so easily defended with
+inferior force, as the ridge of hills which shut it in, at the same
+time that it is totally indefensible against a combined attack by land
+and water. So that we may reasonably hope, that York will again be
+fatal to the British arms. Every preparation is making to render it
+so.
+
+I write nothing to you on the subject of a negotiation, conveyances to
+Dr Franklin being more easily obtained, as well as more secure. Every
+instruction on that head is sent to him, and will, of course, be
+communicated to you by the time you need it.
+
+Nothing can be more pleasing, after the chaos into which our affairs
+were plunged, than the order which begins now to be established in
+every department. Paper ceases to be a medium, except the bank paper,
+which is in equal credit with specie; gold and silver have found their
+passage into the country; restrictions on commerce are removed; it
+flows in a thousand new channels, and has introduced the greatest
+plenty of every necessary, and even every luxury of life. Our harvests
+have been so abundant, that provisions are in the utmost plenty. All
+the supplies of the army are procured by contracts, and the heavy load
+of purchasing and issuing commissaries is discharged. In short, our
+affairs wear such a face here, at present, that if we are only
+supported this year by foreign loans, we shall not be under the
+necessity of calling for them again. Would to heaven, that the present
+aspect of affairs might render your endeavors on this head successful.
+The use it would be of to the community, would amply compensate you
+for all the pain and distress, which your fruitless endeavors have
+occasioned you.
+
+Among other articles of intelligence, I ought to inform you, that
+Burgoyne is exchanged, and that an exchange is now on foot for
+Cornwallis, in which it is designed that Mr Laurens shall be included.
+The British seem extremely anxious to have him, and to give him the
+command of their army in America. We, who know him best, have no
+objection to the measure. If they wish to carry on an active war, his
+precipitation will lead them into new difficulties. If to defend
+particular posts, they cannot put them into the hands of a man who
+knows less about the matter. His defence of York was a most
+contemptible series of blunders. We shall, besides these, derive two
+decisive advantages from his command; while a detestation of his
+cruelty has united the whigs, the tenth article of the capitulation at
+York has destroyed the confidence of the tories.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Amsterdam, March 10th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+By the address of the House of Commons to the King, his Majesty's
+answer, and the resolution of the House in consequence of it, "that he
+would be highly criminal and an enemy to his country, who should
+attempt to carry on an offensive war in America against the sense of
+the House;" by the surrender of Minorca, and the disastrous face of
+British affairs in Ireland, as well as in the East and West Indies,
+and by the uncommon difficulties which my Lord North finds in raising
+the loan, I think we may fairly conclude that the United States are
+not to expect those horrid scenes of fire and sword in future, which
+they have so often seen heretofore.
+
+Among the causes, which have operated to this effect, may be reckoned
+the late ordinance of Congress against British manufactures, and the
+prospect which has been opened to them, in Holland, of a sudden
+revival of the Dutch manufactures of Delft, Leyden, Utrecht, and
+indeed all the other cities of the Republic. The English have found
+all their artifices to raise mobs in their favor, in the Republic, to
+be vain; they found that there began to be an appearance of danger of
+popular tumults against them; they have seen their friends in this
+country driven out of all their strong holds, and forced to combat on
+the retreat; they have found that the American cause gained ground
+upon them every day, and that serious indications were given of a
+disposition to acknowledge our independence, for the sake of reviving
+their manufactures and extending their commerce, all which together
+has raised a kind of panic in the nation, and such a fermentation in
+Parliament, as has produced a formal renunciation of the principles of
+the American war.
+
+The question now arises, what measures will the Cabinet of St James
+pursue? Will they agree to the Congress at Vienna? I believe not. Will
+they treat with the American peace Ministers now in Europe? I fancy
+not. They will more probably send agents to America, to propose some
+bad plan of American viceroys, and American nobility, and what not,
+except common sense and common utility.
+
+I presume, with submission, however, that Congress will enter into no
+treaty or conference with them, but refer them to their Ministers in
+Europe.
+
+France and Spain, I think, cannot mistake their interest and duty upon
+this occasion, which is, to strike the most decided strokes, to take
+the British armies in New York and Charleston prisoners. Without
+this, in all probability, before another revolution of the seasons,
+all the United States will be evacuated, the British forces sent to
+Quebec, Halifax and the West India Islands, where it will cost France
+and Spain more time, blood, and treasure to dispose of them than it
+will this campaign to capture them in New York and Charleston.
+
+With the greatest respect and esteem, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Amsterdam, March 11th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The promise, which was made me by M. Bergsma, that I should have an
+answer from the Province of Friesland in three weeks, has been
+literally fulfilled. This gentleman, who, as well as his Province,
+deserves to be remembered in America, sent me a copy of the resolution
+in Dutch as soon as it passed. It is now public in all the gazettes,
+and is conceived in these terms;
+
+"The requisition of Mr Adams, for presenting his letters of credence
+from the United States of North America to their High Mightinesses,
+having been brought into the Assembly and put into deliberation, as
+also the ulterior Address to the same purpose, with a demand of a
+categorical answer made by him, as is more amply mentioned in the
+minutes of their High Mightinesses of the 4th of May, 1781, and the
+9th of January, 1782, whereupon, it having been taken into
+consideration, that the said Mr Adams would probably have some
+propositions to make to their High Mightinesses, and to present to
+them the principal articles and foundations upon which the Congress,
+on their part, would enter into a treaty of commerce and friendship,
+or other affairs to propose, in regard to which despatch would be
+requisite;
+
+"It has been thought fit and resolved, to authorise the gentlemen, the
+Deputies of this Province at the generality, and to instruct them to
+direct things at the table of their High Mightinesses in such a
+manner, that the said Mr Adams be admitted forthwith as Minister of
+the Congress of North America, with further order to the said
+Deputies, that if there should be made, moreover, any similar
+propositions by the same, to inform immediately their Noble
+Mightinesses of them. And an extract of the present resolution shall
+be sent them for their information, that they may conduct themselves
+conformably.
+
+"Thus resolved at the Province House, the 26th of February, 1782.
+
+ A. I. V. SMINIA."
+
+This resolution has, by the Deputies of Friesland, been laid before
+their High Mightinesses at the Hague, and after deliberation, the
+Deputies of the Provinces of Guelderland, Zealand, Utrecht, and
+Groningen, have taken copies of it, to be communicated more amply to
+their constituents. In the States of the Province of Holland and West
+Friesland, the requisition of the 9th of January had been committed to
+the Committee of Grand Affairs, and taken into deliberation by the
+body of Nobles, and _ad referendum_ by all the eighteen cities.
+
+The sovereignty of the United States of America would undoubtedly be
+acknowledged by the Seven United Provinces, and their Minister
+received to an audience in state in the course of a few weeks, if the
+Regency of the city of Amsterdam had not visibly altered its
+sentiments, but all things are embroiled. The opposition to M. Van
+Berckel, and the glittering charms of an embassy to Petersburg or
+Vienna, which have been artfully displayed, as it is said, before the
+eyes of one man, and many secret reasonings of similar kind with
+others, have placed the last hopes of the English and Dutch Courts in
+a city, which had long been firm in opposition to the desires of both.
+The public in general, however, expect that the example of the
+Friesians will be followed. Wherever I go, everybody, almost,
+congratulates me upon the prospect of my being soon received at the
+Hague. The French gazettes all give their opinions very decidedly that
+it will be done, and the Dutch gazettes all breathe out, God grant
+that it may be so. I confess, however, that I doubt it, at least I am
+sure that a very little thing may prevent it. It is certain, that the
+Court will oppose it in secret with all their engines, although they
+are already too unpopular to venture to increase the odium, by an open
+opposition.
+
+Friesland is said to be a sure index of the national sense. The people
+of that Province have been ever famous for the spirit of liberty. The
+feudal system never was admitted among them; they never would submit
+to it, and they have preserved those privileges, which all others have
+long since surrendered. The Regencies are chosen by the people, and on
+all critical occasions the Friesians have displayed a resolution and
+an activity beyond the other members of the State. I am told that the
+Friesians never undertake anything but they carry it through, and,
+therefore, that I may depend upon it, they will force their way to a
+connexion with America. This may be the case if the war continues, and
+the enemies of Great Britain continue to be successful; but I have no
+expectations of anything very soon, because I have much better
+information than the public, of the secret intrigues both at the Hague
+and Amsterdam. Patience, however. We have nothing to fear. Courtiers
+and aristocrats, as well as the people, all say, "you know very well
+we love the Americans, and will ever be their good friends." This love
+and friendship consists, however, rather too much in mere words, "Be
+ye warmed," &c.; and a strong desire of gain by your commerce.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Amsterdam, March 19th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have before transmitted to you the resolution of Friesland of the
+26th of February, 1782, by which that Province acknowledged the
+independence of the United States, and directed their Minister to be
+received; but some proceedings in Guelderland deserve to follow. In an
+extraordinary assembly of the county of Zutphen, held at Nimeguen the
+23d of February, the following measures were taken.
+
+"After the report of the committees of this Province to the
+generality, laid this day upon the table, relative to what passed in
+the precedent assembly, and after an examination of an extract of the
+register of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses the
+States-General of the Low Countries, of the 9th of last month, in
+relation to the ulterior address of Mr Adams to the President of their
+High Mightinesses, concerning the presentation of his letters of
+credence to their High Mightinesses, in behalf of the United States of
+North America, for, and demanding a categorical answer, whereof the
+gentlemen, the Deputies of the respective Provinces, have taken
+copies, the Baron Robert Jasper Van der Capellan de Marsch, first by
+word of mouth, and afterwards in writing, proposed and insisted at the
+Assembly of this Quarter, that at present and without delay, we should
+make a point of deliberation, and that we should make upon the table
+the necessary overture, conceived more at length in the advice of this
+nobleman, inserted in these terms;
+
+ "Noble and Mighty Lords,
+
+"The subscriber judges, upon good grounds, and without fear of being
+contradicted, that he is able to affirm, that it is more than time
+that we should give a serious attention to the offer and invitation,
+in every sense honorable and advantageous for the Republic, of
+friendship and reciprocal connexions with the Thirteen American
+Provinces, now become free at the point of the sword; in such sort
+that the categorical answer demanded by their Minister, Mr Adams, may
+become a subject of the deliberations of your High Mightinesses, and
+that they may decide as soon as possible concerning their respective
+interests. He judges that he ought not to have any further scruple in
+this regard, and the uncertain consequences of the mediation offered
+by Russia cannot, when certain advantages for this Republic are in
+question, hinder that out of regard for an enemy, with whom we
+(however salutary the views of her Imperial Majesty are represented)
+cannot make any peace at the expense of a negligence so irreparable;
+that the longer delay to unite ourselves to a nation already so
+powerful, will have for its consequence, that our inhabitants will
+lose the means of extending, in a manner the most advantageous, their
+commerce and their prosperity; that by the rigorous prohibition to
+import English manufactures into America, our manufactures, by means
+of precautions taken in time, will rise out of their state of languor;
+and that, by delaying longer to satisfy the wishes of the nation, her
+leaders will draw upon them the reproach of having neglected and
+rejected the favorable offers of Providence; that, on the contrary, by
+adopting these measures, the essential interests of this unfortunate
+people will be taken to heart.
+
+"The subscriber declaring, moreover, that he will abandon this
+unpardonable negligence of an opportunity favorable to the Republic,
+to the account of those whom it may concern; protesting against all
+the fatal consequences, that a longer refusal of these necessary
+measures will certainly occasion. Whereupon he demanded that for his
+discharge, this note should be inserted in the registers of the
+Quarter.
+
+ R. I. VAN DER CAPELLAN."
+
+"This advice having been read, Jacob Adolf de Heeckeren d'Enghuisen,
+Counsellor, and First Master of Accounts in Guelderland, President at
+this time of the Assembly of the Quarter, represented to the said
+Robert Jasper Van der Capellan de Marsch, 'that although he must agree
+to the justice of all that he had laid down, besides several other
+reasons equally strong, which occurred to his mind, the deliberation
+upon the point in question appeared to him premature; considering that
+the Lords, the States of Holland, of West Friesland, and Zealand, as
+the principal commercial Provinces, who are directly interested, had
+not, nevertheless, as yet explained themselves in this regard;
+consequently, that it would not be so convenient for the States of
+this Dutchy and County, who are not interested in it, but in a
+consequential and indirect manner, to form the first their resolutions
+in this respect. For this reason he proposed to consideration, whether
+it would not be more proper to postpone the deliberations upon this
+matter to a future opportunity?
+
+"Nevertheless, the beforementioned Robert Jasper Van der Capellan de
+Marsch, insisting that the voices should be collected upon the
+proposition and advice in question, and thereupon having deliberated,
+their Noble Mightinesses have thought fit to resolve, that although
+the motives alleged by this nobleman in his advice, appear to merit a
+serious consideration, nevertheless, for the reasons before alleged,
+they judge that they ought to suspend the decision of it, until the
+commercial Provinces have formed their resolutions concerning it, and
+that upon the requisition of Robert Jasper Van der Capellan de Marsch,
+there be delivered to him an extract of the present, upon one as well
+as the other.
+
+ HERM. SCHOMAKER."
+
+
+ LEYDEN.
+
+"To the Noble, Great, and Venerable Lords of the Grand Council of the
+city of Leyden.
+
+"The undersigned, all manufacturers, merchants, and other traders,
+interested in the manufactures of this city, most respectfully give to
+understand, that it is a truth as melancholy as it is universally
+known, that the declension of the said manufactures, which all the
+well disposed citizens have remarked with the most lively grief, from
+the beginning of this century, has increased more and more for
+several years; and that this principal branch of the subsistence of
+the good citizens has fallen into such a state of languor, that our
+city, once so flourishing, so populous, so celebrated on account of
+its commerce, and of its traders, appears to be threatened with total
+ruin; that the diminution of its merchant houses, on one hand, and, on
+the other, the total loss or the sensible decrease of several branches
+of commerce, furnish an evident proof of it; which the petitioners
+could demonstrate by several examples, if there were need of them to
+convince your Noble and Grand Lordships, to whom the increase of the
+multitude of the poor; the deplorable situation of several families,
+heretofore in easy circumstances; the depopulation of the city, which
+we cannot observe without emotion, in the ruins of several streets,
+once neat and well inhabited, are fully known, will recollect no doubt
+upon this occasion, with grief, that this state of languor must appear
+so much the more desperate, if your Noble and Grand Lordships will
+take into consideration, that in this decay of trades and
+manufactures, we find a new reason of their further fall, considering,
+that from the time, that there is not continual employment, and an
+uninterrupted sale, the workmen desert in such a manner, that when
+considerable commissions arrive, we cannot find capable hands, and we
+see ourselves entirely out of a condition to execute these orders.
+
+"That the petitioners, with all the true friends of their country,
+extremely affected with this alarming situation of so rich a source of
+the public prosperity, have, indeed, sought the means of a remedy, in
+amending some defects from which it seemed to arise, at least in part;
+but that the measures taken in this view, as is well known to your
+Noble and Grand Lordships, have not had the desired effect; at least,
+that they have not produced a re-establishment so effectual, that we
+have been able to observe a sensible influence in the increase of the
+sales of the manufactures of Leyden, as appears most evidently by a
+comparison of the pieces fabricated here, which have been heretofore
+carried to the divers markets of this city, with those, which are
+carried there at this day; a comparison which a true citizen cannot
+consider without regret.
+
+"That experience has also taught the petitioners, that the principal
+cause of the decay of the manufactures of Holland, particularly those
+of Leyden, is not to be found in any internal vice, either in the
+capacity or the economy of the inhabitants, but in circumstances,
+which have happened abroad, and to which it is, consequently, beyond
+the power of the petitioners, or of any citizen whatever, to provide a
+remedy; that we might cite, for example, the commerce of our
+manufactures with Dantzick, and, through that commercial city, with
+all Poland; a commerce which was carried on with success and advantage
+heretofore in our city, but is absolutely interrupted at this day, and
+vanished by the revolution, which has happened in that kingdom, and by
+the burthensome duties, to which the navigation of the Vistula has
+been subjected, but that, without entering into a detail of similar
+particular shackles, of which we might reckon a great number, the
+principal cause of the languishing state of our manufactures, consists
+in the jealous emulation of the neighboring nations, or rather of all
+the people of Europe, considering that in this age, the several
+Princes and governments, enlightened in the real sources of the public
+prosperity and the true interests of their subjects, attach themselves
+with emulation, to revive in their kingdoms and states, the national
+industry, commerce, and navigation; to encourage them and promote
+them, even by exclusive privileges, or by heavy impositions upon
+foreign merchandises, which lend equally to the prejudice of the
+commerce and manufactures of our country, as your Noble and Grand
+Lordships will easily recollect the examples in the Austrian States
+and elsewhere; that in the midst of these powers and nations, emulous,
+or jealous, it is impossible for the citizens of our Republic, however
+superior their manufactures may be in quality and fineness, to resist
+a rivalry so universal, especially considering the dearness of labor,
+caused by that of the means of subsistence, which, in its turn, is a
+necessary consequence of the taxes and imposts, which the inhabitants
+of this State pay in a greater number and a higher rate, than in any
+other country, by reason of her natural situation, and of its means to
+support itself; so that, by the continual operation of this principal,
+but irreparable cause of decline, it is to be feared, that the
+impoverishment and the diminution of the good citizens increasing with
+want of employment, the Dutch nation, heretofore the purveyor of all
+Europe, will be obliged to content itself with the sale of its own
+productions in the interior of the country; (and how much does not
+even this resource suffer by the importation of foreign manufactures?)
+and that Leyden, lately so rich and flourishing, will furnish in its
+declining streets, desolated quarters, and its multitude disgraced
+with want and misery, an affecting proof of the sudden fall of
+countries formerly overflowing with prosperity.
+
+"That, if we duly consider these motives, no citizen, whose heart is
+upright, (as the petitioners assure themselves) much less your Noble
+and Great Mightinesses, whose good dispositions they acknowledge with
+gratitude, will take it amiss, that we have fixed our eyes, in the
+present conjuncture of affairs, to inquire, whether these times might
+not furnish them some means of reviving the languishing manufactures
+of Leyden; and that, after a consideration well matured, they flatter
+themselves with a hope, (a hope, which unprejudiced men will not
+regard as a vain chimera) that in fact, by the present circumstances,
+there opens in their favor an issue for arriving at the
+re-establishment desired.
+
+"That from the time, when the rupture between Great Britain and the
+Colonies upon the Continent of North America, appeared to be
+irreparable, every attentive spectator of this event perceived, or at
+least was convinced, that this rupture, by which there was born a
+Republic, as powerful as industrious, in the new world, would have the
+most important consequences for commerce and navigation, and that the
+other commercial nations of Europe would soon share in a very
+considerable commerce, whereof the kingdom of England had reserved to
+itself, until that time, the exclusive possession by its act of
+navigation, and by the other acts of Parliament prescribed to the
+colonies; that, in the time of it, this reflection did not escape your
+petitioners, and that they foresaw from that time the advantage, which
+might arise in the sequel from a revolution so important for the
+United Provinces in general, and for their native city in particular;
+but they should have been afraid to place this favorable occasion
+before the eyes of your Noble and Grand Lordships at an epoch, when
+the relations, which connected our Republic with Great Britain, her
+neighbors seemed to forbid all measures of this nature, or at least
+ought to make them be considered as out of season.
+
+"That, in the meantime, this reason of silence has entirely ceased, by
+the hostilities, which the said kingdom has commenced against our
+Republic, under pretences, and in a manner, the injustice of which has
+been demonstrated by the supreme government of the State, with an
+irrefragable evidence in the eyes of impartial Europe; whilst the
+petitioners themselves, by the illegal capture of so large a number of
+Dutch ships, and afterwards by the absolute stagnation of navigation,
+and of voyages to foreign countries, have experienced in the most
+grievous manner, the consequences of this hostile and unforeseen
+attack, and feel them still every day, as is abundantly known to your
+Noble and Grand Lordships; that, since that epoch, a still more
+considerable number of workmen must have remained without employment,
+and that several fathers of families have quitted the city; abandoning
+to the further expense of the treasury of the poor, their wives and
+their children, plunged in misery.
+
+"That during this rupture which has subsisted now for fifteen months,
+there has occurred another circumstance, which has encouraged the
+petitioners still more, and which to them appears to be of such a
+nature, that they would be guilty of an excessive indifference, and an
+unpardonable negligence towards the city, towards the lower class of
+inhabitants, towards their own families, and towards themselves, if
+they should delay any longer to lay open their interests to your Noble
+and Grand Lordships, in a manner the most respectful, but the most
+energetic, to wit, that the United States of America have very
+rigorously forbid, by a resolution of Congress, agreed to in all the
+Thirteen States, the importation of all English manufactures, and, in
+general all the merchandises fabricated in the dominions, which yet
+remain to Great Britain; that the effect of this prohibition must
+necessarily be a spirit of emulation between all the commercial
+nations, to take place of the British merchants and manufacturers in
+this important branch of exportation, which is entirely cut off from
+them at this day; that, nevertheless, among all the nations, there is
+none which can entertain a hope better founded, and more sure in this
+respect, than the citizens of this free Republic, whether on account
+of the identity of religion, the fashion of living, the manners,
+whether because of the extent of its commerce, and the convenience of
+its navigation, but above all, by the reason of the activity and the
+good faith, which still at this day distinguishes (without boasting
+too much) the Dutch nation, above all other people; qualities, in
+consideration of which the citizens of United America are inclined,
+even, at present, to prefer, in equal circumstances, the citizens of
+our free States to every other nation.
+
+"That, nevertheless, all relations and connexions of commerce between
+the two people cannot but be uncertain and fluctuating, as long as
+their offers and reciprocal engagements are not fixed and regulated by
+a Treaty of Commerce, that, at this day, if ever, (according to the
+respectful opinion of the petitioners) there exists a necessity the
+most absolute for the conclusion of a similar Treaty of Commerce,
+there, where we may say with truth, that there arises for the
+Republic, for our Leyden, especially, a moment, which, once escaped,
+perhaps never will return; since the National Assembly of Great
+Britain, convinced by a terrible and fatal experience, of the absolute
+impossibility of re-attaching United America to the British Crown, has
+laid before the Throne its desire to conclude a necessary peace with
+a people, free at this day at the price of their blood, so that, if
+this peace should be once concluded, the Dutch nation would see itself
+perhaps excluded from all advantages of commerce with this new
+Republic; or, at least would be treated by her with an indifference,
+which the small value, which we should have put upon its friendship in
+former times, would seem to merit.
+
+"That, supposing for a moment a peace between England and United
+America were not so near as we have reason to presume not without
+probability, there would be found, in that case, nations enough, who
+will be jealous of acquiring, after the example of France, the
+earliest right to commerce with a country, which, already peopled by
+several millions of inhabitants, augments every day in population, in
+a manner incredible; but, as a new people, unprovided as yet with
+several necessary articles, will procure a rich, even an immense
+outlet for the fabrics and manufactures of Europe. That, however
+manifest the interest, which the petitioners and all the citizens of
+Leyden would have in the conclusion of such a treaty of commerce, they
+would, however, have made a scruple to lay before the paternal eyes of
+your Noble and Grand Lordships the utility, or rather the necessity of
+such a measure in respect to them, if they could believe, that their
+particular advantage would be in anywise contrary to the more
+universal interests of all the Republic; but, as far as the
+petitioners may judge, as citizens, of the situation and the political
+existence of their country, they are ignorant of any reasons of this
+kind; but, on the contrary, they dare appeal to the unanimous voice of
+their fellow-citizens, well intentioned in the other cities and
+provinces, even of the Regents of the most distinguished, since it is
+universally known, that the Province of Friesland has already preceded
+the other confederates, by a resolution for opening negotiations with
+America; and that in other provinces, which have an interest less
+direct in commerce and manufactures, celebrated Regents appear to wait
+merely for the example of the commercial Provinces for taking a
+similar resolution.
+
+"That the petitioners will not detain the attention of your Noble and
+Grand Mightinesses, by a more ample detail of the reasons and motives,
+since on one hand, they assure themselves that these reasons and
+motives will not escape the enlightened and attentive judgment of your
+Noble and Grand Lordships; and on the other, they know by experience
+that your Noble and Grand Lordships are disposed not to suffer any
+occasion to pass for promoting the well-being of their city, for
+advancing the prosperity of the citizens, to render their names dear
+to their contemporaries, and make them blessed by posterity.
+
+"In which firm expectation the petitioners address themselves to this
+Grand Council, with the respectful, but serious request, that it may
+please your Noble and Grand Lordships to direct by their powerful
+influence, things in such sort, that in the Assembly highly respected
+of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, the Lords the States of Holland
+and West Friesland, there be opened deliberations, or if already
+opened, carried as speedily as possible to an effectual conclusion,
+such as they shall find the most proper for obtaining the lawful end,
+and fulfilling the desires of the petitioners, or as they shall judge
+conformable to the general interest."
+
+
+ AMSTERDAM.
+
+"To their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United
+Provinces,
+
+"The undersigned, merchants, manufacturers, and other
+inhabitants living by commerce in this country, give respectfully
+to understand;
+
+"That although the petitioners have always relied with entire
+confidence upon the administration and the resolutions, of your High
+Mightinesses, and it is against their inclinations to interrupt your
+important deliberations, they think, however, that they ought at this
+time to take the liberty and believe, as well-intentioned inhabitants,
+that it is their indispensable duty in the present moment, which is
+most critical for the Republic, to lay humbly before your High
+Mightinesses their interests.
+
+"What good citizen in the Republic, having at heart the interest of
+his dear country, can dissemble, or represent to himself without
+dismay, the sad situation to which we are reduced by the attack,
+equally sudden, unjust, and perfidious of the English? Who would have
+dared two years ago to foretell, and, notwithstanding the dark clouds,
+which even then began to form themselves, could even have imagined
+that our commerce and our navigation, with the immense affairs which
+depend upon it, the support and the prosperity of this Republic, could
+have fallen and remained in such a terrible decay? That in 1780 more
+than two thousand of Dutch vessels having passed the Sound, not one
+was found upon the list in 1781? That the ocean, heretofore covered
+with our vessels, shall see at present scarcely any, and that we may
+be reduced to see our navigation, formerly so much respected, and
+preferred by all the nations, pass entirely into the hands of other
+powers?
+
+"It would be superfluous to endeavor to explain at length, the
+damages, the enormous losses, which our inhabitants experienced by the
+sudden invasion and pillage of the Colonies, and of their ships;
+disasters, which not only fall directly upon the merchant, but which
+have also a general influence, and make themselves felt in the most
+melancholy manner, even upon the lowest artisans and laborers, by the
+languor which they occasion in commerce. But how great soever they may
+be, it might perhaps be possible, by the aid of the paternal cares of
+your High Mightinesses, and by opposing a vigorous resistance to the
+enemy, already enervated, to repair in time all the losses, (without
+mentioning indemnifications,) if this stagnation of commerce was only
+momentary, and if the industrious merchant did not see beforehand the
+sources of his future felicity dried up. It is this gloomy foresight,
+which in this moment afflicts in the highest degree the petitioners;
+for it would be the height of folly and inconsideration to desire
+still to flatter ourselves, and to remain quiet in the expectation
+that after the conclusion of the peace, the business at present,
+turned out of its direction, should return entirely into this country,
+for experience shows the contrary, in a manner the most convincing,
+and it is most probable that the same nations, who are actually in
+possession of it, will preserve at that time the greatest part of it.
+The petitioners, terrified, throw their eyes round everywhere to
+discover new sources, capable of procuring them more success in
+future; they even flatter themselves, that they have found them upon
+the new theatre of commerce, which the United States of America offer
+them, a commerce of which in this moment, but in this moment only,
+they believe themselves to be in a condition, to be able to assure to
+themselves a good share, and the great importance of which, joined to
+the fear of seeing escape from their hands this only and last
+resource, has induced them to take the resolution to lay open
+respectfully their observations concerning this important object, to
+your High Mightinesses, with the earnest prayer, that you would
+consider them with a serious attention, and not interpret in ill part
+this measure of the petitioners, especially, as their future
+well-being, perhaps even that of the whole Republic, depends on the
+decision of this affair.
+
+"No man can call in question, that England has derived her greatest
+forces from her commerce with America. Those immense treasures, which
+that commerce has thrown into the coffers of the State, the uncommon
+prosperity of several of her commercial houses, the extreme reputation
+of her manufactures, the consumption of which, in quantities beyond
+all bounds, contributes efficaciously to their perfection, are
+convincing proofs of it. However it may be, and notwithstanding the
+supposition too lightly adopted, that we cannot imitate the British
+manufactures, the manufacture of painted linens of Rouen, those of
+wool of Amiens, of Germany, of Overyssel, the pins of Zwoll, prove
+visibly, that all things need not be drawn from England; that,
+moreover, we are as well in condition, or shall be soon, to equal them
+in several respects.
+
+"Permit us, High and Mighty Lords, to the end to avoid all further
+digression, to request, in this regard, the attention of your High
+Mightinesses to the situation of commerce in France at the beginning
+of the war. Continual losses had almost ruined it altogether, like
+ours; several of her merchants failed of capitals, and others wanted
+courage to continue their commerce; her manufactures languished; the
+people groaned; in one word, everything marked out the horrors of war;
+but, at present, her maritime towns overpeopled, have occasion to be
+enlarged; her manufactures, having arrived at a degree of exportation
+unknown before, begin to perfect themselves more and more; in such a
+degree, that the melancholy consequences of the war are scarcely felt
+in that kingdom. But since it is incontestible, that this favorable
+alteration results almost entirely from its commerce with America;
+that even this has taken place in time of war, which, moreover, is
+ever prejudicial, we leave it to the enlightened judgment of your High
+Mightinesses to decide, what it is we may expect from a commerce of
+this nature, even at present, but especially in time of peace.
+
+"In the meantime, we have had the happiness to make a trial of short
+duration, it is true, but very strong in proportion to its
+continuance, in our Colony of St Eustatia, of the importance of the
+commerce, though not direct, with North America. The registers of the
+West India Company may furnish proofs of it very convincing to your
+High Mightinesses. In fact, their productions are infinitely
+beneficial to our markets; whilst, on our side, we have to send them
+several articles of convenience and of necessity, whether from our
+country, or from the neighboring States of Germany. Moreover, several
+of our languishing manufactures, scattered in the Seven United
+Provinces, may perhaps be restored to their former vigor, by the means
+of bounties, or the diminution of imposts. The importance of
+manufactures for a country is sufficiently proved, by the considerable
+gratifications promised and paid by British policy for the
+encouragement of manufactures, which that kingdom has procured to
+itself, beyond even what had been expected.
+
+"The petitioners know perfectly well the obstacles almost
+insurmountable, which always oppose themselves to the habitual use of
+new manufactures, although certainly better in quality; and they dare
+advance, without hesitation, that several of our manufactures are
+superior to those of the English. And for this end, a moment more
+favorable can never offer itself than the present, when, by a
+resolution of Congress, the importation of all the effects of the
+produce of Great Britain, and of her Colonies, is forbidden, which
+reduces the merchant and purchaser to the necessity of recurring to
+other merchandises, the use of which will serve to dissipate the
+prejudice conceived against them. It is not only the manufactures,
+High and Mighty Lords, which promise a permanent advantage to our
+Republic; the navigation will derive also great advantages; for it is
+very far from being true, (as several would maintain,) that the
+Americans, being once in the tranquil possession of their
+independence, would exercise themselves with vigor in these two
+branches, and that in the sequel, we shall be wholly frustrated of
+them. Whoever has the least knowledge of the country of America, and
+of its vast extent, knows that the number of inhabitants is not there
+in proportion; that the two banks of the Mississippi, even the most
+beautiful tract of this country, otherwise so fertile, remain still
+uncultivated; and as there are wanted so many hands, it is not at all
+probable to presume, that they will, or can occupy themselves to
+establish new manufactures, both in consequence of the new charges,
+which are thereto attached, and because of the shackles, which they
+would put upon the augmentation and exportation of their productions.
+
+"It is then for this same reason, (the want of population,) that they
+will scarcely find the hands necessary to take advantage of the
+fisheries, which are the property of their own country; which will
+certainly oblige them to abandon to us the navigation of freight.
+There is not, therefore, any one of our Provinces, much less any one
+of our cities, which cannot enjoy the advantage of this commerce. No,
+High and Mighty Lords, the petitioners are persuaded, that the utility
+and the benefit of it will spread itself over all the Provinces and
+countries of the Generality. Guelderland and Overyssel cannot too much
+extend their manufactures of wool, of mouleton, and other things; even
+the shoemakers of La Maire and of Lang Straat, will find a
+considerable opening; almost all the manufactures of Utrecht, and
+those of Leyden, will flourish anew; Haerlem will see revive its
+manufactures of stuffs, of laces, of ribbands, of twist (_de
+cordons_), at present in the lowest state of decay; Delft will see
+vastly augmented the sale of its (_porcelaine_) earthen ware, and
+Gouda, that of its tobacco pipes.
+
+"However great may be the advantages foreseen by the petitioners from
+a legal commerce duly protected with America, their fear is not less,
+lest we should suffer to escape the happy moment of assuring to
+themselves, and to all the Republic, these advantages. The present
+moment would determine the whole. The English nation is weary of the
+war; and, as that people run easily into extremes, the petitioners are
+afraid, with strong probable appearances, that a complete
+acknowledgment of Independence will soon take place; above all, if the
+English see an opportunity of being able still to draw from America
+some conditions favorable for them, or, at least, something to our
+disadvantage. Ah! what is it which should instigate the Americans, in
+making peace and renewing friendship with Great Britain, to have any
+regard for the interests of our Republic? If England could only obtain
+for a condition, that we should be obliged to pay duties more
+burthensome for our vessels, this would be not only a continual and
+permanent prejudice, this would be sufficient to transmit to
+posterity, a lamentable proof of our excessive deference for unbridled
+enemies.
+
+"The petitioners dare flatter themselves, that a measure, so frank in
+this Republic, may powerfully serve, for the acceleration of a general
+peace. A general ardor to extinguish the flames of war reigns in
+England; an upright and vigorous conduct, on the part of this
+Republic, will contribute to accelerate the accomplishment of the
+wishes for peace.
+
+"We flatter ourselves, High and Mighty Lords, that we have in this
+regard alleged sufficient reasons for immediate decision, and that we
+have so visibly proved the danger of delay, that we dare to hope, from
+the paternal equity of your High Mightinesses, a reasonable attention
+to the respectful proposition which we have made. It proceeds from no
+other motive than a sincere affection for the precious interests of
+our dear country, since we consider it as certain, that as soon as the
+step taken by us shall be known by the English, and that they shall
+have the least hope of preventing us, they will not fail, as soon as
+possible, to acknowledge American Independence. Supported by all these
+reasons, the petitioners address themselves to your High Mightinesses,
+humbly requesting that it may please your High Mightinesses, after the
+occurrences and affairs abovementioned, to take for the greatest
+advantage of this country, as soon as possible, such resolution as
+your High Mightinesses shall judge most convenient."
+
+
+ PETITION TO THE BURGOMASTERS AND REGENTS OF
+ AMSTERDAM.
+
+"The subscribers, all merchants and manufacturers of this city, with
+all due respect, give to understand, that the difference arisen
+between the kingdom of Great Britain and the United States of America,
+has not only given occasion for a long and violent war, but that the
+arms of America have covered themselves with a success so happy, that
+the Congress, assisted by the Courts of France and Spain, have so well
+established their liberty and independence, and reduced Great Britain
+to extremities so critical, that the House of Commons in England,
+notwithstanding all the opposition of the British Ministry, have
+lately formed the important resolution to turn the King from an
+offensive war against America, with no other design than to
+accelerate, if it is possible, a reconciliation with America.
+
+"That, to this happy revolution in the dispositions of the English in
+favor of the liberty and independence of America, according to all
+appearances, the resolution taken by Congress towards the end of the
+last year, to wit, to forbid in all America the importation of British
+manufactures and productions, has greatly contributed; a resolution,
+of which they perceive in England, too visibly, the consequences
+ruinous to their manufactures, trades, commerce, and navigation, to be
+able to remain indifferent in this regard; for all other commercial
+nations, who take to heart ever so little of their own prosperity,
+will apply themselves ardently to collect from it all the fruit
+possible. To this effect, it would be unpardonable for the business
+and commerce of this Republic in general, and for those of this city
+in particular, to suffer to escape this occasion, so favorable for
+the encouragement of our manufactures, so declined and languishing in
+the interior cities, as well as that of the commerce and of navigation
+in the maritime cities; or to suffer that other commercial nations,
+even with a total exclusion of the mercantile interests of this
+Republic, should profit of it, and this upon an occasion, when by
+reason of the war equally unjust and ruinous, in which the kingdom of
+Great Britain has involved this Republic, we cannot and ought not to
+have the least regard or condescension for that jealous State, being
+able to oblige this arrogant neighbor in the just fear of the
+consequences, which a more intimate connexion between this Republic
+and North America would undoubtedly have, to lay down the sooner her
+arms, and restore tranquillity to all Europe.
+
+"That the petitioners, notwithstanding the inclination they have for
+it, ought not, nevertheless, to explain themselves further upon this
+object, nor make a demonstration in detail of the important
+advantages, which this Republic may procure itself by a connexion and
+a relation more intimate with North America, both because no well
+informed man can easily call the thing in question, but also because
+the States of Friesland themselves have very lately explained
+themselves in a manner so remarkable in this respect; and which is
+still more remarkable, because in very different circumstances, with a
+foresight, which posterity will celebrate by so much the more, as it
+is attacked in our time by ill designing citizens, the gentlemen, your
+predecessors, thought four years ago upon the means of hindering this
+Republic from being excluded from the business of the new world, and
+falling into the disagreeable situation in which the kingdom of
+Portugal is at present; considering, that, according to the
+information of your petitioners, the Congress has excluded that
+kingdom from all commerce and business with North America, solely
+because it had perceived that it suffered itself to be too strongly
+directed by the influence of the British Court. But this example makes
+us fear with reason, that if the propositions made in the name of
+America by Mr Adams to this Republic, should remain as they still are,
+without an answer, or if, contrary to all expectation, they should be
+rejected, in that case, the Republic ought not to expect a better
+treatment.
+
+"That, for these reasons and many others, the petitioners had
+flattered themselves, that we should long ago have opened
+negotiations, and a closer correspondence with the United States of
+America; but that this important work appeared to meet with
+difficulties with some, as incompatible with the accession of this
+Republic to the armed neutrality, and in course with the accepted
+mediation; whilst others cannot be persuaded to make this, so
+necessary step, in the opinion that we cannot draw any advantage, or,
+at least, of much importance, from a more strict connexion with
+America; reasons, according to the petitioners, the frivolty of which
+is apparent to every one, who is not filled with prejudice, without
+having occasion to employ many words to point it out; for as to the
+first point, supposing for a moment that it might be made a question,
+whether the Republic, after her accession to the armed neutrality
+before the war with England, could take a step of this nature without
+renouncing at the same time, the advantages of the armed neutrality,
+which it had embraced, it is, at least, very certain that every
+difficulty concerning the competency of the Republic to take a similar
+step, vanishes and disappears of itself at present, when it finds
+itself involved in a war with Great Britain, since from that moment
+she could not only demand the assistance and succor of all the
+confederates in the armed neutrality, but that thereby she finds
+herself authorised, for her own defence, to employ all sorts of means,
+violent and others, which she could not before adopt and put in use,
+while she was in the position of a neutral power, which would profit
+of the advantages of the armed neutrality.
+
+"This reasoning, then, proves evidently that in the present situation
+of affairs, the Republic might acknowledge the independence of North
+America, and notwithstanding this, claim of full right the assistance
+of her neutral allies, at least, if we would not maintain one of the
+following absurdities; that, notwithstanding the violent aggression of
+England, in resentment of our accession to the armed neutrality, we
+dare not defend ourselves, until our confederates should think proper
+to come to our assistance; or, otherwise, that being attacked by the
+English, it should be permitted us, conformably to the rights of the
+armed neutrality, to resist them in arms, either on the Doggerbank or
+elsewhere, but not by contracting alliances; which certainly do no
+injury or harm to the convention of the armed neutrality,
+notwithstanding even the small hope we have of being succored by the
+allies of the armed confederation.
+
+"The argument of the mediation is still more contrary to common sense
+in this, that it supposes the Republic, by accepting the mediation, to
+have also renounced the employment of all the means, by way of arms,
+of alliances, or otherwise, which it must judge useful or necessary to
+annoy her enemy; a supposition, which certainly is destitute of all
+foundation, and which would reduce itself simply to a real suspension
+of hostilities on the part of the Republic only; to which the Republic
+can never have consented, neither directly, nor indirectly. Besides
+this last argument, the petitioners must still observe, in the first
+place, that by means of a good harmony and friendship with the United
+States of America, there will spring up, not only different sources of
+business for this Republic, founded solely on commerce and navigation,
+but, in particular, the manufactures and trade will assume a new
+activity in the interior cities, for they may consume the amount of
+millions of our manufactures, in that new country of so vast extent.
+In the second place, abstracted from all interests of commerce, the
+friendship or the enmity of a nation, which, after having made
+prisoners of two English armies, has known how to render herself
+respectable and formidable, if it were only in relation to the western
+possessions of this State, is not, and cannot be, in any manner
+indifferent for our Republic.
+
+"In the last place, it is necessary, that the petitioners remark
+further in this respect, that several inhabitants of this Republic, in
+the present situation of affairs, suffer very considerable losses and
+damages, which might be wholly prevented, or in part, at least,
+hereafter, in case we should make with the United States of America,
+in relation to vessels and effects recaptured, a convention similar to
+that, which has been made with the Crown of France the last year; for,
+Venerable Regents, if a convention of this nature had been contracted
+in the beginning of this war, the inhabitants of the Republic would
+have already derived important advantages from it, considering, that
+several ships and cargoes, taken by the English from the inhabitants
+of this State, have fallen into the hands of the Americans, among
+others, two vessels from the West Indies, richly loaded, and making
+sail for the ports of the Republic, and both estimated at more than a
+million of florins of Holland; which, captured by the English at the
+commencement of the year past, were carried into North America, where,
+after the capitulation of General Cornwallis, they passed from the
+hands of the English into others. That, although the petitioners are
+fully convinced, that the interests of the commerce of this common
+country, and of this city, have constantly, but especially in these
+last years, attracted, and still attract every day, a great part of
+the cares of the Venerable Regency; nevertheless, having regard to the
+importance of the affair, the petitioners have thought, that they
+could, and that they ought to take the liberty to address themselves
+with this petition to you, Venerable Regents, and to inform you,
+according to truth, that the moments are precious; that we cannot lose
+any time, how little soever it may be, without running the greatest
+risk of losing all; since, by hesitating longer, the Republic,
+according to all appearances, would not derive any advantage, not
+even more than it has derived from its accession to the armed
+neutrality, because in the fear of British menaces, we did not
+determine to accede to it, until the opportunity of improving the
+advantage of it was passed.
+
+"For these causes, the petitioners address themselves to you,
+Venerable Regents, respectfully soliciting, that your efficacious
+influence may condescend, at the Assembly of their Noble and Grand
+Mightinesses, the States of this Province, to direct affairs in such a
+manner, that upon this important object there may be taken, as soon as
+possible, and, if possible, even during the continuance of this
+Assembly, a final and decisive resolution, such as you, Venerable
+Regents, and their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, according to their
+high wisdom shall judge the most convenient; and if, contrary to all
+expectation, this important operation may meet with any obstacle on
+the part of one or more of the confederates, that, in that case, you,
+Venerable Regents, in concert with the Province of Friesland, and
+those of the other Provinces, who make no difficulty to open a
+negotiation with America, will condescend to consider the means, which
+shall be found proper and convenient, to effectuate, that the commerce
+of this Province, as well as that of Friesland, and the other members
+adopting the same opinion, may not be prejudiced by any dilatory
+deliberations, nor too late resolved for the conclusion of a measure,
+as important as necessary."
+
+
+ ROTTERDAM.
+
+"The petition of the merchants, ensurers, and freighters of Rotterdam
+to the Regency of that city, gives to understand, in the most
+respectful manner; that it is sufficiently notorious, that the
+inhabitants of this Republic have, as well as any other nation, an
+interest, that they give us an opportunity to open a free
+correspondence with the inhabitants of America, by making a Treaty of
+Commerce, as Mr Adams has represented in his Memorial; to which they
+add, that the advantages, which must result from it, are absolutely
+the only means of reviving the fallen commerce of this country, for
+re-establishing the navigation, and for repairing the great damages,
+which the perfidious proceedings of the English have, for so many
+years, caused to the commercial part of this country.
+
+"That, with all due respect, they represent to the Venerable Regency
+the danger we run in prolonging further the deliberations concerning
+the article of an alliance of commerce with North America; being,
+moreover, certain, that the interposition of this State cannot add
+anything more to the solidity of its independence; and that the
+English Ministry have even made to the Deputies of the American
+Congress propositions to what point they would establish a
+correspondence there to our prejudice, and thereby deprive the
+inhabitants of this country of the certain advantages, which might
+result from this reciprocal commerce; and that thus we ought not to
+delay one day, nor even one hour, to try all efforts, that we may
+pursue the negotiation offered by Mr Adams, and that we may decide
+finally upon it.
+
+"Whereupon, the petitioners represent, with all the respect possible,
+but at the same time with the strongest confidence, to the venerable
+Regency of this city, that they would authorise and qualify the
+gentlemen, their Deputies at the Assembly of their Noble and Great
+Mightinesses, to the end, that in the name of this city they insist,
+in a manner the most energetic, at the Assembly of their Noble and
+Great Mightinesses, that the resolution demanded may be taken without
+the least delay, to the end, that on the part of this Province, it be
+effected at the Assembly of the States-General, that the American
+Minister, Mr Adams, be, as soon as possible, admitted to the audience,
+which he has demanded, and that they take, with him, the
+determinations necessary to render free and open to the reciprocal
+inhabitants, the correspondence demanded."
+
+The petitions of the merchants and manufacturers of Haerlem, Leyden
+and Amsterdam, which have been presented, on the 20th of March, to
+their High Mightinesses, were accompanied by another for the States of
+Holland and West Friesland, conceived in these terms;
+
+"The subscribers, inhabitants of this country, merchants,
+manufacturers, and others, living by commerce, give, with all respect,
+to understand, that they, the petitioners, have the honor to annex
+hereto a copy of a petition presented by them to their High
+Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Low Countries. The
+importance of the thing which it contains, the considerable commerce,
+which these countries might establish in North America; the profits,
+which we might draw from it, and the importance of industry and
+manufactures, in the relation which they have with commerce in
+general, as well as the commerce of that extensive country; all these
+objects have made them take the liberty to represent, in the most
+respectful manner, this great affair for them, and for the connexions,
+which the petitioners may have in quality of manufacturers with the
+merchants; most humbly praying your Noble and Grand Mightinesses, for
+the acquisition of those important branches of commerce, and for the
+advantage of all the manufactures and other works of labor and
+traffic, to be so good as to take this petition, and the reasons which
+it contains, into your high consideration, and to favor it with your
+powerful support and protection, and by a favorable resolution, which
+may be taken at the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, to direct, on
+the part of this Province, things in such a manner, that, for
+obtaining this commerce, so desired and so necessary for this
+Republic, there be concerted such efficacious measures, as the high
+wisdom and patriotic sentiments of your Noble and Grand Mightinesses
+may find convenient for the well-being of so great a number of
+inhabitants, and for the prejudice of their enemies."
+
+
+ DORT.
+
+At Dort, there has not been presented any petition; but in a letter
+written from that city, on the 20th of March, it is observed, "that
+the merchants, convinced by redoubled proofs of the zeal and of the
+efforts of their Regency for the true interests of commerce, had
+judged it necessary to present a petition, after the example of the
+merchants of other cities; that they had contented themselves with
+testifying verbally their desire, that there might be contracted
+connexions of commerce with the United States of America; that this
+step had been crowned with such happy success, that the same day, the
+20th of March, it was resolved by the ancient council, to authorise
+their Deputies at the Assembly of Holland, to concur in every manner
+possible, that without delay, Mr Adams be acknowledged in his quality
+of Minister Plenipotentiary; that his letters of credence be accepted,
+and conferences opened upon this object."
+
+Resolution of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, the Lords the States
+of Holland and West Friesland, March 29th, 1782.
+
+"It has been judged fit and resolved, that the affair be directed, on
+the part of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses at the Generality, to
+such an end, and that they there insist in the strongest manner, that
+Mr Adams be admitted and acknowledged, as soon as possible, by their
+High Mightinesses, as the Ambassador of the United States of America;
+and the Counsellor Pensionary is charged to give knowledge, under
+hand, to the said Mr Adams, of this resolution of their Noble and
+Grand Mightinesses."
+
+
+ ZWOLL, IN OVERYSSEL.
+
+"The subscribers, all merchants, manufacturers, and factors of the
+city of Zwoll, give respectfully to understand; that every one of them
+in his private concerns, finds by experience, as well as the
+inhabitants of the Republic in general, the grievous effects of the
+decay into which the commerce and the manufactures of this country are
+fallen by little and little, and, above all, since the hostile attack
+of the kingdom of England against this State; that it being their duty
+to their country, as well as to themselves, to make use of all the
+circumstances, which might contribute to their re-establishment, the
+requisition made not long since, by Mr Adams to the Republic, to wit,
+to conclude a Treaty of Commerce with the United States of North
+America, could not escape their attention; an affair, whose utility,
+advantage, and necessity, for these Provinces are so evident, and so
+often proved in an incontestible manner, that the petitioners will not
+fatigue your Noble Lordships, by placing them before you, nor the
+general interests of this city, nor the particular relations of the
+petitioners, considering that they are convinced in the first place,
+that England, making against the Republic the most ruinous war, and
+having broken every treaty with her, all kind of complaisance for that
+kingdom is unreasonable.
+
+"In the second place, that America, which ought to be considered as
+become free at the point of the sword, being willing, by the
+prohibition of all the productions and manufactures of England, to
+break absolutely with that kingdom; it is precisely the time, and
+perhaps the only time, in which we may have a favorable opportunity to
+enter into connexion with this new and powerful Republic; a time which
+we cannot neglect, without running the greatest risk of being
+irrevocably prevented by the other powers, and even by England. Thus
+we take the liberty respectfully to supplicate your Noble Lordships,
+that having shown, for a long time, that you set a value upon the
+formation of alliances with powerful States, you may have the
+goodness, at the approaching Assembly of the Nobility, and of the
+cities forming the States of this Province, to redouble your efforts;
+to the end, that in the name of this country, it may be decided at the
+Generality, that Mr Adams be acknowledged, and the proposed
+negotiations opened as soon as possible."
+
+
+ AMSTERDAM.
+
+ _Request of the Merchants, &c. to their Regency._
+
+ "Noble, Great, and Venerable Lords,
+
+"It is for us a particular satisfaction to be able to offer to your
+Noble and Great Lordships, as heads of the Regency of this city, this
+well-intentioned request, that a multitude of our most respectable
+fellow-citizens have signed. It was already ready and signed by many,
+when we learnt, as well by the public papers, as otherwise, the
+propositions of a particular peace, with an offer of an immediate
+suspension of hostilities on the part of Great Britain, made to this
+State by the mediation of the Russian Ambassador. This is the only
+reason why no immediate mention was made of it in the address itself;
+it is by no means the idea, that these offers would have made any
+impression upon the merchants, since we can, on the contrary, in
+truth, assure your Noble and Great Lordships, that the unanimous
+sentiment, nearly, of the exchange of Amsterdam, at least, as much as
+that interests it, is entirely conformable to that, which the
+merchants of Rotterdam have made known in so energetic a manner. That
+we have, consequently, the greatest aversion to like offers, as artful
+as dangerous, which being adopted, would very probably throw this
+Republic into other situations very embarrassing, the immediate
+consequences of which would be to ruin it utterly; whereas, on the
+other hand, these offers show, that we have only to deal with an enemy
+exhausted, that we could force to a general and durable peace in the
+end, by following only the example of France, Spain, and North
+America, and by using the means, which are in our own hands.
+
+"It is improper for us, however, to enlarge further upon this project,
+important as it may be, being well assured, that your Noble and Grand
+Lordships see those grievous consequences more clearly than we can
+trace them.
+
+"The merchants continue to recommend the commerce and the navigation
+to the constant care and protection of your Noble and Great Lordships,
+and to insist only, that in case, that these offers of the Court of
+England should be at any time the cause, that the affair of the
+admission of Mr Adams, in quality of Minister Plenipotentiary of the
+United States of North America, met with any difficulty or delay, on
+the part of the other confederates, that your Noble and Great
+Lordships, according to the second article of our requisition inserted
+in this request, would have the goodness to think upon measures, which
+would warrant this Province from the ruinous consequences of such a
+proceeding."
+
+To this request was joined the address presented to the Burgomasters,
+and to the Council, which is of the following tenor.
+
+ "Noble, Great, Venerable, and Noble and Venerable Lords,
+
+"The undersigned, merchants, citizens, and inhabitants of the city of
+Amsterdam, have learnt, with an inexpressible joy, the news of the
+resolution taken the 28th of March last, by their Noble and Grand
+Mightinesses, the Lords, the States of Holland and West Friesland.
+Their Noble and Grand Mightinesses have, thereby, not only satisfied
+the general wishes of the greatest and best part of the inhabitants of
+this Province, but they have laid the foundations of ulterior
+alliances and correspondences of friendship and of good understanding
+with the United States of North America, which promise new life to the
+languishing state of our commerce, of our navigation, and of our
+manufactures.
+
+"The unanimity, with which the resolution was decided in the Assembly
+of Holland, gives us a well founded hope, that the States of the other
+Provinces will not delay to take a similar resolution; whilst that the
+same unanimity fills with the most lively satisfaction the
+well-intentioned inhabitants of this city, and, without doubt, those
+of the whole country, in convincing them fully, that the union among
+the sage and venerable fathers of the country increases more and more;
+whilst that the promptness and activity, with which it has been
+concluded, make us hope, with reason, that we shall reap in time, from
+a step so important and so necessary for this Republic, the desired
+fruits. Who then can call in question or disavow, that the moment
+seems to approach nearer and nearer, when this Republic shall enter
+into new relations with a people, which finds itself in circumstances,
+which differ but little from those in which our ancestors found
+themselves two centuries ago, with a people, which conciliates, more
+and more, general affection and esteem?
+
+"The conformity of religion and government, which is found between us
+and America, joined to the indubitable marks, that she has already
+long since given, of the preference, that she feels for our
+friendship, makes the undersigned not only suppose, but inspires them
+with a confidence even, that our connexions with her will be as solid
+as advantageous, and salutary to the interests of the two nations. The
+well-being and the prosperity, which will very probably result from
+them, the part which you, Noble, Great, Venerable, and Noble and
+Venerable Lords, have had in the conclusion of a resolution so
+remarkable; the conviction, that the Venerable Council of this city
+already had of it, upon the proposition of the Noble, Great, and
+Venerable Lords, almost consented to, before the request relative to
+this project, presented not long since to you, Noble, Great, and
+Venerable Lords, had come to the knowledge of the Council; finally,
+the remembrance of that, which was done upon this matter in the year
+1778, with the best intentions and most laudable views, finding itself
+at present crowned with an approbation as public as general,
+indispensably oblige the undersigned to approach you, Noble, Great,
+Venerable, and Noble and Venerable Lords, with this address, not only
+to congratulate them upon so remarkable an event, but to thank them at
+the same time, with as much zeal as solemnity, for all those well
+intentioned cares, and those well concerted measures, for that
+inflexible attachment, and that faithful adherence to the true
+interests of the country in general, and of this city in particular,
+which manifest themselves in so striking a manner in all the
+proceedings and resolutions of your Noble, Great, and Venerable
+Lordships, and of the Venerable Council of this city, and which
+certainly will attract the esteem and veneration of the latest
+posterity, when, comparing the annals and events of the present, with
+those of former times, it shall discover, that Amsterdam might still
+boast itself of possessing patriots, who dare sacrifice generously all
+views of private interest, of grandeur, and of consideration, to the
+sacred obligations, that their country requires of them.
+
+"We flatter ourselves, Noble, Great, and Venerable, Noble and
+Venerable Lords, that the present public demonstration of our esteem
+and attachment will be so much the more agreeable, as it is more rare
+in our Republic, and perhaps even it is without example, and as it is
+more proper to efface all the odious impressions that the calumny and
+malignity of the English Ministry, not long ago so servilely adored by
+many, but whose downfall is at present consummated, had endeavored to
+spread, particularly a little before, and at the beginning of this
+war, insinuations, which have since found partizans in the United
+Provinces, among those who have not been ashamed to paint the Exchange
+of Amsterdam, (that is to say, the most respectable and the most
+useful part of the citizens of this city, and at the same time the
+principal support of the well-being of the United Provinces,) as if it
+consisted, in a great part, of a contemptible herd of vile interested
+souls, having no other object than to give loose to their avidity and
+to their desire of amassing treasures, in defrauding the public
+revenues, and in transporting contraband articles against the faith of
+treaties; calumniators, who have had at the same time, and have still,
+the audacity to affront the most upright Regency of the most,
+considerable city of the Republic, and to expose it to public
+contempt, as if it participated by connivance and other ways, in so
+shameful a commerce; insinuations and accusations, which have been
+spread with as much falsehood as wickedness, and which ought to excite
+so much the more the indignation of every sensible heart, when one
+considers with all this, that not only the merchants of this city, but
+also those of the whole Republic, have so inviolably respected the
+faith of treaties, that, to the astonishment of every impartial man,
+one cannot produce any proofs, at least no sufficient proofs, that
+there has ever been transported from this country contraband
+merchandises; whilst that the conjuncture, in which imputations of
+this kind have been spread, rendered a like proceeding still more
+odious, seeing that one has done it at an epoch, when the commerce and
+navigation of Amsterdam, and of the whole Republic, would have
+experienced the first and almost the only attack of an unjust and
+perfidious ally, for want of necessary protection, upon which you,
+Noble, Great, Venerable, and Noble and Venerable Lords, have so often
+and so seriously insisted, even before the commencement of the
+troubles between Great Britain and the United States of North America;
+at an epoch, when the merchant, formed for enterprises, was obliged to
+see the fruit of his labor and of his cares, the recompense of his
+indefatigable industry, and the patrimony destined to his posterity,
+ravished from his hands by foreign violence, and unbounded rapacity;
+at an epoch, finally, when the wise and prudent politicians, who had
+exhausted themselves, and spared no pains for the public good, saw
+their patriotic views dissipate, and their projects vanish.
+
+"Receive, then, Noble, Great, and Venerable, Noble and Venerable
+Lords, this solemn testimony of our lively gratitude, as graciously
+as it is sincere on our part; receive it as a proof of our attachment
+to your persons; an attachment which is not founded upon fear, nor an
+exterior representation of authority and grandeur, but which is
+founded upon more noble and immovable principles, those of esteem and
+respect, arising from a sentiment of true greatness and of generosity.
+Be assured, that when contemptible discord, with its odious
+attendants, artifice and imposture, could effectuate nothing,
+absolutely nothing, at the moment when the present war broke out, to
+prejudice in the least the fidelity of the citizens of the Amstel, or
+to shake them in the observation of their duties, the inconveniences
+and the evils that a war naturally and necessarily draws after it,
+will not produce the effect neither; yes, we will submit more
+willingly to them, according as we shall perceive, that the means that
+God and nature have put into our hands, are more and more employed to
+reduce and humble a haughty enemy. Continue, then, Noble, Great, and
+Venerable, Noble and Venerable Lords, to proceed with safety in the
+road you follow, the only one, which in our opinion, can, under divine
+benediction, tend to save the country from its present situation. Let
+nothing divert or intimidate you from it; you have already surmounted
+the greatest difficulties and most poignant cares. A more pleasing
+perspective already opens.
+
+"Great Britain, not long since so proud of its forces, that she feared
+not to declare war against an ancient and faithful ally, already
+repents of that unjust and rash proceeding; and succumbing under the
+weight of a war, which becomes more and more burdensome, she sighs
+after peace, whilst the harmony among the members of the supreme
+government of this country increases with our arms, according as your
+political system, whose necessity and salutary influence were
+heretofore less acknowledged, gains every day more numerous imitators.
+The resolution lately taken by the States of Friesland, and so
+unanimously adopted by our Province, furnishes, among many others, one
+incontestable proof of it, whilst that the naval combat, delivered
+last year on the Doggerbank, has shown to astonished Europe that so
+long a peace has not made the Republic forget the management of arms,
+but that on the contrary, it nourishes in its bosom warriors, who
+tread in the footsteps of the Tromps and Ruiters, from whose prudence
+and intrepidity, after a beginning so glorious, we may promise
+ourselves the most heroic actions; that their invincible courage,
+little affected with an evident superiority, will procure one day to
+our country an honorable and permanent peace, which, in eternizing
+their military glory, will cause the wise policy of your Noble, Great,
+and Venerable, Noble and Venerable Lordships to be blessed by the
+latest posterity."
+
+
+ LEYDEN.
+
+"To the Noble, Great and Venerable Lords, the Great Council of the
+city of Leyden.
+
+"The undersigned, manufacturers, merchants, and other traders,
+interested in the manufactures and fabrics of this city, give
+respectfully to understand; that a number of the undersigned, having
+taken on the 18th of March, the liberty to present to your Noble and
+Great Lordships a respectful request, 'to obtain the conclusion of
+connexions of commerce with United America,' the petitioners judge,
+that they ought to hold it for a duty, as agreeable as indispensable,
+to testify their sincere gratitude, not only for the gracious manner
+in which your Noble and Great Lordships have been pleased to accept
+that request, but also for the patriotic resolution, that your Noble
+and Great Lordships have taken upon its object; a resolution in virtue
+of which the city of Leyden (as the petitioners have the best reasons
+to suppose) has been one of the first cities of this province, from
+whose unanimous co-operation has originated the resolution of their
+Noble and Grand Mightinesses, of the date of the 28th of March last,
+'to direct things on the part of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses in
+the Assembly of the States-General, and to make there the strongest
+instances, to the end that Mr Adams may be admitted and acknowledged,
+as soon as possible, by their High Mightinesses, as Minister of the
+United States of America.'
+
+"That the petitioners regard, with all honest hearted citizens, the
+present epoch as one of the most glorious in the annals of our dear
+country, seeing that there has been manifested in a most signal
+manner, on one hand, a confidence the most cordial of the good
+citizens towards their Regents; on the other, a paternal attention and
+deference of the Regents to the respectful, but well founded prayers
+of their faithful citizens, and, in general, the most exemplary
+unanimity throughout the whole nation, to the confusion of those, who,
+having endeavored to sow the seeds of discord, would have rejoiced if
+they could say with truth, that a dissension so fatal had rooted
+itself to the ruin of the country and of the people.
+
+"That the petitioners, feeling themselves penetrated with the most
+pleasing emotions by a harmony so universal, cannot pass over in
+silence the reflection, that your Noble and Great Lordships, taking a
+resolution the most favorable upon the said request, have discovered
+thereby, that they would not abandon the footsteps of their
+ancestors, who found in the united sentiments of magistrates and
+citizens, the resources necessary to resist a powerful oppressor, who
+even would not have undertaken that difficult, but glorious task, if
+they had not been supported by the voice of the most respectable part
+of the nation.
+
+"That, encouraged by this reflection, the petitioners assure
+themselves, that your Noble and Great Lordships will honor with the
+same approbation the step, which they take to day, to recommend to
+your Noble and Great Lordships, in a manner the most respectful, but
+at the same time the most pressing, the prompt and efficacious
+execution of the aforesaid resolution of their Noble and Grand
+Mightinesses, of the 28th of March last, with everything which depends
+thereon, a proceeding, which does not spring from a desire, on the
+part of the petitioners, to raise themselves above the sphere of their
+duties and vocations, or to interfere indiscreetly in the affairs of
+government; but only from a conviction, that it cannot but be
+agreeable to well-intentioned Regents (such as your Noble and Grand
+Lordships have shown yourselves by deeds to the good citizens) to see
+themselves applauded in their salutary efforts and patriotic designs,
+and supported against the perverse views and secret machinations of
+the ill disposed, who, however small their number, are always found in
+a nation.
+
+"That, although the petitioners may be convinced, that their Noble and
+Grand Mightinesses, having taken a resolution so agreeable to all true
+patriots, will not neglect to employ means to carry it to an
+efficacious conclusion among the other confederates, and to procure to
+the good citizens the real enjoyment of the commerce with United
+America, they cannot, nevertheless, dissemble, that lately some new
+reasons have arisen, which make them conceive some fears respecting
+the prompt consummation of this desirable affair.
+
+"That the probability of an offer of peace, on the part of Great
+Britain, to United America, whereof the petitioners made mention in
+their former request, having at present become a full certainty, by
+the revolution arrived since in the British Ministry, they have not
+learnt without uneasiness, the attempt made at the same time by the
+new Ministers of the Court of London, to involve this State in a
+negotiation for a separate peace, the immediate consequence of which
+would be (as the petitioners fear) a cessation of all connexions with
+the American Republic; whilst, that in the meantime, our Republic,
+deprived on the one hand of the advantages, which it reasonably
+promises itself from those connexions, might, on the other, be
+detained by negotiations, spun out to a great length, and not effect
+till late, perhaps after the other belligerent powers, a separate
+peace with England.
+
+"That, in effect, the difficulties which oppose themselves to a like
+partial pacification, are too multiplied for one to promise himself to
+see them suddenly removed; such as the restitution of the possessions
+taken from the State, and retaken from the English by France, a
+restitution, which thereby is become impracticable; the
+indemnification of the immense losses, that the unexpected and
+perfidious attack of England has caused to the Dutch nation in
+general, to the petitioners in particular; the assurance of a free
+navigation for the future, upon the principles of the armed
+neutrality, and conformably to the law of nations, the dissolution of
+the bonds, which, without being productive of any utility to the two
+nations, have been a source of contestations always springing up, and
+which in every war between Great Britain and any other power, have
+threatened to involve our Republic in it, or have, in effect, done it;
+the annihilation (if possible) of the act of navigation, an act, which
+carries too evident marks of the supremacy affected by England over
+all other maritime people, not to attract attention at the approaching
+negotiation of peace; finally, the necessity of breaking the yoke,
+that Great Britain would impose upon our flag, to make hers respected
+in the Northern Ocean, as the seat of her maritime empire; and other
+objects of this nature, which, as the petulant proceedings of the
+Court of London even have given rise to them, with certainty furnish
+matter for claims and negotiations.
+
+"That, as by these considerations, even a speedy consummation of a
+separate peace with England is out of all probability, especially when
+one compares with them the dubious and limited manner in which it is
+offered; on the other hand, a general peace appears not to be so far
+distant, as that to obtain a more prompt reconciliation with England,
+the Republic has occasion to abandon its interests relative to North
+America, seeing that the British government has resolved, upon the
+request of the National Assembly, even to discontinue offensive
+hostilities against the new Republic, and that even under the present
+administration of the Ministers, it appears ready to acknowledge
+positively its independence; an acknowledgment, which, in removing the
+principal stumbling block of a negotiation of a general peace, will
+pave the way to a prompt explication of all the difficulties between
+the belligerent powers.
+
+"That the petitioners should exceed much the bounds of their plan, if
+they entered into a more ample detail of the reasons, which might be
+alleged upon this subject, and which certainly will not escape the
+political penetration of your Noble and Great Lordships; among others,
+the engagements recently entered into with the Court of France, and
+which will not be violated by our Republic, which acknowledges the
+sanctity of its engagements and respects them, but which will serve
+much rather to convince the Empress of Russia of the impossibility of
+entering, in the present juncture of affairs, into such a negotiation
+as the Court of London proposes, when it will not be permitted to
+presume, but that sovereign will feel herself the change of
+circumstances, which have happened with regard to America, since the
+offer of her mediation, by the revolution of the British Ministry; and
+that she ought even to regard a separate peace between our States and
+England, as the most proper mean to retard the general tranquillity,
+that she has endeavored to procure to all the commercial nations now
+at war.
+
+"That, from these motives, the petitioners respectfully hope, that the
+aforesaid offer of England will occasion no obstacle, which may
+prevent, that the resolution of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, to
+acknowledge the independence of North America, and to conclude with
+that power a treaty of commerce, may not have a prompt execution, nor
+that even one only of the other confederates will suffer itself to be
+diverted thereby, from the design of opening unanimously with this
+Province and the others, which have declared themselves conformably to
+Holland, negotiations with the United States, and of terminating them
+as soon as may be.
+
+"That the favorable resolutions already taken for this effect in
+Zealand, Utrecht, Overyssel, and at present (as the petitioners learn)
+in the Province of Groningen, after the example of Holland and
+Friesland, confirm them in that hope, and seem to render entirely
+superfluous a request, that in every other case the petitioners would
+have found themselves obliged to make with the commercial citizens of
+the other cities, to the end, that by the resistance of one Province,
+not immediately interested in commerce and navigation, they might not
+be deprived of the advantages and of the protection, that the
+Sovereign Assembly of their proper Province had been disposed to
+procure them without that; but that to the end to provide for it,
+their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, and the States of the other
+Provinces, in this respect unanimous with them, should make use of the
+power, which belongs to each free State of our Federative Republic, at
+least in regard to treaties of commerce, of which there exists an
+example in 1649, not only in a treaty of redemption of the toll of the
+Sound, but also in a defensive treaty, concluded with the Crown of
+Denmark by the three Provinces of Guelderland, Holland, and Friesland.
+
+"But as every apprehension of a similar dissension among the members
+of the confederation appears at present absolutely unseasonable, the
+petitioners will confine themselves rather to another request, to wit,
+that after the formation of connexions of commerce with North America,
+the effectual enjoyment of it may be assured to the commercial
+citizens of this country by a sufficient protection of the navigation,
+seeing, that without the protection of the navigation, the conclusion
+even of such a treaty of commerce would be absolutely illusory; that
+since a long time, especially last year, the petitioners have tasted
+the bitter fruits of the defenceless state in which the Dutch flag has
+been incessantly found, as they have already said, conformably to the
+truth, in their first request, 'that by the total stagnation of the
+navigation and of expeditions, they have felt in the most painful
+manner the effects of the hostile and unforeseen attack of Great
+Britain, and that they feel them still every day;' that in the
+meantime this stagnation of commerce, absolutely abandoned to the
+rapacity of an enemy, greedy of pillage, and destitute of all
+protection whatsoever, has appeared to the petitioners, as well as to
+all the other commercial inhabitants, yes, even to all true citizens,
+so much the more hard and afflicting, as they not only have constantly
+contributed with a good heart all the public imposts, but that, at the
+time even that commerce was absolutely abandoned to itself, and
+deprived of all safeguard, it supported a double charge to obtain that
+protection, which it has never enjoyed, seeing that the hope of such a
+protection, (the Republic not being entirely without maritime force)
+has appeared indeed more than once, but has always vanished in the
+most unexpected manner, by accidents and impediments, which if they
+have given rise, perhaps wrongfully, to discontent and to distrust
+among the good citizens, will not, nevertheless, be read and meditated
+by posterity, without surprise.
+
+"That, without intention to legitimate in any fashion the suspicions
+arising from this failure of protection, the petitioners believe
+themselves, nevertheless, with all proper respect, warranted in
+addressing their complaints on this head to the bosoms of your Great
+and Noble Lordships, and (seeing the commerce with North America
+cannot subsist without navigation, no more than navigation without a
+safeguard) of reckoning upon the active direction, the useful
+employment, and prompt augmentation of our naval forces, in proportion
+to the means, which shall be the most proper effectually to secure,
+to the commerce of this Republic, the fruits of its connexions with
+United North America.
+
+"For which reasons, the petitioners, returning to your Noble and Great
+Lordships their solemn thanks for the favorable resolution taken upon
+their request, the 18th of March last, address themselves anew to them
+on this occasion, with the respectful prayer, that it may graciously
+please your Noble and Great Lordships to be willing to effectuate, by
+your powerful influence, whether in the illustrious Assembly of their
+Noble and Grand Mightinesses, whether among the other confederates, or
+elsewhere, there, and in such manner as your Noble and Great Lordships
+shall judge the most proper, that the resolution of their Noble and
+Grand Mightinesses, of the date of the 28th of March last, for the
+admission of Mr Adams in quality of Minister of the United States of
+America, be promptly executed, and that the petitioners, with the
+other commercial citizens, obtain the effectual enjoyment of a treaty
+of commerce with the said Republic, as well by the activity of the
+marine of the State, and the protection of the commerce and of the
+navigation, as well as by all other measures, that your Noble and
+Great Lordships, with the other members of the sovereign government of
+the Republic, shall judge to tend to the public good, and to serve to
+the prosperity of the dear country, as well as to the maintenance of
+its precious liberty."
+
+
+ UTRECHT, APRIL 28TH, 1782.
+
+Wednesday last, was presented to their Noble Mightinesses, the Lords
+the States of this Province, the following address of thanks, signed
+by a considerable number of merchants, &c. of this city.
+
+"To their Noble Mightinesses, the Lords the States of the country of
+Utrecht.
+
+"The undersigned, manufacturers, merchants, and other traders of this
+city give, with due respect, to understand, that the petitioners,
+placing their confidence in the interest that your Noble Mightinesses
+have always appeared to take in the advancement of manufactures and
+commerce, have not been at all scrupulous to recommend to the vigilant
+attention of your Noble Mightinesses, the favorable occasion that
+offers itself in this moment, to revive the manufactures, the
+commerce, and the trade, fallen into decay in this city and Province,
+in case that your Noble Mightinesses acknowledged, in the name of this
+city, Mr Adams as Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of
+North America, to the end that there might be formed with them a
+treaty of commerce for this Republic. As the petitioners founded
+themselves thus upon the intimate sentiment of the execution of that,
+which your Noble Mightinesses judged proper to the advancement of the
+well-being of the petitioners and of their interests, the petitioners
+have further the satisfaction of feeling the most agreeable proofs of
+it, when your Noble Mightinesses, in your last Assembly, resolved
+unanimously to consent, not only to the admission of the said Mr
+Adams, in quality of Minister of the Congress of North America, but to
+authorise the gentlemen, the Deputies of this Province at the
+Generality, to conform themselves, in the name of this Province, to
+the resolutions of the Lords, the States of Holland and West
+Friesland, and of Friesland, and doing this, to consent to the
+acknowledgment and admission of Mr Adams as Minister of the United
+States of North America; or, as that resolution furnishes the proofs
+the best intentioned, the most patriotic for the advancement of that,
+which may serve to the well-being, to the encouragement of
+manufactures, of commerce, and of decayed trades, as well in general,
+as of this city and Province in particular, and which had been so
+ardently desired; the petitioners think themselves indispensably
+obliged to testify, in the most respectful manner, their gratitude for
+it, to your Noble Mightinesses.
+
+"The petitioners find themselves absolutely unable to express in
+words, the general satisfaction that this event has caused, not only
+to them, but also to the great and small of this Province; joined to
+the confirmation of the perfect conviction, in which they repose
+themselves also for the future upon the paternal care of your Noble
+Mightinesses, that the consummation of the desired treaty of commerce
+with the Americans may be soon effected. The petitioners attest by the
+present before your Noble Mightinesses, their solemn and well meant
+gratitude, that they address also at the same time to your Noble
+Mightinesses, as the most sincere marks of veneration and respect for
+the persons and the direction of public affairs of your Noble
+Mightinesses; wishing that Almighty God may deign to bless the efforts
+and the councils of your Noble Mightinesses, as well as those of the
+other confederates; that, moreover, this Province, and our dear
+country, by the propositions of an armistice and that which depends
+upon it, should not be involved in any negotiations for a particular
+peace with our perfidious enemy, but that we obtain no other peace
+than a general peace, which (as your Noble Mightinesses express
+yourselves in your resolution) may be compatible with our honor and
+dignity; and serve, not only for this generation, but also for the
+latest posterity, as a monument of glory, of eternal gratitude to,
+and esteem for, the persons and public administration of the present
+time."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO PETER VAN BLEISWICK, GRAND PENSIONARY OF HOLLAND.
+
+ Amsterdam, March 31st, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have received the letter, which you did me the honor to write me on
+the 30th, enclosing the resolution of the States of Holland and West
+Friesland, taken on the 28th of this month, upon the subject of my
+admission to the audience demanded on the 4th of May, and 9th of
+January last.
+
+I am very sensible of the honor that is done me, by this instance of
+personal attention to me in their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, and I
+beg of you, Sir, to accept of my acknowledgments for the obliging
+manner, in which you have communicated to me their resolution.
+
+But my sensibility is above all affected by those unequivocal
+demonstrations, which appear everywhere, of national harmony and
+unanimity in this important measure; which cannot fail to have the
+happiest effects in America, and in all Europe; even in England
+itself, as well as in this Republic, and which there is great reason
+to hope, will forcibly operate towards the accomplishment of a general
+peace.
+
+In the pleasing hope, that all the other Provinces will soon follow
+the examples of Holland and Friesland, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE DUC DE LA VAUGUYON.
+
+ Amsterdam, April 10th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have this moment received the letter, which you did me the honor to
+write me yesterday, with a letter enclosed from Dr Franklin.
+
+The approbation of the Count de Vergennes is a great satisfaction to
+me, and I shall be very happy to learn from you, Sir, at Amsterdam,
+the details you allude to.
+
+I have a letter from Digges, at London, 2d of April, informing me,
+that he had communicated what had passed between him and me, to the
+Earl of Shelburne, who did not like the circumstance, that everything
+must be communicated to our allies. He says, that Lord Carmaerthen is
+to be sent to the Hague, to negotiate a separate peace with Holland.
+But, according to all appearances, Holland, as well as America, will
+have too much discretion to enter into any separate negotiations.
+
+I have the pleasure to inform you, that Gillon has arrived at the
+Havana, with five rich Jamaica ships as prizes. M. Le Roy writes, that
+the English have evacuated Charleston.
+
+The enclosed fresh _requete_ of Amsterdam will show your Excellency,
+that there is little probability of the Dutchmen being deceived into
+separate conferences.
+
+With the most profound respect and esteem, I have the honor to be,
+Sir, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Amsterdam. April 19th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to transmit you the following Resolutions of the
+respective Provinces, relative to my admission in quality of Minister
+Plenipotentiary, together with two Resolutions of their High
+Mightinesses, upon the same subject, all in the order in which they
+were taken.
+
+
+ FRIESLAND.
+
+Extract from the Register Book of the Lords, the States of Friesland.
+
+"The requisition of Mr Adams, for presenting his letter of credence
+from the United States of North America to their High Mightinesses,
+having been brought into the assembly and put into deliberation, as
+also the ulterior address to the same purpose, with a demand of a
+categorical answer, made by him, as is more amply mentioned in the
+minutes of their High Mightinesses, of the 4th of May, 1781, and the
+9th of January, 1782, whereupon, it having been taken into
+consideration, that the said Mr Adams would have, probably, some
+propositions to make to their High Mightinesses, and to present to
+them the principal articles and foundations, upon which the Congress,
+on their part, would enter into a treaty of commerce and friendship,
+or other affairs to propose, in regard to which, despatch would be
+requisite,
+
+"It has been thought fit and resolved, to authorise the gentlemen, the
+Deputies of this Province at the Generality, and to instruct them to
+direct things, at the table of their High Mightinesses, in such a
+manner that the said Mr Adams be admitted forthwith, as Minister of
+the Congress of North America, with further order to the said
+Deputies, that if there should be made, moreover, any similar
+propositions by the same, to inform immediately their Noble
+Mightinesses of them. And an extract of the present Resolution shall
+be sent them for their information, that they may conduct themselves
+conformably.
+
+"Thus resolved, at the Province House, the 26th of February, 1782.
+
+"Compared with the aforesaid book, to my knowledge.
+
+ A. J. V. SMINIA."
+
+
+ HOLLAND AND WEST FRIESLAND.
+
+Extract of the Resolutions of the Lords, the States of Holland and
+West Friesland, taken in the assembly of their Noble and Grand
+Mightinesses. Thursday, March 28th, 1782.
+
+"Deliberated by resumption upon the address and the ulterior address
+of Mr Adams, made the 4th of May, 1781, and the 9th of January, 1782,
+to the President of the States-General, communicated to the assembly,
+the 9th of May, 1781, and the 22d of last month, to present his
+letters of credence, in the name of the United States of America, to
+their High Mightinesses, by which ulterior address the said Mr Adams
+has demanded a categorical answer, that he may acquaint his
+constituents thereof; deliberated also upon the petitions of a great
+number of merchants, manufacturers, and others, inhabitants of this
+Province interested in commerce, to support their request presented to
+the States-General the 20th current, to the end that efficacious
+measures might be taken to establish a commerce between this country
+and North America, copies of which petitions have been given to the
+members the 21st; it has been thought fit, and resolved, that the
+affairs shall be directed, on the part of their Noble and Grand
+Mightinesses, at the Assembly of the States-General, and that there
+shall be there made the strongest instances that Mr Adams be admitted
+and acknowledged, as soon as possible, by their High Mightinesses, in
+quality of Envoy of the United States of America. And the Counsellor
+Pensionary has been charged to inform under his hand the said Mr Adams
+of this Resolution of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses."
+
+
+ ZEALAND.
+
+Extract of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses the
+States-General of the United Provinces. Monday, April 8th, 1782.
+
+"The Deputies of the Province of Zealand have brought to the Assembly
+and caused to be read there the Resolution of the States of the said
+Province, their principals, to cause to be admitted as soon as
+possible, Mr Adams, in quality of Envoy of the Congress of North
+America in the following terms.
+
+"Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of the Lords the States
+of Zealand. April 4th, 1782.
+
+"It has been thought fit and ordered, that the gentlemen, the ordinary
+Deputies of this Province at the Generality, shall be convoked and
+authorised, as it is done by the present, to assist in the direction
+of affairs at the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, in such a
+manner, that Mr Adams may be acknowledged as soon as possible, as
+Envoy of the Congress of North America; that his letters of credence
+be accepted, and that he be admitted in that quality according to the
+ordinary form, enjoining further upon the said Lords, the ordinary
+Deputies, to take such propositions as should be made to this
+Republic, by the said Mr Adams, for the information and the
+deliberation of their High Mightinesses, to the end to transmit them
+here as soon as possible. And an extract of this Resolution of their
+Noble Mightinesses shall be sent to the gentlemen, their ordinary
+Deputies, to serve them as an instruction.
+
+ J. M. CHALMERS."
+
+"Upon which, having deliberated, it has been thought fit and resolved
+to pray, by the present, the gentlemen, the Deputies of the Provinces
+of Guelderland, Utrecht, and Groningen, and Ommelanden, who have not
+as yet explained themselves upon this subject, to be pleased to do it,
+as soon as possible."
+
+
+ OVERYSSEL.
+
+Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of the Equestrian order,
+and of the cities composing the States of Overyssel. Zwoll, 5th of
+April, 1782.
+
+"The Grand Bailiff de Sallande, and the other commissions of their
+Noble Mightinesses for the affairs of finance, having examined,
+conformably to their commissorial resolution of the 3d of this month,
+the addresses of Mr Adams, communicated to the Assembly the 4th of
+May, 1781, and the 22d of February, 1782, to present his letters of
+credence to their High Mightinesses, in the name of the United States
+of North America; as well as the resolution of the Lords, the States
+of Holland and West Friesland, dated the 28th of March, 1782, carried
+the 29th of the same month, to the Assembly of their High
+Mightinesses, for the admission and acknowledgment of Mr Adams, have
+reported to the Assembly, that they should be of opinion, that the
+gentlemen, the Deputies of this Province in the States-General, ought
+to be authorised and charged to declare in the Assembly of their High
+Mightinesses, that the Equestrian Order and the cities judge, that it
+is proper to acknowledge, as soon as possible, Mr Adams, in quality of
+Minister of the United States of North America, to their High
+Mightinesses. Upon which, having deliberated, the Equestrian Order and
+the cities have conformed themselves to the said report.
+
+"Compared with the aforesaid Register.
+
+ DERK DUMBAR."
+
+
+ GRONINGEN.
+
+Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of their Noble
+Mightinesses, the States of Groningen and Ommelanden. Tuesday, 9th of
+April, 1782.
+
+"The Lords, the States of Groningen and Ommelanden, having heard the
+report of the Gentlemen, the Commissioners for the Petitions of the
+Council of State, and the Finances of the Province, and having
+carefully examined the demand of Mr Adams, to present his letters of
+credence from the United States of North America, to their High
+Mightinesses, have, after deliberation upon the subject, declared
+themselves of opinion, that in the critical circumstances, in which
+the Republic finds itself at present, it is proper to take, without
+loss of time, such efficacious measures as may not only repair the
+losses and damages, that the kingdom of Great Britain has caused, in a
+manner, so unjust, and against every shadow of right, to the commerce
+of the Republic, as well before as after the war, but particularly
+such as may establish the free navigation and the commerce of the
+Republic, for the future, upon the most solid foundations, as may
+confirm and re-assure it by the strongest bonds of reciprocal
+interest, and that, in consequence, the Gentlemen, the Deputies at the
+Assembly of their High Mightinesses, ought to be authorised on the
+part of the Province, as they are by the present, to admit Mr Adams to
+present his letters of credence from the United States of North
+America, and to receive the propositions, which he shall make, to make
+report of them to the Lords, the States of this Province.
+
+ E. LEWE, _Secretary_."
+
+The States-General, having deliberated the same day upon this
+Resolution, have resolved, "that the Deputies of the Province of
+Guelderland, which has not yet declared itself upon the same subject,
+should be requested to be pleased to do it as soon as possible."
+
+
+ UTRECHT.
+
+Extract of the Resolutions of their Noble Mightinesses the States of
+the Province of Utrecht. 10th of April, 1782.
+
+"Heard the report of M. de Westerveld, and other Deputies of their
+Noble Mightinesses for the Department of War, who, in virtue of the
+commissorial resolutions, of the 9th of May, 1781, the 16th of
+January, and the 20th of March, of the present year, 1782, have
+examined the resolution of their High Mightinesses of the 4th of May,
+1781, containing an overture, that the President of the Assembly of
+their High Mightinesses had made, 'that a person, styling himself J.
+Adams, had been with him, and had given him to understand, that he had
+received letters of credence for their High Mightinesses from the
+United States of North America, with a request, that he would be
+pleased to communicate them to their High Mightinesses,' as well as
+the resolution of their High Mightinesses, of the 9th of January,
+containing an ulterior overture of the President, 'that the said Mr
+Adams had been with him, and had insisted upon a categorical answer,
+whether his said letters of credence would be accepted, or not;'
+finally, the resolution of their High Mightinesses, of the 5th of
+March last, with the insertion of the resolution of Friesland,
+containing a proposition 'to admit Mr Adams in quality of Minister of
+the Congress of North America.'
+
+"Upon which, having deliberated, and remarked, that the Lords, the
+States of Holland and West Friesland, by their resolution, carried the
+29th of March to the States-General, have also consented to the
+admission of the said Mr Adams, in quality of Minister of the Congress
+of North America, it has been thought fit, and resolved, that the
+Gentlemen, the Deputies of this Province in the States-General, should
+be authorised, as their Noble Highnesses authorise them by the
+present, to conform themselves, in the name of this Province, to the
+resolution of the Lords, the States of Holland and West Friesland, and
+of Friesland, and to consent, by consequence, that Mr Adams be
+acknowledged and admitted as Minister of the United States of North
+America, their Noble Mightinesses being at the same time of opinion,
+that it would be necessary to acquaint her Majesty, the Empress of
+Russia, and the other neutral powers, with the resolution to be taken
+by their High Mightinesses, upon this subject, in communicating to
+them (as much as shall be necessary) the reasons, which have induced
+their High Mightinesses to it, and in giving them the strongest
+assurances, that the intention of their High Mightinesses is by no
+means to prolong thereby the war, which they would have willingly
+prevented and terminated long since; but that, on the contrary, their
+High Mightinesses wish nothing with more ardor, than a prompt
+re-establishment of peace, and that they shall be always ready, on
+their part, to co-operate in it, in all possible ways, and with a
+suitable readiness, so far as that shall be any way compatible with
+their honor and their dignity. And to this end, an extract of this
+shall be carried by missive to the Gentlemen, the Deputies at the
+Generality."
+
+
+ GUELDERLAND.
+
+Extract from the _Precis_ of the ordinary Diet, held in the city of
+Nimeguen in the month of April, 1782. Wednesday, 17th of April, 1782.
+
+"The requisition of Mr Adams to present his letters of credence to
+their High Mightinesses, in the name of the United States of North
+America having been brought to the Assembly and read, as well as an
+ulterior address made upon this subject, with the demand of a
+categorical answer by the said Mr Adams, more amply mentioned in the
+registers of their High Mightinesses, of the date of the 4th of May,
+1781, and the 9th of January, 1782, moreover, the resolutions of the
+Lords, the States of the six other Provinces, carried successively to
+the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, and all tending to admit Mr
+Adams, in quality of Envoy of the United States of North America, to
+this Republic; upon which their Noble Mightinesses, after
+deliberation, have resolved to authorise the Deputies of this
+Province, as they authorise them by the present, to conform themselves
+in the name of this Province, to the resolution of the Lords, the
+States of Holland and West Friesland, and to consent, by consequence,
+that Mr Adams may be acknowledged and admitted, in quality of Envoy of
+the United States of North America, to this Republic. In consequence,
+an extract of the present shall be sent to the said Deputies, to make,
+as soon as possible, the requisite overture of it to the Assembly of
+their High Mightinesses.
+
+ J. INDE BETOUW."
+
+This resolution of Guelderland was no sooner remitted, on the 19th, to
+their High Mightinesses, than they took immediately a resolution
+conformable to the unanimous wish of the Seven Provinces, conceived in
+the following terms;
+
+"Extract from the register of the resolutions of their High
+Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces. Friday,
+April 19th, 1782.
+
+"Deliberated by resumption upon the address and the ulterior address,
+made by Mr Adams, the 4th of May, 1781, and the 9th of January of the
+current year, to the President of the Assembly of their High
+Mightinesses, to present to their High Mightinesses his letters of
+credence, in the name of the United States of North America, and by
+which ulterior address the said Mr Adams has demanded a categorical
+answer, to the end to be able to acquaint his constituents thereof; it
+has been thought fit and resolved, that Mr Adams shall be admitted and
+acknowledged in quality of Envoy of the United States of North America
+to their High Mightinesses, as he is admitted and acknowledged by the
+present."
+
+ W. BOREEL.
+
+"Compared with the aforesaid register.
+
+ H. FAGEL."
+
+
+ THE FORMAL RESOLUTION OF THEIR HIGH MIGHTINESSES.
+
+Extract from the register of the resolutions of their High
+Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces. Monday,
+April 22d, 1782.
+
+"M. Boreel, who presided in the Assembly the last week, has reported
+to their High Mightinesses and notified them, that Mr John Adams,
+Envoy of the United States of America, had been with him last
+Saturday, and had presented to him a letter from the Assembly of
+Congress, written at Philadelphia, the 1st of January, 1781,
+containing a credence for the said Mr Adams, to the end to reside in
+quality of its Minister Plenipotentiary near their High Mightinesses.
+Upon which having deliberated, it has been thought fit and resolved,
+to declare by the present, that the said Mr Adams is agreeable to
+their High Mightinesses; that he shall be acknowledged in quality of
+Minister Plenipotentiary, and that there shall be granted to him an
+audience, or assigned Commissioners, when he shall demand it.
+Information of the above shall be given to the said Mr Adams by the
+agent, Van der Burch de Spieringshoek.
+
+ W. VAN CITTERS.
+
+"Compared with the aforesaid register.
+
+ H. FAGEL."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, April 22d, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the 22d day of April I was introduced, by the Chamberlain, to His
+Most Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange.
+
+Knowing that his Highness spoke English, I asked his permission to
+speak to him in that language, to which he answered, smiling, "if you
+please, Sir." Although French is the language of the Court, he seemed
+to be pleased, and to receive as a compliment my request to speak to
+him in English.
+
+I told him I was happy to have the honor of presenting the respects of
+the United States of America, and a letter of credence from them to
+his Most Serene Highness, and to assure him of the profound veneration
+in which the House of Orange had been held in America, even from its
+first settlement, and that I should be happier still to be the
+instrument of further cementing the new connexions between two
+nations, professing the same religion, animated by the same spirit of
+liberty, and having reciprocal interests both political and
+commercial, so extensive and important; and that in the faithful and
+diligent discharge of the duties of my mission, I flattered myself
+with hopes of the approbation of His Most Serene Highness.
+
+His Highness received the letter of credence, which he opened and
+read. The answer that he made to me was in a voice so low and so
+indistinctly pronounced, that I comprehended only the conclusion of
+it, which was, that "he had made no difficulty against my reception."
+He then fell into familiar conversation with me, and asked me many
+questions about indifferent things, as is the custom of Princes and
+Princesses upon such occasions. How long I had been in Europe? How
+long I had been in this country? Whether I had purchased a house at
+the Hague? Whether I had not lived some time at Leyden? How long I had
+lived at Amsterdam? How I liked this country? &c.
+
+This conference passed in the Prince's chamber of audience with his
+Highness alone. I had waited some time in the antichamber, as the Duc
+de la Vauguyon was in conference with the Prince. The Duke, on his
+return through the antichamber, meeting me unexpectedly, presented me
+his hand with an air of cordiality, which was remarked by every
+courtier, and had a very good effect.
+
+The Prince has since said to the Duc de la Vauguyon, that he was
+obliged to me for not having pressed him upon the affair of my
+reception in the beginning. He had reason; for if I had, and he had
+said or done anything offensive to the United States or disagreeable
+to me, it would now be remembered much to the disadvantage of the
+Court.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, April 23d, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the 23d of April I had the honor of a conference with M. Van
+Citters, President of their High Mightinesses, to whom I presented the
+following Memorial.
+
+"High and Mighty Lords;--The underwritten, Minister Plenipotentiary of
+the United States of America, has the honor to inform your High
+Mightinesses, that he is charged by the instructions of his sovereign
+to propose to the States-General of the United Provinces of the
+Netherlands, a treaty of amity and commerce between the two Republics,
+founded upon the principle of equal and reciprocal advantage, and
+compatible with the engagements already entered into by the United
+States with their allies, as also with such other treaties, which they
+design to form with other powers. The undersigned has therefore the
+honor to propose, that your High Mightinesses would nominate some
+person or persons with full power, to confer and treat with him on
+this important subject.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS."
+
+Their High Mightinesses, on the same day, appointed a grand committee
+to treat, to whom I was introduced with great formality by two
+noblemen, and before whom I laid a project of a treaty,[7] which I had
+drawn up conformable to the instructions of Congress. I prayed the
+gentlemen to examine it, and propose to me their objections, if they
+should have any, and to propose any further articles, which they
+should think proper. It has been examined, translated, printed, and
+sent to the members of the sovereignty.
+
+The greatest part of my time, for several days, has been taken up in
+receiving and paying of visits, from all the members and officers of
+government, and of the Court, to the amount of one hundred and fifty
+or more.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, April 23d, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I ought not to omit to inform Congress, that on the 23d of April, the
+French Ambassador made an entertainment for the whole Corps
+Diplomatique, in honor of the United States, at which he introduced
+their Minister to all the foreign Ministers at this Court.
+
+There is nothing, I suppose, in the whole voluminous ceremonial, nor
+in all the idle farce of etiquette, which should hinder a Minister
+from making a good dinner in good company, and therefore I believe
+they were all present, and I assure you I was myself as happy as I
+should have been, if I had been publicly acknowledged a Minister by
+every one of them; and the Duc de la Vauguyon more than compensated
+for all the stiffness of some others, by paying more attention to the
+new brother than to all the old fraternity.
+
+Etiquette, when it becomes too glaring by affectation, imposes no
+longer either upon the populace or upon the courtiers, but becomes
+ridiculous to all. This will soon be the case everywhere with respect
+to American Ministers. To see a Minister of such a State as ---- and
+---- assume a distant mysterious air towards a Minister of the United
+States, because his Court has not yet acknowledged their independence,
+when his nation is not half equal to America in any one attribute of
+sovereignty, is a spectacle of ridicule to any man who sees it.
+
+I have had the honor of making and receiving visits in a private
+character from the Spanish Minister here, whose behavior has been
+polite enough. He was pleased to make me some very high compliments
+upon our success here, which he considers as the most important and
+decisive stroke which could have been struck in Europe.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[7] The plan of a treaty sent to Mr Adams by Congress, may be found in
+the _Secret Journals of Congress_, Vol. II. p. 378.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO B. FRANKLIN.
+
+ Amsterdam, May 2d, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I am honored with your favor of the 20th of April, and Mr Laurens's
+son proposes to carry the letter to his father forthwith. The
+instructions by the courier from Versailles came safe, as all other
+despatches by that channel no doubt will do. The correspondence by Mr
+Hartley I received by Captain Smedley, and will take the first good
+opportunity by a private hand to return it, as well as that with the
+Earl of Shelburne.
+
+Mr Laurens and Mr Jay will, I hope, be able to meet at Paris, but when
+it will be in my power to go, I know not. Your present negotiation
+about peace falls in very well to aid a proposition, which I am
+instructed to make, as soon as the Court of Versailles shall judge
+proper, of a triple or quadruple alliance. This matter, the treaty of
+commerce, which is now under deliberation, and the loan, will render
+it improper for me to quit this station, unless in case of necessity.
+If there is a real disposition to permit Canada to accede to the
+American association, I should think there could be no great
+difficulty in adjusting all things between England and America,
+provided our allies also are contented. In a former letter, I hinted
+that I thought an express acknowledgment of our independence might now
+be insisted on; but I did not mean, that we should insist upon such an
+article in the treaty. If they make a treaty of peace with the United
+States of America, this is acknowledgment enough for me.
+
+The affair of a loan gives me much anxiety and fatigue. It is true, I
+may open a loan for five millions, but I confess I have no hopes of
+obtaining so much. The money is not to be had. Cash is not infinite in
+this country. Their profits by trade have been ruined for two or three
+years; and there are loans open for France, Spain, England, Russia,
+Sweden, Denmark, and several other powers as well as their own
+national, provincial, and collegiate loans. The undertakers are
+already loaded with burthens greater than they can bear, and all the
+brokers in the Republic are so engaged, that there is scarcely a ducat
+to be lent, but what is promised. This is the true cause why we shall
+not succeed; yet they will seek a hundred other pretences. It is
+considered such an honor and such an introduction to American trade to
+be the house, that the eagerness to obtain the title of American
+banker, is prodigious. Various houses have pretensions, which they set
+up very high; and let me choose which I will, I am sure of a cry and
+clamor. I have taken some measures to endeavor to calm the heat, and
+give general satisfaction, but have as yet small hopes of success. I
+would strike with any house that would ensure the money, but none will
+undertake it, now it is offered, although several were very ready to
+affirm that they could, when it began to be talked of. Upon inquiry,
+they do not find the money easy to obtain, which I could have told
+them before. It is to me, personally, indifferent which is the house,
+and the only question is, which will be able to do best for the
+interests of the United States. This question, however simple, is not
+easy to answer. But I think it clear, after very painful and laborious
+inquiries for a year and a half, that no house whatever will be able
+to do much. Enthusiasm, at some time and in some countries, may do a
+great deal; but there has as yet been no enthusiasm in this country
+for America, strong enough to untie many purses. Another year if the
+war should continue, perhaps we may do better.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, May 16th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the 12th of this month, I removed into the _Hotel des Etats-Unis de
+l'Amerique_, situated upon the canal, called the Fleweele Burgwal, at
+the Hague, where I hope the air will relieve my health in some degree
+from that weak state, to which the tainted atmosphere of Amsterdam has
+reduced it.
+
+The American cause has gained a signal triumph in this country. It has
+not persuaded an ancient rival and an avowed natural hereditary enemy
+to take a part against Great Britain; but it has torn from her bosom
+an intimate affectionate friend, and a faithful ally, of a hundred
+years continuance. It has not persuaded an absolute monarchy to follow
+the dictates of its own glory and interest, and the unanimous wish of
+the people, by favoring it; but, availing itself only of the still
+small voice of reason, urging general motives and national interests,
+without money, without intrigue, without imposing pomp, or more
+imposing fame, it has prevailed against the utmost efforts of intrigue
+and corruption, against the almost universal inclination of persons in
+government, against a formidable band of capitalists and the most
+powerful mercantile houses in the Republic, interested in English
+funds, and too deeply leagued in English affairs.
+
+Although these obstacles are overcome so far, as to have obtained an
+acknowledgment of our independence, yet it is easy to see, that they
+are not annihilated, and, therefore, we cannot expect to receive such
+cordial and zealous assistance, as we might receive, if the government
+and the people had but one heart.
+
+I wish it were in my power to give Congress, upon this occasion,
+assurances of a loan of money, but I cannot. I have taken every
+measure in my power to accomplish it, but I have met with so many
+difficulties, that I almost despair of obtaining anything. I have
+found the avidity of friends as great an obstacle as the ill will of
+enemies, I can represent my situation in this affair of a loan, by no
+other figure than that of a man in the midst of the ocean negotiating
+for his life among a shoal of sharks. I am sorry to use expressions,
+which must appear severe to you; but the truth demands them.
+
+The title of American banker, for the sake of the distinction of it,
+the profit of it, and the introduction to American trade, is solicited
+with an eagerness beyond description. In order to obtain it, a house
+will give out great words, and boast of what it can do; but not one
+will contract to furnish any considerable sum of money; and I
+certainly know, let them deceive themselves as they will, and deceive
+as many others as they may by their confident affirmations, that none
+of them can obtain any considerable sum. The factions that are raised
+here about it between the French interest, the Republican interest,
+the Stadtholderian interests, and the Anglomane interest, have been
+conducted with an indecent ardor, thwarting, contradicting,
+calumniating each other, until it is easy to foresee the effect will
+be to prevent us from obtaining even the small sums, that otherwise
+might have been found. But the true and decisive secret is, there is
+very little money to be had. The profits of their trade have been
+annihilated by the English for several years. There is, therefore, no
+money but the interest of their capitalists, and all this is promised
+for months and years beforehand, to book-keepers, brokers, and
+undertakers, who have in hand loans open for France, Spain, England,
+Russia, Sweden, Denmark, for the States-General, the States of
+Holland, the States of Friesland, the East and West India Companies,
+&c. &c. &c.
+
+But the circumstance, which will be fatal to my hopes at this time, is
+this; there is just now unexpectedly opened a loan of nine millions
+for the India Company, under the warranty of the States, in which they
+have raised the interest one per cent above the ordinary rate. I had
+obtained an agreement of the undertakers for two millions; but before
+it was completed, this loan appeared, which frightened the
+undertakers, so as to induce them to fly off. I must, therefore,
+entreat Congress to make no dependence upon me for money.
+
+There is one subject more, upon which I beg leave to submit a few
+hints to Congress. It is that of M. Dumas, whose character is so well
+known to Congress, that I need say nothing of it. He is a man of
+letters, and of good character; but he is not rich, and his allowance
+is too small at present for him to live with decency. He has been so
+long known here to have been in American affairs, although in no
+public character, that I know of, but that of an agent or
+correspondent appointed by Dr Franklin, or perhaps by a committee of
+Congress, that, now our character is acknowledged, it will have an ill
+effect, if M. Dumas remains in the situation he has been in. To
+prevent it, in some measure, I have taken him and his family into
+this house; but I think it is the interest and duty of America, to
+send him a commission as Secretary to this Legation, and Charge des
+Affaires, with a salary of five hundred a year sterling, while a
+Minister is here, and at the rate of a thousand a year, while there is
+none.
+
+There is another gentleman, whose indefatigable application to the
+affairs of the United States, and whose faithful friendship for me in
+sickness and in health, demand of me, by the strongest claims of
+justice and of gratitude, that I should mention him to Congress, and
+recommend him to their favor. This gentleman is Mr Thaxter, whose
+merit, in my opinion, is greater than I dare express.
+
+Edmund Jennings, of Brussels, has honored me with his correspondence,
+and been often serviceable to the United States, as well as friendly
+to me. His manners and disposition are very amiable, and his talents
+equal to any service, and I cannot but wish that it might be agreeable
+to the views of Congress to give him some mark of their esteem.
+
+How shall I mention another gentleman, whose name, perhaps, Congress
+never heard, but who, in my opinion, has done more decided and
+essential service to the American cause and reputation within these
+last eighteen months, than any other man in Europe.
+
+It is M. A. M. Cerisier, beyond all contradiction one of the greatest
+historians and political characters in Europe, author of the _Tableau
+de l'Histoire des Provinces Unies des Pays Bas_, of the _Politique
+Hollandois_, and many other writings in high esteem. By birth a
+Frenchman, educated in the University of Paris, but possessed of the
+most genuine principles and sentiments of liberty, and exceedingly
+devoted by principle and affection to the American cause. Having read
+some of his writings, and heard much of his fame, I sought and
+obtained an acquaintance with him, and have furnished him with
+intelligence and information in American affairs, and have introduced
+him to the acquaintance of all the Americans who have come to this
+country, from whom he has picked up a great deal of true information
+about our affairs, and, perhaps, some mistakes. His pen has erected a
+monument to the American cause, more glorious and more durable than
+brass or marble. His writings have been read like oracles, and his
+sentiments weekly echoed and re-echoed in gazettes and pamphlets, both
+in French and Dutch, for fifteen months. The greatest fault I know in
+him, is his too zealous friendship for me, which has led him to
+flatter me with expressions which will do him no honor, however
+sincerely and disinterestedly they might flow from his heart.
+
+Congress must be very sensible, that I have had no money to lay out in
+secret services, to pay pensions, to put into the hands of Continental
+agents, or in any other way, to make friends. I have had no money but
+my salary, and that has never been paid me without grudging. If I have
+friends in Europe, they have not most certainly been made by power,
+nor money, nor any species of corruption, nor have they been made by
+making promises, or holding out alluring hopes. I have made no
+promises, nor am under any obligation, but that of private friendship
+and simple civility to any man, having mentioned such as have been my
+friends, because they have been friends to the United States, and I
+have no other in Europe at least, and recommended them to the
+attention of Congress, as having rendered important services to our
+country, and able to render still greater. I have done my duty,
+whatever effect it may have. If some small part of those many
+millions, which have been wasted by the most worthless of men, could
+have been applied to the support and encouragement of men of such
+great value, it would have been much better. It is high time; it is
+more than time, that a proper discernment of spirits and distinction
+of characters were made; that virtue should be more clearly
+distinguished from vice, wisdom from folly, ability from imbecility,
+and real merit from proud imposing impudence, which, while it pretends
+to do everything, does nothing but mischief.
+
+The treaty of commerce is under consideration, and will not, that I
+foresee, meet with any obstacle.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 22d, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+It is so important to let you know that the late change in the British
+Ministry, and the conciliatory measures they propose, have occasioned
+no alteration in the sentiments of the people here; that though I am
+too much hurried (this conveyance going sooner than was intended) to
+take particular notice of the letters we have received from you, and
+which remain unanswered, yet I cannot but avail myself of it to inform
+you, that it will not have the least effect upon the sentiments or
+wishes of our people, who remain invariably attached to their
+independence, and to the alliance, as the best means to obtain it.
+
+Sir Guy Carleton has written to General Washington a very polite
+letter, complaining of the manner in which the war has been carried
+on, proposing to conduct it in future upon more liberal principles,
+and observing, that "they were both equally concerned to preserve the
+character of Englishmen;" and concluding with the request of a
+passport for Mr Morgan, his Secretary, to carry a similar letter of
+compliment to Congress. Congress have directed that no such passport
+be given. The State of Maryland, whose legislature happened to be
+sitting, have come to resolutions, which show their determination not
+to permit any negotiation except through Congress; and their sense of
+the importance of the alliance.
+
+No military operations are carrying on at present. The enemy, having
+received no reinforcements, and growing weaker every day, of course
+afford us a fine opportunity of striking to advantage, if we are not
+disappointed in our expectations of a naval armament, or even without
+such armament, if we have sufficient vigor of mind to rely on our own
+strength.
+
+I commit the enclosed for Mr Dana to your care; I wish it could get to
+him, if possible, without inspection.
+
+Congress have determined in future to pay your salaries here
+quarterly. I shall consider myself as your agent, unless you should
+choose to appoint some other, and make out your account quarterly, and
+vest the money in bills upon Dr Franklin, to whom I will remit them,
+giving you advice thereof, so that you may draw on him. By the next
+vessel I shall send bills for one quarter, commencing the 1st of
+January last. I wish to have a statement of your account previous to
+that, so that I may get it settled, and remit the balance.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 29th, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+It is with equal surprise and concern that I find not the least
+attention paid to the several letters I have written you, since I have
+had the honor to be in office. I attribute this to their not having
+reached you, till I saw an extract of a letter written to M. Dumas,
+that went by the same conveyance with one to you, published in the
+_Courier de l'Europe_, from which circumstance I conclude it must have
+been received. It would give me pleasure to learn that I had been
+deceived in this particular, because the punctuality, with which your
+correspondence with Congress had hitherto been maintained, would
+otherwise lead me to conclude, that you were not satisfied with the
+present arrangement of the Department of Foreign Affairs, a reflection
+which would be painful to me in proportion to the value I put upon
+your esteem.
+
+I have seen your letter of the 26th of March to Dr Franklin, in which
+you speak of the application you have had on the score of your power
+to treat of a truce; this, together with similar applications to Dr
+Franklin, and the proposals made at the Court of Versailles, convinces
+me that it is their wish to endeavor to detach us from each other.
+What an insult it is to our intellect to suppose, that we can be
+catched by this cabinet system of politics. I entertain hopes that
+your answer, together with that of the Count de Vergennes, will teach
+them to think more honorably of us. Our expectations with respect to
+the success of your mission are considerably raised, as well by your
+letter as by other circumstances, that we have learned through
+different channels; by this time I hope you are in full possession of
+your diplomatic rights.
+
+I wrote to you three days ago; since which we have nothing that
+deserves your attention, except what you will learn by reading the
+enclosed to Mr Dana, sent you under a flying seal. It may be well to
+take notice of this affair in the Leyden Gazette, as I doubt not if
+Asgill is executed, that it will make some noise in Europe. We are
+distracted here by various relations of a battle fought between the
+fleets in the West Indies, on the 12th of April. The Antigua and New
+York account is, that the British have been victorious, that the Ville
+de Paris, and six other ships, were taken or destroyed; the French
+account is, that Rodney was defeated, and that Count de Grasse had
+gone to leeward with his transports. Though it is six weeks since the
+action, we have nothing that can be depended upon.
+
+I am, Sir, with great respect, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, May 30th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+After I had written the letter of yesterday, and sent it off, I
+received your favors of the 4th, 21st, and 27th of February; and the
+10th and 11th of March. The three last I laid before Congress this
+morning, that of the 21st I have kept by me, for further
+consideration; though I think, upon the whole, as you have submitted
+this to my discretion, that I shall lay it also before Congress.
+
+I know they have been solicitous to have some explanations of the
+reasons, which induced you to take the step you did. Those you assign
+in your letter are very full, and I see nothing in it, which it will
+not be proper for you to state to them; and it may remove some
+objections, that have been raised to the measure.
+
+I frankly confess to you, that the style of that letter pleases me
+better than any other you have written, so far as it goes into
+minutiae, which we ought to exact from all our Ministers, since nothing
+short of this can give us a just idea of our foreign politics. As for
+a general state of them, it may be got through various channels. But
+every word or look of a foreign Minister, or popular leader, may serve
+to explain matters, which are otherwise inexplicable.
+
+I am sorry for the difficulty the cypher occasions you. It was one
+found in the office, and is very incomplete. I enclose one, that you
+will find easy in the practice, and will therefore write with freedom,
+directing that your letter be _not_ sunk in case of danger, as many
+are lost by that means. Want of time induces me to send you a set of
+blanks for Mr Dana, which you will oblige me by having filled up from
+yours with some cyphers, and transmitted by a careful hand to him.
+This will make one cypher common to all three, which I think will, on
+many occasions, be of use to you and Mr Dana.
+
+I am very glad to hear of your proposed removal to the Hague, as it is
+the proper stage on which to display your abilities and address. I
+cannot hope to get any determination of Congress on the subject of
+your purchase, in time to be transmitted by this conveyance. When
+another offers, you shall hear from me. Can nothing be done towards
+procuring a loan from Holland on account of the public. Ten millions
+of livres would set our affairs here on the most respectable footing.
+
+We have received an account from Charleston, of the victory obtained
+by Rodney. This is a severe blow, but I hope will come too late to
+affect the politics of the United Provinces.
+
+In the United States, it will, I hope, have no other effect than to
+urge us to greater exertions, and a reliance upon our own strength,
+rather than on foreign aid. You will be pleased to furnish me with the
+most minute details of every step, that Britain may take towards a
+negotiation for a general or partial peace.
+
+I am, Sir, with great respect,
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 9th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Admiralty have reported to their High Mightinesses their remarks
+upon the plan of a treaty of commerce, which I had the honor to lay
+before them, together with such additions and alterations as they
+propose. This report has been taken _ad referendum_ by all the
+Provinces, except Overyssel, which has determined to vote as Holland
+shall vote, this being the principal maritime Province, and the other
+inland.
+
+The forms of proceeding according to this constitution, are so
+circuitous, that I do not expect this treaty will be finished and
+signed in less than three months, though some of the most active
+members of the government tell me, they think it may be signed in six
+weeks. I have not yet proposed the Treaty of Alliance, because I wait
+for the advice of the Duc de la Vauguyon. His advice will not be
+wanting in the season for it, for his Excellency is extremely well
+disposed.
+
+I have, after innumerable vexations, agreed with three houses, which
+are well esteemed here, to open a loan. The extreme scarcity of money
+will render it impossible to succeed to any large amount. I dare not
+promise anything, and cannot advise Congress to draw. I shall transmit
+the contract, for the ratification of Congress, as soon as it is
+finished, and then I hope to be able to say at what time, and for how
+much Congress may draw.
+
+The nation is now very well fixed in its system, and will not make a
+separate peace. England is so giddy with Rodney's late success in the
+West Indies, that I think she will renounce the idea of peace for the
+present. The conduct of Spain is not at all changed. This is much to
+be lamented on public account, and indeed on account of the feelings
+of my friend, Mr Jay; for I perfectly well know the cruel torment of
+such a situation, by experience, and I know too, that he has done as
+much, and as well as any man could have done in that situation.
+
+The late President Laurens made me a visit at the Hague last week, in
+his way to his family in France. He informed me, that he had written
+from Ostend to Dr Franklin, declining to serve in the commission for
+peace. I had great pleasure in seeing my old friend perfectly at
+liberty, and perfectly just in his political opinions. Neither the air
+of England, nor the seducing address of her inhabitants, nor the
+terrors of the Tower, have made any change in him.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+_P. S._ I hope Congress will receive a collection of all the
+resolutions of the Provinces, and the petitions of the merchants,
+manufacturers, &c. respecting the acknowledgment of American
+independence, and my reception as Minister Plenipotentiary of the
+United States, by their High Mightinesses. I shall transmit duplicates
+and triplicates of them as soon as health will permit. But Mr Thaxter
+has been ill of a fever, and myself with the influenza, ever since our
+removal from Amsterdam to the Hague. This collection of resolutions
+and petitions, is well worth printing together in America. It is a
+complete refutation of all the speculations of the small half-toryfied
+politicians among the Americans, &c. of the malevolent insinuations of
+Anglomanes through the world, against the American cause. The
+partisans of England, sensible of this, have taken great pains to
+prevent an extensive circulation of them.
+
+ J. A.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, June 14th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The Court of Petersburg, is very industrious in its endeavors to
+accomplish a separate peace between England and Holland. Her Minister
+at Versailles has made an insinuation to the French Court, that her
+Majesty would be much obliged to the King, if he would not make any
+further opposition to such a separate peace. To this insinuation, the
+following wise and firm answer has been given by the Court of France.
+
+"The King is sensibly impressed with the fresh proof of confidence,
+which the Empress has given in communicating to him her measures and
+ideas respecting a separate peace between England and the
+States-General. His Majesty perceives therein the sentiments of
+humanity, which actuate her Imperial Majesty, and he takes the
+earliest opportunity to answer, with the same degree of freedom, what
+particularly concerns him in the verbal insinuations communicated by
+Prince Baratinski.
+
+"Faithful to the rule he has established, of never controlling the
+conduct of any power, the King has not sought to direct the
+deliberations of the States-General, either to incline them to war,
+or to prevent them from making a separate peace; England having
+unexpectedly attacked the Provinces of the United Netherlands, his
+Majesty hastened to prevent the ill consequences by every means in his
+power; his services have been gratuitous, his Majesty has never
+exacted any acknowledgment on their part. Should the States-General
+think that the obligations they owe to his Majesty, as well as the
+interest of the Republic, impose it on them as a duty, not to separate
+their cause from the King's and his allies, the Empress of Russia is
+too wise and too just not to acknowledge, that it is not for his
+Majesty to divert them from such a resolution, and that all that he
+can do, is to refer to their wisdom, to conclude on what best suits
+with their situation.
+
+"The Empress is not ignorant, that circumstances have induced the
+States-General to concert operations with the King. His Majesty
+flatters himself, that this Princess has no views of prevailing on
+them to desist from this arrangement, which necessarily results from
+the position of the two powers with respect to England, and which must
+naturally contribute to the re-establishment of the general
+tranquillity, the object both of her Imperial Majesty's and the
+King's wishes."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, June 15th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+This morning I made a visit to the Grand Pensionary, M. Van Bleiswick,
+and had a long conference with him concerning the plan of a treaty of
+commerce, which is now under consideration, and endeavored to remove
+some of his objections, and to explain to him the grounds and reasons
+of certain articles, which have been objected to by others;
+particularly the article which respects France, and that which
+respects Spain. He made light of most of the objections, which had
+been started to the plan, and thought it would be easy to agree upon
+it; but there must be time for the cities to deliberate.
+
+I asked him, if they did not intend to do us the honor soon, of
+sending an Ambassador to Congress, and consuls, at least, to Boston
+and Philadelphia? He thought it would be very proper, but said they
+had some difficulty in finding a man who was suitable, and, at the
+same time, willing to undertake so long a voyage. I asked him, if it
+would not be convenient to send a frigate to America to carry the
+treaty, their Ambassador, and consuls, all together, when all should
+be ready? He said, he could not say whether a frigate could be spared.
+
+"Very well," said I, smiling, and pointing to the Prince's picture, "I
+will go and make my Court to his Highness, and pray him to send a
+frigate to Philadelphia, with a treaty, an Ambassador, and two
+consuls, and to take under her convoy all merchant vessels ready to
+go." "Excellent," said he, smiling, "I wish you good luck."
+
+We had a great deal of conversation, too, concerning peace, but as I
+regard all this as idle, it is not worth while to repeat it. When a
+Minister shall appear at Paris, or elsewhere, with full powers from
+the King of England, to treat with the United States of America, I
+shall think there is something more than artifice to raise the stocks,
+and lay snares for sailors to be caught by press gangs.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 4th, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+By every late advice from Holland, we learn their disposition to enter
+into a treaty with us; and though we have no intelligence from you
+since the 11th of March, we still presume, that you have, ere this
+been received in your public character. No wise government,
+constituted as that of the United Provinces is, will venture long to
+oppose the wishes of the people. I am very solicitous to know how you
+have availed yourself of the opening this has afforded.
+
+If you have been unconditionally received, it will give you more
+leisure, to mature the plan of a subsequent treaty, which is too
+important in all its consequences to be hurried. If possible, it were
+to be wished, that the heads of it, as proposed on either side, could
+be sent here and submitted to the judgment of Congress, before
+anything was absolutely agreed. The independency, to which each of
+the States is entitled, renders great caution in all commercial
+engagements, not provided for particularly by the confederation,
+absolutely necessary, for which reason, I should prefer definite
+articles, to loose expressions of standing on the same ground with the
+most favored nations.
+
+Our connexion with the West Indies, renders it proper to lay that
+trade as open to us as possible. Great benefit would result both to us
+and the Dutch from giving us one or two free ports in such of their
+Colonies as raise sugars, where we could exchange the produce of both
+countries, and check that monopoly, which other nations will endeavor
+to create at our expense. Nothing will encourage the growth of such
+colony, or enable it to raise sugars to more advantage than the cheap
+and easy rates, at which they would thereby receive the produce of
+this country.
+
+I need not urge the propriety of availing yourself of your present
+situation to procure a loan. You may easily convince the government of
+the validity of the security, which it is in the power of a growing
+country, as yet very little incumbered with debt to give. That
+security will derive new force from our being a commercial people,
+with whom public credit is almost invariably preserved with the most
+scrupulous attention. And such is our present situation, that a
+twentieth part of what Great Britain expends annually in her attempt
+to enslave us, would be more than sufficient to enable us to defeat
+all her attempts, and to place our affairs on the most respectable
+footing.
+
+I see the people of the United Provinces are struck with the
+importance of forming a commercial connexion with us, when ours with
+Great Britain is dissolved. Not only Congress, as appears by their
+public acts, but the whole body of the people, are strongly opposed to
+the least intercourse with Britain. This opposition would effectually
+prevent it, if in addition thereto three or four large frigates, or
+two fifties, could be stationed in the Delaware, or Chesapeake, so as
+to protect our commerce against the British frigates from New York. In
+such a case, a voyage to this country, and from thence to the Islands,
+where our flour and lumber command the highest price, either in money
+or produce, affords the fairest prospect to the European merchants of
+the most profitable returns. Tobacco and bills offer a more direct
+return to those, whose capitals will not permit them to engage in the
+circuitous commerce I have mentioned.
+
+This letter is hastily written, as the express that carries it is to
+go off this evening, and I have several others to write. I mention
+this, that you may not consider anything it contains as an instruction
+from Congress, to whom it has not been submitted.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, July 5th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to enclose copies in Dutch and English of the
+negotiation, which I have entered into for a loan of money. My
+commission for borrowing money, promises to ratify what I should do;
+and the money lenders require such a ratification, which Messrs
+Willinks, Van Staphorsts and De la Lande and Fynje, have engaged shall
+be transmitted. Authentic copies of the original contracts, in Dutch
+and English, are enclosed for the ratification of Congress, which I
+must entreat them to transmit forthwith by various opportunities, that
+we may be sure of receiving it in time, for I suppose the gentlemen
+will not think it safe for them to pay out any considerable sum of the
+money, until it arrives.
+
+Although I was obliged to engage with them to open the loan for five
+millions of guilders, I do not expect we shall obtain that sum for a
+long time. If we get a million and a half by Christmas, it will be
+more than I expect. I shall not venture to dispose of any of this
+money, except for relief of escaped prisoners, the payment of the
+bills heretofore drawn on Mr Laurens, which are every day arriving,
+and a few other small and unavoidable demands, but leave it entire to
+the disposition of Congress, whom I must entreat not to draw, until
+they receive information from the directors of the loan, how much
+money they are sure of; and then to draw immediately upon them. These
+directors, are three houses, well esteemed in this Republic, Messrs
+Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholas and Jacob Van Staphorsts, and De la
+Lande and Fynje.
+
+I have made the contract, upon as good terms as I could obtain. Five
+per cent interest. Two per cent to the House, or rather to the Society
+of Houses. Two per cent to the undertakers; and half per cent for
+brokerage and other charges. This four and a half per cent, together
+with one per cent for receiving and paying off the annual interest, is
+to include all the expenses of the loan of every sort. These are as
+moderate terms as any loan is done for. France gives at least as much,
+and other powers much more.
+
+I must beg that the ratifications of the obligations may be
+transmitted immediately by the way of France, as well as Holland, by
+several opportunities. The form of ratification must be submitted to
+Congress; but would it not be sufficient to certify by the Secretary
+in Congress, upon each of the copies enclosed in English and Dutch,
+that they had been received and read in Congress, and thereupon
+resolved that the original instruments, executed by me before the said
+notary, be and hereby are ratified and confirmed?
+
+The form of the obligation is such as was advised by the ablest
+lawyers and most experienced notaries, and is conformable to the usage
+when loans are made here, for the Seven Provinces. It is adapted to
+the taste of this country, and therefore lengthy and formal, but it
+signifies no more in substance, than, "that the money being borrowed
+must be paid."
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, July 5th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Soon after my public reception by their High Mightinesses, the body of
+merchants of the city of Schiedam, were pleased to send a very
+respectable deputation from among their members, to the Hague, to pay
+their respects to Congress, and to me, as their representative, with a
+very polite invitation to a public entertainment in their city, to be
+made upon the occasion. As I had several other invitations from
+various places and Provinces about the same time, and had too many
+affairs upon my hands to be able to accept of them, I prevailed upon
+all to excuse me, for such reasons as ought to be, and, I suppose,
+were satisfactory.
+
+The Deputies from Schiedam requested me to transmit from them to
+Congress, the enclosed compliment, which, with many other things of a
+similar kind, convinced me that there is in this nation a strong
+affection for America, and a kind of religious veneration for her just
+cause.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+ ADDRESS,
+
+Of the merchants of the town of Schiedam in Holland, to his Excellency
+John Adams, after their High Mightinesses the Lords, the
+States-General of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, had
+acknowledged the freedom and Independency of the United States of
+North America, and admitted the said John Adams, as Minister
+Plenipotentiary and Envoy of the Congress of the said United States.
+
+"If ever any circumstances were capable of recalling to the minds of
+the people of these Provinces, the most lively remembrance of the
+cruel situation to which their forefathers found themselves once
+reduced, under the oppressive yoke of Spanish tyranny, it was, no
+doubt, that terrible and critical moment, when the Colonies of North
+America, groaning under the intolerable weight of the chains, with
+which the boundless ambition of Great Britain had loaded them, were
+forced into a just and lawful war, to recover the use and enjoyment of
+that liberty, to which they were entitled by the sacred and
+unalienable laws of nature.
+
+"If ever the citizens of this Republic have had an occasion to
+remember, with sentiments of the liveliest gratitude, the visible
+assistance and protection of a Being, who, after having constantly
+supported them during the course of a long, bloody war, which cost
+their ancestors eighty years' hard struggles and painful labors,
+deigned by the strength of his powerful arm to break the odious
+fetters under which we had so long groaned, and who, from that happy
+era to the present time, has constantly maintained us in the
+possession of our precious liberties; if ever the citizens of these
+Provinces have been bound to remember those unspeakable favors of the
+Almighty, it was no doubt at that moment when haughty Britain began to
+feel the effects of divine indignation, and when the vengeance of
+heaven defeated her sanguinary schemes; it was, when, treading under
+foot the sacred ties of blood and nature, and meditating the
+destruction of her own offspring, her arms were everywhere baffled in
+the most terrible and exemplary manner, her troops defeated, and her
+armies led into captivity, and at last, that haughty power, humbled by
+that heaven, which she had provoked, saw the sceptre, which she had
+usurped, fall from her enfeebled hands; and America, shaking off the
+cruel yoke, which an unnatural stepmother had endeavored to impose
+forever upon her, thanked bounteous heaven for her happy deliverance.
+
+"If ever the inhabitants of this country, and those of this city in
+particular, have had a just cause for joy, and good grounds to
+conceive the highest hopes of prosperity and happiness, it was
+undoubtedly at that so much wished-for moment, when, with a unanimous
+voice, the fathers of the country declared the United States of
+America to be free and independent, and acknowledged your Excellency
+as Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy of the illustrious Congress.
+
+"Impressed with the various sentiments of respect, joy, and gratitude,
+with which the unspeakable favors of the Almighty towards both
+countries must inspire every feeling and sensible mind; encouraged
+besides, by so many happy omens, the subscribers, in behalf of the
+merchants and inhabitants of this city, have the honor to congratulate
+your Excellency as the Representative of the illustrious American
+Congress, and to assure you in the strongest terms, that if any event,
+recorded in the annals of our country, is capable of impressing us
+with the liveliest joy, and of opening to our minds the happiest
+prospect, it is that glorious and ever memorable day, when our august
+sovereigns, the Lords States-General of the United Provinces of the
+Netherlands, solemnly acknowledged the independence of the United
+States of America; a step which, under the pleasure of God, must
+become the foundation of an unalterable friendship, and the source of
+mutual prosperity to the two Republics, whose union being cemented by
+interests henceforth common and inseparable, must forever subsist, and
+be constantly and religiously preserved by our latest posterity.
+
+"Allow us then, ye deliverers of America, ye generous defenders of her
+infant liberties, to congratulate your illustrious Envoy, and to
+express to him the liveliest satisfaction that we feel for an event,
+which crowns the wishes of the nation. Accept also of the fervent
+prayers, which we address to heaven, beseeching the Almighty to shower
+down his blessings on your Republic and her allies.
+
+"Permit us also to recommend to you, in the strongest manner, the
+interests of our country, and of this city in particular. Let those of
+our citizens who have been the most zealous in promoting the
+acknowledgment of your independence, enjoy always a particular share
+of your affection.
+
+"That among those who may follow our example, no one may ever succeed
+in detracting from the good faith and integrity of Holland, or causing
+the sincerity of our efforts to advance our mutual interests to be
+suspected, which are founded on the unalterable principles of pure
+virtue, and a religion common to both of us.
+
+"Permit us, in fine, that faithful to ourselves, and attentive to
+whatever can interest our commerce, the only source of our prosperity,
+we may flatter ourselves, that the produce of this flourishing city,
+our distilled liquors and other merchandise, may be freely imported to
+your States without any hinderance, or without being subjected to
+heavy duties; and may the protection, with which you shall honor us
+and the privileges that you shall grant us, rivet the bonds of our
+mutual friendship, and be to both nations the source of an unceasing
+prosperity."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ The Hague, August 10th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+It was with very great pleasure that I received, this morning, your
+kind favor of the 2d. I am surprised to learn, that yours and Mr Jay's
+health have been disordered in France, where the air is so fine.
+
+That your anxieties have been very great, I doubt not. That most of
+them were such as you ought not to have met with, I can easily
+conceive. I can sincerely say, that all mine, but my fever, were such
+as I ought not to have had. Thank God they are passed, and never shall
+return, for nothing that can happen shall ever make me so anxious
+again. I have assumed the _felicis animi immota tranquilitas_.
+
+Nothing would give me more satisfaction, than a free conversation
+between you and me upon the subjects you mention, and all others
+directly or indirectly connected with it, or with any of our affairs;
+but I do not see a possibility of taking such a journey. The march of
+this people is so slow, that it will be some time before the treaty of
+commerce can be finished, and after that I have other orders to
+execute, and must be here in person to attend every step. But besides
+this, I think I ought not to go to Paris, while there is any messenger
+there from England, unless he has full powers to treat with the
+Ministers of the United States of America. If the three American
+Ministers should appear at Paris, at the same time, with a real or
+pretended Minister from London, all the world would instantly conclude
+a peace certain, and would fill at once another year's loan for the
+English. In Lord Shelburne's sincerity, I have not the smallest
+confidence, and I think that we ought to take up Fox's idea, and
+insist upon full powers to treat with us in character, before we have
+a word more to say upon the subject. They are only amusing us. I would
+rather invite you to come here. This country is worth seeing, and you
+would lay me under great obligations to take your residence, during
+your stay, in the _Hotel des Etats-Unis_. Many people would be glad to
+see you. I should be very glad, however, to be informed, from step to
+step, how things proceed.
+
+As you justly observe, further accessions of power to the House of
+Bourbon may excite jealousies in some powers of Europe, but who is to
+blame but themselves? Why are they so short sighted or so indolent, as
+to neglect to acknowledge the United States, and make treaties with
+them? Why do they leave the House of Bourbon to content so long and
+spend so much? Why do they leave America and Holland under so great
+obligations? France has, and ought to have, a great weight with
+America and Holland, but other powers might have proportionable
+weight if they would have proportional merit.
+
+If the powers of the neutral maritime confederation, would admit the
+United States to accede to that treaty, and declare America
+independent, they would contribute to prevent America at least from
+being too much under the direction of France. But if any powers should
+take the part of England, they will compel America and Holland too, to
+unite themselves ten times more firmly than ever to the House of
+Bourbon.
+
+I do not know, however, that America and Holland are too much under
+the direction of France, and I do not believe they will be, but they
+must be dead to every generous feeling as men, and to every wise view
+as statesmen, if they were not much attached to France, in the
+circumstances of the times.
+
+I received two letters from you in the spring, one I answered, but
+have not the dates at present; the other kindly informed me of the
+arrival of my son in America, for which I thank you.
+
+With great regard and esteem, I am, dear Sir, your most obedient, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, August 18th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to enclose, for the information of Congress, a copy
+of Mr Fitzherbert's commission.
+
+The States-General have appointed M. Brantzen their Minister
+Plenipotentiary to treat concerning peace, and he will set off for
+Paris in about three weeks. His instructions are such as we should
+wish. The States of Holland and West Friesland have determined the
+last week upon our project of a treaty of commerce, and I expect to
+enter into conferences with the States-General this week, in order to
+bring it to a conclusion. I hope for the ratification of the contract
+for a loan, which has been sent five different ways. Upon the receipt
+of this ratification, there will be thirteen or fourteen hundred
+thousand guilders ready to be paid to the orders of Congress by Messrs
+Wilhem and Jean Willink, Nicholas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and De la
+Lande and Fynje.
+
+The States and the Regencies are taking such measures with the
+Stadtholder, by demanding his orders and correspondence about naval
+affairs, and by re-assuming their own constitutional rights in the
+appointment of officers, &c. as will bring all things right in this
+Republic, which we shall find an affectionate and a useful friend. The
+communication of the following instructions to me is such a piece of
+friendship and such a mark of confidence, as makes it my duty to
+request of Congress that it may be kept secret.
+
+
+ INSTRUCTIONS,
+
+_Projected and passed for the Ambassador Lestevenon de Berkenrode, and
+M. de Brantzen._
+
+"1. His Most Christian Majesty, having manifested in the most obliging
+manner by his Ambassador Extraordinary, the Duc de la Vauguyon, who
+resides here, his favorable intention to have an eye to the interests
+of the Republic in the negotiation for a general peace, the aforesaid
+Ministers will neglect nothing, but, on the contrary, will employ all
+their diligence and all their zeal to preserve and fortify more and
+more this favorable disposition of his Majesty towards this State.
+
+"2. To this end those gentlemen, in all which concerns the objects of
+their commission, or which may have any relation to them, will act in
+a communicative manner, and in concert with the Ministry of his said
+Majesty, and will make confidential communications of all things with
+them.
+
+"3. They will not enter into any negotiation of peace between the
+British Court and the Republic, nor have any conferences thereupon
+with the Ministers of the said Court, before they are assured
+beforehand, in the clearest manner, and without any equivocation, that
+his British Majesty has in fact, and continues to have, a real
+intention to acquiesce, without reserve, that the Republic be in full
+possession and indisputable, enjoyment of the rights of the neutral
+flag, and of a free navigation, in conformity to, and according to the
+tenor of, the points enumerated in the declaration of her Imperial
+Majesty of Russia, dated the 28th of February, 1780.
+
+"4. When these gentlemen shall be certain of this, and shall have
+received the requisite assurances of it, they shall conduct in such a
+manner in the conferences, which shall then be held thereupon with the
+Ministers of his Britannic Majesty, as to direct things to such an
+end, that, in projecting the treaty of peace and friendship between
+his said Majesty and the Republic, all the points concerning the free
+navigation be adopted word for word, and literally from the said
+declaration of her Imperial Majesty, and inserted in the said treaty;
+and, moreover, in regard to contraband, (upon the subject of which the
+said declaration refers to the treaties of commerce then subsisting
+between the respective powers) that they establish henceforward a
+limitation, so precise and so distinct, that it may appear most
+clearly in future, that all naval stores, (_les munitions ou matieres
+navales_) be held free merchandises, and may not by any means be
+comprehended under the denomination of contraband; as also, that with
+regard to the visitation of merchant vessels, they establish the two
+following rules as perpetual and immutable, viz; first, that the
+masters (_patrons_) of merchant ships shall be discharged upon
+exhibiting their documents, from whence their cargoes may be known,
+and to which faith ought to be given, without pretending to molest
+them by any visitation; secondly, that when merchant ships shall be
+convoyed by vessels of war, all faith shall be yielded to the
+commanding officers, who shall escort the convoy, when they shall
+declare and affirm, upon their word of honor, the nature of their
+cargoes, without being able to require of vessels convoyed, any
+exhibition of papers, and still less to visit them.
+
+"5. These gentlemen shall insist also, in the strongest manner, and as
+upon a condition _sine qua non_, upon this, that all the possessions
+conquered from the Republic by the ships of war or privateers of his
+British Majesty, or by the arms of the English East India Company
+during the course of this war, or which may be further conquered from
+it before the conclusion of the peace, be restored to it, under the
+eventual obligation of reciprocity; and this, as far as possible, in
+the same state in which they were at the time of the invasion. And,
+whereas the greatest part of these possessions have been retaken from
+the common enemy, by the arms of His Most Christian Majesty, these
+gentlemen will insist in the strongest manner, with his Majesty and
+his Ministry, that, by the promise of restitution of these possessions
+to the State, immediately after the conclusion of the peace, the
+Republic may receive real proofs of the benevolence and of the
+affection, which his Majesty has so often testified for it.
+
+"6. These gentlemen will insist also, in the strongest manner, upon
+the just indemnification for all the losses unjustly caused by Great
+Britain, to the State and to its inhabitants, both in Europe and
+elsewhere.
+
+"7. In the affairs concerning the interest of the Company of the East
+Indies of this country, these gentlemen ought to demand and receive
+the considerations of the commissaries, who are now at Paris on the
+part of the Company, and act in concert with them in relation to these
+affairs.
+
+"8. In all respects, these gentlemen will hold a good correspondence
+with the Ministers of the other belligerent powers; and it is very
+specially enjoined upon them, and recommended, to direct things to
+this, that in the said negotiations, there be given no room to be able
+to conclude or resolve either treaty or cessation of hostilities, if
+it be not with the common and simultaneous concurrence of all the
+belligerent powers.
+
+"9. Finally, and in general, these gentlemen, during the course of all
+this negotiation, will have always before their eyes, that the
+conferences at Paris, at least for the present, ought to be looked
+upon but as preparatory and preliminary; and that the decision of
+points, which may remain in litigation, ought to be reserved to a
+general Congress, together with the final adjustment of the definitive
+treaty of peace; the whole, at least, until their High Mightinesses,
+further informed of the success of these negotiations, and of the
+inclination of the belligerent powers, shall find good to qualify
+these gentlemen for the final and peremptory conclusion of a treaty."
+
+These instructions will show Congress, in a clear light, the
+disposition of this Republic to be as favorable for us and our allies
+as we could wish it.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, August 22d, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Their High Mightinesses have at length received their instructions
+from all the Provinces, and I have this day been in conference with
+the Grand Committee, who communicated to me the remarks and
+propositions on their part. To this, I shall very soon give my
+replication, and I hope the affair will be soon ended.
+
+I was received in State by two of the Lords at the head of the stairs,
+and by them conducted into the committee room, where the business is
+transacted. The committee consisted of one or more Deputies from each
+Province, together with the Grand Pensionary, Bleiswick, and the
+Secretary Fagel.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, August 29th, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Near five months have elapsed, since I have been favored with a line
+from you. Your letter of the 4th of March, is the last that has as yet
+found its way to America.
+
+Let me entreat you, Sir, to reflect on the disgrace and discredit it
+brings upon this department, to be kept thus in the dark relative to
+matters of the utmost moment, and how impossible it is, without better
+information, to declare the designs or wishes of Congress, since they
+must be in some measure directed by the state of their affairs in
+Europe; and, yet, Sir, they have hitherto been left, in a great
+measure, to collect that state from private letters, common
+newspapers, or the communications of the Minister of France.
+
+There is another circumstance, in which the reputation of our
+Ministers themselves, is materially concerned. Letters, announcing a
+fact, that is well known before their arrival, lose half their force
+and beauty. They cease to be interesting, and are read with
+indifference. You have done yourself great injustice frequently in
+this way, for though your letters have generally been particular, yet,
+from not being sufficiently attentive to the means of conveyance, we
+frequently have had the facts they related, published in the
+newspapers a month before their arrival. As one instance out of many,
+we received with your letter of the 11th of March, Amsterdam papers of
+the 30th, which informed us of the determination of Holland relative
+to your reception. We are told that you were received in your public
+character the 19th of April, and yet, Sir, we have not to this hour
+had any official information on that head. I am ready to make every
+allowance for the miscarriage of letters; but this should only urge
+our Ministers to multiply the number of their copies, particularly
+where the subject of them is important. I feel myself so hurt at this
+neglect, Congress are so justly dissatisfied at seeing vessels arrive
+every day from France without public letters at this very critical
+period, from any of our Ministers, that I fear I have pressed the
+subject further than I ought to have done. If so, be pleased to
+pardon my earnestness, and to impute it to my wish, as well to render
+this office more useful to the public, as to enable you to give
+Congress more ample satisfaction.
+
+The advantages, which will be derived to these States from the
+acknowledgment of their political existence, as an independent nation,
+are too many and too obvious, not to be immediately and sensibly felt
+by them. I sincerely congratulate you on having been the happy means
+of effecting this beneficial connexion. We may reasonably hope, that
+your official letters will detail the progress of so interesting an
+event, and thereby enable us to form some judgment of the nature and
+principles of the government of the United Provinces. From the zeal
+they manifest to us, I should hope, that you would find no great
+difficulty in the accomplishing of one great object of your mission,
+the procuring a loan, which neither the probability or the conclusion
+of a peace will render unnecessary. On the contrary, I am inclined to
+believe, that our wants will be more pressing at the close of the war,
+when our troops are to be paid and disbanded, than at any other
+period; and as it seems to have been your sentiment hitherto, that
+money could be procured when our political character was fully known,
+I venture to hope, that you have availed yourself of your present
+situation to obtain it.
+
+General Carleton and Admiral Digby, presuming, I suppose, that our
+Ministers were not the most punctual correspondents, have been pleased
+to inform us, through the commander-in-chief, that negotiations for a
+general peace are on foot. If so, I presume this will find you in
+France. In addition to the great objects, which will become the
+subjects of discussion, and on which you are fully instructed, I
+could wish again to repeat one, that I have mentioned in my last to
+you, which materially interests us. I mean the procuring a market for
+lumber and provisions of every kind in the West Indies. Should France
+pursue her usual system with respect to her Colonies, and England
+follow her example, the shock will be severely felt here, particularly
+in the States, whose staples are flour, beef and pork. But should
+either of them be so fully apprised of their true interest as to set
+open this market, at least for these articles, the advantage, they
+will derive from it must compel the others to adopt the same system.
+
+I need only mention this matter to you. The arguments to show the
+mutual advantage of this commerce to this country, the Colonies and
+the parent States will suggest themselves readily to you, and be
+suggested by you to those we are interested in convincing. The turtle
+and fruit of the Bahama Islands have formed powerful connexions among
+the good eaters and drinkers of this country. I recommend their
+interests to your care. They flatter themselves their friends, the
+Spaniards, will not interrupt their ancient alliance, if these islands
+should remain in their hands.
+
+I have already transmitted you an account of the evacuation of
+Savannah. The enclosed papers contain a proclamation of General Scott,
+announcing that of Charleston, and generously offering to provide for
+the transportation of the royalists to East Florida, where the climate
+will doubtless aid administration, in the proposed reduction of the
+list of pensioners. The fleet under the Marquis de Vaudreuil has
+unfortunately lost a seventy four, by striking a rock in the harbor of
+Boston. Congress have endeavored to compensate this loss, by
+presenting His Most Christian Majesty with the America.
+
+I have caused two quarters' salary to be remitted to Dr Franklin on
+your account, for which you will be so obliging as to send me your
+receipt. I must again press you to appoint an agent to receive your
+money here, as I act without any authority at present, which I must
+decline the hazard of doing in future.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, September 4th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Your triplicate of the 5th of March, No 5, triplicate of the 22d of
+May, No. 6, duplicate of the 29th of May, No. 7, and duplicate of May
+the 30th, No. 8, together with the despatches for Mr Dana, came to
+hand yesterday.
+
+The judicious inquiries in that of the 5th of March, are chiefly
+answered by the enclosed pamphlet, which I have caused to be printed,
+in order to be sent into England, Scotland, and Ireland, as well as
+America. You will find most of your questions answered by great bodies
+of merchants, manufacturers, and others, in the first instance, and by
+the States of the several separate Provinces in the next place, and
+lastly by their High Mightinesses.
+
+I wish the truth would warrant a more satisfactory account of the
+ships prepared, and preparing for sea. Those prepared are employed by
+concert with France, in the North Sea, where they make a useful
+diversion, having lately obliged Lord Howe to detach a considerable
+number of ships, and the last accounts say, to go himself with
+fourteen ships of the line, in order to protect their trade from the
+Baltic, which has certainly retarded, possibly wholly prevented, the
+relief of Gibraltar. This, however, is not certain. I cannot assure
+Congress of more than twelve Dutch ships of the line, ready for sea.
+Some of that number are not in a good condition; not more than two or
+three can be depended on to be added, in the course of this season.
+
+As to the leading members of the Great Council, we must distinguish
+between the Assembly of the Deputies of the States-General, and the
+Assembly of the Deputies of Holland and West Friesland. The Grand
+Pensionary of Holland, who is always a member of the Assembly of their
+High Mightinesses, is constitutionally the most leading member. M. Van
+Bleiswick is the present Grand Pensionary. With him I have frequent
+conferences, and they have always been agreeable; but the situation of
+this Minister is at present extremely critical and embarrassing. In
+former times, when there was no Stadtholder, or at least when his
+authority was less extensive, the Grand Pensionaries of Holland have
+been in effect Stadtholders. They have been a centre of union for all
+the Provinces; but being more immediately connected with, and
+dependent on, the Province of Holland, they have been suspected by the
+other Provinces to give too much weight to that, which has caused them
+to attach themselves to the Stadtholders, as a more impartial support
+to the whole States.
+
+To speak candidly, a competition between these two great interests and
+these two high offices, seems to have been the cause of the violent
+storms in this country; but as the Stadtholders have had the military
+power by sea and land at their disposal, and by the pomp and splendor
+of a Court, have had the means of imposing more upon the nation, they
+have by decrees prevailed. At critical, dangerous times, tragical
+scenes have been exhibited, and Barnevelt's head was struck off at one
+time, Grotius escaped by a kind of miracle, and the De Witts were torn
+in pieces, it is scarcely too bold to say by the open or secret
+commands, or connivance of the Stadtholders. The Stadtholder's power,
+since 1758, until this year, has been so augmented, and the Grand
+Pensionary's so diminished, that M. Van Bleiswick is to be pitied.
+More is expected of him than he can perform. He is between two fires.
+The Stadtholderian party on the one side, and the Republican on the
+other. The consequence is, that he manages both as well as he can; is
+extremely cautious and reserved, never explains himself, but in cases
+of absolute necessity, and never attempts to assume the lead. If he
+were to attempt to act the part of some former Grand Pensionaries, the
+consequence would be, either he would not be supported, and would
+perish like Barnevelt, or De Witt, or being supported, the
+Stadtholdership must give way, and the Prince fly to his estates, in
+Germany. M. Van Bleiswick is a great scholar, linguist, natural
+philosopher, mathematician, and even physician; has great experience
+in public affairs, and is able and adroit enough in the conduct of
+them; but not having a temper bold and firm enough, or perhaps loving
+his ease too much, or not having ambition, or patriotism, or zeal, or
+health enough, to assume a great and decided conduct, he is fallen in
+his reputation. They suspect him of duplicity, and in short, measures
+are prepared and brought into the States of Holland without his
+consent, or previous knowledge, and there carried; a thing unknown
+until these days.
+
+Another great officer of state, who constitutionally has influence in
+the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, is the Secretary M. Fagel.
+This gentleman is of a family, which has ever been zealously attached
+to the Stadtholder, and consequently to England, and strongly
+prejudiced against France. His ancestor was made Grand Pensionary, in
+place of the murdered and immortal De Witt; and from that time to
+this, the family have been invariably friends to the Princes of
+Orange, and to England, and enemies to France. The present Secretary
+does not belie his lineage. He is supposed to be the least satisfied
+with the new conventions with us and with France, of any man. I have
+had several conferences with him. He is a venerable man of seventy, is
+polite, and has always been complaisant enough to me; but Congress
+will easily see, from this sketch of his character, that he is not the
+man for me to be intimate with. There is a new President of their High
+Mightinesses every week. I have had conferences with several, M.
+Ijassens, M. Van Citters, M. Boreel, M. Van den Sandheuvel, and the
+Baron Lynden de Hemmen; but this continual variation prevents any one
+from acquiring esteem and weight from the office; so that they are to
+be considered only as common members of the Assembly.
+
+There is a nobleman, the Baron de Lynden, who belongs to the Province
+of Zealand, and who was formerly Ambassador in Sweden, and afterwards
+appointed to Vienna, but refused to go. I have had the pleasure of a
+great deal of conversation with him, and his advice has been useful to
+me. He is a sensible and worthy man, and his sentiments are very just.
+He has been now for some months in Zealand, and the world has seen
+several striking effects of his presence in that Province. He is much
+in opposition to the Duke of Brunswick, and consequently to the Court,
+to whose cause this nobleman's rank, former offices, and connexions,
+have done much damage. There are several other members of the Assembly
+of their High Mightinesses, that I have some acquaintance with, the
+Baron Van Schwartenbourg, M. Kuffeler of Friesland, M. Brantzen of
+Guelderland, and others, whom it is not necessary to name at present.
+But Holland, being full half the nation, the Assembly of that Province
+gives always, sooner or later, the tone to the whole. The Pensionaries
+of the cities are the principal speakers, and most active members of
+this Assembly, for which reason I have cultivated the acquaintance of
+these gentlemen, and will continue to do so more and more. There are
+three among them, with whom I have been the most conversant, M.
+Gyzelaer of Dort, M. Visscher of Amsterdam, and M. Van Zeeberg, of
+Haerlem.
+
+M. Gyzelaer is a young gentleman of about thirty; but of a genius and
+activity, a candor and prudence, which, if his health is not too
+delicate, must make him the man of the first consideration in this
+Republic. I am happy in a friendly and familiar acquaintance with him,
+and shall certainly continue it, because his abilities and integrity,
+his industry, his great and growing popularity, and his influence in
+the Assembly of the States of Holland, as well as in all the provinces
+and cities, will render him an important man, in spite of all the
+opposition of the Court.
+
+Nevertheless, although I cultivate the friendship of the patriots, I
+shall not give offence to the Court. The friendship of this Court we
+never had, and never shall have, until we have that of England. This
+gentleman's friendship has already been of vast service to the cause
+of Congress as well as to me, and will continue to be so. There is no
+intelligence in a political line, which I ought to know, but what I
+can easily obtain in this way. To detail the conversations, would be
+to relate all the measures taken or proposed, relative to the
+negotiations for a separate peace, to the concert with France, the
+general peace, &c. as well as from step to step, the advancement to
+the acknowledgment of our independence. There are some of these
+conversations, which ought never to be put on paper, until the
+measures and events, which are the fruit of them, have taken place.
+
+M. Visscher is a respectable character, an amiable man, and steady in
+the good system. With him also, I have been invariably upon good
+terms; but I cannot but lament the absence of M. Van Berckel, an
+excellent character, of solid judgment, sound learning, great
+experience, delicate honor, untainted virtue, and steady firmness,
+sacrificed to the most frivolous whimsies, and miserable intrigues of
+private pique, the jealousy and envy of weak, I cannot here add wicked
+old age, and individual ambition. Van Berckel and Visscher together
+would be noble Ministers for Amsterdam; but the elder of the "_Par
+nobile fratrum_" is wanting.
+
+M. Van Zeeberg is another excellent character; of great reputation as
+a lawyer, a man of integrity, and a patriot, with whom I have been,
+and am, upon the best terms. It is odd enough, that most of these
+Pensionaries have been deacons of the English church in this place, Dr
+Mc Lane's. _En passant_, young lawyers seek an election to be deacons
+in the churches, as a first step to advancement in their profession,
+as well as in the State. M. Van Berckel, M. Van Zeeberg and others,
+have been deacons of this church, yet neither speaks English; nor is
+any of them less an enemy to England for having passed through this
+stage in their career of life, and I shall be the more so, for hearing
+once a week, an admirable _moral_ lecture in the English language,
+from one of the best preachers in Europe.
+
+I hope this will be sufficient at present as a sample of sketches of
+characters that you demand of me, among the leading members of the
+Assembly. I might mention several Burgomasters, as M. Hooft, of
+Amsterdam, Van Berckel, of Rotterdam, &c. &c. &c.; but I must not give
+too much at once.
+
+You inquire whether there is no intercourse between the French
+Ambassador and me? I answer, there is a constant, uninterrupted
+harmony and familiarity between the Duc de la Vauguyon and his family,
+and me. I visit him, and he visits me. I dine with him, and he and his
+family dine with me as often as you can wish; and he is ever ready to
+enter into conversation and consultation with me upon public affairs.
+He is an amiable man, whom I esteem very much. He is able, attentive,
+and vigilant, as a Minister; but he has been under infinite
+obligations to the United States of America and her Minister, for the
+success he has had in this country. Nothing on this earth but the
+American cause, could ever have prevented this Republic from joining
+England in the war, and nothing but the memorial of the 19th of April,
+1781, and the other innumerable measures taken in consequence of it by
+the same hand, could ever have prevented this Republic from making a
+separate peace with England. The American cause and Minister have done
+more to introduce a familiarity between the French Ambassador and
+some leading men here, than any other thing could; and if anybody
+denies it, it must be owing to ignorance or ingratitude. It is at the
+same time true, and I acknowledge it with pleasure and gratitude, that
+our cause could not have succeeded here without the aid of France. Her
+aid in the East Indies, West Indies, and upon the barrier frontiers,
+her general benevolence, and concert of operations, as well as the
+favorable and friendly exertions of her Ambassador, after the decisive
+steps taken by me, contributed essentially to the accomplishment of
+the work. I have an opportunity of meeting at his house, too, almost
+as often as I desire, the other foreign Ministers; but of this more
+hereafter.
+
+You desire also to know the popular leaders I have formed acquaintance
+with. The two noblemen, the Baron Van der Capellan de Pall, of
+Overyssel, and the Baron Van der Capellan de Marsch, of Guelderland, I
+have formed an acquaintance with; the former, very early after my
+first arrival. I have had frequent and intimate conversations with
+him, and he has been of the utmost service to our cause. His unhappy
+situation, and unjust expulsion from his seat in government, the
+opposition of the Court, and of his colleagues in the Regency, make it
+delicate to write freely concerning this nobleman. He has an
+independent fortune, though not called rich in this country. His parts
+and learning are equal to any, his zeal and activity superior. I dare
+not say in what a multitude of ways he has served us; posterity will,
+perhaps, know them all.
+
+Two years ago, upon my first arrival at Amsterdam, I fell acquainted,
+at M. Van Staphorst's, with M. Calkoen, the first gentleman of the
+bar, at Amsterdam; a man of letters, well read in law and history,
+and an elegant writer. He desired to be informed of American affairs.
+I gave him a collection of our constitutions, and a number of
+pamphlets and papers, and desired him to commit to writing his
+questions. In a few days, he sent me thirty questions in Dutch, which
+show him to be a man of profound reflection and sagacity. I got them
+translated, and determined to seize the opportunity to turn his
+attention to our affairs, and gain his confidence. I wrote him a
+distinct letter upon each question, and endeavored to give him as
+comprehensive an insight into our affairs as I could.[8] He was much
+pleased with the answers, and composed out of them a comparison
+between the American and Batavian Revolutions, which he read with
+applause to a society of forty gentlemen of letters, who meet in a
+club at Amsterdam. I lent him Burgoyne's and Howe's pamphlets in
+vindication of themselves, which he communicated also. By this means,
+this society, whose influence must be very extensive, were made hearty
+converts to the opinion of the impracticability of a British conquest,
+and the certainty of American success; points very dubious in the
+minds of this nation in general, when I first came here, as I can
+easily prove. With this gentleman, I have ever preserved an agreeable
+acquaintance. It was he who drew up the petition of the merchants of
+Amsterdam in favor of American independence.
+
+About the time of presenting my memorial, I became acquainted with
+another lawyer at the Hague, M. Van Zoon, who has been also from time
+to time active in our favor, and drew up the petitions of Rotterdam.
+
+The gazetteers of this country are not mere printers, they are men of
+letters; and as these vehicles have a vast influence in forming the
+public opinion, they were not to be neglected by me, whose only hopes
+lay in the public opinion, to resist the torrent of a court and
+government. I therefore became naturally acquainted with the family of
+the Luzacs, in Leyden, whose gazette has been very useful to our
+cause, and who are excellent people. M. John Luzac, drew up the two
+petitions of Leyden to their Regency.
+
+At Amsterdam, my acquaintance with M. Cerisier enabled me to render
+the _Politique Hollandais_, and the French Gazette of Amsterdam,
+useful on many occasions; and by means of one friend and another,
+particularly M. Dumas, I have been able to communicate anything that
+was proper to the public, by means of the Dutch gazettes of Amsterdam,
+Haerlem, and Delft. By means of these secret connexions with printers
+and writers, I have had an opportunity to cause to be translated and
+printed, many English pamphlets tending to elucidate our affairs,
+particularly those valuable documents of Howe and Burgoyne, than which
+nothing has contributed more to fortify our cause. They are considered
+as the decisive testimonies of unwilling witnesses and cruel enemies.
+With these persons, and others whom I could not have conversations
+with, I have had correspondence as frequent as my time would allow.
+
+At Amsterdam, I was acquainted with several mercantile houses, M. de
+Neufville & Son, M. Crommelin & Sons, Messieurs Van Staphorsts, De la
+Lande & Fynje, Madame Chabanel & Son & Nephew, M. Hodshon, M. Van Arp,
+M. Teagler, and several others, who, in their several ways, were
+useful to our affairs.
+
+I come now to the most difficult task of all, the description of the
+foreign Ministers. The Minister of the Emperor is ninety years of age,
+and never appears at Court, or anywhere else. I have never seen him or
+his secretary. The Ministers from Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal,
+Sardinia, and Liege, I see every week at Court, where I sup regularly
+when the others do, though it is very visible that I am not the guest
+the most favored by the Prince. I dine with them all, sometimes at the
+French Ambassador's and Spanish Minister's, but have not dined at any
+of their houses, nor they at mine. Not one of them would dare to give
+or receive an invitation, except France, Spain, and Liege. The
+Minister from Sweden, the Baron d'Ehrenswerd, is lately removed to
+Berlin, to my great regret, as he appeared to me a very good
+character, and behaved very civilly to me several times when I met him
+at Court and at the French Ambassador's. The Secretary of Legation
+does the business, now M. Van Arp, who appears to be a worthy man, and
+is not afraid to converse with me. The Minister from Prussia, M. de
+Thulemeyer, is very civil, attacks me, (as he expresses it) in
+English, and wishes to meet me on horseback, being both great riders;
+will converse freely with me upon astronomy, or natural history, or
+any mere common affairs; will talk of news, battles, sieges, &c.; but
+these personages are very reserved in politics and negotiations. They
+must wait for instructions.
+
+M. de St Saphorin, the Envoy from Denmark, is a personage of very odd
+behavior; a Swiss by birth, but an open and not very discreet advocate
+for England. It should be observed, that the Queen Dowager of Denmark,
+is sister to the Duc Louis de Brunswick; and as the King is not a
+distinguished character among crowned heads, she is supposed to have
+much influence at Court, and the Minister here may be complaisant to
+her. But neither that power nor its Minister is able to do more than
+influence a gazette or two, to publish some very injudicious
+speculations. I am not the only foreign Minister that converses or
+corresponds with gazetteers; though it at least is certain, that I
+never give them money. I hope I am not singular in this. This
+gentleman has been much with another since his arrival, M. Markow, the
+adjoint Minister from Russia, another advocate for the English,
+without being able to do them any service. He was never more than a
+Secretary of Legation before. He has been here formerly in that
+character, and in the partition of Poland. He was preceded here, by
+reports of his great talents at negotiations and intrigue, and it was
+said, that he had never failed of success; but his residence here has
+made no sensation or impression at all. He talks in some companies
+indiscreetly in favor of England, but is not much attended to. His
+behavior to me, is a distant bow, an affected smile sometimes, and now
+and then, a "_Comment vous portez-vous?_" One evening at Court, when
+the Northern Epidemy was here, he put me this question after supper,
+in great apparent good humor; "_terriblement afflige de l'influenca_,"
+said I; "_C'est en Angleterre_." says he, laughing, "_qu'on a donne ce
+nom, et il ne feroit point du mal, si vous voudriez vous laisser
+gagner un peu par l'influence de l'Angleterre_." I had at my tongue's
+end to answer, "_C'est assez d'etre tourmente de l'influence qui vient
+de Russie!!_ but I reflected very suddenly, if he is indiscreet, I
+will not be; so I contented myself to answer, very gravely, "_jamais,
+Monsieur, jamais_."
+
+The Prince de Gallitzin, his colleague, is of a different character; a
+good man, and thinks justly; but his place is too important to his
+family to be hazarded; so he keeps a great reserve, and behaves with
+great prudence. Knowing his situation, I have avoided all advances to
+him, lest I should embarrass him. The Sardinian Minister is very ready
+to enter into conversation at all times; but his Court and system are
+wholly out of the present question. The Portuguese Envoy
+Extraordinary, D. Joas Theolonico d'Almeida, is a young nobleman
+glittering with stars, and, as they say, very rich. He has twice, once
+at Court, and once at the Spanish Minister's, entered familiarly into
+conversation with me, upon the climates of America and Portugal, and
+the commerce that has been, and will be between our countries, and
+upon indifferent subjects; but there is no appearance that he is
+profoundly versed in political subjects, nor any probability that he
+could explain himself, until all the neutral powers do, of whom
+Portugal is one.
+
+The Spanish Minister, D. Llano, Count de Sanafee, has at last got over
+all his punctilios, and I had the honor to dine with him, in company
+with all the foreign Ministers and four or five officers of rank in
+the Russian service, on Tuesday last. He and his Secretary had dined
+with me some time ago. I shall, therefore, be upon a more free, if not
+familiar, footing with him in future. He has indeed been always very
+complaisant and friendly, though embarrassed with his punctilios of
+etiquette. There is one anecdote, that in justice to myself and my
+country I ought not to omit. The first time I ever saw him was at his
+house, a day or two after my reception by the States. He sent for me.
+I went, and had an hour's conversation with him. He said to me, "Sir,
+you have struck the greatest blow of all Europe. It is the greatest
+blow that has been struck in the American Cause, and the most
+decisive. It is you who have filled this nation with enthusiasm; it is
+you who have turned all their heads." Next morning he returned my
+visit at my lodgings, for it was before my removal to this house. In
+the course of conversation upon the subject of my success here, he
+turned to a gentlemen in company, and said to him, "this event is
+infinitely honorable to Mr. Adams. It is the greatest blow (_le plus
+grand coup_) which could have been struck in all Europe. It is he, who
+has filled this nation with enthusiasm; it is he, who has disconcerted
+the admirers of England (_Anglomanes_); it is he, who has turned the
+heads of the Hollanders. It is not for a compliment to Mr Adams that I
+say this, but because I believe it to be his due."
+
+I wish for some other historiographer, but I will not, for fear of the
+charge of vanity, omit to record things, which were certainly said
+with deliberation, and which prove the sense, which the Ministers of
+the House of Bourbon had of the stream of prejudice here against them,
+and of the influence of America and her Minister, in turning the tide.
+
+I hope, Sir, that these sketches will satisfy you for the present; if
+not, another time I will give you portraits at full length. In the
+meantime, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[8] These letters were afterwards printed under the title of
+_Twentysix Letters upon Interesting Subjects, respecting the
+Revolution in America_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, September 6th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In your letter of the 5th of March, you ask "whether this power has
+entered into any treaty with France since the war, and whether any
+such thing is in contemplation?"
+
+They have made no treaty, but a convention concerning recaptures,
+which you must have seen in the papers. The East India Company have
+concerted operations with France in the East Indies, and the Prince,
+by the resolution of the States, has concerted operations in these
+European seas for this campaign, and the city of Amsterdam has lately
+proposed in the States of Holland, to renew the concert for next year,
+and to revive an old treaty of commerce with France. In my letter of
+the 18th of August, I have sent you a copy of the instructions to
+their Ministers for peace, "not to make peace, truce, or armistice,
+but with the simultaneous concurrence of all the belligerent powers,"
+among whom the United States of America are certainly one in the sense
+and meaning of their High Mightinesses.
+
+You observe, Sir, "that France is interested with us, in procuring a
+public acknowledgment of our independence." You desire me to write
+freely, and my own disposition inclines me to do so. This is a
+delicate subject, and requires to be cautiously handled. Political
+jealousy is very different from a suspicious temper. We should
+contemplate the vices naturally allied to the greatest virtues. We
+should consider the fevers that lie near a high state of health. We
+should consider the maxim that is laid down by all the political
+writers in the world, and the fact that is found in all histories,
+"that in cases of alliance between unequal powers, almost all the
+advantages ever did and ever will accrue to the greatest." We should
+observe in the Abbe Raynal's history of this revolution, that there is
+a party in France that blames the Ministry for putting themselves into
+the chains (_fers_) of Congress, and for not keeping us dependent
+enough upon them. Is it not natural for them to wish to keep us
+dependent upon them, that we might be obliged to accept such terms of
+peace as they should think would do for us? If the House of Bourbon
+should be suspected by any neutral power to grow too fast in wealth
+and force, and be disposed to form a league against it, is it not
+natural for it to wish that we may be kept from any connexions with
+such powers, and wholly connected with it, so as to be obliged to
+engage with it in all its wars.
+
+It is impossible for me to prove, that the delay of Spain to
+acknowledge our independence, has been concerted between the French
+and Spanish Ministry; but I candidly ask any man, who has attended to
+the circumstances of this war, if he has not seen cause to suspect it!
+For my own part, I have no doubt of it, and I do not know that we can
+justly censure it. I have ten thousand reasons, which convince me that
+one Minister at least has not wished that we should form connexions
+with Holland, even so soon as we did, or with any power; although he
+had no right, and therefore would not appear openly to oppose it. When
+I took leave of that Minister to return to America, in the spring of
+1779, he desired me expressly to advise Congress to attend to the
+affairs of the war, and leave the politics of Europe to them, (_et
+laisser la politique a nous_). In 1778 or 1779, when Mr Lee and I
+proposed to Dr Franklin to go to Holland, or to consent that one of
+us should go, the Doctor would not, but wrote to that Minister upon
+it, and received an answer, which he showed me, advising against it;
+and when I received my letter of credence here, the Minister here, who
+follows the instructions communicated by that Minister, took all
+possible pains to persuade me against communicating it; and Dr
+Franklin, without reserve in word or writing, has constantly declared,
+that Congress were wrong in sending a Minister to Berlin, Vienna,
+Tuscany, Spain, Holland, and Petersburg, and Dr Franklin is as good an
+index of that Minister's sentiments as I know.
+
+Now I avow myself of a totally opposite system, and think it our
+indispensable duty, as it is our undoubted right, to send Ministers to
+other Courts, and endeavor to extend our acquaintance, commerce, and
+political connexions with all the world, and have pursued this system,
+which I took to be also the wish of Congress and the sense of America,
+with patience and perseverance against all dangers, reproaches,
+misrepresentations, and oppositions, until, I thank God, he has
+enabled me to plant the standard of the United States at the Hague,
+where it will wave forever.
+
+I am now satisfied, and dread nothing. The connexion with Holland is a
+sure stay. Connected with Holland and the House of Bourbon, we have
+nothing to fear.
+
+I have entered into this detail, in answer to your inquiry, and the
+only use of it I would wish to make is this, to insist upon seeing
+with our own eyes, using our own judgment, and acting an independent
+part; and it is of the last importance we should do it now thus early,
+otherwise we should find it very difficult to do it hereafter. I hope
+I have given you my sentiments, as you desired, with freedom, and
+that freedom, I hope, will give no offence, either in America or
+France, for certainly none is intended.
+
+In your favor of the 22d of May, you direct me to draw upon Dr
+Franklin for my salary, and to send my accounts to you. My accounts,
+Sir, are very short, and shall be sent as soon as the perplexity of
+the treaty is over. As to drawing on Dr Franklin, I presume this was
+upon supposition, that we had no money here. There is now near a
+million and a half of florins, so that I beg I may be permitted to
+receive my salary here.
+
+I have transmitted to Mr Dana your despatches, as desired in yours of
+the 29th of May, reserving an extract for publication in the gazettes,
+which the French Ambassador is of opinion, as well as others, will
+have a great effect in Europe. Your letter is extremely well written,
+and M. Dumas has well translated it, so that it will appear to
+advantage. Yours of the 30th of May affords me the pleasure of
+knowing, that you have received some letters from me this year, and I
+am glad you are inclined to lay that of the 21st of February before
+Congress. By this time I hope that all objections are removed to the
+memorial; but in order to judge of the full effect of that memorial,
+three volumes of the _Politique Hollandais_, several volumes of _De
+Post Van Neder Rhin_, all the Dutch gazettes for a whole year, and the
+petitions of all the cities should be read, for there is not one of
+them but what clearly shows the propriety of presenting that memorial,
+whose influence and effect, though not sudden, has been amazingly
+extensive. Indeed the French Ambassador has often signified to me
+lately, and more than once in express words, _Monsieur votre fermete a
+fait un tres bon effet ici_.
+
+The cypher was not put up in this duplicate, and I suppose the
+original is gone on to Mr Dana in a letter I transmitted him from you
+sometime ago, so that I should be obliged to you for another of the
+same part.
+
+Rodney's victory came, as you hoped it would, too late to obstruct me.
+I was well settled at the Hague, and publicly received by the States
+and Prince before we received that melancholy news. If it had arrived
+sooner, it might have deranged all our systems, and this nation
+possibly might have been now separately at peace, which shows the
+importance of watching the time and tide, which there is in the
+affairs of men.
+
+You require, Sir, to be furnished with the most minute detail of every
+step, that Britain may take towards a negotiation for a general or
+partial peace. All the details towards a partial peace, are already
+public in the newspapers, and have all been ineffectual. The
+States-General are firm against it, as appears by their instructions
+to their Ministers. Since the conversations between me and Digges
+first, and Mr Laurens afterwards, there has never been any message,
+directly or indirectly, by word or writing, from the British Ministry
+to me. It was my decided advice, and earnest request by both, that all
+messages might be sent to Paris to Dr Franklin and the Count de
+Vergennes, and this has been done. Dr Franklin wrote me, that he
+should keep me informed of everything that passed by expresses; but I
+have had no advice from him since the 2d of June. Your despatches have
+all gone the same way, and I have never had a hint of any of them. I
+hope that Dr Franklin and Mr Jay have had positive instructions to
+consent to no truce or armistice, and to enter into no conferences
+with any British Minister, who is not authorised to treat with the
+United States of America.
+
+Some weeks ago I agreed with the Duc de la Vauguyon to draw up a
+project of a memorial to their High Mightinesses, proposing a triple
+or quadruple alliance, according to my instructions to that purpose.
+The Duke, in his private capacity, has declared to me often that he is
+of opinion, that it would be advisable to make this proposition as
+soon as the treaty of commerce is signed; but could not give me any
+ministerial advice without consulting the Count de Vergennes. We
+agreed that he should transmit the project to the Count. Two days ago,
+the Duke called upon me, and informed me, that he had the Count's
+answer, which was, that he did not think this the time, because it
+would tend to throw obscurity upon the instructions lately given by
+the States-General to M. Brantzen, not to make any treaty or
+armistice, but simultaneously with all the belligerent powers.
+
+By the tenth article of the Treaty of Alliance, the invitation or
+admission is to be made by concert. From my instructions, I supposed,
+and suppose still, that the concert was made at Philadelphia, between
+Congress and the Chevalier de la Luzerne, by the order of the King,
+his master; and my instructions being positive and unconditional to
+make the proposition, I shall be somewhat embarrassed. On the one
+hand, I would preserve not only a real harmony, but the appearance of
+it, between all steps of mine, and the Councils of the French
+Ministers. On the other, I would obey my instructions, especially when
+they are so fully agreeable to me, at all events. The proposition
+would have a good effect in England, in Holland, in France, America,
+and in all the neutral countries, as I think, and it could do no
+harm, that I can foresee. Nay, further, I am persuaded, that the
+French Ministry themselves, if they were to give me their private
+opinions, as the Duc de la Vauguyon does, would be glad if I should
+make the proposition against their advice.
+
+It is possible, however, that they may secretly choose
+(notwithstanding the offer made at Philadelphia) not to be bound in an
+alliance with America and Holland. They may think they shall have more
+influence with their hands unbound, even to a system that they approve
+and mean to pursue. It is amidst all these doublings and windings of
+European politics, that American Ministers have to decide and act. The
+result is clear in my mind, that although it is proper to be upon good
+terms, and be communicative and confidential with the French
+Ministers, yet we ought to have opinions, principles, and systems of
+our own, and that our Ministers should not be bound to follow their
+advice, but when it is consonant to our own; and that Congress should
+firmly support their own Ministers against all secret insinuations.
+They must see, that a Minister of theirs, who is determined, as he is
+bound in honor, to be free and independent, is not in a very
+delectable or enviable situation in Europe, as yet.
+
+There is but one alternative. Either Congress should recall all their
+Ministers from Europe, and leave all negotiations to the French
+Ministry, or they must support their Ministers against all
+insinuations. If Congress will see with their own eyes, I can assure
+them, without fear of being contradicted, that neither the color,
+figure, nor magnitude of objects will always appear to them exactly as
+they do to their allies. To send Ministers to Europe, who are supposed
+by the people of America to see for themselves, while in effect they
+see, or pretend to see nothing, but what appears through the glass of
+a French Minister, is to betray the just expectations of that people.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, September 7th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In answer to your letters, demanding my accounts, I have the honor to
+enclose the three numbers, 1, 2, 3.
+
+No 1, is the account of my salary for two years and a half, and the
+payment of it by Dr Franklin, in obedience to the orders of Congress,
+the whole amounting to L6,250 sterling.[9]
+
+No 2, is the account for the purchase of the _Hotel des Etats-Unis de
+l'Amerique_, which amounts to fifteen thousand two hundred and seven
+florins, seven stivers, and eight duits. Over against it I have given
+credit for the cash I received of Messrs de Neufvilles' loan, six
+thousand six hundred and fifty florins. I have also given credit for
+twelve thousand four hundred and twentyeight French livres and five
+sols, which I received of M. Lagoanere in Spain. I have been informed,
+it was the intention of Congress, that the expenses of their Ministers
+to the places of their destination should be borne in addition to
+their salaries. The expenses, made by the Continental Navy Board, for
+the accommodations of the voyage, were, no doubt, intended to be so,
+for which reason I have taken no notice of them in my accounts,
+either of the first or second voyage. But whether the expenses of our
+horrid journey through Spain come within the intention of Congress or
+not, I cannot tell. It was our misfortune to be cast, in a leaky ship,
+on the Spanish coast, and to make a very distressing, and very
+expensive journey by land to Paris; but whether it is the design of
+Congress to allow us this expense or not, I know not, and very
+cheerfully submit to their decision. If they should allow it, they
+will erase it from this account, No. 2. But in that case they should
+erase another article from No. 3.
+
+No. 3. That article is the first; four hundred dollars stolen out of
+my chest at Dr Franklin's. After I received my commission from
+Congress to borrow money in Holland, Mr Thaxter was obliged to come to
+assist me; but as it was not certain I should stay in Holland, it was
+not proper to remove my baggage from Paris. Accordingly, I wrote to Dr
+Franklin, requesting him to give house-room to my chests, which he was
+kind enough to agree to. They were all accordingly carried there; but
+while there, some thief broke out the bottom of one of my chests and
+carried off four hundred dollars, which I could never hear of. Mr Dana
+and Mr Thaxter knew, that the money was there, and Dr Franklin knows
+it was stolen; and as this misfortune has happened from my having two
+commissions, that called my attention different ways, and from no
+fault of mine, I think it is but reasonable I should be allowed it,
+provided Congress shall charge me with the whole sum of money received
+of M. Lagoanere. If they allow me that sum, I do not desire to be
+allowed this four hundred dollars.
+
+The second article in No. 3, is my journey to Paris. As this was an
+additional and double expense, arising necessarily from my having two
+departments, one for peace, and one for Holland; and as it was a heavy
+expense, I submit to Congress the propriety of allowing it.
+
+The other articles in No. 3, are deductions from my salary, which Dr
+Franklin wrote me ought to be allowed me by Congress, but he did not
+think himself authorised to pay any more than my net salary; so that
+all charges must fall upon me; whereas I apprehended the intention of
+Congress was, that the net salary should be paid me, and all necessary
+charges attending the payment of it, to be borne by the public. I
+submit it, however, to their decision.
+
+The other articles, of house rent, stationary, salaries of clerks,
+postage of letters, and extra entertainments, are articles, which Dr
+Franklin wrote me he had charged to Congress, and since told me, that
+Mr Jay was of the same opinion with him and me, that they ought to be.
+I have not sent any particular account of these things, and shall not,
+until I know the determination of Congress; because it is extremely
+difficult for me to make out an account of them. My life has been such
+a wandering pilgrimage, that I have not been able to keep any distinct
+account of them. They are scattered about in thousands of receipts,
+with other things, which will require more time to bring together than
+I will spend upon it, until I know the pleasure of Congress. My house
+rent has, on an average, cost me more than one hundred and fifty
+pounds sterling a year, although mostly I have lived in furnished
+lodgings. I have had but one clerk, Mr Thaxter, to whom I hope
+Congress will make some compensation for his faithful and industrious
+services, in addition to what I have paid him, which has been only
+one hundred pounds sterling a year. If Congress will allow this to me,
+it may be easily added by them to the account.
+
+The purchase of the house is a very good bargain. If Congress should
+pay the house rent of their Ministers, it will be cheaper here than
+anywhere, by reason of this purchase; if not, their Minister here may
+pay interest of the purchase money for rent, to Congress, as well as
+another. But in that case he will live at a cheaper rate than any
+other Minister. I have been at a small additional expense for repairs,
+which has put the house in order; but as the accounts are not yet
+brought in, I cannot exactly tell the sum. When they come in, I shall
+draw on the Messrs. Willinks, Van Staphorsts, and de la Lande and
+Fynje, for the money, unless I shall have contrary orders from
+Congress.
+
+I have ever made a large expense for newspapers, for the sake of
+public intelligence, and have sent them as often as I could, and in
+great numbers, to America. As I ever have, I ever shall send them all
+there, and if Congress shall think this a proper charge to the public,
+it may be added hereafter.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.,
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[9] The salary allowed the Ministers abroad at that time, was two
+thousand five hundred pounds sterling a year.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, September 15th, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+I have been favored with your letters from the 19th of April to the
+5th of July, by the _Heer Adams_. How impatiently they have been
+expected, you will be able to judge, by mine of the 29th ult. which
+you will receive with this. The events they announce, are considered
+of the utmost importance here, and have been directed to be officially
+communicated to the different States.
+
+Your loan is approved, and the ratification herewith transmitted. The
+resolution, which will accompany this, will be a sufficient spur to
+induce you to extend every nerve to get it filled; for if the war
+continues, it will be essential to our exertions; if it should
+terminate, it will not be less necessary to enable us to discharge our
+army; in every view it is necessary. In the present situation of the
+States, money can be raised but slowly by taxation. New systems must
+be introduced, which cannot without difficulty be adopted in the
+hurry, confusion, and distress of a war. They will, however, be
+adopted. Congress are constantly employed in discussing the means for
+a regular payment of the interest, and the gradual discharge of the
+principal of their debt.
+
+The other resolution arises from the difficulty of ascertaining what
+are really the funds of the United States in Europe, when more than
+one person can dispose of them. I am satisfied this resolution will
+meet your approbation, from the rule which you say you have prescribed
+to yourself. It will, I dare say, be equally agreeable to our
+Ministers to be released from the troublesome task of bankers to the
+United States.
+
+You mention the negotiations on the tapis in Paris, but so slightly,
+as to leave us in the dark concerning their progress, presuming, (as,
+indeed, you might have done, on probable grounds) that we should
+receive information on that subject from Dr Franklin, but,
+unfortunately, we have learnt nothing from him. I must beg, therefore,
+in order to open as many channels of information as possible, that
+you would give me, not only the state of your own affairs, but every
+other information, which you may receive from our other Ministers, or
+through any other authentic channel.
+
+I observe your last memorial, or note, is in French. Would it not be
+expedient, and more for our honor, if all our Ministers at every Court
+were to speak the language of our own country, which would at least
+preserve them from errors, which an equivocal term might lead them
+into. I mention this, merely as a hint, which is submitted to your
+judgment.
+
+We are informed that the _Aigle_ and _Gloire_, two frigates from
+France, have just entered the Capes, closely pursued by a British ship
+of the line, and three frigates. It is strongly apprehended from the
+situation in which they were left, that they must either be destroyed,
+or fall into the enemy's hands.
+
+Pigot is arrived at New York, with twentysix sail of the line. The
+late changes in administration seem to have made such a change here,
+that I much doubt whether they will quit us this fall, at least, till
+they hear again from England, though they certainly were making every
+disposition for it before. I will keep this letter open till I hear
+the fate of the frigates, and know whether our despatches by them can
+be preserved.
+
+M. Dumas's application is before Congress. They may possibly appoint
+him Secretary to the Legation, which I heartily wish they may, as he
+certainly has been an assiduous and faithful servant. But there is no
+probability of their going further, as they would not choose to
+appoint any but an American to so important an office, as that of
+_Charge des Affaires_. Nor will their present system of economy
+permit them to make so great an addition to his salary as you mention,
+which is much greater than is usually allowed to secretaries, as their
+circumstances require it to be less.
+
+_September 18th._ The Aigle, Captain La Fouche, has been driven on
+shore, and is lost within the Capes; her despatches, money, and
+passengers, have, however, happily been saved. The Gloire, the other
+frigate, has arrived at Chester. I find no despatches from you among
+the letters that have come to hand; nor anything from Holland, but
+duplicates of letters from M. Dumas. Congress yesterday passed the
+annexed resolution, which needs no comment.
+
+I am, Sir, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, September 17th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+This morning, I was in conference with M. Fagel, in order to make the
+last corrections in the language of the treaty, which is to be
+executed in English and Dutch, as that with the Crown of France, was
+in English and French. We have now, I hope, agreed upon every word, if
+not every point, and nothing remains, but to make five fair copies of
+it for signature, which, however, is no little labor. The Secretary
+thinks he shall accomplish them in the course of this week, and part
+of the next, so that they may be signed by the latter end of next
+week, or perhaps the middle. The Secretary, who has always been
+complaisant, was more so than ever today. He congratulated me, upon
+the prospect of a speedy conclusion of this matter; hoped it would be
+highly beneficial to both nations; and that our posterity might have
+cause to rejoice in it even more than we. He says the usage is, for
+two Deputies to sign it, on the part of Holland, and one on the part
+of each other Province, so that there will be eight signers in behalf
+of the Republic.
+
+It is now nearly five months since I was publicly received, and
+proposed a project of a treaty. All this time it has taken the several
+Provinces and cities to examine, make their remarks, and fresh
+propositions, and bring the matter to a conclusion. It would not have
+been so long, however, if the Court had been delighted with the
+business. But, in a case where unanimity was requisite, and the Court
+not pleased, it was necessary to proceed with all the softness,
+caution, and prudence, possible, that no ill humors might be stirred.
+Yet, in a case, where the nation's heart is so engaged, in which its
+commerce and love of money is so interested, what wretched policy is
+it in this Court, to show even a lukewarmness, much more an aversion.
+Yet, such is the policy, and such it will be. The Prince of Orange is,
+to all appearance, as incurable as George the Third, his cousin.
+
+I was afterwards an hour with the French Ambassador, at his house. He
+tells me, his last letters from the Count de Vergennes say, that he
+has yet seen no appearance of sincerity on the part of the British
+Ministry, in the negotiations for peace. Of this, Congress will be
+easily convinced by the copies I have transmitted of the commissions
+of Mr Fitzherbert and Oswald.
+
+The subject of our conversation was the means of getting out the Dutch
+fleet, which is now in the Texel, although the British fleet, under
+Milbank, is returned to Portsmouth, and probably sailed with Lord Howe
+for Gibraltar. I asked the Duke, where was the combined fleet? His
+last accounts were, that they were off Cape Ortegal, endeavoring to
+get round Cape Finisterre to Cadiz. He speaks of it, as doubtful,
+whether they will give battle to Lord Howe, because the Spanish ships,
+with an equal number of guns, are of a smaller caliber than the
+English; but hopes that the blow will be struck before Howe arrives.
+The means of getting the fleet out of the Texel to intercept a fleet
+of English ships from the Baltic, came next under consideration. But
+the wind is not fair. It might have gone out, but they had not
+intelligence.
+
+I asked, who it was that governed naval matters? He answered, the
+Prince. But surely the Prince must have some assistance, some
+confidential minister, officer, clerk, secretary, or servant. If he
+were a Solomon, he could not manage the fleet, and the whole system of
+intelligence, and orders concerning it, without aid. He said, it is
+the College of the Admiralty, and sometimes M. Bisdom, who is a good
+man, and sometimes M. Van der Hope, who may be a good man, he has
+sense and art, but is suspected. Very well, said I, M. Bisdom and M.
+Van der Hope ought to be held responsible, and the eyes of the public
+ought to be turned towards them, and they ought to satisfy the public.
+The Duke said the Prince is afraid of the consequences. He knows that
+the sensations of the people are very lively at present, and nobody
+knows what may be the consequence of their getting an opinion, that
+there has been negligence, or anything worse, which may have prevented
+them from striking a blow. I asked, if they had any plan for
+obtaining intelligence, the soul of war, from England? And he said
+the Grand Pensionary told him, he paid very dear for intelligence.
+
+However, I cannot learn, and do not believe that they have any
+rational plan for obtaining intelligence necessary from every quarter,
+as they ought. They should have intelligence from every seaport in
+France, England, Scotland, Germany, and all round the Baltic, and they
+should have light frigates and small vessels out. But when war is
+unwillingly made, everything is not done. The next subject was the
+proposition from Amsterdam, for renewing the concert of operations for
+the next campaign.
+
+Congress may hear of some further plans for a separate peace between
+Holland and England, but they will not succeed. The Republic will
+stand firm, though it will not be so active as we could wish, and the
+concert of operations will be renewed.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ _Extract from the Records of the Resolutions of their
+ High Mightinesses the States-General of the United
+ Netherlands._
+
+_Tuesday, September 17th, 1782._ "The Lord Van Randwyk and others,
+Deputies of their High Mightinesses for the Department of Foreign
+Affairs, in obedience to, and in compliance with their resolution of
+the 23d of April of the present year, having conferred with Mr Adams,
+Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America, respecting
+the entering into a treaty of amity and commerce with the said States,
+reported to this Assembly, that the said Mr Adams, on the 26th of
+April thereafter, did deliver to them a plan of such a treaty,
+requesting the same might be examined, and that such articles might
+be added, as might be deemed most serviceable. That the said
+gentlemen, Deputies, after having consulted and advised with the
+committees of the respective colleges of the Admiralty upon the said
+plan or sketch of a treaty, made sundry observations thereon, and also
+sundry separate propositions, all which on the 26th of August last
+they communicated to the said Mr Adams, who, on the 27th following,
+returned his answer thereto; which having compared with the said
+propositions, and finding the same in substance conformable thereto,
+and all difficulties that had occurred entirely removed, they drew up
+a new treaty, and also a new convention on the subject of retaken
+prizes, in conformity to the determination that has been previously
+adopted and resolved on, and the treaties so prepared, they handed to
+Mr Adams, on the 6th of this current month, who, since, has declared
+himself perfectly satisfied therewith.
+
+"Wherefore, the said gentlemen, Deputies for Foreign Affairs, submit
+it to the consideration of their High Mightinesses to determine,
+whether it would not be proper and necessary to authorise them to
+conclude and sign with Mr Adams, the treaty and convention aforesaid.
+
+"Whereupon having deliberated, it is found and judged right, that the
+said treaty and convention be drawn out afresh, and fair copies
+thereof made, in order that the finishing hand may be put thereto; and
+the said Lord Van Randwyk, and others, their High Mightinesses'
+Deputies for Foreign Affairs, are hereby requested and authorised to
+conclude and sign the said treaty and convention with the aforesaid Mr
+Adams.
+
+ W. Z. VAN BORSSELE.
+
+Compared with the record.
+
+ H. FAGEL."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, September 17th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+You will naturally inquire, whether the neutral powers will continue
+their neutrality, or whether the neutral confederacy will be broken?
+
+No certain answer can be given to these questions. We must content
+ourselves with probabilities, which are strong for the continuance of
+the neutrality. Who indeed should break it? The Emperor was thought to
+be the most unlikely potentate to accede to it; but he has acceded and
+has taken several steps, which prove that he will not break it, at
+least by leaning towards England. Sweden is the steady friend to
+France. The King of Prussia, whose affections and inclinations are
+certainly towards France and Holland, and alienated from England,
+would certainly at this age of life be too cautious a politician to
+wage war for England, against the Houses of Bourbon and Austria,
+Holland and America.
+
+There remains only Russia and Denmark. What can Russia do? This is a
+maritime war. She cannot assist the English with land forces; a
+hundred thousand men would do no good to England, on land. Her boasted
+fleet, added to that of England, would only weaken it for several
+reasons. Among the rest, because England must maintain it with money,
+if not with officers and men, for cash is wanting in Russia. Denmark
+remains, but what can she do? Her Islands in the West Indies, and her
+trade are at our mercy, and she would not have force enough to defend
+her own, much less to assist England, if she should declare war.
+
+A doctrine prevails that the acknowledgment of the independence of
+America, is a hostility against England, and consequently a breach of
+the neutrality. Our friends have sometimes favored this idea. The Duc
+de la Vauguyon has often expressed this sentiment to me; and if I am
+not mistaken, the Marquis de Verac has said the same to Mr Dana. If
+this opinion is not clear, it is very impolitic to favor it. The Court
+of France, in their public memorials, have denied it, and it would be
+difficult to prove it, either by the law or practice of nations.
+Sending or receiving Ambassadors, entering into peaceful commercial
+treaties, or at least negotiating at Philadelphia, the rights of
+neutral nations, is not taking arms against Great Britain.
+
+But if an acknowledgment of our independence is a hostility, a denial
+of it is so too, and if the maritime confederation forbids the one, it
+forbids both. None of the neutral nations can take the part of Great
+Britain, therefore, without breaking to pieces that great system,
+which has cost so much negotiation, and embraces so great a part of
+mankind.
+
+The neutral powers set so high a value upon it, and indeed make so
+great profit by it, that I think none of them will take the part of
+Great Britain. The connexions of the Duke Louis of Brunswick in
+Denmark and Russia, have set some little machines in motion, partly to
+favor him, and partly to hold out an appearance of something
+fermenting for the benefit of Great Britain. But these will never
+succeed so far as to draw any nation into the war, or to incline this
+Republic to make a separate peace.
+
+It is to this source that I attribute certain observations that are
+circulated in pamphlets and in conversation, "that there is at
+present an incoherence in the general system of Europe. That the
+Emperor has deranged the whole system of the equilibrium of Europe, so
+that if ever the Northern Powers should think of stopping by a
+confederation the preponderance of the Southern Powers, Holland will
+be unable, on account of the demolition of the barriers, to accede to
+that confederation."
+
+M. Magis, who has been eight and twenty years Envoy at the Hague from
+the Bishop of Liege, and who converses more with all the foreign
+Ministers here, than any other, has said to me, not long since, "Sir,
+the wheel rolls on too long and too rapidly one way; it must roll back
+again, somewhat, to come to its proper centre. The power of the House
+of Bourbon rises, and that of Great Britain sinks too fast, and I
+believe, the Emperor, although he seems perfectly still at present,
+will come out at length, and take the greatest part of any power in
+the final adjustment of affairs."
+
+The Count de Mirabel, the Sardinian Minister, said to me, upon another
+occasion, "your country, Sir, will be obliged in the vicisitudes of
+things, to wheel round, and take part with England, and such allies,
+as she may obtain, in order to form a proper balance in the world." My
+answer to both was, "these sentiments betray a jealousy of a too
+sudden growth of the power of the House of Bourbon; but whose fault is
+it, if it is a fact, (which it does not appear to be as yet) and whose
+fault will it be, if it should hereafter become a fact? Why do the
+neutral powers stand still and see it, or imagine they see it, when it
+is so easy to put a stop to it? They have only to acknowledge American
+independence, and then, neither the House of Bourbon nor England will
+have a colorable pretence for continuing the war, from which alone
+the jealousy can arise."
+
+The Prince de Gallitzin said, not long since, that the conduct of this
+Republic, in refusing a separate peace, &c. he feared would throw all
+Europe into a war, there were so many pretensions against England. I
+quote these sayings of foreign Ministers, because you express a desire
+to hear them, and because they show all the color of argument in favor
+of England that anybody has advanced. All these Ministers allow that
+American independence is decided, even the Ministers from Portugal,
+within a few days said it to me expressly. It is therefore very
+unreasonable in them to grumble at what happens, merely in consequence
+of their neutrality.
+
+It is the miserable policy of the Prince of Orange's counsellors, as I
+suppose, which has set a few springs in motion here. M. Markow, one of
+the Ministers of Russia, and M. St Saphorin, the Minister from
+Denmark, are the most openly and busily in favor of England. But if,
+instead of endeavoring to excite jealousies and foment prejudices
+against the House of Bourbon, or compassion towards England, they
+would endeavor to convince her of the necessity of acknowledging
+American independence, or to persuade the neutral powers to decide the
+point, by setting the example, they would really serve England, and
+the general cause of mankind. As it goes at present, their
+negotiations serve no cause whatever, that I can conceive of, unless
+it be that of the Duke of Brunswick, and, in the end, it will appear
+that even he is not served by it.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, September 23d, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+As this is a moment of great expectation, news of the greatest
+importance from the East Indies, from the West Indies and North
+America, from Gibraltar, from Lord Howe's fleet, and the combined
+fleet, being hourly looked for, I took this opportunity to return to
+the Spanish Minister a visit, which I owed him.
+
+He told me, that he trembled for the news we should have from
+Gibraltar. I asked him if he thought there would be a battle at sea.
+He answered, yes. He believed the combined fleet would meet Lord Howe,
+and give him battle. I said, in this case it will probably be but a
+running fight. His Lordship's object was to protect his convoy and get
+into the port, and he would not stop to fight more than should be
+unavoidable. D. Llano, however, said, that he believed the fate of
+Gibraltar would be decided before Howe could arrive, either the place
+taken, or the assault given over. By his advices, the attack was to
+begin the 4th or 5th of September. Howe sailed the 12th, and would be
+probably twenty days at least on his way, which would leave a space of
+twentyseven or twentyeight days for the attack, which would decide it
+one way or the other.
+
+I did not think proper to tell him my own apprehensions, and I wish I
+may be mistaken, but I have no expectation at all, in my own mind,
+that the combined fleet will meet Howe; that there will be any naval
+engagement; or that Gibraltar will surrender. They will make a horrid
+noise with their artillery against the place; but this noise will not
+terrify Elliot, and Gibraltar will remain to the English another year,
+and Lord Howe return to England, and all Europe will laugh. England,
+however, if she were wise, would say, what is sport to you, is death
+to us, who are ruined by these expenses. The earnest zeal of Spain to
+obtain that impenetrable rock, what has it not cost the House of
+Bourbon this war? And what is the importance of it? A mere point of
+honor! a trophy of insolence to England, and of humiliation to Spain!
+It is of no utility, unless as an asylum for privateers in time of
+war; for it is not to be supposed, that the powers of Europe, now that
+the freedom of commerce is so much esteemed, will permit either
+England or Spain to make use of this fortress and asylum as an
+instrument to exclude any nation from the navigation of the
+Mediterranean.
+
+From the _Hotel d'Espagne_, I went to that of France, and the Duc de
+la Vauguyon informed me that he had a letter from the Count de
+Vergennes, informing him that he had received, in an indirect manner,
+a set of preliminary propositions, as from the British Ministry, which
+they were said to be ready to sign, that he had sent M. de Rayneval to
+London, to know with certainty whether those preliminaries came from
+proper authority or not.
+
+Thus we see, that two Ministers from England, and another from
+Holland, are at Paris to make peace. The Count d'Aranda is said to
+have powers to treat on the part of Spain. Mr Franklin and Mr Jay are
+present on the part of the United States, and M. Gerard de Rayneval is
+at London. Yet, with all this, the British Ministry have never yet
+given any proof of their sincerity, nor any authority to any one to
+treat with the United States. I believe the British Ministry, even my
+Lord Shelburne would give such powers if he dared. But they dare not.
+They are afraid of the King, of the old Ministry, and a great party in
+the nation, irritated every moment by the refugees, who spare no
+pains, and hesitate at no impostures, to revive offensive hostilities
+in America. If Gibraltar should be relieved, and their fleets should
+arrive from the West Indies and the Baltic, and they should not have
+any very bad news from the East Indies, the nation will recover from
+its fright, occasioned by the loss of Cornwallis, Minorca, and St
+Kitts, and the Ministry will not yet dare to acknowledge American
+independence. In this case, Mr Fox and Mr Burke will lay their
+foundation of opposition, and the state of the finances will give them
+great weight. But the Ministry will find means to provide for another
+campaign.
+
+But to return to the Duc de la Vauguyon, who informed me further, that
+he had received instructions to propose to the Prince of Orange a new
+plan of concert of operations, viz; that the Dutch fleet, or at least
+a detachment of it, should now, in the absence of Lord Howe, sail from
+the Texel to Brest, and join the French ships there, in a cruise to
+intercept the British West India fleet. The Prince does not appear
+pleased with the plan. He has not yet accepted it. The Grand
+Pensionary appears to approve it, and support it with warmth. There is
+now a fine opportunity for the Dutch fleet to strike a blow, either
+alone, upon the Baltic fleet, or in conjunction with the French, or
+even alone upon the West India fleet. But the main spring of the
+machine is broken or unbent. There is neither capacity nor good will
+among those that direct the navy.
+
+At dinner, in the course of the day, with M. Gyzelaar, M. Visscher,
+and a number of the co-patriots, at the _Hotel_ _de Dort_, they
+lamented this incurable misfortune. Some of them told me, that the
+sums of money, granted and expended upon their marine, ought to have
+produced them a hundred and twenty vessels of war of all sizes;
+whereas they have not one quarter of the number. They have no more
+than twelve of the line in the Texel, reckoning in the number two
+fifties; and they have not more than six or seven in all the docks of
+Amsterdam, Zealand, the Meuse and Friesland, which can be ready next
+year.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ A MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE BANK OF AMSTERDAM.[10]
+
+The Bank of Amsterdam is much more simple than the denomination
+implies, in general, in the ideas of foreigners.
+
+It differs widely from those of Venice, London, and others, which have
+a capital, formed by proprietors (actionaries) to whose profit these
+banks operate. That of Amsterdam makes neither commerce nor loan, but
+upon real specie, upon their intrinsic value, and upon matters in bars
+(ingots) of gold and silver.
+
+This bank was erected in 1609. The magistrates of the city opened the
+project of the bank for the convenience of the merchants; but it is
+probable it was invented by the merchants themselves, as a remedy for
+the difficulty of payments, which became more and more considerable
+and embarrassing.
+
+1. Because there was a great deal of foreign money in the city, with
+which they made payments reciprocally, amidst eternal disputes,
+concerning the value to be given or received.
+
+2. Because, in the great number of coins struck by the States,
+diversely altered, and singularly divided, they had not all a constant
+circulation, notwithstanding the orders of the sovereign. Some were
+declined, even below the fixed value, and others were worth more.
+
+3. The external cashiers, which the merchants employed in those times,
+as they do at present to receive the money, which is due to them in
+the city, and to pay in their turn what they owe, profited, of the two
+inconveniences beforementioned to make to themselves gain, which
+augmented the disorder and the vexation of payments, as well as in
+writings.
+
+The merchants contrived then to make reciprocal payments, by a simple
+transposition of debit from one, to the credit of the other; but to
+this end, it was necessary to assure the validity of payments made in
+this manner, by a known and real value, and solidly placed under the
+authority and warranty of the city. The magistracy lent themselves to
+arrangements, which answered to all these conditions, so that a number
+of merchants and cashiers deposited at first at their pleasure, a sum
+in specie, more or less considerable, which was then designated by the
+commissaries of the bank, as ducats, or rix dollars and others, which
+money was placed in one of the vaults of the State-House, under the
+departments assigned for the carrying on of this bank. Those, who
+carried there their money, were credited for it, upon a leaf of the
+great book, which was shown to them, and from that time they might
+make reciprocal payments, as is practised at this day, without
+handling any cash, with this simple formula, viz.
+
+"Gentlemen, the commissioners of the bank; please to pay N. N. five
+thousand florins. P. G.
+
+Amsterdam, this ----."
+
+By means of which, the book-keepers had not, and have not still,
+anything to do, but to debit P. G. with five thousand florins, and
+credit N. N. for the same sum; so that, if they had deposited each one
+ten thousand florins in cash, there would remain of it, to the credit
+of P. G. only five thousand florins, and N. N. would have fifteen
+thousand florins to his, whereof he might dispose, in his turn, the
+next day, in favor of one or more others having accounts open in the
+bank. This manner of making payments was found so convenient, and they
+took such a confidence in it, that all the bankers and merchants, even
+down to the petty traders, made haste to open an account, and to carry
+there money, more or less, relatively to approaching payments, which
+they had to make in bank; so that there was soon a sufficiency of
+specie deposited for a foundation of all the payments, which were from
+that time designed to be made in bank, viz. all the bills of exchange
+of above three hundred florins, drawn by foreigners upon Amsterdam,
+and in Amsterdam upon foreigners, all the merchandises of the East
+Indies, the wools of Spain, and some other articles.
+
+It happened then, that they ceased to carry thither the monies of
+Holland, because the merchants, having occasion alternately, some of
+the money in bank for current money, and others, of current money for
+money in bank, they found a great facility in selling one for the
+other. From thence arose a commerce of agiotage, (_pour l'agio_) which
+had been already prepared, because it had been resolved, for good
+reasons without doubt, as in case of a flood of specie, &c. that the
+bank would not receive the monies, which they would deposit, but at
+five per cent below the current value; so that to have one thousand
+florins in bank to one's credit, it was necessary to deposit one
+thousand and fifty florins in current cash. Behold thus this agio
+establishment, and the money of the bank, worth five per cent more
+than the current money. This value of five per cent soon varied,
+because some one, who found that he had too much money in bank, and
+was in want of current, sought to sell the first for the second, found
+a purchaser, who would not give him more than four seveneighths per
+cent; that is to say, one thousand and fortyeight florins and fifteen
+stivers, for one thousand in bank. Thus of the rest in such sort, that
+at all times, when one would buy or sell the money in bank, there is
+no question but to agree upon the price of the agio, which is subject
+to a perpetual variation, and which is more or less high, according to
+the wants of epochs; as for example, when the company makes its sales,
+the merchants have greater want of money in bank to pay their
+purchases, which raises the agio, which falls again, when the company
+would sell that, which is come into them for current money, in which
+all payments are made for fitting out of vessels.
+
+The payments of bills of exchange, being to be made, as it has been
+said, in bank money, the price of all exchanges of current money,
+which were heretofore fixed in bank money, for example, a crown
+tournois, of sixty sols, the intrinsic value of which, founded upon
+the price of the money mark, amounted to fiftyseven sols and
+threefourths, current money of Holland, was placed at fiftyfive sols
+of bank money; and thus of all the exchanges with all foreign
+countries; from whence it results, that having sold merchandises of a
+man of Bordeaux, the amount of which produces net one thousand and
+fifty florins current, or the credit of one thousand bank, the agio at
+one hundred and five, when they make him a remittance, or when he
+draws, they purchase so many crowns as are necessary for the one
+thousand florins bank, at fiftyfive sols fifteen derniers, which comes
+to the same thing as if they bought crowns for one thousand and fifty
+florins current, at fiftyseven and threefourths sols current. When any
+one would open himself an account in the bank, he goes there himself,
+and puts his signature upon a book to make it known, and they give him
+the page upon which his account shall be opened, which he ought always
+to place at the head of the billet, by which he pays.
+
+They begin with debiting him with ten florins, once for all, after
+which he pays no more to the bank, but two sols for each bill that he
+writes, with which they debit him twice a year, when they make the
+balance of the books, viz. in January and July, at which epochs, each
+one is obliged to settle accounts with the bank, and to go and demand
+his pay, to see if they accord with the bank, under the penalty, after
+six weeks, if they fail or neglect, of paying a fine of twentyfive
+florins. The bank is shut at these epochs, and continues shut during
+fourteen or fifteen days, during which time, the bills of exchange
+sleep, and although they fall due the first day of the shutting, or
+any day following, they cannot be protested until the second or third
+day after the opening. There are other little shuttings of the bank,
+at the feasts, Christmas, Lent, Pentacost; and at the fair, which
+continue but a few days. One cannot dispose, till the next day, of the
+money, which enters by the bank, except the second days of the
+openings, and that of Pentacost. They call these days, the "returns of
+bills" (_revirement de parties_) or the "recounting," because they pay
+with that which they receive. One ought to take care, not to dispose
+beyond one's credit, for not only all the drafts whereof one has
+disposed are that day stopped, that is to say they are invalid, but
+one is condemned and obliged to pay a fine of triple of the whole,
+which one has disposed of more than that which one has in bank.
+
+The person who writes, ought himself to carry his draft to the bank,
+or at least his attorney, between eight and eleven o'clock in the
+morning; those who come after until three o'clock, pay six sols fine
+for each draft. The merchants ordinarily pass a procuration, which it
+is necessary to renew once a year, to one of their clerks to carry
+their drafts and demand their payments, which no other person can do.
+
+They transfer every day in the week, except Sunday, and during the
+shuttings, which are announced some weeks beforehand.
+
+For arranging the merchants, and also for maintaining and favoring the
+price of matters, and specie of gold and silver, both foreign and that
+of the country, which are in strictness only of mere commerce, as our
+ducats and rix dollars, the bank receives them at a value determined
+and relative to the weight and the title known by the pay-master of
+the bank, but the sum which they there receive ought not to be below
+two thousand five hundred florins. The bank gives receipts for the
+specie, &c. which they deposit there for six months, which are to the
+bearer; so that, within the time, if the specie or matters exceed,
+the proprietor may sell his receipt to another, who pays him the
+surplus of what they are worth of the price at which the bank has
+received them, and this receipt may thus pass through several hands,
+as often happens by the idea which they form of the excess or of the
+deficiency. He who is the bearer of this receipt, may go and take away
+these matters or specie when he will, in paying at the bank, the value
+which it has advanced to him who has deposited them, and, moreover,
+half of a florin for the keeping of them the six months, both upon
+gold and upon bars of silver, and quarter of a florin upon Mexican
+dollars, rix dollars, and some other species of money. When this term
+is expired, one may cause to be renewed the receipts, in paying at the
+bank the half or quarter florin due thus from six months to six
+months; but if one let pass that time without taking away his deposit,
+or without renewing it, it is devolved to the bank, which keeps it to
+its profit.
+
+The bank is governed under the inspection of the Burgomasters, by six
+commissaries, chosen and named by the Burgomasters from among the
+magistrates and principal merchants, under the care of whom is the
+deposited treasure. They furnish every year in the month of February,
+a balance of the bank to the Burgomasters, the youngest of whom goes
+down with them into the vaults, to verify and take account of the
+number of sacks, and of the specie contained in said balance, and
+forming the real and effective fund that each one has in the bank; and
+whatever may have been said or suspected upon this subject, it is very
+certain, that the fund rolling through the bank, is really there
+deposited in specie, ingots, and bars of gold and silver. This
+treasure is not, moreover, so immense as many people imagine. Some
+authors have written, (without doubt by estimation) that it went as
+far as three hundred millions of florins, which is not credible, when
+we consider the returns of the bills (_revirements de parties_) which
+are continually made, between those who have reciprocal payments to
+make among themselves. We know very nearly, that there are scarcely
+more than two thousand accounts open upon the books of this bank; so
+that in order to make three hundred millions of florins, it is
+necessary that these two thousand persons should have, one with
+another, one hundred and fifty thousand florins each in bank, which is
+beyond all probability, especially, if we consider that A and B having
+there each one, ten thousand florins, might reciprocally pay
+themselves sixty thousand florins per week, and thus make a
+circulation of transposition of one hundred and twenty thousand per
+week, with twenty thousand of _sign effective_. So that reducing the
+year to forty weeks of payment, with regard to the intervals which
+take place in the times of the shuttings, which is too large an
+allowance, it would result, that with fifty millions, there might be
+made twelve thousand millions of florins of payments per annum.
+According to this, and considering that the money in bank brings in no
+benefit, it is easy to imagine, that there is not much more than is
+necessary for the circulation of payments in bank, and that its
+treasure cannot be so considerable as many people imagine.
+
+The bank never lends upon any species of merchandise, nor discounts
+any paper, nor makes any other profit than the half or quarter of a
+florin upon the gold and silver there deposited, and which, added to
+the ten florins for the opening of accounts, and two stivers for each
+draft of which I have spoken, serves to pay all the expenses of clerks
+and others, which is occasioned by the bank. The overplus, which is
+not very considerable, goes to the profit of the city.
+
+No arrest or attachment can be made of any moneys which are in bank,
+under any pretext; the commissaries, book keepers, and others, who are
+in the service of the bank, are bound by oath to say nothing of what
+passes there. No man has a right to require of the bank, the
+reimbursement in specie of the sum with which he is credited; (_a_)
+each one having his account only in the receipts of the commissaries,
+which are in the term of six months. It is certain, that the primitive
+fund, the receipts for which they have suffered to be extinguished, is
+no longer demandable, and that one cannot force the commissioners to
+give specie, but it is not, therefore, the less true, that this fund
+exists really, and one ought not, and cannot doubt, that if the city
+was threatened with an inevitable invasion, and if the merchants
+should require their money, to place it elsewhere in safety, that the
+Burgomasters would cause it to be paid, by giving so many florins in
+current money, or value in bars or ingots, with which one should be
+credited.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+(_a_) The author is here mistaken. All those who have an account in
+bank, may demand to be paid in ready money, but they cannot require
+the agio. By consequence, while the bank shall have credit, and there
+shall be commerce at Amsterdam, which cannot be carried on without the
+money of the bank, and while there shall be, consequently, an agio, no
+man will go and demand in ready money, a sum which is worth five per
+cent more. The author has not well distinguished between the sum of
+money, or rather the specie, which one may redemand in the term of
+six months, by means of a receipt, and the money for which one is
+credited in bank. Behold the difference.
+
+When they have received at the bank a certain quality of gold or
+silver, whether in money or in bars, for the value of which the bank
+has credited upon its books the proprietor, (not according to the
+value which this money has in commerce, but according to its weight
+and denomination,) in this case, the depositor, or he who holds the
+receipt, has the right, by means of this receipt, and in restoring to
+the bank the sum for which the first depositor had been credited, to
+withdraw this gold or silver, paying one half per cent for the
+keeping. But, the six months elapsed, the receipt becomes useless, the
+gold or silver remains in propriety to the bank, and the depositor
+must content himself to have received in its place, the sum which this
+gold or silver has been valued at, by which sum he has been credited
+upon the books, and whereof he might have disposed as he saw good. It
+is this sum that he has the faculty of redemanding in ready money,
+when, and as often as he judges proper, and as he is acknowledged upon
+the books to be a creditor for that sum; but they are not bound to
+restore him more than the net sum without agio.
+
+No man will be, by consequence, mad enough to cause himself to be paid
+four or five per cent less than the money of the bank is worth in
+commerce. But if the money of the bank should be so discredited, that
+there should be no longer an agio, in that case, all the world would
+have a right to come and demand at the bank, the amount of the sums
+for which they are credited; and the bank, whose credit would be
+ruined, would be obliged, without controversy to make this payment,
+or to commit bankruptcy. It can never acquire a right of propriety in
+the capitals for which it has credit upon its books; but in case of
+restitution, it is not obliged to restore the same matters, or the
+same money for which it originally gave these credits. Over these the
+right is lost, with the expiration of the time established for the
+duration of the receipts, but it is held to the restitution of the
+amounts of the credits, such as they appear upon the books.
+
+September 26th, 1782.
+
+For the use of Congress, from
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[10] From Mr Adams's remarks, at the end of this Memorial, it would
+seem to have been furnished him by another hand.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+ The Hague, September 29th, 1782.
+
+My Dear General,
+
+I should have written you since the 29th of May, when I wrote you a
+letter, that I hope you received, if it had not been reported
+sometimes that you were gone, and at other times, that you were upon
+the point of going to America.
+
+This people must be indulged in their ordinary march, which you know
+is with the slow step. We have at length, however, the consent of all
+the cities and Provinces, and have adjusted and agreed upon every
+article, word, syllable, letter, and point, and clerks are employed in
+making out five fair copies for the signature, which will be done this
+week.
+
+Amidst the innumerable crowd of loans, which are open in this country,
+many of which have little success, I was much afraid that ours would
+have failed. I have, however, the pleasure to inform you, that I am at
+least one million and a half in cash, about three millions of livres,
+which will be a considerable aid to the operations of our financier at
+Philadelphia, and I hope your Court, with their usual goodness, will
+make up the rest that may be wanting.
+
+I am now as well situated as I ever can be in Europe. I have the honor
+to live upon agreeable terms of civility with the Ambassadors of
+France and Spain; and the Ministers of all the other powers of Europe,
+whom I meet at the houses of the French and Spanish Ministers, as well
+as at Court, are complaisant and sociable. Those from Russia and
+Denmark are the most reserved. Those from Sardinia and Portugal are
+very civil. The Ministers of all the neutral powers consider our
+independence as decided. One of those even from Russia, said so not
+long ago, and that from Portugal said it to me within a few days. You
+and I have known this point to have been decided a long time; but it
+is but lately, that the Ministers of neutral powers, however they
+might think, have frankly expressed their opinions; and it is now an
+indication, that it begins to be the sentiment of their Courts, for
+they do not often advance faster than their masters, in expressing
+their sentiments upon political points of this magnitude.
+
+Pray what are the sentiments of the _Corps Diplomatique_, at
+Versailles? What progress is made in the negotiation for peace? Can
+anything be done before the British Parliament, or at least the Court
+of St James, acknowledge the sovereignty of the United States,
+absolute and unlimited?
+
+It would give me great pleasure to receive a line from you, as often
+as your leisure will admit.
+
+With great esteem, I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient
+servant,
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ The Hague, October 7th, 1782.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Your favor of the 28th ultimo, was brought me last night. On Friday
+last I was notified, by the messenger of their High Mightinesses, that
+the treaties would be ready for signature on Monday, this day. I am,
+accordingly, at noon, to go to the Assembly, and finish the business.
+But when this is done, some time will be indispensable, to prepare my
+despatches for Congress, and look out for the most favorable
+conveyances for them. I must also sign another thousand of obligations
+at least, that the loan may not stand still. All this shall be
+despatched with all the diligence in my power, but it will necessarily
+take up some time, and my health is so far from being robust, that it
+will be impossible for me to ride with as much rapidity as I could
+formerly, although never remarkable for a quick traveller. If anything
+in the meantime should be in agitation, concerning peace, in which
+there should be any difference of opinion between you and your
+colleague, you have a right to insist upon informing me by express, or
+waiting till I come.
+
+_8th._ The signature was put off yesterday until today, by the Prince
+being in conference with their High Mightinesses, and laying his
+orders to the navy before them.
+
+With great regard, your humble servant,
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, October 8th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+At twelve o'clock today I proceeded, according to appointment, to the
+State-House, where I was received with the usual formalities, at the
+head of the stairs, by M. Van Santheuvel, a Deputy from the Province
+of Holland, and M. Van Lynden, the first noble of Zealand, and a
+Deputy from that Province, and by them conducted into the Chamber of
+Business, (_chambre de besogne_) an apartment belonging to the Truce
+Chamber, (_chambre de treve_) where were executed the Treaty of
+Commerce and the convention concerning recaptures, after an exchange
+of full powers.
+
+The Treaty and Convention are both closed, or at least an authentic
+copy of each. If the copy should arrive before the original, which I
+shall reserve to be sent by the safest opportunity I can find, it will
+be a sufficient foundation for the ratification of Congress. I hope
+the treaty will be satisfactory to Congress. It has taken up much time
+to obtain the remarks and the consent of all the members of this
+complicated sovereignty. Very little of this time has been taken up by
+me, as Congress will see by the resolution of their High Mightinesses,
+containing the power to the Deputies to conclude the treaty; for
+although all communications were made to me in Dutch, a language in
+which I was not sufficiently skilled to depend upon my own knowledge,
+M. Dumas was ever at hand, and ever ready to interpret to me
+everything in French, by which means I was always able to give my
+answers without loss of time. The papers, in which the whole progress
+of this negotiation is contained in Dutch, French, and English, make
+a large bundle, and after all, they contain nothing worth transmitting
+to Congress. To copy them would be an immense labor, to no purpose,
+and to send the originals, at once would expose them to loss.
+
+Several propositions were made to me, which I could not agree to, and
+several were made on my part, which could not be admitted by the
+States. The final result contained in the treaty, is as near the
+spirit of my instructions as I could obtain, and I think it is nothing
+materially variant from them. The Lords, the Deputies, proposed to me
+to make the convention a part of the treaty. My answer was, that I
+thought the convention, which is nearly conformable with that lately
+made with France, would be advantageous on both sides; but as I had no
+special instructions concerning it, and as Congress might have
+objections, that I could not foresee, it would be more agreeable to
+have the convention separate; so that Congress, if they should find
+any difficulty, might ratify the treaty without it. This was
+accordingly agreed to. It seemed at first to be insisted on, that we
+should be confined to the Dutch ports in Europe, but my friend, M. Van
+Berckel, and the merchants of Amsterdam, came in aid of me, in
+convincing all, that it was their interest to treat us upon the
+footing _gentis-amicissimae_, in all parts of the world.
+
+Friesland proposed, that a right should be stipulated for the subjects
+of this Republic to purchase lands in any of our States; but such
+reasons were urged as convinced them, that this was too extensive an
+object for me to agree to; 1st. It was not even stipulated for France.
+2dly. If it should be now introduced into this treaty, all other
+nations would expect the same, and although at present it might not
+be impolitic to admit of this, yet nobody would think it wise to bind
+ourselves to it forever. 3dly. What rendered all other considerations
+unnecessary, was, that Congress had not authority to do this, it being
+a matter of the interior policy of the separate States. This was given
+up. A more extensive liberty of engaging seamen in this country was a
+favorite object; but it could not be obtained. The _refraction_, as
+they call it, upon tobacco, in the weigh-houses, is a thing, that
+enters so deeply into their commercial policy, that I could not obtain
+anything, more particular or more explicit, than what is found in the
+treaty. Upon the whole, I think the treaty is conformable to the
+principles of perfect reciprocity, and contains nothing, that can
+possibly be hurtful to America, or offensive to our allies, or to any
+other nation, except Great Britain, to whom it is indeed, without a
+speedy peace, a mortal blow.
+
+The rights of France and Spain are sufficiently secured by the
+twentysecond article; although it is not in the very words of the
+project, transmitted me by Congress, it is the same in substance and
+effect. The Duc de la Vauguyon was very well contented with it, and
+the States were so jealous of unforeseen consequences from the words
+of the article as sent me by Congress, and as first proposed by me,
+that I saw it would delay the conclusion without end. After several
+conferences, and many proposals, we finally agreed upon the article as
+it stands, to the satisfaction of all parties.
+
+The clause reserving to the Dutch their rights in the East and West
+Indies, is unnecessary, and I was averse to it, as implying a jealousy
+of us. But as it implies too a compliment to our power and importance,
+was much insisted on, and amounted to no more than we should have
+been bound to without it, I withdrew my objection.
+
+The proviso of conforming to the laws of the country, respecting the
+external show of public worship, I wished to have excluded; because I
+am an enemy to every appearance of restraint in a matter so delicate
+and sacred as the liberty of conscience; but the laws here do not
+permit Roman Catholics to have steeples to their churches, and these
+laws could not be altered. I shall be impatient to receive the
+ratification of Congress, which I hope may be transmitted within the
+time limited.[11]
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, October 12th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Yesterday afternoon M. Van der Burg Van Spieringshock, the Agent of
+their High Mightinesses, brought me the enclosed resolution, relative
+to a vessel of M. Dubbledemuts. I promised to enclose it to Congress.
+I would have it translated here, but I have not time. I presume
+Congress has, or will have, an interpreter for the Low Dutch.
+
+It is much to be desired, that Congress would take some measures to
+inquire into this matter. The cause for my being so pressed for time,
+is, that I am preparing to set off for Paris, and have not only all
+my despatches to make up, to send the treaty, but have obligations to
+sign respecting the loan, that so essential a business may not stand
+still in my absence.
+
+Mr Jay writes me, that Mr Oswald has received a commission to treat of
+peace with the Commissioners of the United States of America. I shall
+set off for Paris next week.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[11] The Treaty mentioned in this letter, and the Convention
+respecting vessels recaptured, were ratified by Congress, on the 23d
+of January, 1783. The Treaty and Convention are printed at large,
+together with the form of ratification, in the Journal of Congress
+under this date.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, October 31st, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Having executed the treaty of commerce at the Hague, and despatched
+four copies of it, by four different vessels bound to America from the
+Texel, and having signed a sufficient number of obligations to leave
+in the hands of Messrs Willinks, Van Staphorsts, and de la Lande and
+Fynje, and having received information from Mr Jay, that Mr Oswald had
+received a commission from the King his master, under the Great Seal
+of Great Britain, to treat with the Commissioners of the United States
+of America, I set off for Paris, where I arrived on Saturday, the 26th
+of this month, after a tedious journey; the roads being, on account of
+long continued rains, in the worst condition I ever knew them.
+
+I waited forthwith on Mr Jay, and from him learned the state of the
+conferences. It is not possible, at present, to enter into details.
+All I can say is in general, that I had the utmost satisfaction in
+finding, that he had been all along acting here upon the same
+principles upon which I had ventured to act in Holland, and that we
+were perfectly agreed in our sentiments and systems. I cannot express
+it better than in his own words; "to be honest and grateful to our
+allies, but to think for ourselves." I find a construction put upon
+one article of our instructions by some persons, which I confess I
+never put upon it myself. It is represented by some, as subjecting us
+to the French Ministry, as taking away from us all right of judging
+for ourselves, and obliging us to agree to whatever the French
+Ministers shall advise us to, and to do nothing without their consent.
+I never supposed this to be the intention of Congress; if I had, I
+never would have accepted the commission, and if I now thought it
+their intention, I could not continue in it. I cannot think it
+possible to be the design of Congress; if it is, I hereby resign my
+place in the commission, and request that another person may be
+immediately appointed in my stead.
+
+Yesterday we met Mr Oswald at his lodgings; Mr Jay, Dr Franklin, and
+myself, on one side, and Mr Oswald, assisted by Mr Strachey, a
+gentleman whom I had the honor to meet in company with Lord Howe upon
+Staten Island in the year 1776, and assisted also by a Mr Roberts, a
+clerk in some of the public offices, with books, maps, and papers,
+relative to the boundaries.
+
+I arrived in a lucky moment for the boundary of the Massachusetts,
+because I brought with me all the essential documents relative to that
+object, which are this day to be laid before my colleagues in
+conference at my house, and afterwards before Mr Oswald.
+
+It is now apparent, at least to Mr Jay and myself, that, in order to
+obtain the western lands, the navigation of the Mississippi, and the
+fisheries, or any of them, we must act with firmness and independence,
+as well as prudence and delicacy. With these, there is little doubt we
+may obtain them all.
+
+Yesterday I visited M. Brantzen, the Dutch Minister, and was by him
+very frankly and candidly informed of the whole progress of the
+negotiation on their part. It is very shortly told. They have
+exchanged full powers with Mr Fitzherbert, and communicated to him
+their preliminaries, according to their instructions, which I have
+heretofore transmitted to Congress. Mr Fitzherbert has sent them to
+London and received an answer, but has communicated to them no more of
+this answer than this, that those preliminaries are not relished at St
+James'. He excused his not having seen them for six or seven days, by
+pretence of indisposition, but they are informed that he has made
+frequent visits to Versailles during these days, and sent off and
+received several couriers.
+
+How the negotiation advances between Mr Fitzherbert, and the Count de
+Vergennes, and the Count d'Aranda, we know not.
+
+The object of M. de Rayneval's journey to London, is not yet
+discovered by any of us. It is given out, that he was sent to see
+whether the British Ministry were in earnest.[12] But this is too
+general. It is suspected that he went to insinuate something relative
+to the fisheries and the boundaries, but it is probable he did not
+succeed respecting the former, and perhaps not entirely, with respect
+to the latter.
+
+With great respect, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[12] See Franklin's Correspondence, Vol. IV. p. 48. Also the North
+American Review for January, 1830, p. 21.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, November 6th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Two days ago arrived by Captain Barney, the letters you did me the
+honor to write me, the 22d, 29th, 30th, triplicate of May, 4th of
+July, 29th of August, and 15th of September.
+
+I was unconditionally received in Holland, and promised upon record
+conferences and audiences, whenever I should demand them, before I
+entered into any treaty, and without this I should never have entered
+into any; and full powers were given to the Committee of Foreign
+Affairs, before I entered into any conferences with them. I have
+ventured upon the same principle in the affair of peace, and uniformly
+refused to come to Paris, until our independence was unconditionally
+acknowledged by the King of Great Britain. Mr Jay has acted on the
+same principle with Spain, and with Great Britain. The dignity of the
+United States, being thus supported, has prevailed in Holland and
+Great Britain; not indeed as yet in Spain, but we are in a better
+situation in relation to her, than we should have been if the
+principle had been departed from. The advice of the Count de Vergennes
+has been contrary; but however great a Minister he may be in his own
+department, his knowledge is insufficient and his judgment too often
+erroneous in our affairs, to be an American Minister.
+
+Intelligence from Holland is impossible through France. Events in
+Holland can seldom be foreseen one day. When they happen, they are
+inserted in the gazettes, transferred to the _Courier de l'Europe_,
+the English and French gazettes, and get to America before it is
+possible for me to transmit them directly. Besides, Sir, I have
+sometimes thought, that my time was better employed in doing business,
+that might produce other events, than in multiplying copies and
+conveyances of despatches, which would contain nothing, but what I
+knew the newspapers would announce as soon; my reputation may not be
+so well husbanded by this method, but the cause of my country is
+served. I am not insensible to reputation; but I hope it has not been
+a principal object. Perhaps it has not been enough an object. I see so
+much of the omnipotence of reputation, that I begin to think so. I
+know very well, however, that if mine cannot be supported by facts, it
+will not be by trumpeters.
+
+If it were in my power to do anything for the honor of the department
+or Minister of Foreign Affairs, I would cheerfully do it, because I am
+a friend to both; and to this end, you will, I am sure, not take it
+amiss if I say, that it is indispensably necessary for the service of
+Congress, and the honor of the office, that it be kept impenetrably
+secret from the French Minister in many things. The office will be an
+engine for the ruin of the reputation of your Ministers abroad, and
+for injuring our cause in material points, the fishery, the western
+lands, and the Mississippi, &c. if it is not.
+
+I thank you, Sir, for the hint about the English language. I think
+with you, that we ought to make a point of it, and after some time, I
+hope it will be an instruction from Congress to all their Ministers.
+
+As to the negotiations for peace, we have been night and day employed
+in them ever since my arrival on the 26th of October. Doctor Franklin,
+without saying anything to me, obtained of Mr Jay a promise of his
+vote[13] for Mr W. T. Franklin, to be Secretary to the commission for
+peace; and as the Doctor and his Secretary are in the same house, and
+there are other clerks enough, I suppose he will transmit to Congress
+details of the negotiations. I shall be ready to lend them any
+assistance in my power; and I will endeavor as soon as I can to
+transmit them myself; but after spending forenoon, afternoon, and
+evening, in discussions, it is impossible to transmit all the
+particulars. No man's constitution is equal to it.
+
+The English have sent Mr Oswald, who is a wise and good man, and, if
+untrammelled, would soon settle all, and Mr Strachey, who is a keen
+and subtle one, although not deeply versed in such things; and a Mr
+Roberts, who is a clerk in the Board of Trade, and Mr Whithead, who is
+private Secretary to Mr Oswald. These gentlemen are very profuse in
+their professions of national friendship; of earnest desires to
+obliterate the remembrance of all unkindnesses, and to restore peace,
+harmony, friendship, and make them perpetual, by removing every seed
+of future discord. All this, on the part of Mr Oswald personally, is
+very sincere. On the part of the nation, it may be so in some sense at
+present; but I have my doubts, whether it is a national disposition,
+upon which we can have much dependence, and still more, whether it is
+the sincere intention of the Earl of Shelburne.
+
+He has been compelled to acknowledge American independence, because
+the Rockingham Administration had resolved upon it, and Carleton and
+Digby's letter to General Washington, had made known that resolution
+to the world; because the nation demanded that negotiations should be
+opened with the American Ministers, and they refused to speak or hear,
+until their independence was acknowledged unequivocally and without
+conditions, because Messrs Fox and Burke had resigned their offices,
+pointedly, on account of the refusal of the King, and my Lord
+Shelburne, to make such an acknowledgment; and these eloquent senators
+were waiting only for the session of Parliament to attack his Lordship
+on this point; it was, therefore, inevitable to acknowledge our
+independence, and no Minister could have stood his ground without it.
+But still I doubt, whether his Lordship means to make a general peace.
+To express myself more clearly, I fully believe he intends to try
+another campaign, and that he will finally refuse to come to any
+definitive agreement with us, upon articles to be inserted in the
+general peace.
+
+We have gone the utmost lengths to favor the peace. We have at last
+agreed to boundaries with the greatest moderation. We have offered
+them the choice of a line through the middle of all the great lakes,
+or the line of 45 degrees of latitude, the Mississippi, with a free
+navigation of it at one end, and the river St Croix at the other. We
+have agreed, that the courts of justice be opened for the recovery of
+British debts due before the war, to a general amnesty for all the
+royalists, against whom there is no judgment rendered, or prosecution
+commenced. We have agreed, that all the royalists, who may remain at
+the evacuation of the States, shall have six months to sell their
+estates, and to remove with them.
+
+These are such immense advantages to the Minister, that one would
+think he could not refuse them. The agreement to pay British debts,
+will silence the clamors of all the body of creditors, and separate
+them from the tories, with whom they have hitherto made common cause.
+The amnesty and the term of six months will silence all the tories,
+except those who have been condemned, banished, and whose property has
+been confiscated; yet I do not believe they will be accepted.
+
+I fear they will insist a little longer upon a complete
+indemnification to all the refugees, a point, which, without express
+instructions from all the States, neither we nor Congress can give up;
+and how the States can ever agree to it, I know not, as it seems an
+implicit concession of all the religion and morality of the war. They
+will also insist upon Penobscot as the eastern boundary. I am not sure
+that the tories, and the Ministry, and the nation, are not secretly
+stimulated by French emisaries, to insist upon Penobscot, and a full
+indemnification to the tories. It is easy to see, that the French
+Minister, the Spanish and the Dutch Ministers would not be very fond
+of having it known through the world, that all points for a general
+peace were settled between Great Britain and America, before all
+parties are ready. It is easy to comprehend, how French, Spanish, and
+Dutch emisaries, in London, in Paris, and Versailles, may insinuate,
+that the support of the tories is a point of national and royal honor,
+and propagate so many popular arguments in favor of it, as to
+embarrass the British Minister. It is easy to see, that the French may
+naturally revive their old assertions, that Penobscot and Kennebec are
+the boundary of Nova Scotia, although against the whole stream of
+British authorities, and the most authentic acts of the Governors,
+Shirley, Pownal, Bernard, and Hutchinson. Mr Fitzherbert, who is
+constantly at Versailles, is very sanguine for the refugees.
+Nevertheless, if my Lord Shelburne should not agree with us, these
+will be only ostensible points. He cares little for either. It will be
+to avoid giving any certain weapons against himself, to the friends of
+Lord North, and the old Ministry.
+
+The negotiations at Versailles between the Count de Vergennes and Mr
+Fitzherbert, are kept secret, not only from us, but from the Dutch
+Ministers, and we hear nothing about Spain. In general, I learn, that
+the French insist upon a great many fish. I dined yesterday with M.
+Berkenrode, the Dutch Ambassador, and M. Brantzen, his colleague. They
+were both very frank and familiar, and confessed to me, that nothing
+had been said to them, and that they could learn nothing as yet of the
+progress of the negotiation. Berkenrode told me, as an honest man,
+that he had no faith in the sincerity of the English for peace as yet;
+on the contrary, he thought that a part of Lord Howe's fleet had gone
+to America, and that there was something meditated against the French
+West India Islands. I doubt this, however; but we shall soon know
+where my Lord Howe is. That something is meditating against the French
+or Spaniards, and that they think of evacuating New York for that end,
+I believe. Berkenrode seemed to fear the English, and said, like a
+good man, that in case any severe stroke should be struck against
+France, it would be necessary for Holland and America to discover a
+firmness. This observation had my heart on its side; but without an
+evacuation of New York, they can strike no blow at all, nor any very
+great one with it.
+
+Mr Oswald has made very striking overtures to us; to agree to the
+evacuation of New York, to write a letter to General Washington, and
+another to Congress, advising them to permit this evacuation, to
+agree, that neither the people nor the army should oppose this
+evacuation, or molest the British army in attempting it; nay, further,
+that we should agree, that the Americans should afford them all sorts
+of aid, and even supplies of provisions. These propositions he made to
+us, in obedience to an instruction from the Minister, and he told us
+their army were going against West Florida, to reconquer that from the
+Spaniards. Our answer was, that we could agree to no such things; that
+General Washington could enter into a convention with them, for the
+terms upon which they should surrender the city of New York, and all
+its dependencies, as Long Island, Staten Island, &c. to the arms of
+the United States. All that we could agree to was, that the effects
+and persons of those, who should stay behind, should have six months
+to go off, nor could we agree to this, unless as an article to be
+inserted in the general peace.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[13] This proved to be an error. Mr Jay wrote to Doctor Franklin, on
+the 26th of January, 1783, as follows, "It having been suspected, that
+I concurred in the appointment of your grandson to the place of
+Secretary to the American Commission for Peace, _at your instance_, I
+think it right thus unsolicited to put it in your power to correct the
+mistake, &c." See the whole letter in _Franklin's Correspondence_,
+Vol. IV. p. 73.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, November 6th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The scene of action is so entirely transferred to your side of the
+Atlantic, that scarce any occurrence among us at present is
+sufficiently interesting to furnish matter for a public letter.
+
+The resolutions, which have from time to time evinced the steady
+determination of Congress, in no event to relinquish the great object
+of the war, or think of peace but in connexion with their allies, have
+been already transmitted to you. The military force on both sides is
+perfectly inactive. By the enclosed extracts from General Carleton's,
+and General Washington's letters, you will see that the first is so
+bent on peace, that, notwithstanding the opinion of his superiors, he
+does not see that the war has any longer an object. It is high time
+that he disavows them, for their conduct is a direct disavowal of him.
+
+The clauses of the commission to Mr Fitzherbert, which are designed to
+include us, are strong indications of the extreme reluctance of the
+British to give up their supposed dominion over this country. You have
+great credit with me for the judgment you have formed, from time to
+time, of the Court of Great Britain; though your opinions sometimes
+run counter to those generally received.
+
+Nothing can be more conformable to our wishes, than the instructions
+you have transmitted; keep up that spirit in ---- and we have nothing
+to fear from that quarter, but lengthy negotiations, even after they
+shall commence in earnest.
+
+We have yet no accounts of the evacuation of Charleston, and that
+event begins daily to grow more uncertain. Such is the inconstancy of
+the enemy, that one may as well predict what appearances a cloud will
+put on two hours hence, by our knowledge of the wind, as reduce their
+conduct to any settled shape, by knowing their professions. Our troops
+have gone into winter quarters at West Point.
+
+The French have marched to the eastward to be nearer their fleet,
+which lies at Boston. Part of the British fleet, consisting of
+fourteen sail of the line, and eight frigates, including a ship of
+forty guns, sailed from New York the 26th ultimo. They have such a
+decided superiority in the American seas, that if they had
+correspondent land forces, or even knew how to apply those they keep
+cooped up in America, they might render themselves very formidable in
+the West Indies. This however is, I hope, an evil, which will be ere
+long remedied.
+
+Bills for the amount of your salary from January last have been
+regularly transmitted to Dr Franklin. You will receive with this the
+amount of the last quarter, ending the first of October. Mr Morris, my
+Secretary, will enclose you a state of your accounts. I should be glad
+if you would acknowledge the receipt of these moneys, as they come to
+hand, since I stand charged with them in the Treasury books.
+
+The enclosed resolution will show you, that Mr Boudinott has succeeded
+Mr Hanson, as President of Congress.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, November 8th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In one of your letters you suppose, that I have an open avowed
+contempt of all rank. Give me leave to say, you are much mistaken in
+my sentiments. There are times, and I have often seen such, when a
+man's duty to his country demands of him the sacrifice of his rank, as
+well as his fortune and life, but this must be an epoch, and for an
+object worthy of the sacrifice. In ordinary times, the same duty to
+his country obliges him to contend for his rank, as the only means
+indeed, sometimes, by which he can do service, and the sacrifice would
+injure his country more than himself. When the world sees a man
+reduced to the necessity of giving up his rank, merely to serve the
+public, they will respect him, and his opinions will have the more
+weight for it; but when the same world sees a man yield his rank for
+the sake of holding a place, he becomes ridiculous. This, you may
+depend upon it, will not be my case.
+
+Ranks, titles, and etiquettes, and every species of punctilios, even
+down to the visits of cards, are of infinitely more importance in
+Europe, than in America, and therefore Congress cannot be too tender
+of disgracing their Ministers abroad in any of these things, nor too
+determined not to disgrace themselves. Congress will, sooner or later,
+find it necessary to adjust the ranks of all their servants, with
+relation to another, as well as to the magistrates and officers of the
+separate governments.
+
+For example, if, when Congress abolished my commission to the king of
+Great Britain, and my commission for peace, and issued a new
+commission for peace, in which they associated four other gentlemen
+with me, they had placed any other at the head of the commission, they
+would have thrown a disgrace and ridicule upon me in Europe, that I
+could not have withstood. It would have injured me in the minds of
+friends and enemies, the French and Dutch, as well as the English.
+
+It is the same thing with the States. If Mr Jay and I had yielded the
+punctilio of rank, and taken the advice of the Count de Vergennes and
+Dr Franklin, by treating with the English or Spaniards, before we were
+put upon the equal footing, that our rank demanded, we should have
+sunk in the minds of the English, French, Spaniards, Dutch, and all
+the neutral powers. The Count de Vergennes certainly knows this; if he
+does not, he is not even an European statesman; if he does know it,
+what inference can we draw, but that he means to keep us down if he
+can; to keep his hand under our chin to prevent us from drowning, but
+not to lift our heads out of water?
+
+The injunctions upon us to communicate, and to follow the advice that
+is given us, seem to be too strong, and too universal. Understood with
+reasonable limitations and restrictions, they may do very well. For
+example, I wrote a speculation, and caused it to be printed in the
+_Courier du Bas Rhine_, showing the interest, policy, and humanity of
+the neutral confederation's acknowledging American independence, and
+admitting the United States to subscribe to the principles of their
+Marine Treaty. This was reprinted in the Gazette of Leyden, the
+_Politique Hollandais_, the _Courier de l'Europe_, and all the Dutch
+gazettes. At the same time I caused to be transmitted to England some
+pieces on the same subject, and further showing the probability, that
+the neutral powers might adopt this measure, and the impolicy of Great
+Britain, in permitting all the powers of Europe to get the start of
+her, and having more merit with America than she, by acknowledging her
+independence first. These pieces were printed in the English papers,
+in the form of letters to the Earl of Shelburne, and can never be
+controverted, because they are in writing, and in print, with their
+dates. These fears thus excited, added to our refusal to treat on an
+unequal footing, probably produced his Lordship's resolution, to
+advise the King to issue the commission, under the great seal, to Mr
+Oswald; by which Great Britain has got the start, and gone to the
+windward of the other European powers. No man living, but myself,
+knew, that all these speculations, in various parts of Europe, came
+from me. Would it do for me to communicate all this to the French
+Ministers? Is it possible for me to communicate all these things to
+Congress? Believe me it is not, and give me leave to say it will not
+do to communicate them to my friend, the Chevalier de la Luzerne, nor
+my friend, M. Marbois. If they should be, long letters will lay all
+open to the Count de Vergennes, who, I assure you, I do not believe
+will assist me, or anybody else, in such measures of serving our
+country. When the French Ministers in America, or Europe, communicate
+everything to us, we may venture to be equally communicative with
+them. But when everything is concealed from us, more cautiously than
+it is from England, we shall do ourselves injustice, if we are not
+upon our guard.
+
+If we conduct ourselves with caution, prudence, moderation, and
+firmness, we shall succeed in every great point; but if Congress, or
+their Ministers abroad suffer themselves to be intimidated by threats,
+slanders, or insinuations, we shall be duped out of the fishery, the
+Mississippi, much of the western lands, compensation to the tories,
+and Penobscot at least, if not Kennebec. This is my solemn opinion,
+and I will never be answerable to my country, posterity, or my own
+mind, for the consequences, that might happen from concealing it.
+
+It is for the determinate purpose of carrying these points, that one
+man, who is submission itself, is puffed up to the top of Jacob's
+ladder in the clouds, and every other man depressed to the bottom of
+it in the dust. This is my opinion, let me be punished for it, for
+assuredly I am guilty.
+
+With great respect, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, November 11th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On my first arrival at Paris, I found my colleagues engaged in
+conferences with Mr Oswald. They had been before chiefly conducted by
+Mr Jay, Dr Franklin having been mostly confined for three months, by a
+long and painful illness. At this time, however, he was so much
+better, although still weak and lame, as to join us in most of our
+subsequent conferences, and we were so constantly engaged forenoon,
+afternoon, and evening, that I had not been out to Versailles, nor
+anywhere else.
+
+On Saturday last, the Marquis de Lafayette called upon me, and told me
+he had been to Versailles, and the Count de Vergennes had said to him,
+that he had been informed by the returns of the Police, that I was in
+Paris, but not officially, and he should take it well if I would come
+to see him.
+
+I went out to dine with Dr Franklin the same day, who had just
+returned from delivering his memorial, and repeated to me the same
+message. I said to both, I would go the next morning, and,
+accordingly, on Sunday, the 9th, I went to make my court to his
+Excellency. He received me politely, and asked me questions about our
+progress. I answered him, that the English Minister appeared to me to
+divide with us upon ostensible points; that I still doubted his
+intentions to make a universal peace; that the cry of the nation was
+for something to be done or said with the American Ministers; and to
+satisfy this, the King of Great Britain had been advised to be the
+third power in Europe to acknowledge our independence. As this was a
+royal act, and under the great seal of his kingdom, it would never be
+denied or revoked; but still it did not render the nation unanimous,
+and to avoid, finally, disgusting any great party, the Minister would
+still pursue his usual studied obscurity of policy. Points must be
+conceded to the Americans, before a complete agreement could be made
+with them, even on terms to be inserted in the universal peace, which
+would open the full cry of a powerful party upon him, among which were
+the refugees. It could not be supposed, that the refugees and
+Penobscot were such points with the nation or Minister, that they
+would continue the war for them only, if they were ready to strike
+with France, Spain, and Holland.
+
+The Count then asked me some questions respecting Sagadehock, which I
+answered, by showing him the records, which I had in my pocket,
+particularly that of Governor Pownal's solemn act of possession in
+1759; the grants and settlements of Mount Desert, Machias, and all the
+other townships east of Penobscot river; the original grant of James
+the First, to Sir William Alexander of Nova Scotia, in which it is
+bounded on St Croix river; (this grant I had in Latin, French, and
+English) the dissertations of Governor Shirley, and Governor
+Hutchinson, and the authority of Governor Bernard, all showing the
+right of Massachusetts to this tract to be incontestable. I added,
+that I did not think any British Minister would ever put his hand to a
+written claim of that tract of land, their own national acts were so
+numerous, and so clear against them. The Count said, Mr Fitzherbert
+had told him, that it was for the masts, that a point was made of that
+tract. But the Count said, Canada was an immense resource for masts. I
+said, there were few masts there; that this could not be the motive;
+that the refugees were still at the bottom of this; several of them
+had pretensions to lands in Sagadehock, and the rest hoped for grants
+there.
+
+The Count said, it was not at all surprising, that the British
+Ministry should insist upon compensation to the tories, for that all
+the precedents were in their favor; in the case of the United
+Provinces with Spain, all were restored to their possessions, and that
+there never had been an example of such an affair terminated by
+treaty, but all were restored. He said, it was a point well settled by
+precedents. I begged his Excellency's pardon for this, and thought
+there was no precedent in point. A restitution of an estate not
+alienated, although confiscated to a Crown or State, could not be a
+precedent in point, because, in our case, these estates had not only
+been confiscated, but alienated by the State, so that it was no longer
+in the power of the State to restore them. And when you come to the
+question of compensation, there is every argument of national honor,
+dignity of the State, public and private justice and humanity, for us
+to insist upon a compensation for all the plate, negroes, rice, and
+tobacco stolen, and houses and substance consumed, as there is for
+them to demand compensation to the tories; and this was so much the
+stronger in our favor, as our sufferers were innocent people, and
+theirs guilty ones.
+
+M. Rayneval, who was present, said something about the King and
+nation being bound to support their adherents. I answered, that I
+could not comprehend this doctrine. Here was a set of people, whose
+bad faith and misrepresentations had deceived the King and deluded the
+nation, to follow their all-devouring ambition, until they had totally
+failed of their object; had brought an indelible reproach on the
+British name, and almost irretrievable ruin on the nation, and yet
+that nation is bound to support their deceivers and ruiners. If the
+national honor was bound at all, it was bound still to follow their
+ambition, to conquer America, and plant the refugees there in pomp and
+power, and in such case, we all know whose estates would be
+confiscated, and what compensation would be obtained. All this M.
+Rayneval said was very true.
+
+The Count asked me to dine, which I accepted, and was treated with
+more attention and complaisance than ever, both by him and the
+Countess. As it is our duty to penetrate, if we can, the motives and
+views of our allies, as well as our enemies, it is worth while for
+Congress to consider what may be the true motives of these intimations
+in favor of the tories. History shows, that nations have generally had
+as much difficulty to arrange their affairs with their allies as with
+their enemies. France has had as much this war with Spain as with
+England. Holland and England, whenever they have been allies, have
+always found many difficulties, and from the nature of things, it must
+ever be an intricate task, to reconcile the notions, prejudices,
+principles, &c. of two nations in one concert of councils and
+operations.
+
+We may well think, that the French would be very glad to have the
+Americans join with them in a future war. Suppose, for example, they
+should think the tories men of monarchical principles, or men of more
+ambition than principle, or men corrupted and of no principle, and
+should, therefore, think them more easily seduced to their purposes
+than virtuous Republicans, is it not easy to see the policy of a
+French Minister in wishing them amnesty and compensation? Suppose that
+a French Minister foresees, that the presence of the tories in America
+will keep up perpetually two parties, a French and an English party,
+and that this will compel the patriotic and independent men to join
+the French side, is it not natural for him to wish them restored? Is
+it not easy too to see, that a French Minister cannot wish to have the
+English and Americans perfectly agreed upon all points, before they
+themselves, the Spanish and the Dutch are agreed too? Can they be
+sorry then to see us split upon such a point as the tories? What can
+be their motives to become the advocates of the tories? It seems the
+French Minister, at Philadelphia, has made some representations to
+Congress, in favor of a compensation to the royalists, and that the
+Count de Vergennes' conversation with me was much in favor of it. The
+Count probably knows, that we are instructed against it, or rather,
+have not a constitutional authority to make it; that we can only write
+about it to Congress, and they to the States, who may, and probably
+will, deliberate upon it a year or eighteen months before they all
+decide, and then every one of them will determine against it. In this
+way, there is an insuperable obstacle to any agreement between the
+English and Americans, even upon terms to be inserted in the general
+peace, before all are ready, and, indeed, after. It has been upon
+former occasions the constant practice of the French, to have some of
+their subjects in London, and the English some of theirs in Paris,
+during conferences for peace, in order to propagate such sentiments as
+they wished to prevail. I doubt not there are such there now. M.
+Rayneval has certainly been there. It is reported, I know not how
+truly, that M. Gerard has been there, and probably others are there,
+who can easily prompt the tories to clamor, and to cry that the King's
+dignity and nation's honor are compromised, to support their demands.
+
+America has been long enough involved in the wars of Europe. She has
+been a football between contending nations from the beginning, and it
+is easy to foresee, that France and England both will endeavor to
+involve us in their future wars. It is our interest and duty to avoid
+them as much as possible, and to be completely independent, and to
+have nothing to do with either of them, but in commerce. My poor
+thoughts and feeble efforts, have been from the beginning constantly
+employed to arrange all our European connexions to this end, and will
+continue to be so employed, whether they succeed or not. My hopes of
+success are stronger now than they ever have been, because I find Mr
+Jay precisely in the same sentiments, after all the observations and
+reflections he has made in Europe, and Dr Franklin at last, at least
+appears to coincide with us. We are all three perfectly united in the
+affair of the tories, and of the Sagadehock, the only points in which
+the British Minister pretends to differ from us.
+
+The enclosed papers will show Congress the substance of the
+negotiation. The treaty, as first projected between Mr Oswald on one
+side, and Dr Franklin and Mr Jay on the other before my arrival; the
+treaty as projected after my arrival, between Mr Oswald and the three
+American Ministers, my Lord Shelburne having disagreed to the first;
+Mr Oswald's letter and our answer; Mr Strachey's letter and our
+answer.[14] Mr Strachey has gone to London with the whole, and we are
+waiting his return, or the arrival of some other, with further
+instructions.
+
+If Congress should wish to know my conjecture, it is, that the
+Ministry will still insist upon compensation to the tories, and thus
+involve the nation every month of the war in an expense sufficient to
+make a full compensation to all the tories in question. They would not
+do this, however, if they were ready with France and Spain.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, November 18th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Since my letter of the 6th, Congress have been pleased to appoint Mr
+Jefferson one of their Ministers Plenipotentiary for negotiating
+peace. I have not yet received an answer to my letter informing him of
+this event, though I have some reason to believe he will accept the
+appointment.
+
+I believe I mentioned to you, that Congress had refused to accept Mr
+Laurens' resignation. Many members have since seen with great pain,
+the petition published in the Parliamentary debates as his. I
+sincerely wish, that it may prove to be a forgery, since the language
+it speaks does not consist with the dignified character he holds. He
+has since informed Congress, that he purposes to return to England,
+and come out to this country by the way of New York. I hope the
+determination of Congress will reach him before he leaves France, as
+it will have an awkward appearance to send to England for an American
+Minister.
+
+All the contracts we have received from you, have been sent back with
+the ratification endorsed. Some of them have, I hope, reached you
+before this. So that the last hand may be put to the important
+business of the loan.
+
+So much has been said of Captain Asgill, upon whom, as you have been
+informed, the lot fell, when it was determined to avenge the death of
+Captain Huddy, that I should let you know the issue of this business,
+which you may in part collect, from the enclosed resolve, though you
+may be ignorant of the reasons which induced Congress to pass it, and
+again render abortive their determination to punish the unexampled
+cruelty of the enemy. Mrs Asgill, the mother of this unfortunate young
+man, had sufficient influence at the Court of France to obtain its
+interposition in his favor; a letter was written on the subject by
+Count de Vergennes to General Washington, enclosing one from Mrs
+Asgill to the Count, which was extremely pathetic. The Minister of
+France had orders from his master to support this application. It was
+thought advisable, that this should not be formally done, but that the
+discharge of Asgill, should be grounded upon the reasons expressed in
+the preamble of the resolution. Congress the more readily acquiesced
+in this measure, as there is ground to hope, from the late conduct of
+the enemy, that they have determined to adopt a more civilized mode of
+carrying on the war in future. They have called off the savages, and a
+large number of prisoners have returned on parole from Canada.
+
+We have yet no certain account of the evacuation of Charleston, though
+we know that the first division of the troops, and a considerable
+number of the inhabitants sailed on the 19th ultimo, as is said, for
+Augustine; it is probably evacuated by this time.
+
+It would give me pleasure to receive from you an accurate account of
+the differences, which have arisen between the Court of Denmark and
+the United Provinces, and the effects they may probably produce. We
+are imperfectly acquainted with facts here, and still less with the
+politics of the Northern Courts; you will sometimes extend your
+observations to them.
+
+I confide too much in the wisdom of the States-General to believe,
+that they will omit any honorable means to prevent an accession of
+strength to Great Britain, at this critical moment.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[14] These papers will be found in the Correspondence of the Ministers
+for negotiating a peace.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, November 18th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The instructions from Congress, which direct us to pay so strict an
+attention to the French Ministry, and to follow their advice, are
+conceived in terms so universal and unlimited, as to give a great deal
+of anxiety to my mind.
+
+There is no man more impressed with the obligation of obedience to
+instructions; but, in ordinary cases, the principal is so near the
+Deputy, as to be able to attend to the whole progress of the business,
+and to be informed of every new fact, and every sudden thought.
+Ambassadors in Europe can send expresses to their Courts, and give and
+receive intelligence in a few days, with the utmost certainty. In
+such cases there is no room for mistake, misunderstanding, or
+surprise. But, in our case, it is very different. We are at an immense
+distance. Despatches are liable to foul play, and vessels are subject
+to accidents. New scenes open, the time presses, various nations are
+in suspense, and necessity forces us to act.
+
+What can we do? If a French Minister advises us to cede to the
+Spaniards the whole river of the Mississippi, and five hundred miles
+of territory to the eastward of it, are we bound by our instructions
+to put our signature to the cession, when the English themselves are
+willing we should extend to the river, and enjoy our natural right to
+its navigation? If we should be counselled to relinquish our right to
+the fishery on the Grand Bank of Newfoundland, when the British
+Ministry are ready, by treaty, to acknowledge our right to it, are we
+obliged to relinquish it? If we are advised to restore and compensate
+the tories, are we to comply? If we know, or have reasons to believe,
+that things, which will have weight upon the minds of the British
+Ministry against us upon some points, will be communicated to them in
+some way or other, secret or open, if we communicate it to this Court,
+are we bound to do it?
+
+I cannot think, that a construction, so literal and severe, was ever
+intended to be put upon it; and, therefore, I see no way of doing my
+duty to Congress, but to interpret the instruction, as we do all
+general precepts and maxims, by such restrictions and limitations, as
+reason, necessity, and the nature of things demand.
+
+It may sometimes be known to a deputy, that an instruction from his
+principal was given upon information of mistaken facts, what is he to
+do? When he knows, that if the truth had been known, his principal
+would have given a directly contrary order, is he to follow that,
+which issued upon mistake? When he knows, or has only good reason to
+believe, that, if his principal were on the spot, and fully informed
+of the present state of facts, he would give contrary directions, is
+he bound by such as were given before? It cannot be denied, that
+instructions are binding, that it is a duty to obey them, and that a
+departure from them cannot be justified; but I think it cannot be
+denied on the other hand, that in our peculiar situation, cases may
+happen, in which it might become our duty to depend upon being
+excused, (or, if you will, pardoned) for presuming, that if Congress
+were upon the spot, they would judge as we do.
+
+I presume not to dictate, nor to advise, but I may venture to give my
+opinion, as I do freely, and with much real concern for the public,
+that it would be better, if every instruction in being were totally
+repealed, which enjoins upon any American Minister to follow, or ask
+the advice, or even to communicate with any French, or other Minister,
+or Ambassador in the world. It is an inextricable embarrassment
+everywhere. Advice would not be more seldom asked, nor communication
+less frequent. It would be more freely given. A communication of
+information, or a request of council would then be received as a
+compliment, and a mark of respect; it is now considered as a duty and
+a right. Your Ministers would have more weight, and be the more
+respected through the world. Congress cannot do too much to give
+weight to their own Ministers, for, they may depend upon it, great and
+unjustifiable pains are taken to prevent them from acquiring
+reputation, and even to prevent an idea taking root in any part of
+Europe, that anything has been, or can be done by them. And there is
+nothing, that humbles and depresses, nothing that shackles and
+confines, in short, nothing that renders totally useless all your
+Ministers in Europe, so much as these positive instructions, to
+consult and communicate with French Ministers, upon all occasions, and
+follow their advice. And I really think it would be better to
+constitute the Count de Vergennes, our sole Minister, and give him
+full powers to make peace and treat with all Europe, than to continue
+any of us in the service, under the instructions in being, if they are
+to be understood in that unlimited sense, which some persons contend
+for.
+
+I hope, that nothing indecent has escaped me upon this occasion. If
+any expressions appear too strong, the great importance of the
+subject, and the deep impression it has made on my mind and heart,
+must be my apology.
+
+I am, Sir, your humble servant,
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, November 24th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We live in critical moments. Parliament is to meet, and the King's
+speech will be delivered on the 26th. If the speech announces Mr
+Oswald's commission, and the two Houses in their answers thank him for
+issuing it, and there should be no change in the Ministry, the
+prospect of peace will be flattering. Or if there should be a change
+in the Ministry, and the Duke of Portland, with Mr Fox and Mr Burke,
+should come in, it will be still more so. But if Richmond, Cambden,
+Keppel, and Townshend should retire, and my Lord North and company
+come in, with or without the Earl of Shelburne, the appearances of
+peace will be very unpromising. My Lord North, indeed, cannot revoke
+the acknowledgment of our independence, and would not probably
+renounce the negotiations for peace, but ill will to us is so habitual
+to him and his master, that he would fall in earnestly with the
+wing-clipping system; join in attempts to deprive us of the fisheries
+and the Mississippi, and to fasten upon us the tories, and in every
+other measure to cramp, stint, impoverish and enfeeble us. Shelburne
+is not so orthodox as he should be, but North is a much greater
+heretic in American politics.
+
+It deserves much consideration what course we should take, in case the
+old Ministry should come in wholly, or in part. It is certain, at
+present, that to be obnoxious to the Americans, and their Ministers,
+is a very formidable popular cry against any Minister or candidate for
+the Ministry in England, for the nation is more generally for
+recovering the good will of the Americans than they ever have been.
+Nothing would strike such a blow to any Ministry, as to break off the
+negotiations for peace; if the old Ministry come in, they will demand
+terms of us, at first, probably, that we can never agree to.
+
+It is now eleven or twelve days, since the last result of our
+conferences were laid before the Ministry in London. Mr Vaughan went
+off on Sunday noon, the 17th. So that he is, no doubt, before this
+time with my Lord Shelburne. He is possessed of an ample budget of
+arguments to convince his Lordship, that he ought to give up all the
+remaining points between us. Mr Oswald's letters will suggest the same
+arguments in a different light, and Mr Strachey, if he is disposed to
+do it, is able to enlarge upon them all in conversation.
+
+The fundamental point of the sovereignty of the United States being
+settled in England, the only question now is, whether they shall
+pursue a contracted, or a liberal, a good natured, or an ill natured
+plan towards us. If they are generous, and allow us all we ask, it
+will be the better for them; if stingy, the worse. That France does
+not wish them to be very noble to us, may be true. But we should be
+dupes indeed, if we did not make use of every argument with them, to
+show them that it is their interest to be so. And they will be the
+greatest bubbles of all, if they should suffer themselves to be
+deceived by their passions, or by any arts, to adopt an opposite tenor
+of conduct.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, December 4th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+It is with much pleasure, that I transmit you the preliminary treaty
+between the King of Great Britain and the United States of America.
+The Mississippi, the western lands, Sagadehock, and the fisheries, are
+secured as well as we could, and I hope what is done for the refugees
+will be pardoned.
+
+As the objects, for which I ever consented to leave my family and
+country, are thus far accomplished, I now beg leave to resign all my
+employments in Europe. They are soon enumerated; the first, is my
+commission to borrow money in Holland, and the second, is my credence
+to their High Mightinesses. These two should be filled up immediately,
+and as Mr Laurens was originally designed to that country, and my
+mission there was merely owing to his misfortune, I hope that
+Congress will send him a full power for that Court.
+
+The commission for peace I hope will be fully executed before this
+reaches you. But, if it should not, as the terms are fixed, I should
+not choose to stay in Europe, merely for the honor of affixing my
+signature to the definitive treaty, and I see no necessity of filling
+up my place; but if Congress should think otherwise, I hope they will
+think Mr Dana the best entitled to it.
+
+With great esteem, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ EXTRACTS FROM A JOURNAL.
+
+_Saturday, November 2d, 1782._--Almost every moment of this week has
+been employed in negotiation with the English gentlemen, concerning
+peace. We have two propositions, one, the line of fortyfive degrees,
+the other, a line through the middle of the Lakes. And for the
+boundary between Massachusetts and Nova Scotia, a line from the mouth
+of St Croix to its source, and from its source to the Highlands.
+
+_Sunday, November 3d._--In my first conversation with Dr Franklin, on
+Tuesday last, he told me of Mr Oswald's demand of the payment of
+debts, and compensation to the tories; he said their answer had been,
+that we had not power, nor had Congress. I told him, I had no notion
+of cheating anybody. The question of paying debts, and compensating
+tories, were two. I had made the same observation that forenoon to Mr
+Oswald and Mr Strachey, in company with Mr Jay, at his house. I saw
+it struck Mr Strachey with peculiar pleasure; I saw it instantly
+smiling in every line of his face. Mr Oswald was apparently pleased
+with it too. In a subsequent conversation with my colleagues, I
+proposed to them, that we should agree that Congress should recommend
+it to the States, to open their courts of justice for the recovery of
+all just debts. They gradually fell into this opinion, and we all
+expressed these sentiments to the English gentlemen, who were much
+pleased with it, and with reason; because it silences the clamors of
+all the British creditors against the peace, and prevents them from
+making common cause with the refugees. Mr Jay came in and spent two
+hours in conversation upon our affairs, and we attempted an answer to
+Mr Oswald's letter. He is perfectly of my opinion, or I am of his,
+respecting Mr Dana's true line of conduct, as well as his with Spain,
+and ours with France, Spain, and England.
+
+Vergennes has endeavored to persuade him to treat with d'Aranda,
+without exchanging powers. He refuses. Vergennes also pronounced
+Oswald's first commission sufficient, and was for making the
+acknowledgment of American independence, the first article of the
+treaty. Jay would not treat; the consequence was, a complete
+acknowledgment of our independence by Oswald's new commission, under
+the great seal of Great Britain, to treat with the Commissioners of
+the United States of America. Thus a temperate firmness has succeeded
+everywhere, but the base system nowhere.
+
+D'Estaing has set off for Madrid and Cadiz; _reste a savoir_ what his
+object is, whether to take the command of a squadron, and in that
+case, where to go, whether to Rhode Island, to join Vaudreuil, and go
+against New York, or to the West Indies. Will they take New York, or
+only prevent the English from evacuating it? Oswald proposed solemnly
+to all three of us yesterday, at his house, to agree not to molest the
+British troops in the evacuation; but we did not. This, however, shows
+they have it in contemplation. Suppose they are going against West
+Florida. How far are we bound to favor the Spaniards? Our treaty with
+France must, and shall be sacredly fulfilled, and we must admit Spain
+to accede when she will; but until she does, our treaty does not bind
+us to France to assist Spain.
+
+The present conduct of England and America, resembles that of the
+eagle and cat. An eagle, scaling over a farmer's yard, espied a
+creature that he thought a hare. He pounced upon and took him up in
+the air, the cat seized him by the neck with her teeth, and round the
+body with her fore and hind claws. The eagle, finding himself
+scratched and pressed, bids the cat let go, and fall down. No, says
+the cat, I will not let go and fall, you shall stoop and set me down.
+
+_Monday, November 4th._--All the forenoon, from eleven till three, at
+Mr Oswald's, Mr Jay and I. In the evening there again, until near
+eleven. Strachey is as artful and insinuating a man as they could
+send; he pushes and presses every point as far as it can possibly go;
+he has a most eager, earnest, pointed spirit.
+
+_Tuesday, November 5th._ Mr Jay told me our allies did not play fair.
+They were endeavoring to deprive us of the fishery, the western lands,
+and the navigation of the Mississippi. They would even bargain with
+the English, to deprive us of them. They want to lay the western
+lands, Mississippi, and the whole Gulf of Mexico into the hands of
+Spain.
+
+Oswald talks of Pultney, and a plot to divide America between France
+and England. France to have New England. They tell a story about
+Vergennes, and his agreeing that the English might propose such a
+division, but reserving a right to deny it all. These whispers ought
+not to be credited by us.
+
+_Saturday, November 9th._--M. de Lafayette came in, and told me he had
+been at Versailles, and in consultation about the affair of money, as
+he and I agreed he should. He said he found, that the Count de
+Vergennes and their Ministry were of the same opinion with me, that
+the English were determined to evacuate New York. After some time, he
+told me, in a great air of confidence, that he was afraid the Count
+took it amiss, that I had not been to Versailles to see him. The Count
+told him, that he had not been officially informed of my arrival, he
+had only learned it from the returns of the police. I went out to
+Passy to dine with Dr Franklin, who had been to Versailles, and
+presented his Memorial, and the papers accompanying it. The Count said
+he would have the papers translated to lay them before the King, but
+the affair would meet with many difficulties. Franklin brought the
+same message to me from the Count, and said he believed it would be
+taken kindly if I went. I told both the Marquis and the Doctor, that I
+would go tomorrow morning.
+
+_Sunday, November 10th._--Accordingly, at eight this morning, I went
+and waited on the Count. He asked me how we went on with the English.
+I told him we divided upon two points, the tories and Penobscot, two
+ostensible points; for it was impossible to believe, that my Lord
+Shelburne, or the nation, cared much about such points. I took out of
+my pocket, and showed him, the record of Governor Pownal's solemn act
+of burying a leaden plate, with this inscription; 'May 23d, 1759.
+Province of Massachusetts Bay. Penobscot dominions of Great Britain.
+Possession confirmed by Thomas Pownal, Governor.' This was planted on
+the east side of the river of Penobscot, three miles above marine
+navigation. I showed him also all the other records, the laying out of
+Mount Desert, Machias, and all the other towns to the east of
+Penobscot river, and told him, that the grant of Nova Scotia, by James
+the First, to Sir William Alexander, bounded it on the river St Croix,
+and that I was possessed of the authorities of four of the greatest
+Governors the King of England ever had, Shirley, Pownal, Bernard, and
+Hutchinson, in favor of our claim, and of learned writings of Shirley
+and Hutchinson in support of it. The Count said, that Mr Fitzherbert
+told him they wanted it for the masts. But the Count said, that Canada
+had an immense quantity. I told him I thought there were few masts
+there, but, that I fancied it was _not masts, but tories_, that again
+made the difficulty. Some of them claimed lands in that territory, and
+others hoped for grants there.
+
+The Count said, it was not astonishing, that the British Ministry
+should insist upon compensation to them, for that all the precedents
+were in favor of it; that there had been no example of an affair like
+this terminated by a treaty, without re-establishing those who had
+adhered to the old government, in all their possessions. I begged his
+pardon in this, and said, that in Ireland at least there had been a
+multitude of confiscations without restitution. Here we ran into some
+conversation concerning Ireland, &c. M. Rayneval, who was present,
+talked about the national honor, and the obligation they were under to
+support their adherents. Here I thought I might indulge a little more
+latitude of expression, than I had done with Oswald and Strachey, and
+I answered, if the nation thought itself bound in honor to compensate
+these people, it might easily do it, for it cost the nation more money
+to carry on this war one month, than it would cost it to compensate
+them all. But I could not comprehend this doctrine of national honor.
+Those people, by their misrepresentations had deceived the nation, who
+had followed the impulsion of their devouring ambition, until it had
+brought an indelible stain on the British name, and almost
+irretrievable ruin on the nation, and now that very nation was thought
+to be bound in honor to compensate its dishonorers and destroyers.
+Rayneval said it was very true.
+
+The Count invited me to dine; I accepted. When I came, I found M. de
+Lafayette in conference with him. When they came out, the Marquis took
+me aside, and told me he had been talking with the Count upon the
+affair of money. He had represented to him Mr Morris's arguments, and
+the things I had said to him, as from himself, &c. That he feared the
+arts of the English, that our army would disband, and our governments
+relax, &c. That the Count feared many difficulties; that France had
+expended two hundred and fifty millions in this war, &c. That he
+talked of allowing six millions, and my going to Holland with the
+scheme I had projected, and having the King's warranty, &c. to get the
+rest; that he had already spoken to some of M. de Fleury's friends,
+and intended to speak to him, &c.
+
+We went up to dinner. I went up with the Count alone. He showed me
+into the room where were the ladies and the company. I singled out the
+Countess, and went up to her to make her my compliment. The Countess,
+and all the ladies rose up. I made my respects to them all, and turned
+and bowed to the rest of the company. The Count, who came in after me,
+made his bows to the ladies, and to the Countess last. When he came to
+her, he turned round and called out, _Mons. Adams, venez ici, voila la
+Comtesse de Vergennes_. A nobleman in company said, Mr Adams has
+already made his court to Madame la Comtesse. I went up again,
+however, and spoke again to the Countess, and she to me. When dinner
+was served, the Count led Madame de Montmorin, and left me to conduct
+the Countess, who gave me her hand with extraordinary condescension,
+and I conducted her to table. She made me sit next to her, on her
+right hand, and was remarkably attentive to me the whole time. The
+Count, who sat opposite, was constantly calling out to me, to know
+what I would eat, and to offer me _petits gateaux_, claret, and
+Madeira, &c. &c. In short, I was never treated with half the respect
+at Versailles in my life. In the antichamber, before dinner, some
+French gentlemen came to me, and said they had seen me two years ago,
+and that I had shown in Holland, that the Americans understood
+negotiation, as well as war.
+
+_Monday, November 11th._ Mr Whiteford the Secretary of Mr Oswald, came
+a second time, not having found me at home yesterday, when he left a
+card, with a copy of Mr Oswald's commission, attested by himself (Mr
+Oswald). He delivered the copy, and said Mr Oswald was ready to
+compare it with the original with me. I said Mr Oswald's attestation
+was sufficient, as he had already shown me the original. He sat down,
+and we fell into conversation about the weather, and the vapors and
+exhalations from Tartary, which had been brought here last spring by
+the winds, and given us all the influenza. Thence to French fashions
+and the punctuality, with which they insist upon people's wearing thin
+clothes in spring and fall, though the weather is ever so cold, &c. I
+said it was often carried to ridiculous lengths, but that it was at
+bottom an admirable policy, as it rendered all Europe tributary to the
+city of Paris, for its manufactures.
+
+We fell soon into politics. I told him, that there was something in
+the minds of the English and French, which impelled them irresistibly
+to war every ten or fifteen years. He said the ensuing peace would, he
+believed, be a long one. I said it would, provided it was well made,
+and nothing left in it to give future discontents. But if anything was
+done, which the Americans should think hard or unjust, both the
+English and French would be continually blowing it up, and inflaming
+the American minds with it, in order to make them join one side or the
+other in a future war. Suppose for example, they should think the
+tories men of monarchical principles, or men of more ambition than
+principle, or men corrupted and of no principle, and should therefore
+think them more easily seduced to their purposes, than virtuous
+republicans, is it not easy to see the policy of a French Minister in
+wishing them amnesty and compensation? Suppose a French Minister
+foresees, that the presence of the tories in America will keep up
+perpetually two parties, a French party, and an English party, and
+that this will compel the patriotic and independent party to join the
+French party, is it not natural for him to wish them restored? Is it
+not easy to see, that a French Minister cannot wish to have the
+English and Americans perfectly agreed upon all points before they
+themselves, the Spaniards and the Dutch are agreed too? Can they be
+sorry then to see us split upon such a point as the tories? What can
+be their motives to become the advocates of the tories?
+
+The French Minister at Philadelphia has made some representations to
+Congress, in favor of a compensation to the royalists, and the Count
+de Vergennes no longer than yesterday said much to me in their favor.
+The Count probably knows, that we are instructed against it, that
+Congress are instructed against it, or rather have not constitutional
+authority to do it; that we can only write about it to Congress, and
+they to the States, who may, and probably will, deliberate upon it
+eighteen months before they all decide, and then every one of them
+will determine against it. In this way there is an insuperable
+obstacle to any agreement between the English and Americans, even upon
+terms to be inserted in the general peace, before all are ready. It
+was the constant practice of the French to have some of their subjects
+in London during the conferences for peace in order to propagate such
+sentiments there as they wished to prevail. I doubted not such were
+there now; M. Rayneval had been there. M. Gerard, I had heard, is
+there now, and probably others. They can easily persuade the tories to
+set up their demands, and tell them and the Ministers, that the King's
+dignity and nation's honor are compromised in it.
+
+For my own part, I thought America had been long enough involved in
+the wars of Europe. She had been a football between contending nations
+from the beginning, and it was easy to foresee, that France and
+England both would endeavor to involve us in their future wars. I
+thought it our interest and duty, to avoid them as much as possible,
+and to be completely independent, and have nothing to do but in
+commerce with either of them; that my thoughts had been from the
+beginning to arrange all our European connexions to this end, and that
+they would continue to be so employed. And I thought it so important
+to us, that if my poor labors, my little estate, or (smiling) sizy
+blood, could effect it, it should be done. But I had many fears.
+
+I said, the King of France might think it consistent with his station
+to favor people, who had contended for a Crown, though it was the
+Crown of his enemy. Whiteford said, they seem to be through the whole
+of their course, fighting for reputation. I said, they had acquired
+it, and more, they had raised themselves high from a low estate by it,
+and they were our good friends and allies, and had conducted
+generously, and nobly, and we should be just and grateful, but they
+might have political wishes, which we were not bound by treaty, nor in
+justice or gratitude to favor, and these we ought to be cautious of.
+He agreed that they had raised themselves very suddenly and
+surprisingly by it.
+
+_Tuesday, November 12th._--The compliment of "_Monsieur, vous etes le
+Washington de la negotiation_," was repeated to me, by more than one
+person. I answered, "_Monsieur, vous me faites le plus grand honneur,
+et le compliment le plus sublime possible_." "_Eh! Monsieur, en
+verite, vous l'avez bien merite._"
+
+_Friday, November 15th._--Mr Oswald came to visit me, and entered with
+some freedom, into conversation. I said many things to him to convince
+him, that it was the policy of my Lord Shelburne, and the interest of
+the nation, to agree with us upon the advantageous terms, which Mr
+Strachey carried away on the 5th; showed him the advantages of the
+boundary, the vast extent of land, and the equitable provision for the
+payment of debts, and even the great benefits stipulated for the
+tories.
+
+He said he had been reading Mr Paine's answer to the Abbe Raynal, and
+had found there an excellent argument in favor of the tories. Mr Paine
+says, that before the battle of Lexington, we were so blindly
+prejudiced in favor of the English, and so closely attached to them,
+that we went to war at any time, and for any object, when they bid us.
+Now this being habitual to the Americans, it was excusable in the
+tories to behave on this occasion, as all of us had ever done upon all
+others. He said, if he were a member of Congress, he would show a
+magnanimity upon this occasion, and would say to the refugees, take
+your property, we scorn to make any use of it in building up our
+system.
+
+I replied, that we had no power, and Congress had no power, and,
+therefore, we must consider how it would be reasoned upon in the
+several Legislatures of the separate States, if, after being sent by
+us to Congress, and by them to the several States, in the course of
+twelve or fifteen months, it should be there debated. You must carry
+on the war six or nine months certainly, for this compensation; and
+consequently spend, in the prosecution of it, six or nine times the
+sum necessary to make the compensation; for I presume this war costs
+every month to Great Britain, a larger sum than would be necessary to
+pay for the forfeited estates.
+
+"How," said I, "will an independent man in one of our Assemblies
+consider this? We will take a man, who is no partisan of England or
+France, one who wishes to do justice to both, and to all nations, but
+is the partisan only of his own." "Have you seen," said he, "a certain
+letter written to the Count de Vergennes, wherein Mr Samuel Adams is
+treated pretty freely?" "Yes," said I, "and several other papers, in
+which Mr John Adams has been treated so too. I do not know what you
+may have heard in England of Mr Samuel Adams. You may have been taught
+to believe, for what I know, that he eats little children. But I
+assure you, he is a man of humanity and candor, as well as integrity;
+and further, that he is devoted to the interest of his country, and, I
+believe, wishes never to be, after a peace, the partisan to France or
+England, but to do justice and all the good he can to both. I thank
+you for mentioning him, for I will make him my orator. What will he
+say, when the question of amnesty and compensation to the tories comes
+before the Senate of Massachusetts, and when he is informed, that
+England makes a point of it, and that France favors her? He will say,
+here are two old sagacious Courts, both endeavoring to sow the seeds
+of discord among us, each endeavoring to keep us in hot water; to keep
+up continual broils between an English party and a French party, in
+hopes of obliging the independent and patriotic party to lean to its
+side. England wishes them here, and compensated, not merely to get rid
+of them, and to save herself the money, but to plant among us
+instruments of her own, to make divisions among us, and between us and
+France, to be continually crying down the religion, the government,
+the manners of France, and crying up the language, the fashions, the
+blood, &c. of England. England also means, by insisting on our
+compensating these worst of enemies, to obtain from us a tacit
+acknowledgment of the right of the war, an implicit acknowledgment,
+that the tories have been justifiable, or at least excusable, and that
+we, only by a fortunate coincidence of events, have carried a wicked
+rebellion into a complete revolution. At the very time, when Britain
+professes to desire peace, reconciliation, perpetual oblivion of all
+past unkindnesses, can she wish to send in among us a number of
+persons, whose very countenances will bring fresh to our remembrance
+the whole history of the rise and progress of the war, and of all its
+atrocities? Can she think it conciliatory, to oblige us to lay taxes
+upon those, whose habitations have been consumed, to reward those who
+have burned them? Upon those, whose relations have been cruelly
+destroyed, to compensate the murderers? What can be the design of
+France, on the other hand, by espousing the cause of those men?
+Indeed, her motives may be guessed at. She may wish to keep up in our
+minds a terror of England, and a fresh remembrance of all we have
+suffered. Or she may wish to prevent our Ministers in Europe from
+agreeing with the British Ministers, until she shall say, that she and
+Spain are satisfied in all points."
+
+I entered largely with Mr Oswald into the consideration of the
+influence this question would have upon the councils of the British
+cabinet, and the debates in Parliament. The King and the old Ministry
+might think their personal reputations concerned, in supporting men
+who had gone such lengths, and suffered so much in their attachment to
+them. The King may say, "I have other dominions abroad, Canada, Nova
+Scotia, Florida, the West India Islands, the East Indies, Ireland. It
+will be a bad example to abandon these men. Others will lose their
+encouragement to adhere to my government." But the shortest answer to
+this is the best, let the King by a message recommend it to Parliament
+to compensate them.
+
+But how will my Lord Shelburne sustain the shock of opposition, when
+Mr Fox and Mr Burke shall demand a reason, why the essential interests
+of the nation are sacrificed to the unreasonable demands of those very
+men, who have done this great mischief to the empire? Should these
+orators indulge themselves in Philippics against the refugees, show
+their false representations, their outrageous cruelties, their
+innumerable demerits against the nation, and then attack the First
+Lord of the Treasury for continuing to spend the blood and treasure of
+the nation for their sakes?
+
+_Sunday, November 17th._--Mr Vaughan came to me yesterday, and said,
+that Mr Oswald had that morning called upon Mr Jay, and told him, if
+he had known as much the day before, as he had since learned, he would
+have written to go home. Mr Vaughan said, Mr Fitzherbert had received
+a letter from Mr Townshend, that the compensation would be insisted
+on. Mr Oswald wanted Mr Jay to go to England; thought he could
+convince the Ministry. Mr Jay said, he must go with or without the
+knowledge and advice of the Court, and, in either case, it would give
+rise to jealousies. He could not go. Mr Vaughan said, he had
+determined to go, on account of the critical state of his family, his
+wife being probably abed. He should be glad to converse freely with
+me, and obtain from me all the lights and arguments against the
+tories, even the history of their worst actions. That, in case it
+should be necessary to run them down, it might be done, or at least
+expose them, for their true history was little known in England. I
+told him, I must be excused, it was a subject that I had never been
+desirous of obtaining information upon; that I pitied those people too
+much, to be willing to aggravate the sorrows and sufferings, even of
+those who had deserved the worst. It might not be amiss to reprint the
+letters of Bernard, Hutchinson, and Oliver, to show their rise. It
+might not be amiss to read the history of Wyoming, in the annual
+register for 1778 or 9, to recollect the prison ships, and the
+churches at New York, where the garrison of Fort Washington were
+starved, in order to make them enlist in refugee corps, it might not
+be amiss to recollect the burning of cities, and the thefts of plate,
+negroes, and tobacco.
+
+I entered into the same arguments with him that I had used with Mr
+Oswald, to show that we could do nothing; Congress nothing; the time
+it would take to consult the States, and the reason to believe, that
+all of them would at last decide against it. I showed him, that it
+would be a religious question with some; a moral one with others; and
+a political one with more; an economical one with very few. I shewed
+him the ill effect which would be produced upon the American mind by
+this measure; how much it would contribute to perpetuate alienation
+against England, and how French emissaries might, by means of these
+men, blow up the flames of animosity and war. I showed him how the
+whig interest, and the opposition, might avail themselves of this
+subject in Parliament, and how they might embarrass the Minister.
+
+He went out to Passy for a passport, and in the evening called upon me
+again; he said he found Dr Franklin's sentiments to be the same with
+Mr Jay's and mine, and hoped he should be able to convince Lord
+Shelburne. He was pretty confident it would work right. The Ministry
+and nation were not informed upon the subject. Lord Shelburne had told
+him, that no part of his office gave him so much pain, as the levee he
+held for these people, and hearing their stories of their families and
+estates, their losses, sufferings, and distresses. Mr Vaughan said, he
+had picked up here a good deal of information about these people from
+Mr Allen, and other Americans.
+
+In the evening, M. de Lafayette came in and told me he had been to see
+M. de Fleury on the subject of a loan. He told him, he must afford
+America this year a subsidy of twenty millions. M. de Fleury said,
+France had already spent two hundred and fifty millions in the
+American war, and that they could not allow any more money to her;
+that there was a great deal of money in America; that the King's
+troops had been paid and subsisted there; that the British army had
+been subsisted and paid there, &c. The Marquis said, that little of
+the subsistence or pay of the British had gone into any hands, but
+those of the tories within the lines. I said, that more money went in
+for their goods, than came out for provisions, or anything. The
+Marquis added to M. de Fleury, that Mr Adams had a plan for going to
+the States-General for a loan, or a subsidy. M. de Fleury said, he did
+not want the assistance of Mr Adams, to get money in Holland, he could
+have what he would. The Marquis said, Mr Adams would be glad of it, he
+did not want to go, but was willing to take the trouble, if necessary.
+
+The Marquis said, that he should dine with the Queen tomorrow, and
+would give her a hint to favor us, that he should take leave in a few
+days, and should go in the fleet that was to sail from Brest; that he
+wanted the advice of Dr Franklin, Mr Jay, and me, before he went, &c.
+said that there was a report, that M. Gerard had been in England, and
+that M. de Rayneval was gone. I told him, I saw M. Gerard at Mr Jay's
+a few evenings ago. He said, he did not believe M. Gerard had been;
+that he had mentioned it to Count de Vergennes, and he did not appear
+confused at all, but said M. Gerard was here about the limits of
+Alsace. The Marquis said, that he believed the reason why Count de
+Vergennes said so little about the progress of Mr Fitzherbert with him
+was, because the difficulty about peace was made by the Spaniards, and
+he was afraid of making the Americans still more angry with Spain. He
+knew the Americans were very angry with the Spaniards.
+
+_Monday, November 18th._--Returned Mr Oswald's visit. He says, Mr.
+Strachey, who sat out the 5th, did not reach London until the 10th.
+Couriers are three, four, or five days in going, according as the
+winds are.
+
+We went over the old ground concerning the tories. He began to use
+arguments with me to relax. I told him, he must not think of that; but
+must bend all his thoughts to convince and persuade his Court to give
+it up; that if the terms now before his Court were not accepted, the
+whole negotiation would be broken off, and this Court would probably
+be so angry with Mr Jay and me, that they would set their engines to
+work upon Congress, get us recalled, and some others sent, who would
+do exactly as this Court would have them. He said, he thought that
+very probable. In another part of his conversation he said, we should
+all have gold snuff boxes, set with diamonds; you will certainly have
+the picture. I told him no, I had dealt too freely with this Court, I
+had not concealed from them any useful and necessary truth, although
+it was disagreeable. Indeed, I neither expected, or desired any favors
+from them, nor would I accept any; I should not refuse any customary
+compliment of that sort, but it never had been, or would be offered to
+me. My fixed principle, never to be the tool of any man, nor the
+partisan of any nation, would forever exclude me from the smiles and
+favors of Courts.
+
+In another part of the conversation I said, that when I was young and
+addicted to reading, I had heard about dancing upon the points of
+metaphysical needles; but, by mixing in the world, I had found the
+points of political needles finer and sharper than the metaphysical
+ones. I told him the story of Josiah Quincy's conversation with Lord
+Shelburne, in 1774, in which he pointed out to him the plan of
+carrying on the war, which has been pursued this year, by remaining
+inactive on land, and cruising upon the coast to distress our trade.
+
+He said he had been contriving an artificial truce, since he found we
+were bound by treaty not to agree to a separate truce. He had proposed
+to the Ministry, to give orders to their men-of-war, and privateers,
+not to take any unarmed American vessels.
+
+I said to him, supposing the armed neutrality should acknowledge
+American independence, by admitting Mr Dana, who is now at Petersburg
+with a commission in his pocket for that purpose, to subscribe to the
+principles of their marine treaty; the King of Great Britain could
+find no fault with it; he could never hereafter say it was an affront
+or hostility; he had done it himself. Would not all neutral vessels
+have a right to go to America? And could not all American trade be
+carried on in neutral bottoms? I said to him, that England would
+always be a country, which would deserve much of the attention of
+America, independently of all consideration of blood, origin,
+language, morals, &c.; merely as a commercial people, she would
+forever claim the respect of America, because a great part of her
+commerce would be with her, provided she came to her senses, and made
+peace with us, without any points in the treaty, that should ferment
+in the minds of the people. If the people should think themselves
+unjustly treated, they would never be easy, and they are so situated
+as to be able to hurt any power. The fisheries, the Mississippi, the
+tories, were points that would rankle, and that nation that should
+offend our people in any of them, would sooner or later feel the
+consequences.
+
+Mr Jay, M. Couteulx, and Mr Grand, came in. Mr Grand says there is a
+great fermentation in England, and that they talk of uniting Lord
+North and Mr Fox in administration; the Duke of Portland to come in,
+and Keppel to go out. But this is wild.
+
+You are afraid, said Mr Oswald today, of being made the tools of the
+powers of Europe. Indeed I am, said I. What powers, said he? All of
+them, said I. It is obvious that all the powers of Europe will be
+continually manoeuvring with us, to work us into their real or
+imaginary balances of power. They will all wish to make of us a
+makeweight candle, when they are making out their pounds. Indeed it is
+not surprising; for we shall very often, if not always be able to turn
+the scale. But I think it ought to be our rule not to meddle, and that
+of all the powers of Europe, not to desire us, or perhaps even to
+permit us to interfere, if they can help it. I beg of you, said he, to
+get out of your head the idea, that we shall disturb you. What, said
+I, do you yourself believe, that your Ministers, Governors, and even
+nation, will not wish to get us of your side in any future war? As for
+the Governors, said he, we will take off their heads if they do an
+improper thing towards you. Thank you for your good will, said I,
+which I feel to be sincere. But nations do not feel as you and I do.
+And your nation, when it gets a little refreshed from the fatigues of
+the war; when men and money are become plenty, and allies at hand,
+will not feel as it does now. We never can be such sots, said he, as
+to think of differing again with you. Why, said I, in truth I have
+never been able to comprehend the reason, why you ever thought of
+differing with us.
+
+_Monday, November 25th._ Doctor Franklin, Mr Jay, and myself, at 11
+o'clock, met at Mr Oswald's lodgings. Mr Strachey told us, he had been
+to London, and waited personally on every one of the King's cabinet
+council, and had communicated the last propositions to them. They
+every one of them unanimously condemned that respecting the tories, so
+that that unhappy affair stuck, as he foresaw and foretold it would.
+
+The affair of the fishery too was somewhat altered. They could not
+admit us to dry on the shores of Nova Scotia, nor to fish within three
+leagues of the coast of Cape Breton. The boundary they did not
+approve. They thought it too extended, too vast a country; but they
+would not make a difficulty. That if these terms were not admitted,
+the whole affair must be thrown into Parliament, where every man would
+be for insisting on restitution to the refugees. He talked about
+excepting a few, by name, of the most obnoxious of the refugees.
+
+I could not help observing, that the ideas respecting the fishery
+appeared to me to come piping hot from Versailles. I quoted to them
+the words of our treaty with France, in which the indefinite and
+exclusive right to the fishery on the western side of Newfoundland was
+secured against us, according to the true construction of the treaties
+of Utrecht and Paris. I showed them the 12th and 13th articles of the
+treaty of Utrecht, by which the French were admitted to fish from Cape
+Bonavista to Point Riche. I related to them the manner in which the
+cod and haddock came into the rivers, harbors, creeks, and up to the
+very wharves, on all the northern coasts of America, in the spring, in
+the month of April, so that you have nothing to do, but step into a
+boat, and bring in a parcel of fish in a few hours. But that in May
+they began to withdraw. We have a saying in Boston that, "when the
+blossoms fall, the haddock begin to crawl," i.e. to move into deep
+water; so that in summer you must go out some distance to fish; at
+Newfoundland it was the same. The fish in March and April were in
+shore, in all the creeks, bays, and harbors, i.e. within three leagues
+of the coasts or shores of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia; that neither
+French nor English, could go from Europe and arrive early enough for
+the first fare; that our vessels could, being so much nearer, an
+advantage which God and nature had put into our hands; but this
+advantage of ours had been an advantage to England; because our fish
+had been sold in Spain and Portugal for gold and silver, and that gold
+and silver sent to London for manufactures; that this would be the
+course again; that France foresaw it, and wished to deprive England of
+it, by persuading her to deprive us of it; that it would be a master
+stroke of policy if she could succeed; but England must be completely
+the dupe before she could succeed.
+
+There were three lights in which it might be viewed. 1st. As a nursery
+for seamen. 2d. As a source of profit. 3d. As a source of contention.
+As a nursery of seamen, did England consider us as worse enemies than
+France? Had she rather France should have the seamen than America? The
+French marine was nearer and more menacing than ours. As a source of
+profit, had England rather France should supply the markets of Lisbon
+and Cadiz with fish, and take the gold and silver, than we? France
+would never spend any of that money in London. We should spend it all
+there, very nearly. As a source of contention, how could we restrain
+our fishermen (the boldest men alive) from fishing in prohibited
+places? How could our men see the French admitted to fish, and
+themselves excluded by the English? It would then be a cause of
+disputes, and such seeds France might wish to sow. That I wished for
+two hours' conversation on the subject with one of the King's council.
+If I did not convince him he was undesignedly betraying the interest
+of his Sovereign; I was mistaken. Strachey said, perhaps I would put
+down some observations in writing upon it; I said, with all my heart,
+provided I had the approbation of my colleagues; but I could do
+nothing of the kind without submitting it to their judgments; and,
+that whatever I had said or should say, upon the subject, however
+strongly I might express myself was always to be understood, with
+submission to my colleagues. I showed them Captain Coffin's letter,
+and gave them his character. His words are;
+
+"Our fishermen from Boston, Salem, Newbury, Marblehead, Cape Ann, Cape
+Cod, and Nantucket, have frequently gone out on the fisheries to the
+Straits of Belleisle, north part of Newfoundland, and the banks
+adjacent thereto, there to continue the whole season, and have made
+use of the north part of Newfoundland, the Labrador coast, in the
+Straits of Belleisle, to cure their fish, which they have taken in and
+about those coasts. I have known several instances of vessels going
+there to load in the fall of the year, with the fish taken and cured
+at these places, for Spain, Portugal, &c. I was once concerned in a
+voyage of that kind myself, and speak from my own knowledge.
+
+"From Cape Sables, to the Isle of Sables, and so on to the Banks of
+Newfoundland, are a chain of banks, extending all along the coast, and
+almost adjoining each other, and those banks are where our fishermen
+go for the first fare, in the early part of the season. Their second
+fare is on the Banks of Newfoundland, where they continue to fish,
+till prevented by the tempestuous and boisterous winds, which prevail
+in the fall of the year on that coast. Their third and last fare is
+generally made near the coast of Cape Sables, or banks adjoining
+thereto, where they are not only relieved from those boisterous gales,
+but have an asylum to fly to in case of emergency, as that coast is
+lined, from the head of Cape Sables to Halifax, with most excellent
+harbors. The sea-cow fishery was, before the present war, carried on
+to great advantage, particularly from Nantucket and Cape Cod, in and
+about the river St Lawrence, at the Island St Johns and Anticosti, Bay
+of Chaleurs, and the Magdalen Islands, which were the most noted of
+all for that fishery. This oil has the preference to all others,
+except spermaceti."
+
+Mr Jay desired to know whether Mr Oswald had now power to conclude and
+sign with us. Strachey said he had, absolutely. Mr Jay desired to know
+if the propositions now delivered us, were their ultimatum. Strachey
+seemed loath to answer, but at last said, no. We agreed these were
+good signs of sincerity. Bancroft came in this evening, and said, it
+was reported, that a courier had arrived from M. Rayneval, in London,
+and that after it, the Count de Vergennes told the King, that he had
+the peace in his pocket, that he was now master of the peace.
+
+_Tuesday, November 26th._ Breakfasted at Mr Jay's, with Dr Franklin,
+in consultation upon the propositions made to us yesterday, by Mr
+Oswald. We agreed unanimously, to answer him, that we could not
+consent to the article respecting the refugees, as it now stands. Dr
+Franklin read a letter upon the subject, which he had prepared to Mr
+Oswald, upon the subject of the tories, which we had agreed with him,
+that he should read, as containing his private sentiments. We had a
+vast deal of conversation upon the subject. My colleagues opened
+themselves, and made many observations concerning the conduct, crimes,
+and demerits of those people. Before dinner Mr Fitzherbert came in,
+whom I had never seen before, a gentleman of about thirtythree; seems
+pretty discreet and judicious, and did not discover those airs of
+vanity, which are imputed to him. He came in consequence of the desire
+I expressed yesterday, of knowing the state of the negotiation between
+him and the Count de Vergennes, respecting the fishery. He told us,
+that the Count was for fixing the boundaries where each nation should
+fish; he must confess he thought the idea plausible, for that there
+had been great dissensions among the fishermen of the two nations;
+that the French Marine Office had an apartment full of complaints and
+representations of disputes; that the French pretended, that Cape Ray
+was the Point Riche.
+
+I asked him, if the French demanded of him an exclusive right to fish
+and dry between Cape Bonavista and the Point Riche. He said they had
+not expressly, and he intended to follow the words of the Treaty of
+Utrecht and Paris, without stirring the point. I showed him an extract
+of a letter from the Earl of Egremoot, to the Duke of Bedford, of
+March the 1st, 1763, in which it is said, that, by the 13th article of
+the Treaty of Utrecht, a liberty was left to the French to fish, and
+to dry their fish on shore; and for that purpose to erect the
+necessary stages and buildings, but with an express stipulation, "_de
+ne pas sejourner dans la dite Isle, au dela du dit tems necessaire
+pour pecher et secher les poissons_." That it is a received law among
+the fishermen, that whoever arrives first shall have his choice of the
+stations; that the Duc de Nivernois insisted, that by the Treaty of
+Utrecht, the French had an exclusive right to the fishery, from Cape
+Bonavista to Point Riche; that the King gave to his Grace, the Duke of
+Bedford, express instructions to come to an eclaircissement upon the
+point with the French Ministry, and to refuse the exclusive
+construction of the Treaty of Utrecht. I also showed him a letter from
+Sir Stamier Porteen, Lord Weymouth's Secretary, to Lord Weymouth,
+enclosing an extract of Lord Egremont's letter to the Duke of Bedford,
+by which it appears, that the Duc de Nivernois insisted "that the
+French had an exclusive right to the fishery, from Cape Bonavista to
+point Riche, and that they had, on ceding the island of Newfoundland
+to Great Britain, by the thirteenth article of the Treaty of Utrecht,
+expressly reserved to themselves such an exclusive right, which they
+had constantly been in possession of till they were entirely driven
+from North America, in the last war."
+
+For these papers I am obliged to Mr Izard. Mr Fitzherbert said it was
+the same thing now, word for word; but he should endeavor to have the
+treaty conformable to those of Utrecht and Paris. But he said we had
+given it up by admitting the word "_exclusive_" into our treaty. I
+said, perhaps not; for the whole was to be conformable to the true
+construction of the treaties of Utrecht and Paris, and that if the
+English did not now admit the exclusive construction, they could not
+contend for it against us. We had only contracted not to disturb them,
+&c. I said it was the opinion of all the fishermen in America, that
+England could not prevent our catching a fish, without preventing
+themselves from getting a dollar; that the first fare was our only
+advantage; that neither the English nor French could have it; it must
+be lost if we had it not. He said, he did not think much of the
+fishery, as a source of profit, but as a nursery of seamen. I told
+him, the English could not catch a fish the more, or make a sailor the
+more, for restraining us; even the French would rival them in the
+markets of Spain and Portugal. It was our fish they ought to call
+their own; because we should spend the profit with them; that the
+Southern States had staple commodities; but New England had no other
+remittances than the fishery, no other way to pay for their clothing;
+that it entered into our distilleries and West India trade, as well as
+our European trade, in such a manner, that it could not be taken out
+or diminished without tearing and rending; that, if it should be left
+to its natural course, we could hire or purchase spots of ground, on
+which to erect stages and buildings; but if we were straitened by
+treaty, that treaty would be given in instructions to Governors and
+Commodores, whose duty it would be to execute it; that it would be
+very difficult to restrain our fishermen, they would be frequently
+transgressing and making disputes and troubles.
+
+He said, his principal object was to avoid sowing seeds of future
+wars. I said, it was equally my object, and that I was persuaded, that
+if the germ of a war was left anywhere, there was the greatest danger
+of its being left in the article respecting the fishery. The rest of
+the day was spent in endless discussions about the tories. Dr.
+Franklin is very staunch against them, more decided a great deal on
+this point, than Mr. Jay or myself.
+
+_Wednesday, November 27th._--Mr. Benjamin Vaughan came in, returned
+from London, where he had seen Lord Shelburne. He says, he finds the
+Ministry much embarrassed with the tories, and exceedingly desirous of
+saving their honor and reputation in this point; that it is reputation
+more than money, &c. Dined with Mr. Jay, and spent some time before
+dinner with him and Dr. Franklin, and all the afternoon with them and
+Mr. Oswald, endeavoring to come together concerning the fisheries and
+the tories.
+
+_Thursday, November 28th._--This morning I have drawn up the following
+project.
+
+ART. III. "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 the Grand Bank, and on all the
+other banks of Newfoundland; also in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and in
+all other places, where the inhabitants of both countries used at any
+time heretofore to fish; and the citizens of the said United States,
+shall have liberty to cure and dry their fish on the shores of Cape
+Sables, and of any of the unsettled bays, harbors, or creeks of Nova
+Scotia, or any of the shores of the Magdalen Islands, and of the
+Labrador coast. And they shall be permitted, in time of peace, to hire
+pieces of land for terms of years, of the legal proprietors, in any of
+the dominions of his said Majesty, whereon to erect the necessary
+stages and buildings, and to cure and dry their fish."
+
+_Friday, November 29th._--Met Mr Fitzherbert, Mr Oswald, Dr Franklin,
+Mr Jay, Mr Laurens, and Mr Strachey, at Mr Jay's, _Hotel d'Orleans_,
+and spent the whole day, in discussions about the fishery and the
+tories. I proposed a new article concerning the fishery, it was
+discussed and turned in every light, and multitudes of amendments
+proposed on each side, and, at last, the article drawn as it was
+finally agreed to. The other English gentlemen being withdrawn upon
+some occasion, I asked Mr Oswald, if he could not consent to leave out
+the limitation of three leagues from all their shores, and the fifteen
+from those of Louisbourg.
+
+He said, in his own opinion, he was for it; but his instructions were
+such that he could not do it. I perceived by this, and by several
+incidents and little circumstances before, which I had remarked to my
+colleagues, who were much of the same opinion, that Mr Oswald had an
+instruction, not to settle the articles of the fishery and refugees,
+without the concurrence of Mr Fitzherbert and Mr Strachey.
+
+Upon the return of the other gentlemen, Mr Strachey proposed to leave
+out the word _right_ of fishing, and make it _liberty_. Mr Fitzherbert
+said the word _right_ was an obnoxious expression. Upon this, I rose
+up and said, gentlemen, is there, or can there be, a clearer right? In
+former treaties, that of Utrecht, and that of Paris, France and
+England have claimed the right, and used the word. When God Almighty
+made the Banks of Newfoundland at three hundred leagues distance from
+the people of America, and at six hundred leagues distance from those
+of France and England, did he not give as good a right to the former
+as to the latter? If Heaven in the creation gave a right, it is ours
+at least as much as yours. If occupation, use, and possession give a
+right, we have it as clearly as you. If war, and blood, and treasure
+give a right, ours is as good as yours.
+
+We have constantly been fighting in Canada, Cape Breton, and Nova
+Scotia, for the defence of this fishery, and have expended beyond all
+proportion more than you; if then the right cannot be denied, why
+should it not be acknowledged, and put out of dispute? Why should we
+leave room for illiterate fishermen to wrangle and chicane?
+
+Mr Fitzherbert said, the argument is in your favor. I must confess
+your reasons appear to be good; but Oswald's instructions were such,
+that he did not see how he could agree with us; "and, for my part, I
+have not the honor and felicity to be a man of that weight and
+authority in my country, that you, gentlemen, are in yours; (this was
+very genteely said) I have the accidental advantage of a little favor
+with the present Minister, but I cannot depend upon the influence of
+my own opinion, to reconcile a measure to my countrymen. We can
+consider ourselves as little more than pens in the hands of government
+at home, and Mr Oswald's instructions are _so_ particular."
+
+I replied to this; "the time is not so pressing upon us, but that we
+can wait until a courier goes to London with your representations upon
+this subject, and others that remain between us, and I think the
+Ministers must be convinced."
+
+Mr Fitzherbert said, "to send again to London, and have all laid loose
+before Parliament, was so uncertain a measure, it was going to sea
+again."
+
+Upon this, Dr Franklin said, that "if another messenger was to be sent
+to London, he ought to carry something more respecting a compensation
+to the sufferers in America."
+
+He produced a paper from his pocket, in which he had drawn up a claim,
+and he said the first principle of the treaty was equality and
+reciprocity. Now they demanded of us payment of debts, and
+restitution, or compensation to the refugees. If a draper had sold a
+piece of cloth to a man upon credit, and then sent a servant to take
+it from him by force, and afterwards should bring his action for the
+debt, would any court of law or equity give him his demand, without
+obliging him to restore the cloth? Then he stated the carrying off of
+goods from Boston, Philadelphia, and the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia,
+&c., and the burning of the towns, &c. and desired, that this might be
+sent with the rest.
+
+Upon this, I recounted the history of General Gage's agreement with
+the inhabitants of Boston, that they should remove with their effects,
+upon condition, that they would surrender their arms; but as soon as
+the arms were secured, the goods were forbid to be carried out, and
+were finally carried off in large quantities to Halifax. Dr Franklin
+mentioned the case of Philadelphia, and the carrying off of effects
+there, even his own library. Mr Jay mentioned several other things,
+and Mr Laurens added the plunders in Carolina, of negroes, plate, &c.
+
+After hearing all this, Mr Fitzherbert, Mr Oswald, and Mr Strachey
+retired for some time, and returning, Mr Fitzherbert said, that upon
+consulting together, and weighing everything as maturely as possible,
+Mr Strachey and himself had determined to advise Mr Oswald to strike
+with us, according to the terms we had proposed as our ultimatum,
+respecting the fishery and the loyalists. Accordingly, we all sat
+down, and read over the whole treaty, and corrected it, and agreed to
+meet tomorrow, at Mr Oswald's house, to sign and seal the treaties,
+which the Secretaries were to copy fair in the mean time.
+
+I forgot to mention, that when we were upon the fishery, and Mr
+Strachey and Mr Fitzherbert were urging us to leave out the word
+_right_, and substitute the word _liberty_, I told them at last, in
+answer to their proposal to agree upon all other articles, and leave
+that of the fishery to be adjusted at the Definitive Treaty, that I
+could never put my hand to any articles, without satisfaction about
+the fishery; that Congress had three or four years ago, when they did
+me the honor to give me a commission to make a Treaty of Commerce with
+Great Britain, given me a positive instruction not to make any such
+treaty, without an article in the Treaty of Peace, acknowledging our
+right to the fishery; that I was happy Mr Laurens was now present,
+who, I believed, was in Congress at the time, and must remember it. Mr
+Laurens, upon this, said with great firmness, that he was in the same
+case, and could never give his voice for any articles without this. Mr
+Jay spoke up, and said, it could not be a peace, it would only be an
+insidious truce without it.
+
+_Saturday, November 30th. St Andrews' Day._--We met first at Mr Jay's,
+then at Mr Oswald's, examined and compared the treaties. Mr Strachey
+had left out the limitation of time, the twelve months, that the
+refugees were allowed to reside in America, in order to recover their
+estates, if they could. Dr Franklin said this was a surprise upon us.
+Mr Jay said so too. We never had consented to leave it out, and they
+insisted upon putting it in, which was done.
+
+Mr Laurens said, there ought to be a stipulation, that the British
+troops should carry off no negroes, or other American property. We all
+agreed. Mr Oswald consented.
+
+Then the treaties were signed, sealed, and delivered, and we all went
+out to Passy to dine with Dr. Franklin. Thus far has proceeded this
+great affair. The unravelling of the plot has been to me the most
+affecting and astonishing part of the whole piece.
+
+As soon as I arrived in Paris, I waited on Mr Jay, and learned from
+him the rise and progress of the negotiations. Nothing, that has
+happened since the beginning of the controversy in 1761, has ever
+struck me more forcibly, or affected me more intimately, than that
+entire coincidence of principles and opinions between him and me. In
+about three days I went out to Passy, and spent the evening with Dr
+Franklin, and entered largely into conversation with him upon the
+course and present state of our foreign affairs. I told him, without
+reserve, my opinion of the policy of this Court, and of the
+principles, wisdom, and firmness, with which Mr Jay had conducted the
+negotiation in his sickness and my absence, and that I was determined
+to support Mr Jay to the utmost of my power in the pursuit of the same
+system. The Doctor heard me patiently, but said nothing.
+
+The first conference we had afterwards with Mr Oswald, in considering
+one point and another, Dr Franklin turned to Mr Jay, and said, I am of
+your opinion, and will go on with these gentlemen in the business,
+without consulting this Court. He accordingly met with us in most of
+our conferences, and has gone with us, in entire harmony and unanimity
+throughout, and has been able and useful, both by his sagacity and his
+reputation in the whole negotiation.[15]
+
+I was very happy, that Mr Laurens came in, although it was the last
+day of the conferences, and wish he could have been sooner. His
+apprehension, notwithstanding his deplorable affliction under the
+recent loss of so excellent a son, is as quick, his judgment as sound,
+and his heart as firm as ever. He had an opportunity of examining the
+whole, and judging and approving, and the article, which he caused to
+be inserted at the very last, that no property should be carried off,
+which would most probably in the multiplicity and hurry of affairs
+have escaped us, was worth a longer journey, if that had been all. But
+his name and weight is added, which is of much greater consequence.
+These miserable minutes may help me to recollect, but I have not found
+time, amidst the hurry of business and crowd of visits, to make a
+detail.
+
+I should have before noted, that at our first conference about the
+fishery, I related the facts, as well as I understood them; but
+knowing nothing myself, but as a hearsay witness, I found it had not
+the weight of occular testimony; to supply which defect, I asked Dr
+Franklin, if Mr Williams of Nantes could not give us light. He said
+Mr Williams was on the road to Paris, and as soon as he arrived he
+would ask him. In a few days, Mr Williams called on me, and said Dr
+Franklin had, as I desired him, inquired of him about the fishery, but
+he was not able to speak particularly upon that subject; but there was
+at Nantes a gentleman of Marblehead, Mr Samuel White, son-in-law to Mr
+Hooper, who was master of the subject, and to him he would write.
+
+Mr Jeremiah Allen, a merchant of Boston, called on me about the same
+time. I inquired of him. He was able only to give such a hearsay
+account as I could give myself. But I desired him to write to Mr
+White, at Nantes, which he undertook to do, and did. Mr White answered
+Mr Allen's letter by referring him to his answer to Mr Williams, which
+Mr Williams received and delivered to Dr Franklin, who communicated it
+to us, and it contained a good account.
+
+I desired Mr Thaxter to write to Messrs Ingraham and Bromfield, and Mr
+Storer to write to Captain Coffin at Amsterdam. They delivered me the
+answers, both contained information, but Coffin's was the most
+particular, and of the most importance, as he spoke as a witness. We
+made the best use of these letters with the English gentlemen, and
+they appeared to have a good deal of weight with them.
+
+From first to last, I ever insisted upon it with the English
+gentlemen, that the fisheries and the Mississippi, if America was not
+satisfied in those points, would be the sure and certain sources of a
+future war, showed them the indispensable necessity of both to our
+affairs, and that no treaty we could make, which should be
+unsatisfactory to our people upon those points, could be observed;
+that the population near the Mississippi would be so rapid, and the
+necessities of the people for its navigation so pressing, that nothing
+could restrain them from going down, and if the force of arms should
+be necessary, it would not be wanting; that the fishery entered into
+our distilleries, our coasting trade, our trade with the Southern
+States, with the West India Islands, with the coast of Africa, and
+with every part of Europe in such a manner, and especially with
+England, that it could not be taken from us, or granted us stingily,
+without tearing and rending; that the other States had staples, we had
+none but fish, no other means of remittances to London, or paying
+those very debts they had insisted upon so seriously; that if we were
+forced off, at three leagues distance, we should smuggle eternally,
+that their men-of-war might have the glory of sinking, now and then, a
+fishing schooner, but this would not prevent a repetition of the
+crime, it would only inflame, and irritate, and enkindle a new war,
+that in seven years we should break through all restraints, and
+conquer from them the island of Newfoundland itself, and Nova Scotia
+too.
+
+Mr Fitzherbert always smiled, and said it was very extraordinary that
+the British Ministry and we should see it in so different a light.
+That they meant the restriction, in order to prevent disputes, and
+kill the seeds of war, and we should think it so certain a source of
+disputes, and so strong a seed of war; but that our reasons were such,
+that he thought the probability on our side.
+
+I have not time to minute the conversation about the sea-cow fishery,
+the whale fishery, the Magdalen Islands, the Labrador coasts, and the
+coasts of Nova Scotia. It is sufficient to say, they were explained
+to the utmost of our knowledge, and finally conceded.
+
+I should have noted before, the various deliberations between the
+English gentlemen and us, relative to the words, "indefinite and
+exclusive right," which the Count de Vergennes and M. Gerard had the
+precaution to insert in our treaty with France. I observed often to
+the English gentlemen, that, aiming at excluding us from fishing upon
+the north side of Newfoundland, it was natural for them to wish that
+the English would exclude us from the south side. This would be making
+both alike, and take away an odious distinction. French statesmen must
+see the tendency of our fishermen being treated kindly and hospitably,
+like friends, by the English on their side of the Island, and
+unkindly, inhospitably, and like enemies, on the French. I added,
+further, that it was my opinion, neither our treaty with the French,
+nor any treaty or clause to the same purpose, which the English could
+make, would be punctually observed. Fishermen, both from England and
+America, would smuggle, especially the Americans, in the early part of
+the spring, before the Europeans could arrive. This, therefore, must
+be connived at by the French, or odious measures must be recurred to
+by them or us to suppress it, and, in either case, it was easy to see
+what would be the effect upon the American mind. They, no doubt,
+therefore, wished the English to put themselves upon as odious a
+footing at least as they had done.
+
+Dr Franklin said, that there was great weight in this observation, and
+the Englishmen showed plainly enough that they felt it.
+
+I have not attempted, in these notes, to do justice to the arguments
+of my colleagues; all of whom were throughout the whole business,
+when they attended, very attentive and very able, especially Mr Jay,
+to whom the French, if they knew as much of his negotiations as they
+do of mine, would very justly give the title, with which they have
+inconsiderately decorated me, that of "_Le Washington de la
+negotiation_," a very flattering compliment indeed, to which I have
+not a right; but sincerely think it belongs to Mr Jay.
+
+_Tuesday, December 3d._--Visited M. Brantzen, _Hotel de la Chine_. M.
+Brantzen asked me, how we went on? I told him we had come to a full
+stop, by signing and sealing the preliminaries the 30th of November. I
+told him, that we had been very industrious, having been at it
+forenoon, afternoon, and evening, ever since my arrival, either with
+one another, or with the English gentlemen. He asked if it was
+definitive and separate? I said by no means. They were only articles
+to be inserted in the definitive treaty. He asked, if there was to be
+any truce or armistice in the mean time? I said again, by no means.
+
+He then said, that he believed France and England had agreed too; that
+the Count de Vergennes' son was gone to England with M. de Rayneval;
+but he believed the Spaniards had not yet agreed, and the Dutch were
+yet a great way off, and had agreed upon nothing. They had had several
+conferences. At the first, he had informed Mr Fitzherbert, that their
+High Mightinesses insisted upon the freedom of navigation as a
+preliminary and a _sine qua non_. Mr Fitzherbert had communicated this
+to his Court, but the answer received was, that his Court did not
+approve of conceding this as a _sine qua non_, but chose to have all
+the demands of their High Mightinesses stated together. M. Brantzen
+answered, that his instructions were, not to enter into any
+conferences upon other points, until this was agreed. That it was the
+intention of the British Court to agree to this. That he could not
+consider any changes in the Ministry as making any alteration. They
+were all Ministers of the same King, and servants of the same nation.
+That Mr Fox, when he was Secretary of State, by his letter to the
+Russian Minister, had declared the intention of the King to consent to
+the freedom of navigation, &c.
+
+M. Brantzen said, however, that he had in his private capacity and
+without compromising his ministerial character, entered into
+explanations with Mr Fitzherbert, and had told him that he should
+insist upon three points, the freedom of navigation, the restitution
+of territories in the East and West Indies, and compensation for
+damages. The two first points could not be disputed, and the third
+ought not be; for the war against them had been unjust, the pretences
+for it were groundless, their accession to the armed neutrality must
+now be admitted, even by Britain's accession to it, to have been an
+illegitimate cause of war, and the object of a treaty with America
+could not be seriously pretended to be a just cause of war; and many
+members of Parliament had in the time of it declared the war unjust,
+and some of those members were now Ministers; even the prime Minister,
+my Lord Shelburne himself, had freely declared the war unjust in the
+House of Peers; and if the war was unjust, the damages and injustice
+ought to be repaired.
+
+Mr Fitzherbert said, that there was no precedent of compensation for
+damages in a treaty of peace. M. Brantzen begged his pardon, and
+thought there had been instances. One example in particular, which the
+English themselves had set against the Dutch, which just then came
+into his head. Cromwell had demanded compensation of them, and they
+had agreed, as now appears by the treaty, to pay a hundred thousand
+pounds sterling as a compensation.
+
+M. Brantzen was not furnished with a full account of all the losses of
+individuals, and therefore could not precisely say what the amount
+would be. That perhaps they might not insist upon prompt payment, nor
+upon a stated sum, but might leave both the sum and time of payment to
+be ascertained by commissioners at their leisure after the peace.
+
+I observed to him, that we intended to write to Mr Dana, and send him
+a copy of our preliminaries, that he might commence his negotiations
+with the neutral powers, and if he succeeded we could then make common
+cause with Holland, and insist on an article to secure the freedom of
+navigation. This idea he received with great pleasure, and said he
+would write about it to the States. Upon this I asked him, with whom
+he and the other Dutch Ministers abroad, held their correspondence? He
+answered, that the Secretary Fagel was properly speaking the Minister
+of Foreign Affairs. That their principal correspondence was with him;
+but that they had a correspondence with the Grand Pensionary Bleiswick
+too. That the letters received by the Secretary were laid before the
+_Besogne Secrete_, or Committee of Secresy. This committee consisted
+of so many members, one at least for each Province, that it was very
+difficult to keep anything secret. Foreign Ministers were very
+inquisitive, and the Duc de la Vauguyon would be likely to get at it.
+So that if they had any to write, which they wished secret, they wrote
+it to the Grand Pensionary, who is not obliged to lay before the
+States letters entire. He selects such parts as he judges proper, and
+prints them, to be taken _ad referendum_, and laid before the
+Regencies of the cities. That they had sometimes a little diffidence
+of this Court (_quelque mefiance_), for this Court was very fine
+(_diablement fine_), and when this happened, they wrote to the Grand
+Pensionary, that it might not be communicated to the French Minister,
+and consequently to his Court. "These people are vastly profound, They
+will not favor the Spaniards in obtaining the Floridas. They will play
+England against Spain, and Spain against England. England against you,
+and you against England, and all of you against us, and us against all
+of you, according to their own schemes and interests. They are closely
+buttoned up about Gibraltar, and as to Jamaica, they will not favor
+Spain in that view. I expect they will get their own affairs arranged,
+and then advise England to agree to the freedom of navigation and a
+restitution of territory, and then advise us to be very easy about
+compensation." Thus M. Brantzen.
+
+I next visited Mr Jay, to talk about writing to Mr Dana, and
+communicating to the neutral powers the preliminary articles. Mr Jay
+says, that Mr Oswald is very anxious that his Court should do that,
+and he has been writing to the ministry to persuade them to it. Had a
+long conversation with Mr Jay about the manner of settling the western
+lands. This I cannot now detail.
+
+Went next to Mr Laurens, upon the subject of writing to Mr Dana, and
+found him full in my sentiments, and at my return found answers from
+Dr Franklin and Mr Laurens to the letters I wrote them, both agreeing
+that this is the critical moment for Mr Dana to commence his
+negotiations. Doctor Franklin promises to have an authentic copy made
+to send to Mr Dana.
+
+In the evening many gentlemen came in, among the rest Mr Bourse, the
+agent of the Dutch East India company, Who expressed a good deal of
+anxiety about their negotiations, and feared they should not have
+justice in the East Indies.
+
+_Wednesday, December 4th._--It is proper that I should note here, that
+in the beginning of the year 1780, soon after my arrival at Paris, Mr
+Galloway's pamphlets fell into my hands. I wrote a long series of
+letters to a friend, in answer to them. That friend sent them to
+England, but the printers dared not publish them. They remained there
+until last summer, when they were begun to be printed, and are
+continued to this day, (not being yet quite finished,) in Parker's
+General Advertiser, but with false dates, being dated in the months of
+January and February last, under the title of "Letters from a
+distinguished American." They appear to have been well received, and
+to have contributed somewhat to unite the nation in accelerating the
+acknowledgment of American independence, and to convince the nation of
+the necessity of respecting our alliances, and making peace.
+
+I hope it will be permitted to me, or to some other who can do it
+better, some ten or fifteen years hence, to collect together in one
+view, my little negotiations in Europe. Fifty years hence it may be
+published, perhaps twenty. I will venture to say, however feebly I may
+have acted my part, or whatever mistakes I may have committed, yet the
+situations I have been in, between angry nations and more angry
+factions, have been some of the most singular and interesting, that
+ever happened to any man. The fury of enemies, as well as of elements,
+the subtlety and arrogance of allies, and, what has been worse than
+all, the jealousy, envy, and little pranks of friends and copatriots,
+would form one of the most instructive lessons in morals and
+politics, that ever was committed to paper.
+
+_Monday, December 9th._--Visited Mr Jay. Mr Oswald came in. We slided
+from one thing to another, into a very lively conversation upon
+politics. He asked me what the conduct of his Court and nation ought
+to be in relation to America. I answered, the alpha and omega of
+British policy towards America was summed up in this one maxim, see
+that American independence is independent,--independent of all the
+world,--independent of yourselves, as well as of France,--and
+independent of both, as well as the rest of Europe. Depend upon it,
+you have no chance for salvation, but by setting up America very high;
+take care to remove from the American mind all cause of fear of you;
+no other motive but fear of you will ever produce in the Americans any
+unreasonable attachment to the House of Bourbon. "Is it possible,"
+says he, "that the people of America should be afraid of us, or hate
+us?" "One would think, Mr Oswald," said I, "that you had been out of
+the world for these twenty years past; yes, there are three millions
+of people in America, who hate and dread you more than anything in the
+world." "What," said he, "now we have come to our senses?" "Your
+change of system is not yet known in America," said I. "Well," said
+he, "what shall we do to remove those fears and jealousies?" "In one
+word," said I, "favor and promote the interest, reputation, and
+dignity of the United States, in everything that is consistent with
+your own. If you pursue the plan of cramping, clipping, and weakening
+America, on the supposition, that she will be a rival to you, you will
+make her really so; you will make her the natural and perpetual ally
+of your natural and perpetual enemies." "But in what instance," said
+he, "have we discovered such a disposition?" "In the three leagues
+from your shores, and the fifteen leagues from Cape Breton," said I,
+"to which your Ministry insisted so earnestly to exclude our
+fishermen. Here was a point, that would have done us great harm, and
+you no good; on the contrary, harm; so that you would have hurt
+yourselves to hurt us; this disposition must be guarded against." "I
+am fully of your mind, about that," said he, "but what else can we
+do?" "Send a Minister to Congress," said I, "at the peace, a clever
+fellow, who understands himself, and will neither set us bad examples,
+nor intermeddle in our parties. This will show, that you are
+consistent with yourselves; that you are sincere in your
+acknowledgment of American independence; and that you do not entertain
+hopes and designs of overturning it. Such a Minister will dissipate
+many fears, and will be of more service to the least obnoxious
+refugees, than any other measure could be. Let the King send a
+Minister to Congress, and receive one from that body. This will be
+acting consistently, and with dignity, in the face of the universe."
+"Well, what else shall we do?" said he. "I have more than once
+already," said I, "advised you to put your Ministers upon negotiating
+the acknowledgment of our independence by the neutral powers." "True,"
+said he, "and I have written, about it, and in my answers," said he,
+laughing, "I am charged with speculation; but I do not care, I will
+write them my sentiments. I will not take any of their money. I have
+spent already twelve or thirteen hundred pounds, and all the reward I
+will have for it shall be the pleasure of writing as I think. My
+opinion is, that our Court should sign the armed neutrality, and
+announce to them what they have done with you, and negotiate to have
+you admitted to sign too. But I want to write more fully on the
+subject, I want you to give me your thoughts upon it, for I do not
+understand it so fully as I wish. What motives can be thrown out to
+the Empress of Russia? Or what motives can she be supposed to have to
+acknowledge your independence? And what motives can our Court have to
+interfere, or intercede with the neutral powers, to receive you into
+their confederation?"
+
+"I will answer all these questions," said I, "to the best of my
+knowledge, and with the utmost candor. In the first place, there has
+been, with very little interruption, a jealousy between the Court of
+Petersburg and Versailles for many years. France is the old friend and
+ally of the Sublime Porte, the natural enemy of Russia. France, not
+long since, negotiated a peace between Russia and the Turks; but upon
+the Empress' late offers of mediation, and especially her endeavors to
+negotiate Holland out of the war, France appears to have been piqued,
+and, as the last revolution in the Crimea happened soon after, there
+is reason to suspect that French emissaries excited the revolt against
+the new independent government, which the Empress had taken so much
+pains to establish. Poland has been long a scene of competition
+between Russian and French politics, both parties having spent great
+sums in pensions to partisans, until they have laid all virtue and
+public spirit prostrate in that country. Sweden is another region of
+rivalry between France and Russia, where both parties spent such sums
+in pensions, as to destroy the principles of liberty, and prepare the
+way for that revolution, which France favored from a principle of
+economy, rather than any other. These hints are sufficient to show
+the opposition of views and interests between France and Russia, and
+we see the consequence of it, that England has more influence at
+Petersburg than France. The Empress, therefore, would have two
+motives, one, to oblige England, if they should intercede for an
+acknowledgment of American independence, and another, to render
+America less dependent upon France. The Empress, moreover loves
+reputation, and it would be no small addition to her glory to
+undertake a negotiation with all the neutral Courts, to induce them to
+admit America into their confederacy. The Empress might be further
+tempted; she was bent upon extending her commerce, and the commerce of
+America, if it were only in duck and hemp, would be no small object to
+her. As to the motives of your Court, Princes often think themselves
+warranted, if not bound, to fight for their glory; surely they may
+lawfully negotiate for reputation. If the neutral powers should
+acknowledge our independence now, France will have the reputation,
+very unjustly, of having negotiated it; but if your Court now takes a
+decided part in favor of it, your Court will have the glory of it, in
+Europe and in America, and this will have a good effect upon American
+gratitude." "But," said he, "this would be negotiating for the honor
+and interest of France, for no doubt France wishes all the world to
+acknowledge your independence." "Give me leave to tell you, Sir," said
+I, "you are mistaken. If I have not been mistaken in the policy of
+France, from my first observation of it to this hour, they have been
+as averse to other powers acknowledging our independence as you have
+been." Mr Jay joined me in the same declaration. "I understand it
+now," said he; "there is a gentleman going to London this day, I will
+go home and write upon the subject by him."
+
+_Tuesday, December 10th._--Visited Mr Oswald, to inquire the news from
+England. He had the _Courier de l'Europe_, in which is Mr Secretary
+Townshend's letter to the Lord Mayor of London, dated the 3d instant,
+in which he announces the signature of the preliminaries, on the 30th
+of November, between the Commissioners of his Majesty, and the
+Commissioners of the United States of America. He had also the King's
+speech, announcing the same thing.
+
+Mr Oswald said, that France would not separate her affairs from Spain;
+that he had hoped that America would have assisted them somewhat, in
+compromising affairs with France; and Dr Franklin, who was present,
+said he did not know anything of the other negotiations. He said that
+neither Mr Fitzherbert, nor the Count de Vergennes, nor the Count
+d'Aranda, communicated anything to him, that he understood the Dutch
+were farthest from an agreement. Upon this, I said, "Mr Oswald, Mr
+Fitzherbert cannot, I think, have any difficulty to agree with M.
+Brantzen. There are three points, viz. the liberty of navigation;
+restitution of possessions; and compensation for damages. The liberty
+of navigation, I suppose, is the point that sticks. But why should it
+stick? When all nations are agreed in the principle, why should
+England stand out? England must agree to it, she has already in effect
+agreed to it; as it affects all nations but Holland and America, and,
+if she were disposed, she could not prevent them from having the
+benefit." Upon this, Dr Franklin said, "the Dutch would be able in any
+future war, to carry on their commerce, even of naval stores, in the
+bottoms of other neutral powers." "Yes," said Mr Oswald, "and I am of
+opinion, that England ought to subscribe the armed neutrality." "Very
+well," said I, "then let Mr Fitzherbert agree to this point with M.
+Brantzen, and let Mr Harris, at Petersburg, take Mr Dana in his hand,
+and go to the Prince Potemkin, or the Count d'Ostermann, and say, the
+king, my master, has authorised me to subscribe the principles of the
+armed neutrality, and instructed me to introduce to you, Mr Dana,
+Minister from the United States of America, to do the same. Let him
+subscribe his name under mine."
+
+At this, they all laughed very heartily. Mr Oswald, however,
+recollecting himself, and the conversation between him and me,
+yesterday, on the same subject, very gravely turned it off, by saying,
+"he did not see a necessity to be in a hurry about that, America was
+well enough." I said, "as to restitution of the Dutch territories, I
+suppose your Court will not make much difficulty about that, if this
+Court does not, as it is not probable they will, and as to
+compensation for damages, the Dutch will probably be as easy as they
+can about that."
+
+Dr Franklin said, he was for beginning early to think about the
+articles of the definitive treaty. We had been so happy as to be the
+first in the preliminaries, and he wished to be so in the definitive
+articles. Thus we parted.
+
+_Thursday, December 12th._--Met at Mr Laurens', and signed the letter
+I had drawn up to Mr Dana, which I sent off, enclosed with a copy of
+the preliminaries, and consulted about articles to be inserted in the
+definitive treaty. Agreed that Mr Jay and I should prepare a joint
+letter to Congress. At seven o'clock, I met Mr Jay at his house, and
+we drew up a letter.
+
+_Friday, December 13th._--I went first to Mr Jay, and made some
+addition to the joint letter, which I carried first to Mr Laurens,
+who made some corrections and additions, and then to Passy, to Dr
+Franklin, who proposed a few other corrections, and showed me an
+article he had drawn up for the definitive treaty, to exempt
+fishermen, husbandmen, and merchants, as much as possible, from the
+evils of future wars. This is a good lesson to mankind, at least. All
+agreed to meet at my house, at eleven o'clock tomorrow, to finish the
+joint letter.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[15] For some account of the part taken by Dr Franklin, in regard to
+the Treaty, before the arrival of Mr Jay and Mr Adams in Paris, see
+the North American Review, for January, 1830, No. 66, p. 15.
+
+
+ END OF THE SIXTH 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. |
++--------------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Diplomatic Correspondence of the
+American Revolution (Volume VI), by Various
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