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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. 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 of the Department of State, conformably
to a Resolution of Congress, of March 27th, 1818.
EDITED
BY JARED SPARKS.
VOL. I.
BOSTON:
N. HALE AND GRAY & BOWEN.
G. & C. & H. CARVILL, NEW YORK.
1829.
HALE'S STEAM PRESS.
Nos. 6 Suffolk Buildings, Congress Street, Boston.
_Resolution of Congress of March 27th, 1818._
Resolution directing the Publication and Distribution of the
Journal and Proceedings of the Convention, which formed the
present Constitution of the United States.
_Resolved_, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, that the Journal of the
Convention, which formed the present Constitution of the United
States, now remaining in the office of the Secretary of State, and all
acts and Proceedings of that Convention, which are in possession of
the Government of the United States, be published under the direction
of the President of the United States, together with the Secret
Journals of the Acts and Proceedings, and the Foreign Correspondence
of the Congress of the United States, from the first meeting thereof,
down to the date of the ratification of the definitive treaty of
peace, between Great Britain and the United States, in the year
seventeen hundred and eightythree, except such parts of the said
foreign correspondence, as the President of the United States may deem
it improper at this time to publish. And that one thousand copies
thereof be printed, of which one copy shall be furnished to each
member of the present Congress, and the residue shall remain subject
to the future disposition of Congress.
[Approved March 27th, 1818.]
ADVERTISEMENT.
The Correspondence between the old Congress and the American Agents,
Commissioners, and Ministers in foreign countries, was secret and
confidential during the whole revolution. The letters, as they
arrived, were read in Congress, and referred to the standing Committee
of Foreign Affairs, accompanied with requisite instructions, when
necessary, as to the nature and substance of the replies. The papers
embracing this correspondence, which swelled to a considerable mass
before the end of the revolution, were removed to the department of
State after the formation of the new government, where they have
remained ever since, accessible to such persons as have wished to
consult them for particular purposes, but never before published. In
compliance with the resolution of Congress, of March 27th, 1818, they
are now laid before the public, under the direction of the President
of the United States.
On the 29th of November, 1775, a Committee of five was appointed to
correspond with the friends of America in other countries. It seems to
have been the specific object of this Committee, to gain information
in regard to the public feeling in Great Britain towards the Colonies,
and also the degree of interest which was likely to be taken by other
European powers in the contest, then beginning to grow warm on this
side of the Atlantic. Certain commercial designs came also under its
cognizance, such as procuring ammunition, arms, soldiers' clothing,
and other military stores from abroad. A secret correspondence was
immediately opened with Arthur Lee in London, chiefly with the view of
procuring intelligence. Early in the next year, Silas Deane was sent
to France by the Committee, with instructions to act as a commercial
or political agent for the American Colonies, as circumstances might
dictate. This Committee was denominated the _Committee of Secret
Correspondence_, and continued in operation till April 17th, 1777,
when the name was changed to that of the _Committee of Foreign
Affairs_. The duties and objects of the Committee appear to have
remained as before, notwithstanding the change of name.
In the first years of the war, it was customary for the Commissioners
and Ministers abroad to address their letters to the Committee, or to
the President of Congress. In either case the letters were read in
Congress, and answered only by the Committee, this body being the
organ of all communications from Congress on foreign affairs. The
proceedings of Congress in relation to these topics were recorded in a
journal, kept separately from that in which the records of other
transactions were entered, and called the _Secret Journal_. This
Journal has recently been published, in conformity with the same
resolution of Congress, which directed the publication of the foreign
correspondence.
Robert R. Livingston was chosen Secretary of Foreign Affairs on the
10th of August, 1781, when the Committee was dissolved, and the
foreign correspondence from that time went through the hands of the
Secretary. As the responsibility thus devolved on a single individual,
instead of being divided among several, the business of the department
was afterwards executed with much more promptness and efficiency.
The plan adopted, in arranging the papers for publication, has been to
bring together those of each Commissioner, or Minister, in strict
chronological order. As there is much looseness, and sometimes
confusion in their arrangement as preserved in the Department of
State, this plan has not always been easy to execute. The advantage of
such a method, however, is so great, the facility it affords for a
ready reference and consultation is so desirable, and the chain of
events is thereby exhibited in a manner so much more connected and
satisfactory, that no pains have been spared to bring every letter and
document into its place in the exact order of its date. Thus, the
correspondence of each Commissioner, or Minister, presents a
continuous history of the acts in which he was concerned, and of the
events to which he alludes.
It will be seen, that letters are occasionally missing. These are not
to be found in the archives of the government. The loss may be
accounted for in several ways. In the first place, the modes of
conveyance were precarious, and failures were frequent and
unavoidable. The despatches were sometimes intrusted to the captains
of such American vessels, merchantmen or privateers, as happened to be
in port, and sometimes forwarded by regular express packets, but in
both cases they were subject to be captured. Moreover, the despatches
were ordered to be thrown overboard if the vessel conveying them
should be pursued by an enemy, or exposed to the hazard of being
taken. It thus happened, that many letters never arrived at their
destination, although duplicates and triplicates were sent. Again, the
Committee had no Secretary to take charge of the papers, and no
regular place of deposit; the members themselves were perpetually
changing, and each had equal access to the papers, and was equally
responsible for their safe keeping. They were often in the hands of
the Secretary of Congress, and of other members who wished to consult
them. Nor does it appear, that copies were methodically taken till
after the war. In such a state of things, many letters must
necessarily have been withdrawn and lost. When Mr Jay became Secretary
of Foreign Affairs, in the year 1784, that office had been made the
place of deposit for all the foreign correspondence which then
remained. Under his direction, a large portion of it was copied into
volumes, apparently with much care, both in regard to the search after
papers, and the accuracy of the transcribers. These volumes are still
retained in the archives of the Department of State, together with
such originals as have escaped the perils of accident, and the
negligence of their early keepers.
The letters of the Committee of Congress to the agents abroad were
few, scanty, and meagre. This may be ascribed to two causes. First,
there was really very little to communicate, which was not known
through the public papers; and, secondly, it was not made the duty of
any particular member of the Committee to write letters. Hence the
agents frequently complained, that their despatches were not answered,
and that they were embarrassed for want of intelligence. When Mr
Livingston came into the office of Foreign Affairs, a salutary change
took place in this respect. His letters are numerous, full, and
instructive.
In preparing the papers for the press, according to the spirit of the
resolution of Congress, the first rule has been to print such matter
only as possesses some value, either as containing historical facts,
or illustrating traits of character, or developing the causes of
prominent events. In such a mass of materials, so varied in their
character and in the topics upon which they treat, it has not always
been easy to discriminate with precision in regard to these points.
The editor can only say, that he has exercised his best judgment to
accomplish the end proposed. His task has been rendered still more
perplexing, from the disputes, and even quarrels, which existed
between the early American Commissioners, and with the effects of
which a large portion of their correspondence is tinged. No worthy
purpose can be answered by reviving the remembrance of these
contentions at the present day; but, at the same time, such
particulars ought to be retained, as will exhibit in their proper
light the characters of the persons concerned, and show how far their
altercations operated to the public good or injury. This line has been
pursued as far as practicable, and those parts of the correspondence
chiefly marked with personalities, and touching little on public
interests, have been omitted, as neither suited to the dignity of the
subject, nor to the design of this publication.
On perusing these volumes, it may at first seem extraordinary, that so
large a collection of letters, written by different persons at
different times, embracing topics of great moment, and assuming the
character of secret and confidential despatches, should be so
generally well fitted to meet the public eye. But it must be kept in
mind, that the writers knew their letters would be read in open
Congress, which was much the same as publishing them, and under this
impression they were doubtless prompted to study circumspection, both
in matter and manner.
Justice to himself requires the editor to observe, that he has not
felt at liberty, in accordance with the express terms of the
resolution of Congress, to add anything to the original papers by way
of commentary or illustration. The few notes, which he has subjoined,
are intended mainly to assist the reader in referring to collateral
topics in different parts of the work. When it is considered under
what circumstances and with what aims these letters were written, it
will be obvious, that time and succeeding events must have detected
occasional misapprehensions and errors of statement in the writers, as
well as the fallacy of some of their conjectures and speculations.
They were called upon to grapple with the politics of Europe, and to
discourse on a theme and execute a task, that would have been of no
easy accomplishment in the hands of the veteran diplomatists of the
old world. The editor's researches in the public offices of England
and France, with particular reference to the early diplomatic
relations between those countries and the United States, have put in
his possession a body of facts on the subjects discussed in these
papers, which might have been used to advantage in supplying
corrections and explanations; but, for the reason above mentioned, he
has not deemed himself authorised to assume such a duty. He is not
without the expectation, however, that the public will hereafter be
made acquainted with the results of his inquiries in some other form.
CONTENTS
OF THE
FIRST VOLUME.
SILAS DEANE'S CORRESPONDENCE.
Page
From the Committee of Correspondence to Silas Deane.
Philadelphia, March 3d, 1776, 5
Instructions to Mr Deane on his departure for France.
Silas Deane to the Committee of Secret Correspondence.
Paris, August 18th, 1776, 9
Mr Deane's interview with Count de Vergennes, and
conversation on American affairs.--Dubourg.--
Beaumarchais.--Military supplies for the American
service.
From Caron de Beaumarchais to the Committee of Secret
Correspondence. Paris, August 18th, 1776, 35
Account of his contract with Mr Deane for furnishing the
United States with military supplies.
Silas Deane to Count de Vergennes. Paris, August 22d, 1776, 40
To Robert Morris. Bordeaux, September 17th, 1776, 40
To Robert Morris. Paris, September 30th, 1776, 41
On mercantile affairs.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, October
1st, 1776, 43
Military supplies.--Asks for blank commissions for ships
of war.--Dr Bancroft.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, October
8th, 1776, 48
Agreement between M. Monthieu and Silas Deane for the
Transportation of military Supplies to America. Paris,
October 15th, 1776, 51
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, October
18th, 1776, 53
Urges the importance of making known formally to foreign
powers the independence of the United States.--Case of
Captain Lee who went into Bilboa with prizes.--Demands
remittances.
To the President of Congress. Paris, October 17th, 1776, 56
To William Bingham. Paris, October 17th, 1776, 57
To William Bingham. Paris, October 25th, 1776, 58
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, October
25th, 1776, 59
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, November
6th, 1776, 60
Supplies forwarded.--M. du Coudray.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, November
9th, 1776, 64
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, November
26th, 1776, 64
Grand Duke of Tuscany proposes commercial intercourse
with America.
To the President of Congress. Paris, November 27th, 1776, 65
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, November
27th, 1776, 66
Proposals to send frigates to harass the British fishery
on the Grand Bank.--Recommends sending American
privateers into the European seas.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, November
28th, 1776, 67
On the acknowledgment of American independence by
European powers.--Applications of officers to go to
America.--Baron de Kalb.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, November
29th, 1776, 74
Beaumarchais's military supplies.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, November
29th, 1776, 76
Military officers recommended.--Colonel Conway.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, December
1st, 1776, 77
Thoughts on the means of defraying the expenses of the
war.--A loan for the purpose.--Great resources in the
western lands.--Plan for constituting them a pledge to
redeem a loan.--Credit of the different European powers.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, December
3d, 1776, 88
Military articles shipped for the use of the United
States.
To John Jay. Paris, December 3d, 1776, 90
Plan of a treaty with France sketched by Mr Deane.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, December
6th, 1776, 96
List of officers destined to serve in the United
States.--Agreement with the Marquis de la Fayette, and
Baron de Kalb.
To Count de Vergennes. Paris, December 8th, 1776, 100
Arrival of Dr Franklin at Nantes.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, December
12th, 1776, 100
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, January
20th, 1777, 101
Disappointment in shipping the military articles.--M. du
Coudray censured.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, February
6th, 1777, 103
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, February
27th, 1777, 103
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 8th, 1777, 104
To Robert Morris. Paris, August 23d, 1777, 105
Particulars relating to the American ships in French
ports.--Conduct of the government towards them.
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, September 3d,
1777, 112
Account of articles shipped under charge of Captain
Landais.
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, September 10th,
1777, 113
Articles shipped.--M. Francy, agent for Hortalez & Co.
To Robert Morris. Paris, September 23d, 1777, 114
Remarks concerning the commercial agency at Nantes.
Committee of Foreign Affairs to Silas Deane. York, in
Pennsylvania, December 4th, 1777, 117
James Lovell to Silas Deane. York, December 8th, 1777, 117
Communicating the resolution of Congress for Mr Deane's
recall.
Count de Vergennes to the President of Congress. Versailles,
March 25th, 1778, 118
Approving Mr Deane's conduct in France.
Count de Vergennes to Silas Deane. Versailles, March 26th,
1778, 119
Commendatory of his conduct.
Dr Franklin to the President of Congress. Passy, March 31st,
1778, 120
Approving Mr Deane's conduct.
To the President of Congress. Delaware Bay, July 10th, 1778, 120
Notice of his arrival.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 28, 1778, 122
Proposes to give Congress information respecting the
state of their affairs in Europe.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 8th,
1778, 123
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 11th,
1778, 123
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 22d,
1778, 124
Nature of communications made to Congress.--Offers any
further information that may be desired.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 24th,
1778, 127
Asks copies of Mr Izard's letters to Congress.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, October 7th,
1778, 127
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, October 12th,
1778, 128
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, October 12th,
1778, 129
Reply to charges in Mr Izard's letters, respecting
commercial and other transactions in France.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, October 12th,
1778, 139
Vindication against charges made to Congress by Arthur
Lee.--Political and commercial transactions in
France.--Dr Franklin.--Affair of Dunkirk.--Vindication
of Dr. Franklin against Mr Lee's charges.--Count
Lauragais.--M. Holker.--Mr Williams.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, October 12th,
1778, 155
History of the eleventh and twelfth articles of the
treaty with France.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November 1st,
1778, 158
Communicating a project for the redemption of the
Continental money;--and a plan for equipping a fleet for
defending the coasts and commerce of the United States.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November 19th,
1778, 172
Further observations on transactions in France.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November 30th,
1778, 175
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, December 4th,
1778, 176
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, December 21st,
1778, 177
Solicits a speedy settlement of his affairs with
Congress.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, December 30th,
1778, 178
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January 4th,
1779, 178
Complaints against Thomas Paine on account of his
statements respecting the French supplies.--M. de
Beaumarchais.
To the President of Congress. January 21st, 1779, 180
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, February 22d,
1779, 180
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March 15th,
1779, 181
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March 29th,
1779, 182
Complains of the delay of Congress in settling his
affairs.--Desires that his conduct may either be
approved or censured.--Demands that justice may be done.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, April 2d, 1779, 185
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, April 17th,
1779, 186
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, April 26th,
1779, 187
Recapitulation of his past services, and of his efforts
to come to a settlement with Congress.--Complaints of
the abuse he has met with in the public papers.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, April 27th,
1779, 194
To M. Holker. Philadelphia, April 26th, 1779, 196
Respecting the purchase of articles in France for the
United States.
M. Holker's Answer. Philadelphia, April 26th, 1779, 197
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, April 30th,
1779, 197
Statement of accounts respecting purchases in
France.--Arthur Lee.--Requests that the accounts may be
examined.--Moneys paid by M. Grand.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 12th, 1779, 203
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 22d, 1779, 204
Recapitulation of previous events.--Urges Congress to
consider his situation, and come to a decision
respecting him.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August 18th,
1779, 214
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 4th,
1779, 214
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November 23d,
1779, 215
To the President of Congress. Williamsburgh, December 18th,
1779, 216
Declines accepting the money granted to him by Congress.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 15th, 1781, 217
Has been adjusting his accounts.--Solicits Congress to
appoint some person to examine and audit them.
To the President of Congress. Ghent, March 17th, 1782, 219
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE COMMISSIONERS AT THE COURT OF FRANCE.
From the Committee of Secret Correspondence to Benjamin
Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee, Commissioners at
Paris. Baltimore, 21st December, 1776, 225
Campaign of 1776.--New levies to be raised.--Necessity
of speedy aid from France.--Recall of Mediterranean
passes.--Loan of two millions sterling.
Robert Morris to the Commissioners. Philadelphia, 1st
December, 1776, 233
Retreat through the Jerseys.--Depreciation of
Continental currency.--Gloomy situation of the country.
The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the Commissioners.
Baltimore, 30th December, 1776, 246
Success at Trenton.--Tenders to France and Spain.
Committee of Secret Correspondence to Captain Larkin
Hammond. Baltimore, 2d January, 1777, 249
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, 17th
January, 1777, 250
Audience of Vergennes.--Privateers.--German troops in
the British service.--Disposition of the French.
The Committee of Secret Correspondence to William Bingham at
Martinique. Baltimore, 1st February, 1777, 255
The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the Commissioners.
Baltimore, 2d February, 1777, 257
Want of ships of war.--Reverses of the British in the
Jerseys.--New levies.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, 6th
February, 1777, 260
Tobacco.--German troops.--Offers of supplies and
service.--Mr Lee goes to Spain.--No danger from Russia.
To the President of Congress. Paris, 6th February, 1777, 264
Introducing M. du Coudray.
Agreement between the Commissioners and certain French
officers, 265
Committee of Secret Correspondence to the Commissioners.
Baltimore, 19th February, 1777, 266
Military events.--Preparations in Great Britain.--Urgent
necessity of aid.--Disposition of Spain.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, 4th March,
1777, 269
Complain of want of intelligence.
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, 12th
March, 1777, 270
Want of intelligence from America.--Particular accounts
of their proceedings, and favorable but cautious policy
of the French Court.--Disposition of Holland.--Of
Spain.--Secret supplies from the latter.--Loan of two
millions sterling.--Applications for service from
foreign officers.--Contract for 5000 hogsheads tobacco
with the Farmers-General.--All Europe favorable to the
American cause.--English and French fleet.--Sir J.
Yorke's memorial to Holland.--Contract for monthly
packets.
Agreement between Messrs Franklin and Deane and the
Farmers-General of France, for the sale of a quantity of
tobacco, 282
Agreement for packets between M. Ray de Chaumont, on the one
part, and Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane, on the other, 284
To Jonathan Williams. Paris, 1st May, 1777, 285
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
Philadelphia, 2d May, 1777, 286
Urge them to engage French merchants in American
trade.--British Generals discouraged.--Return of
Congress to Philadelphia.--State of the army.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
Philadelphia, 9th May, 1777, 290
Introducing J. Paul Jones.--His captain's commission.
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, 25th May, 1777, 291
Mr Lee goes to Berlin.--Necessity of a free port in
Germany.--Cunningham.--Lafayette goes to America.
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, 26th May, 1777, 296
Warfare on the British successful and
important.--Importance of a naval force in the German
ocean; and of carrying the war into Great Britain.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
Philadelphia, May 30th, 1777, 300
Loan.--Importance of America to Britain in the French
war.--Facilities for an attack on the West Indies.
To John Jay. Dunkirk, 2d June, 1777, 302
Importance of a naval force on the British coast, at St
Helena to intercept the East India fleet.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
Philadelphia, June 13th, 1777, 304
Position of the armies; in the Jerseys; in the
north.--Favorable aspect of affairs.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
Philadelphia, June 18th, 1777, 306
Military operations.--Answer of the States-General to
Sir J. Yorke.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
Philadelphia, June 26th, 1777, 309
Military operations.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
Philadelphia, July 2d, 1777, 310
Military operations.--Commission and Instructions for
William Lee to Vienna and Berlin; for Ralph Izard to
Tuscany.
Count de Vergennes to the Commissioners. Versailles, 16th
July, 1777, 311
Complains of American privateers for violating
neutrality.
To Count de Vergennes. Paris, 17th July, 1777, 314
Apology for the American privateers.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
Philadelphia, August 7th, 1777, 315
Military operations.--Loss of Ticonderoga.
To Count de Vergennes. Versailles, August 12th, 1777, 317
Arrest of Mr Hodge.
Messrs Franklin and Deane's Contract with M. Holker, 318
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Passy, 8th September,
1777, 319
Mr Lee's return from Berlin.--Disposition of
Prussia.--England and France equally averse to begin
hostilities.--English funds losing credit on the
Continent.--English trade in French bottoms.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
Yorktown, 6th October, 1777, 323
Military operations.--Burgoyne; Fort Schuyler;
Bennington.--Middle Department; Brandywine; Howe enters
Philadelphia; Germantown.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
Yorktown, 6th October, 1777, 330
Difficulty of raising money by appropriation of vacant
land.--Loan of twenty millions.
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Passy, 7th October,
1777, 332
Secret supplies from France.--Complain of failure of
remittances.--Propositions for forming a commercial
company at Emden.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
Yorktown, 18th October, 1777, 336
Military operations.--British property in French
bottoms.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
York, 31st October, 1777, 338
Surrender of Burgoyne.--Attack on Red Bank.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
York, 8th November, 1777, 340
Announcing the election of H. Laurens as President of
Congress.
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Passy, 30th November,
1777, 340
Remit supplies.--Capture of neutral vessels by American
privateers.--King of England's Speech.--Opposition in
Parliament.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
York, 1st December, 1777, 346
Difficulties in regard to French officers; their return
to France.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
York, 2d December, 1777, 349
Military operations.--Confederation passed by Congress,
submitted to the States.--Expenditures.--Emission of
paper money.--Unfavorable position of American
commerce.--An expedition to the East India seas
proposed.
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, 18th December,
1777, 355
News of Burgoyne's surrender in France.--French Court
determine to acknowledge independence, to make a treaty
of amity and commerce.--Additional aid of three millions
of livres from France, and from Spain.--French
Ambassador at London insulted.--English stocks
fall.--Treatment of American prisoners in England.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
York, 12th January, 1778, 359
Loss of the despatches by Folger.
To John Paul Jones. Paris, 16th January, 1778, 361
Instructions for a cruise in the Ranger.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
York, 21st January, 1778, 362
Military operations.
To the President of Congress. Passy, February 8th, 1778, 364
Treaties with France signed.--Secret clause in respect
to Spain.
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Passy, February 16th,
1778, 366
Remit treaties with France.--Intimations from
Holland.--English agents at Paris endeavor to get
propositions from the Commissioners as the basis of a
treaty.--Alarm in England.--Mansfield proposes a
coalition to Camden.
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Passy, February 28th,
1778, 369
Lord North's plan of conciliation.--Its insidious
character.--Advise the occupation of the Bermudas; and
reduction of English fishing ports in and near
Newfoundland.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to William Bingham.
York, March 2d, 1778, 372
Commercial.
M. Gerard to the Commissioners. Versailles, March 17th,
1778, 374
Announces that the king will receive them.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
York, March 24th, 1778, 375
Effect of depreciation of currency.
To M. Dumas. Paris, April 10th, 1778, 376
Enclosing a draught of a letter to the Grand Pensionary.
Draught of a proposed letter from the Commissioners to the
Grand Pensionary, 377
Announcing the treaty with France.
To M. Dumas. Passy, April 10th, 1778, 377
Arrival of Mr Adams to succeed Mr Deane.--Request his
opinion on the propriety of sending a Minister to
Holland.
To Mr John Ross. Passy, April 13th, 1778, 379
Commercial.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to William Bingham at
Martinique. York, April 16th, 1778, 380
Commercial Board.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
York, April 16th, 1778, 382
M. de Sartine to Count de Vergennes. Versailles, April 26th,
1778, 382
Protection of Commerce in the French seas.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to William Bingham.
York, April 26th, 1778, 384
Governor Tryon.--Forged resolve of Congress.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
York, April 30th, 1778, 385
To M. Dumas. Yorktown, May 14th, 1778, 386
Holland grants convoys against the British.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to William Bingham.
York, May 14th, 1778, 387
Commercial.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
York, May 14th, 1778, 388
Favorable situation of affairs.--Lord North's
conciliatory bill circulated in the country.--Referred
to a committee in Congress.--Their report.--Objections
to the 11th and 12th articles of the treaty with France.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, May 14th, 1778, 392
English prisoners brought into France.--General
principle as to a prisoner in a neutral country.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
York, May 15th, 1778, 393
Advising trade to America in French bottoms.--Objections
to the 12th article of the treaty.--Contract signed by
the Commercial Committee with the agent of Beaumarchais.
To the Count de Vergennes. Passy, May 16th, 1778, 396
The Boston frigate.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, May 16th, 1778, 396
Requesting the grant of a frigate to Besmarine, Rainbeau
& Co.
To Mr Jonathan Williams at Nantes. Passy, May 25th, 1778, 397
Revoking powers formerly granted him.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, June 3d, 1778, 398
Requesting regulations in respect of duties to be paid
on supplies to ships of war.--Prizes of the Ranger.
John Paul Jones to the Commissioners. Passy, June 16th,
1778, 399
Lieutenant Simpson's parole.
To David Hartley. Passy, June 16th, 1778, 400
Exchange of English and American prisoners.
To John Paul Jones. Passy, June 16th, 1778, 401
Instructing him to set sail for America.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to the Commissioners.
York, June 21st, 1778, 402
Propositions of the British Commissioners.
M. de Sartine to the Commissioners. Versailles, July 14th,
1778, 403
Supplies for St Pierre and Miquelon.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, July 16th, 1778, 404
British prisoners in France.
To the Council of the Massachusetts Bay. Passy, July 16th,
1778, 405
Enclosing a copy of M. de Sartine's letter relative to
St Pierre and Miquelon.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, July 17th, 1778, 406
Communicating a resolve of Congress relative to
treaties.
To the President of Congress. Passy, July 20th, 1778, 407
Exchange ratifications of treaties.--Appearances of war
in Germany.--M. Dumas.--American Consuls.
The Functions of Consuls, 410
To the President of Congress. Passy, July 23d, 1778, 412
Intention of the British Cabinet to acknowledge our
independence on condition of a separate
treaty.--Declaration of de Vergennes, that war's
actually existing between France and England.
To the President of Congress. Passy, July 29th, 1778, 413
Recommending Mr Livingston.
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Passy, July 29th, 1778, 413
M. de Sartine to the Commissioners. Versailles, July 29th,
1778, 414
Obstructions to the sale of prizes in France cease.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, August 13th, 1778, 415
On regulations for prizes and prisoners.--Objections to
some articles.
John Paul Jones to the Commissioners. Brest, August 15th,
1778, 417
Complains of injurious reports.--Demands redress by
court martial.
M. de Sartine to the Commissioners. Versailles, August 16th,
1778, 418
Regulations for prizes and prisoners.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, August 18th, 1778, 425
Commissioners express themselves satisfied with the
regulations.
John Paul Jones to Abraham Whipple. Brest, August 18th,
1778, 426
Requesting a trial of Lieutenant Simpson by court
martial.
Abraham Whipple to John Paul Jones. Brest, August 19th,
1778, 426
Declines summoning a court martial.
To John Paul Jones. Passy, August 22d, 1778, 428
On the court martial.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, August 28th, 1778, 428
Request further pecuniary aid.--Request permission to
raise a loan in France.--Desire his interposition with
the Barbary powers.--Request that Americans may pass
through France with their effects, without duties.
Declaration of Count de Vergennes, annulling the Eleventh
and Twelfth Articles of the Commercial Treaty with France, 432
Declaration of the American Commissioners, annulling the
Eleventh and Twelfth Articles of the same Treaty, 433
To M. de Beaumarchais. Passy, September 10th, 1778, 434
Property of the Therese.--Accounts of Hortalez & Co.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, September 10th, 1778, 435
Recapture of a French vessel.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, September 10th, 1778, 436
Received powers to settle with Hortalez & Co.--Request
information as to that house.--M. Francy.
M. de Sartine to the Commissioners. Versailles, September
16th, 1778, 439
Rights of recaptors.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, September 17th, 1778, 441
Principles of the law of recapture.--Case of the
Isabella.
To the President of Congress. Passy, September 17th, 1778, 444
All European powers arming.--Administer the oath of
allegiance.--Necessity of measures for identifying
American property abroad.--American prisoners escaped
from England.
M. Necker to the Count de Vergennes. Paris, September 18th,
1778, 449
Transit duty on effects of Americans, returning home
through France.
To the American Prisoners in Plymouth, or elsewhere in Great
Britain. Passy, September 20th, 1778, 450
Promising an exchange.--Discouraging attempts to escape.
M. de Sartine to the Commissioners. Versailles, September
21st, 1778, 452
Laws of recapture in the States.--Importance of
uniformity.--Case of the Isabella.
M. de Sartine to Count de Vergennes. Versailles, September
21st, 1778, 453
Mediation of France with the Barbary powers in favor of
America.
To the President of Congress. Passy, September 22d, 1778, 455
Introducing Mr Jonathan Loring Austin.
E. T. Van Berckel to M. Dumas. Amsterdam, September 23d,
1778, 456
Enclosing the declaration of the Burgomasters of
Amsterdam.
Declaration of E. T. Van Berckel. Amsterdam, September 23d,
1778, 457
Count de Vergennes to the Commissioners. Versailles,
September 24th, 1778, 458
Americans returning through France.
To William Lee. Passy, September 26th, 1778, 458
Project of a treaty with Holland.
To Ralph Izard. Passy, September 26th, 1778, 459
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, September 26th, 1778, 460
Acknowledge the receipt of a letter of the 24th,
relative to the effects of Americans returning home
through France.--Also of the 25th, relative to Mr
Izard's goods.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, September 26th, 1778, 461
Mr Izard's baggage taken in an English vessel.
Count de Vergennes to the Commissioners. Versailles,
September 27th, 1778, 462
Interposition of France with the Barbary powers.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, September 27th, 1778, 462
The vessel recaptured by Captain McNeil.
To M. Dumas. Passy, September 27th, 1778, 463
Relative to a treaty with Holland.
From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to William Bingham.
Philadelphia, September 28th, 1778, 464
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, October 1st, 1778, 465
Intercourse with the Barbary powers.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, October 2d, 1778, 467
M. de Sartine to the Commissioners. Versailles, October 7th,
1778, 467
Mr Izard's effects.
The Ambassador of Naples to the Commissioners. Paris,
October 8th, 1778, 469
Ports of Naples remain open for American vessels.
To the Ambassador of Naples. Passy, October 9th, 1778, 469
Acknowledging the receipt of his letter of the
8th.--Flag of the United States.--Flags of different
States.--Commissions of ships of war; of
privateers.--Mode of clearance differs in different
States.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, October 12th, 1778, 470
Mr Izard's effects.--American seamen in the British
service.
From James Lovell to the Commissioners. Philadelphia,
October 12th, 1778, 474
To Ralph Izard. Passy, October 13th, 1778, 474
To M. de Sartine. Passy, October 13th, 1778, 475
To the Americans taken on board the English frigates. Passy,
October 15th, 1778, 475
Requesting of American sailors in prison a list of those
willing to take the oath of allegiance to the United
States.
To M. Dumas. Passy, October 16th, 1778, 476
On Van Berckel's declaration.--Treaty with Holland.
M. de Sartine to the Commissioners. Marly, October 19th,
1778, 478
Mr Izard's effects.
To Ralph Izard. Passy, October 22d, 1778, 479
M. de Sartine to the Commissioners. Marly, October 26th,
1778, 479
Surrender of American seamen captured in British
ships.--Of American prisoners in general.
M. Dumas to the Commissioners. Hague, October 27th, 1778, 480
Memorial of the merchants of Amsterdam.--Reply of Lord
Suffolk to representations of the States of
Holland.--Opinion of the city of Amsterdam.
To E. T. Van Berckel, Burgomaster of Amsterdam. Passy,
October 29th, 1778, 483
Proposing an interview at Aix-la-Chapelle.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, October 29th, 1778, 483
On the Eleventh and Twelfth articles of the Treaty.
Count de Vergennes to the Commissioners. Versailles, October
30th, 1778, 484
On Arrangement with the Barbary Powers.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, October 30th, 1778, 484
Thanking him for the liberation of four American
prisoners.--English whale fishery on the coast of
Brazil.--Vessels manned by American seamen.--Exposed
state of the ships.--Mr Lee refuses to sign the letter.
Count de Vergennes to the Commissioners. Versailles, October
31st, 1778, 487
Fixing the day for interchange of declarations annulling
the Eleventh and Twelfth articles of the Treaty.
M. Dumas to the Commissioners. Hague, November 4th, 1778, 488
Disposition of Amsterdam.--New memorial of Sir J.
Yorke.--Project of a treaty under consideration.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, November 15th, 1778, 490
Succors to American prisoners.
To the President of Congress. Passy, November 7th, 1778, 491
Enclosing declaration concerning the Eleventh and
Twelfth articles of the treaty, also correspondence with
M. de Sartine on recaptures; on the negotiation with
Barbary States.--Interest on loan office
certificates.--Disposition of England, of Prussia,
Russia, Holland.--Preparations in Spain.
M. Dumas to the Commissioners. Hague, November 10th, 1778, 493
Proceedings in Holland.
M. de Sartine to the Commissioners. Versailles, November
12th, 1778, 495
M. de Fleury, in the American service, prisoner at St
Augustine.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, November 12th, 1778, 495
Requesting convoy for ships from Nantes.--Propriety of
strengthening the French naval force in America.
M. Dumas to the Commissioners. Hague, November 13th, 1778, 497
Project to grant a convoy for naval stores.--King of
France declares his expectations.
M. de Sartine to the Commissioners. Versailles, November
14th, 1778, 498
American prisoners in France.
M. Dumas to the Commissioners. Hague, November 20th, 1778, 499
Triumph of the English party in the Assembly of the
Province.--Amsterdam protests.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, January 1st, 1779, 500
Threats of the British Commissioners to change the
conduct of the war in America.--Former
severities.--Object of this change.--Congress declare
that they will retaliate.--Propriety of interference by
France.--Advantage of a strong French fleet in the
American seas.--Coalition of parties in England against
the Americans.
To M. de Sartine. Passy, January 2d, 1779, 507
American prisoners in France.
M. de Sartine to the Commissioners. Versailles, January
13th, 1779, 508
American prisoners in France.--English prisoners.
To William Lee, at Frankfort. Passy, January 13th, 1779, 509
To John Lloyd, and others. Passy, January 26th, 1779, 509
Free ports in France.--Barbary powers.--Duties to be
paid in France.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, February 9th, 1779, 511
Recaptures of French ships by Americans.
To M. Schweighauser. Passy, February 10th, 1779, 513
Plate returned by Captain Jones to the Countess of
Selkirk.
To John Paul Jones. Passy, February 10th, 1779, 513
NOTE.--The French money, so often mentioned in this and the succeeding
volumes, is reckoned in livres, sols, and deniers. Thus, 85,706_l._
16_s._ 3_d._ or, 85,706. 16. 3. indicates 85,706 livres, 16 sols, 3
deniers. In reducing this money to American currency, five livres and
eight sols were allowed to the dollar.
THE
CORRESPONDENCE
OF
SILAS DEANE,
COMMISSIONER FROM THE UNITED STATES
TO THE COURT OF FRANCE.
Silas Deane was born in the town of Groton, Connecticut, and graduated
at Yale College in 1758. He was a member from his native colony of the
first Congress that met in Philadelphia. Early in the year 1776 the
Committee of Secret Correspondence commissioned him to go to France,
as a political and commercial agent. He was instructed to ascertain
the disposition of the French Court, in regard to the contest between
Great Britain and the Colonies, and to procure if possible supplies of
arms and military stores. Having arrived at Paris in June, he
immediately applied himself to execute his instructions, and was
successful in obtaining the main objects for which he was sent.
In September three Commissioners were appointed by Congress to
negotiate treaties with foreign powers, and particularly with the
Court of France. The persons chosen were Dr Franklin, Silas Deane and
Arthur Lee. They all met at Paris in December, and continued to
procure supplies of money and arms for the United States; till at
length they signed the treaties of alliance and commerce with France,
February 6th, 1778. Meantime Deane had been recalled on the 21st of
November preceding. Of this he received the intelligence in March
following, and left Paris April 1st to join Count d'Estaing's fleet at
Toulon, in which he came to America.
The account which he gave to Congress of his transactions abroad, was
not satisfactory, and he was detained many months in Philadelphia
soliciting opportunities to vindicate himself before Congress from
what he deemed the unjust charges of his enemies; but the papers
relating to his mercantile proceedings having been left in France, he
was not able wholly to remove the unfavorable impression that existed
against him. Congress, however, neither passed a vote of censure nor
approbation of his conduct.
In the spring of 1780 he returned to France, where he remained more
than a year in reduced circumstances, attempting to settle his
accounts. He exhibited large claims against Congress, which do not
appear to have been allowed. In March, 1782, he was living in Ghent.
After the peace he went to England, where he died in August 1789.
THE
CORRESPONDENCE
OF
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
FROM THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO SILAS DEANE.[1]
Philadelphia, March 3d, 1776.
On your arrival in France, you will for some time be engaged in the
business of providing goods for the Indian trade. This will give good
countenance to your appearing in the character of a merchant, which we
wish you continually to retain among the French, in general, it being
probable that the court of France may not like it should be known
publicly, that any agent from the Colonies is in that country. When
you come to Paris, by delivering Dr Franklin's letters to Monsieur Le
Roy at the Louvre, and M. Dubourg, you will be introduced to a set of
acquaintance, all friends to the Americans. By conversing with them,
you will have a good opportunity of acquiring Parisian French, and you
will find in M. Dubourg, a man prudent, faithful, secret, intelligent
in affairs, and capable of giving you very sage advice.