well as several others in Europe, reason to expect you would in form
announce your Independency to them, and ask their friendship; but a
three months' silence on that subject appears to them mysterious, and
the more so as you declared for foreign alliances. This silence has
again given me the most inexpressible anxiety, and has more than once
come near frustrating my whole endeavors; on which subject I refer you
to mine of the first instant. Employment must be found for the forces
of Great Britain out of the United States of North America. The Caribs
in St Vincent, if set agoing, may be supplied through Martinique with
stores. The Mountain negroes in Jamaica may employ a great number of
their forces. This is not employing slaves, which, however, the
example of our enemy authorises. Should there arise troubles in these
two Islands, which a very little money would effect, the consequence
would be, that Great Britain, which can by no means think of giving
them up, would be so far from being able to increase her force on the
continent, that she must withdraw a large part to defend her Islands.
I find that every one here, who is acquainted with Bermuda, is in my
sentiments; and by the officiousness of H. the ministry here have got
it by the end. This makes me the more solicitous, that the Island
should be fortified this winter if practicable.
Tobacco in Holland is at the enormous price of seven stivers, and will
soon be as dear in France and Germany. I have promised that you will
send out twenty thousand hogsheads this winter, in payment for the
articles wanted here. Let me advise you to ship the whole to Bordeaux,
after which it may be shipped in French bottoms to any other port; the
price will pay the convoy; therefore I would recommend the vessels in
which it should be shipped to be armed, and that each ship shall sail
under convoy of one of your frigates, which may also be ballasted with
it; this will be safer than coming in a fleet. On their arrival,
Messrs Delap, whose zeal and fidelity in our service are great, will
be directed by me, or in my absence by Mons. B. or ostensibly by
Messrs Hortalez and Co. where to apply the money. Eight or ten of your
frigates, thus collected at Bordeaux, with a proper number of riflemen
as marines, where they might have leisure to refit and procure
supplies, would strike early next season a terrible blow to the
British commerce in Europe, and obtain noble indemnity. The appearance
of American cruisers in those seas has amazed the British merchants,
and insurance will now be on the war establishment; this will give the
rival nations a great superiority in commerce, of which they cannot be
insensible; and as our vessels of war will be protected in the ports
of France and Spain, the whole of the British commerce will be
exposed. I hope to have a liberty for the disposal of prizes here, but
dare not engage for that. The last season the whole coast of England,
Scotland, and Ireland has been and still remains unguarded; three or
four frigates, arriving as they certainly might unexpectedly, would be
sufficient to pillage port Glasgow or other western towns. The very
alarm, which this would occasion, might have the most surprising and
important effects, and in this method it might be effected with the
utmost certainty if entered upon early next spring; but should that be
laid aside, the having five or six more of your stoutest ships in
these ports, where you may every day receive intelligence of what is
about to sail from England, would put it in our power to make great
reprisals.
I wrote for blank commissions, or a power to grant commissions to
ships of war. Pray forward them, as here are many persons wishing for
an opportunity of using them in this way. The granting commissions
against Portugal would ensure the friendship of Spain. Grain will bear
a great price in this kingdom and the south of Europe; and I have made
application to the minister of marine to supply masts and spars from
America for the French navy. Pray inform me how, and on what terms the
British navy formerly used to be supplyed from New England. I am fully
of opinion, that a war must break out soon and become general in
Europe. I need say no more on the situation I am in, for want of your
further instructions. I live in hopes, but should I be much longer
disappointed, the affairs I am upon, as well as my credit, must
suffer, if not be absolutely ruined. My most respectful compliments to
the Congress.
I am, gentlemen,
Your most obedient very humble servant,
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
Translation.
_Articles for hiring armed Vessels and Merchandize, agreed to between
Messrs de Monthieu, and Rodrique Hortalez & Co. and Mr Silas Deane._
We the subscribers John Joseph de Monthieu and Rodrique Hortalez & Co.
are agreed with Mr Silas Deane, Agent of the United Colonies, upon the
subsequent arrangements.
That I, de Monthieu, do engage to furnish on account of the thirteen
United Colonies of North America, a certain number of vessels to carry
arms and merchandize to the burthen of sixteen hundred tons, or as
many vessels as are deemed sufficient to transport to some harbor of
North America belonging to the thirteen United Colonies, all the
ammunition and appurtenances, agreeable to the estimate signed and
left in my possession, and which we suppose would require the
abovementioned quantity of vessels to carry sixteen hundred tons
burthen, which are to be paid for at the rate of two hundred livres
the ton, and that I will hold said vessels at the disposal of said
Messrs Hortalez & Co. ready to sail at the ports of Havre, Nantes and
Marseilles, viz.--The vessels which are to carry the articles and
passengers mentioned in the aforementioned list, and are to depart
from Havre, as well as those that are to go from Nantes, to be ready
in the course of November next, and the others in the course of
December following, on condition that one half of the aforementioned
freight of 200 livres per ton, both for the voyage to America and back
to France, laden equally on account of the Congress of the thirteen
United Colonies and Messrs Hortalez & Co. aforesaid, who are
responsible for them, shall be advanced and paid immediately in
money, bills of exchange, or other good merchandize or effects, and
the other half the said Messrs Hortalez & Co. do agree to furnish me
with in proportion as the vessels are fitting out, in the same money
or other effects as above; over and above this they are to pay me for
the passage of each officer, not belonging to the ship's crew, the sum
of 550 livres tournois, and for every soldier or servant 250 livres,
and for every sailor who goes as passenger 150 livres. It is expressly
covenanted and agreed between us, that all risks of the sea either in
said vessels being chased, run on shore or taken, shall be on account
of the Congress of the United Colonies, and shall be paid agreeably to
the estimation which may be made of each of these vessels, agreeably
to the bills of sale of each, which I promise to deliver to Messrs
Hortalez & Co. before the departure of any of the said vessels from
any of the ports of France mentioned above.
Finally it is agreed that if the Americans detain these vessels longer
than two months in their ports, without shipping on board them the
returns they are to carry to France, all demurrage, wages or expenses
on them from the day of their arrival to that of their departure,
these two months excepted, shall be at their charge and paid by them
or by Messrs Hortalez & Co. in our own name, as answerable for the
Congress of the United Colonies. We accept the above conditions, as
far as they respect us, and promise faithfully to fulfil them, and in
consequence we have signed this instrument of writing one to the
other, at Paris, 15th October, 1776.
MONTHIEU,
RODRIQUE HORTALEZ & CO.
SILAS DEANE, _Agent for the United
Colonies of North America_.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 17th October, 1776.
Gentlemen,
I once more put pen to paper, not to attempt, what is absolutely
beyond the power of language to paint, my distressed situation here,
totally destitute of intelligence or instructions from you since I
left America, except Mr Morris' letters of the 4th and 5th of June
last, covering duplicates of my first instructions. Nor will I
complain for myself, but must plainly inform you, that the cause of
the United Colonies or United States has, for some time, suffered at
this court for want of positive orders to me, or some other person.
It has not suffered here only, but at several other courts, that are
not only willing, but even desirous of assisting America. Common
complaisance, say they, though they want none of our assistance,
requires that they should announce to us _in form_ their being
Independent States, that we may know how to treat their subjects and
their property in our dominions. Every excuse, which my barren
invention could suggest, has been made, and I have presented memoir
after memoir on the situation of American affairs, and their
importance to this kingdom, and to some others. My representations, as
well verbally as written, have been favorably received, and all the
attention paid them I could have wished, but the _sine qua non_ is
wanting,--a power to treat from the United Independent States of
America. How, say they, is it possible, that all your intelligence and
instructions should be intercepted, when we daily have advice of
American vessels arriving in different ports in Europe? It is true I
have effected what nothing but the real desire this court has of
giving aid could have brought about, but at the same time it has been
a critical and delicate affair, and has required all attention to save
appearances, and more than once have I been on the brink of losing
all, from suspicions that you were not in earnest in making
applications here. I will only add, that a vessel with a commission
from the Congress has been detained in Bilboa as a pirate, and
complaint against it carried to the court of Madrid. I have been
applied to for assistance, and though I am in hopes nothing will be
determined against us, yet I confess I tremble to think how important
a question is by this step agitated, without any one empowered to
appear in a proper character and put in a defence. Could I present
your Declaration of Independence, and shew my commission subsequently,
empowering me to appear in your behalf, all might be concluded at
once, and a most important point gained,--no less than that of
obtaining a free reception, and defence or protection of our ships of
war in these ports.
I have written heretofore for twenty thousand hogsheads of tobacco. I
now repeat my desire, and for a large quantity of rice. The very
profits on a large quantity of these articles will go far towards an
annual expense. The stores, concerning which I have repeatedly written
to you, are now shipping, and will be with you I trust in January, as
will the officers coming with them. I refer to your serious
consideration the enclosed hints respecting a naval force in these
seas, also the enclosed propositions which were by accident thrown in
my way. If you shall judge them of any consequence you will lay them
before Congress; if not, postage will be all the expense extra. I
believe they have been seen by other persons, and therefore I held it
my duty to send them to you. My most profound respect and highest
esteem ever attend the Congress, and particularly the Secret
Committee.
I am, Gentlemen, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
_P. S._ Doctor Bancroft has been so kind as to pay me a second visit,
and that most seasonably, as my former assistant Mr Carmichael has
gone to Amsterdam, and thence northward on a particular affair of very
great importance. The vessel referred to is commanded by Captain Lee,
of Newburyport, who on his passage took five prizes of value, and sent
them back, but brought on two of the Captains and some of the men
prisoners to Bilboa, where the Captains entered their protest, and
complained against Captain Lee as a pirate, on which his vessel is
detained, and his commission, &c. sent up to Madrid. This instantly
brings on a question, as to the legality of the commissions; if
determined legal, a most important point is gained; if the reverse,
the consequences will be very bad, and the only ground on which the
determination can go against the Captain, is that the United States of
America, or their Congress, are not known in Europe, as being
Independent States, otherwise than by common fame in newspapers, &c.;
on which a serious resolution cannot be grounded. The best, therefore,
that the Captain expects will be to get the matter delayed, which is
very hard on the brave Captain and his honest owners, and will be a
bad precedent for others, who may venture into the European seas. I
have done every thing in my power, and am in hopes from the strong
assurances given me, that all will be settled to my satisfaction in
this affair, but cannot but feel on the occasion as well for the
Captain as for the public. I have been told repeatedly I was too
anxious, and advised "_rester sans inquietude_," but I view this as a
capital affair in its consequences, and though I wish it, I cannot
take advice.
Warlike preparations are daily making in this kingdom and in Spain; in
the latter immediately against the Portuguese, but they will most
probably in their consequences involve other powers. I need not urge
_the importance of immediate remittances towards paying for the large
quantity of stores I have engaged for_, and depend this winter will
not be suffered to slip away unimproved.
I have the honor to be, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Paris, 17th October, 1776.
Sir,
The bearer, Mons. M. Martin de la Balme, has long served with
reputation in the armies of France as a Captain of Cavalry, and is now
advanced to the rank of a Lt Colonel; he has made military discipline
his study, and has written on the subject to good acceptance; he now
generously offers his services to the United States of North America,
and asks of me what I most cheerfully grant, a letter to you and his
passage, confident he may be of very great service, if not in the
general army, yet in those Colonies which are raising and disciplining
cavalry. I have only to add that he is in good esteem here, and is
well recommended, to which I am persuaded he will do justice.
I have the honor to be, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO WILLIAM BINGHAM.[6]
Paris, 17th October, 1776.
Dear Sir,
Since receiving yours of the 4th and 5th of August last, I have
written you repeatedly, and have no doubt of your receipt of my
letters, to which I refer you. You are in the neighborhood of St
Vincents, and I learn that the Caribs are not contented with their
masters, and being an artful as well as revengeful people, would
undoubtedly take this opportunity of throwing off a yoke, which
nothing but a superior force can keep on them. My request is, that you
would inquire into the state of that island, by proper emissaries, and
if the Caribs are disposed to revolt, encourage them and promise them
aid of arms and ammunition. This must tear from Great Britain an
island, which they value next to Jamaica, and to which indeed they
have no title but what rests on violence and cruelty. At any rate they
will oblige Great Britain to withdraw part of her forces from the
continent. If any thing can be effected there, inform me instantly,
and I will order to your care such a quantity of stores as you shall
think necessary.
The enclosed letter I desire you to break the seal of, and make as
many copies as there are vessels going northward, by which some one
must arrive. A war I think may be depended upon, but keep your
intelligence of every kind secret, save to those of the Secret
Committee.
You will send also a copy of this, by which the Committee will see
the request I have made to you, and the reason of their receiving
several duplicates in your hand-writing. I wish you to forward the
enclosed to Mr Tucker, of Bermuda, and write me by every vessel to
Bordeaux or Nantes.
I am, with great esteem, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
FOOTNOTES:
[6] Mr William Bingham was an American merchant, residing in
Martinique. He was an Agent for Congress during a large portion of the
war, and was the medium of communication with France, by way of the
French West India Islands.
* * * * *
TO WILLIAM BINGHAM.
25th October, 1776.
Dear Sir,
I have received no letter from you since those of the 4th and 5th of
August last, nor any intelligence from Congress since the 5th June,
which not only surprises but distresses me. I now send to the care of
Mons. Deant two hundred tons of a necessary article to be at your
orders for use of the Congress; the freight is to be paid in
Martinique as customary, and I wish you to ship it for the ports of
the Colonies, in such a manner, and in such quantities in a vessel, as
you shall judge most prudent, advising the Congress of your having
received it, and the methods you are taking to ship it to them,
praying them to remit you the amount of the freight, as you must make
friends in Martinique for advancing the same.
I wish you could write me oftener, and inform me very particularly
what letters you receive from me, directed immediately to you, and
what letters for other persons. In this way I shall know which of my
letters fail.
I am, with great respect, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
_P. S._ Forward the enclosed under cover, and with the usual
directions, in case of capture.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 25th October, 1776.
Gentlemen,
I have purchased two hundred tons of powder, and ordered the same to
be shipped to Martinique to the care of Mons. Deant, to the direction
of Mr Bingham for your use. The first cost is 18 sols per lb. or 10d
sterling; the charges will be added; the amount I have not as yet
ascertained, and interest at five per cent until payment. I must again
urge you to hasten your remittances. Tobacco, rice, indigo, wheat, and
flour are in great demand, and must be so through the year. Tobacco is
nine stivers per lb. in Holland, rice 50s sterling per cwt. Flour is
already from 20 to 23 livres per cwt. and rising. I have engaged a
sale for 20,000 hogsheads of tobacco, the amount of which will
establish the credit of the Congress with the mercantile interest in
France and Holland.
Let me urge your attention to these articles, though I must say your
silence ever since the 5th of last June discourages me at times.
Indeed it well nigh distracts me. From whatever cause the silence has
happened, it has greatly prejudiced the affairs of the United Colonies
of America; and so far as the success of our cause depended on the
friendship and aid of powers on this side the globe, it has occasioned
the greatest hazard and danger, and thrown me into a state of anxiety
and perplexity, which no words can express. I have made one excuse
after another, until my invention is exhausted, and when I find
vessels arriving from different ports in America, which sailed late in
August, without a line for me, it gives our friends here apprehensions
that the assertions of our enemies, who say you are negotiating and
compounding, are true; otherwise, say they, where are your letters and
directions? Surely, they add, if the Colonies were in earnest, and
unanimous in their Independence, even if they wanted no assistance
from hence, common civility would cause them to announce in form their
being Independent States.
I will make no other comment on the distressing subject than this;
were there no hopes of obtaining assistance on application in a public
manner, I should be easier under your silence, but when the reverse is
the case, to lose the present critically favorable moment, and hazard
thereby the ruin of the greatest cause in which mankind were ever
engaged, distresses my soul, and I would if possible express something
of what I have undergone for the last three months, until hope itself
has almost deserted me. I do not complain for myself, but for my
country, thus unaccountably suffering from I know not what causes.
I am, gentlemen, with most respectful compliments to the Congress, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 6th November, 1776.
Gentlemen,
The only letters I have received from you were 4th and 5th of June
last, five months ago, during which time vessels have arrived from
almost every part of America to every part of France and Spain, and I
am informed of letters from Mr Morris to his correspondents, dated
late in July. If the Congress do not mean to apply for foreign
alliances, let me entreat you to say so, and rescind your resolutions
published on that head, which will be but justice to the powers of
Europe, to whom you gave reason to expect such an application. If I am
not the proper person to announce your Independency, and solicit in
your behalf, let me entreat you to tell me so, and relieve me from an
anxiety, which is become so intolerable that my life is a burthen. Two
hundred pieces of brass cannon, and arms, tents and accoutrements for
thirty thousand men, with ammunition in proportion, and between twenty
and thirty brass mortars have been granted to my request, but the
unaccountable silence on your part has delayed the embarkation some
weeks already. I yesterday got them again in motion, and a part are
already at Havre de Grace and Nantes, and the rest on their way
thither, but I am hourly trembling for fear of counter orders. Had I
received proper powers in season, this supply would before this have
been in America, and that under the convoy of a strong fleet; the
disappointment is distracting, and I will dismiss the subject, after
taking the liberty to which a freeman and an American is entitled, of
declaring, that by this neglect the cause of the United States has
suffered in this and the neighboring Courts, and the blood that will
be spilt through the want of these supplies, and the devastation, if
any, must be laid at this door.
Captain Cochran having arrived at Nantes, I sent to him to come to me.
He is now with me, and by him I send this with a packet of letters. He
can inform you of the price of American produce in Europe, the very
advance on which will pay you for fitting out a navy. Rice is from 30
to 50 livres per cwt., tobacco 8d and 9d per lb., flour and wheat are
growing scarce and rising, masts, spars, and other naval stores are in
demand, and the more so as a war with Great Britain is considered as
near at hand.
Mons. du Coudray, who has the character of being one of the best
officers of artillery in Europe, has been indefatigable in our
service, and I hope the terms I have made with him will not be thought
exorbitant, as he was a principal means of engaging the stores. The
rage, as I may say, for entering into the American service increases,
and the consequence is, that I am pressed with offers and proposals,
many of them from persons of the first rank and eminence, in the sea
as well as land service. Count Broglio, who commanded the army of
France during the last war, did me the honor to call on me twice
yesterday with an officer who served as his Quarter Master General the
last war, and has now a regiment in this service, but being a
German,[7] and having travelled through America a few years since, he
is desirous of engaging in the service of the United States of North
America. I can by no means let slip an opportunity of engaging a
person of so much experience, and who is by every one recommended as
one of the bravest and most skilful officers in the kingdom, yet I am
distressed on every such occasion for want of your particular
instructions. This gentleman has an independent fortune, and a certain
prospect of advancement here, but being a zealous friend to liberty,
civil and religious, he is actuated by the most independent and
generous principles in the offer he makes of his services to the
States of America.