ships, which he gave me, and at the same time showed me his draughts
of ships, and rates for constructing and regulating a navy, of which I
have the highest opinion; he has seen much service, is a person of
study and letters, as well as fortune, and is ambitious of planning a
navy for America, which shall at once be much cheaper and more
effectual than any thing of the kind which can be produced on the
European system. He has the command of a ship of the line in this
service, but is rather disgusted at not having his proposed
regulations for the navy of France attended to. His proposal generally
is to build vessels something on the model of those designed by the
Marine Committee, to carry from 24 to 36 heavy guns on one deck, which
will be as formidable a battery as any ship of the line can avail
itself of, and by fighting them on the upper deck a much surer one.
Had I power to treat with this gentleman, I believe his character and
friends are such, that he could have two or three such frigates
immediately constructed here on credit and manned and sent to America,
but the want of instruction, or intelligence, or remittances, with the
late check on Long Island, has sunk our credit to nothing with
individuals, and the goods for the Indian contract cannot be shipped,
unless remittances are made to a much greater amount than at present.
Not ten thousand pounds have been received for forty thousand
delivered in America as early as last February, and I am ignorant what
has become of the effects shipped. Under these circumstances I have no
courage to urge a credit, which I have no prospect of supporting; but
I will take Mr Morris's hint and write a letter solely on business;
but politics and my business are almost inseparably connected. I have
filled this sheet, and will therefore bid you adieu until I begin
another.
I am, with the utmost esteem, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
FOOTNOTES:
[7] The Baron de Kalb.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 9th November, 1776.
Gentlemen,
I have written to you often, and particularly of affairs here. The
want of intelligence retards every thing; as I have not a word from
you since the 5th of June last, I am well nigh distracted. That I may
not omit any chance of sending to you, I write this, though I have
long and minute letters by me waiting the departure of General du
Coudray and his train, who, had I been properly and in season
instructed, would before this have been with you. At present I have
put much to the hazard to effect what I have. Enclosed you have my
thoughts on naval operations, and I pray you send me some blank
commissions, which will enable me to fit out privateers from hence
without any charge to you. A war appears at hand, and will probably be
general. All Europe have their eyes on the States of America, and are
astonished to find month after month rolling away, without your
applying to them in form. I hope such application is on its way.
Nothing else is wanting to effect your utmost wishes. I am, with
compliments to friends, and respect to the Congress, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 26th November, 1776.
Gentlemen,
This serves only to enclose and explain the within _State of the
Commerce of Leghorn_, which was given me by the Envoy of the Grand
Duke of Tuscany, a gentleman of universal knowledge, and a warm
friend to America, and indeed to all mankind. I have the honor of his
acquaintance in an intimate degree, and have communicated to him a
memoir, setting forth the particular state of the commerce of America,
with the history of its rise and increase, and its present importance,
it being a copy of what I delivered to this Court. He has marked the
articles generally in demand, after which he enumerates their articles
for exportation, which in my turn I marked and observed upon, as you
will see.
I have only to add, that the Grand Duke has taken off all duties on
the American commerce, to give it encouragement. This indeed is done
rather privately to prevent complaint of other powers of a seeming
partiality. When I add to this, that it is agreed on all hands that
ships of war may be purchased at Leghorn ready fitted for sea, cheaper
than in any other port in Europe, I think a good acquaintance ought to
be cultivated with this State.
I have the honor to be, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Paris, 27th November, 1776.
Sir,
The bearer, Mr Rogers, is a native of Maryland, whom I fortunately met
in the hotel I some months lodged in. He was in Paris finishing his
education, and by my advice accepted the office of aid-de-camp to
Mons. du Coudray, and accompanies him out to America. I have received
many kindnesses from him, and, confident of his integrity, have
intrusted him with many things to relate to you _viva voce_,
especially should my despatches fail. He has a general knowledge of
the history of my proceedings, and what I have at times to struggle
with. As he speaks French tolerably, he will I conceive prove a
valuable acquisition, at a time when such numbers of foreigners are
crowding to enter your service.
I am, wishing him a speedy and safe arrival, with the most profound
respect for the Congress, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 27th November, 1776.
Gentlemen,
In a former letter I mentioned a naval enterprise, which might at
first appear romantic, but the more it is considered the less danger I
shall be in of being taxed on that score. Admiral Montague lately
returned from the Banks, where the fishermen have had a wretched
season, in consequence of the American privateers. He left two small
sloops of war there of 14 and 16 guns. In common years they leave six
or seven thousand of their laborers or fishermen there, as in a
prison, through the winter, employed in taking seals, repairing boats,
stages, &c.; these are unarmed, and ever dissatisfied to the last
degree with their situation. Two frigates arriving early in February
would destroy the fishery for one if not two years, and obtain an
acquisition of a fine body of recruits for your navy. I have conferred
with some persons here on the subject, who highly approve the
enterprise, but I submit it to your opinion, after urging despatch in
whatever is done or attempted on that subject.
The resolution of the Court of Spain in the case of Capt. Lee, at
Bilboa, gives every encouragement to adventurers in these seas, where
the prizes are valuable, and where you have constantly harbors at hand
on the coast of France and Spain to repair to and refit in, and where
constant and certain intelligence can be had of the situation of the
British ships of war, as well as of commerce. I need not add, on a
subject so plain, and at the same time so important, but will only
remind you that the Dutch, in the space of two or three years after
their first revolt from Spain, attacked the Spaniards so successfully
and unexpectedly in every quarter of the globe, that the treasures
they obtained thereby enabled them to carry on the war. Let me repeat,
that if you empower me or any other person here, you may obtain any
number of ships of war on credit from individuals, on paying interest
at five per cent until the principal is discharged. The king will
probably have use for his, and besides, to let his go would be the
same as a declaration of war, which in form at least will for some
time be avoided.
I write on different subjects in my letters, as they rise in my mind,
and leave you to use as you may judge best my sybil leaves, and am,
gentlemen, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 28th November, 1776.
Gentlemen,
Your favor of the 7th of August last, covering a copy of yours of the
8th of July, I received, though the original never came to hand. This
letter also enclosed the _Declaration of Independency_, with
instructions to make it known to this and the other powers of Europe;
and I received it the 7th inst. though the vessel which brought it
had but 38 days passage from Salem. This letter was very far from
relieving me, as it enclosed what had been circulated through Europe
for two months before, and my pretending to inform this Court would be
only a matter of form, in consequence of your orders, which were
expressed in the style of any common affair. I certainly prefer
simplicity of style, as well as manners, but something is due to the
dignity of old and powerful states, or if you please to their
prejudices in favor of long established form and etiquette; and as the
United States of America, by this act, introduce themselves among the
established powers, and rank with them, it must of course be expected
that at the first introduction, or the announcing of it, some mode
more formal, or if I may so say, more respectful, would have been made
use of, than simply two or three lines from the committee of congress,
in a letter something more apparently authentic, not that either your
power or the reality of your letter could be doubted. I mention it as
deserving consideration, whether in your application here and your
powers and instructions of a public nature, it is not always proper to
use a seal? This is a very ancient custom in all public and even
private concerns of any consequence.
Further, to keep a proper intercourse with Europe, it is by no means
sufficient to write a single letter, and leave it to be forwarded when
the captain of a vessel thinks of it, or has nothing else to do.
Duplicates of every letter should be lodged in every port in the hands
of faithful and attentive persons, to be forwarded by the first
conveyance to any part of Europe. Had this been practised since my
leaving America, instead of receiving but two short letters from you,
I might have had intelligence every month; let me urge you, from the
danger our affairs have been in of totally miscarrying for want of
intelligence, to pay some attention to this in future.
As the copy was dated the eighth of July I took occasion to observe,
that the honorable Congress had taken the earliest opportunity of
informing this Court of the declaration of their Independency, and
that the variety of important affairs before Congress, with the
critical situation of the armies in their neighborhood, and the
obstructions of their commerce, had prevented that intelligence which
had been wished for, but that the present served to shew the early and
principal attention of the United States to this Court; and as their
Independency was now in form declared, the queries I had formerly put
in consequence of my first instructions might now be resolved, and I
hoped favorably. To this I was answered, unless France by a public
acknowledgment of your Independency makes war on Great Britain in your
favor, what service can such acknowledgment be of to the United
States? You are known here, our ports are open, and free for your
commerce, and your ships are protected in them, and greater
indulgencies allowed than to any other nations. If France should be
obliged to make war on England, it will be much more just and
honorable in the eyes of the world to make it on some other account;
and if made at all, it is the same thing to the United States of
America, and in one important view better for them, to have it
originate from any other cause, as America will be under the less
immediate obligation. Further, France has alliances, and cannot
resolve a question which must perhaps involve her in a war, without
previously consulting them. Meantime the United States can receive the
same succors and assistance from France without, as well as with, such
an open acknowledgment, and perhaps much more advantageously. To this
and such like arguments I had the less to reply, as you informed me
that articles for a proposed alliance with France were under
consideration, and that I might soon expect them.
I was further told that the Swiss Cantons, though in every respect
free and independent States for several centuries, had not to this
hour been acknowledged as such by any public act of any one power in
Europe, except France, and that neither the Revolution in the United
Provinces or Portugal had been attended with any such acknowledgment,
though the powers of Europe in both cases lent their aid. I replied
that I would not urge a formal acknowledgment, as long as the same
ends could be obtained, and without the inconveniences hinted at;
besides, as I daily expected further instructions I would reserve
myself until their arrival. The apprehensions of the United States'
negociating has done us much damage, and the interview at New York
said to have been between a Commissioner of Congress and the two
brothers, however politic the step may have been in America, was made
use of to our prejudice in Europe, at this Court in particular, as it
has been for some time asserted by Lord Stormont and others, that a
negociation would take place, and as far as this is believed, so far
our cause has suffered and our friends been staggered in their
resolutions. My opinion is, that the House of Bourbon in every branch
will be our friends; it is their interest to humble Great Britain.
Yesterday it was roundly affirmed at Versailles, that a letter was
received in London from Philadelphia, in which it was said I had
written advising the Congress to negociate, for that I could obtain no
assistance from Europe. You can hardly conceive how dangerous even
such reports are, and how prejudicial every step that looks like
confirming them. The importance of America in every point of view,
appears more and more striking to all Europe, but particularly to
this kingdom.
Enclosed I send you the size of masts and spars with the price, which,
if it will answer, may be a certain article of remittance, as may
other naval stores, but I dare not contract with the marine, as I have
no powers, and am unacquainted with the rate at which they were
usually exported to England. A wide field is opening, since the
American commerce is to be free, and I have had applications from many
parts on the subject, though few are disposed to venture until the
close of this campaign, and if it is not decisive against us, our
wants will be supplied another season at as cheap a rate as ever, but
I trust never more on the old terms of long credit.
I am well nigh harrassed to death with applications of officers to go
out to America. Those I have engaged are I trust in general of the
best character; but that I should engage, or rather take from the
hands of some leading men here, some one or two among the rest not so
accomplished, cannot be surprising, and may, considering my situation,
be pardonable, but I have no suspicion of any such in my department,
of consequence. I have been offered troops from Germany on the
following general terms, viz.;--officers to recruit as for the service
of France, and embark for St Domingo from Dunkirk, and by altering
their route land in the American States. The same has been proposed
with Switzerland, to which I could give no encouragement, but submit
it to your consideration in Congress, whether, if you can establish a
credit as I have before hinted, it would not be well to purchase at
Leghorn five or six stout frigates, which might at once transport some
companies of Swiss, and a quantity of stores, and the whole be
defended by the Swiss soldiers on their passage? Or, if you prefer
Germans, which I really do not, the vessels might go from Dunkirk. I
daily expect important advices from the North, respecting commerce at
least, having sent to the King of Prussia, in consequence of a
memorial he ordered his agent here to show me, and propose some
queries to me, a state of the North American commerce at large. I have
presented memorial after memorial here, until in my last I think I
have exhausted the subject as far as the present time, having in my
last given the history of the controversy, obviated the objections
made against us, and pointed out the consequences that must ensue to
France and Spain if they permit the Colonies to be subjugated by their
old hereditary enemy. It consisted of fifty pages, and was, after
being translated, presented to his Majesty and his Ministers, and I
was assured was favorably received and considered. I presented it
about two weeks since, and whether it has hastened the preparations or
not I cannot say. The Ministry were pleased to say, that I had placed
the whole in the most striking point of view, and they believed with
great justice. I could wish to send you copies of these, but I have no
assistant except occasionally, and the uncertainty of my situation
will not permit my making engagements to one, who might deserve
confidence, and those who are deserving are but few.
Bread will be scarce before the next harvest. Flour is now 22 and 23
livres per cwt. and tobacco is as I have before mentioned; and I
promise myself you will not let slip so favorable an opportunity of
making remittances to advantage. In expectation of your sending over
frigates to convoy your ships, and of your giving instructions on what
I have written you of operations in these seas, I design being at
Bordeaux in March, when I shall be able to give you the needful
directions in any such affair; but, at any rate, send out a number of
blank commissions for privateers to be fitted out in Europe under your
flag. The prizes must finally be brought to you for condemnation, and
the principal advantage will remain with you. I have written largely,
and on many subjects, yet fear I have omitted some things deserving
attention.
Mons. du Coudray will be with you by the receipt of this, with stores
complete for thirty thousand men. The extraordinary exertions of this
gentleman, and his character, entitle him to much from the United
States, and I hope the sum I have stipulated with him for, will not be
considered extravagant, when you consider it is much less than is
given in Europe. Baron de Kalb I consider an important acquisition, as
are many other of the officers whose characters I may not stay to
particularize, but refer you to Baron de Kalb, who speaks English, and
to Mr Rogers, who is generally acquainted with them. As to sea
officers, they are not so easily obtained, yet some good ones may be
had, and in particular two; one of whom I have already mentioned; the
other is quite his equal, with some other advantages; he was first
lieutenant of a man of war round the world, with Captain Cook, and has
since had a ship, but wants to leave this for other service, where he
may make a settlement, and establish a family. These two officers
would engage a number of younger ones. Should they embark, I send
herewith the plans of one of them for burning ships. I submit it to
the honorable Congress, who are sensible of the variety and magnitude
of the objects before me, whether it is not of importance to despatch
some one of its body to assist me, or to take a part by his own
immediate direction. Such a person known to possess your fullest
confidence, would, by his advice and assistance, be of service to me,
though he were, and I were, occasionally at Madrid or Berlin. Having
obtained some knowledge of the language, and an acquaintance with
those in power here, as well as others, such abilities as I have,
which are ever devoted to my country, can be employed here to the best
advantage at present, but I submit my thoughts to your determination,
and am, with great truth and sincerity,
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 29th November, 1776.
Gentlemen,
The several letters you will receive with this, will give you some
idea of the situation I have been in for some months past, though
after all I must refer you to Mr Rogers for particulars on some
subjects. I should never have completed what I have, but for the
generous, the indefatigable and spirited exertions of Monsieur
Beaumarchais, to whom the United States are on every account greatly
indebted; more so than to any other person on this side the water; he
is greatly in advance for stores, clothing, and the like, and
therefore I am confident you will make him the earliest and most ample
remittances. He wrote you by Mr McCrery, and will write you again by
this conveyance. A nephew of his, a young gentleman of family,
education, and spirit, makes a voyage to America with Monsieur du
Coudray, and is ambitious of serving his first campaigns in your
service. I recommend him therefore to your particular patronage and
protection, as well on account of the great merits of his uncle, as on
that of his being a youth of spirit and genius; and just entering the
world in a foreign country, he needs protection and paternal advice to
countenance and encourage him. This I have confidently assured his
uncle he will receive from you, and am happy in knowing you will
fulfil my engagements on that score, and, in whatever department you
may fix him, that you will recommend him to the patronage of some
person, on whom you may rely to act at once the friendly and the
paternal part.
A particular account of the stores shipped may probably not be ready
by this vessel, but may go by the next or some succeeding one, as
several will sail after this on the same errand. Let me by every
letter urge on you the sending in season a quantity of tobacco, of
rice, and flour or wheat. These are articles which cannot fail, and
are capital ones; twenty thousand hogsheads of tobacco are this
instant wanted in France, besides the demand in other kingdoms. I
think Monsieur Beaumarchais wrote you under the firm of _Hortalez &
Co._ if so, you will address him in the same style; but as I must
probably remain here until the arrival of these articles, I can
regulate that on the arrival of your despatches. I have advised these
stores being shipped for some of the New England ports, northeast of
Newport first, and if failing of making a port there, to stand for the
Capes of the Delaware, or for Charleston in South Carolina, as the
most likely route to avoid interception. I cannot in a letter do full
justice to Monsieur Beaumarchais for his great address and assiduity
in our cause; I can only say he appears to have undertaken it on great
and liberal principles, and has in the pursuit made it his own. His
interest and influence, which are great, have been exerted to the
utmost in the cause of the United States, and I hope the consequences
will equal his wishes.
I have the honor to be, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 29th November, 1776.
Gentlemen,
I have recommended several officers to your service, but none with
greater pleasure, scarce any one with so much confidence of his
answering great and valuable purposes, as the bearer, Colonel Conway,
a native of Ireland, advanced in the service by his merit. His views
are to establish himself and his growing family in America;
consequently he becomes our countryman and engages on the most certain
principles. This gentleman has seen much service; his principal
department has been that of training and disciplining troops, and
preparing for action; and from his abilities as well as from his long
experience, he is considered as one of the most skilful
disciplinarians in France. Such an officer must be, I conceive, of
very great service, and his generously confiding in the honorable
Congress for such rank and appointments as they shall confer, entitles
him still more to our immediate attention and notice. I have assured
him of the most favorable reception, and am confident he will receive
the same.
Colonel Conway takes with him some young officers of his own training,
who know well the English language, and may be of immediate service in
the same important department of discipline. As Colonel Conway has
been long in service, (though in prime of life) I am confident you
will not think it right he should rank under those who have served
under him in this kingdom, which will not be the case if he fills the
place of an Adjutant, or Brigadier General, for which, I am well
assured, he is every way well qualified. I have advanced him as per
receipt enclosed towards his expenses and appointments or wages, and
told him he may rely on your granting him one of the above ranks in
the Continental forces. Should the honorable Congress have a new body
of troops to form in any part of the Continent, this gentleman might
take the direction of them to very great advantage, and may, I
presume, be equally so in the station you may appoint him in the main
army.
I have the honor to be, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 1st December, 1776.
Gentlemen,