situation. Without intelligence, without orders, and without
remittances, yet boldly plunging into contracts, engagements, and
negotiations, hourly hoping that something will arrive from America.
By General Coudray I send 30,000 fusils, 200 pieces of brass cannon,
30 mortars, 4000 tents and clothing for 30,000 men, with 200 tons of
gun powder, lead, balls, &c. &c. by which you may judge we have some
friends here. A war in Europe is inevitable. The eyes of all are on
you, and the fear of your giving up or accommodating is the greatest
obstacle I have to contend with. Mons. Beaumarchais has been my
Minister in effect, as this Court is extremely cautious, and I now
advise you to attend carefully to the articles sent you. I could not
examine them here. I was promised they should be good and at the
lowest prices, and that from persons in such station, that had I
hesitated it might have ruined my affairs. But as in so large a
contract there is room for imposition, my advice is that you send back
to me samples of the articles sent you. Cannon, powder, mortars, &c.
are articles known; but send clothes, the fusils, &c. by which any
imposition may be detected. Large remittances are necessary for your
credit, and the enormous price of tobacco, of rice, of flour, and many
other articles, gives you an opportunity of making your remittances to
very great advantage. 20,000 hogsheads of tobacco are wanted
immediately for this kingdom, and more for other parts of Europe.
I have written you on several subjects, some of which I will attempt
briefly to recapitulate. The destruction of the Newfoundland fishery
may be effected, by two or three of your frigates sent there early in
February, and by that means a fatal blow given to Great Britain, I
mean by destroying the stages, boats, &c. and by bringing away the
people left there as prisoners. Glasgow in Scotland may be plundered
and burnt with ease, as may Liverpool, by two or three frigates, which
may find a shelter and protection in the ports of France and Spain
afterwards. Blank commissions are wanted here to cruise under your
flag against the British commerce. This is a capital stroke and must
bring on a war. Hasten them out I pray you. France and Spain are
friendly, and you will greatly oblige the latter by seizing the
Portuguese commerce whenever it is found. I have had overtures from
the king of Prussia in the commercial way, and have sent a person of
great confidence to his Court with letters of introduction from his
Agent here, with whom I am on the best terms. A loan may be obtained
for any sums at five per cent interest, perhaps less, if you make
punctual remittances for the sums now advanced. The Western Lands
ought to be held up to view as an encouragement for our soldiers,
especially foreigners, and are a good fund to raise money on. You may,
if you judge proper, have any number of German and Swiss troops; they
have been offered me, but you know I have no powers to treat. A number
of frigates may be purchased at Leghorn, the Grand Duke of Tuscany
being zealously in favor of America, and doing all in his power to
encourage its commerce. Troubles are rising in Ireland, and with a
little assistance much work may be cut out for Great Britain, by
sending from hence a few priests, a little money, and plenty of arms.
_Omnia tentanda_ is my motto, therefore I hint the playing of their
own game on them, by spiriting up the Caribs in St Vincents, and the
Negroes in Jamaica, to revolt.
On all these subjects I have written to you. Also on various
particulars of commerce. Our vessels have more liberty in the ports
of France, and Spain, and Tuscany, than the vessels of any other
nation, and that openly. I presented the Declaration of Independence
to this Court, after indeed it had become an old story in every part
of Europe; it was well received, but as you say you have articles of
alliance under consideration, any resolution must be deferred until we
know what they are. The want of intelligence has more than once well
nigh ruined my affairs; pray be more attentive to this important
subject, or drop at once all thoughts of a foreign connexion.
Had I ten ships here I could fill them all with passengers for
America. I hope the officers sent will be agreeable; they were
recommended by the Ministry here, and are at this instant really in
their army, but this must be a secret. Do you want heavy iron cannon,
sea officers of distinction, or ships? Your special orders will enable
me to procure them. For the situation of affairs in England I refer
you to Mr Rogers, Aid de Camp to Mons. du Coudray. I have presented a
number of memoirs, which have been very favorably received, and the
last by his Majesty, but my being wholly destitute of other than
accidental and gratuitous assistance will not permit my sending you
copies. Indeed I was obliged to make them so as to explain the rise,
the nature, and the progress of the dispute. I have been assured by
the Ministers, that I have thrown much light on the subject, and have
obviated many difficulties, but his Majesty is not of the disposition
of his great grandfather Louis 14th. If he were, England would soon be
ruined. Do not forget or omit sending me blank commissions for
privateers; under these, infinite damage may be done to the British
commerce, and as the prizes must be sent to you for condemnation the
eventual profits will remain with you.
Doctor Bancroft has been of very great service to me; no man has
better intelligence in England in my opinion, but it costs something.
The following articles have been shewn to me; they have been seen by
both the courts of France and Spain, and I send them to you for
speculation.
1st. The thirteen United Colonies, now known by the name of the
thirteen United States of North America, shall be acknowledged by
France and Spain, and treated with as Independent States, and as such
shall be guarantied in the possession of all that part of the
continent of North America, which by the last treaty of peace was
ceded and confirmed to the crown of Great Britain.
2dly. The United States shall guaranty and confirm to the crowns of
France and Spain, all and singular their possessions and claims in
every other part of America, whether north or south of the equator,
and of the Islands possessed by them in the American seas.
3dly. Should France or Spain, either or both of them, possess
themselves of the Islands in the West Indies now in possession of the
crown of Great Britain (as an indemnity for the injuries sustained in
the last war, in consequence of its being commenced on the part of
Great Britain in violation of the laws of nations,) the United
Colonies shall assist the said Powers in obtaining such satisfaction,
and guaranty and confirm to them the possession of such acquisitions.
4thly. The fisheries on the banks of Newfoundland, of Cape Breton, and
parts adjacent, commonly known and called by the name of the Cod
Fishery, shall be equally free to the subjects of France, Spain, and
the United States respectively, and they shall mutually engage to
protect and defend each other in such commerce.
5thly. The more effectually to preserve this alliance, and to obtain
the great object, it shall be agreed, that every and any British ship
or vessel found or met with on the coasts of North America, of South
America, or of the Islands adjacent, and belonging thereto, and within
a certain degree or distance to be agreed on, shall be forever
hereafter considered as lawful prize to any of the subjects of France,
Spain, or the United Colonies, and treated as such, as well in peace
as in war, nor shall France, Spain, or the United Colonies ever
hereafter admit British ships into any of their ports in America,
North and South, or the Islands adjacent. This article never to be
altered or dispensed with, but only by and with the consent of each of
the three contracting States.
6thly. During the present war between the United States and Great
Britain, France and Spain shall send into North America, and support
there, a fleet to defend and protect the coasts and the commerce of
the United States, in consequence of which if the possessions of
France or Spain should be attacked in America by Great Britain or her
allies, the United States will afford them all the aid and assistance
in their power.
7thly. No peace or accommodation shall be made with Great Britain to
the infringement or violation of any one of these articles.[8]
I am, with the utmost impatience to hear from you, Dear Sir, yours,
&c.
SILAS DEANE.
FOOTNOTES:
[8] From the manner in which Mr Deane introduces these articles, it
does not appear in what source they originated. From the following
sketch, which was prepared some time before this letter was written to
Mr Jay, it is evident that the project was first proposed by Mr Deane
himself.
"Outline of a Treaty between France and Spain and the United States,
drawn up by Silas Deane, and presented to the Count Vergennes in his
private capacity, Nov 23, 1776.
"1. Independence to be recognized.
"2. The United States to guaranty and confirm to France and Spain all
their possessions in North America and the West India Islands.
"3. Should France or Spain gain possession of any of the West India
Islands, (as an indemnity for the injuries sustained by them in the
last war, in consequence of its being commenced on the part of Great
Britain, in violation of the laws of nations,) the United States to
assist the said powers in gaining satisfaction, and in retaining
possession of such acquisitions.
"4. The fisheries on the Banks of Newfoundland to be enjoyed equally
between the three contracting powers, to the exclusion of all other
nations.
"5. The regulations of commerce to be reciprocal.
"6. Any British vessel found or met with on the coast of North or
South America, or the Islands adjacent or belonging thereto, _within a
certain degree or distance to be agreed on_, shall be forever
hereafter considered as lawful prize to any of the subjects of France,
Spain, or the United States, and treated as such as well in peace as
in war,--nor shall France, Spain, or the United States ever hereafter
admit British ships into any of their ports in America, North or
South, or the Islands adjacent, nor shall this article ever be altered
or dispensed with, but only by and with the consent of each of the
three contracting States.
"7. During the present war, France and Spain to send fleets into the
seas of the United States to defend them from the British, and should
the possessions o£ France or Spain in America be attacked, the United
States to lend such aids as they can for their defence.
"8. No peace to be made with Great Britain, by either of the
contracting parties, to the infringement or violation of any one of
these articles."
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 6th December, 1776.
Gentlemen,
You have enclosed the duplicate of an agreement with Mons. du Coudray,
of my orders for clothing, stores, &c., of my agreement with Baron de
Kalb and others of his train, also with the Comte de Monau and his,
which I hope will be agreeable, also the agreement for freight of the
ships, which I was assured by letters from Bordeaux and elsewhere was
as low as could be procured. At the same time, if it is above the
stated price, in such cases I am promised an abatement. I hope the
peculiarity of my situation, and the anxious desire I have of
forwarding aid to my country, will be considered if any of the
articles are thought high. Men cannot be engaged to quit their native
country and friends, to hazard life and all in a cause, which is not
their own immediately, at the same easy rate as men will do who are
fighting literally _pro aris et focis_, and it is a universal custom
in Europe to allow something extra to foreigners, but my allowances
are very much below the rates here for officers in the same station.
I have the honor to be, with the most profound respect for the
Congress, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
_List of Officers of Infantry and Light Troops destined to serve the
United States of North America._
NAMES OF OFFICERS. RANK. COMMENCEMENT OF
THEIR PAY.
Baron de Kalb, Major General, 7th November, 1776.
Vicount de Mauroy, Major General, 20th do. do.
de Senneville, Major, 7th do. do.
The Chevalier du Buyssons, Major, 7th do. do.
The Chevalier de Fayoles, Lieut. Colonel, 20th do. do.
Dubois Martin, Major, 20th do. do.
de Holtzendorff, Lieut. Colonel, 26th do. do.
The Chevalier de Failly, Lieut. Colonel, 1st December, 1776.
Amariton, Major, do. do.
de Roth, Captain, do. do.
de Gerard, Captain, do. do.
Philis de Roseval, Lieutenant, do. do.
de Montis, Lieutenant, do. do.
Loquet de Granges, Lieutenant, do. do.
de Vrigny, Capt. Company franche, do. do.
Candon, Lieutenant, do. do.
The said ranks and pay at the dates marked in the present list have
been settled mutually between us, the undersigned, me, Silas Deane, in
my quality of deputy of the most honorable Congress of the United
States of North America, and me, John Baron de Kalb, Major General in
the service of the States General. Done double at Paris this 1st of
December, 1776.
DE KALB,
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
_List of Officers of Infantry and Light Troops destined to serve in
the armies of the United States of North America._
NAMES OF OFFICERS RANK COMMENCEMENT OF
THEIR PAY
M. de la Fayette, Major General, from the 7th December, 1776.
Baron de Kalb, Major General, 7th November,
Delesser, Colonel, 1st December,
De Valfort, Colonel, 1st December,
De Fayoles, Lieutenant Colonel, 20th November,
De Franval, Lieutenant Colonel, 1st December,
Dubois Martin, Major, 7th November,
De Gimat, Major, 1st December,
De Vrigny, Captain, 1st December,
De Bedaulx,
Capitaine, Captain, 1st December,
de la Colombe, Lieutenant, 1st December,
Candon, Lieutenant, 7th November.
The ranks and the pay, which the most honorable Congress shall affix
to them to commence at the periods marked in the present list, have
been agreed to by us the undersigned, Silas Deane in quality of deputy
of the American States General on the one part, the Marquis de la
Fayette and the Baron de Kalb on the other part. Signed double at
Paris this 7th of December, 1776.
SILAS DEANE,
The MARQUIS de la FAYETTE,
DE KALB.
The desire which the Marquis de la Fayette shows of serving among the
troops of the United States of North America, and the interest which
he takes in the justice of their cause make him wish to distinguish
himself in this war, and to render himself as useful as he possibly
can; but not thinking that he can obtain leave of his family to pass
the seas, and serve in a foreign country, till he can go as a general
officer; I have thought I could not better serve my country, and those
who have intrusted me, than by granting to him in the name of the very
honorable Congress the rank of Major General, which I beg the States
to confirm to him, to ratify and deliver to him the commission to hold
and take rank, to count from this day, with the general officers of
the same degree. His high birth, his alliances, the great dignities
which his family holds at this Court, his considerable estates in this
realm, his personal merit, his reputation, his disinterestedness, and
above all his zeal for the liberty of our provinces, are such as to
induce me alone to promise him the rank of major general in the name
of the United States. In witness of which I have signed the present,
this 7th of December, 1776.
SILAS DEANE.
On the conditions here explained I offer myself, and promise to depart
when and how Mr Deane shall judge proper, to serve the United States
with all possible zeal, without any pension or particular allowance,
reserving to myself the liberty of returning to Europe when my family
or my king shall recall me.
Done at Paris this 7th of December, 1776.
The MARQUIS de la FAYETTE.
* * * * *
TO COUNT VERGENNES.
Paris, December 8th, 1776.
Sir,
I received last evening a letter from my friend, Dr Franklin, at
Nantes, which place he was to leave last Sunday morning, so that I
expect him in Paris this day, or early tomorrow. Meantime I have and
shall carefully attend to the hint given me, and am confident he will
do the same. His arrival is the common topic of conversation, and has
given birth to a thousand conjectures and reports, not one of which I
have given ground for, having constantly declared that I am ignorant
of the motives of his voyage, or his business.
I have the honor to be, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 12th December, 1776.
Gentlemen,
Just as I had closed my despatches by the Generals de Coudray and
Baron de Kalb, I was most agreeably surprised with a letter from Dr
Franklin, at Nantes, where he arrived, after thirty days passage,
with two prizes. I hourly expect him here, but knowing of his arrival,
I despatch this with a duplicate to Havre de Grace, to go by the ships
sailing thence, and have only time to inform you, that I sent an
express instantly to Mr Lee to join us here without delay, for the
news of Dr Franklin's arrival may occasion his friends being forbid
coming from London to France. Nothing has, for a long time, occasioned
greater speculation than this event, and our friends here are elated
beyond measure, as this confirms them you will not negotiate with
England; and for me, I will not attempt to express the pleasure I feel
on this occasion, as it removes at once difficulties under which I
have been constantly in danger of sinking. I may not add, as I shall
miss the post, but am, with the most grateful and respectful
compliments to the Congress, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
_P. S._ The King of Portugal is dead. The Comte Grimaldi, Prime
Minister of Spain, has resigned, which will tend to accelerate a
rupture in Europe, which I think unavoidable.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 20th January, 1777.
Gentlemen,
I have met with disappointments, unexpected as they have been
affecting; after orders and counter orders and manoeuvres, the very
history of which would fill a volume, the Amphitrite departed with the
first parcel of the stores on the 14th ult., and I was then in full
confidence that the other vessels would instantly follow, as they lay
ready in their different ports, when, to my surprise, counter orders
arrived. While laboring to remove these, the Amphitrite returned into
port, pretendedly through the want of live stock, &c. by the officers.
The Captain has protested, that he returned in consequence of the
positive orders of Mons. du Coudray, to whom a superior power was
given. I have no time to decide so disputable a point as that
respecting Monsieur du Coudray's return, but the consequences have
been bad. This, I must say, he acted an unwise and injudicious part,
in returning into the port he did, as he thereby gave a fresh alarm to
the ministry, and occasioned a second counter order. Indeed Mons. du
Coudray appeared to have solely in view his own ease, safety, and
emolument, and instead of instantly despatching the ships with
supplies, and thereby preventing a noise, he left the ships, and
returned quite to Paris without the least ground, that I can find, for
his conduct; and has laid his scheme to pass into America in a ship
without the artillery, which is inconsistent and absurd, and contrary
to our original agreement, and constant understanding, as I engaged
with this man solely on account of the artillery he was to assist in
procuring, expediting, and attending in person. His desertion of this
charge, with his other conduct, makes me wish he may not arrive in
America at all. I am sensible that my difficult situation may affect
you, and therefore I shall, if possible, prevent his going out at all.
With respect to the other stores they are embarked, and I am promised
a permit, which is all I may say on the subject, which is left solely
to my management by my colleagues.
M. du Coudray, not content with leaving the ship, took with him the
papers which occasioned a still further delay after she was ready;
but I will not enlarge on these disagreeable topics, but wishing the
stores at hand,
I am, with much esteem, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
I recommend the Captain to the generosity of Congress.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 6th February, 1777.
Gentlemen,
The bearer, Mons. Holtzendorff, is a Prussian officer, who served the
last war in Germany, and with reputation. Gentlemen of first character
in the army here have recommended him, as an excellent officer both
for skill and bravery. I take therefore the liberty of recommending
him to the service of the United States. He leaves a Major's post here
in the army of France, hoping by his services in America to advance
himself beyond what he can expect in Europe in a time of peace. I
shall as soon as possible send you a particular account of all my
proceedings to the time of the arrival of Dr Franklin, which I have in
a great measure done already, though in detached parts in different
letters, some of which may undoubtedly miscarry.
I am, with much respect, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 27th February, 1777.
Gentlemen,
This will be delivered you by Captain Goy, who, with his lieutenant
and two sergeants, embarks with thirty field pieces, ten ton of
powder, ball, lead, &c. which I wish safe and in season for service,
though delayed beyond my expectations. Captain Goy has the best of
recommendations from officers of distinction here, and I am confident
will be found to be of great service in the artillery, a part of which
he accompanies. Dr Franklin is at present in the country in good
health, and we shall jointly write you very particularly in a few
days; meantime we are without any intelligence from Congress since he
left Philadelphia, in October last. I will not attempt to give you an
idea of the difficulties, which are the consequence of our being left
thus without intelligence, nor the anxiety it occasions in our minds;
but must urge you to take some effectual measures for keeping up a
correspondence with us in future, without which many proposals of the
utmost importance to the United States are extremely embarrassed, and
in danger of failing.
I have the honor to be,
With the most profound respect, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Paris, 8th April, 1777.
Sir,
The bearer, Viscount Mourreu, is the gentleman of whom I formerly
wrote, and who has been long detained by a variety of accidents, which
he can relate to you at large. The engagements taken with him were
previous to the arrival of my colleagues, who have not therefore
intermeddled in the affair. His character and abilities are high in
estimation here, and the Comte de Broglio has written in particular to
General Washington. He served under the Comte, who commanded the
armies of France with reputation in the last war.
I have the honor to be,
With the most profound respect, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Paris, 23d August, 1777.
Dear Sir,
My letter, No. 1. of this date, gives you the state of Captain Bell's
proceedings and the circumstances attending it. In this I mean to give
you a short view of the conduct of this Court, with respect to
American ships of war, private as well as public, which I cannot well
do without giving you a history of facts.
You know that when I left America the naval armaments were but
beginning by the Congress, and the inquiry was hardly made, even by
individuals, whether foreign powers would admit our cruisers and their
prizes. After my arrival the question was first started by Captain Lee
of Marblehead, at Bilboa, of which I gave you an account in my letters
of October and November last. Captain Lee carried no prize into Bilboa
with him, and the question turned simply on the complaint of the
English Consul, charging him with having committed acts of piracy on
the high seas in making prizes of English vessels. The commissary or
governor of the port detained his vessel and sent to Court for
directions, and received orders to set the vessel at liberty; which
orders were accompanied with a general declaration, that his Catholic
Majesty was neuter in the dispute between England and America. Though
the issue of this business was favorable, it was not direct to the
point; we wished to establish the declaration of neutrality to be
general.