been received, I repeatedly gave my sentiments in favor of sending
cruisers into these seas. The first that arrived was the Reprisal with
two prizes; this caused much speculation, and at our first audience
after, we were told, that by the treaties subsisting between France
and England, ships of war belonging to any foreign power at war with
either could not be admitted into their ports, unless driven by stress
of weather, or want of provisions, &c. and that in such case they
could not be permitted to stay longer than twenty four hours, or until
they had taken on board the provisions necessary to carry them to the
nearest port of their respective states, &c. as you will see in the
treaty of commerce of 1713, confirmed by all the subsequent treaties.
At the same time we were given to understand, that every favor and
indulgence compatible with the treaties would be shewn us, and that
ways might be found out to dispose of those prizes without giving
public offence to England. The hint was taken, the prizes disposed of,
and the Reprisal repaired and fitted for another cruise; which she
made on the coast of Spain, taking, among other English prizes, the
packet boat from Lisbon; with which Captain Wickes returned to port
L'Orient. On this the English Ambassador complained loudly, and the
English merchants were alarmed. Insurance rose in London, and it was
generally supposed that there would be a restitution of the prizes
and detention of Captain Wickes, or a declaration of war. This Court
then ordered the prizes as well as Capt. Wickes to leave the port in
twenty four hours. The former were sent out but sold to French
merchants, and Captain Wickes, his ship being leaky, was permitted to
stay. Soon after this, Captain Johnson arrived in the Lexington, and
we, having bought a cutter with a view of sending her out as a packet,
altered our resolution and equipped her as a cruiser, and sent her and
the Lexington out under the command of Captain Wickes as commodore,
with the design of intercepting the Irish linen ships; but by contrary
winds, and mistaking the time of the sailing of those ships, they were
unsuccessful as to the main object; but as they sailed quite round
Ireland, and took or destroyed seventeen or eighteen sail of vessels,
they most effectually alarmed England, prevented the great fair at
Chester, occasioned insurance to rise, and even deterred the English
merchants from shipping goods in English bottoms at any rate, so that
in a few weeks forty sail of French ships were loading in the Thames
on freight; an instance never before known.
But upon this, the English Ambassador complained in a higher tone, and
gave us much difficulty; the prizes however were disposed of, though
at a prodigious loss, and Captain Wickes set about repairing and
refitting the Reprisal, which had been obliged to throw over her guns,
and saw some of her beams, to escape a seventy four gun ship, which
chased her and the Lexington on their return from their cruise. But
before he was refitted, orders were sent from Court to detain his
vessel and the Lexington, until further orders. This was owing partly
to Captain Wickes having repeatedly come into the ports of France with
prizes, and refitted his ship for fresh cruises, it being directly
contrary to the treaty, which they pretend to hold sacred, and partly
to the transaction at Dunkirk and the consequent threatenings of the
British Ministry. In this situation Captain Wickes and Captain Johnson
remain at present. Soon after Mr Hodge's arrival, we bought a lugger
at Dover, and sent her to Dunkirk. Mr Hodge went after her and
equipped her with great secrecy, designing a blow in the North Sea. He
sent Captain Cunningham in her, and ordered him to intercept the
packet between England and Holland, and then to cruise northward
towards the Baltic. Cunningham fell in with the packet in a day or two
after leaving Dunkirk, and took her. As she had a prodigious number of
letters on board, he imagined it was proper he should return to
Dunkirk instead of continuing his course; in his return he also took a
brig of some value, and brought both prizes into port. This spread the
alarm far and wide, and gave much real ground of complaint, as he had
been entirely armed and equipped in Dunkirk, and had returned thither
with his prizes. The Ministry, therefore, to appease England ordered
the prizes to be returned, and Cunningham and his crew to be
imprisoned, which gave the English a temporary triumph.
But not discouraged thereby, another cutter was bought and equipped
completely in the port of Dunkirk. Cunningham and his crew were set at
liberty, and with some address and intrigue he got again to sea from
the same port, in a swift sailing cutter, mounting fourteen six
pounders and twenty two swivels, with one hundred and six men. His
first adventure greatly raised insurance on the northern trade, even
the packet boats from Dover to Calais were for some time insured. On
his leaving the port of Dunkirk the second time, he had orders to
proceed directly for America, but he and his crew, full of resentment
for the insults they had received from the enemy whilst in prison at
Dunkirk, and afterwards, attacked the first vessels they met with, and
plundered and burnt as they went on. Our last accounts are, that they
had taken or destroyed about twenty sail, and had appeared off the
town of Lynn and threatened to burn it unless ransomed; but the wind
proving unfavorable, they could not put their threats into execution.
In a word, Cunningham, by his first and second bold expeditions, is
become the terror of all the eastern coast of England and Scotland,
and is more dreaded than Thurot was in the late war. But though this
distresses our enemies, it embarrasses us. We solicited his
enlargement, and Mr Hodge engaged for his going directly for America.
I know not how his engagement was expressed, but to appease the
British Ministry and drive off an instant war, Mr Hodge has been
arrested and confined. His friends need not be in distress for him; he
will soon be at liberty. He merits much from his country, having been
ready at all times to promote and serve its interests.
Just before the sailing of Cunningham, Captain Burrall arrived in a
Maryland pilot boat. He made several prizes in his passage, and
brought one into Cherbourg with him. He came to Paris for our advice,
but on his return suffered himself to be enticed on board an English
cutter in the port, where he was instantly seized, and the cutter came
to sail and carried him off prisoner. We complained, and were promised
that he should be reclaimed by this Court; it has probably been done,
but we have received no answer. The ship General Mifflin, after
cruising some time on the coasts of England and Ireland, put into
Brest, and there, under Continental colors, saluted the admiral, who,
after consulting his officers, returned the salute, which causes much
speculation, and shows that the officers, as well as the other orders
in this kingdom, are much in our interest. But, the politics of this
Court are intricate, and embarrassed with connexions and alliances on
the continent of Europe, which, with the state of their fleet, and
their sailors being abroad in the fishery, &c. puts off bold and
decisive measures. Some other prizes have arrived in different ports,
particularly two valuable Jamaicamen sent into Nantes a few days
since, by Captains Babson and Hendricks.
This is a brief account of the proceedings of our cruisers, who have
put into the ports of this kingdom. The prizes are sold without
condemnation, and consequently to a great loss, as the whole is
conducted secretly, and put too much in the power of the agents.
Though these cruisers have not been profitable to us, they have been
of infinite prejudice to our enemies, both in their commerce and
reputation. I will not add to this, as I shall write another letter by
this conveyance.
I beg my best compliments to Mrs Morris, and that you will believe me
ever, dear sir, yours, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
_P. S._ Since writing the above the two Jamaica prizes are, by order
of Court, arrested, and it remains doubtful whether they will not be
restored to the original proprietors. The captain of one of the
privateers on his passage took on board a lady, who was prisoner on
board an American privateer, bound for Boston. This he did from
motives of humanity. On his arrival at Painbeuf, she wrote to her
brother, a merchant at Nantes, who came down, and hoping to get the
consignment of the prizes, officiously advised the captain to report
them as ships laden at St Eustatia, which they did, and on their
arrival at Nantes consigned the prizes to Messrs Lee & Williams, who
immediately made a private sale of them. Meantime the owners being
acquainted with the proceeding, and knowing that the ships and
cargoes, by being regularly entered, were in the hands of the custom
house, lodged claims, showing that they had been falsely entered, and
were English property captured by American privateers, and
consequently by treaty could not be sold in France. This obliged the
government to arrest the prizes or openly violate the treaty. Mr
Williams came up a few days since, and presented a memorial on the
subject, but I fear he will receive an unfavorable answer. Orders are
received for Captains Wickes and Johnson to depart the ports of
France. I purpose sending duplicates of this letter by each of them. I
cannot omit any opportunity of doing justice to these gentlemen, their
officers and seamen, whose conduct has been such as merits the
approbation of their countrymen, and has given reputation to our navy
in France. They will not be able to carry out any goods, though we had
purchased some with a design of sending by them, particularly a
quantity of saltpetre. This, with other articles to a considerable
amount, will be sent in the course of this and the next month. I have
received letters a few days since, advising that Captain Cunningham
was at Ferrol. I know not where he designs next, having nothing
directly from him.
S. D.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Paris, 3d September, 1777.
Gentlemen,
Captain Landais is the bearer of this. He goes in the Heureuse, loaded
with stores for America. This cargo has, by a succession of obstacles
thrown in the way, been delayed from January last, to a most
prodigious cost and expense. I hope, however, that it may finally
arrive in season to be of essential service. Captain Landais, whom I
have mentioned in my former letters, will offer his service to the
United States. I must repeat here what I have written before, that I
find him to be a skilful seaman, of long experience in every part of
the world, of good judgment, and of the most unsuspicious honor and
probity; I can but consider him as a valuable acquisition to our navy.
My agreement with M. Monthieu, the owner of this ship, in case she
should not be sold in America, is that she be despatched with a cargo
of tobacco as soon as possible, if the article is to be had, if not,
with such articles as can be procured, as I have engaged for the
freight out and home, and you are sensible of the necessity of having
remittances by every opportunity. Whatever this ship may be loaded
with, I pray the cargo may come to Messrs Rodrique Hortalez & Co. as
they have advanced for the arms and other articles of this cargo, over
and above their other large advances. Tobacco is the best article at
present, in the ports of France, or indeed in any part of Europe, and
must continue so for a very considerable time yet to come, most
probably for twelve months. You will please to send me an account of
the cargo, whatever it may be, that you ship in this vessel, and
duplicates by others.
I have the honor to be, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Paris, 10th September, 1777.
Gentlemen,
This will be handed you by M. Francy, who is agent for Messrs Rodrique
Hortalez & Co.[9] You will see by the bills of lading, the quantity of
stores shipped by that house, and make some judgment of their
considerable amount. The vessel, in which M. Francy sails, is loaded
with stores, which were long since engaged, but by a succession of
obstacles have been until this detained. I still hope they will arrive
in safety, and in season to be of service. The ship will be offered
you to purchase, if she suits you, and if not, it will be equally
agreeable to have her returned on the owners' account. I could not say
any thing of purchasing a ship, without knowing more of her than I
could know of this; I have therefore left it to your option to pay the
price demanded, or the freight; the latter is to be what is at this
time customary in vessels of such force, which not being precisely
fixed, is submitted to M. Chaumont, by the advice and consent of my
colleagues; it will probably be about two hundred and fifty livres per
ton of goods to America, and back to France; it will not exceed that.
Messrs Rodrique Hortalez & Co. have other vessels, which will follow
this in a short time, which they want to have despatched with tobacco,
agreeably to what they formerly wrote you, and M. Francy goes partly
on that account; I must therefore pray you to furnish him with the
means of procuring the quantity he will want for them in season. The
cargo of the Therese, sent by the way of St Domingo, I hope is by this
time arrived; it was so valuable that it was thought most prudent to
send it by that route, as it would run no risk in getting there,
whence it might in different bottoms be got into the Continent,
without the considerable risk of going direct. As the vessels of
Messrs Hortalez & Co. will arrive at a time when despatch will be of
the utmost consequence, they are desirous to have their cargoes ready
on their arrival. By these vessels I will write you particularly on
this subject, and in the meantime, have the honor to be, with the
greatest respect, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
FOOTNOTES:
[9] For a copy of the power given to M. Francy, by Caron Beaumarchais,
representing in France the house of Hortalez & Co., and also for
several resolutions of Congress on the subject, see the Journals of
the Old Congress for April 7th, 1778.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Paris, 23d September, 1777.
Dear Sir,
As many of the commissioners' letters may have failed, I take the
liberty of enclosing an extract of a letter written jointly by Dr
Franklin and myself in March last, in which we sent an extract of a
letter from Mr Lee, who had been at Nantes, and was then at Bordeaux.
This letter was to the committee, and consequently to Congress. We
wrote one also previous to this, to the committee, just before Mr
Lee's going to Nantes.
I am informed that it is insinuated, that interested and private views
influenced me to write as I did,[10] and that the fixing Mr Williams
at Nantes was the object I had in view. I am very sorry you should be
so imposed upon; the consequences must ultimately be more prejudicial
to yourself than to any other person. In the meantime, as a man of
honor, I assure you I have neither interest or connexion in Mr
Williams' business, nor have I engaged in the smallest private
concern, except what you have been acquainted with, and which you know
was in consequence of your letters in June, 1776.
Mr Williams came to France to visit Dr Franklin; he was in a good way
of business in London, where he was entering into business with a
capital house in the sugar business. England was disagreeable to him,
solely on account of the animosities, which prevailed among
individuals on account of the public quarrel. The stores which I had
engaged, and which were sent out in the Mercury and Therese, were at
Nantes, where matters had been so conducted that you must suppose I
had no confidence in the managers. On this occasion I applied to Mr
Williams, as a friend, to make a journey to Nantes, to examine the
goods and see them shipped. He left Paris without intending to tarry
longer than to perform this business. But his conduct at Nantes was so
much the reverse of what had preceded, that every one who wished well
to our affairs desired that he might be continued there. I needed no
solicitations; the interest of my country was my sole motive; I knew
he served it faithfully, and I knew him to be generous and
disinterested in the service. Yes sir, disinterested; and you will
acknowledge it when you are informed, that what he exacted of us was
barely a sufficiency to support him, not amounting to one fourth of
one per cent on the business. He has, if I am to have the credit of
fixing him there, done me great honor; he has, at the same time,
obtained the good opinion and friendship of the capital persons at
Nantes. I am thus particular on this subject, as I am well convinced
it has been represented to you very differently. How it has been
represented I know not, nor am I likely to be informed but from second
hand, from your brother's showing your letter directed to me to Mr
Ross, and telling some others what were its contents, and that you not
only justified his conduct, but had obtained for him more ample
appointments, with severe reprimands to me, and even oblique censure
on Dr Franklin, who happens to be Mr Williams' uncle.
It is hard for me, acting as I have done, from the most disinterested
motives, and from those principles of friendship which shall be ever
sacred with me, to be thus censured by you unheard.
Mr Ross does justice to the character you gave of him. I expect to see
him in Paris in a few days, when I shall show him what I now write
you.
I have not the least desire of intermeddling in the commercial
concerns of the Congress in Europe, nor of going out of my own
department, whatever it may be, on any occasion; but I have been
obliged to take much upon my hands in procuring supplies of clothing,
&c. as have also my colleagues, on account of the unhappy situation of
our affairs here as to commerce. I will not add to a letter already
long, only that if I have been mistaken in any thing, you will reflect
that I write in reply to a part of one of yours, which I am unable to
procure a sight of, and assure you that no private concern affects me
more, than having drawn on myself your resentment by my desire of
serving you. Be assured that I retain the highest esteem and respect
for you in your public as well as private character, and am your
sincere friend, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
FOOTNOTES:
[10] Allusion is here made to certain charges or complaints against
Mr Thomas Morris, brother of Mr Robert Morris. He had been a merchant
in Nantes, and was an agent for transacting in that port the
mercantile affairs of the United States.
* * * * *
COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO SILAS DEANE.
York, in Pennsylvania, 4th December, 1777.
Sir,
In compliance with the order of Congress, we now enclose you their
resolve of November 21st last; a duplicate goes by another
opportunity. We are, Sir, &c.
R. H. LEE,
J. LOVELL.
* * * * *
JAMES LOVELL TO SILAS DEANE.
York, 8th December, 1777.
Sir,
By accident I find myself called upon singly to execute the duty of
the committee of foreign affairs, in communicating to you an order of
Congress, of this day, respecting your return to America.
The order stands in need of no comment from the committee to elucidate
it;[11] and being drawn up in terms complimentary to your abilities
of serving these United States upon your arrival here, I take pleasure
in conveying it, being, sir, your very humble servant,
JAMES LOVELL.
FOOTNOTES:
[11] Mr Deane was recalled by a resolution of Congress, Nov. 21st,
1777. The following preamble and order were passed on the 8th of
December following, viz.--"Whereas it is of the greatest importance,
that Congress should at this critical juncture be well informed of the
state of affairs in Europe; and whereas Congress have resolved that
the Hon. Silas Deane be recalled from the Court of France, and have
appointed another commissioner [John Adams] to supply his place there;
"_Ordered_, that the committee of foreign affairs write to the Hon.
Silas Deane, and direct him to embrace the first opportunity to return
to America, and upon his arrival to repair with all possible despatch
to Congress."
It may here be observed, that after the 17th of April, 1777, the
_Committee of Secret Correspondence_ was by a resolution of Congress,
passed on that date, styled the _Committee of Foreign Affairs_.
* * * * *
FROM COUNT DE VERGENNES TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Versailles, the 25th March, 1778.
Sir,
Mr Deane being about to return to America, I embrace the occasion with
pleasure to give my testimony to the zeal, activity, and intelligence
with which he has conducted the interests of the United States, by
which he has merited the esteem of the king my master, and for which
his Majesty has been pleased to give him marks of his satisfaction. Mr
Deane will be able to inform Congress of the disposition of the king
towards the United States. The engagements formed with his Majesty,
will doubtless satisfy their wishes; the king on his part is not only
convinced, that they are founded on principles unalterable, but also
that they will contribute to the happiness of both nations.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DE VERGENNES.
* * * * *
FROM COUNT DE VERGENNES TO SILAS DEANE.
Translation.
Versailles, 26th March, 1778.
As I am not, Sir, to have the honor of seeing you again before your
departure, I pray you to receive here my wishes, that your voyage may
be short and happy, and that you may find in your own country the same
sentiments, which you have inspired in France. You need not, Sir,
desire any addition to those which I have devoted to you, and which I
shall preserve for you to the end of my life; they will be sureties to
you of the true interest, which I shall forever take in your
happiness, as well as in the prosperity of your country.
The king, desirous of giving you a personal testimony of the
satisfaction he has in your conduct, has charged me to communicate it
to the President of the Congress of the United States. This is the
object of the letter, which Mr Gerard will deliver you for Mr Hancock.
He will also deliver you a box with the king's portrait. You will not,
I presume, Sir, refuse to carry to your country the image of its most
zealous friend. The proof of this is in facts.
I have the honor to be, with the most sincere consideration, &c.
DE VERGENNES.
* * * * *
FROM DR FRANKLIN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Passy, near Paris, 31st March, 1778.
Sir,
My colleague, Mr Deane, being recalled by Congress, and no reasons
given that have yet appeared here, it is apprehended to be the effect
of some misrepresentations from an enemy or two at Paris and at
Nantes. I have no doubt, that he will be able clearly to justify
himself; but having lived intimately with him now fifteen months, the
greatest part of the time in the same house, and been a constant
witness of his public conduct, I cannot omit giving this testimony,
though unasked, in his behalf, that I esteem him a faithful, active,
and able minister, who, to my knowledge, has done in various ways
great and important services to his country, whose interests I wish
may always, by every one in her employ, be as much and as effectually
promoted.
With my dutiful respects to the Congress, I have the honor to be, &c.
B. FRANKLIN.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Delaware Bay, 10th July, 1778.
Sir,
I have now the pleasure of acquainting your Excellency of my arrival
here yesterday, on board the Languedoc, commanded by his Excellency
Count d'Estaing, with a fleet of twelve sail of the line, and four
frigates. We sailed from Toulon the 10th of April last. I presume
therefore that I have no intelligence from Europe so late as what you
must be possessed of already. Finding that the enemy had escaped, the
Admiral resolved instantly to pursue them to New York, and will sail
this morning for that port, but he has no pilot. If, therefore, pilots
can be sent to meet him on his arrival, it will be of the utmost
service to the expedition. I shall embark this afternoon in company
with his Excellency, Mons. Gerard, for Philadelphia, and hope soon to
have the honor of paying my respects to your Excellency and the
honorable Congress in person, and to congratulate you on the late
glorious events. I have sent Commodore Nicholson express, who can
inform you of our situation. Permit me to recommend him as an active,
spirited officer, to whom the Admiral has been much obliged by his
services during our passage.