mind little else; however, there is some exportation of produce from
thence, and as to imports, they are the best supplied of any part of
America, having been surprisingly successful in captures. New York
being in the hands of the enemy, we have nothing to say to it, and the
produce of New Jersey will be totally consumed by their army and ours.
In this State, (Pennsylvania,) we had last season the worst crop of
wheat ever known, both as to quantity and quality; this being our
staple commodity, and stores prohibited, our merchants have been led
to purchase much tobacco in Maryland and Virginia, and their ships are
employed in the export of this article, with some flour, boards,
beeswax, &c. We have a good many imports, but as fast as goods arrive,
they are bought up for the army, or for the use of neighboring States,
and therefore continue to bear high prices.
The value of ships has risen in the same enormous proportion with
every thing else, and ships, that were deemed worth £1000, twelve
months ago, now sell for £3000, or upwards. Every article belonging to
them is also excessively dear, and hard to be got, and the insolence
and difficulty of seamen is beyond bearing. In Maryland, Virginia,
South Carolina, and Georgia, they have plenty of valuable produce on
hand, but no ships to carry it away, and constant cruisers all along
the coast make it very dangerous to send ships from one port to
another; so that look which way you will, you find us surrounded with
difficulties, in the land service, in the sea service, and in our
commerce.
Agriculture and mechanics have their impediments, by the enlisting of
soldiers, and frequent calls on the militia. In short nothing but the
most arduous exertions, and virtuous conduct in the leaders, seconded
by a spirited behavior in the army, and a patient endurance of
hardships by the people in general, can long support the contest;
therefore the Court of France should strike at once, as they will reap
an immediate harvest; they may sell their manufactures for any price
they please to ask, they will get in payment tobacco, rice, indigo,
deerskins, furs, wheat, flour, iron, beeswax, lumber, fish, oil,
whalebone, pot and pearl ashes, and various other articles, and, if
they please, here is an ample field to employ their shipping, and
raise seamen for their navy.
I will not enter into any detail of our conduct in Congress, but you
may depend on this, that so long as that respectable body persist in
the attempt to execute, as well as to deliberate on their business, it
never will be done as it ought, and this has been urged many and many
a time, by myself and others, but some of them do not like to part
with power, or to pay others for doing what they cannot do themselves.
I have Mr Deane's favor of the 30th of September,[27] to myself, now
before me; the letter by the same conveyance from Martinico, under
cover of Mr Bingham's, I sent down to the committee at Baltimore, and
wrote them my mind on the justice of your complaints, for want of
intelligence. I had often told it to them before; you know well I was
not put in that committee to carry on the correspondence, but to find
out the conveyances; however, I have been obliged to write all the
letters, that have been written for some time past; but as Colonel
Lee, Mr Hooper, and the Rev. Dr Witherspoon are now added to the
committee, I shall excuse myself from that task, although I have
thought it proper to give you a just state of our affairs at this
time, because I do not suppose the committee will be got fairly
together in Baltimore yet, and when they do, it is probable they may
not be fond of laying things before you so fully as I have done. Some
of us are of very sanguine complexions, and are too apt to flatter
ourselves, that things are not so bad as they appear to be, or that
they will soon mend, &c. Now my notion is, that you, gentlemen
commissioners, should be fairly and fully informed of the true state
of affairs, that you may make a proper use of that knowledge, keeping
secret what ought to be so, and promulgating what should be known.
Doctor Franklin will see this letter, for whose safe arrival my best
wishes have often gone forth, and I embrace this opportunity of
assuring him of the high respect and esteem I entertain for him. I
also beg my compliments to Mr Lee, if he is with you; tell him I have
the commission, in which he is nominated, ready to send, but it is
gone into the country with my papers, or I would send it by this
conveyance. My own affairs necessarily detained me here after the
departure of Congress, and it is well I staid, as I am obliged to set
many things right, that would otherwise be in the greatest confusion.
Indeed, I find my presence so very necessary, that I shall remain here
until the enemy drive me away.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT MORRIS.
FOOTNOTES:
[27] See page 41, of this volume.
* * * * *
THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
Baltimore, 30th December, 1776.
Gentlemen,
You will be pleased to receive herewith copies of our letter of the
21st inst., and of its enclosures, which we recommend to your
attention. Since that letter was written, General Washington having
been reinforced by the troops lately commanded by General Lee, and by
some corps of militia, crossed the Delaware with 2500 men, and
attacked a body of the enemy posted at Trenton, with the success that
you will see related in the enclosed handbill. We hope this blow will
be followed by others, that may leave the enemy not so much to boast
of, as they some days ago expected, and we had reason to apprehend.
Upon mature deliberation of all circumstances, Congress deem the
speedy declaration of France and European assistance so indispensably
necessary to secure the independence of these States, that they have
authorised you to make such tenders to France and Spain, as, they
hope, will prevent any longer delay of an event, that is judged so
essential to the well being of North America. Your wisdom, we know,
will direct you to make such tenders to France and Spain, as they
hope will procure the thing desired, on terms as much short of the
concessions now offered as possible; but no advantages of this kind
are proposed at the risk of a delay, that may prove dangerous to the
end in view. It must be very obvious to the Court of France, that if
Great Britain should succeed in her design of subjugating these
States, their inhabitants, now well trained to arms, might be
compelled to become instruments for making conquest of the French
possessions in the West Indies, which would be a sad contrast to that
security and commercial benefit, that would result to France from the
independence of North America.
By some accident in removing the papers from Philadelphia to this
place, the Secretary of Congress has mislaid the additional
instructions formerly given you, by which you were empowered to
negotiate with other Courts besides France. We think it necessary to
mention this to you, lest the paper should have got into wrong hands,
and because we wish to have a copy sent us by the first good
opportunity.
We observe, that Mr Deane sent his despatches for this committee open
to Mr Bingham. Though we have a good opinion of that gentleman, yet we
think him rather too young to be made acquainted with the business
passing between you and us, and therefore wish this may not be done in
cases of much importance.
The next opportunity will bring you the determination of Congress
concerning the persons, that are to be sent to the Courts of Vienna,
Russia, Spain, and the Grand Duke of Tuscany. In the mean time, it is
hoped, that, through the medium of the ambassadors from those Courts
to that of France, you may be so fortunate as to procure their
friendly mediation for the purposes proposed by Congress.
Our Andrew Doria, of 14 guns, has taken a king's sloop of war, of 12
guns, after a smart engagement.
In our last we say, the enemy made near 3000 prisoners at Fort
Washington, but the number is fixed at 2634. The _West Indiamen_ taken
by our cruisers amount to 250 sail.
The scarcity of ships here is so great, that we shall find much
difficulty in making the extensive remittances to France, that we
ought, in due season; therefore, it will in our opinion be an object
of great importance, to obtain the consent of the Farmers-General to
send to Virginia and Maryland for any quantity of tobacco they may
choose, or to the State of North Carolina for any quantity of naval
stores, which may be wanted for public use, or to supply the demands
of private merchants.
The terms, both as to quantity and price, you will endeavor to learn,
and let it be made known to us with all possible expedition, that you
may receive an answer thereon.
The Captain of the armed vessel, that carries these despatches, has
orders to deliver them himself to you in Paris, and his vessel will
expect his return in a different port from the one he arrives at; he
will take your directions about his return, and receive your letters,
but the anxiety prevailing here to know your success, renders it
proper, that he should return with all possible despatch.
Wishing you health, success, and many happy years, we remain,
gentlemen, yours, &c.
B. HARRISON,
R. H. LEE,
J. WITHERSPOON,
W. HOOPER.
* * * * *
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO CAPTAIN LARKIN HAMMOND.
Baltimore, 2d January, 1777.
Sir,
You are to proceed with all the despatch in your power, with the
schooner Jenifer, under your command, to Nantes, in France; on your
arrival there, you are to apply to Mr Thomas Morris, if he should be
at that port, if he should not, your application must be to Messrs
Pliarne, Penet & Co., who will furnish you with necessary cash for
your journey to Paris, for which place you must set out immediately,
and deliver your despatches to Messrs Franklin, Deane, and Lee, and
wait their orders; when they discharge you, you are to return with the
utmost diligence to America, and put into the most convenient port to
the southward of the Delaware; we think Chincoteague or some other on
the back of the Eastern shore the most likely for avoiding men of war,
and would therefore have you attempt getting into one of those ports;
when arrived, you must leave the schooner under the command of your
mate, and bring the despatches yourself to Congress, wherever it may
be sitting.
You are, before you set out for Paris, to consult with Mr Morris or
the above gentlemen, whether your vessel will not be most likely to
escape the enemy by sending her to some other port to meet you on your
return; if this should be their opinion, you are to give orders to
your mate accordingly; you are also to deliver your pig iron to the
orders of those gentlemen, and take from them such a quantity of
military stores, as will ballast your vessel. The safe delivery of the
despatches, with which you are intrusted, and the obtaining answers
to them, are matters of such immense consequence to the Continent,
that we cannot too strongly recommend to you the avoiding all vessels
that you may see, either outward bound, or on your return. You are
also to avoid as much as possible, falling in with headlands and
islands, as it is most usual for men of war to cruise off such places.
The despatches will be delivered to you in a box, which you must put
into a bag with two shots, that, in case of falling in with an enemy,
from which you cannot escape, you may be prepared to sink them, which,
on such an event happening, we earnestly insist on your doing.
We wish you a good voyage, and safe return, and are your most humble
servants,
B. HARRISON,
R. H. LEE.
_P. S._ When you arrive at Nantes, inquire and get directions from the
gentlemen there, to whom you are recommended for cash to carry you to
Paris, where Dr Franklin, Mr Deane, or Mr Arthur Lee lodge in Paris;
and above all things take care not to let it be known at Nantes, from
whence you come, your business, or where you are going, except to the
above gentlemen.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, 17th January, 1777.
Gentlemen,
We joined each other at this place on the 22d of December, and, on the
28th, _had an audience of his Excellency the Count de Vergennes, one
of His Most Christian Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, and
Minister for Foreign Affairs. We laid before him our commission, with
the articles of the proposed treaty of commerce.[28] He assured us of
the protection of his Court, and that due consideration should be
given to what we offered_. Soon after we presented a memoir of the
present situation of our States, drawn up at the minister's request,
together with the articles of general confederation, and the demands
for ships of war, agreeable to our instructions. Copies of all these
papers were given by us to the Count d'Aranda, His Catholic Majesty's
Ambassador here, to be communicated to his Court. We are promised an
answer from this Court, as soon as they can know the determination of
Spain, with which they mean to act in perfect unanimity.
In the mean time, we are endeavoring to expedite several vessels laden
with artillery, arms, ammunition, and clothing, which we hope will
reach you in time for the campaign, though unfortunately one vessel,
which Mr Deane had sent so laden, has just put back, after having been
three weeks at sea. She is, however, now sailed again. The ports of
France, Spain, and Florence, (that is Leghorn, in the Mediterranean,)
are open to the American cruisers, upon the usual terms of neutrality.
We find it essential to the establishment and maintenance of your
commercial credit in Europe, that your concerns of that kind should be
in the hands of the most respectable men, in the different countries.
From the observations we have made, Mr Myrtle is not of that
description, and we are sorry to say, that the irregularities of Mr
Thomas Morris render it absolutely necessary, that some other person
should be immediately appointed in his place. We also think it
advisable, that you should be so far on your guard, with respect to
Mons. Penet, as not to deviate from the original contract made with
him, as we cannot learn that he is known to be a person of substance,
at the same time it is but justice to say, that he appears to be
active, industrious, and attentive to your interests. He is indeed
connected with a very good house in Nantes, M. Gruel, but we know not
the terms of that connexion, or how far M. Gruel is answerable. It
seems to us, that those houses, which are connected in Great Britain,
are to be avoided.
It would be useful if we had some blank commissions for privateers,
and we therefore wish some may be sent us, by the first opportunity.
As vessels are almost daily arriving from America, at the ports here,
we conceive advices of the proceedings in the campaign might be
frequently sent to us, so as to enable us to contradict the
exaggerated representations made by the English of their successes;
which, standing uncontroverted, have a considerable influence upon our
credit and upon our cause.
Great efforts are now making by the British government, to procure
more troops from Germany. The Princes in alliance with France have
refused to lend any, or to enter into any guarantee of Hanover, which
England has been mean enough to ask, being apprehensive for that
Electorate, if she should draw from it more of its troops. Four more
regiments, two of them to be light horse, are raising in Hesse, where
there has been an insurrection, on account of drafting the people; and
now great sums of money are distributed for procuring men. They talk
of ten thousand men in all to be sent over this spring. These things
do not look as if England was very confident of success in the next
campaign, without more aid.
The hearts of the French are universally for us, and the cry is strong
for immediate war with Britain. Indeed every thing tends that way, but
the Court has its reasons for postponing it a little longer. In the
mean time preparations are making for it. They have already a fleet of
twentysix sail of the line, manned and fit for sea. Spain has
seventeen sail in the same state, and more are fitting with such
diligence, that they reckon to have thirty sail in each kingdom, by
the month of April. This must have an immediate good effect in our
favor, as it keeps the English fleet at bay, coops up their seamen, of
whom they will scarce find enough to man their next set of transports,
and probably keep Lord Howe's fleet more together, for fear of a
visit, and leave us more sea room to prey upon their commerce, and a
freer coast to bring in our prizes; and also the supplies we shall be
able to send you, in consequence of our agreement with the
Farmers-General, which is, that the Congress shall provide, purchasing
bona fide at the lowest price possible, twenty thousand hogsheads of
tobacco, in Virginia and Maryland, at the public warehouses in those
States, for the ships which they, the Farmers-General, shall send; and
that those tobaccos shall be brought to France, at their risk and in
their ships. They understand the price is not likely to exceed three
or four French sous in America, but we do not warrant that it shall
cost no more, though we hope it will not. Upon these conditions we are
to have half the supposed price advanced, immediately, and the
opportunity of shipping warlike stores on board their ships, at your
risk, and paying reasonable freights; the rest to be paid as soon as
advice is received that the tobacco is shipped.
The desire of getting money immediately to command the preparations
for the ensuing campaign, and of interesting so powerful a body as the
Farmers-General, who in fact make the most efficient part of
government here, and the absolute part in all commercial or monied
concerns, induced us to concede to these terms, which may possibly in
the estimate of the price of tobacco be low, but which upon the whole
we judged necessary, and we hope will be advantageous. So strong is
the inclination of the wealthy here to assist us, that since this
agreement we are offered a loan of two million of livres, without
interest, and to be repaid when the United States are settled in peace
and prosperity. No conditions or securities are required, not even an
engagement from us. We have accepted this generous and noble
benefaction; five hundred thousand livres, or one quarter, is to be
paid into the hands of our banker this day, and five hundred thousand
more every three months.
As the ships we were ordered to hire, or buy from this Court, cannot
be obtained, it being judged absolutely necessary to keep their whole
naval force at home, ready in case of a rupture, we think of
purchasing some elsewhere, or of building, in order as far as possible
to answer the views of Congress. Of this we shall write more fully in
our next. In the mean time we cannot but hint, that this seems to us a
fair opportunity of supporting the credit of the paper money you
borrow, as you may promise payment in specie of the interests, and may
draw upon us for the same with all confidence. We cannot for several
weighty reasons be more explicit at present, but shall hereafter.
Present our dutiful respects to the Congress, and assure them of our
most faithful services.
We are, gentlemen, &c.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN,
SILAS DEANE,
ARTHUR LEE.
_P. S. 22d January._ Our agreement with the Farmers-General is not yet
signed, and perhaps some small changes may be made in it, but as these
will probably not be very material, we wish measures may be taken
immediately for the purchase of the tobacco. We shall send by the next
opportunity, a copy of the contract. We have received the five hundred
thousand livres mentioned above; it is now at our disposal in the
hands of our banker, who has orders to advance us the second payment
if we desire it, and he is ready to do it. We are, on the strength of
this, in treaty for some strong ships. Ten thousand French troops are
on their march to Brest. But America should exert herself, as if she
had no aid to expect, but from God and her own valor.
FOOTNOTES:
[28] This commission and plan of a Treaty may be found in the _Secret
Journals of Congress_, Vol. II. pp. 7, 32.
* * * * *
THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO WILLIAM BINGHAM AT
MARTINIQUE.
Baltimore, 1st February, 1777.
Sir,
As we shall write you shortly again, our attention at present will be
confined chiefly to your favor of December 6th, 1776, in which you
mention the conduct of Captain Patterson. We have laid your letter
before Congress, and they have appointed a committee to consider of
the most proper steps to be taken in this business, that speedy and
condign punishment may be applied to Captain Patterson, when his crime
shall be duly inquired into and established. The Congress having an
utter abhorrence of all irregular and culpable violation of the law of
nations, and of that respect and friendship, which they entertain for
the French nation, we wish you would communicate this to their
Excellencies the Governor and General of Martinique.
Congress has referred the matter of remittance for discharge of the
obligation, which you and Mr Harrison have entered into, to the State
of Maryland, from whence you will no doubt receive remittance, as soon
as the British ships of war now in the Chesapeake Bay will permit. It
is a singular misfortune to us, and very injurious to the commerce of
France, that we have not two or three line of battle ships, which,
with our frigates and armed vessels, would keep open our navigation in
despite of Great Britain, but at present one heavy ship affords
protection to two or three frigates, that would otherwise be easily
removed, and they place themselves so as to shut up the entrance into
our principal trading States.
Prior to the Declaration of Independence, as it was not certain how
soon our quarrel with Great Britain might be at an end, our armies
were enlisted for short periods, and General Howe, having received
information of the time, when the troops would have it in their power
to go home, seized that opportunity for marching through the Jerseys;
but his career was stopped at the Delaware, and he has since paid
severely for that visit.
Since the 24th of December, the enemy have lost more than two thousand
men in killed and made prisoners, they have been glad to recall their
troops from Rhode Island to defend New York from the attack of an
army under General Heath, and their whole force in the Jerseys is now
collected on the Brunswick Heights, where they are nearly surrounded
by General Washington's army, and greatly distressed for forage, fuel,
and other necessaries.
We enclose you the late newspapers for your perusal, and remain, sir,
your most obedient humble servants.
B. HARRISON,
R. H. LEE.
* * * * *
THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
Baltimore, 2d February, 1777.
Gentlemen,
You will receive enclosed copies of our letters of the 21st and 30th
of December, and of the resolves of Congress accompanying them. It
concerns us not less than we are sure it will you, that you should
have heard so seldom from us, but the vigilance of the British
cruisers has prevented our most earnest solicitude for this purpose.
The manner, in which they now conduct their business, proves the
necessity of the request made by Congress for the loan or sale of a
few capital ships. The entrance into the Delaware and Chesapeake being
narrow, by placing one forty or fifty gun ship for the protection of
their frigates, they stop both our commerce and correspondence.
Formerly their frigates protected their tenders, but now that we have
frigates, their larger ships protect their frigates, and this winter
has been so uncommonly favorable, that they have been able to keep the
sea, undisturbed by those severe gales of wind so usual off this coast
in the winter season; if we had a few line of battle ships to aid our
frigates, the commerce of North America, so beneficial to ourselves
and so advantageous to France, would be carried on in spite of the
opposition of Great Britain. As we have not received any of those
military stores and clothing promised by Mr Deane, we have much reason
to fear, they have fallen into the enemy's hands, and will render a
fresh supply quite necessary. Except Mr Deane's favor of September
17th, which is but just now received, and that of October 1st, we have
been as destitute of European, as, we fear, you have been of true
American intelligence.