the 6th current, respecting the prisoners taken in merchant ships,
and, at present, on board the Alliance. And I hope that the within
copy of my letter to the Duc de la Vauguyon will meet your
approbation; for I am persuaded, that it could never be your intention
or wish, that I should be made the fool of any great R---- whatsoever,
or that the commission of America should be overlaid by the dirty
piece of parchment, which I have this day rejected! They have played
upon my good nature too long already; but the spell is at last
dissolved. They would play me off with assurances of the personal and
particular esteem of the King, to induce me to do what would render me
contemptible, even in the eyes of my own servants! Accustomed to speak
untruths themselves, they would also have me give, under my hand, that
I am a liar and a scoundrel! They are mistaken, and I could tell them
what you did your wayward servant, "We have too contemptible an
opinion of one another's understanding to live together." I could tell
them too, that if M. de C---- had not taken such sage precaution to
keep me honest by means of his famous _concordat_, and to support me
by means of so many able colleagues, these great men would not now
have been reduced to such mean shifts, for the prisoners would have
been landed at Dunkirk the day that I entered the Texel, and I should
have brought in double the number.
We hear that the enemy still keeps a squadron cruising off here; but
this shall not prevent my attempts to depart whenever the wind will
permit. I hope we have recovered the trim of this ship, which was
entirely lost during the last cruise; and I do not much fear the enemy
in the long and dark nights of this season. The ship is well manned,
and shall not be given away.
I have sent to Congress three copies of my late transactions in
Europe, down to the 7th of this month, and M. Dumas has undertaken to
forward them.
I need not tell you I will do my utmost to take prisoners and prizes
in my way from hence.
I am ever, with sentiments of the most lively affection and esteem,
your Excellency's most obliged, and most humble servant,
JOHN PAUL JONES.
* * * * *
JOHN PAUL JONES TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Alliance, December 13th, 1779.
Sir,
I have received your esteemed favor from Amsterdam. I leave the
enclosed letter for his Excellency, Dr Franklin, open for your
perusal; I also send a copy of my letter to the Duc de la Vauguyon. I
shall be glad of your remarks on both. The occasion that produced them
was the most extraordinary that ever happened to me; and language
cannot express my astonishment at so unworthy a proposition.
Adieu, my dear friend. I am, in cool blood, yours,
JOHN PAUL JONES.
* * * * *
VICE-ADMIRAL REYNST TO JOHN PAUL JONES.
Amsterdam, December 17th, 1779.
Sir,
I made a request to you yesterday, that you would take the trouble to
come on board my vessel, from which you excused yourself; and again
this morning. I also make request by this present, that you will have
the goodness to inform me how I ought to consider the Alliance, on
board of which you are; as a vessel of the King of France or of
America? In the first case, I expect you will show me the commission
of his Majesty, and that you will hoist the French flag and pendant,
confirming it with a salute from your guns; and, in the second case, I
expect that you will not neglect any opportunity to depart according
to the orders of their High Mightinesses.
I am, Sir, &c.
P. H. REYNST.
* * * * *
JOHN PAUL JONES TO VICE-ADMIRAL P. H. REYNST.
Alliance, Texel, December 17th, 1779.
Sir,
In answer to the letter, which you have done me the honor to write me
this day, I must observe, that I have no orders to hoist the flag of
France on board the Alliance; nor can I take upon me to hoist, in this
port, any other than American colors, unless I receive orders for that
purpose from his Excellency, Benjamin Franklin.
In the meantime, it is my wish to find a favorable opportunity to sail
from hence; and whenever the pilot will take upon him to conduct this
ship to sea, I will give him my best assistance. Should I receive any
new orders, I shall not fail to communicate my situation to you.
I am, &c.
JOHN PAUL JONES.
* * * * *
JOHN PAUL JONES TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Alliance, Texel, December 17th, 1779.
I am, my Dear Sir, to acknowledge your sundry kind favors from
Amsterdam. I thank you for your advice, which, by my last, as well as
the enclosed, you will see I had followed before the appearance of
your letters. Let not that circumstance disquiet you; for I have made
myself some compliments on my thinking in many points so like you.
Know me always your affectionate friend,
JOHN PAUL JONES.
* * * * *
M. DE LIVONCOURT, FRENCH NAVY AGENT AT AMSTERDAM, TO JOHN PAUL JONES.
Helder, December 17th, 1779.
Sir,
I thank you for your politeness in communicating to me what
Vice-Admiral Reynst had written you. I perceive by this letter, that
you would give great pleasure, if you would display the royal flag.
Meanwhile, I can make no more entreaty, if you persist in not using
the commission, which I was charged to send you. Reflect that all the
French here, in the service of the King, have strongly at heart to
maintain the Republic in sentiments favorable to the allies of his
Majesty. It is in conformity with these views, and for the good of
the common cause, and only for this transient object, that the
commission, for the origin of which you imagine a thousand ill-natured
motives, and which, finally, you refuse to accept, has been addressed
to you.
You know all that I have had the honor to say to you on this subject
has been as well for your personal quiet, as for the honor and
satisfaction of the common allies.
I am still at your service, if you desire it, and I will continue to
act with the same earnestness as heretofore for the advantage of this
cause, and for your own interests. The Ambassador has expressed to you
the same sentiments. My dispositions and my orders are entirely
conformed thereto.
I am, Sir, &c.
DE LIVONCOURT.
* * * * *
JOHN PAUL JONES TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Alliance, at Sea, December 27th, 1779.
Sir,
I am here, with a good wind at east, under my best American colors. So
far you have your wish. What may be the event of this critical moment,
I know not. I am not, however, without good hopes. Through the
ignorance or drunkenness of the old pilot, the Alliance was last night
got foul of a Dutch merchant ship, and I believe the Dutchman cut our
cable.
We lost the best bower anchor, and the ship was brought up with the
sheet anchor so near the shore, that this morning I have been obliged
to cut the cable, in order to get clear of the shore, and that I might
not lose this opportunity of escaping from Purgatory.
I wish Mr Hoogland would have the sheet and best bower anchors taken
up, that they may either be sent to France, or sold, as M. de
Neufville may find most expedient.
The pilot knows where the anchors lie, and unless he assists willingly
in taking them up, he ought not, in my opinion, to be paid for his
service on board here.
Adieu, my dear friend. Present my best respects to your family, and to
the good patriot; and believe me to be always affectionately yours,
JOHN PAUL JONES.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
The Hague, December 30th, 1779.
Gentlemen,
This day I have received a letter from Captain Jones, of which a copy
is here joined. I hope in a short time to hear of his safe arrival.
The prizes, Serapis and Scarborough, and the two French ships, Pallas
and Vengeance, are still riding under French colors and captains.
The good Alliance, while here, has caused me much anxiety and trouble.
Now she leaves me exposed to the ill-nature of my old foes in this
country, whom, however, I dread not so much as certain false friends,
highly incensed now against me, for not having found me as blind and
complaisant to their particular views as they had expected I would be.
The formal confirmation by Congress of my character as agent of the
United States, which I have already spoken of in my former despatches,
and which I must entreat you to procure for me, will silence them.
Indeed I cannot be quiet nor safe without such a testimonial.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DUMAS.
* * * * *
B. FRANKLIN TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Passy, January 27th, 1780.
Dear Sir,
I received yours of the tenth instant. I shall be glad to learn how
the taking of the Dutch ships has been accommodated. We have yet no
news of the Alliance, but suppose she is cruising. We are more in pain
for the Confederacy, which sailed on the 28th of October, from the
Capes of Delaware. There is some hope that she went to Charleston, to
take in Mr Laurens, as some passengers arrived in France, who left
Philadelphia several weeks after her sailing, say it was a general
opinion she would call there before she departed for Europe.[35]
I send you enclosed a translation of a letter, which I think I sent
you the original of before. Perhaps it may serve our Leyden friend.
I am sorry you have any difference with the Ambassador, and wish you
to accommodate it as soon as possible. Depend upon it that no one ever
knew from me, that you had spoken or written against any person. There
is one, concerning whom I think you sometimes receive erroneous
information. In one particular, I know you were misinformed, that of
his selling us arms at an enormous profit; the truth is, we never
bought of him.
I am ever, with great esteem, &c.
B. FRANKLIN.
FOOTNOTES:
[35] See the history of the voyage of the Confederacy in _John Jay's
Correspondence_, Vol. VII. p. 174.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
The Hague, March 15th, 1780.
Gentlemen,
Since my last letter of the 30th of December, the ice has so
obstructed our waters, and my ill health has been such, as not to
permit me to write till now. I send you herewith the plan of a treaty
to be concluded between the United States and the Seven United
Provinces of the Low Countries, as soon as the circumstances will
permit it. A great deal of its materials has been furnished me by the
Pensionary of Amsterdam, who, as well as Dr Franklin, has examined and
corrected it. If Congress shall be pleased to do the same, and send me
the plan back again, with powers to carry on a negotiation on such
terms, then nothing will remain but to watch opportunities, which may
perhaps very soon present themselves.
I am told that Mr Laurens will soon come over here as Plenipotentiary.
I shall be very glad of it, and promise to be his _fidus Achates_ in
every sense, for the public as well as his own service.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DUMAS.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
The Hague, March 21st, 1780.
Sir,
Honored since many years with the correspondence and friendship of Dr
Franklin, I received in April, 1776, by an express, (Mr Thomas Story,)
instructions and credentials from the Committee of Foreign Affairs,
signed B. Franklin, J. Dickenson, and J. Jay, at Philadelphia, dated
December 9th and 12th, for founding the dispositions of the several
European Courts towards the American confederates, and making
proposals of intercourse and alliance to those I should find inclined
to accept them; "recommending to my discretion, to proceed in this
affair with such caution, as to keep the same from the knowledge of
the English Ambassador, and prevent any public appearance, _at
present_, of my being employed in any such business, as thereby they
imagine many inconveniences may be avoided, and my means of rendering
service to America increased. They sent me, _for the present_,
enclosed a bill for one hundred pounds sterling to defray expenses,
and _desired me to be assured, that my services will be considered and
honorably rewarded by Congress_." By another letter of the 2d of
March, 1776, Dr Franklin "recommended to my correspondence, the
bearer, Mr Silas Deane."
In the meantime I had addressed myself to the Court of France, with a
deep interest in your concerns, and to the account I gave the
Committee of Foreign Affairs of my negotiation, Dr Franklin answered
in the following terms on the 1st of October;--"I have just time to
acknowledge the receipt of your two packets, with the pamphlets
enclosed, the contents of which are very satisfactory. You will hear
from me more fully in a little time." He soon after came over, and
brought me a letter from the same committee, signed Robert Morris,
Richard H. Lee, J. Witherspoon, W. Hooper, wherein they expressly
"_desire me to continue that correspondence_, which he had opened and
conducted, and they write me _on behalf of Congress, requesting to
hear from me frequently_, promising me the reimbursement of expenses,
and a reasonable _allowance_ for my time and trouble in _this
agency_." The committee wrote me two other letters, August 8th, 1777;
and May 14th, 1778, in the latter of which they "acknowledge that I
had so early and warmly espoused their cause, and aided it with such
judgment and resolution, that they shall write particularly to the
gentlemen at Paris, respecting the injuries I had received from their
enemies, and shall instruct them to pay the strictest attention to the
engagements made to me in behalf of Congress, at the commencement of
our correspondence."
By some dark manoeuvres of those enemies, who by intercepters and
spies had got at last some general knowledge of my operations, I had
been defrauded not only of the sum of six hundred pounds sterling due
to me, but also of a livelihood, which had rendered me hitherto,
yearly, three hundred pounds sterling. However, I did not apply to the
Commissioners for the above sum; and after having received for the
course of the whole year, 1777, only one hundred pounds sterling, I
obtained two hundred pieces a year for 1778, and twenty five pieces
more for the ordinary charges and expenses of the following years.
With this small sum of two hundred and twenty five pieces to live on
in a country like this, I have been obliged, not only to dismiss my
servant, but to make other reductions in my house, which makes my
little family, as well as myself, unhappy, because they apprehend I
have undone them. I keep them up, however, with the confidence I have
in the justice and magnanimity of Congress, who, when affairs become
more prosperous, will not forget me, nor my daughter, a good child of
thirteen years old, who, from the beginning of this war, has been
taught to pray fervently for the United States.
This State, by its constitution, can make no war, nor any treaty with
a sovereign power, without a unanimity of all its provinces and
cities. And as there is a very strong party in favor of England, there
is not the least probability that they will conclude a treaty with the
United States, before England permits them to do so by setting them
the example. The only, but very necessary thing, therefore, which
remained to be done here, was to hinder the English from drawing this
Republic into their quarrel, which, by her immense wealth and public
credit would have had very bad consequences against America. And to
this your humble servant has greatly and daily co-operated these three
years past. We found a very weak opposition, which is now strong
enough to resist the torrent.
Besides the Commissioners at Paris, to whom I constantly communicate
all that passes, Mr William Lee, who, from September, 1776, to May,
1779, was my correspondent, knew my exertions. He wrote to me so early
as December 26, 1777, in these terms. "Though I have not for some time
past, had the pleasure of your correspondence, yet I have not been a
stranger to your continued exertions in the cause of humanity and
liberty, for which thousands yet unborn will bless your memory." Even
with respect to a treaty, I left the matter not untried. For
immediately after the conclusion of the treaty between the United
States and France, I concerted with the city of Amsterdam and the
Commissioners at Paris to communicate the said treaty, by means of the
Great Pensionary of Holland, to their High Mightinesses, together with
a letter of Dr Franklin to the Great Pensionary, inviting them to
treat on the same footing, _mutatis mutandis_, whenever they should
think fit; on which an answer was politely declined for the present.
Of this curious transaction, I sent at that time, an account to Paris,
as well as to the Committee of Foreign Affairs. One of the letters of
the First Pensionary of Amsterdam, our great and worthy friend, dated
July 31, 1778, has been translated, and printed in the Baltimore
Journal, with these words at the head of it, "_Letter of a steady
friend of America, at the Hague._" I have besides in my power the
proofs of all this in several letters of the honorable gentlemen at
Paris and at Amsterdam. Mr William Lee knew this too, when he
concerted with M. de Neufville, a merchant of Amsterdam, at Francfort
first, and then at Aix la Chapelle, unknown to me, to get a
Declaration from M. Van Berckel, the Pensionary, of the friendly
dispositions of the city of Amsterdam, which this good gentleman
delivered, thinking Mr William Lee was one of the Commissioners at
Paris. A like Declaration M. Van Berckel delivered to me on the 23d of
September, 1778,[36] with an explanatory letter of the expression,
_des que l'independence des Etats-Unis en Amerique sera reconnue par
les Anglais_, because I told him, such a condition would hurt the
honorable Congress, and make them pay no attention at all to a
Declaration, which would appear to them insignificant. Both the
Declaration and letter[37] will be found in the records of the
Committee aforesaid, to whom I sent copies of them towards the end of
1778. As to the sketching and proposing a treaty, his opinion and mine
also were, that it was premature at that time; and therefore we
postponed it till the last summer, when he delivered me some papers,
out of which, and of the French treaty, I have made the sketch,
reviewed afterwards and corrected by him and by Dr Franklin, of which
I have despatched on the 19th of this month three different copies to
the Committee aforesaid, and which I expect back again, with the
corrections of Congress, and with instructions and credentials for
proposing it on the first opportunity, which in the meantime I am
carefully watching.
It is with a very painful concern I mention to your Excellency this
attempt of Mr Lee to undermine me in this manner; when I thought he
had enough ado to fulfil his commissions through Germany, and
therefore was very open and unaware in my letters to him. It is with
the same concern, I learn just now by a letter of a very worthy
servant of the United States, that his brother Arthur Lee, has
complained against me in a Memorial to Congress, as if I had extolled
Dr Franklin at his expense in the Leyden Gazette. Whoever told him so,
has told him an absolute falsehood. This assertion may perhaps
receive, even in his own mind, additional strength, by my ingenuously
telling him, however, that his being at enmity with Dr Franklin, will
not hinder me to retain still in my bosom a most tender respect and
love for the latter. I am sure he will do the same when dispassionate.
I recommend myself to the protection of Congress, and am with the
deepest respect, &c.
DUMAS.
FOOTNOTES:
[36] See this letter and the Declaration in the _Correspondence of the
Commissioners in France_, Vol. I. pp. 456, 457, 483.
[37] The Explanatory Letter is missing, but a letter from the
Commissioners in relation to the subject of it may be seen as above,
p. 476.
* * * * *
B. FRANKLIN TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Passy, March 29th, 1780.
Dear Sir,
It is some time since I have written to you, having nothing material
to communicate; but I received duly your letters of February 1st,
18th, 25th, March 2d, 11th, 13th, 17th, and 23d; and thank you for the
intelligence they contain. The last this minute came to hand, and I
shall answer it separately.
I pray you to assure M. ---- of my respect, and that it was only on
one packet for him that I put my name, when I thought to have sent it
by a friend. The baseness of the post-office opening it surprises me.
No other letter for him has since passed through my hands. If any
others come to me for him, I shall send them under cover to you.
I forwarded your letter to Captain Jones. I do not know which of his
English pilots it was, mentioned in yours to ----. I know he has been
generous to an excess with them. Explain to me, if you please, the
fact that is the subject of that letter, and who Mr Gordon is.
I am curious to know what the States will do about the confiscation of
the goods taken in Byland's convoy.
I received your large packets; that for Captain Jones shall be
carefully sent to him. I thank you for the philosophical pieces,
which I will read attentively as soon as I have time. The original
acts of confederation are very curious, and will be acceptable to
Congress.
I am ever, my Dear Sir, yours affectionately,
B. FRANKLIN.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
The Hague, April 13th, 1780.
Sir,
Since the Memorial presented to their High Mightinesses by the
Plenipotentiary of Russia, (of which, as well as of the
Declaration[38] of his Court to those of Versailles, Madrid, and
London, I join here copies in the Leyden Gazette,) the Provincial
States of Holland are deliberating on the invitation of the Empress,
and I am sure (knowing it from a very good hand) the resolution of
this Province will be taken within the next week, agreeably to the
views of the Empress, and to the general wishes of all good men. Now
as the resolutions of this Province are commonly adopted by the
others, there is very good hope that this Republic will take a step,
which must accelerate a general pacification.
This intelligence is thought, not only by myself, but by many others,
very important for the United States. The most devoted partisans of
the English Court here, seeing that they cannot, without rendering
themselves too odious, prevent such a resolution from being taken, do
what they can to enervate it by obscure and ambiguous expressions,
which they propose to be inserted; but our good men take care to sweep
the dust which the others throw in their way.
As to the two other objects, which at present take up this Republic,
viz. the unlimited convoys, and the assistance which the English Court
demands from this Republic, the Province of Holland has already,
several weeks ago, unanimously resolved the former, and declined
granting the succors, as being not within the _casus foederis_ by this
war. To this resolution the Provinces of Friesland, Overyssel, and
Groningen, have successively acceded; and it is expected the three
others will do the same.
I advised the Committee of Foreign Affairs by my letter of June 21st,
1779, to think of sending here, _aliquem e medio vestrum pietate
gravem ac meritis virum_; it is now time for such a man to be here, at
first incognito, till it should be proper to display the character of
Plenipotentiary. Some American friends here have told me, that Mr
Laurens, formerly President of Congress, was designed to come over for
this purpose. I should be very glad to have him already arrived.
Whenever he comes, he may dispose of my faithful services.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DUMAS.
FOOTNOTES:
[38] See this Declaration and the Memorial in _John Adams's
Correspondence_, Vol. IV. pp. 488, 490.
* * * * *
B. FRANKLIN TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Passy, April 23d, 1780.
Dear Sir,
I am much pleased with the account you give me of the disposition with
which the proposals from the Empress of Russia have been received, and
desire to be informed from time to time, of the progress of that
interesting business.
I shall be glad to hear of your reconciliation with ---- because a
continuance of your difference will be extremely inconvenient. Permit
me to tell you frankly, what I formerly hinted to you, that I
apprehend you suffer yourself too easily to be led into personal
prejudices, by interested people, who would engross all our confidence
to themselves. From this source have arisen, I imagine, the charges
and suspicions you have insinuated to me, against several who have
always declared a friendship for us in Holland. It is right that you
should have an opportunity of giving the _carte du pays_ to Mr
Laurens, when he arrives in Holland. But if in order to serve your
particular friends, you fill his head with these prejudices, you will
hurt him and them, and perhaps yourself. There does not appear to me
the least probability in your supposition, that the ---- is an enemy
to America.