four years, my routine in Congress was finished; and no sooner was I
out, than envious and malicious men began to attack my character, but
my services were so universally known, and my integrity so clearly
proved, I have, thank God, been able to look down with contempt on
those that have endeavored to injure me; and what is more, I can face
the world with that consciousness, which rectitude of conduct gives to
those who pursue it invariably.
You will excuse me for saying so much of myself. I should not have
mentioned the subject had I not been attacked; and as I think no man
ought to be insensible to applause and approbation, I cannot help
wishing to retain that opinion you have been pleased to entertain of
me.
As I maintain my acquaintance amongst the present members of Congress,
you will be assured I will most cheerfully promote your interest
whenever I can, for I feel the force of your observations on that
subject.
Mr Carmichael is returned to Europe, and Mr Deane is about embarking
for France, and I dare say you will hear from them both.
I most sincerely wish an honorable, happy, and speedy end to the war
we are engaged in; and with sentiments of great esteem and respect, I
remain,
ROBERT MORRIS.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
The Hague, February 5th, 1781.
Sir,
A courier, despatched by the Russian Ambassador here on the 29th of
December last, with the news of Sir Joseph Yorke having left the Hague
by order of his Court without taking leave, has come back again with
letters from the Dutch Plenipotentiaries at Petersburg to the Great
Pensionary, the contents of which are still very satisfactory; so that
there is no doubt nor uneasiness concerning a favorable answer, which
they expect here, but not before the end of this month, to the
demands made, by a courier despatched from hence on the 12th of
January last.
By letters from Ostend we are told, that the Russian Minister at
London had left that Court without taking leave. If this proves true,
or whenever else the expected rupture between Russia and Great Britain
will be fully ascertained, then it will be time to set on foot a
negotiation with the four new allied powers, for the acknowledgment of
the independency of America, and making treaties with her of amity and
commerce. The first, and perhaps only application for this purpose,
must then be made to Russia; and I am now carefully watching the
moment when such an application will be proper, and attended with the
prospect of success, in order to inform Mr Adams and take with and
under him, such measures as may be necessary. Till then we must keep
them close, and make no application to this Republic, which, since her
accession, cannot and will not make any private step without the
quadruple alliance, of which Russia is the leading power; and, as I
have good reasons to think, well disposed towards the United States.
I have been repeatedly assured, that the exportation of the two
thousand lasts of grain to England from Ostend, has been refused at
Brussels to Sir Joseph Yorke, and that he is going, if not already
gone, from Antwerp to Ostend, to embark for England. This gives no
great opinion of the pretended negotiation set on foot between the
Emperor and Great Britain.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DUMAS.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
The Hague, February 22d, 1781.
Sir,
The expected courier from the Dutch Plenipotentiaries at Petersburg
has not yet arrived. They think his departure thence has been delayed
till the coming back of another whom they had sent to London. The
decision of the Court of Holland concerning the conduct of the Regency
of Amsterdam is not yet given, and will not come out for some weeks.
The pretended reason of this new delay is that M. Van Citters, one of
the Counsellors of that Court, must go to Zealand, because of the
sickness of his mother. The true reason may be, to get rid here of
certain gentlemen as long as possible, and to gratify their ---- by
deferring their justification. A little more resolution, when it was
perhaps more proper to dare than to waver, would have spared them such
a trick. But now their honor and dignity not suffering them to appear
here till they are justified, those that cannot but justify them, will
delay the doing it as long us they can.
_March 2d, 1781._ In consequence of orders brought by a courier
despatched to the Russian Ambassador here, he has presented a
Memorial[41] to their High Mightinesses, importing that the Empress
was willing to interpose her mediation between this Republic and
England, to bring on an accommodation. The Court of Justice of this
Province will meet on Monday next, to draw up their decision
concerning the conduct of Amsterdam.
I am, with the greatest respect, &c.
DUMAS.
FOOTNOTES:
[41] See this Memorial in _John Adams's Correspondence_, Vol. V. p.
468.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
The Hague, March 5th, 1781.
Sir,
Since the Memorial presented on the 1st instant to their High
Mightinesses by the Russian Ambassador, offering the mediation of the
Empress between them and Great Britain, a letter of February 9th has
been received here, written by the Dutch Plenipotentiary at
Petersburg, of which being decyphered, the Grand Pensionary of
Holland, instead of delivering copies as usual, has only permitted the
inspection and perusal to the several members of the States. It gives
the following account of the assurances made to them by the chief
Minister of the Empress, Count Panin, viz. 1st. That the Empress is
still in the same favorable dispositions towards the Republic, and
that he himself will support, with all his power, the just claim of
the Dutch, to have all the vessels returned to them, which the English
have taken from them since their accession to the armed neutrality.
2dly. That the mediation offered by the Court of Vienna, to procure,
by the good offices of that Court, in conjunction with that of Russia,
a peace between the belligerent powers, will not be accepted without
the preliminary condition _sine qua non_, of Great Britain's
acknowledging the independency of the United States, and the rights of
the neutral powers in matters of commerce and navigation. 3dly. That
the Empress had seen, with great satisfaction, the propositions made
by the Dutch Plenipotentiaries to the several northern Crowns, for
being supplied by them, on conditions to be agreed on, with a
sufficient number of men of war; and that the number they wanted was
ready for the service of their High Mightinesses.
There was a report current here, and through the whole country, of
three encampments to take place this summer in this Province. A great
personage has assured a gentleman in distinguished station, that this
had never been his intention. I have it from the gentleman himself.
The same assures me, "the Court of Justice was now busy with making up
the decision concerning the conduct of the Regency of Amsterdam. They
had taken the advice of an eminent lawyer; he had seen this advice; it
was a very good one."
Mr Adams favored me yesterday both with his presence, and with the
sight of the despatches of December last, which he has received from
your Excellency. I shall do my best to second his operations; heartily
wishing that things may ripen, and our endeavors be crowned with
success. To this hope let me join that of the so often solicited
attention of Congress to my long and faithful services, and to the
circumstances in which they have involved me.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DUMAS.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
The Hague, March 22, 1781.
Sir,
The States of this Province separated last week, to meet again the
next week. The Provinces have given their agreement to the mediation
offered by Russia. This affair, I fear, will prove a lingering
business, as well as that of the decision of the Court of Justice of
Holland, which, I am told, is drawn up in a manner that will not at
all satisfy the Regency of Amsterdam, and consequently will not be
suffered to be delivered; and so things will remain in _statu quo_,
God knows how long. All this is owing to the devices of the friends of
Great Britain in this country, and not in the least to any
disaffection from Russia, &c. How can people be helped, that will not
be helped? In the meantime, the enemies carry on with success their
perfidious scheme. Congress by this time must have heard of their
taking St Eustatia, filled with riches, a great part of which they say
is American property. And now they pretend by this stroke to have cut
off the great resource of America for continuing the war, and to force
her into submission.
I have from good authority, that the English have refused the
mediation of Russia. This surprises me not at all, because I am sure
their arrogancy and stubbornness will never let them acknowledge
either the independence of the United States, or the rights of
neutrality, till their heads are broken; a blessed work, fit for
heaven only and America to achieve, while European politicians take
time to consider.
_April 2d._ They expect here very interesting news from Petersburg
towards the end of this month, as there are two couriers gone thither,
the one from hence on the 23d of March, the other from England much
about the same time. The merchants of Amsterdam, who have a great
share in the effects seized on at St Eustatia, having resolved to send
Deputies to the English Ministry, in order to have them restored to
them, and having invited the merchants of Rotterdam to join with them
in this Deputation, the latter have answered, that with men capable of
acting so ruffianlike, they would rather let them keep all that they
had robbed, than debase themselves by courting the robbers. This noble
answer would be still more so, if Rotterdam had lost as much at St
Eustatia as Amsterdam; there being, as for that, a very great
difference.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DUMAS.
* * * * *
GENERAL J. H. BEDAULX TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Nimeguen, April 28th, 1781.
Sir,
As a friend to humanity, it is hoped you will be so good as to
relieve, by your correspondence with Congress, a good family from
their uneasiness on account of the fate of a son, of whom,
notwithstanding all our inquiries, during these two last years, by the
way of France, Spain and Holland, we have not been able to get any
positive intelligence. This son, Frederick Charles Bedaulx, cannot be
unknown to Congress, to their War Office, and to the commanders of
their army; having been engaged in their service since the year 1776,
when he embarked for St Eustatia; but the vessel being taken, he
escaped from Falmouth, and went over with the Marquis de Lafayette;
and in consequence of a capitulation made before his first going,
served and distinguished himself there as Lieutenant-Colonel, in which
quality he commanded the infantry of the Pulaski Legion. For more
than two years we have had no letter from him, and of many letters,
which were delivered for him to Mr Deane, when he was Minister from
the United States at Paris, we do not know if one has been received by
M. Bedaulx. According to some loose reports, being sick, he had been
removed to Philadelphia, where he died. But this has been contradicted
since by other people, who say he is still living, and sent away or
confined by the intrigues of some enemy.
Sure of the principles of probity and honor with which he has been
brought up, we cannot think he has been wanting in his duty; and on
the other hand, after so many repeated applications made to Congress,
and to the body in which he has served, we cannot but be surprised and
troubled to find them absolutely silent. You will oblige me, his
uncle, Sir, his worthy father, and a whole family, by helping us out
of this cruel uncertainty.
I have the honor to be, &c.
J. H. BEDAULX,
_Major-General in the Dutch Service_.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
The Hague, May 1st, 1781.
Sir,
Since my last letter there has been no opportunity to write to
America. This time has been employed in getting useful intelligence,
and preparing all things with Mr Adams for the step he will take on
Friday next, of presenting his Memorial to their High Mightinesses.
This evening I carried a card from him to the Grand Pensionary, who
will receive a preparatory visit from him tomorrow morning. It is
still uncertain whether he will be admitted at present, or if they
will advise for a medium. The expected courier is not yet arrived from
Petersburg.
A good French translation of the Memorial was absolutely necessary to
be presented with the original. I am happy to have made it to the
satisfaction of Mr Adams, and this translation will be read to their
High Mightinesses, whenever the Memorial shall be laid before
them.[42]
_May 2d._ I have attended Mr Adams to the Grand Pensionary. When he
told him, that his intention was to present himself on Friday next, to
the President of their High Mightinesses, in quality of Minister
Plenipotentiary from the United States, and that he had likewise
credentials from the same to his Serene Highness, the Prince of
Orange, the Pensionary answered, that he apprehended a difficulty
would arise against his admission in such a character, from their High
Mightinesses having not yet acknowledged the independence of America.
Mr Adams having replied, that this objection, since the war had broken
out between Great Britain and this Republic seemed to have lost all
its weight, the Pensionary agreed, that it was true at least both
nations had now the same enemy; however, he would make his report to
his masters and to the Prince of the notice given him.
_May 4th._ This morning his Excellency went to the Grand Pensionary
with a copy of his Memorial, which he declined to receive, saying it
was not the usage, when Memorials were presented to the President of
their High Mightinesses, to deliver copies of them to the Grand
Pensionary of Holland; and that it would be more proper to deliver
one to the Graphiary of the States-General. This we judged proper to
delay till after the audience at the President's, who received his
Excellency with great politeness, but declined charging himself with
the Memorial, alleging his acceptance of it would imply an
acknowledgment he could not take upon himself, but must reserve it to
their High Mightinesses, to whom he would immediately report the case.
His Excellency told him, that to avoid misconstructions, he should
find himself obliged to lay his Memorial before the whole world, by
publishing it immediately. At this the President smiled; and they
parted. It was now become improper to carry a copy to the Graphiary,
and therefore we dispensed with it. The President went into the
Assembly of the States-General, and made the report, which having been
recorded, the Deputies of all the Provinces (except those of Zealand,
who remained silent) asked a copy of the report, to transmit it to
their respective Provinces, when it will be matter of deliberation in
their Provincial Assemblies.
From the President, we went to the Baron de Larrey, Privy Counsellor,
&c. to the Prince of Orange, to whom his Excellency delivered another
Memorial, in a sealed letter for the said Prince, which the Baron
promised to deliver immediately to the Prince. He did so; and the
Prince having summoned M. Fagel the Graphiary, and the Grand
Pensionary, consulted with them what was to be done with the letter;
two hours after, when we were ready to dine, the Baron came at the
inn, with the letter unopened, and a polite excuse from the Prince,
that he could not receive it, till after their High Mightinesses
should have resolved if and when he was to be admitted in the
character, which he had set forth with them.
_May 11th._ Mr Adams setting out last Saturday for Amsterdam, left me
his order to publish the Memorial with the original French
translation, made by your servant, acknowledged and signed by his
Excellency, and to procure also a Dutch translation; which I have
performed today, by distributing through the cities a sufficient
number of each.
_May 16th._ All the public journals of this country have inserted the
Memorial, which is now generally known, pleases and puzzles at once
everybody.
M. Van Berckel, the First Pensionary of Amsterdam, presented on the
4th instant a very spirited address to the States of Holland,
petitioning them, either to be impeached, that he might defend
himself, or formally declared not guilty.
_May 19th._ This day the cities of Dort and Haerlem, by an annotation
in the registers of Holland, have formally declared their accession to
the proposition of Amsterdam, and with thanks acknowledged the true
patriotism of this last city. The other cities have taken the
proposition _ad referendum_; and the final resolution on it will be
taken by the next Assembly.
_June 6th._ I presented yesterday a letter from Mr Adams to the
President of their High Mightinesses, and another to the Privy
Counsellor of the Prince of Orange, with a copy to each, of the
accession of Maryland to, and the final ratification of, your
Confederation. I had sealed up the papers, and put on the covers the
proper superscriptions. They received them, and desired me to come
today for an answer. Accordingly I have waited on them this morning.
They both had opened, and consequently read the contents, but said
they could not keep them, and that I must take them back.
The President seemed to me much embarrassed, and a little cavilling on
my having delivered to him the letter from Mr Adams, without adding
the quality of Minister Plenipotentiary, assumed in the subscription;
by which omission he pretended I had deceived him; otherwise he would
not have received the letter. I denied any intention to conceal from
him a quality, which he knew as well as I and the whole nation, Mr
Adams had openly assumed. He put them in my hat, and I told him I
would, out of respect for the head of this Republic, keep _in
deposito_ the papers, which in time might be thought of greater
importance to them than now. The other gentleman received me with the
greatest cordiality; and apologising very frankly for restoring me the
papers (likewise opened,) desired me repeatedly to understand, and to
give to understand, that this was a mere formality; and that while the
admission of Mr Adams was under deliberation of the several Provinces,
the Prince could not be beforehand with their High Mightinesses, nor
their High Mightinesses with their constituents, in such a matter of
the first importance.
_June 16th._ I have been happy with the presence of Mr Adams, and with
his approbation of my conduct. The States of Holland have separated.
Their next meeting, after the 27th instant, may be very stormy, not
only on account of the proposition of Amsterdam, but also on that of a
verbal remonstrance made by the same city to a great personage,
desiring him to exclude from all political business the Duke of
Brunswick, formerly his tutor, when a minor; a message which has
exceedingly hurt them both.
_June 22d._ The great city persists in her late demand to the Prince
of Orange, concerning the desired exclusion of the aforesaid great
man, having, since the verbal proposition, sent the same by writing to
the great personage, and to the Grand Pensionary. Thus the
fermentation rises, and draws to a very interesting crisis, which
probably will decide itself within a fortnight, either into some
catastrophe, or into a _ridiculus mus_. I learn just now, that the
Duke of Brunswick presented yesterday to their High Mightinesses a
long letter to justify himself. Many, even unconcerned people, think
it an improper step, because he is, in fact, not vested with any
public department, and therefore not answerable, nor to be brought to
account. His position seems to me near akin to that of Lord Bute.[43]
_July 4th._ There has been made mention, in the Provincial Assembly,
by the Grand Pensionary, but a very slight one, of the Duke of
Brunswick's letter to their High Mightinesses as taken _ad referendum_
by the several Provinces. The nobility has acquainted the Provincial
Assembly with the desire of the Stadtholder of presenting to their
High Mightinesses, a proposition of his own, for having inquired into
the causes of the defenceless state and inactivity of the Republic,
and the means to be taken, &c. But the cities have declined
countenancing it, and even the taking it _ad referendum_, because
there was already such a proposition made by the city of Amsterdam, a
_membrum integrans_ of the Republic, on which they had received their
instructions. The Stadtholder was present, and visibly disappointed.
Yesterday I was shown in confidence a despatch just now received from
Petersburg, purporting an insinuation[44] made to the Dutch
Plenipotentiary, by that Court; "That the said Court had agreed with
the Emperor of Germany, to treat at Vienna for procuring a general
pacification between the belligerent powers; and if therefore their
High Mightinesses should be inclined to intrust both their Imperial
Majesties with a mediation in behalf of this Republic, they might make
overtures in consequence to Prince Galitzin, the Russian Minister at
the Hague." The republicans here are of opinion, that, instead of
this, vigorous measures should be taken immediately with the
belligerent powers; to which the opposite party will by no means
listen.
_July 10th._ The offered mediation will be accepted, even by the
advice of the patriots; because they apprehend, if they do not, the
opposite party would continue to insist upon begging for peace
directly in England, either by the good offices, as they call them, of
the Sardinian Envoy at London, who is entirely at their and the
British Court's devotion, or by sending deputies from hence. The final
resolution of this Province, concerning the important proposition of
Amsterdam, is delayed till the next ordinary Assembly, by cavilling on
the expression of _next Assembly_, used in the proposition, as if this
Assembly, an extraordinary one, was but a prolongation of the last.
_July 13th._ The report which was current on the 10th, of the Emperor
being inclined to support the Duke of Brunswick has proved false. I
know from the best authority, that quite the reverse is true. When the
monarch arrived, the Duke sent to him for permission to wait on him.
Instead of which the Emperor went immediately himself to the Duke.
What passed between them is not known. But the Duke having soon after
returned the visit, he was observed coming back with visible marks of
discomposure. The following day, the Emperor dining at the Prince of
Orange's seat, called the House in the Wood, showed himself very
gentle in his address to the Princess of Orange, and to everybody
else, but to the Duke, to whom he said not a single word, being
remarkably cold to him, which apparently was the cause of the Duke's
withdrawing sooner than any other. Besides this, the Emperor has
explained himself with other great men here this very day, by saying
the Regents of Amsterdam did their duty as brave patriots. He spent
the evening at the French Hotel, where he discoursed much with the
French and Russian Ambassadors. The Grand Pensionary, although invited
repeatedly by the Prince himself, excused himself from dining at the
House in the Wood, because he was ill.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DUMAS.
FOOTNOTES:
[42] See this Memorial in _Mr Adams's Correspondence_, Vol. V. p. 481.
[43] See the above remonstrance against the Duke of Brunswick, and his
reply, in _John Adams's Correspondence_, Vol. VI. pp. 70, 76.
[44] See _John Adams's Correspondence_, Vol. VI. p. 146.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
The Hague, August 23d, 1781.
Sir,
Since my last, the Provincial States of Holland have been separated
till last week.