PARIS, October 14, 1787.
SIR,--I have duly received your favors of October the 23d and 26th.
With respect to the mission you suggest in the former, no powers are
lodged in the hands of Mr. Adams and myself. Congress commissioned Mr.
Adams, Dr. Franklin and myself, to treat with the Emperor on the
subject of amity and commerce; at the same time, they gave us the
commission to Prussia, with which you are acquainted. We proposed
treating through the Imperial Ambassador here. It was declined on their
part, and our powers expired, having been given but for two years.
Afterwards, the same Ambassador here was instructed to offer to treat
with us. I informed him our powers were expired, but that I would write
to Congress on the subject. I did so, but have never yet received an
answer. Whether this proceeds from a change of opinion in them, or from
the multiplicity of their occupations, I am unable to say; but this
state of facts will enable you to see that we have no powers in this
instance, to take the measures you had thought of. I sincerely
sympathise with you in your sufferings. Though forbidden by my
character, to meddle in the internal affairs of an allied State, it is
the wish of my heart that their troubles may have such an issue, as
will secure the greatest degree of happiness to the body of the people;
for it is with the mass of the nation we are allied, and not merely
with their governors. To inform the minds of the people, and to follow
their will, is the chief duty of those placed at their head. What party
in your late struggles was most likely to do this, you are more
competent to judge than I am. Under every event, that you may be safe
and happy, is the sincere wish of him, who has the honor to be, with
sentiments of great esteem, Sir, your most obedient, and most humble
servant.