Honorable the Continental Congress of Delegates from the thirteen
United States of America, whereby you are appointed one of their
Commissioners for negotiating a treaty of alliance, amity, and commerce
with the Court of France, and also for negotiating treaties with other
nations, agreeably to certain plans and instructions of Congress,
which we have transmitted by various conveyances to Mr Deane, another
of the Commissioners. We flatter ourselves, from the assurances of
your friends here, that you will cheerfully undertake this important
business, and that our country will greatly benefit of those abilities
and that attachment, which you have already manifested in sundry
important services, which at a proper period shall be made known to
those you would wish.
ROBERT MORRIS,
B. FRANKLIN.
TO LORD SHELBURNE.
Paris, December 23d, 1776.
My Lord,
A very few hours after my last letter to your Lordship, brought me the
desire of my country to serve her in a public character. Your Lordship,
I hope, thinks too well of me to suppose I could hesitate a moment. In
fact, almost the same minute saw me bid adieu, perhaps forever, to a
country where from choice I had fixed my fortunes, and to a people whom
I most respected and could have loved. But the first object of my life
is my country; the first wish of my heart is public liberty. I must
see, therefore, the liberties of my country established or perish in
her last struggle.
In truth, I have long despaired even of a struggle for liberty in
England; I will not insult Scotland with the idea. It is not the subtle
Weddeburne, poisoning the fountain of public security, nor the ruthless
Thurloe, deliberately butchering the liberties of his country, that
make me despair; but yet, perhaps, the people are only not virtuous,
and America may yet, with a sort of filial piety, reanimate her
expiring constitution.
Our _Pater Patriae_, with whom and Mr Deane I am joined in power, is in
good health and spirits. If fate will have it, that America, as she has
reared her temples and her altars to liberty, must furnish her victims
too, I know not where she can find a sacrifice more respectable.
Should the event of this measure be found fatal to England, it is
the perfidy of her Ministers which compels it, and to which the
consequences are justly imputable.
I beg your Lordship to remember me as one, who can never cease to have
the most perfect esteem for you. I have communicated to the Abbé Raynal
all the facts I could collect, in answer to his questions. He will
write to you soon.
May I beg to be remembered to our friends in the college and to those
out of it, who I hope will always do me the honor of remembering me;
Colonel Barré, Mr Dunning, Dr Priestly, Dr Price, &c.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ARTHUR LEE.
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Paris, January 3d, 1777.
Gentlemen,
I had the honor of receiving your favor, announcing to me my
appointment as one of the Commissioners from the Congress of the United
States of America.
I cannot express how greatly I am obliged to that most respectable
body, for giving me an opportunity of showing how much I prefer the
service of my country, and of her present cause, to every other pursuit
and situation in life.
I had the happiness of joining Dr Franklin and Mr Deane, the day after
the arrival of the former at this place.
We have employed every moment in preparing the way for fulfilling the
purposes of our mission. It is impossible to say yet, in what degree we
shall be able to accomplish our instructions and our wishes.
The politics of this Court are in a kind of trembling hesitation. It
is in consequence of this, that the promises, which were made to me
by the French agent in London, and which I stated to you by Mr Story
and others, have not been entirely fulfilled. The changing of the mode
of conveying what they promised was settled with Mr Deane, whom Mons.
Hortalez, or Beaumarchais, found here upon his return from London, and
with whom therefore all the arrangements were afterwards made.
I hope you will have received some of the supplies long before this
reaches you; infinitely short as they are of what was promised in
quantity, quality, and time, I trust they will be of very material
service in the operations of the next campaign. It is that, to use
the words of our arch enemy, to which we must look forward, and no
exertions in preparing for it can be too great, because the events of
it must be very decisive.
I have the honor of being, &c.
ARTHUR LEE.
FROM THE COMMISSIONERS IN PARIS TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.
Paris, January 5th, 1777.
Sir,
The Congress, the better to defend their coasts, protect their trade,
and drive off the enemy, have instructed us to apply to France for
eight ships of the line, completely manned, the expense of which they
will undertake to pay. As other princes of Europe are lending or
hiring their troops to Britain against America, it is apprehended,
that France may if she thinks fit afford our Independent States the
same kind of aid, without giving England any first cause of complaint.
But if England should on that account declare war, we conceive, that
by the united force of France, Spain, and America, she will lose all
her possessions in the West Indies, much the greatest part of that
commerce, which has rendered her so opulent, and be reduced to that
state of weakness and humiliation which she has, by her perfidy, her
insolence, and her cruelty, both in the east and the west, so justly
merited.
We are also instructed to solicit the Court of France for an immediate
supply of twenty or thirty thousand muskets and bayonets, and a large
quantity of ammunition and brass field pieces, to be sent under convoy.
The United States engage for the payment of the arms, artillery, and
ammunition, and to defray the expense of the convoy. This application
has now become the more necessary, as the private purchase made by Mr
Deane of those articles is rendered ineffectual, by an order forbidding
their exportation.
We also beg it may be particularly considered, that while the English
are masters of the American seas, and can without fear of interruption,
transport with such ease their army from one part of our extensive
coast to another, and we can only meet them by land marches, we
may possibly, unless some powerful aid is given us, or some strong
diversion be made in our favor, be so harassed and be put to such
immense distress, as that finally our people will find themselves
reduced to the necessity of ending the war by an accommodation.
The Courts of France and Spain may rely, with the fullest confidence,
that whatever stipulations are made by us, in case of granting such
aid, will be ratified and punctually fulfilled by the Congress, who
are determined to found their future character with regard to justice
and fidelity on a full and perfect performance of all their present
engagements.
North America now offers to France and Spain her amity and commerce.
She is also ready to guaranty in the firmest manner to those nations
all her present possessions in the West Indies, as well as those they
shall acquire from the enemy, in a war that may be consequential of
such assistance as she requests. The interests of the three nations
are the same. The opportunity of cementing them and of securing all
the advantages of that commerce, which in time will be immense, now
presents itself. If neglected, it may never again return. And we cannot
help suggesting, that a considerable delay may be attended with fatal
consequences.[8]
[8] There is no reply to this letter on record. It is probable, that a
verbal message was communicated in reply by M. Gerard, as may be judged
from the letter directed to him, which immediately follows.
B. FRANKLIN,
SILAS DEANE,
ARTHUR LEE.
THE COMMISSIONERS TO M. GERARD.
Paris, January 14th, 1777.
We thank M. Gerard for the polite and explicit manner in which he has
communicated his Majesty’s message.
We beg to return our most grateful sense of the gracious intentions,
which his Majesty has had the goodness to signify to our States, and
to assure his Majesty that we shall ever retain the warmest gratitude
for the substantial proofs he has given us of his regard, and that we
will endeavor in due time to impress our constituents with the same
sentiments.
We feel the strength of the reasons his Majesty has been pleased to
assign for the conduct he means to hold; and the magnanimity of his
motives. We beg leave to assure his Majesty, that we shall at all
times and in all things endeavor to conform ourselves to the views he
has opened for us, as nothing is further from our intentions than to
precipitate his Majesty into any measures, which his royal wisdom and
justice may disapprove. And if in anything we should contravene those
purposes, we shall always be happy and ready to amend it according to
the advice and direction of government.
B. FRANKLIN,
SILAS DEANE,
ARTHUR LEE.
THE COMMISSIONERS TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.
Paris, February 1st, 1777.
Messrs Franklin, Deane, and Lee, Ministers from the Congress of the
United States, beg leave to represent to his Excellency the Count de
Vergennes, that besides the general alarming accounts of the success of
the English against their country, they have just received authentic
intelligence from England that eight thousand men, chiefly Germans,
under the command of General Burgoyne, are to be sent early in the
spring to America, and to be employed, with some ships of war, in the
invasion of Virginia and Maryland.
That if not by some means diverted from their design, it will be in
their power to destroy a great part of those States, as the houses and
estates of the principal inhabitants are situated on the navigable
waters, and so separated from each other as to be incapable of being
defended from armed vessels conveying troops, the place of whose
landing cannot be foreseen, and consequently force cannot be assembled
in all places sufficient to oppose them.
That great danger is also to be apprehended from the blacks of those
States, who, being excited and armed by the British, may greatly
strengthen the invaders, at the same time that the fear of their
insurrection will prevent the white inhabitants from leaving their
places of residence and assembling in such numbers for their own
defence against the English, as otherwise they might do.
That the greatest part of the tobacco of those States is probably
collected as usual in the warehouses of the inspectors, which are
also situated on navigable waters, and will be liable to be taken and
destroyed by the invaders; that the destruction of these two States
probably may make a great impression on the people in the rest, who,
seeing no prospect of assistance from any European power, may be more
inclined to listen to terms of accommodation.
That the supplies of arms and ammunition of war, which they have been
made to expect from France, having been by various means delayed and
retarded, are not likely to arrive before the commencement of the next
campaign, and may perhaps be despaired of, especially if those supplies
are to be carried first to the French islands.
That notwithstanding the measures taken to convince the Court of
Britain that France does not countenance the Americans, that Court,
according to our information, believes firmly the contrary; and it is
submitted to the consideration of your Excellency, whether, if the
English make a conquest of the American States, they will not take the
first opportunity of showing their resentment, by beginning themselves
the war that would otherwise be avoided; and perhaps beginning it as
they did the last, without any previous declaration.
That upon the whole, we cannot on this occasion omit expressing our
apprehensions, that if Britain is now suffered to recover the Colonies,
and annex again their great growing strength and commerce to her own,
she will become in a few years the most formidable power, by sea and
land, that Europe has yet seen, and assuredly, from the natural pride
and insolence of that people, a power to all the other States the most
pernicious and intolerable.
We would therefore with all deference submit it to the wisdom of his
Majesty and his Ministers, whether, if the independence of the United
States of America, with the consequent diminution of British power, and
the freedom of commerce with them, be an object of importance to all
Europe, and to France in particular, this is not the proper time for
effectual exertions in their favor; and for commencing that war, which
can scarcely be much longer avoided, and which will be sanctified by
this best of justifications, that a much injured and innocent people
will thereby be protected and delivered from cruel oppression, and
secured in the enjoyment of their just rights; than which, nothing can
contribute more to the glory of his Majesty and of this nation.
B. FRANKLIN,
SILAS DEANE,
ARTHUR LEE.
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Nantes, February 11th, 1777.
Gentlemen,
I received the enclosed despatches at this place on my way to Spain.
By the information I have from London, which I think may be depended
upon, the plan of operations is for Howe and his recruited army to act
against New England, while Carleton makes his way over the lakes to
keep the middle Colonies in awe; and Burgoyne, with an armament from
England of ten thousand, if it can be procured, invades the South,
probably Virginia and Maryland.[9]
The intelligence from England is, that ten thousand Germans are
actually engaged; while the French Minister and the Spanish Ambassador
both assure us, that it is with very great difficulty the enemy
can procure the recruits necessary to keep up the number formerly
stipulated. That the force of their different armaments will fall
greatly short of what they intend, I believe, but it seems to me almost
certain that the three attacks will be made.
That their utmost efforts will be made this campaign is infallible,
because nothing is more certain, than that the present state of Europe
forbids every expectation of their being long unemployed nearer home.
If, therefore, they do not succeed this year against us, there is an
end of their prospects of ravage and revenge. Even at this moment, they
have put every thing at hazard; England, Ireland, and Hanover being
left almost defenceless by their efforts against us. I should submit
whether it is not fit that it should be made known to the army, that
the forces to be sent this year, both from England and Germany, are new
raised, and therefore totally undisciplined. Because the attacking such
troops on their first arrival, would be taking them in their weakest
state, and they ought not to carry with them the terror of disciplined
troops, which, in fact, they are not, and of which it would encourage
their opponents to be apprized.
The French Minister told me when I took leave, that the king of Great
Britain had endeavored in vain to get troops in Germany to supply the
place in Hanover of those whom he sent to garrison Gibraltar. All
these things concur to show, that they are pressed on every side to
make the last effort against our liberties, which I trust will be met
with proportionable exertions on our part, and under the providence of
Heaven defeated.
The losses, which the enemy’s West India trade has suffered by captures
this year, have determined the government to make provision against it
in future, by sending a number of armed cutters, which will take the
small cruisers which have hitherto been so successful against their
West Indiamen. These too are to be armed as in time of war; I therefore
submit to your consideration the propriety of marking out another line
of cruising for the small privateers, and sending such only into the
Gulf as are of force to drive off the cutters, and make prize of the
armed West Indiamen.
Whatever orders you have for me will be forwarded from the ports of
Spain, and I must beg a few blank commissions for privateers, as it
will be one part of my endeavors to excite merchants in Spain to cruise
against our enemies.
We have been so repeatedly warned of bad arms being sent from hence,
that I cannot help mentioning the necessity of having the muskets
proved wherever it can be done before they are paid for. This too
suggests the propriety of not advancing money for goods, since though
the very capital merchants in France are men of honor, and will not
impose, yet the middle and lower orders of them are often directly the
reverse.
Bewick & Co. at Cadiz will not pay the proceeds of the Sally to Mr
Schweighauser, upon a pretence of not having any order so to do; but it
seems their real design is to keep the money in their hands for what
they pretend is due to them from Messrs Willing, Morris & Co. I shall
endeavor to have them compelled to do justice in this business, and you
will determine how far they are to be trusted for the future. A large
cargo of woollens, linen, cordage, and sailcloth, will be despatched
from hence in three weeks, which I hope will reach their destination in
time.
I could have wished that my present destination had been specifically
ordered by you, with regard to the Court, as that would have imported
a respect and consideration for them, which might have greatly
facilitated my object, which I apprehend will meet with some obstacle
in the umbrage, that the want of such attention, and the apparent
preference given where it is perhaps less deserved, may possibly
occasion. Perhaps that may yet be remedied by some such power, if it
should seem proper to you.[10]
The Corporation here have lowered the city duty on tobacco, brought
from America into this port, in order to encourage a commerce with us,
for which I have thought it my duty to return them thanks.
Upon examination, I find your commercial connexions here greatly
deranged. It appears to have been the first plan of the Committee
to place Mons. Schweighauser as a check over Mons. Penet. The
established character and credit of the former were to control the
confidence reposed in the latter, who, the Committee say, “had not such
recommendations as they could wish.” For this purpose the consignments
were to be made to Mons. Schweighauser, out of which he was to pay
Mons. Penet for such goods as were shipped on your account, after being
inspected and approved by the former. This was certainly a wise plan
and a necessary precaution. In my humble judgment, it still continues
to be absolutely necessary; but instead of the consignments having been
made to Mr Schweighauser, they have been chiefly addressed directly
to Penet; in consequence of this, the latter has not submitted the
goods sent to the inspection of the former, and Mr Schweighauser has
reason to complain of his being neglected, after an express promise
given him of your consignments, without his being able to conceive in
what he has offended. These are facts which I think it my duty to state
to you. Mons. Montanduine and Mons. Schweighauser are certainly the
first in rank and reputation here. It is of much more consequence, that
merchants of this description should be your correspondents here, than
it is in England, because they have an influence with government which
those of an inferior order have not. Of this order is Mr Gruel, and
still lower M. Penet; but the credit and character of the former are
exceedingly well established.
The rigor of the season, the badness of the roads, and the slowness of
conveyance in Spain will protract my journey miserably, but you may
depend upon my using every diligence to reach my destination in time to
make the best advantage of the present critical situation of affairs.
I have the honor to be, &c.
[9] This intelligence, which was entirely erroneous, was probably sent
into France by design, with a view of creating there a false impression
as to the real plans of the British Government.
[10] The following extract of a letter from the Commissioners to the
Committee of Secret Correspondence, will show the origin of Mr Lee’s
journey to Spain.
_Paris, February 6th, 1777._--“Finding that our residence here together
is nearly as expensive as if we were separate, and having reason to
believe that one of us might be useful in Madrid, and another in
Holland and some Courts further northward, we have agreed that Mr Lee
go to Spain, and either Mr Deane or myself (Dr Franklin) to the Hague.
Mr Lee sets out tomorrow, having obtained passports, and a letter from
the Spanish Ambassador here, to the Minister there. The journey to
Holland will not take place so soon. The particular purposes of these
journies we cannot prudently now explain.”
ARTHUR LEE.
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Nantes, February 14th, 1777.
Gentlemen,
The enclosed book is esteemed a work of genius, and as such I have
thought it proper to be sent to you. We were acquainted with the author
in Paris, who is a man of very high character and so strongly our
friend, that I have no doubt if the want of his second volume, which
is not yet published, should render any explanation necessary, he will
give it with pleasure.
Since I had the honor of writing yesterday, Mr Thomas Morris has
informed me of the agreement, which he has just concluded with the
Farmers-General for all the tobacco that shall arrive here on your
account, at seventy livres a hundred. It was probably in contemplation
of this, that they refused to sign the treaty with us, after they
had pledged their word for it. Our object was to interest government
here through them in our commerce, so much as to secure their utmost
protection of it; to insure the exports of our produce, which we
apprehended the scarcity of shipping and sailors would render
impracticable in our own bottoms, and to command a considerable advance
of ready money for a full supply of arms, ammunition, rigging, &c.
which we might convey with more certainty under their protection. To
compass these objects we were induced to offer them such tempting
terms. The price they have now agreed to give is certainly a good one,
but I fear it will not retrieve us from our difficulties, as there
is no advance stipulated, and the difficulty of exportation seems to
increase daily.
Our latest intelligence from England informs us, that a bill is now
passing for granting letters of marque against you, or rather for
repealing so much of their former act, as confined it to the navy. The
press there still continues very violent, but not equally productive;
that, together with the great preparations of France and Spain, seems
to render the continuance of peace for many months impossible. From
every thing that I can learn, their armaments against you will be
very late, if the situation of Europe will suffer them at all; but it
is best to prepare for their plan, as if it would be executed in its
fullest extent, for it is impossible to have such reliance upon the
politics of Europe, as would justify the hazarding much upon their
issue.
I believe you have not yet been apprized of what it may be material
for you to know, which is, that the British government offered to
deliver the prisoners, taken on Long Island, to the East India Company
to be sent to their settlements, if the Company would send for them to
Gibraltar. This proposition is upon record in the Company’s books, a
general court having been held expressly upon it.
I have the honor of being, &c.
ARTHUR LEE.
FROM JAMES GARDOQUI TO ARTHUR LEE.
Madrid, February 17th, 1777.
Sir,