late proceedings of the English in the southern parts of the United
States of America, which, in their consequences, may be as injurious
to his Catholic Majesty’s possessions in that quarter as to those
of the States. Should the measure proposed to prevent their success
appear to your Excellency to be advisable, it cannot be executed
too soon; because every day gives the enemy new strength in their
stations, and enables them to do additional mischief by destroying
whatever they can approach.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ARTHUR LEE.
MEMORIAL TO COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA.
Paris, June 27th, 1779.
The English, having taken possession of Savannah in Georgia, are
extending themselves in that State so as to form a connexion with,
and establish an influence over, the Indian nations that border all
that country. They design also to possess themselves of Port Royal in
South Carolina, and if possible, of Charleston.
These acquisitions, if they are suffered, with their contiguous
possessions, will give them such a command upon that coast and in the
Gulf, as well as such means of exciting the savages, and seconding
their enterprises against the neighboring territories of Spain, as
may be difficult to resist if they are not prevented.
What renders it impracticable for the Americans to repel the enemy,
is their superiority at sea, which, at the same time that it supports
their posts on land, enables them to make diversions in various
quarters so as to keep up a general alarm, and prevent our force from
being united in any one point. With this view, they have very lately
invaded the State of Virginia, in the Bay of Chesapeake, to withhold
the aid which that State would send to South Carolina and Georgia.
In this situation it is in his Majesty’s power to give very effectual
assistance to the invaded States, and prevent the enemy from making
such dangerous establishments and such an augmentation of their
power. The naval force of the English in Georgia and South Carolina
will consist of a fifty gun ship, the Experiment, lately sailed, and
three frigates. In the Bay of Chesapeake, there are a sixtyfour and a
fortyfour gun ship, with some armed tenders.
A small squadron, therefore, of three or four large ships and a few
frigates, sent from the Havanna, would destroy the enemy’s ships in
Georgia, South Carolina, and Chesapeake Bay, and deliver their troops
into the hands of the Americans.
The state of the enemy’s fleets in Europe and the West Indies, will
not permit them to augment their force on the coast of America.
The squadron, actually sailed under Admiral Arbuthnot to New York,
consists of four ships of the line and one frigate, viz. the Robust
seventyfour, the Russel seventyfour, the Europe sixtyfour, the
Defiance sixtyfour, and the Guadaloupe twentyeight. As this squadron
must support the operations of their main army, and protect Halifax,
Rhode Island, and New York, it is not probable they will detach any
additional force from thence to the southward, so that their armament
there, if not withdrawn, must necessarily fall a sacrifice to the
Spanish squadron.[47]
ARTHUR LEE.
[47] On the 25th of June, Mr Lee wrote to the Count de Florida Blanca,
as follows.
“I do not press your Excellency about my coming to Madrid. I know
your Excellency’s wisdom, and the maturity of judgment with which his
Majesty’s councils are conducted. I therefore trust, that when such a
step is thought to be proper, you will have the goodness to signify it
to me through his Majesty’s Minister at this Court.”
I have the honor, &c.
ARTHUR LEE.
COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO ARTHUR LEE.
Philadelphia, July 16th, 1779.
Sir,
Two days ago several of your letters came to hand, the latest
being of April 6th; it is much to be regretted that this one in
particular did not earlier arrive. The copy of its contents was sent
immediately to Governor Trumbull, but alas, too late. Fairfield had
been destroyed by the fire of the enemy. We are mistaken, however, if
that enemy does not shortly find the unprofitableness of this kind
of warfare towards their main purpose. America must be dead indeed
to all proper spirit, if such doings will not render her both as
vigilant and active as in the beginning of the contest. It is matter
of much conjecture, why you have not been able, for some months back,
to give us interesting accounts from Spain. All we know is through M.
Gerard. We have sent so many sets of the journals of Congress, that
you will doubtless get one. They are chiefly directed to Dr Franklin.
You will find the parts in which you are personally interested to be
under the following dates, viz.; April 6, 15, 20, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30;
May 3, 22, 24, 25, 27; June 8.
We shall speedily write again; in the meantime be assured that we are
with much regard,
Your humble servant,
JAMES LOVELL,
_For the Committee of Foreign Affairs_.
_P. S._ _September 16th._ It is probable, that all the papers sent by
you, up to May 21st, have come safe, either in originals, duplicates
or triplicates.
COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA TO ARTHUR LEE.
Translation.
Madrid, August 6th, 1779.
Sir,
I duly received the two letters, which you were so kind as to write
to me, dated the 7th and 25th of June last, in which you detail the
critical circumstances of the affairs of England, and the system
which you think suitable for the powers at war with her, and on this
occasion you likewise mention some points relating to the present
situation of the United Provinces of America.
I can assure you, Sir, that I read with the greatest pleasure your
very wise and prudent reflections, of which I shall make a suitable
use.
I avail myself of this opportunity to assure you of the perfect
respect, with which I have the honor to be, &c.
COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA.
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Paris, August 10th, 1779.
Gentlemen,
Not being permitted to know whether there is any certain opportunity
of writing, I must send you by every probable way an account of the
present situation of affairs, which is extremely interesting.
After a long delay through unfavorable winds, the Spanish and French
fleets joined off Cape Finisterre the 26th of last month. On the 6th
of this, they were off Ushant, making for the English channel. A
courier that arrived yesterday left them in the same position, with
the wind contrary on the 7th. The combined fleet consists of fifty
ships of the line, with thirty odd frigates, bombs, and fire ships,
under the command of the Count d’Orvilliers. The Spanish and French
ships are mixed together, the former twenty and the latter thirty.
Don Cardova commands a separate fleet of sixteen Spanish ships of
the line, which attends the grand combined fleet as a _corps de
réserve_. Don Ulloa cruises off the Canaries with four of the line,
and six more block up the Bay of Gibraltar, while a Spanish army
invests the town by land.
Between thirty and forty thousand French troops are ready to embark
at Havre de Grace and at St Malo to invade England, the moment the
combined fleet appears to protect them. Besides this, large corps of
troops are assembled at Brest and Dunkirk, and transports preparing
for them, so that they may be ready to support the others, according
to the exigency of events and the place where they land.
The West India fleet, and that from the Baltic, got safe into the
English ports to the amount of three hundred sail, the first of this
month. This may enable them in a few weeks to add ten sail to their
grand fleet, which at present consists of thirtyfive sail under Sir
Charles Hardy, and is retiring up the channel. But it is to be hoped,
they will feel some decisive blow before that augmentation.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ARTHUR LEE.
TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
Paris, August 14th, 1779.
Sir,
A decent time having now elapsed since the Declaration of his
Catholic Majesty against the King of Great Britain, it seems proper
to apply to the Spanish Court to know whether they are inclined to
enter into the alliance, which Congress have agreed to. At the same
time, it appears to me that to ask Count de Vergennes’ opinion of
such a step, before I take it, would be an agreeable and useful mark
of confidence in this Court. But as I think such an application
cannot with propriety be made to his Excellency, by any one but you
as minister here, I must beg you to take the trouble of consulting
Count de Vergennes, both upon the propriety and manner of my applying
upon this subject to the Court of Spain; and that you will have the
goodness to communicate to me his opinion. I would very willingly
apply myself, were I not persuaded that it would be a trespass
against the deference due to your situation, and that the observance
of this order in our proceedings will contribute to the attainment of
the public object I have in view.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ARTHUR LEE.
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Paris, August 24th, 1779.
Gentlemen,
I had the honor of writing you on the 10th, to inform Congress of the
junction of the fleets of France and Spain, the disposition of the
troops and ships of the latter for the blockade of Gibraltar, and the
security of their commerce, with the preparations here for invading
England. Since that, adverse winds have continually kept the combined
fleet from entering the channel, and of course the embarkation for
the invasion waits its approach and protection.
I am informed and believe, that the Empress of Russia has offered her
mediation between the belligerent powers in Europe. Her partiality
for England is certain, and it is to be feared, that from a partial
mediatrix she may become a powerful ally, and draw with her perhaps
Sweden and Denmark, with whom she is upon good terms, and who may
not think it their interest to let the naval power of the House of
Bourbon acquire such an ascendency, by the destruction of that of
Great Britain, as will destroy the balance and rivalship in Europe,
so as to set up an unquestioned sovereign of the seas.
Our enemies are so much pressed and kept in check at present, that I
do not see a possibility of their sending any further force against
you for the next campaign, nor a probability of their being able to
continue that which is already at New York and Rhode Island. But as
the interposition of other powers is an event always to be kept in
view, and that interposition will not only render the issue of the
war uncertain, but place the day of peace far distant, I cannot help
signifying my most earnest hope, that the wisdom of Congress will
employ that respite in so arranging and reforming the administration
of the public finances, and strengthening the country both by sea and
land, as to be able to maintain the sovereignty and independence of
the United States, in spite of any European combination, that may be
formed against it.
The English papers tell us, that the _Count d’Estaing_ of ten guns
and fourteen swivels, with despatches from Congress, was taken the
14th of July off Cape Finisterre, and that the despatches fell into
their hands.
The uncertainty of what will be the final resolution of Congress
regarding me upon the review of foreign affairs, and after all the
licentious means, that I perceive have been employed to injure my
character, has determined me to wait their ultimate commands at
this place. These will either save me from an ineffectual journey
to Madrid, or fortify me with full instructions and a reassurance
of that confidence, which it has been the endeavor of my enemies to
withdraw from me.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ARTHUR LEE.
_P. S. August 26th._ The combined fleet was as far up the channel as
Plymouth on the 18th, and had taken the Ardent of sixtyfour guns.
This being a proper time of the moon for the embarkation of the
troops, it is probably executing at this moment, and our enemies will
soon taste of those miseries, which they have so wantonly visited
upon us.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Paris, September 10th, 1779.
Sir,
I have seen in the Journals of Congress, transmitted to me by the
Committee of Foreign Affairs, that Mr Paca, Mr W. H. Drayton, and Mr
Carmichael have been permitted to lay before you intelligence and
information concerning me,[48] and that at a moment in which Congress
were to decide without hearing me, on what materially concerned my
honor and reputation, both in America and Europe.
I may venture to say, Sir, without fear of contradiction, that
this is a new mode of judicial proceeding in a country contending
for liberty and justice; a mode of which every man in or out of
Congress would complain if applied to himself; and under which it is
impossible that any man’s character can be safe from the attempts of
malice and falsehood.
Congress will permit me to request, that they will order copies of
that intelligence and information to be transmitted to me, that I may
be able to do myself, though late, the justice of answering them.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ARTHUR LEE.
[48] Journal of Congress, April 30th and May 3d, 1779.
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Paris, September 19th, 1779.
Gentlemen,
I had the honor of receiving your letter of the 16th of July, with
the Journals of Congress, in which I see with sorrow the proceedings
with regard to those, who in no moment of their lives ever neglected
to do the utmost in their power for the public good.[49]
For myself I trust, that time and maturer consideration will alter
the opinion of those gentlemen, who appeared desirous of fixing upon
me a most public mark of suspicion and censure, with some little
precipitation, they will permit me to say, as it was before I had
been heard. Among those gentlemen there are some, whose education
and profession should, in a peculiar manner, have taught them, that
it is laid down as a fundamental maxim of justice, that he who
gives judgment, the one party being heard and the other not, though
he should happen to be right in his decision, commits an act of
injustice.
I should have expected, that not only Congress but every member of
it, my accusers excepted, would have been my advocates, because your
records are filled with proofs of my early and unremitting endeavors
to serve the public. Congress will bear with me while I express my
surprise, that the delicacy observed in wording Mr Deane’s recall was
reversed in the proceedings against Mr Izard, my brother, and myself;
unless it were intended to hold us up to the world as persons, who
had been proved guilty of offences against their country; which, if
it were, may God in his infinite mercy forgive.
I am fully persuaded, that time and riper information will show you,
that as nothing could have given a deeper wound to the honor and
interests of the United States, than harmony among your Commissioners
in doing ill, there were use and merit in the suspicions and
dissensions, that arose among them. In any event, they who consider,
that suspicions and dissensions may and have existed among the best
of men, will mix some moderation with the judgment they pass upon
them. They who know with what long suffering and frequent forgiveness
I endeavored to prevent them, will not impute the blame to me.
I will trouble Congress no more upon this vexed and unworthy
business. Sensible as I was of the honor of your confidence, I was
equally sensible of the sacrifice I made of my private affairs to the
public service. I received your commission therefore not as a favor;
I do not retain it as a favor; I will do my duty while I keep it, and
resign it when it is your pleasure, without a moment’s regret. When
times less critical will admit of less reserve, it will be my duty
to prove to my country and to the world, as I have done to you, that
your confidence in me was not misplaced. This I trust I shall be able
to do by evidence, that will carry conviction to all, and confusion
to many.
Congress will permit me to hope, that long before this, they have
honored me with full instructions relative to the additional
articles, and the boundary between the territories of Spain and
the United States, on which I asked their commands as long ago as
February and April, 1778. It is fortunate, that I have not yet been
called upon on that subject. But it is impossible to say how long it
will be delayed; and no heavier misfortune could befall me, than to
be left uninstructed in a business of such moment.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ARTHUR LEE.
[49] Journal of Congress, June 10th, 1779.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TO ARTHUR LEE.
Passy, September 30th, 1779.
Sir,
I received but yesterday morning, just as I was going out of town,
the letter you did me the honor of writing to me, dated the 26th
instant, respecting my supplying you with money for your support in
Spain. As I cannot furnish that expense, and there is not, in my
opinion, any likelihood at present of your being received at that
Court, I think your resolution of returning forthwith to America is
both wise and honest.
With great respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
B. FRANKLIN.
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Paris, October 13th, 1779.
Gentlemen,
I have certain intelligence, that Admiral Rodney is to sail
immediately from England, with five sail of the line, to take the
command of the fleet in the West Indies. I am well informed, that
the plan he proposed was by dividing his fleet into three divisions,
with some landed forces on board of each, to block up and harass
continually the whole of our coast. It is probable they have adopted
his plan with him. His abilities and activity are great. Count
d’Estaing is expected here in the winter with twelve ships, which
will leave the enemy a decided and dangerous superiority. Our hope
is, that by some mortal blow on New York before his departure he will
in a great measure frustrate their intentions.
The combined fleet is ordered into the British channel, and the
troops to prepare for the invasion of England. Upon the issue of this
will depend the continuance of the war.
I have not yet received any instructions from Congress relative to
Spain, nor any answer from that Court relative to my reception there.
The public funds, which were in my hands, being nearly exhausted,
and Dr Franklin having positively declined supplying my expenses at
that Court, I must beg Congress to take some immediate order in this
business, so that it may not remain in the power of any individual to
counteract their intentions, and drive gentlemen away from Europe,
who are so unfortunate as not to be in his good graces.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ARTHUR LEE.
COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO ARTHUR LEE.
Philadelphia, October 13th, 1779.
Sir,
This is officially to convey to you the knowledge of the appointment
of a Minister Plenipotentiary, in lieu of a Commissioner, at the
Court of Spain, and also a Resolve of Congress of this day, upon the
reading of your letter of the 31st of May.[50]
Mr Jay will probably be in a short time in Europe, to execute his
commission.
I am, Sir, your most humble servant,
JAMES LOVELL,
_For the Committee for Foreign Affairs_.
[50] “_In Congress, October 13th, 1779._ A letter of the 31st of May
last, from A. Lee, was read, whereupon,
“_Resolved_, That Mr A. Lee be informed of Mr Jay’s appointment to the
Court of Spain, and that, agreeably to his request, he is at liberty to
return to America.”
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Paris, October 21st, 1779.
Gentlemen,
It may be material for Congress to know, that all disposition in the
Court of England towards peace seems at present to be removed. The
appointment of Lord Bute’s son upon an extraordinary embassy some
time since, to the Court of Turin, announced a desire in the English
cabinet to engage mediators; and the late Ambassador from Spain to
the Court of London had taken up his residence here, apparently to
embrace the more readily the opportunity of negotiating, which that
mediator might offer. But the embassy of Lord Mountstewart is talked
of no more, and Count d’Almadovar has within these few days quitted
this place entirely, and returned to Madrid.
It is no new alliance, as far as is known, that has inspired this
confidence and hardiness into the British Ministry. Probably they
flatter themselves, that as this campaign has passed away without
their suffering much from the great superiority of the combined
fleet, and the land armaments prepared against them, they will
continue to be equally fortunate. I compute, that with the supplies
for the next campaign their debt must amount fully to 200,000,000.
The siege of Gibraltar goes on in form, both by sea and land, nor
does there seem any probability of their saving that important place.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ARTHUR LEE.
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Paris, November 6th, 1779.
Gentlemen,
The campaign in Europe seems to be concluded, and the resolution of
the enemy unabated. The siege of Gibraltar continues.
I am yet without any instructions for Spain, or overtures from that
Court relative to the conclusion of a treaty. I am satisfied that the
same means have been employed, and by the same persons, to injure
me there as here. With what success, my inquiries have not yet been
able to discover. By the advice of those, in whose knowledge and
integrity I can most confide, among whom is the late Ambassador from
this Court, now a Minister, I have not entered into any vindication
of myself to the Spanish Minister.
Disagreeable as it is to me to remain here, after what has passed,
it is, in my best judgment, more proper than going thither without
definite instructions, and without new credentials to show that the
calumnies of my enemies have not withdrawn from me the confidence
of Congress, which by no means appears from my _only being not
recalled_. I must therefore entreat Congress to decide distinctly
upon the accusations, that have been brought against me, and either
declare them unjust, or commit the public business to a fitter
person, and give me leave and leisure to vindicate my character to my
country and to the world.
Unless a demand on the part of the Spanish Court should make it
necessary, I will not hazard the public interest and my own honor,
in undertaking the negotiation, uninstructed, unvindicated, and
unsupported. Is it possible that any one gentleman in Congress can
help feeling the unexampled cruelty of leaving me in such a situation?
Uncertain as the decisions of all public bodies are, yet conscious
that there was not any colorable pretence for impeaching my conduct,
I could not but flatter myself, that the last despatches would
have brought an explicit censure of Congress against the indecent
attempts, that have been made to injure it. Insomuch that I thought
it my duty to consult this Court through your Minister here, upon the
propriety of my moving the Court of Spain on the negotiation with
which I was intrusted, so that I might avoid giving offence to that
Court by my silence and inactivity, and yet receive in time your
final instructions, and a renewed assurance of your confidence.
Though I have constantly transmitted to Congress triplicate copies of
the invoices and bills of lading, which account for the expenditure
of the small sum of public money that was in my hands, yet as the
order of the 6th of August is general, I have had triplicate copies
made out of the whole, which, when there is a proper person to
authenticate them, will show how the money has been expended. With
regard to the funds, with which I was jointly intrusted with Dr
Franklin and Mr Deane, my absence in Spain and Germany, with the
orders for the application of a great part, which my colleagues
thought proper to give without consulting me, disenables me from
furnishing any further vouchers than the accounts of the banker and
of Mr Williams, which I have also transmitted to Congress.