THE
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
OF THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
VOL. IV.
THE
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
OF THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION;
BEING
THE LETTERS OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, SILAS DEANE, JOHN
ADAMS, JOHN JAY, ARTHUR LEE, WILLIAM LEE, RALPH
IZARD, FRANCIS DANA, WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, HENRY
LAURENS, JOHN LAURENS, M. DE LAFAYETTE, M.
DUMAS, AND OTHERS, CONCERNING THE FOREIGN
RELATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES DURING
THE WHOLE REVOLUTION;
TOGETHER WITH
THE LETTERS IN REPLY FROM THE SECRET COMMITTEE OF
CONGRESS, AND THE SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
ALSO,
THE ENTIRE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE FRENCH MINISTERS,
GERARD AND LUZERNE, WITH CONGRESS.
Published under the Direction of the President of the United States, from
the original Manuscripts in the Department of State, conformably
to a Resolution of Congress, of March 27th, 1818.
EDITED
BY JARED SPARKS.
VOL. IV.
BOSTON:
NATHAN HALE AND GRAY & BOWEN;
G. & C. &. H. CARVILL, NEW YORK; P. THOMPSON, WASHINGTON.
1829.
HALE'S STEAM PRESS.
No. 6 Suffolk Buildings, Congress Street, Boston.
CONTENTS OF THE FOURTH VOLUME.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S CORRESPONDENCE, CONTINUED.
Page.
Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
August 23d, 1782, 3
Expresses a wish to promote the commerce between
France and America.
Thomas Townshend to Richard Oswald. Whitehall,
September 1st, 1782, 4
The King is ready to treat with the Commissioners
on the footing of unconditional independence.
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Sept. 3d, 1782, 4
Allowance made to his grandson for various public services.--
Submits his own account to the disposal of Congress.--Encloses
letters (inserted in the note) from Mr Jay and Mr Laurens,
expressing their regard for his grandson.
To John Jay. Passy, September 4th, 1782, 9
Mr Oswald's courier arrives, with directions to acknowledge
the independence of America.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
September 5th, 1782, 10
Complains of want of information from Europe.--Movements
of the British troops in the south.--Importance
of the West India trade to the United
States.--Right of the States to cut logwood.
Richard Oswald to B. Franklin. Paris, September
5th, 1782, 15
Enclosing an extract from a letter of the Secretary of
State, regarding the negotiation.
To Richard Oswald. Passy, Sept. 8th, 1782, 15
Requesting a copy of the fourth article of his instructions,
given in the note.
To Earl Grantham. Passy, Sept. 11th, 1782, 16
Prospect of peace.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
September 12th, 1782, 17
Presenting Mr Paine's work addressed to the Abbé
Raynal.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
September 12th, 1782, 18
Necessity of further supplies of money.
To David Hartley. Passy, September 17th, 1782, 18
The preliminaries formerly received, inadmissible.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
September 18th, 1782, 19
Congress declines accepting Mr Laurens's resignation;
alters Dr Franklin's powers.
Mr Secretary Townshend to Richard Oswald.
Whitehall, September 20th, 1782, 20
The commission passing with the change proposed by
the American Commissioners.
Richard Oswald to B. Franklin. Paris, September
24th, 1782, 21
Transmitting a copy of Mr Townshend's letter to himself.
Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
September 25th, 1782, 21
Aspect of affairs dubious.
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Sept. 26th, 1782, 22
Reply to his complaints of want of information.--Delays
of the negotiation.
Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
October 3d, 1782, 23
Granting the exequatur empowering the United States'
Consul to act in France.
David Hartley to B. Franklin. Bath, Oct. 4th, 1782, 24
Sends a proposition for a temporary commercial convention.--The
dissolution of the union of the States apprehended.
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Oct. 14th, 1782, 25
Progress of the negotiation.--Acknowledges the receipt
of Ministers' salaries.
To John Adams. Passy, Oct. 15th, 1782, 28
Delay in the negotiations.
From T. Townshend to B. Franklin. Whitehall,
October 23d, 1782, 29
Introducing Mr Strachey.
To Thomas Townshend. Passy, Nov. 4th, 1782, 30
Regrets the obstructions to the negotiations.
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Nov. 7th, 1782, 31
Introducing the Baron de Kermelin.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
November 9th, 1782, 31
Sweden proposes to acknowledge the independence of
the United States.--Advantage of obtaining an acknowledgment
from the States of Barbary.--Difficulties in the exchange of
prisoners.--Affair of Lippincott.--Mr Boudinot elected President.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
November 21st, 1782, 34
Mr Jefferson added to the commission.--Mr Burgess,
an English merchant, not permitted to settle in Boston.
To Richard Oswald. Passy, Nov. 26th, 1782, 36
Indemnification of American royalists.--Resolutions of Congress
on the subject.--Act of the Pennsylvania assembly for procuring
an estimate of the damages committed by the British.--Characters
of the royalists.--Inexpediency of discussing the measure.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
November 27th, 1782, 44
Messrs Lamarque and Fabru.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Nov. 29th, 1782, 45
The preliminary articles of peace between England and
the United States agreed on.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
December 3d, 1782, 45
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Dec. 4th, 1782, 46
Encloses a copy of the preliminary articles.--Those
between England and the other powers not signed.--No
definitive treaty will be signed till all are agreed.
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Dec. 5th, 1782, 46
Difficulties of conveying information to America.--Has
asked for further supplies from France.--History of
the negotiations.--The principal preliminaries between
France and England agreed to.--Proceedings
in regard to Sweden.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Dec. 15th, 1782, 54
Informing him that a passport has been received from
England for the Washington.
Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
December, 15th, 1782, 55
Expresses his astonishment at the despatching of the
Washington.--Complains that the preliminaries have
been concluded without any communication with
France.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Dec. 17th, 1782, 56
Causes of the sailing of the Washington.--No peace
will take place between England and America without
the concurrence of France.
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Dec. 24th, 1782, 58
The Swedish Ambassador exchanges full powers with
Dr Franklin.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
January 2d, 1783, 60
Enclosing various resolutions of Congress.--Regrets
the departure of the French fleet.--Financial distresses
of America.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
January 6th, 1783, 62
Financial distress.--Subjects of negotiation.--Contingent
expenses of foreign Ministers.
To Richard Oswald. Passy, January 14th, 1783, 66
Enclosing propositions for abolishing privateering.
Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
January 18th, 1783, 69
Desiring a conference with the Commissioners.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Jan. 18th, 1783, 70
Promising to be present at the conference.
Benjamin Vaughan to B. Franklin. Paris, January
18th, 1783, 70
Pressing him to be at Versailles the next day.--State
of England.
To John Adams. Passy, January 19th, 1783, 72
Acquainting him with Vergennes's desire for a conference.
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Jan. 21st, 1783, 72
Preliminaries signed between France, Spain, and England.
John Jay to B. Franklin. Paris, Jan. 26th, 1783, 73
Dr Franklin's grandson appointed Secretary to the
commission without being solicited by him.
From M, Rosencrone, Minister of Foreign Affairs
in Denmark, to M. de Walterstorff. Copenhagen,
February 22d, 1783, 74
Directing him to learn Dr Franklin's views in regard to
a treaty of commerce between Denmark and the United States.
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, March 7th, 1783, 76
Treaty with Sweden signed.--The English Ministry
changed.
David Hartley to B. Franklin. London, March
12th, 1783, 76
Enclosing conciliatory propositions, and a sketch of a
provisional treaty of commerce.--Changes in the
Ministry.
To David Hartley. Passy, March 23d, 1783, 83
Expresses a desire for a reconciliation.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
March 26th, 1783, 84
Regrets that the Commissioners should find it necessary
to conceal anything from France; and that the
commercial article is struck out.--The attempts to
inflame the army.--Remits bills for the salaries of
the Ministers.
From the city of Hamburg to Congress. March
29th, 1783, 88
Proposing the establishment of commercial connexions.
David Hartley to B. Franklin. London, March
31st, 1783, 91
Enclosing Supplemental Treaty between Great Britain
and the United States of North America, separate
article to be referred to the Definitive Treaty, and
paper mentioned in the close of Mr Hartley's letter.
M. Salva to B. Franklin. Algiers, April 1st, 1783, 95
Informing him of an attempt by the Algerines to seize
American vessels.
To the Grand Master of Malta. Passy, April 6th,
1783, 96
Requesting protection for Americans in the ports of
Malta.
To M. Rosencrone. Passy, April 13th, 1783, 97
Relative to a treaty between Denmark and the United
States.--Asks reparation for the seizure of American
prizes in the Danish ports.
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, April 15th, 1783, 98
Proposals of Denmark.--Delay in the negotiation of
the Definitive Treaty.--Mr Hartley substituted in
the room of Mr Oswald.--Propositions for the renewal
of the commerce between England and the
United States.--Receives applications of persons
wishing to emigrate to America.--Financial embarrassments
of France.
Charles J. Fox to B. Franklin. St James's, April
19th, 1783, 104
Introducing Mr Hartley.--Expresses a desire to effect
a reconciliation of the two nations.
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, April 27th, 1783, 104
Introducing the Count del Veome.
Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
May 5th, 1783, 105
Acknowledges the receipt of a copy of the three articles
discussed by the Commissioners and Mr Hartley.--Complains
of the infrequent appearance of the
Commissioners at Court.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, May 5th, 1783, 105
The Commissioners prevented by sickness from appearing
at Court.
To David Hartley. Passy, May 8th, 1783, 106
Desires the abolition of privateering.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
May 9th, 1783, 107
Infringements of the Provisional Treaty by the British.--
Arrival of vessels in the American ports.
Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia,
May 31st, 1783, 109
Determination of the Court of Appeals in case of the
Portuguese vessel.--Recommends the demands on
Denmark to be urged.
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, June 12th, 1783, 110
The ratification of the treaty with Sweden received.--Treaty
with Denmark going on.--Portugal proposes to treat.--Delay
of the Definitive Treaty with England.--Dr Bancroft.
The Ambassador from Sweden to B. Franklin.
Paris, June 13th, 1783, 112
Requesting that Mr W. T. Franklin may be sent to the
Swedish Court.
From the Grand Master of Malta to B. Franklin.
Malta, June 21st, 1783, 112
Promising protection to Americans in the ports of
Malta.
To Henry Laurens. Passy, July 6th, 1783, 113
Delays of the negotiations.--Mr Laurens's presence
necessary.
From M. Rosencrone, Minister of Denmark, to B.
Franklin. Copenhagen, July 8th, 1783, 114
Enclosing a Counter Project of a Treaty between the
United States and Denmark.
Explanation of the Counter Project of a Treaty of
Amity and Commerce received from Denmark, 130]
Giacomo F. Crocco to B. Franklin. Cadiz, July
15th, 1783, 135
Informing him that the Emperor of Morocco is ready to
enter into a treaty with the United States.
To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, July 22d, 1783, 136
Justifies the signature of the Provisional Treaty without
communicating to the French Court.--Expresses
his confidence in France.--Contrary opinion of one
of his colleagues.--Reason for striking a commercial
article out of the preliminaries proposed.--Advantages
of free trade.--Moderation of France.--The
Ambassador of Portugal desires to form a treaty
with the United States.--Correspondence with the
Danish Minister.--Inclination of Saxony and Prussia
to engage in the American commerce.--Affair
of the Bon Homme Richard.--Recommends his
grandson for the diplomatic service.--General desire
of the European powers to engage in commerce
with the United States.--The American constitutions
translated into French, produce a favorable
effect.--Dangers from the Barbary powers.--Kindness
of Mr Wren to the American prisoners
near Portsmouth.
Plan of a Treaty with Portugal, 150
Enclosed in the preceding.
From the Pope's Nuncio to B. Franklin, 158
Proposing the appointment of an Apostolical Vicar
Bishop in the United States.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Aug. 16th, 1783, 159
The English Ministry reject the propositions of the
Commissioners and of their own Ministers.--Propose
the preliminaries slightly changed as a definitive
treaty.--The other Commissioners are inclined
to sign this.
M. de Rayneval to B. Franklin. Versailles, August
29th, 1783, 160
Count de Vergennes consents to the signing the treaty
at Paris instead of Versailles.
To the President of Congress. Passy, August 31st,
1783, 161
The English Ministry have agreed to sign the articles
formerly proposed as a definitive treaty.
To David Hartley. Passy, September 6th, 1783, 161
Expresses his esteem for Mr Fox.--Intelligence of the
American people.--Their misunderstandings much
exaggerated.--Complains of the delay in evacuating
New York.
To John Jay. Passy, September 10th, 1783, 163
Quotes a letter from America, which accuses him of
favoring France, in her opposition to granting the
fishery, and the whole territory demanded by the
Americans.--Appeals to Mr Jay for the falsehood
of the assertion.
John Jay to B. Franklin. Passy, Sept, 11th, 1783, 164
Dr Franklin agreed and acted with the other Commissioners
respecting the boundaries and fisheries.--On former occasions
he had also maintained the same claims on these points.
John Adams to B. Franklin. Passy, September
13th, 1783, 165
Dr Franklin agreed with the other Commissioners in
the management of the negotiation.
To the President of Congress. Passy, September
13th, 1783, 166
Relations with Morocco; with Portugal.--False reports
of disunion, &c. in the United States injurious
to the American cause.--Count de Vergennes
refuses to sign the Definitive Treaty with England
before that between England and the United States
was signed.
To Lewis R. Morris. Passy, Sept. 14th, 1783, 169
Relative to accounts.
David Hartley to B. Franklin. Bath, September
24th, 1783, 170
Expects to receive instructions for a convention on the
basis, that American ships shall not bring foreign
manufactures into Great Britain, nor trade directly
between the West Indies and Great Britain.
To the President of Congress. Passy, September
27th, 1783, 171
Encloses a copy of the Definitive Treaty.--Expects
Mr Hartley to negotiate a treaty of commerce.
To David Hartley. Passy, October 16th, 1783, 172
Advantages of a perpetual peace between England,
France, and America.
To David Hartley. Passy, October 22d, 1783, 173
Reports of the divisions in America unfounded.
To the President of Congress. Passy, November
1st, 1783, 173
Financial difficulties of France; failure of payment by
the Caisse d'Escompte.--Relations with Sweden,
Denmark, and Portugal.--Claims of Du Calvet for
supplies to the army in Canada.
Giacomo Francisco Crocco to B. Franklin. Cadiz,
November 25th, 1783, 176
Informs Dr Franklin that he is appointed by the
Emperor of Morocco to conduct to that Court the Minister
of the United States.--Demands $1500 for his expenses to Paris.
To William Carmichael. Passy, Dec. 15th, 1783, 177
Accounts of the proceedings and demands of M. Crocco.
To Giacomo Francisco Crocco. Passy, December
15th, 1783, 179
Mr Jay is the suitable person for M. Crocco's application.
To the President of Congress. Passy, December
25th, 1783, 180
Mr Hartley refuses to go to Versailles to sign the
Definitive Treaty.--Ill will of the British Court towards
America.--Has the American constitutions
translated in French, which produce a favorable
impression.--Relations with Denmark, Portugal, Morocco,
and Germany.--The expense of Commodore Jones's expedition
paid entirely by the King of France.
To Robert Morris. Passy, Dec. 25th, 1783, 187
Unreasonableness of the complaints against taxes.--Property
is the creature of society.--Lafayette has conferences with
the Ministers, relative to the new commercial regulations.
To the President of Congress. Passy, December
26th, 1783, 188
Recommends Mr Hodgson as Consul in London.
David Hartley to B. Franklin. London, March 2d,
1784, 189
Promises to apply for the despatch of the ratification
of the treaty by Great Britain, on the arrival of that
by Congress.
To Charles Thompson. Passy, March 9th, 1784, 190
Ratifications exchanged with Sweden.--Receives numerous
applications from persons wishing to settle in the
United States.
To the President of Congress. Passy, May 12th,
1784, 191
Mr Hartley arrives to exchange ratifications of the
Definitive Treaty.--Proclamation relative to American
commerce with the British colonies.--Proposed
regulations of the commerce with the French colonies.
David Hartley to B. Franklin. Paris, June 1st,
1784, 192
Defects of form in the ratification of the treaty by
Congress.
To David Hartley. Passy, June 2d, 1784, 193
Answers to the objections made in the preceding letter.
To the President of Congress. Passy, June 16th,
1784, 196
Symptoms of resentment against America on the part
of Great Britain.
Consular Convention, 198
Consular convention between France and the United
States.
To Count de Mercy Argenteau. Passy, July 30th,
1784, 208
Dr Franklin, Mr Jefferson, and Mr Adams are appointed
to negotiate a treaty of commerce with the
empire.
Count de Mercy Argenteau to B. Franklin. Paris,
July 30th, 1784, 209
Assures Dr Franklin of the disposition of the Emperor
to form commercial connexions with the United
States.
Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
August 27th, 1784, 210
Requesting a declaration, in an official form, that Congress
will in no case treat any nation more favorably than France
in commercial privileges.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Sept. 3d, 1784, 210
Transmits a Resolution of Congress, declaring that no
people shall be placed on more advantageous ground
in the commerce with the United States than the
French subjects.
Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
September 9th, 1784, 211
Expresses the satisfaction of the King with the resolution
of Congress, contained in the preceding letter.--The
United States shall enjoy a complete reciprocity in France.
Count de Mercy Argenteau to B. Franklin. Paris,
September 28th, 1784, 211
The Emperor has agreed to the propositions of Congress
concerning commercial regulations between
the two powers.
To Charles Thompson. Passy, October 16th, 1784, 212
The Commissioners have made propositions of treating
to all the European powers.
To Charles Thompson. Passy, Nov. 11th, 1784, 213
To the President of Congress. Passy, February 8th,
1785, 213
Receives the Resolve of Congress, respecting the Consular
convention, too late to suspend the signing.
To the President of Congress. Passy, April 12th,
1785, 214
Introducing M. de Chaumont, the younger.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, May 3d, 1785, 215
Informs him that he has received permission to return
to America.
M. de Rayneval to B. Franklin. Versailles, May
8th, 1785, 216
Regrets to hear of his approaching departure from
France.
To John Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Passy,
May 10th, 1785, 216
Prepares for his return to America.
To Charles Thompson. Passy, May 10th, 1785, 217
Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles,
May 22d, 1785, 217
Regrets his intended departure for the United States.--Assures
him of the esteem of the King.
To Thomas Barclay. Passy, June 19th, 1785, 218
Relative to his charges for salary as Minister Plenipotentiary.
M. de Castries to B. Franklin. Versailles, July 10th,
1785, 220
Would have ordered a frigate for Dr Franklin, had
he sooner known of his intention of leaving France.
To John Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Philadelphia,
September 19th, 1785, 220
Informs him of his arrival in the United States.--Signs
a treaty of commerce and friendship with
Prussia before leaving Europe.
To Mr Grand, banker at Paris. Philadelphia, July
11, 1786, 222
Requests information concerning the gift of three millions
of livres from the King, of which only two millions
appear in the accounts.
M. Durival to Mr Grand. Versailles, August 30th,
1786, 223
The King's gift amounted to three millions, independently
of the million advanced to the United States
by the Farmers-General.
M. Durival to Mr Grand. Versailles, September
5th, 1786, 224
Declines communicating to him the receipt taken for
the first million advanced by the King, June 10th,
1776.
Mr Grand to B. Franklin. Paris, Sept. 9th, 1786, 224
States that he received only three millions; the first
million having been advanced previous to his appointment.
M. Durival to Mr Grand. Versailles, September
10th, 1786, 225
The Minister still persists in declining to communicate
the receipt for the first million to Mr Grand.
Mr Grand to B. Franklin. Paris, Sept. 12th, 1786, 226
Professes himself unable to discover who received the
first million.
To Charles Thompson. Philadelphia, January 27th,
1787, 226
Conjectures that the million advanced June 10th, 1776,
must have been delivered to Beaumarchais.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November
29th, 1788, 228
Requesting the settlement of his accounts, which have
been three years before Congress, it having been
asserted in the newspapers that he is indebted to
the United States.
* * * * *
JOHN ADAMS' CORRESPONDENCE.
Committee of Foreign Affairs to John Adams. York,
in Pennsylvania, December 3d, 1777, 241
Enclosing his commission as Commissioner to France.
To Henry Laurens, President of Congress. Braintree,
December 23d, 1777, 242
Accepting his appointment as Commissioner.
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Braintree,
December 24th, 1777, 243
Acknowledging the receipt of his commission, with
other documents accompanying.
To Samuel Adams. Passy, May 21st, 1778, 244
State of Europe.--Disposition of the powers towards
America.--Affairs of the United States in France
in great confusion.--Expenses of the Commissioners.
(Information on this subject in the note, p. 245.)--Proposes
remedies.
To the Commercial Committee. Passy, May 24th,
1778, 248
American affairs in France in great confusion; attended
with much delay and expense.--Remedies proposed.
To James Lovell. Passy, July 9th, 1778, 250
The ratification of the treaty with France gives great
satisfaction in that country.--War between France
and England appears inevitable.--Effect of the war
of Bavarian succession on the policy of Germany.
To James Lovell. Passy, July 26th, 1778, 251
Mr Deane's claims, services, and complaints.--Victories
of the army the best negotiators in Europe.
To the President of Congress. Passy, July 27th,
1778, 254
Policy of England to separate America from France.
To Samuel Adams. Passy, July 28th, 1778, 256
British Commissioners authorised to offer independence
to America, on condition of her breaking off
her connexions with France.--America is bound by
alliances to reject such proposals.--The proximity
of the British colonies to the United States will always
render Great Britain an enemy.--France and
America reciprocally important to each other.--The
alliance of France will secure the rest of the continent.--Necessity
of imposing taxes in the United States to support the national
credit.
To James Warren. Passy, August 4th, 1778, 259
The proceedings of Congress relative to the Conciliatory
Bills, ratification of the treaty, answer to the
Commissioners, &c. produce a favorable effect in
Europe.--Expresses his abhorrence of the idea of
infidelity to France.--Dangers to the Protestant religion
from the French alliance imaginary.--Probable
effects of the separation of America on the power of
Great Britain.
To Richard Henry Lee. Passy, Aug. 5th, 1778, 262
Necessity of taxation to support the national credit.--
Dissensions among the American agents.
To Henry Laurens, President of Congress. Passy,
August 27th, 1778, 266
To the President of Congress. Passy, September
7th, 1778, 266
Great preparations of Spain; their object is unknown.
To the President of Congress. Passy, September
11th, 1778, 267
To M. Ray de Chaumont. Passy, Sept. 15th, 1778, 268
Requesting him to fix the rent of his house, occupied
by Mr Adams and Dr Franklin.
M. Ray de Chaumont to John Adams. Passy,
September 18th, 1778, 269
Declines receiving any compensation for his house.
To the President of Congress. Passy, September
20th, 1778, 270
The American refugees in England encourage the notion,
that another campaign will compel the colonies to return
to submission.--The marine and finances of England are in
a miserable condition.
To Ralph Izard. Passy, September 25th, 1778, 271
Agriculture the most essential interest of America, even
in Massachusetts.--Evils of the fisheries; they promote
luxury, and injure morals; are useful as a
source of naval power.
To Ralph Izard. Passy, October 2d, 1778, 274
Relative to the insertion of the words 'indefinite and
exclusive' in the tenth article of the Treaty of Amity
and Commerce.
To the President of Congress. Passy, October 2d,
1778, 277
Committee of Foreign Affairs to John Adams.
Philadelphia, October 28th, 1778, 277
Requests him to keep the Commissioners at the other
Courts informed of all events in America.
To the President of Congress. Passy, December
3d, 1778, 278
The opinion that the English intend to withdraw from
the United States, unfounded.--The British power
there must be destroyed.
To Elbridge Gerry. Passy, December 5th, 1778, 279
Reserve of the French Ministry towards the Commissioners.--
Dissensionsof the Commissioners.
To the President of Congress. Passy, December
6th, 1778, 281
Enclosing the King's speech.
To Roger Sherman. Passy, December 6th, 1778, 282
Value and dangers of the connexion with France.
To the President of Congress. Passy, December
8th, 1778, 283
Plan of the British to prosecute the war by devastating
the country.--The war is not a ministerial but a
national one.
The Commissioners to John Paul Jones. Passy,
May 25th, 1778, 284
Congratulations on his successes.--Prospect of obtaining
an exchange of prisoners.--Refuse the payment of his bill
of exchange drawn on the Commissioners.--Offer to furnish
his men with slops.
The Commissioners to John Paul Jones. Passy,
June 3d, 1778, 287
Desiring the release of Lieut. Simpson under arrest for
disobeying orders.
The Commissioners to Lieut. Simpson, of the Ranger.
Passy, June 3d, 1778, 288
The Commissioners have requested Captain Jones to
set him at liberty.
To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Passy, February
1st, 1779, 289
Difficult to obtain a loan in Europe.
To Samuel Adams. Passy, February 14th, 1779, 290
Expresses his satisfaction with the appointment of Dr
Franklin as Minister Plenipotentiary to France.--Disputes
of the former Commissioners.--The French Court and nation
unanimous in support of American independence.--The policy
of France popular in Europe.--Discontents in Great Britain.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Feb. 16th, 1779, 294
The recall of his commission has rendered unnecessary
the conference he had requested with the Minister
relative to Mr Deane's address.
To the Marquis de Lafayette. Passy, February
21st, 1779, 295
Financial difficulties of America would be remedied by
relieving the country of the necessity of supporting
large forces; the naval superiority of France in the
American seas would easily effect this relief.
Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles,
February 21st, 1779, 298
Desires an interview with Mr Adams, to express the
satisfaction of the King with his conduct.
To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Feb. 27th, 1779, 299
Expresses his sense of the King's indulgent sentiments.
To John Jay, President of Congress. Passy, February
27th, 1779, 299
Intends to return to America.--Tumults in Great Britain.--Little
prospect of obtaining a loan in Europe.--Economy and taxation
necessary to relieve the financial difficulties.
To John Jay, President of Congress. Passy, March
1st, 1779, 302
Conditions of the British loan.
M. de Lafayette to John Adams. St Germain,
April 9th, 1779, 303
Asks leave to send a French officer to America with
Mr Adams.
To Arthur Lee. L'Orient, June 9th, 1779, 305
Relative to the charges made against Mr Lee.
To the President of Congress. Braintree, August
3d, 1779, 307
Returns home in the Sensible, in company with M. de
la Luzerne.--Character of the Minister, Luzerne;
of the Secretary to the Embassy, Marbois.
To the President of Congress. Braintree, August
4th, 1779, 311
View of the state of Europe.--France.--War of Bavarian
succession.--Great Britain.--Holland.--Spain.--Portugal.--German
States.--Austria.--Prussia.--The northern powers.--Italy.
To James Lovell. Braintree, August 13th, 1779, 325
Enclosing letters concerning Count de Vergennes and
Arthur Lee.
To the President of Congress. Braintree, September
10th, 1779, 326
Requesting a copy of the complaints, evidences,
witnesses, &c. reported by a Committee of Congress to
exist against the Commissioners.
To the President of Congress. Boston, September
23d, 1779, 327
To James Lovell. Braintree, October 17th, 1779, 328
Regrets Mr Lee's recall.--Denies Mr Izard's charges.
To Samuel Huntington, President of Congress.
Braintree, October 19th, 1779, 331
British whale fishery on the South American coast.--The
crews American prisoners of war.
To Samuel Huntington, President of Congress.
Braintree, October 20th, 1779, 333
Present of an engraving of the exploit of William Tell
for each State from Mr Schweighauser.
To the President of Congress. Braintree, October
21st, 1779, 333
Advantages of convoys for the American trade; of
maintaining a superiority of naval power in the
American seas.
To Henry Laurens. Braintree, Oct. 25th, 1779, 335
His appointment as Commissioner not sought by him.--Opinion
of Colonel Laurens's abilities.--Difficulties at Philadelphia.
To the President of Congress. Braintree, November
4th, 1779, 337
Accepting the commission of Minister for negotiating
peace and commerce with Great Britain.
Instructions for a treaty of peace with Great Britain, 339
Instructions for a treaty of commerce with Great
Britain, 342
To the President of Congress. Braintree, November
7th, 1779, 344
Transmits a copy of the letter book of the Commissioners
at the Court of Versailles.
To B. Franklin. Ferrol, December 8th, 1779, 345
Informs him of his arrival at Ferrol, being obliged to
put in there, in consequence of a leak.
To the President of Congress. Ferrol, December
11th, 1779, 346
Arrival at Ferrol.--Attentions of the Spanish and
French officers.
To the President of Congress. Corunna, December
16th, 1779, 348
Disposition of Spain.--Report of the intended mediation
of Russia on the basis of independence.
To the Governor of Corunna. Corunna, December
18th, 1779, 351
Names of the persons for whom Mr Adams wishes for
passports to Bayonne.
M. de Sartine to John Adams. Versailles, December
31st, 1779, 352
To the President of Congress. Bilboa, January
16th, 1780, 352
Sketch of the northwestern provinces of Spain.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, Feb. 12th, 1780, 360
Informs him of his mission.--Intends to take no measures
without consulting the French Ministers.--Requests advice as
to the course to be pursued in making known his mission.
To M. de Sartine. Paris, February 13th, 1780, 363
Thanks for his being permitted a passage in the Sensible.
Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles,
February 15th, 1780, 363
Advises him to conceal the object of his commission
for a time.
To the President of Congress. Paris, February
15th, 1780, 364
Arrives in Paris.--Has a conference with the French
Ministers.--Supplies to be sent from France.--Preparations
of England.
To the President of Congress. Paris, February
17th, 1780, 366
Supplied with money by M. Lagoanere at Corunna.
To the Marquis de Lafayette. Paris, February
18th, 1780, 368
Requesting information concerning the reports circulated
by the British, of their preparations for the ensuing campaign.
To M. Genet, First Secretary for the department of
Foreign Affairs. Paris, February 18th, 1780, 370
Same subject as the preceding.
M. de Lafayette to John Adams. Paris, February
19th, 1780, 371
The accounts of the British abovementioned are without
foundation.
To the President of Congress. Paris, February
19th, 1780, 373
False reports circulated by the British as to their
means for the next campaign.--Naval preparations of
France.--The importance of the colonies in maintaining
the naval supremacy of Great Britain, will render her
averse to a peace.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, Feb. 19th, 1780, 376
His instructions contain nothing inconsistent with the
treaty between France and the United States.
M. Genet to John Adams. Versailles, February
20th, 1780, 377
Falsehood of the British reports mentioned pp. 368, 370.
To the President of Congress. Paris, February
20th, 1780, 378
Exaggeration of the English successes in South America
and the United States.--Account of his proceedings
in France.--Application of England to Russia
rejected.
To John Jay, Minister Plenipotentiary at Madrid.
Paris, February 22d, 1780, 380
Congratulates him on his arrival.--Communication
with America more easy from Spain than from France.
To the President of Congress. Paris, February
23d, 1780, 382
Transmitting French journals; gives their character.
To Samuel Adams. Paris, February 23d, 1780, 383
Committees of Correspondence established in England.--Naval
preparations of France.--Supplies for the American army
from that power.
To General James Warren. Paris, Feb. 23d, 1780, 385
French naval force at sea, and preparing at Brest.--British
resources.
Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles,
February 24th, 1780, 386
Expresses himself satisfied with Mr Adams's powers
and instructions.--Advises secrecy in regard to his
powers for negotiating a treaty of commerce.--His
mission to negotiate a peace will be publicly announced.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, February 25th,
1780, 388
Promises to comply with the advice contained in the
preceding letter.
To the President of Congress. Paris, February
25th, 1780, 388
Committees of Correspondence formed in Ireland and
England.
To the President of Congress. Paris, February
27th, 1780, 389
Preparations at Brest composed of land and sea forces.--Violence
of parties in England.--Seizure of Dutch ships by the English
alienates the Dutch.
To Dr Cooper of Boston. Paris, Feb. 28th, 1780, 392
The Americans must not indulge the hope of peace.
To the President of Congress. Paris, February
29th, 1780, 393
M. Genet translates the American constitutions.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 3d,
1780, 394
Character of Admiral Rodney.--Intends to adopt a system of
devastation on the American coast.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 4th,
1780, 395
Successes of Admiral Rodney.--French naval force.
To Samuel Adams. Paris, March 4th, 1780, 399
Mr Izard's views of the policy to be adopted at the French
Court.--Mr Adams's opinions different.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 8th,
1780, 400
Is presented at Court.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 8th,
1780, 401
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 10th,
1780, 401
Rodney's successes.
To the President of Congress. Passy, March 12th,
1780, 403
Quotes an observation of M. de Mably concerning the
establishment of the English empire of the sea.--The
Americans must produce a balance of power by
sea.--English naval force.
To Edmund Jennings. Paris, March 12th, 1780, 407
Chatham's doctrine of a constitutional impossibility of
acknowledging the independence of America.--Effects
of the interposition of France and Spain on the
acknowledgment.
To the President of Congress. Passy, March 14th,
1780, 411
Clinton's expedition.--State of affairs in England and
Ireland.
To the President of Congress. Passy, March 14th,
1780, 414
English forces.
To James Lovell. Paris, March 16th, 1780, 415
Refugees.--His accounts.--Reason of avoiding giving
accounts of the state of affairs in France.--Approves
the plan of distinct ministers.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 18th,
1780, 418
French military preparations.--Armed neutrality of
the northern powers.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 19th,
1780, 420
British fleet in the channel.--Reported capture of despatches
from the Court of France.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 20th,
1780, 422
Transmits the Morning Post and the General Advertiser.--Virulence
of parties.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, March 21st, 1780, 423
Informing the Minister that his presentation at Court
has not been announced.
To William Lee. Paris, March 21st, 1780, 424
Rumors of change in the British Ministry.--A truce
impossible.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 23d,
1780, 426
The abolition of the Board of Trade and Plantations
carried against the Ministry.--The opposition are
disposed only to a separate treaty.--The fatal
consequences of a truce to America.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 24th,
1780, 429
Discussions on salaries of colonial officers, and pensions
of refugees.--Requests instructions as to compensations
to the refugees in case of negotiations; and whether the
citizens of each power shall have the right of citizens in
the dominions of the other.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 24th,
1780, 431
Account of Admiral Rodney's cruise. Preparations
in Spain.--Dissensions in England.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 26th,
1780, 435
Free commerce with the colonies granted to Ireland.--Proceeding
in the Irish Parliament thereon.--State of Ireland.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 29th,
1780, 440
Affairs of Holland.--History of the dispute with England.
Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles,
March 30th, 1780, 443
Presentations of Ministers are not announced in the
Gazette de France.--Proposes to announce it in the
Mercure.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, March 30th,
1780, 444
Approves the announcement of his presentation in the
Mercure.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 30th,
1780, 445
Explains the reason, why his presentation was not
announced in the Gazette.--Does not approve of
the concealment of his powers to treat of commerce.
To the President of Congress. Paris, March 30th,
1780, 446
Dispute between the Irish volunteers and the royal
troops at Dublin.
To Arthur Lee, at L'Orient. Paris, March 31st,
1780, 448
Difficulties between the Commissioners.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 3d,
1780, 449
Policy of the Stadtholder.--Inclination of the Dutch
nation.--Petition to their High Mightinesses to equip
a naval force.--Memorial of Sir J. Yorke.--Answer
of the States-General.--Reply of Sir J. Yorke.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 3d,
1780, 458
Memorial of the Congress of County Committees recommending
reforms in the expenditure, in elections, annual Parliaments,
&c.--Proceedings of particular committees thereon.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 4th,
1780, 465
Attack of an English privateer on a Swedish frigate.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 6th,
1780, 466
Decree of the Admiralty in the case of a Dutch ship,
captured by an English man-of-war, while sailing
for a French port, loaded with naval stores under a
Dutch convoy.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 7th,
1780, 473
Rumors of an armed neutrality of the northern powers.--Violations
of the neutrality of the Turkish waters by the English and
French naval forces.--Representations of the Porte.--Sentiments
of Russia on the English attack of the Dutch convoy.
To William Carmichael, Secretary of the American
Embassy at Madrid. Paris, April 8th, 1780, 480
Reason for the delays of Spain.--Events in America.--State
of England.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 8th,
1780, 483
List of the naval losses of the English since the beginning
of the war.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 10th,
1780, 484
Proceedings of England and Holland relative to the
granting of convoys to Dutch ships.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 10th,
1780, 488
Memorial of the Russian Envoy, Prince Gallitzin, to the
States General, communicating the declaration of
his Court to the belligerent powers, and inviting the
concurrence of the States.--The declaration mentioned
in the foregoing Memorial, asserting the determination
of Russia to protect her subjects in the rights of neutrals,
nd proposing to establish the principles that free ships
make free goods; that an efficient force is necessary to
constitute a blockade, &c.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 11th,
1780, 493
Proceedings of the counties, &c. in England in favor
of reforms.--Resolutions of the county of York in
favor of economical and parliamentary reform, of
triennial parliaments, and condemning the carrying
on of the war in America.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 14th,
1780, 497
Violations of neutrality.--Prospect of an armed neutrality
of the north.--Proceedings in Holland.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 15th,
1780, 501
Quotations from the European papers.--From an English
paper proposing the independence of the United States,
the giving up of Nova Scotia and Canada.--Russia gives
notice to France that she is arming to protect her neutrality.
To M. de Sartine. Paris, April 16th, 1780, 507
THE
CORRESPONDENCE
OF
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN,
COMMISSIONER AND MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY TO THE COURT OF FRANCE, AND
COMMISSIONER FOR NEGOTIATING A PEACE.
THE
CORRESPONDENCE
OF
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED.
* * * * *
COUNT DE VERGENNES TO B. FRANKLIN.
Translation.
Versailles, August 23d, 1782.
Sir,
I have received the letter you did me the honor of writing to me on
the 9th instant, as well as the memorial enclosed in it. I
communicated the paper to the Marquis de Castries, and I make no
doubt, but that the Minister will take into consideration its
contents, as far as circumstances will permit. We are desirous to
adopt every measure, that may tend to the prosperity of the commerce
established between France and the United States, and we shall neglect
nothing to accomplish this object to the universal satisfaction of the
two countries. Congress will greatly facilitate our labor, if they
will communicate their ideas and wishes on this subject; and I make
the request with greater confidence, as I am convinced that that
assembly desires as much as we do to establish, on an advantageous and
solid basis, the commercial concerns between France and America.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DE VERGENNES.
* * * * *
THOMAS TOWNSHEND TO RICHARD OSWALD.
Whitehall, September 1st, 1782.
Sir,
I have received and laid before the King your letters of the 17th,
18th, and 21st ultimo; and I am commanded to signify to you his
Majesty's approbation of your conduct in communicating to the American
Commissioners the fourth article of your instructions; which could not
but convince them, that the negotiation for peace, and the cession of
independence to the Thirteen United Colonies, were intended to be
carried on and concluded with the Commissioners in Europe.
Those gentlemen having expressed their satisfaction concerning that
article, it is hoped they will not entertain a doubt of his Majesty's
determination to exercise, in the fullest extent, the powers with
which the act of Parliament has invested him, by granting to America,
full, complete, and unconditional independence, in the most explicit
manner, as an article of treaty.
T. TOWNSHEND.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Passy, September 3d, 1782.
Sir,
I have just received yours, No. 13, dated the 23d of June. The
accounts of the general sentiments of our people, respecting
propositions from England, and the rejoicings on the birth of the
Dauphin, give pleasure here; and it affords me much satisfaction to
find the conduct of Congress approved by all who hear or speak of it,
and to see all the marks of a constantly growing regard for us, and
confidence in us, among those in whom such sentiments are most to be
desired.
I hope the affair of Captain Asgill was settled as it ought to be, by
the punishment of Lippincott. Applications have been made here to
obtain letters in favor of the young gentleman. Enclosed I send you a
copy of the answer I gave to that made to me.
I had before acquainted M. Tousard, that his pension would be paid in
America, and there only, it being unreasonable to expect that Congress
should open a Pay Office in every part of the world, where pensioners
should choose to reside. I shall communicate to him that part of your
letter.