Whitehall, Sept. 19th, 1787.
My dear Brother,
In Eden's account of the conversation, in which M. de Montmorin
notified to him the intention of France to assist their friends
against the Duke of Brunswick's army, he mentions that an
intimation was made of a strong wish on their part that means
might yet be found for an amicable conclusion of the business,
and a desire that the negotiation for that purpose might be
pursued with more activity than ever.
Although it is very doubtful whether this is anything more than
a _persiflage_, yet, as in their present situation their
resolution may change every hour, it has been thought, after
much consideration, that we ought so far to avail ourselves of
it, as to try whether anything can be done in this way, but, at
the same time, by no means to lessen or suspend our
preparations. One of the difficulties on this subject was Eden's
want of a competent knowledge of the points in dispute, to
enable him to discuss them thoroughly, and to bring them to
those short and distinct issues to which they must be reduced,
if anything is to be done upon them in the very little time that
now remains for negotiation. Another, and perhaps not the least
of the two, was the strong bent of his mind to admit the
assertions of the French Government, however unfounded, and to
soften our communications, in order to keep back a rupture,
which he has so great a personal interest to prevent, in
addition to those motives which we all have in common for
wishing the continuance of peace.
With a view to these considerations, I was earnestly requested
to proceed to Paris for a fortnight or three weeks, in order to
carry on this negotiation jointly with him. I have been very
unwilling to accept this commission, because my opinion of the
possibility of its success is much less sanguine than that of
others. But I am satisfied that it is the duty of Government to
leave nothing untried, however hopeless, which can enable us to
maintain our ground without having recourse to extremities. And
there is certainly, _cæteris paribus_, a better chance of doing
this with the assistance of one who is in some degree acquainted
with the particulars which are likely to come in question, and
who will most undoubtedly state explicitly the real sentiments
which are entertained here. For these reasons, I have thought
myself not at liberty to refuse, and have given a reluctant
consent.
I shall probably set out either to-morrow evening or Friday
morning. It seems best for me not to go with any ostensible
character, as that would be ridiculous in the case of my coming
back _re infectâ_ within a few days after my appointment. But in
the other much less probable event, it would, I think, be right
for me to have powers to sign with Eden.
It is, on the whole, a very hazardous undertaking, and one
which, for a variety of reasons, I would gladly have avoided. I
think I am sure to carry with me your warmest wishes for my
success; and as I know the anxiety which you feel upon it, you
may depend on hearing from me as soon as I have anything worth
communicating, either good or bad.
In the meantime, believe me, with the truest affection,
My dear brother,
Most sincerely yours,
W. W. Grenville.
P.S. There is no news, either from Harris or Eden, since I
wrote.
Two days afterwards, Mr. Grenville, in a few hasty lines, informs his
brother that he is that instant setting out for France. "Accounts were
at this moment received," he concludes, "that Utrecht and all the towns
in North Holland had surrendered to the Prussian troops; and that the
Free Corps were all called in to Amsterdam, which they talked of
defending."
The surrender of Utrecht, the stronghold of democratic zeal, literally
paralyzed the Dutch. Gorcum, Dordt, Schoonhoven, and other towns
surrendered immediately afterwards, without striking a blow. The Senate
of Amsterdam made a vain show of resistance, by passing a resolution to
suspend the office of Stadtholder; but the resolution was waste-paper.
Wherever the Prussians appeared, all opposition vanished, and the onward
progress of the Duke of Brunswick's army was literally a procession of
triumph.
We now follow Mr. Grenville to Paris.