certain quota of the past expenses, except the public
debt, should be established for each State.--Amount of
the requisitions to March 1st, 1780.--Manner of
apportioning the sums.--Accounts since March 18th,
1780.--Reasons for excepting the public debt from this
apportionment.--Suggests appropriations for the payment
of the debt.--Manner of liquidating accounts of holders
of certificates, for articles taken in the public
service.
To the Governor of Maryland. Office of Finance,
Philadelphia, August 28th, 1781, 459
Urges supplies for the operations in Virginia.
Circular to the Governors of the States. Office of Finance,
September 4th, 1781, 462
Desiring the adoption of measures facilitating the
operations of the bank.
To the Count de Rochambeau. Office of Finance, September
6th, 1781, 464
Requesting the payment of money promised, to the bearer.
To George Washington. Chester, Sept. 6th, 1781, 466
Promising a month's pay to General Lincoln's troops.
George Washington to Robert Morris. Head of the Elk,
September 6th, 1781, 467
Urging a supply of money for the troops.
George Washington to Robert Morris. Head of the Elk,
September 7th, 1781, 467
The sum promised by Rochambeau insufficient.
To George Washington. Office of Finance, September 10th,
1781, 468
Difficulty of advancing an additional sum of money.
B. Franklin to Robert Morris. Passy, September 12th, 1781, 469
Obtains the sum necessary to meet the payments in
Holland.--Cannot meet the new drafts.
To M. de la Luzerne. Office of Finance, September 20th,
1781, 471
Wishes to be allowed further time for repaying the sum
advanced by the Count de Rochambeau.
To the President of the Council of Pennsylvania. Office of
Finance, September 20th, 1781, 472
Unable to promise any assistance.
To M. de la Luzerne. Office of Finance, September 25th,
1781, 473
Amount of bills drawn on Messrs Le Couteulx & Co.--Rates
of sale.--Necessities of the United States.
To the Speaker of the Assembly of Pennsylvania. Office of
Finance, September 28th, 1781, 478
Accounts between Pennsylvania and the U. States.
To the Count de Rochambeau. Office of Finance, October 1st,
1781, 484
Reasons for not repaying the sum advanced by him.
To Major General Greene. Office of Finance, October 3d,
1781, 484
Inefficiency of the confederacy.--Funds in his hands.
To the Commissary General of Purchases. Office of Finance,
October 4th, 1781, 486
Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland, must furnish supplies.
To Messrs Le Couteulx & Co. Office of Finance, October 12th,
1781, 487
Depositing money subject to his drafts.
To the Loan Officers of the States. Office of Finance,
October 13th, 1781, 488
Requiring preparations for settling their accounts with
the United States.
To the Governor of Virginia. Philadelphia, October 16th,
1781, 489
Inadequacy of paper emissions and specific
supplies.--Necessity of a revenue in hard money.
To the President of Congress. Office of Finance, October
18th, 1781, 490
Impolicy of settling private demands on
Congress.--Estimate of sums required for immediate
service.
Circular to the Governors of the several States. Office of
Finance, October 19th, 1781, 494
Too much reliance has been placed on foreign aid.--Aid
furnished by France.--Annual expense of the
war.--Necessity of a solid revenue.--Urges a compliance
with the requisitions of Congress.
To Major General Greene, Office of Finance, November 2d,
1781, 502
Difficulty of procuring pecuniary supplies.
THE
CORRESPONDENCE
OF
C. A. DE LA LUZERNE;
MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY FROM FRANCE
TO THE UNITED STATES.
THE
CORRESPONDENCE
OF
C. A. DE LA LUZERNE.
CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, September 10th, 1781.
Sir,
The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has the honor of
communicating to Congress the commission of M. Holker, as Consul
General of France, in the States of Pennsylvania, New York, New
Jersey, and Delaware. He requests Congress to pass an act, or four
different acts, in order to procure for this Consul the _exequatur_ in
each of the States, to which his functions are to extend.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, September 18th, 1781.
Sir,
The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has the honor of
informing Congress, that he has received despatches from his Court,
containing important details relative to the communications, which
have taken place between the belligerent and mediating powers. He
wishes that Congress would be pleased to appoint a committee, to whom
he shall communicate them, and with whom he shall confer upon the
present state of affairs. He has also received orders from his Court,
relative to the advances made on account of the Thirteen States, and
concerning their finances; he will have the honor of communicating
them to Congress through a committee.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
COMMUNICATIONS OF THE FRENCH MINISTER TO CONGRESS.
In Congress, September 21st, 1781.
The committee, to whom was referred the Memorial of the Minister
Plenipotentiary of France, dated the 18th instant, requesting a
conference, report,
That they have this day held a conference with the said Minister
Plenipotentiary, and received the following communications contained
in sundry despatches from Count de Vergennes, Minister for Foreign
Affairs to his Most Christian Majesty, viz.
_From a letter of the 19th of April._--That Count de Vergennes had
transmitted to the Minister the details respecting the proposed
mediation of the Courts of Vienna and Petersburg. The Minister
observed, that this had already been communicated to Congress through
a committee. He repeated, for our recollection, that the acceptance on
the part of France of the proposed mediation depended entirely, at
that time, on the concurrence of the United States; and that with
respect to Spain, its conduct would be determined by the dissolution
of the negotiation with Mr Cumberland. That the Court of Spain had
informed the Court of London, on the first proposal of the mediation
of the Imperial Courts, that as a direct negotiation with the King of
Great Britain was opened through Mr Cumberland, a mediation was
unnecessary.
That affairs since that time had taken a different turn. Mr Cumberland
has been recalled; and the Catholic King, being now entirely at
liberty, has accepted the mediation of the two Imperial Courts. That
the King, our ally, had done the same; but that both Kings had
declared at the same time to the two mediators, that the mediation
could not possibly have any activity, without previously establishing
some fundamental preliminaries. Of this observation the two mediating
Courts had already felt the propriety. That France was then (viz. the
19th of April) expecting the effect, which this communication would
produce on the Court of London. That the first question proposed by
France, related to _the admission of an American Plenipotentiary_; and
that the object of the second was to know, _upon what footing the King
of England intended to treat with the United States_. The Court of
France, not knowing that the United States had agreed to accept the
mediation, again invite us to it.
The Minister here observed, that Congress would judge by the questions
proposed to the mediating powers, by the King his master, of the
principles, by which his Majesty was actuated with respect to the
United States. He assured us, that his Majesty is invariably resolved
to abide by those principles, and will enter into no negotiation
whatever before he shall receive a satisfactory solution of those two
questions. He added, that the French Ministry trusted, that this
conduct would more and more convince the United States, and would
cause them to imitate the example of the King, and to feel that their
honor and their interest call for their constant attachment, their
friendship, and unreserved confidence towards him.
The Count de Vergennes observes, that it is plain from these
circumstances, that the negotiation for peace will be full of
difficulties, and that it will probably be necessary, in pretensions
as well as proceedings, to be very cautious, and to act so as to
remove those difficulties, and everything, which might increase the
acrimony, to which the English Plenipotentiaries may be naturally
inclined.
_From another letter of the same date._--That when this letter was
written, the Court had received information of the sentiments of the
Court of London with respect to the United States. The Count de
Vergennes mentions, that in the act, by which the Court of London
accepts the mediation of Russia, and requests the mediation of the
Emperor, she declares, that she is ready to make peace, _as soon as
the league between France and her revolted subjects shall be
dissolved_. That this pretension had met from the Court of France the
contempt which it deserved. She on her part has declared, that if
this proposition contained the last determination of England, it would
be in vain to think of peace; and she has desired the English Ministry
to give a positive answer on the two questions above mentioned. That
this declaration had been exactly transmitted by the Court of Vienna
to that of London; and the result of the answer made by that Court to
the Imperial Majesty is, "_that in all points to be agitated in a
future Congress, England will behave with great equity and
condescension; but the dependence of her rebel subjects in America
must be pre-established, and that this matter must be left entirely to
the care of Great Britain._" That it is easily to be perceived, that
while things remain in this situation there can be no possibility of a
mediation or peace.
The Count de Vergennes remarks, that Congress will be finally
convinced, that it is only by arms and the most vigorous exertions,
that our independence can be extorted from the Court of London, and
not at all by negotiation or persuasion. That the Court of France will
transmit to the Court of Vienna the sentiments of the King on the
British answer. That if these sentiments should be forwarded to the
Court of London without any commentary, it is probable they would make
but a slight impression; but it may be hoped from the justice of his
Imperial Majesty, that they will be so supported by such reflections
as to make a greater impression on the British Court; although it is
not to be expected, that the Austrian Court will fully enter into the
views of his Most Christian Majesty, until the matter shall be more
perfectly explained. The Count, nevertheless, urges the necessity of
sending forward proper instructions and powers for the mediation.
_From a letter of the 11th of May._--That the affair of the mediation
has made no progress; and that it is very probable, that the mediators
will not be soon enabled to begin the negotiation. That the admission
of an American Plenipotentiary presents the greatest difficulties.
That the Count, however, will take every measure in his power to have
this admission decided in favor of the United States, before the
regular opening of the mediation. The Count urges the Chevalier de la
Luzerne to observe to Congress, that the best manner of removing these
obstacles would be a _decisive victory_, gained by the United States
in the present campaign.
_From a letter of the 27th of July._--Count de Vergennes observes on
an opinion, which prevailed in America, respecting the friendly
disposition of the powers of Europe towards the United States, that as
yet, not one Court had taken the least step, which manifests their
disposition towards the United States. That the Courts of Vienna and
Petersburg, having assumed the character of mediators, cannot be too
reserved. For by a different conduct they would become obnoxious to
one or other of the belligerent powers, and lose the important and
glorious part, with which they are intrusted. That it results from
these observations, that the United States ought to look upon
themselves as being still separated from all other powers; and that
they have but one professed friend, which is France; and that the
United States ought to rely principally upon their own resources.
The Count de Vergennes observes, that he has talked circumstantially
with Mr Adams on these subjects, who appeared to be satisfied with
what had been done in favor of his country. That he had communicated
to Mr Adams the preliminary overtures made by the two Imperial
Courts, as well as the intended answer of his Most Christian Majesty.
That the great or only difficulty concerns America. That France will
do all in her power to remove that obstacle, upon which depends the
activity of the mediation. That as soon as it shall be removed, or
proved to be insurmountable, proper instructions will be forwarded to
the Chevalier de la Luzerne, concerning the conduct, which the state
of affairs will require from Congress. That the Court of France had
received, with great satisfaction, information, that Congress were
disposed to trust their interest to the two mediating powers. The
Chevalier de la Luzerne is directed to inform Congress, that no use
shall be made of this disposition, in the present state of affairs;
and that it shall be communicated only when it can be done
consistently with the dignity of the United States.
_From a letter of the 19th of April._--That Mr Dana has communicated
to Count de Vergennes his appointment, and requested his advice
concerning the conduct, which circumstances demanded on his part. That
it gave the Count great pleasure to observe this proof of the
confidence, which Congress and their Ministers reposed in the
friendship and advice of his Court. That the Count informed Mr Dana,
that he would run the risk of exposing his person, and the dignity of
the United States, if he assumed any character whatsoever in Russia,
while the Empress had not acknowledged the independence of the United
States, and expected to act the part of a mediatrix, which demanded
the most perfect impartiality. That Mr Dana felt the propriety of the
observation; and proposed to the Count, that he should appear in
Russia in the character of a common traveller, keep his commission a
secret, and avoid with the greatest care to speak of business, unless
requested so to do by the Russian Ministry. That the Count fully
approved of this prudent scheme; and apprized Mr Dana of all the
difficulties he would meet with. He had him recommended to the Marquis
de Verac, Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of Petersburg; and the
Chevalier de la Luzerne is directed to assure Congress, that the
Marquis de Verac would do all in his power for Mr Dana's best
reception, and with pleasure assist him with his counsels, as often as
he should have recourse to them. That the Marquis de Verac had
communicated to the Russian Ministry the resolution of Congress,
concerning the principle of the declaration made by the Empress of
Russia to the belligerent powers. That this Envoy informs the Count de
Vergennes, that the contents of this resolution had afforded great
satisfaction to Count Panin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who intended
to submit it without delay to the perusal of the Empress. That the
Marquis de Verac did not doubt, but that she would be pleased with the
readiness of Congress to adopt that principle; and that correspondent
resolutions will have been taken respecting the navigation of the
neutrals.
_From a letter of the 29th of June._--That the accession of the State
of Maryland to the general confederation, in the opinion of the Court
of France, presents very great advantages; among which is this, that
Congress having at last acquired that power, which the act of
confederation has assigned them, it is to be expected, that their
orders will be fully and exactly executed, and that they will take
advantage of the resources of their country, to give to American
patriotism new energy. The Minister is directed to inform Congress of
the satisfaction the King has received on that account, and to tell
them at the same time, that there is the most pressing necessity to
take more effectual measures than heretofore to drive the British out
of this continent. It is thought needless to enter into details about
the circumstances, which render this measure necessary. The King
entreats the United States, as his friends, not to lose a moment in
acting as vigorously as possible against the common enemy. That
Congress cannot be particularly acquainted with the different burdens,
which France has upon her hands. She wishes to be in a situation to
continue as effectual assistance to the United States as at this
moment; but future events may happen in a manner different from what
we may expect, though nothing can change her unalterable resolution to
support the independence of her ally. The Count de Vergennes observes,
that he shall not speak any more of the non arrival of the second
division, having reason to believe from orders given to Count de
Grasse, that the delay will be judged of greater utility to the United
States, than if the announced reinforcement had been sent in the time
expected. He adds, that the Chevalier de la Luzerne had been already
informed of the causes, which had prevented a compliance with the
expectation, which he had been authorised to give.
_From a letter of the 11th of May._--That the Count de Vergennes had
been informed by the Duc de la Vauguyon, Ambassador to the United
Provinces, of the intention of Mr Adams to display his character as a
Minister of the United States in Holland. That the Duke gave him no
assistance on that occasion, knowing the application would have no
favorable issue. The Chevalier de la Luzerne is directed to inform
confidentially a committee, or Congress themselves, of these
circumstances, in order, that they may transmit to their said Minister
Plenipotentiary such instructions as they may think proper. France is
too much interested in the fate of the United States not to give them
such counsels as would have for a principal object their advantage and
their dignity.
* * * * *
At a second conference, on the 24th of September, the following
additional communications were made by the French Minister to the
committee.
_From a letter of the 19th of April, 1781._--That Count de Vergennes
remarks, that on the application of Chevalier de la Luzerne, and his
representation of the distresses of the United States, measures had
been taken for our aid when Colonel Laurens arrived. That it being
impossible for the King to comply with all Colonel Laurens's demands,
he took the resolution to offer his guarantee for ten millions of
livres tournois, to be borrowed in Holland, for account of the United
States. That the King was sensible of the wants and distresses of
Congress, and wished to relieve them; but that it ought to be
considered, that the French squadron and troops are in America for our
immediate assistance. That Count de Grasse's expedition to America
will occasion great expense; and that all those things collected
together, would go far beyond even the expectation of Congress. That
the most essential manner of showing the gratitude of the United
States would be, by making all the exertions in their power, to
co-operate in a glorious and effectual manner with the King's forces
for their own speedy deliverance.
The Count de Vergennes observes, that a part of the six millions of
livres would be employed in purchasing the different articles,
contained in a list delivered by Mr Laurens. That three millions would
be given by instalments to Dr Franklin, for the payment of bills of
exchange drawn by Congress. That a fourth million would be reserved
for unforeseen emergencies, and particularly to pay for the supplies
embarked in the ship Lafayette. That Count de Vergennes had been Dr
Franklin's security for a part of those supplies, amounting to four
hundred and seventeen thousand livres. That he is unacquainted with
the measures, which had been taken to effectuate the loan of ten
millions in Holland, that affair being in the province of M. Necker,
who probably would settle that matter with Mr Laurens, or with Mr
Adams, who at that time was still in Holland to fill up a loan of a
million florins, which he had opened several months before.
_From a letter of the 11th of May._--That Count de Vergennes informs
the Chevalier de la Luzerne, that orders had been given by the King to
have the loan of ten millions, on account of the United States,
negotiated; that the Duc de la Vauguyon had received orders to propose
it to the States of Holland, but met with insuperable difficulties,
not only because the United States had no credit in Holland, but also
because that Province was afraid of exposing itself; and that indeed
granting a loan to the United States would be the same thing as
countenancing their independence, which would be contrary to the
obligations entered into by the republic with the neutral powers; that
in order to remove this difficulty, the King had presented himself as
a principal borrower, and as being alone accountable for the sums,
which were to be furnished.
The Count adds, that he thinks these proceedings need no commentary;
and that a mere exposition of them will be sufficient to excite the
gratitude of the United States, and to engage them at last to make all
the exertions in their power. The Count flatters himself, that the
measures, which have been taken by his Court, will enable Congress to
put their finances in the best order. That the Chevalier de la Luzerne
had often written to him, that the most certain way to effectuate so
happy an event would be, to put Congress for a while out of their
distressing situation, and to enable them, by an external relief, to
take internal measures without precipitation, and with solidity. That
these considerations determined the King; and that from affection he
has done more for his ally than mere prudence would, perhaps, have
suggested to him. That the Council of the King have no doubt but this
resolution will be productive of the good effects, which the Chevalier
de la Luzerne had announced. The Count exhorts Congress to take hold
of the present circumstances for the common advantage. He thinks it
his duty freely and openly to declare, that the moment is come not to
spend the time in expectation, deliberation, and useless exhortations;
that though he would wish to avoid every disagreeable intimation,
friendship and common interest oblige France to speak without reserve,
and with perfect sincerity. That the King has done on this occasion
what he can do no more; that Congress, if well informed of the
situation of his Majesty's affairs, would be sensible that an exertion
like the present cannot be repeated; and that the Court would feel the
deepest concern, if it was under the disagreeable but indispensable
necessity of refusing the demands of an ally, whose cause is now
become its own.
_From a letter of the 14th of May._--That Count de Vergennes observes,
that Colonel Laurens had taken leave of the King, and that he ought to
be satisfied with the success of his mission, although he had not
obtained all that he demanded. That the Court of France hopes these
demands will not be renewed; for how disagreeable soever to refuse
allies whom the King sincerely loves, necessity would oblige him to
reject pecuniary demands of any kind whatsoever.