me, containing the offer which that Assembly has been pleased to make
of the ship America, to be joined to his Majesty's fleet. I have the
honor of sending you a note, in answer to this communication. Whatever
may be the result of this offer, I entreat you, Sir, to be persuaded,
that my Court will be very sensible of the kindness of it, and as an
individual, I am very desirous that this vessel should join the fleet
of the King.[8]
I am, with the most sincere respect, Sir, &c.
LUZERNE.
FOOTNOTES:
[8] _In Congress, September 3d, 1782._ "Whereas the Magnifique, a
seventyfour gun ship belonging to the fleet of his Most Christian
Majesty, commanded by the Marquis de Vaudreuil, has been lately lost
by accident in the harbor of Boston, and Congress are desirous of
testifying on this occasion to his Majesty, the sense they entertain
of his generous exertions in behalf of the United States;
"Resolved, That the Agent of Marine be, and he is hereby instructed,
to present the America, a seventyfour gun ship, in the name of the
United States, to the Chevalier de la Luzerne, for the service of his
Most Christian Majesty."
* * * * *
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Office of Foreign Affairs, September 12th, 1782.
Sir,
I have been honored by your favor of the 4th instant.[9] I have taken
measures to obtain from the State of Pennsylvania the law you
mention, which may be necessary to give validity to the eleventh
Article of the treaty of amity and commerce.
The demand upon the State of Georgia shall be transmitted as soon as
possible, and I doubt not, that they will see that full justice is
done to the gentlemen in whose behalf you make the representation.
As it appears clearly from the state of facts transmitted by Count de
Durat, that the vessel taken by Mr Clintock and his associates is
lawful prize, agreeably to the marine laws of this country, I shall
renew my instances upon this subject, and direct Dr Franklin to apply
to your Court for redress; I must, therefore, again request your aid
in promoting this claim in that channel, in which you observe, that it
ought in future to be made.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
FOOTNOTES:
[9] Missing.
* * * * *
THE MARQUIS DE VAUDREUIL TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Translation.
Boston, September 20th, 1782.
Sir,
I have received with the greatest satisfaction the letter, with which
your Excellency honored me on the 5th instant, with the copy of the
resolution of Congress relative to the present, made by Congress to
the King's navy, of the ship America. The eagerness of the United
States to replace the Magnifique, which was lost without hope of being
relieved, and the cordial manner in which they have offered the
America, induce me to accept this vessel with much gratitude. I shall
take care that she is promptly armed, and that she joins his Majesty's
squadron. M. de Macarty de Marteigne, who will command her, will go to
Portsmouth today for that purpose, and I have given orders to the
vessels in that port, to furnish him with all the assistance that he
may need.
I shall enjoy the honor, with which I feel much flattered, of
numbering among my ships, this mark of the friendship and regard of
our allies.
I have the honor to be, &c.
VAUDREUIL.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, September 23d, 1782.
Sir,
The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has received
orders to communicate to Congress, many details relative to the
negotiation for peace. He is desirous, that a committee should be
appointed to receive these communications, and he will, at the same
time, have the honor of informing Congress of some circumstances,
which concern the common cause, and relate to the actual situation of
affairs in Europe.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Head Quarters, September 24th, 1782.
Sir,
Sundry accounts from New York having reached me, informing me that the
British were more than meditating an enterprise against the squadron
of the Marquis de Vaudreuil, which they have learned is at present in
two detachments in Boston and Portsmouth harbors, and that
preparations were making for that purpose, I have made the Marquis
acquainted with this intelligence, and the probability of such an
event.
At the same time that I gave this information to the French Admiral, I
have written a letter to Governor Hancock, requesting that
arrangements may be made with the militia of his State, in such manner
as to give immediate and effectual support, in aid and protection of
his Most Christian Majesty's ships, in case an attempt should be made
upon them.
The like information I shall give to the Governor of the State of New
Hampshire, and request similar assistance from him, in case of the
enemy approaching near Portsmouth.
With the highest regard and esteem, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
* * * * *
COMMUNICATION OF THE FRENCH MINISTER TO A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS.
In Congress, September 24th, 1782.
The committee appointed to hold a conference with the Chevalier de la
Luzerne, Minister of France, in pursuance of his note to Congress of
the 23d, report;
That yesterday your committee held a conference with the Minister of
France, agreeably to the said appointment, the substance of which
consisted in the communication of advices lately received by the said
Minister of France, from his Excellency the Count de Vergennes, as
follows.
The Minister informed the committee he had received several despatches
from his Court, of which he thought it his duty to communicate an
extract to Congress.
The first was dated 9th April last. It expressed the opinion of the
Count de Vergennes, that the Court of St James had formed a design to
make a separate peace with one or more of the powers at war with it.
That France was perfectly easy with respect to the disposition of
Congress; and that the uniformity and steadfastness of their conduct
did not leave the least doubt with regard to the part they would take
in this circumstance. That the steps the King had taken on a similar
occasion, and the disappointment of several British emissaries, was
already known to Congress. That they had met with the same reception
at Madrid; and there was the greatest probability, that their
intrigues would not be more successful at the Hague. The Minister of
France observed, that the glory and honor of the present confederacy,
of which his Majesty was the centre, would be their having been
inaccessible to artifice; and this extraordinary instance would be
crowned with success, if the four powers persisted invariably in a
firm attachment to their union, and if, on the one hand, making the
greatest exertions to procure the completest satisfaction, they, on
the other hand, confined themselves within such bounds of moderation
as would give no umbrage to any one of the powers at war with Great
Britain.
That the King had, in different circumstances, taken the proper
measures to deprive the enemy of all hopes, which they might have
formed of introducing dissensions between his Majesty and his allies.
That it was to be wished, that the Court of London was fully convinced
of the impossibility of treating separately with America. That this
had always been the chimerical and favorite idea of England; and that
so long as it subsisted, there would perhaps be no possibility of
treating seriously about the conditions of a peace. That their
negotiations would only be an artifice to scatter divisions among the
allies, and retard their exertions for continuing the war. That the
shortest way to put a stop to their intrigues, would be to let it be
known publicly in the most explicit manner, that the United States
neither can nor will make any peace without the concurrence of their
ally; and that if England has any overtures of peace to make to them,
the American Plenipotentiaries are sufficiently empowered to receive
them, and to negotiate a peace, if those overtures are admissible.
That this peremptory language would free Congress from all the
embarrassments, which the English Ministers could throw in the way;
that it would bring them to a sincere disposition to make peace; put
an end forever to their machinations with the mediating powers;
deprive them of the means of feeding the Parliament and people of
England with the hopes of a separate peace; and finally save the
Americans from all the difficulties, which would infallibly take place
if England were allowed to negotiate in America. It would convince
England, that the United States are not less attached to their
engagements with their ally than sensible of the respect due to the
Courts of Vienna and Petersburg, whose mediation Congress have
accepted.
The Minister added, that though the situation of the belligerent
powers, the distance of America, and the slowness and difficulty of
communication made it advantageous that the seat of negotiation should
be in Europe, and that the enemy should be informed of this
resolution, yet Congress had the fullest liberty to follow the system
which France had pointed out in her answer to the mediating powers, in
consequence of which the American Ministers might negotiate
immediately and directly, conformably to the instructions they had
received from Congress; but the negotiations of France and America
would be carried on in an equal progression, a continual and
reciprocal communication would be given, and the two treaties signed
at the same time, and one be ineffectual without the other.
The Count de Vergennes in the same despatch, gave information of the
Dutch having acknowledged the independence of America, of which
Congress are already informed.
The letters of May 2d and June 28th, urged the same point of referring
the British negotiators in America to the American Plenipotentiaries
in Europe, with this addition in the letter of May 2d, that it was now
evidently the object of Great Britain to lessen their exertions on
this continent as much as in their power, and to adopt a defensive
mode of carrying on the war; that being unable to support a double war
by land and by sea, she proposed to suspend the one in order to carry
on the other more effectually; and in case of success, to return
against the United States with redoubled efforts.
The Minister mentioned the attempts, that had been alternately made at
the Court of Versailles, and with the American Plenipotentiaries, for
a separate peace, and said, that Dr Franklin had communicated his and
Mr Adams's answers, to the British emissaries; that the King thought
them firm and consistent with the principles of the alliance, and
wished that Congress might be informed of the satisfaction they
afforded him. That to remove forever such expectations, it behooved
the wisdom of Congress to declare, that no peace but a general one
would be attended to; that when negotiations are entered into with
sincerity, the King would most readily employ his good offices in
support of the United States, in all points relating to their
prosperity; that Congress were themselves sensible of the distinction
between the conditions of justice and rigor, and those of convenience
and compliance, which depended on the good or bad situation of
affairs; that though the circumstances of the allies were very
promising, such events might happen as might make it advisable to
adopt the part of moderation.
But the best way to obtain every possible advantage, was to preserve a
perfect connexion, and to let them know, that the United States would
not only reject a separate peace, but that they would continue the war
against the common enemy by all manner of ways, until their allies
should also conclude a peace; that this declaration would convince the
British Ministers, that they would not get rid of the Americans by
merely acknowledging their independence; and that though they removed
their troops from the continent, they would be attacked wherever
found.
The despatch of the 28th of June dwelt chiefly on the negotiation; and
contained details, which the Count de Vergennes directed the Minister
to make to Congress, but which have in a great measure been already
transmitted to them by their Ministers in Europe. These details
related to the emissaries sent to Dr Franklin and Mr Adams, and their
satisfactory answers. Mr Oswald, in an interview with the Count de
Vergennes, hinted to him the desire of the Court of London, and the
necessity it was under to make peace; and received for answer, that
the King was equally disposed to make an honorable and solid peace. Mr
Oswald went to London to carry this information; returned soon, and
was immediately followed by Mr Grenville, the intimate friend of Mr
Fox.
Mr Oswald repeated to Dr Franklin the assurances of the disposition of
the Cabinet of St James; and Mr Grenville, in answer to his overtures
to the Count de Vergennes respecting the disposition of the King of
Great Britain, was informed by the express order of the King, _that
his Majesty was disposed to negotiate for peace, provided it was a
general one, and the allies and friends of his Majesty were
satisfied_. This answer was just given when the news of the action of
the 12th of April reached Europe. Nevertheless, the King of Great
Britain sent full powers to Mr Grenville to negotiate the peace with
his Majesty. In communicating them the English Agent declared, _that
the King of England, in order to facilitate peace, was disposed to
treat of the independence of the United States with his Majesty,
provided all other matters were put upon the footing of the treaty of
1763_.
To this the King answered, 1st. _That the powers of Mr Grenville were
insufficient, as they did not mention the allies of his Majesty._
2dly. _That his Majesty could not himself negotiate for the interests
of America, having no powers to this purpose; and that it became the
dignity of the King of England and of the United States to open a
direct negotiation on this subject._ 3dly. _That in order to conclude
a solid and lasting peace, it ought not to be founded upon the treaty
of Paris, but upon justice and the dignity of all the contracting
powers._
The British Ministry adopting these observations, sent new powers to
Mr Grenville, authorising him to treat with all the belligerent
powers. Mr Grenville presented to the Count de Vergennes a copy of
these powers, and declared, _that the King of England, being disposed
to acknowledge and declare directly the independence of America, it
would no longer be a conditional article of peace_. And as to France,
the English Plenipotentiary proposed _to take the treaty of Paris for
the basis, not of the peace itself, but of the negotiations which were
to be entered into_.
The Count de Vergennes, on the 21st of June, communicated to Mr
Grenville the answer of the King. In this communication his Majesty
declared his wishes for the restoration of peace, and his
satisfaction, that the King of Great Britain was disposed to treat
with all the belligerent powers, and that he intended to make a direct
acknowledgment and declaration of the independence of the United
States of America, and that this point would no longer be a
conditional Article of a general pacification. That the King consents
to adopt, according to the proposition of the King of England, the
treaty of Paris for a basis of the negotiation, not as a confirmation
of all its stipulations, but with exceptions and alterations
respecting the East Indies, Africa, the fisheries of Newfoundland, and
commercial regulations in Europe to mutual advantage. Restitution and
compensation to be treated of, when the negotiation shall be
established, with respect to which the King will be governed by the
principles of justice and moderation, which are the basis of his
policy. If these overtures are agreeable to the King of England, his
Majesty will explain himself precisely on the different points. His
Majesty expects, that his Britannic Majesty will make to all the
belligerent powers and states, without delay, such overtures as he may
think conducive to promote the negotiation as far as it respects their
interests. That no doubt may be left with respect to his Majesty's
sentiments, he declares anew, that he will neither treat nor terminate
any negotiation, unless the interests of his allies and friends shall
be conjointly discussed and determined, or separately, according to
the wishes of his Britannic Majesty and the allied and friendly powers
of his Most Christian Majesty.
Such was the state of affairs on the 28th of June, at which time there
appeared some obstructions to the negotiation, owing, as it was
believed, to the misunderstanding which prevailed among the British
Ministers. Tergiversations were discovered on the part of the British
negotiator. The bill authorising the King of England to treat with the
Colonies of America had not then passed. These uncertainties made it
essential to guard against British emissaries on the continent of
America; and to prevent with all care their admission; and to
recommend the same measure to the several Legislatures.
The Minister finished the conference by informing the committee of the
fortitude of the King on receiving the news of the action of the 12th
of April. He immediately gave orders for constructing twelve ships of
the line, the greater part of the first rate. The city of Paris and
several other cities and corporations had offered some others, and it
was expected, that the King would, in the course of the next campaign,
have twenty new ships to oppose the enemy. His Majesty was resolved
not to make the least alterations in his plans for the future
negotiation; and he exhorted his allies to the same resolution and the
same exertions.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, September 27th, 1782.
Sir,
I have the honor of sending to you a decree of his Majesty's Council
of State, made in consequence of the measures taken by Congress for
preventing the fraudulent importation of English merchandise into this
country. I desire that you would be pleased to communicate it to
Congress, in order that it may be published under the seal of
authority, and that American merchants and sailors may be informed,
that it is in their own power to procure in the ports of France, the
papers necessary for making it certain, that the English merchandise,
which they take on board, is obtained from prizes. This decree agrees
very well with the laws passed by several States, and particularly
with that passed by the Assembly of Pennsylvania during its last
session, to prevent commerce and all communication with the enemy. I
have also the honor of sending to you, Sir, the copy of a letter from
the Marquis de Vaudreuil, which I request you to be pleased to
transmit to Congress.[10]
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
FOOTNOTES:
[10] See above p. 113.
* * * * *
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, September 29th, 1782.
Sir,
I have received the letter, which your Excellency did me the honor to
write to me on the 22d of this month, with the news which accompanied
it. I beg you to accept my sincere thanks.
I have the honor to transmit you the extract of an answer, made by
express order of the King, on the 21st of June, to Mr Grenville. I
pray you to be pleased to keep it a secret; all that I can add is,
that the negotiations were still in agitation the beginning of July,
but there had been in the conduct of the British Minister many
circumstances, which led to doubt his sincerity; I believe, that even
if there had been a sincere disposition to treat, the death of the
Marquis of Rockingham had occasioned a change.
I have just received your Excellency's letter of the 24th; I cannot
but thank you for the goodness, which you have had in transmitting me
the detail, which it contains. I doubt not but M. de Vaudreuil will
profit by the advice, and put himself in a posture of defence.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia October 1st, 1782.
Sir,
I send to New York M. Barbe, who has the honor to be known to your
Excellency. The principal objects of his journey, are some
arrangements relative to the French prisoners carried into New York,
and of some Spaniards, who have been carried there also. I have
charged him to see M. de la Touche, and to give him such consolation
as depends upon me. I would at the same time wish to repurchase in New
York some effects, which I had coming from France in the Eagle, and
which I cannot replace here. I could wish you, Sir, to give all the
assistance in your power to M. Barbe's gaining admission into New York
and returning.
I am, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS ON COMMUNICATIONS MADE BY THE FRENCH
MINISTER.
In Congress, October 3d, 1782.
The committee, to whom were referred the notes of the communication
made by the Minister of France to a committee of Congress, on the 24th
of September, brought in a report, which was agreed to, as follows;
That the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Most Christian Majesty be
informed, that the communication made by the said Minister on the 24th
of September last, is considered by Congress as an additional proof of
his Majesty's magnanimity, and has confirmed those sentiments of
affection and confidence, which his wise, steady, and liberal conduct
in every stage of the war has so justly inspired.
That his Most Christian Majesty's declaration to the British Minister
at Paris, that he will neither treat nor terminate any negotiation
unless the interests of his friends and allies shall be considered and
determined, is entirely correspondent to the part, which these United
States are resolved to take in any negotiation for peace.
That Congress, with the utmost satisfaction embrace this opportunity
to renew their assurances, that in every event these United States
will inviolably adhere to their alliance with his Most Christian
Majesty, which they consider to be equally essential to their interest
and their glory.
That they will hearken to no propositions for peace, which shall not
be discussed in confidence and in concert with his Most Christian
Majesty, agreeably to the declaration made to his Minister
Plenipotentiary on the 31st day of May last.
That upon this principle, Congress did not hesitate a moment, to
reject the proposition made by the British General and Admiral, as
Commissioners of Peace, for admitting Mr Morgan, their Secretary, to
an interview at Philadelphia.
And that they are resolved to prosecute the war with vigor, until a
general peace shall be obtained, in which their allies shall be
comprehended.
That Congress place the utmost confidence in his Majesty's assurances,
that he will readily employ his good offices in support of the United
States in all points relative to their prosperity; and considering the
territorial claims of these States as heretofore made, their
participation of the fisheries, and of the free navigation of the
Mississippi, not only as their indubitable rights, but as essential to
their prosperity, they trust that his Majesty's efforts will be
successfully employed to obtain a sufficient provision and security
for those rights. Nor can they refrain from making known to his
Majesty, that any claim of restitution or compensation for property
confiscated in the several States, will meet with insuperable
obstacles, not only on account of the sovereignty of the individual
States, by which such confiscations have been made, but of the wanton
devastations, which the citizens of these States have experienced from
the enemy, and in many instances from the very persons in whose favor
such claims may be urged. That Congress trust, that the circumstances
of the allies at the negotiation for peace, will be so prosperous as
to render these expectations consistent with the spirit of moderation
recommended by his Majesty.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, October 16th, 1782.
Sir,
The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, requests Congress
to be pleased to appoint a committee, to which he proposes to
communicate some measures which are provisional, and which are to
remain secret till the moment of their execution.