hostile position. If the negotiations produce the happy effects we
wish, I will lose no time in informing you, and knowing your humane
disposition, I think I never shall announce to you a more agreeable
event than a general peace, honorable and safe to the allies. You are
convinced how sincerely the King wishes it, and the sacrifices he has
made to obtain it will prove this.
If the treaty has been communicated to you, Sir, you will have seen
that the King of England has reserved to himself the liberty to
conclude, or not to conclude, the treaty of peace with America, so
that the act signed the 30th of November by the respective
Commissioners, is merely conditional and eventual.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, March 18th, 1783.
Sir,
I have the honor of sending you a copy of a letter, which I have
written to Mr Robert Morris. I shall soon have the honor of
communicating to you some news, which I have just received from France
by the packet boat Washington.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Head Quarters, March 19th, 1783.
Sir,
I am exceedingly obliged to your Excellency for your communication of
the 15th. The Articles of the treaty between America and Great
Britain, as they stand in connexion with a general pacification, are
so very inconclusive, that I am fully in sentiment with your
Excellency, that we should hold ourselves in a hostile position,
prepared for either alternative, peace or war.
I shall confer with the Duc de la Lauzun on the objects you are
pleased to mention; and as I have ever viewed the practice of the
States in supplying the enemy in New York with the means of
subsistence, as a very pernicious one in its tendency, both to
ourselves and to our allies, you may depend upon me to exert every
measure in my power to prevent it.
I am at all times happy in receiving any intelligence from your
Excellency, and should it be in your power to announce a general
peace, you cannot make a more pleasing communication to me.
Persuaded of the pure and benevolent intentions, which animate the
breast of his Most Christian Majesty, I am assured, if that happy
event should not result from the present negotiations, that the
failure will not rest on his part.
I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
* * * * *
MINUTES OF A VERBAL COMMUNICATION FROM THE MINISTER OF FRANCE.
Office of Foreign Affairs, March 22d, 1783.
The Minister of France, waiting upon Mr Livingston at 12 o'clock
agreeable to appointment, communicated to him a letter from the Count
de Vergennes, dated the 19th of November.
This was wholly confined to matters of finance, and contained in
substance nothing more than Congress have already seen in the letter,
written by the Minister of France to Mr Morris. He then read to Mr
Livingston a letter of the 22d of November, which related to the
satisfaction the King, his master, had received in the testimony the
United States had given of their friendship, in presenting to him the
ship America. The substance of this letter has been inserted in the
note sent to Congress the 28th instant.
The Minister also read to Mr Livingston, a letter of the 19th of
December, from the Count de Vergennes, in which he informs him, that
their treaty was not so forward as that of the Americans. Though if
his Majesty had wished it, he could have signed before the American
Plenipotentiaries, as no essential difference existed between France
and Great Britain. But that the King's delicacy induced him to wish,
that all his allies should be first satisfied, and he had accordingly
resolved to continue the war, whatever advantages might be offered
him, if Great Britain should bear hard upon any of them. That it still
remained to reconcile the interest of Spain, and those of Holland.
That he had reason to believe with relation to the first, that they
would soon be fully settled. That the foundation was already laid, and
that nothing now remained but to settle forms. That he was of opinion,
that it was for the interest of the United States to facilitate a
connexion with this power, which will be their neighbor.
That it would become the wisdom of Congress to discover moderation
with respect to them. That he is persuaded England will see with
pleasure, divisions introduced between the United States and the Court
of Madrid, and that it is probable, that they will even endeavor to
animate them one against the other. That British emissaries have been
employed to inspire Spain with apprehensions as to the ambitious views
of America. But they will now avail themselves of this intimacy with
the American Ministers, to render them suspicious of Spain, and even
to excite their resentments against her. Congress will defeat this
design by removing the difficulties, which now oppose themselves to a
union with his Catholic Majesty. That the King wishes so much to see
his allies enjoy a solid and durable peace, that in exciting the
Americans on one side to discover a more conciliatory spirit, he will
spare nothing on the other to remove the difficulties, which may be
raised by the Court of Spain. That he apprehends delays and
embarrassments from Holland. That the British Administration appear
very unfavorable to them.
The Minister of France then read to Mr Livingston another letter from
the Count de Vergennes, of the 20th of December, 1782, which contained
in substance; that peace was not yet concluded; that it was anxiously
desired by the King. That his Majesty's obligations to his allies had
not yet permitted him to pronounce with certainty as to the
termination of the war. That expecting peace, prudence required, that
the allies should act as if the war was to continue. That Congress
will judge of the manner in which they can most effectually contribute
to distress the common enemy. That in the present state of things it
would not be prudent to invite the Americans to form any direct
enterprise against the common enemy. That the Provisional Articles
would, when executed, at the general peace, put New York into the
hands of the Americans, and that Congress could judge better than they
could what part it would be expedient for them to take in the then
state of things. That proposing nothing they leave everything to their
discretion. That the Minister should however inform them, that he
could not yet determine whether they were at the eve of the war or if
another campaign must be opened. That in the latter case there were
two essential objects, on which the Minister of France should impart
to Congress the opinion of his Court, and the desires of his Majesty.
That though if their towns were evacuated the Americans could not
take an active part, yet they can compel the enemy to wish for peace,
by excluding them from all connexion with them and prohibiting under
very severe penalties, the consumption or importation of British
manufactures. That a considerable party among the British wish to form
commercial connexion with the United States. That when they shall be
convinced, that they can reap no benefit therefrom, but by a solid
definitive peace, conformable to the treaty already agreed upon, they
will become more tractable, and conclude the definitive treaty, which
will give force and vigor to the provisional articles, and set the
seal to the independence of America. That it would also be proper to
state to Congress the necessity of providing means to prevent the
sending provisions into New York, by which the British armaments are
amply supplied with fresh provisions of every kind.
That the King persuades himself, that the Legislatures of the
respective States will concur in measures for this salutary purpose,
when they shall be informed of the injury occasioned to their ally by
the want of the necessary precautions on this subject. That these
precautions will not be unnecessary if the enemy are about to abandon
New York, without which the enemy will carry with them the means of
supplying the places to which they transport their troops.
That he persuades himself, that Congress will perceive, that they are
indebted to the harmony, that has subsisted between the King and them
for the present happy state of their affairs. But that nothing being
yet concluded, the present moment is precisely that in which it is of
most importance to preserve the same system.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Head Quarters, March 29th, 1783.
Sir,
The news of a general peace, which your Excellency has been so good as
to announce to me, has filled my mind with inexpressible satisfaction;
and permit me to add, that the joy I feel on this great event is
doubly enhanced, by the very obliging manner in which you have been
pleased to express your congratulations to me and the army on this
happy occasion.
The part your Excellency has acted in the cause of America, and the
great and benevolent share you have taken in the establishment of her
independence, are deeply impressed on my mind, and will not be effaced
from my remembrance, or that of the citizens of America, but with the
latest effects of time. You will accept, Sir, my warmest
acknowledgements and congratulations, with assurances that I shall
always participate, with the highest pleasure, in every event which
may contribute to your happiness and satisfaction.
The articles of a general treaty do not appear so favorable to France,
in point of territorial acquisitions, as they do to the other powers;
but the magnanimous and disinterested scale of action, which that
great nation has exhibited to the world during this war, and at the
conclusion of peace, will insure to the King and nation that
reputation, which will be of more consequence to them, than every
other consideration.
Mrs Washington begs your Excellency to accept her sincerest thanks for
the joy you have communicated to her, and to receive a return of her
congratulations on this most happy of all events.
I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
* * * * *
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, April 10th, 1783.
Sir,
I have to inform your Excellency, that I have just received
instructions from the Minister, that in consequence of the peace, the
French troops actually here, are to be sent to France without delay.
If you see no cause to defer it, I shall accordingly take immediate
measures for their departure. I impatiently wait the arrival of the
Duc de Lauzun to give the necessary orders, as no definitive
arrangements can be made in his absence.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, April 29th, 1783.
Sir,
I wrote sometime ago to General Washington to know whether he thought
proper, that the legion of Lauzun, and the other detachments of the
army of Rochambeau, should leave this continent, in order to return to
France. According to his answer, dated the 23d inst. he entirely
approves this measure; consequently I beg you will have the kindness
to inform Congress that the departure will take place immediately.
Permit me to embrace this opportunity of assuring you, in concert with
the Duc de Lauzun, that the officers and soldiers of this army will
always recollect with pleasure the three years which they passed in
this continent, the union which has existed between the two nations,
and the hospitality with which they have been treated by the
inhabitants.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Head Quarters, May 13th, 1783.
Sir,
We are making some preparations in the army for a display of our joy
on the happy event of a general peace. The exhibition will be delayed
till the arrival of the definitive treaty. If your Excellency can make
it convenient to honor us with your company on the occasion, it will
be a great addition to our happiness.
I take the liberty to put under cover to your Excellency, several
letters, which I wish to convey to some gentlemen of your army, late
in America. If the Duc de Lauzun should have sailed before their
arrival, I shall be much obliged by your care of their conveyance by
some other good opportunity.
With great regard and respect,
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, May 19th, 1783.
Sir,
I have received the letter, with which you honored me on the 4th of
this month, and the Memorial of Mr Durham, which accompanied it. I
cannot form any opinion upon such a statement, and I shall be unable
to know whether the complaints are just, before I learn the motives of
the conduct, which he professes to have observed on his part. I have
the honor of sending you a letter for the Marquis de Bouillé, in
relation to this affair, and I entreat you to have the kindness to
send it to that individual, who will take care to send it to the
commander.
You have been informed, Sir, of the affair of Mr Gillon, or rather of
the many affairs, which have been the subject of controversy between
him and the subjects of the King. You will find a statement of it in a
Memorial which I annex, requesting you to be pleased to return it when
read; I have addressed it to the State of South Carolina; I request
you to be pleased to read the resolutions taken in consequence of it
by the Assembly of that State, and the annexed copies of which you may
keep. I have also the honor of sending you, Sir, some new demands
against that officer, which I have lately received. I shall make no
reflection respecting the resolutions of Carolina; but I entreat you
to be pleased to point out the most proper course for obtaining
justice, and to inform me whether it would seem to you proper, that I
should lay this matter before Congress.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
COUNT DE VERGENNES TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
Translation.
Versailles, June 29th, 1783.
Sir,
I have received the letter, which you did me the honor to write on the
17th of this month. You desire to know what is meant by _free port_.
By this term, Sir, we mean a place to which all merchandises, as well
foreign as domestic, may be imported, and from which they may be
freely exported. You will judge, Sir, by this definition, that all the
merchandises of the north, without exception, may be imported into
L'Orient, and exported from it by the Americans. In a word, L'Orient
will be reputed foreign with regard to France, as far as it respects
commerce. The prohibitions and duties upon foreign merchandises will
take effect only in case any person desires to introduce into the
interior parts of the realm the merchandises subjected to the one or
the other.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DE VERGENNES.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, September 17th, 1783.
Sir,
The undersigned Minister Plenipotentiary has the honor of
communicating to Congress an extract from a letter of the Count de
Vergennes, and a copy of a contract between the King and the Thirteen
United States. He requests Congress to be pleased to send the
ratification of it to their Minister at his Majesty's Court, in order
that he may settle this business with the Count de Vergennes.
The undersigned received the papers, of which a copy is annexed,
nearly four months ago. He had received orders, at the same time, to
inform his Court of the measures, which the United States might have
taken, for the accomplishment of the different articles of the
contract of the 16th of July, of last year. The undersigned has
deferred till this time, the communications in question, in the hope
that circumstances might become more favorable. As the peace has made
these stipulations, which were only eventual, executory, he can
refrain no longer from requesting Congress to acquaint him with the
arrangements which may have been made by the United States, or those
which they propose to make, for the execution of the contract of the
16th of July, of last year, as well as with those to be made for the
execution of the contract, of which a copy is annexed.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
COUNT DE VERGENNES TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
(Annexed to the note, sent on the 17th of September, 1783.)
Translation.
Versailles, March 10th, 1783.
Sir,
Dr Franklin, in the month of February last, communicated to me
different decrees of the Congress of the United States of North
America, passed on the 14th and 23d of September, and several letters
from Messrs Morris and Livingston, which not only authorised that
Minister, but even expressly ordered him to negotiate in Europe a loan
of four millions of dollars, amounting to about twenty millions of
livres tournois, for the service of the United States during the
present year, and under their warranty. It was at the same time
enjoined on Dr Franklin, earnestly to solicit the continuance of the
favors of the King, in the crisis in which Congress was then placed.
In the enumeration of the motives, which the Superintendent of the
finances alleged, in order to obtain a new loan of money from his
Majesty, he did not deny, that the Minister of France might assign
good reasons for declining to comply with this request, but he added,
that, as it was the last of this kind, which Congress would have
occasion to make, he hoped that it would not be rejected.
Dr Franklin, on his part, in obedience to the orders of Congress,
implored, in favor of the United States, the assistance of the King,
and added to the reasons previously given, that, without this
assistance the continental army could no longer be kept together, nor
disbanded without danger.
After having conferred on this subject with M. Joly de Fleury, I made
a report upon it to the King. I informed his Majesty of the
embarrassments of Congress, and of their inability to provide for
their necessities by means of taxes, which the imperfections or the
weakness of a rising Administration did not permit them to levy. The
King had already, by great sacrifices, fulfilled in their behalf, the
duties of a most tender father, during the continuance of their moral
infancy. Since the nation reached the period of maturity, consecrated
by its emancipation and political independence, it seemed that it
ought to be sufficient for itself, and not to require new efforts of
the generosity of its ally; but without being prevented by these
considerations, the King, faithful to his attachment to the United
States, was pleased, under these circumstances, to give a new proof of
it, and notwithstanding the difficulties, which his Majesty
experienced in his own finances, he determined, according to my report
of the 20th of December last, to grant to Congress a new loan of _six
millions of livres tournois_, for the service of the United States,
during the course of the present year. He also authorised the
advancing of a sum of money previously granted, which Dr Franklin
earnestly solicited. I informed that Minister of it, who, in his
answer of January 25th, gratefully accepted these new favors in the
name of the United States. I informed him, moreover, that they could
not be increased, and that his Majesty would in no case be a guarantee
for other loans, which he might procure in Holland or elsewhere.
I have thought proper to enter into these details with you, Sir, in
order that you may be able to communicate them to Congress, and that
that body may be informed by you of the last financial arrangements,
which his Majesty has been pleased to decide upon, in favor of the
United States. I have since concerted with Dr Franklin, those
measures, which were necessary for fixing the conditions and the terms
of payment of the loan of six millions of livres, of which I have been
speaking. They were stipulated in a contract made on the 25th of
February last, which we signed by virtue of our respective full
powers, as we had done with regard to preceding advances, by a
contract previously made on the 16th of July, of last year, of which I
informed you at the time, and of which we are now expecting the
ratification on the part of Congress. Although I do not doubt that Dr
Franklin has transmitted this new act to Congress, I have still
thought it proper to send the annexed copy of it to you.
By the first article, you will see, Sir, that the King lends Congress
the sum of _six millions of livres_, payable at the rate of five
hundred thousand livres in each of the twelve months of the current
year, on condition of the repayment of the capital with interest at
five per cent per annum.
The second article recapitulates and verifies the preceding aids
furnished by his Majesty, and divides them into three distinct
classes. The first consisting of the sums loaned, amounting to
eighteen millions of livres. The second, of a fund of ten millions,
arising from a loan obtained in Holland for the service of the United
States, and guaranteed by his Majesty. The third, of subsidies,
gratuitously furnished, amounting to nine millions of livres, the gift
of which to the United States is confirmed by his Majesty.
The third Article fixes the repayment to the royal treasury, of the
new loan of six millions, with the interest thereon, at six periods,
fixed at the times most convenient for the financial operations of
Congress.
By the fourth Article, it has been agreed, that the interest on the
last loan of six millions, shall not commence till the 1st of January,
1784. The King being pleased to give and remit to Congress the partial
interest on the capital for the present year.
The fifth and sixth Articles contain stipulations of usage and form.
All attesting the sentiments of affection entertained by the King for
the United States, and his tender anxiety to contribute to their
prosperity.
I desire you, Sir, to assure Congress, that these sentiments are
deeply engraven on the heart of the King, that his Council feel them
no less deeply; and that his Majesty will never cease to take the most
lively interest in the welfare of the United States, his allies.
You will be pleased to inform me of the reception of this letter, and
of the annexed paper.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DE VERGENNES.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, November 2d, 1783.
Sir,
I have received the letter, which your Excellency did me the honor to
write to me on the 27th ultimo, and the resolutions of Congress, which
were annexed to it, and which express the sentiments of Congress with
relation to the dispositions of his Majesty, and the other belligerent
powers, not to sign the definitive treaty, except in concert with the
United States. It appeared by the last news received, that this
conduct has produced the desired effect, and that it has in fine, been
followed by a general peace.
The United States may be assured, that his Majesty will adopt with
pleasure all commercial arrangements, which may be advantageous to
them, and which will not be prejudicial to his subjects. I also know,
that it is his Majesty's intention, that the United States should
enjoy, in the ports of his kingdom, not only all the advantages, which
they enjoyed before their independence, but even some favors, which
have not heretofore been granted to them.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, November 21st, 1783.
Sir,
I have received the letter your Excellency did me the honor to write
me by Messrs Villefranche and Rochefontaine, the testimony you have
been pleased to give in favor of these two officers will have the
greatest weight with those persons who can contribute to their
advancement, and it gives me the greatest pleasure to receive these
testimonies, from Congress and from your Excellency, of the
satisfaction the French officers have given in the service of the
United States.
I beg your Excellency to receive my sincere congratulations upon the
evacuation of New York; this grand event completes your glory. I hope
to be at New York the 28th of this month, to be witness of the
rejoicings you have ordered, and to renew to you the assurances of
attachment, with which I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
M. DE CALONNE TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
Translation.
Versailles, January 9th, 1784.
Sir,
I have communicated to the King the observations contained in the
memoir, which you transmitted to me relative to the commerce of
America, and those, which you made at our last conference.