which deserve the serious attention of your Legislature. The first and
most important is, by making such exertions to procure a respectable
army early in the season, that the mediators casting their eyes upon
the muster rolls, may there read a full refutation of all that
British artifice can suggest. I need not observe, that this measure
must go hand in hand with taxation, since an army without the means of
supporting it, would only increase our evils. The second is to
anticipate the attempt of Great Britain by such resolutions as the
information contained in this letter suggests, resolutions which
strongly mark a spirited determination in the Legislature of each
State to listen to no negotiations, except through the intervention of
Congress, which manifest their attachment to the independence of their
country, and inviolable regard to the faith they have pledged to each
other, and to their allies. These may either prevent the attempt I
apprehend, or arrive in time to counteract this effect, which the
false expectations built thereon might otherwise have in Europe.
I mention this to your Excellency without any express direction from
Congress. It is more than probable, that your judgment, and the zeal
and wisdom of the Legislature, may improve these loose hints to the
general advantage of the United States. I have the pleasure of
assuring your Excellency and the Legislature, that the fairest
prospects are now before us of terminating the war by a single
exertion, though I am not at liberty to say, that the plan of the
ensuing campaign is absolutely determined on, yet I have great reason
to believe, that we shall receive such powerful military aid, as, with
becoming exertions on our part, will free every State in the Union
from the grasp of the enemy.
Here, Sir, I might pause, and suffer my imagination to dwell upon the
animating prospect before us; but reasoning from the past to the
future, I dare not indulge the pleasing idea. We have at no period
been in a situation to second fully the endeavors of our ally to serve
us; we either neglected to assemble our army in time, or to provide
the means for supporting or moving them; a feather would have turned
the balance last year, notwithstanding the powerful aid we received
from abroad. Providence blinded our adversaries; to their temerity we
owe our success.
But, Sir, let me ask, whether any State did then, or has even now,
done all in its power to enable our Generals to prosecute this
victory? Or rather let me turn to what is more within our line, by
observing, that the inferiority of our army in point of numbers to
that of our ally while they acted at Yorktown, has been considered in
Europe as a proof of the assertions of Britain, and has been urged as
an argument of our weakness, our weariness of the war, or our internal
divisions. A moment's reflection will show the advantages, that this
affords our antagonist in a negotiation. How much it weakens the
claims we make, and how many important benefits may be lost forever by
our appearing in Europe to receive our independence rather as a gift,
than to have established it by our exertions!
But, Sir, it is still in our power to repair these errors. Let us
avail ourselves of this favorable moment for expelling the enemy, and
recovering our diminished credit among the nations of the earth.
I make no apology for the liberty I take. Your Excellency, I am
persuaded, is too sensible of the truth of these observations, to
think they could be delivered with less earnestness by one, who feels
their importance, and I am confident that you will bring them before
the Legislature of your State in such manner as will best serve to
ensure them their attention.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Philadelphia, May 8th, 1782.
Dear Sir,
I enclose the list of salaries you requested. The charges of those who
act as secretaries to Dr Franklin and Mr Adams are not yet settled. I
shall lay the list before Congress and make them some propositions on
the subject. It will be necessary to afford a small sum to each of the
Ministers to enable them to defray contingent expenses, which are
continually happening, particularly to Dr Franklin, who is at the
centre of all our communications. I will converse with you on this
subject, and endeavor to form an estimate of what this ought to be.
I am, Sir, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Office of Foreign Affairs, May 8th, 1782.
Sir,
The enclosed account of the annual expense of the Department of
Foreign Affairs, exclusive of contingent expenses, was made out at
the request of the Superintendent of Finance, that measures might be
taken to discharge the salaries of the gentlemen in Europe, who
express great uneasiness on the subject; but as it is incomplete till
the allowance to the private secretaries of Dr Franklin and Mr Adams
are ascertained, I have thought it proper to lay the whole before
Congress, for their direction thereon.
Congress were pleased to order by their resolution of the 2d of
January last, that the Secretary of Foreign Affairs should lay before
them an estimate of the expenses, which will probably be incurred by
the foreign Ministers of the United States respectively, and their
secretaries. I find myself under great embarrassments in preparing a
report agreeably to their order, from not being able to enter fully
into their views. I should presume, that the expense of foreign
Ministers ought to be regulated by their salaries, though I feel that
the desire of supporting the dignity of an office, to which the salary
is incompetent, often urges men to quit the line, how much soever they
may be embarrassed thereby. Justice and policy suggest, that the
salaries of officers, who are engaged in so delicate and difficult a
department as that of Foreign Affairs, should have such appointments
as to free them from embarrassments with respect to their private
affairs. I believe Congress had this in view when they settled those
of their foreign Ministers, none of whom complain of their being
inadequate, unless it be Mr Jay, who has given us some reason to think
his salary, in his opinion, is barely sufficient for his support, and
that his manner of living is not equal to what he conceives the
dignity of the United States requires. With respect to the salaries of
the secretaries to the Embassies, it is in my opinion, (founded upon
the practice of other nations) at least the double of what it ought to
be.
If, as I presume, Congress intended by their resolution, that I should
lay before them an account of the manner in which our foreign
Ministers live at present, that they might themselves be enabled to
judge of the proportion it bore to their appointments, I can only say,
that the result of inquiries on this head must necessarily be
extremely uncertain. I submit them as far as they have come to my
knowledge.
Dr Franklin has a part of M. Chaumont's house at Passy; he keeps a
chariot and pair, and three or four servants, and gives a dinner
occasionally to the Americans and others; his whole expense is, as far
as I can learn, very much within his income.
Mr Adams lives in lodgings, keeps a chariot and pair, and two men
servants; he has hitherto retained a private secretary in the absence
of Mr Dana, who will, if is to be presumed, be paid by Congress. I
have lately heard that Mr Adams was about to take a house.
Mr Dana's salary, even if he should assume a public character, in a
country where the relative value of money is so high, that, if I am
well informed, an elegant house may be had for fifteen guineas a year,
is very ample.
Of Mr Jay's manner of living, I have been able to obtain no account,
but should conclude from the price of the necessaries of life, in the
part of Spain in which he lives, from the port the Court and the
people about it maintain, and above all, from its sitting in different
parts of the kingdom, that to live in the same style with Dr Franklin
or Mr Adams, his expenses must amount to nearly double of theirs.
But as every conjecture of this kind must be very uncertain, all I can
do is to lay before Congress the relative expense, as far as I can
learn it, between the different places at which our Ministers reside,
taking Philadelphia for the common standard.
Paris, if wine, clothing, and the wages of servants are included, is
about twenty per cent cheaper than Philadelphia; Amsterdam ten, and at
Madrid the expenses of a family are somewhat higher than at this
place. But the unsettled state of those who follow the Court, their
travelling equipage and charges must greatly enhance this expense.
Congress will make their own deductions from these facts, after
allowing for their inaccuracy. I would, however, take the liberty to
submit the enclosed resolutions to Congress; the first is founded upon
the propriety of supplying Dr Franklin with a secretary, which his age
and the dignity of his employment render necessary. As Mr Jay is not
yet acknowledged, Mr Carmichael's services in Spain may be dispensed
with.
The second, third, fifth, and sixth, are designed to make a reform in
the article of expense.
The fourth to prevent the claim which any gentlemen, who may be
appointed to any of the Northern Courts, may have to the salary
settled by Congress on the 5th of October, and to adapt the character
to the allowance.
The sixth to enable Congress, without injuring the dignity of their
Ministers, to proportion the allowance to the expense of the Court
they reside at, as well us to the port which they would wish them to
maintain.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
Office of Foreign Affairs, May 9th, 1782.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs humbly submits the following
resolutions to the consideration of Congress.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Resolved, That Mr Carmichael be appointed Secretary to the Embassy
from the United States to the Court of Versailles, with a salary of
four thousand dollars per annum.
Resolved, That Mr Jay be empowered to appoint a private secretary,
with a salary of one thousand dollars per annum.
Resolved, That Mr Laurens, when he enters upon his mission to the
United Provinces of the Low Countries, be empowered to appoint a
Secretary with a salary of one thousand dollars per annum.
Resolved, That the Commissioners for negotiating a peace, in case Mr
Dana shall not return, appoint a Secretary to the Commission, with a
salary of one thousand dollars per annum.
Resolved, That the commission of Minister Plenipotentiary from the
United States of America to the Court of Petersburg be revoked, and
that a commission issue to Francis Dana, constituting him Resident at
the said Court.
Resolved, That when he shall have been received in that character, he
be empowered to appoint a private secretary, with a salary of eight
hundred dollars per annum, who shall remain in office till Congress
think it proper to make another appointment.
Resolved, That the appointment of no Secretary to any of the Northern
Courts in future, shall exceed a thousand dollars per annum, and that
the appointments of a Secretary to the Embassy in France, Spain and
Holland, shall in future be twelve hundred dollars, excepting such
Secretaries have been heretofore appointed.
Resolved, That the salary of a Minister Plenipotentiary from the
United States, from the 1st day of January next, shall not exceed five
thousand dollars, or that of a Resident three thousand, but that an
allowance be made for household expenses, at and after the following
manner;
To the Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles,
To the Minister in Spain,
To the Resident in the United Provinces, (a Minister being
unnecessary,)
To the Resident at the Court of Petersburg, and each of the other
Northern Courts.
* * * * *
CHARLES THOMSON TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
May 9th, 1782.
Sir,
The United States in Congress assembled, having appointed Monday, the
13th instant, at twelve o'clock, for giving a public audience to the
Minister of France, and having resolved, that a place be assigned to
the principals in the three Executive Departments under Congress,
I have the honor to inform you, that the place assigned to those
gentlemen, is within the bar to the right, and next to the members of
Congress on the left of the chair.
The United States in Congress assembled have further resolved, That
the assistants and principal secretaries in each of the departments,
be admitted without the bar of the house. The Messenger of Congress
has orders to furnish you with tickets for such of the gentlemen in
your department, as come within the above description.
I have the honor to be, &c.
CHARLES THOMSON, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, AND MAJOR GENERAL GREENE.
Philadelphia, May 13th, 1782.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you, that the Minister Plenipotentiary of
France this day announced to the United States in Congress assembled,
at a public audience, the birth of a Dauphin, and that Congress
received this annunciation of an event, in which the happiness of
their ally was so deeply engaged, with the most lively marks of
satisfaction. It is their wish, that your Excellency, and the troops
under your command should partake in this pleasure. I have their
orders to inform you of this event, to the end, that you may cause the
same to be published in the army, until such demonstrations of joy as
you shall direct.[24]
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
FOOTNOTES:
[24] The same intelligence was communicated in the same formal way to
the Governors of the States.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, May 13th, 1782.
Sir,
The late change in the measures and in the administration of Great
Britain, and the arts that are daily practised to infuse a belief in
Europe, that the most perfect harmony does not subsist between the
United States and their ally, induce me to wish that Congress would
embrace the opportunity, which this day's audience affords, to declare
their attachment to the alliance in such terms, as will serve fully to
defeat every expectation of sowing the seeds of division between the
United States and France.
For which purpose I humbly submit the following addition to the answer
proposed to be given to the address of the Ministry Plenipotentiary of
France.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
Office of Foreign Affairs, May 13th, 1782.
The following addition to the answer to the address proposed to be
made by the Minister of France, is humbly submitted to the approbation
of Congress, by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
"A union, the mutual advantages of which become daily more
conspicuous, and which has derived new lustre and additional force
from every effort of the common enemy to dissolve it; Congress do not
enlarge upon the subject, but satisfy themselves with the
representations, which your own observations will enable, and your
regard to the interests of both countries will induce you to make of
the affectionate attachment, which every rank of people within these
United States manifest to your Sovereign, and of their inviolable
fidelity to the principles of the alliance."
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, May 15th, 1782.
Sir,
In order to have the sense of Congress upon Mr Jay's request,
contained in his letter of the 6th of February last, I do myself the
honor to submit the enclosed resolve; for though I do not see any
advantage, which would at present result from his leaving Madrid, yet
as cases may arise, which would render it proper, it may safely be
left to his discretion.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
Office of Foreign Affairs, May 15th, 1782.
The following resolution is humbly submitted to the consideration of
the United States in Congress, by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
It having been represented to the United States in Congress, that
certain circumstances might render it expedient to permit Mr Jay to
leave the Court of Madrid, and repair either to the United Provinces
or to Versailles,
Resolved, that such permission be granted him, provided he shall
conceive, that such absence will be attended with important advantages
to the United States, and that it does not exceed three months.
* * * * *
TO RICHARD HARRISON OF CADIZ.
Philadelphia, May 21st, 1782.
Sir,
You have probably heard of Colonel Livingston's misfortune, which
deprived me of the pleasure of bearing from you by him. Our ports have
been so closely blocked up for some time past, that it is with great
difficulty we can get any vessels in or out. He shared the common
fate, and was carried into New York, from whence he is come out with
Mr Vaughan upon parole. He destroyed all his letters, and his parole
closing this month, we have been able to learn nothing of importance
from him.
The new system, which England seems to be about to adopt, with respect
to America, has not yet discovered itself here, except in general
professions, which the present Commander in Chief, Sir Guy Carleton,
is continually making of his kindness and the affection, that still
subsists in England towards the people of this country. This has
produced not the least effect here; all ranks of people consider it
rather a proof of their imbecility, than of their good will, and the
Legislatures of the several States will I imagine enter into
resolutions, similar to those passed by Maryland, which you will find
in the enclosed papers. I direct them to you; after you have read
them, I wish you to enclose and send them to Mr Jay as soon as
possible, I commit to your particular care the several packets, that
go with this; trusting that you will send them in such way as to
escape inspection. They contain very important papers, as well those
that go to Mr Adams as to Mr Jay.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, May 21st, 1782.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose for the inspection of Congress, the draft
of a letter to Mr Dana, together with a quadruplicate copy of one
written the 2d of March, that Congress by seeing both may judge
whether any further directions are necessary. I must take the liberty,
Sir, to request you to turn their attention to this subject, and to
the draft, which I had the honor to lay before them, of a letter to
the King, as soon as possible. Unless Congress decide upon them today,
I shall lose a favorable opportunity of transmitting them to Europe.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Head Quarters, May 22d, 1782.
Sir,
I have been honored with your favor of the 13th, communicating to me
the formal annunciation to Congress, by the Minister of France, of the
birth of a Dauphin.
Measures are ordered to convey to the army the news of this happy
event, which will be celebrated with such demonstrations of joy as the
occasion requires, and our circumstances will admit.
This information will be transmitted to General Greene, that the army
under his command may participate in the general joy.
I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
* * * * *
GOVERNOR TRUMBULL TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Hartford, May 23d, 1782.
Sir,
I do myself the honor to enclose you copies of a letter, which I
received some time since from Mr Deane; as he appears to be somewhat
knowing in the counsels of Great Britain, I thought it not improper to
return him an answer; you will find copies of what I have written
likewise enclosed, and it is my duty to acquaint you, that upon being
laid before the General Assembly of the State, this answer was
approved by both houses _nemine contradicente_.
You will be pleased to lay both papers before Congress and the
Minister of France, and you will judge of the propriety of sending a
copy likewise to Dr Franklin, or our other Ministers in Europe.
I beg leave also to recommend to your care for conveyance, the letter
covered for Mr Deane, and am, Sir, with the sincerest sentiments of
esteem, &c.
JONATHAN TRUMBULL.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Office of Foreign Affairs, June 5th, 1782.
Sir,
I have the honor to submit to Congress, the enclosed letter from Mr
Lee with his accounts. As Congress were pleased to give no directions
relative to the brigantine Berkenbosch, I presume it was their
intention, that I should transmit to Dr Franklin a state of the
information I had collected on that subject, which I have accordingly
done. If Congress have any further commands, I wish to be honored with
them as soon as convenient.
I am, Sir, with the highest respect, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Office of Foreign Affairs, June 6th, 1782.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose the translation of a letter from the
Minister of France to me, on the subject of an interest due on Loan
Office certificates, as this relates peculiarly to your department,
you will do me the honor to enable me to return some answer to this
application, which has been several times reiterated.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Office of Foreign Affairs, June 6th, 1782.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose the translation of a correspondence
between the Count de Vergennes and Dr Franklin, on the subject of
complaints contained in the Memorial accompanying the letter from the
Count, a translation of which is also enclosed. You will be pleased to
cause an inquiry to be made into the facts, and to favor me with such
information, as will enable me either to show, that the complaint is
ill founded, or that it will be treated with the attention it merits.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
ROBERT MORRIS TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Office of Finance, June 7th, 1782.
Sir,
I received this morning the letter you did me the honor to write on
the 6th. Congress have asked from the several States a five per cent
duty on goods imported, and on prizes and prize goods, as a fund for
paying the principal and interest of their debts, this fund when
granted will not be sufficient, and it is not yet granted by all. I
expect, however, the requisition will speedily be complied with. I
shall not cease urging it, and also such further revenues as may be
sufficient for the purpose. When they shall have been obtained, they
will be duly applied in liquidation of the public debts; but until
that period arrives, neither the principal nor the interest of such
debts can be paid.
I have the honor to be, with very great respect,
ROBERT MORRIS.
* * * * *
TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.
Office of Foreign Affairs, June 12th, 1782.
Sir,
I was honored with your letter of the 23d of May, with both the
enclosures, which I laid before Congress, and furnished copies to the
Minister of France. The spirit in which your answer to Mr Deane's
letter is written, is such as must bring him to some sense of the
disgraceful and contemptible part he is acting, and awake in him that
remorse, which is the severest punishment of guilt. I shall avail
myself of the permission you give me to transmit it to Dr Franklin,
since I see that important advantages may result from declaring to
Europe your sense, and that of so reputable a body as the Legislature
of Connecticut, upon the important points it discusses.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
GOVERNOR GREENE TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Newport, June 15th, 1782.
Sir,
I had the honor of receiving your address of the 14th of May past,
informing me, that the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Most Christian
Majesty, had announced to the United States in Congress assembled, at
a public audience, the birth of a Dauphin of France, which I laid
before the General Assembly, who were pleased to request me to
transmit the enclosed letter of congratulation upon that happy event
to his Excellency the Minister of France, which I request may be
delivered to him in the name of the Governor, Council, and
Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations, in General Assembly convened.
I have the honor to be, &c.
W. GREENE.
* * * * *
ROBERT MORRIS TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Office of Finance, June 20th, 1782.
Sir,
I do myself the honor to request that you will be pleased to make out
accurate estimates for your Department during the year 1783, that I
may form those general estimates for the service, which it is my duty
to lay before the United States in Congress.