place, and has been succeeded by Lord North. But I cannot give it as
certain. The American flag has already made its appearance before the
city of London.
Upon the principles of an unbounded zeal for America, can I be
permitted to repeat, that every American patriot must wish that the
federal union between the States may continue to receive additional
strength? Upon that intimate national union their happiness and their
consequence depend.
Hoping that my voluntary excursion to Madrid may have somewhat
prepared the way to fulfil the intentions of Congress, I hasten to
join Mr Jay, whose abilities will improve the account I shall lay
before him.
I have the honor to be, with the most affectionate regard, &c.
LAFAYETTE.
FOOTNOTE:
[2] The Court was then at Pardo.
* * * * *
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
Philadelphia, May 1st, 1783.
Dear Sir,
I am now to acknowledge your favor of the 5th of February, by the
Triomphe, and that of the 2d of March, from Bordeaux. You were the
happy messenger of glad tidings on both occasions. Before her arrival
we had received no account of the signature of the general
preliminaries, or of the cessation of hostilities. You can easily
conceive the joyful reception it met with here, where we began to be
heartily tired of the war; nor was it less welcome intelligence to the
army, than to the other citizens of America.
The second letter, which promises a happy settlement of all
differences with Spain, was flattering to those among us who knew the
importance of her friendship, both in a commercial and political view.
Congress feel themselves under great obligations to you, for the ardor
you discovered in accelerating this happy event; and the address with
which you placed it in such a train as to make it difficult for the
Spanish Minister to go back from his engagements.
By this conveyance I send our Ministers the ratification of the
provisional articles. Carleton and Digby have sent out their
prisoners, and we are making arrangements to send in ours. Congress
having determined on their part to do, not only all that good faith
may require, but by this mark of confidence to convince them, that
they have no doubt of the sincerity of their professions. Our
Ministers will show you the letters that have passed between Carleton
and me. Some among us, from finding nothing yet done that leads to the
evacuation of New York, have been apprehensive that the British will
effect delays on that subject, till the tories are satisfied, which I
can venture to tell you in confidence they never will be unless the
English shall on their part repair all the cruel losses they have
unnecessarily occasioned. I this moment received a letter from the
General, informing me, that he had proposed a personal interview with
Carleton, in hopes of learning something of his intentions with
respect to the evacuation, but I fear he will be deceived in this
hope, if I may judge from the debates of the 3d of March, which prove
that no orders had then been transmitted.
I cannot leave writing, without expressing how sincerely I agree with
you, in your wishes that unanimity may prevail, and the band of union
among us be strengthened; there is no thinking man here, who does not
at the same time feel the necessity and lament the difficulty of
effecting a measure, on which our happiness so greatly depends.
Congress have made some general arrangements in their finances, which
if adopted by the several States, will render our national debt a
national tie, which time and experience may strengthen. Our Ministers
will show you those resolutions; I will not therefore unnecessarily
burden Colonel Ogden with them. For general information I refer you to
him,
And have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Chavaniac, in the Province of}
Auvergne, July 20th, 1783. }
Sir,
Having been for some days in the country, where I am waiting for the
arrival of the Triomphe I am honored with your Excellency's favor of
the 12th of April, which I hasten to acknowledge. It is for me a great
happiness to think, that Congress have been pleased to approve my
conduct, and that an early intelligence has proved useful to our
American trade. To my great satisfaction I also hear, that my
endeavors in Spain have been agreeable to Congress. Upon my arrival in
Paris I made Mr Jay acquainted with my proceedings. The concessions I
had obtained from the Spanish Court (without any on our part) were
also put into his hands. Since which I could have no more to do in the
negotiations, wherein I had taken the part of a temporary volunteer.
However repeated may have been the marks of confidence, which Congress
have conferred upon me, they ever fill my heart with a new
satisfaction. What you have mentioned respecting payment of debts,
will of course become my first and most interesting object. I have
warmly applied to the French Ministry, and will on that point solicit
the confidence of the gentlemen in the American Commission. But upon
hearing of an opportunity, I could not an instant defer to acknowledge
your Excellency's letter. Agreeably to the last despatches, I am
waiting for the orders which I hope to receive by the Triomphe. Any
commands which Congress may have for me, shall be cheerfully executed,
by one of their earliest soldiers, whose happiness it is to think,
that at a less smiling moment he had the honor to be adopted by
America, and whose blood, exertions, and affections, will in her good
times, as they have been in her worst, be entirely at her service.
It appears Russia is determined upon a Turkish war, and should they
give it up now, the matter would only be postponed. What part the
Emperor is to take, we cannot at present so well determine. Whenever
the way is opened to me, I endeavor to do that which may prove
agreeable to Congress, and intend to keep them acquainted with
political occurrences. It is a pleasing idea for me now to think, that
nothing can derange our glorious state of liberty and independence.
Nothing, I say, for I hope measures will be taken to consolidate the
Federal Union, and by those means to defeat European arts, and insure
eternal tranquillity.
With the highest respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
LAFAYETTE.
_P. S._ Congress have no doubt received accurate accounts respecting
the affair of free ports. On my arrival from Spain, I found that
Bayonne and Dunkirk had been pitched upon, and I immediately applied
for L'Orient and Marseilles. L'Orient is by far the most convenient on
the coast, and we now have got it. That being done, I am again
applying for Bayonne, which has some advantages, and I wish Congress
would send orders to Mr Barclay. In the meanwhile, the more free ports
we have the better. This affair of free ports, the subject which
Congress have recommended, and the despatches I am directed to expect
by the Triomphe, will determine the time when, having no more American
business here, I may indulge my ardent desire to return to the
beloved shores of America.
LAFAYETTE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Nantes, September 7th, 1783.
Sir,
In consequence of the late arrangements, the French September packet
is about to sail, and I beg your Excellency's leave to improve that
regular, speedy, and safe opportunity. At the same time, Congress will
receive a definitive treaty. But upon this point, since I left Madrid,
my services have not been wanting. From our Commissioners, Congress
will of course receive better information. This one object I must
however mention, which respects American debts. As soon as I knew the
wishes of Congress, I did, as I ever shall in such a case, earnestly
apply to the French Ministry and the American Commissioners. But I was
answered that it could not be done, and did not even consist with the
powers of the British Ministry. After which, and at that time of the
negotiation, I had no means to improve the hint I had received from
your Excellency.
As to mercantile affairs in France, Mr Barclay will acquaint Congress
with their present situation. Bayonne and Dunkirk having been pointed
out as American free ports, and the opinion of Congress not being
known, I took upon myself to represent the harbor of L'Orient as
preferable to either of those abovementioned. It has lately been made
a free port; and I now wish the affair of Bayonne may be again taken
up. Those three ports, with Marseilles, would make a very proper
chain, and in the meanwhile, I hope L'Orient will prove agreeable to
the American merchants.
There now exist in this kingdom many obstacles to trade, which I hope,
by little and little, will be eradicated, and from the great national
advantages of this country over England, it will of course result that
a French trade, generally speaking, must prove more beneficial to
America. Upon many articles of American produce I wish preference may
be obtained from this government, and besides commercial benefits in
Europe, your Excellency feels that West India arrangements cannot
easily be adjusted, with European notions and at the present costs.
Upon those objects, Mr Barclay has had, and again will have,
conferences with the Ministers. Circumstanced as we now are, he is,
and the Commissioners also are of opinion, that my presence in France
may be serviceable. As he was pleased to apply to me on the subject,
saying he would mention the matter to Congress, and as their orders
which I was to expect have not yet reached me, I think it my present
duty, and it ever shall be my rule, to do that in which I hope to
serve the United States.
Warlike preparations are still going on in the eastward. Immediately
after she had signed a commercial treaty with the Turks, it pleased
the Empress of Russia to seize upon the Crimea under a frivolous
pretence. Her armies are ready to take the field, stores and troops
have been collected upon the borders of the Black Sea, and the Turks
are making immense, but I think not very formidable, preparations. By
our last accounts the Austrians were gathering upon those borders,
which lead towards an invasion of Turkish Provinces; and it is thought
by many, that for fear of the plague, the two Imperial powers will
prefer winter operations. How far matters may be carried, or
compromised, cannot yet be well determined. What part France, Prussia,
and England will take, is not yet known. The Levant trade cannot but
be interested in the affair.
In every American concern, Sir, my motives are so pure, my sentiments
so candid, my attachments so warm and so long experienced, that from
me nothing, I hope, will appear intruding or improper. Upon many
points lately debated, my opinions, if worth a remark, are well and
generally known. But I must frankly add, that the effect which some
late transactions have upon European minds cannot but make me uneasy.
In the difficulties, which a patriotic and deserving army have met
with, Europeans have been misled to conceive a want of public
gratitude. In the opinions that have from every quarter been stated,
Europeans have also mistaken partial notions for a want of disposition
to the Federal Union; and, without that Union, Sir, the United States
cannot preserve that dignity, that vigor, that power, which insures
the glory and the happiness of a great, liberal, and independent
nation. Nay, it would be ill fate to us, who have worked, fought, and
bled in this cause, to see the United States a prey to the snares of
European politics. But I am only mentioning the opinions of men on
this side of the water, and in my heart, I hope everything will be
adjusted to the satisfaction of that part of the citizens, who have
served in the army, and that other part in the civil line, who, during
the war, have sympathised with their troops. I, above every other
earthly wish, most fervently pray, that the enemies of liberty, or
such as are jealous of America, may not have the pleasure to see us
deviate from the principles of the Federal Union. And upon a
recollection of my introductory apology, I hope the observations I
humbly offer will be as kindly received, as they are respectfully and
affectionately presented.
When it is thought my presence here can be dispensed with, or in case
the situation of affairs should persuade me it were more useful in
America, I will not delay to join a wished for and beloved land. Any
orders or commands whatever, which Congress may be pleased to give me,
I shall most cheerfully obey; and as every moment in my life is
devoted to the love and respect of the United States, so will it ever
be my happiness to serve them.
With every sentiment of an affectionate regard, I have the honor to
be, &c.
LAFAYETTE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Paris, December 26th, 1783.
Sir,
Having received no commands from Congress by the last packet, I must,
however, trespass upon their time to give them a few hints respecting
American commerce. I have of course directed them to Mr Morris; and
although Dr Franklin (the other Ministers being in England) will give
you political intelligence, I cannot help adding, that by a refined
piece of cunning, the King of England has got Mr Fox out of the
Ministry. After having entangled him by a success in the House of
Commons, he found means to stop him short in the House of Lords; in
consequence of which Mr Fox has been dismissed. Mr Pitt, and the last
of the Temples called in, and the new administration, (Lord North
being also out) necessitates the calling of a new Parliament.
The affairs between Russia and the Ottoman Empire are still
negotiating, and although in my opinion a war cannot be much deferred
in that quarter, there is no probability of its taking place so soon
as next summer. The Emperor is in Italy, upon which some say he has
also got an eye, and there he will meet with the King of Sweden. There
is no change in the French Ministry, since M. de Calonne has succeeded
to M. de Omillon, and Baron de Breteuil to M. Amelot, both of whom are
more sensible than their predecessors.
Unless I have some commands from Congress to execute in Europe, I
shall in the Spring embark for America, and present them with the
personal homage of one, whose happiness is to feel himself forever a
zealous member in the service of the United States.
With the utmost regard, and affectionate attachment, I have the honor
to be, &c.
LAFAYETTE.
* * * * *
TO JOHN JAY, SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Mount Vernon, November 25th, 1784.
Dear Sir,
Although I hope in a few days to have the pleasure of seeing you, I
must beg leave to mention a matter, which has not a little hurt my
feelings. You probably know that on my way, passing through New York,
and particularly on my visit to Albany, it was intimated my presence
at the Indian treaty would be of some use to the public. At Fort
Schuyler I was desired to speak to the Indians, which I did, and the
Commissioners had the papers filled up with their other transactions.
But copies were taken, which was thought then a matter of no
consequence. The enclosed letter from Mr St John, and the gazette that
accompanied it, will show you that from the most obliging and humble
motives in the world, he attempted to translate and print such
incorrect parts of the relation as he had been able to come at. Had
his kind intentions only given him an instant to reflect, he might
have seen the impropriety of that measure, but in the meanwhile, it
looks as if it had my consent; and such deviation is it from the
manner in which our servants of the United States ever did business,
that out of respect for Congress, for the Commissioners, and myself, I
could not rest easy until the matter should be fully explained.
Enclosed in my letter to the French Consul, which, after you have
taken out such extracts as you think proper, I beg you will seal up
and send by the bearer. Indeed, my Dear Sir, upon your friendship I
depend to have this little circumstance officially laid before
Congress, and should these letters be worth their reading, it will be,
I hope, a satisfactory explanation of the affair.
In the first days of next month I shall have the pleasure to meet you
at Trenton, and at that time will have the opportunity of conversing
with you on several subjects. No answer from you ever came to hand.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LAFAYETTE.
* * * * *
TO JOHN JAY.
Versailles, February 8th, 1785.
Dear Sir,
After thirty days passage, I was safely landed at Brest, and am so
lately arrived in Paris, that I had better refer you to your
Ministerial intelligence. In consequence of Austrian demands upon the
Dutch, and the gun these have fired at ---- forty thousand men were
sent to the Low Countries by the Emperor, and a second division was in
motion the same way, when France gave orders for two armies to be got
in readiness, the one, probably, in Flanders, and the other in Alsace.
Holland is gathering some troops, the greater number purchased in
Germany, and will have at the utmost, thirty thousand men in the
field. Count de Maillebois, an old and able French General, has been
demanded by them. Russia seems friendly to the Emperor; and although
the Stadtholder is a friend to the King of Prussia, while the patriots
are wholly attached to France, yet Prussia will, no doubt, side in
politics with France, and the Stadtholder will command his own
country's troops.
A grand plan is spoken of, whereby the Emperor would endeavor to
obtain Bavaria, and in return, give the Low Countries to the Palatine
House; a bargain, which betters and increases the Imperial forces.
Under these circumstances, negotiations cannot but be very
interesting. Although the freedom of Holland, and the protection of
the German Princes, are very proper objects for France to support, yet
a war with the Emperor must be peculiarly disagreeable to the Court.
It will certainly be avoided, if consistent with the liberties of
Holland, with faith, and dignity; and, upon the whole, I am strongly
of opinion, that no war will take place, at least for this year. The
appearance of things, however, is still warlike enough to have made it
proper for me to be arrived at the time I did; an idea, I confess, the
more necessary for the situation of my mind, as I most heartily
lamented the shortness of this visit to America, and the obligation I
had been under to give up favorite plans, and break off more agreeable
arrangements. The officers of the regiments under marching orders,
Colonels excepted, have joined their corps. But I hope matters will be
compromised; and such at least is my private opinion; but even they,
who know more than I do on the subject, would, perhaps, find it
difficult to form a precise one.
The Ministers of Congress will, no doubt, inform you of the situation
of their negotiations in Europe. You will have seen M. de Castine's
compliance with engagements. He had taken a letter to me, which Mr
Morris laid before Congress. Nothing new was granted, and although the
suspended decisions about flour and sugars were favorable to them, the
French merchants have complained of what has been obtained. In every
country, mercantile prejudices wear off by little and little.
I beg, my Dear Sir, you will forgive the hurry in which I write. Be
pleased to remember me to all our friends.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LAFAYETTE.
* * * * *
TO JOHN JAY.
Paris, March 19th, 1785.
Dear Sir,
I have been honored with your letter of January the 19th, and am happy
to hear that federal ideas are thriving in America. The more I see,
hear, and think in Europe, the more I wish for every measure that can
ensure to the United States, dignity, power, and public confidence.
Your three Ministers being in Paris, they will, of course, acquaint
you with the present state of America, and also of European politics.
Great Britain perseveres in her ill-humor. Spain in her ill-understood
policy. On my arrival, I repeated what I had written; namely, the idea
of getting New Orleans, or at least to advise the Spaniards to make it
a free port. The former is impossible. As to the second, I had no
positive answer, but I am sure my opinion was not thrown away.
However, I confess it is difficult to make converts of a Spanish
cabinet. You know them better than I do.
Negotiations in Europe are still going on, and there is every reason
to hope this will be terminated without bloodshed. Enclosed you will
find a declaration, which has been published officially in some
measure, in the Leyden Gazette. Count de Maillebois is now in Holland,
where they are raising troops, and where parties run very high. In the
meanwhile, the Emperor had another plan in view, of which I wrote to
you in my last letters; it was to exchange his dominions in the Low
Countries for the Electorate of Bavaria. But, fortunately for all the
members of the empire, the Duke of Deux Ponts, nephew and heir to the
Elector, has firmly opposed it. A report had been spread, that the
Emperor had intended to surprise Maestricht. But although matters are
not yet finally settled, I am pretty certain there will not be this
year any Dutch war, nor Bavarian war, both of which could not fail to
involve France. It is, however, difficult to be decided in an opinion
upon a matter, which the ideas of one man may derange.
You speak to me of the introduction of flour in the West Indies. My
wishes and my efforts are not unknown to you. But such clamors have
been raised by the merchants against what we lately have obtained,
that our efforts now, must be directed towards holding it fast. Those
people are encouraged by the narrow politics of England, who, say
they, have all the trade of America. I have appointed a conference
with the Duc de la Vauguyon, who is setting out for Spain, and I will
tell him everything I know respecting the Mississippi.
Your Ministers will, probably, write to you respecting the Algerine
business. What information I can collect will be presented to them.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LAFAYETTE.
* * * * *
TO JOHN JAY.
Paris, May 11th, 1785.
Dear Sir,
This opportunity being very safe, Congress will have been fully
informed by their Minister and the bearer, Mr John Adams's son, who is
himself very well fit to give them proper intelligence.
The appearances of a war are more and more remote. Politicians do,
however, look towards the Ottoman Empire. The Emperor is restless.
The Empress of Russia is ambitious; the King of Prussia is old; a King
of the Romans is to be elected; an arrangement for Bavaria, a reason
or a pretence, an interest or a whim might set fire to combustible
matters; but it is not expected for the present.
As it seems to me that favors granted to American importations are one
of the best services that can be rendered to American trade, I wish it
had been possible to obtain a total abolition of duties upon whale
oil. But in this moment government are taken up with a scheme to
revive that fishery in France. It was therefore necessary to follow a
round about course, and Mr Adams is charged with some private
proposals, which may be advantageous.
In a few days I intend visiting Nismes, Montpellier, and Rochelle,
which are manufacturing and trading towns. I hope my little journey
may not be quite useless; after which I shall go to Berlin and
Silesia, to Vienna and Bohemia, where the King of Prussia, and the
Emperor, at several periods of the summer, have grand manoeuvres
executed by their troops. Should I in those visits find the least
opportunity to gratify my zeal for the United States, I should think
myself more happy than I can expect, and as much so as your patriotic
heart can feel.
With the most sincere regard and affection, I have the honor to be,
&c.
LAFAYETTE.
* * * * *
TO JOHN JAY.
Vienna, September 6th, 1785.
Dear Sir,
The enclosed is a Memorial in behalf of M. d'Argaynarats, which has
been recommended to me by persons of the most respectable character.
It seems M. d'Argaynarat's situation is very particular, and the
distress of himself and family very urgent. As in the number of
petitions that may be received, it is not possible for Congress to be
acquainted with the family affairs of individuals, I hope it is not
improper for me to lay before them this particular case; and while it
is officially presented by others, not to withhold my certificate of
the accounts which respectable characters have given me about M.
d'Argaynarat's present distresses.
With the highest and most affectionate regard, I have the honor to be,
&c.
LAFAYETTE.
* * * * *