Mississippi, whereon the settlements were prohibited by the aforesaid
proclamation, are possessions of the Crown of Great Britain, and
proper objects against which the arms of Spain may be employed, for
the purpose of making a permanent conquest for the Spanish Crown. That
such conquest may, probably, be made during the present war. That,
therefore, it would be advisable to restrain the Southern States from
making any settlements or conquests in those territories. That the
Council of Madrid consider the United States as having no claims to
those territories, either as not having had possession of them before
the present war, or not having any foundation for a claim in the right
of the sovereignty of Great Britain, whose dominion they have abjured.
That his Most Christian Majesty, united to the Catholic King by blood
and by the strictest alliances, and united with these States in
treaties of alliance, and feeling towards them dispositions of the
most perfect friendship, is exceedingly desirous of conciliating
between his Catholic Majesty and these United States, the most happy
and lasting friendship.
That the United States may repose the utmost confidence in his good
will to their interests, and in the justice and liberality of his
Catholic Majesty; and that he cannot deem the revolution, which has
set up the independence of these United States, as past all danger of
unfavorable events, until his Catholic Majesty and the United States
shall be established on those terms of confidence and amity, which are
the objects of his Most Christian Majesty's very earnest wishes.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Head Quarters, Morristown, February 4th, 1780.
Sir,
Major Galvan delivered me the letter, which your Excellency did me the
honor to write to me on the 23d of January, to which I have paid all
the attention the importance of its contents demands. I am much
flattered by this commencement of a correspondence, from which I have
everything to gain, and equally indebted for the interesting
communications it affords.
It is a happy circumstance, that the efforts made by the British Court
for obtaining troops in Germany are attended with so little success.
This will naturally increase their exertions for procuring men in this
country, and will, no doubt, make them more solicitous for effecting
the exchange or release in some way or other, of their prisoners in
our hands. It will be well, if in the negotiations on this subject, we
can extract concessions favorable to those, which may take place in
Europe, and you may depend the experiment shall be fully tried. But
from the aspect of the late propositions on the part of the enemy, I
should not entertain any sanguine hopes of the success of this
experiment. The reinforcement they would derive from a full compliance
with their proposals is not calculated at more than ten or eleven
hundred private men; and this seems hardly to be an object of
sufficient magnitude to induce them to concede to points of the
nature, which your Excellency's information supposes; especially, as
you emphatically express it, "after having sought with so much
affectation to make the Thirteen States be considered as subjected to
the English domination." The offers made through Major General
Phillips are far more moderate, than any that have hitherto come from
them, and appear, in a great measure, to have been influenced by his
personal solicitations, dictated by an extreme anxiety to be released
from captivity. But notwithstanding the matter in its present form
wears to me the appearance I have mentioned, I shall not neglect any
measure, which it may be in my power to take, to improve the
intimation your Excellency has given, and entreat you to be assured,
that I shall endeavor to make the event confirm the opinion you do me
the honor to entertain, that nothing will be done derogatory to the
magnanimous part your Court has acted, or the honor or interest of the
United States.
The inconsistency of the Court of London, so well delineated by that
of Madrid in the extract you had the goodness to annex, would appear
extraordinary, if their whole conduct in the course of the war did not
exhibit many similar examples. But it is evident, that their refusing
to consider these States as independent in fact, during a negotiation,
was a mere pretext to cover their unwillingness to concur in the
pacific views of His Catholic Majesty; and the Memorial from the
British Ambassador shows, that they were artfully aiming to effect a
separation of interests between France and these States, the better to
prosecute their hostile designs against either or both.
I thank your Excellency for the agreeable intelligence you give me of
his Christian Majesty's intentions to send over succors of arms and
ammunition. It is a new and valuable proof of his friendship, and will
be of essential utility. I agree with you, that there ought to be no
relaxation in the measures otherwise intended to be taken to procure
the necessary supplies of those articles.
I am sensibly mortified, that the present situation of affairs will by
no means suffer me to yield to the desire I have of paying you my
respects in Philadelphia; and I shall impatiently look for the
opportunity of doing it here, which your Excellency promises me in the
course of this month. Besides the important objects of public utility,
which I am authorised to hope from it, I shall take pleasure on every
occasion of testifying to you those sentiments of respect and esteem,
with which I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
_P. S._ The interest your Excellency is pleased to take in Major
Galvan, will be an additional motive with me to avail myself of his
talents and zeal, as far as circumstances will possibly permit.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Head Quarters, Morristown, February 15th, 1780.
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's
letter of the 4th,[33] which only reached me on the 13th.
Sincerely desirous of doing everything in my power, by which the
interest of his Christian Majesty, inseparable from that of these
States, can in any manner be promoted, and still more in a point so
essential as that which makes the subject of your letter, I should not
hesitate to furnish the detachment required by Mr Duer, whatever might
be my opinion of its necessity, did not the present state of the army
absolutely forbid it. I with confidence assure your Excellency, that
our force is so reduced by the expiration of the terms for which a
considerable part of it was engaged, and will be so much more
diminished in the course of a month or two from the same cause, as
scarcely to suffice for the exigence of the service, and to afford
just cause for uneasiness should the enemy be actuated by a spirit of
enterprise, before we receive the reinforcements intended for the next
campaign. So circumstanced, my duty to the common cause will not
justify me in adding to the insecurity of our situation, by making a
detachment, which, though apparently inconsiderable, would be
materially felt in our present weakness; and I am persuaded, after the
information now given, that your Excellency will wish me not to hazard
the measure.
With respect to the necessity of a covering party, I shall not venture
to decide; but I should imagine in the present state of things, that
the business may be carried on with tolerable security without one.
The consequences of the late expedition promise tranquillity for some
time to our frontier, and make it at any rate improbable that the
savages will be able to penetrate so far at so early a period, and the
proposition does not require that the covering party should remain
longer than until the last of April. The intelligence I have received
corresponds with these ideas. It might be added, that the garrison at
Wyoming gives some degree of protection to the part of the country in
question. But as it is very important, that no interruption should be
given to the workmen, if a covering party should upon the whole be
thought requisite, the best mode of furnishing it will be from the
neighboring militia. For this purpose on your Excellency's application
to Congress, I cannot doubt they will immediately make the necessary
arrangements.
I have the honor to be, with the most respect and attachment, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
FOOTNOTE:
[33] Missing.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, March 8th, 1780.
Sir,
I have just received from Martinique, a letter from M. Gerard, who
informs me, that at his request the commander of Martinique has
procured for the frigate Confederation, belonging to Congress, the
same sources and facilities as are enjoyed by his Majesty's own
vessels. But there are no materials for masts, and as this vessel has
been dismasted, M. Gerard knows no other means of hastening her
repairs, than that of sending masts to him from Boston, or any other
part of the continent where Congress can procure them.[34]
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
FOOTNOTE:
[34] See further particulars on this subject in the _Correspondence of
John Jay_, Vol. VII. pp. 171, et seqq.
* * * * *
THE KING OF FRANCE TO CONGRESS.
Translation.
To our Very Dear Great Friends and Allies the President and Members of
the Congress of the United States of North America.
Very Dear Great Friends and Allies,
We have received your letter of the 22d of November last, which you
directed Dr Franklin to deliver. We have seen therein with pain the
picture of the distressed state of your finances, and have been so
affected, that we have determined to assist you as far as our own
wants and the extraordinary and enormous expenses of the present war,
in which we are engaged for your defence, will permit. The Chevalier
de la Luzerne is enjoined to inform you more particularly of our
intentions. And we are persuaded, that the details which he will make
will induce you to exert your utmost efforts to second ours, and will
more and more convince you how sincerely we interest ourselves in the
cause of the United States; and that we employ all the means in our
power to make it triumphant. You may rely on our perseverance in the
principles, which have hitherto directed our conduct. It has been
fully proved, as well as the sincere affection we entertain for the
United States in general, and for each in particular. We pray God to
have you, very dear great Friends and Allies, in his holy protection.
Written at Versailles, the 10th of March, 1781.
Your good Friend and Ally,
LOUIS.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Morristown, May 5th, 1780.
Sir,
Two days since I had the honor of receiving your Excellency's letter
of the 29th of April.
The polite terms in which you mention the attention, which my
respectful attachment for you dictated during your stay in camp, add
to the obligation I felt for the honor of your visit. I was happy in
that opportunity of giving you a new proof of my sentiments, and I
entreat you to afford me others as frequently as possible. As the
Minister of a Prince, to whom America owes so much, you have every
title to my respect; and permit me to add, your personal qualities
give you a claim, which my heart cheerfully acknowledges, to all my
esteem and all my regard.
I beg you to accept my thanks for your intention to represent the army
in so favorable a light, as will recommend it to the approbation of
his Most Christian Majesty; an honor as flattering as it will be
precious.
It would be a want of gratitude not to be convinced of the intimate
concern he takes in our affairs, after the repeated and decided proofs
he has given.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
9 o'clock, A. M.
_P. S._ I have this instant received a letter from my much esteemed
and amiable friend, the Marquis de Lafayette, dated in Boston harbor,
the 29th of last month. In the course of a day or two I shall expect
to see him.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Morristown, May 11th, 1780.
Sir,
The attentions and honors paid to M. de Miralles[35] after his death
were a tribute due to his character and merit, and dictated by the
sincere esteem, which I always felt for him.
I am much obliged to your Excellency for your intention of sending me
a detail of the land and sea forces arrived at Martinique, which I beg
leave to inform you was forgotten to be enclosed in your letter.
You will participate in the joy I feel at the arrival of the Marquis
de Lafayette. No event could have given me greater pleasure, on a
personal account, and motives of public utility conspire to make it
agreeable. He will shortly have the honor to wait upon your
Excellency, and impart matters of the greatest moment to these States.
He announces a fresh and striking instance of the friendship of your
Court, and which cannot fail to contribute greatly to perpetuate the
gratitude of this country.
I am always happy to repeat to you the sentiments of respect and
inviolable attachment, with which I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
FOOTNOTE:
[35] M. de Miralles, Agent for the Spanish Government in this country,
died in General Washington's camp, and was buried with military
honors.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Head Quarters, Morristown, May 14th, 1780.
Sir,
Since my last I have had the honor to receive the detail of his Most
Christian Majesty's fleet in the West Indies, which your Excellency
has had the goodness to send me. I congratulate you very sincerely,
Sir, on this very respectable armament, which I found to surpass my
expectation, and I would willingly hope that an occasion will be
afforded the Count de Guichen to strike some important blow with it,
which shall advance the honor and interest of his Majesty, and of
course the interest of these United States.
I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, May 16th, 1780.
Sir,
The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has the honor of
informing Congress, that the King, in consequence of his affection,
and friendship for the United States, and of his desire to put an end
by effectual measures to the calamities of the present war, has
resolved to send to this continent a reinforcement of troops, intended
to act against the common enemy, and of vessels, which will be
employed in assisting the operations of the land troops. As soon as
Congress has decided on the plan of the campaign, the Marquis de
Lafayette will receive all communications on this subject; and will on
his part make the overtures, which shall be necessary to the success
of the operations. But as despatch and secrecy ought to be the very
soul of these operations, and as, moreover, Congress will undoubtedly
find it indispensable to arrange them in concert with the Commander in
Chief, the Chevalier de la Luzerne requests this Assembly to consider,
whether the course most proper to be adopted under these circumstances
be not to appoint, without the least delay, a small committee, who
shall repair to the army, furnished with instructions, and there fix
upon measures, which shall be carried into execution immediately on
the arrival of the land forces, under the command of the Count de
Rochambeau, Lieutenant General of the armies of the King, and the
Chevalier de Ternay, commander of the squadron, at whatever part of
the continent they may have had orders to land.
As the measures to be taken, in relation to the supply of necessaries
and provisions to the auxiliary troops, will require the concurrence
of the Legislatures and Governors of the several States, and
particularly of those of Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New
Jersey, the undersigned Minister requests Congress to authorise the
same committee to render their assistance to the measures, which the
French General, or the Chevalier de la Luzerne, or the Commissioners
authorised by them, shall be able to take with the different
Legislatures; and with this view, to give to the delegates, who shall
compose it, powers as extensive as Congress shall deem expedient.
An object, which next to that just mentioned, requires all the
attention of Congress, is the information, which it is important to
obtain as to the forces, the situation, and the resources of the
enemy, in all the posts in their possession on this continent. The
Chevalier de la Luzerne is consequently desirous, that Congress would
be pleased to appoint a committee to collect immediately all the
intelligence, details, and information, which may exist in their
deposits and archives, relative to the ports of North America, now
held by the English, from Halifax to St Augustine, including Canada,
to the depth of the bays, creeks, and anchorages; to the forces which
are stationed there, and the forts and fortresses, which have been
erected there, the dispositions and number of the inhabitants, the
resources with regard to provisions, and in general, all that
information, which may promote the success of the operations. It is
equally desirable, that this committee should have authority to carry
on a correspondence, as long as may be necessary, in the different
parts of the continent, whence this information can be obtained, in
order that the intelligence being always fresh, the commanders of the
expeditions may be able to establish their plans upon sure bases. The
Minister of France requests, that the committee may be authorised to
communicate to him this various information, so far as such
communication shall not be inconvenient to Congress. Whatever
promptness these measures require, the Chevalier de la Luzerne prays
Congress not to take them into consideration, till after the subject
mentioned at the beginning of this Memorial has been definitively
settled.
Dr Franklin has undoubtedly rendered an account to Congress of the
measures, which he has taken for sending to this continent arms,
stores, and clothing, as well as of the means of facilitating the loan
of three millions of livres, which that Minister has procured, as
well to meet this expense, as to give effect to the treaties of
Congress in relation to it; and the Chevalier de la Luzerne will not
go into any detail on this subject.
He will not close this Memorial, without congratulating the American
Senate on the zeal and ardor, which are shown on every side to render
the ensuing campaign decisive, and to inflict upon the common enemy
blows, which shall be most sensibly felt, to expel him from this
country without the possibility of return, and to secure forever the
liberty of the Thirteen States.
Circumstances have never been more favorable; the enemy, hard-pressed
on every side, is not in a state to oppose an effectual resistance;
the American forces are about to become more respectable than they
have ever been, those of the King bring with them to this country the
most sincere desire to second the brave efforts of their allies, and
the two nations closely united for the purpose of bringing their
combined enterprises to a successful issue, will seek only to
distinguish themselves by their zeal, and their attachment to the
common cause.[36]
LUZERNE.
FOOTNOTE:
[36] For the proceedings of Congress on the subject of this letter,
see the _Public Journals_, under the date of May 19th, 1780.
* * * * *
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, May 21st, 1780.
Sir,
You will be informed by the Marquis de Lafayette, of the measures
adopted by the Congress relative to the operations of the next
campaign. I will not enter into a detail with respect to them. I
confine myself to assure your Excellency of the eagerness of my
countrymen to share in your success, of the zeal which animates them
for the cause which you so gloriously defend, and of the desire I have
to receive your advice and orders in everything in which you shall
believe, that I may contribute to the success of the combined
operations.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS ON A CONFERENCE WITH
THE FRENCH MINISTER.
In Congress, May 24th, 1780.
The committee appointed to confer with the Minister of France on the
subject of supplies and other matters mentioned in this appointment,
report as follows.
That in their first conference with the Minister, he mentioned his
solicitude to procure the necessary provisions for the fleet and army
of his Most Christian Majesty; that he wished to render every step he
should take on this subject conformable to the designs of Congress,
and conducive to the support of the combined forces; that he would
therefore lay before the committee the measures, that he had already
entered into, and was desirous to agree upon any plan for our mutual
benefit, which we should think it proper to adopt.
That previous to our appointment, the moments being precious, he had
despatched an agent to consult the Commander in Chief and General
Greene on the subject of supplies, and would inform us of their
sentiments at his return; that lest his purchases might interfere
with those, which the States should make on account of the continent,
he had thought it most advisable to let the whole business pass
through their hands, and had accordingly written to Governor Trumbull
for a limited supply of beef, pork, and mutton, leaving it to his
option, either to be paid in bills upon France, specie, or continental
bills of credit.
The committee have stated this information, that Congress may, if they
should find it necessary, give them their directions before they
digest any plan with the Minister of France on the return of his
agent.
The committee conceive the establishment of posts and expresses, who
shall bring the earliest intelligence of the arrival of the fleet of
our ally, and the motions of the enemy, as so necessary to the right
application of our force, that they submit the following resolution.
Resolved, that the Committee of Intelligence be directed to establish
regular posts to and from the different parts of the sea coasts of
this continent, from Charleston to Boston, in such manner as will most
effectually procure information of the approach of the fleet of our
ally, and the movements of the enemy in consequence thereof.
The committee are further of opinion, from the representations of the
Minister of France, that every means should be used to add to the
strength of the fleet of our ally on their arrival, particularly by
completing the ship America, since it is highly probable, that the
naval force, which the enemy may send to this coast, in order to
frustrate the friendly endeavors of our ally in our behalf, will be
adapted to that of France, without taking into the calculation any
addition which it may receive here. They therefore submit the
following resolutions.
Resolved, that the Board of Admiralty be directed to fit for sea, with
the utmost expedition, the several ships of war and frigates now in
port.
Resolved, that it be earnestly recommended to the respective States
within whose ports any of the said ships or frigates may be, to afford
every assistance to the Board of Admiralty on this application for
artificers, laborers, and materials, for preparing the same for sea,
and for completing this compliment of men.
Resolved, that Congress will defray every necessary expense, which any
State shall incur in consequence of the above resolution.
Resolved, that the Board of Admiralty be empowered, if they shall
think it advisable to dispose of the Saratoga, to apply the proceeds
thereof to complete the America, or any of the frigates, which may by
that means be shortly fitted for sea.
And whereas it is proper to make provision for repairing any damage,
which the fleets of our ally may sustain by storms or otherwise,
Resolved, that the Board of Admiralty be directed to cause as many
masts, yards, and spars, as they shall deem necessary for the above
purposes to be procured.
Resolved, that they may be also directed to settle signals with the
commanding officers of any ship or ships of our ally, which may now or
shall hereafter be upon the coasts of the United States.