mediation from the two Imperial Courts should become so serious and so
pressing, as to oblige the King to give a decisive answer, his Majesty
would accept of it conditionally for himself and for the United
States. The taking this resolution would have no inconvenience, as the
Court of France knew no reasons, which could prevent them from
following the example of the King, by trusting their interests in the
hands of just and wise mediators, and the refusal being liable to very
dangerous consequences. The Minister concluded the conference by
observing, that a great object was to secure the United States from
the proposition of _uti possidetis_; that the surest way to obtain
that end was to reduce the English to confess, that they are not able
to conquer them. That present circumstances require great exertions
from the consideration, and that it was plain that every success
gained by the army of Congress would infinitely facilitate the
negotiations of their Plenipotentiaries.[44]
FOOTNOTE:
[44] _June 6th._ "Resolved, That the Minister Plenipotentiary, be
authorised and instructed to concur, in behalf of these United States,
with his Most Christian Majesty, in accepting the mediation proposed
by the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany; but to accede to
no treaty of peace, which shall not be such, as may effectually secure
the independence and sovereignty of the Thirteen States, according to
the form and effect of the treaties subsisting between the said States
and his Most Christian Majesty, and in which the said treaties shall
not be left in their full force and validity."
* * * * *
CONGRESS TO THE KING OF FRANCE.
The United States in Congress assembled, to their Great Faithful and
Beloved Friend and Ally, Lewis the Sixteenth, King of France and
Navarre.
Great, Faithful, and Beloved Friend and Ally,
We have received your Majesty's letter of the 10th of March. The
measures adopted by your Majesty in consequence of the representation
made of the situation of our finances, the repeated testimonies of
your Majesty's unalterable determination to render the cause of the
United States triumphant, and also the affection, which your Majesty
has been pleased to express for the United States in general, and for
each State in particular, demand from us the strongest sentiments of
gratitude.
The important communications made by your Majesty's Plenipotentiary
have been considered by us with the greatest attention. The result of
our deliberations will be made known to your Majesty by our Minister
Plenipotentiary at your Court, and will evince the entire confidence
we have in your Majesty's friendship and perseverance in the
principles, which have directed your conduct in maintaining the
interest of the United States to this time.
We pray God, that he will keep your Majesty, our great, faithful, and
beloved friend and ally, in his holy protection.
Done at Philadelphia, the 13th day of June, in the year of our Lord,
1781, and in the fifth year of our independence.
By the United States in Congress assembled.
Your Faithful Friends and Allies.
SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.
CHARLES THOMSON, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, June 1st, 1781
Sir,
I have received the letter, which your Excellency did me the honor to
write on the 23d of the past month, and that of the Count de
Rochambeau, with which it was accompanied.
I wait with extreme impatience the news of the arrival of the French
division before New York, and no one can desire more earnestly than I
do to see it under your immediate command. I hoped that you would
have been this spring in the command of a more considerable body of
auxiliaries. The causes, which have hindered the execution of that
plan, have been so urgent and so decisive, that I am sure you will
approve them, after I shall have had the honor of making you
acquainted with them. I have nevertheless been much pained, that I
could not explain to you this change of measures, and my attachment to
the cause, which you defend, has made me feel as sensibly as any
citizen of America all the delays, that could happen to the
assistance, which we wish to give to the Thirteen States.
I am impressed with the necessity of maintaining a perfect confidence
with your Excellency upon these different points, and I shall seize
the first occasion which presents itself to visit your army.
In the meantime I shall transmit to the Count de Grasse what your
Excellency did me the honor to communicate. Be persuaded that I shall
use the most pressing motives to determine him, and I shall do it with
so much the more zeal, as I feel the necessity of it. I shall transmit
to that General an extract of your letter, and I know nothing more
likely to give weight to the demand, which I shall make of him.
The King has charged me, Sir, to inform Congress, that he grants them
a gratuitous subsidy to enable them to make the greatest efforts in
the course of this campaign. This subsidy, amounting to _six millions
of livres tournois_, is to be employed in the purchase of arms,
ammunition, and clothing, and it is the intention of the King, that
the surplus shall be at the disposal of Congress. I have not been
instructed as to what will be the exact amount of this surplus, but
it is determined, that one million and a half shall be employed by the
Superintendent of Finance, according to the directions, which you
shall give him, after the arrangements you shall make with him in the
visit, which he intends paying you.
I have informed Congress, and I intrust it to your Excellency, that
the Emperor of Austria, and the Empress of Russia, have offered their
mediation to the Court of London, who has accepted it. The same has
also been offered to the Court of Versailles, and that of Madrid. But
they have given for answer, that time must be left for Congress to
determine, if it suits them to put the interests of the Thirteen
United States into the hands of the mediators. In any event, it is of
the greatest importance, that the allies make all their efforts to
drive the enemy from this continent, and nothing will be more likely,
than the success of the confederate arms, to make a successful
negotiation.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Head Quarters, New Windsor,}
June 13th, 1781.}
Sir,
His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau having requested me to forward
the despatches herewith transmitted, by the safest possible
conveyance, I now do myself the honor to send them by a gentleman of
the Quarter Master General's department.
Having been made acquainted by the Count de Rochambeau with the
designs of the Count de Grasse, to come to this coast with his fleet,
I cannot forbear expressing to your Excellency my ardent wishes, that
a body of land forces might also attend this naval armament; as I am
apprehensive such a decided superiority of men may not be drawn
together by us, by the time the Count de Grasse will be here, as to
insure our success against the enemy's most important posts; as his
continuance in these seas may be limited to a short period, and as the
addition of a respectable corps of troops from the West Indies would,
in all human probability, terminate the matter very soon in our favor.
If these should likewise be your sentiments, and if this plan should
not interfere with the intentions and interests of his Most Christian
Majesty elsewhere, I entreat your Excellency, by the first good
conveyance, to represent the propriety and necessity of the measure to
the commanders in the West Indies; that by one great decisive stroke
the enemy may be expelled from the continent, and the independence of
America established at the approaching negotiation.
I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
* * * * *
REPORT OF A CONFERENCE WITH THE FRENCH MINISTER.
In Congress, June 18th, 1781.
The committee appointed to confer with the Minister Plenipotentiary of
France, report,
That on the second conference with the Minister of France, he
communicated some parts of a despatch, dated the 7th of August, 1780,
the first part relating to losses suffered by French merchants, either
trading with private houses in America, or engaged in transactions of
commerce for Congress, or the several States. He informed the
committee that several papers, which should have accompanied this
despatch, were not come to hand, so that he could not state what kind
of compensation the merchants might expect. The Minister, however,
mentioned in the conference, that without waiting the arrival of those
papers, which may have been lost, or may be delayed for a long time,
some recommendation might be thought proper to be sent from Congress
to the several States, in order to prevent forever the effect of the
tender laws operating against foreign merchants; that this would be an
encouragement to commerce, and remove the fears of foreign traders in
their transactions with the citizens of the United States. The
Minister communicated that part of the Count de Vergennes' letter
relating to the discussion between him and Mr John Adams, with respect
to the depreciation of the paper money, and the effect this had
produced on the French trade; however, he did not enter fully into the
matter, not being furnished with the proper papers.
The other objects of the communications of the Minister of France were
the measures taken by the Court of Russia, and the northern powers, on
account of the rights of neutrality, and the conduct to be observed by
the belligerent powers towards subjects of neutral powers; and he
informed the committee, that those northern Courts had made formal
declarations to the powers at war respecting the principles of
neutrality; and that they had concluded a convention for the security
of their navigation and of their fair trade. That this convention was
particularly obnoxious to the Court of London, as it was now obliged
to respect neutral flags, which it had till then treated with the
greatest severity, exercising against them every kind of depredation,
according to its former practice. That France fully approved of that
convention, the consequence of which was, that all the powers
concerned, while they did justice to the principles of the King's
Council, considered the British more and more as the tyrants of the
sea.
The King's Council, therefore, thought it proper to transmit this
intelligence to Congress, leaving it to their wisdom to adopt the
principles of the neutral powers laid down so long ago as the 26th of
July, 1778, in an ordinance of the King, which the Minister of France
delivered several months ago, with other printed papers on the same
subject, to the Board of Admiralty. The Minister thought it the more
important for the United States to conform their maritime laws to that
system, as they would thereby conciliate to themselves the benevolence
of the neutral powers. He observed, that American privateers had
presumed to stop neutral vessels loaded with English merchandise,
which had given rise to unfavorable observations and complaints
against the United States. He observed, that Holland had taken a part
in the association of the northern Courts; and that therefore she
ought to be comprehended in the orders of Congress, if it should be
thought proper in those orders to mention the names of particular
powers. But if Congress adopted a conduct similar to that of France,
they would extend their orders in favor of all neutral powers
generally.
The Minister then gave a short historical account of the negotiation
of Mr Cumberland, observing that the matter being now obsolete, it was
sufficient to mention that this agent, having made proposals of peace
to the King of Spain, the first question he was asked was, what were
the intentions of the Court of London respecting the United States?
That he, having no instructions on this subject, or pretending to have
none, had sent an express to London. That the express had not returned
when this letter was written.
The Minister informed the committee, that the Court of Versailles had
neglected nothing to procure arms, ammunition, and clothing, for
Congress. That the good intentions of the Court had not been well
seconded by the American agents; that it was their fault if these
articles had not been forwarded in time; that the Ministers did not
intend to accuse any one in particular; but were of opinion, that
Congress should inquire into the cause of the delay, in order to
inflict such punishment as would prevent the like conduct in future.
The Minister then communicated the substance of a despatch of the 9th
of March, 1781; and entering fully into the subject, he told us, that
so early as the beginning of the year 1780, he had informed Congress,
that a mediation might be opened in Europe. That the mediators might
propose the _uti possidetis_ as the basis of the negotiation. That it
was of the utmost importance to prevent the effect of a proposition,
so inconsistent with the independence of the United States. That the
Court of France wished to give them every assistance in their power;
but he had observed at the same time, that the political system of the
kingdom, being closely connected with that of other European powers,
France might be involved in difficulties, which would require the
greatest attention, and a considerable part of her resources. That he
had informed Congress confidentially, that the death of the Sovereigns
of some of the European States, with whom the Court of France had the
most intimate connexion, might oblige her to employ the greatest part
of her resources to secure her against the dangers, which might be
occasioned by such an event. That since that communication was made to
Congress, both those cases had happened. That the Empress Queen was
dead. That the Court of Versailles flattered itself, that this will
not at this time give rise to any material change in the politics of
the Courts of Vienna and Berlin. That circumstances, however, are
such, that prudence dictates not to leave the frontier of France
bordering on Germany unprovided for defence. That the character the
King bears of guarantee or protector of the liberties of the German
empire, obliges him to be ready to assist effectually the members of
that body, whose safety may be endangered, and of consequence
occasions extraordinary expenses. That France is at the same time
obliged to spare the land forces of the kingdom, and at the present
crisis not to keep them at too great a distance. That this, however,
is only a point of caution and prudence. That the Court of France
still hopes the issue will be peaceable and agreeable to her wishes;
but has thought it proper to inform Congress of it.
That matters are different with respect to the Dutch. That they are
now in a state of war with the English; but there is among them a
party in favor of England; and notwithstanding the accession of the
two opposing provinces to the resolution of the States for making
reprisals, a mediation has been entered into between London and the
Hague; and the Empress of Russia acts as mediatrix. That it is evident
the Court of London, by opening this negotiation, designs to draw the
Seven Provinces to her side; and even goes so far as to expect, that
she may employ the resources of the Dutch against France, either
directly or indirectly. That the disposition of that Republic is still
such as friends would wish. But the strongest argument, which the
British party make use of to separate the Seven Provinces from France
is, that they are destitute of a naval force; that their seamen are
captured by the British; that all their riches will likewise fall a
sacrifice; and that their settlements in the East and West Indies are
in the greatest danger. That under these circumstances it was become
necessary for France to afford immediate protection to the Dutch in
Europe; and to make without delay a diversion, which may possibly save
their East India possessions. That these measures had rendered it
actually impossible to send to the United States the reinforcement,
which was announced.
The Minister of France thinks, that this confidential and friendly
explanation of the situation of France will convince Congress, that
the King could not pursue a different line of conduct; and that the
consequences of the measures he has taken must at last turn to their
advantage. That, however, Count de Rochambeau and M. Barras will
receive some reinforcements, and will inform the Chevalier de la
Luzerne how considerable they are.
The Minister told the committee, that the friendship and benevolence
of the King for the Thirteen United States had engaged him to trust
Congress with these details, observing at the same time, that it would
be proper to keep them secret.
In giving an account of the subsidy granted by the King of France, the
Minister concluded by observing, that the Count de Vergennes writes,
that what remains of the six millions, after purchasing the supplies
of arms and ammunition, would be at the disposal of Congress; or if
they should so direct, at the disposal of the commander in chief, or
of their financier, if there should be one; and that the resolution
Congress took on this subject should be made known to the Ministry,
that funds may be provided accordingly. In the course of the
conference the Chevalier mentioned the sums, that had been procured
for these States since the beginning of the year 1780. That in that
year the Count de Vergennes had, on his own credit, procured for Dr
Franklin three millions of livres. That in December Dr Franklin wanted
one million more to honor the bills drawn by Congress; and that he
received the fourth million. That in the course of the present year,
the Count has procured for him on loan four millions of livres, which
make eight millions borrowed on the guarentee of France, since the
aforementioned period. And now the King makes a gratuitous donation of
the subsidy of six millions, which in the whole make up the sum of
fourteen millions, since the commencement of the year 1780.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, July 1st, 1781.
Sir,
I am ready to go to the army of General Washington, and I shall have
the honor of receiving your commissions this evening. My absence will,
probably, be of short duration; I think it proper, however, to inform
you, that M. de Marbois will perform, during this interval, the duties
of _Charge d'Affaires_ of his Majesty, and I entreat you, Sir, to be
pleased to honor him with your confidence, in case you have any
communications to make to, or receive from, the King's embassy.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
M. DE MARBOIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, July 9th, 1781.
Sir,
The undersigned, _Charge d'Affaires_ of France, has the honor of
informing Congress, that the Count de Barras, commander of his
Majesty's squadron stationed on the coasts of the Thirteen States,
labors at this moment under an urgent necessity of completing his
crews. The diseases, which have prevailed on board of this squadron,
the battle in which it has been engaged, a long absence from the ports
of the kingdom, and the manoeuvres employed by many individuals to
excite the French sailors to desertion, are causes, which have
diminished in a considerable degree the number of those, who were
employed on board of this squadron. The undersigned is instructed to
communicate these circumstances to Congress. The French commander
thinks, that if he may be authorised by the Legislatures of the New
England States to impress French sailors, and to remove them from the
different vessels, in which they may be found, he will very soon be
enabled to remedy the diminution of numbers, which he has experienced.
MARBOIS.
* * * * *
M. DE MARBOIS TO THE SECRETARY OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, July 11th, 1781.
Sir,
I have received, in the absence of the Chevalier de la Luzerne, the
letter which you took the trouble to write, to inform that Minister of
the King, that the Honorable Thomas McKean had been chosen President
of Congress, in the place of the Honorable Samuel Huntington. I shall
communicate this change to his Majesty's Minister, on his return to
Philadelphia, and also to the Minister having the direction of Foreign
Affairs in France. We are very sorry to see that Mr Huntington is
obliged, by ill health, to resign an office, in the exercise of which
he has given frequent proofs of his wisdom, and of his attachment to
the Thirteen States, and to the alliance. But the choice by Congress
of the Honorable Mr McKean, leaves nothing to be wished for, and I can
assure you, Sir, that his Majesty's Minister will be eager to show to
him the same confidence, which he has shown to his predecessor, and
that we shall use all exertions to merit his in return.
I have the honor to be, &c.
MARBOIS.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, July 20th, 1781.
Sir,
The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has the honor of
informing Congress, that he has received despatches from his Court,
the contents of which may be interesting to this Assembly, and that he
is desirous of communicating them to it through a committee, if
Congress shall be pleased to appoint one to confer with him. These
communications relate to the state of public affairs in Europe, in the
months of January and February last, to the rupture between England
and the United Provinces, and to the measures to be taken to
facilitate an alliance between the Thirteen United States and that
Republic.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
REPORT OF COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FRENCH MINISTER.
In Congress, July 23d, 1781.
The committee appointed to receive the communications of the Minister
of France, delivered in the following report.
The Minister, from his despatches of the 9th of January, 1781,
communicated to your committee the causes which delayed the measures,
which the Court of France proposed to take for the naval operations of
this campaign, the length of the passage of Count d'Estaing to Brest,
and, other circumstances not necessary now to be recapitulated; and
then told us that he was desired, in the meanwhile, to continue to
assure Congress, that the interest which his Majesty takes in the
American cause will essentially influence his measures for the present
campaign.
The Minister continued by observing, that the present situation of
affairs between Great Britain and Holland presented a favorable
opportunity for a union of the two Republics.
Your committee will not repeat the details of what has happened
between the two powers of England and Holland; it is sufficient to
observe, that Sweden and Denmark have adopted the plan of the armed
neutrality, framed by the Empress of Russia; that the Dutch, upon
invitation, had done the same, and the Court of London, irritated by
this step, took hold of the pretence afforded by the papers found on
Mr Laurens, and published a manifesto on the 21st day of December, as
well as a proclamation for expediting letters of marque. That this
state of affairs, and the other consequences of this step, deserve the
attention of Congress. That, if their High Mightinesses should join in
this war, it would bring the two Republics to terms of more intimate
union. That the opinion of the Council of the King was, that Congress
ought not to neglect to send to Holland a prudent and able man, with
full powers. It would likewise be advantageous to give proper
instructions to that Minister; and as it may happen in the course of
the negotiations that unforeseen incidents may present themselves, and
as it is impossible at this distance to have quick information, it
would be proper to have further instructions given by Dr Franklin, in
order to avoid all inconsistency or contradiction, and that the
political operations of Congress, aiming towards the same end, may of
course be more successful.