The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. IV (of 12), by Various This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. IV (of 12) Author: Various Editor: Jared Sparks Release Date: December 17, 2012 [EBook #41640] Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE, VOL IV *** Produced by Frank van Drogen, Julia Neufeld and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at http://gallica.bnf.fr) THE DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION VOL. IV THE DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION; BEING THE LETTERS OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, SILAS DEANE, JOHN ADAMS, JOHN JAY, ARTHUR LEE, WILLIAM LEE, RALPH IZARD, FRANCIS DANA, WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, HENRY LAURENS, JOHN LAURENS, M. DE LAFAYETTE, M. DUMAS, AND OTHERS, CONCERNING THE FOREIGN RELATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES DURING THE WHOLE REVOLUTION; TOGETHER WITH THE LETTERS IN REPLY FROM THE SECRET COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS, AND THE SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS. ALSO, THE ENTIRE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE FRENCH MINISTERS, GERARD AND LUZERNE, WITH CONGRESS. Published under the Direction of the President of the United States, from the original Manuscripts in the Department of State, conformably to a Resolution of Congress, of March 27th, 1818. EDITED BY JARED SPARKS. VOL. IV. BOSTON: NATHAN HALE AND GRAY & BOWEN; G. & C. &. H. CARVILL, NEW YORK; P. THOMPSON, WASHINGTON. 1829. HALE'S STEAM PRESS. No. 6 Suffolk Buildings, Congress Street, Boston. CONTENTS OF THE FOURTH VOLUME. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S CORRESPONDENCE, CONTINUED. Page. Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, August 23d, 1782, 3 Expresses a wish to promote the commerce between France and America. Thomas Townshend to Richard Oswald. Whitehall, September 1st, 1782, 4 The King is ready to treat with the Commissioners on the footing of unconditional independence. To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Sept. 3d, 1782, 4 Allowance made to his grandson for various public services.—Submits his own account to the disposal of Congress.—Encloses letters (inserted in the note) from Mr Jay and Mr Laurens, expressing their regard for his grandson. To John Jay. Passy, September 4th, 1782, 9 Mr Oswald's courier arrives, with directions to acknowledge the independence of America. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, September 5th, 1782, 10 Complains of want of information from Europe.—Movements of the British troops in the south.—Importance of the West India trade to the United States.—Right of the States to cut logwood. Richard Oswald to B. Franklin. Paris, September 5th, 1782, 15 Enclosing an extract from a letter of the Secretary of State, regarding the negotiation. To Richard Oswald. Passy, Sept. 8th, 1782, 15 Requesting a copy of the fourth article of his instructions, given in the note. To Earl Grantham. Passy, Sept. 11th, 1782, 16 Prospect of peace. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, September 12th, 1782, 17 Presenting Mr Paine's work addressed to the Abbé Raynal. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, September 12th, 1782, 18 Necessity of further supplies of money. To David Hartley. Passy, September 17th, 1782, 18 The preliminaries formerly received, inadmissible. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, September 18th, 1782, 19 Congress declines accepting Mr Laurens's resignation; alters Dr Franklin's powers. Mr Secretary Townshend to Richard Oswald. Whitehall, September 20th, 1782, 20 The commission passing with the change proposed by the American Commissioners. Richard Oswald to B. Franklin. Paris, September 24th, 1782, 21 Transmitting a copy of Mr Townshend's letter to himself. Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, September 25th, 1782, 21 Aspect of affairs dubious. To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Sept. 26th, 1782, 22 Reply to his complaints of want of information.—Delays of the negotiation. Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, October 3d, 1782, 23 Granting the exequatur empowering the United States' Consul to act in France. David Hartley to B. Franklin. Bath, Oct. 4th, 1782, 24 Sends a proposition for a temporary commercial convention.—The dissolution of the union of the States apprehended. To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Oct. 14th, 1782, 25 Progress of the negotiation.—Acknowledges the receipt of Ministers' salaries. To John Adams. Passy, Oct. 15th, 1782, 28 Delay in the negotiations. From T. Townshend to B. Franklin. Whitehall, October 23d, 1782, 29 Introducing Mr Strachey. To Thomas Townshend. Passy, Nov. 4th, 1782, 30 Regrets the obstructions to the negotiations. To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Nov. 7th, 1782, 31 Introducing the Baron de Kermelin. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, November 9th, 1782, 31 Sweden proposes to acknowledge the independence of the United States.—Advantage of obtaining an acknowledgment from the States of Barbary.—Difficulties in the exchange of prisoners.—Affair of Lippincott.—Mr Boudinot elected President. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, November 21st, 1782, 34 Mr Jefferson added to the commission.—Mr Burgess, an English merchant, not permitted to settle in Boston. To Richard Oswald. Passy, Nov. 26th, 1782, 36 Indemnification of American royalists.—Resolutions of Congress on the subject.—Act of the Pennsylvania assembly for procuring an estimate of the damages committed by the British.—Characters of the royalists.— Inexpediency of discussing the measure. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, November 27th, 1782, 44 Messrs Lamarque and Fabru. To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Nov. 29th, 1782, 45 The preliminary articles of peace between England and the United States agreed on. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, December 3d, 1782, 45 To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Dec. 4th, 1782, 46 Encloses a copy of the preliminary articles.—Those between England and the other powers not signed.—No definitive treaty will be signed till all are agreed. To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Dec. 5th, 1782, 46 Difficulties of conveying information to America.—Has asked for further supplies from France.—History of the negotiations.—The principal preliminaries between France and England agreed to.—Proceedings in regard to Sweden. To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Dec. 15th, 1782, 54 Informing him that a passport has been received from England for the Washington. Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, December, 15th, 1782, 55 [vi] [vii] Expresses his astonishment at the despatching of the Washington.—Complains that the preliminaries have been concluded without any communication with France. To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Dec. 17th, 1782, 56 Causes of the sailing of the Washington.—No peace will take place between England and America without the concurrence of France. To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Dec. 24th, 1782, 58 The Swedish Ambassador exchanges full powers with Dr Franklin. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, January 2d, 1783, 60 Enclosing various resolutions of Congress.—Regrets the departure of the French fleet.—Financial distresses of America. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, January 6th, 1783, 62 Financial distress.—Subjects of negotiation.—Contingent expenses of foreign Ministers. To Richard Oswald. Passy, January 14th, 1783, 66 Enclosing propositions for abolishing privateering. Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, January 18th, 1783, 69 Desiring a conference with the Commissioners. To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Jan. 18th, 1783, 70 Promising to be present at the conference. Benjamin Vaughan to B. Franklin. Paris, January 18th, 1783, 70 Pressing him to be at Versailles the next day.—State of England. To John Adams. Passy, January 19th, 1783, 72 Acquainting him with Vergennes's desire for a conference. To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Jan. 21st, 1783, 72 Preliminaries signed between France, Spain, and England. John Jay to B. Franklin. Paris, Jan. 26th, 1783, 73 Dr Franklin's grandson appointed Secretary to the commission without being solicited by him. From M, Rosencrone, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Denmark, to M. de Walterstorff. Copenhagen, February 22d, 1783, 74 Directing him to learn Dr Franklin's views in regard to a treaty of commerce between Denmark and the United States. To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, March 7th, 1783, 76 Treaty with Sweden signed.—The English Ministry changed. David Hartley to B. Franklin. London, March 12th, 1783, 76 Enclosing conciliatory propositions, and a sketch of a provisional treaty of commerce.—Changes in the Ministry. To David Hartley. Passy, March 23d, 1783, 83 Expresses a desire for a reconciliation. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, March 26th, 1783, 84 Regrets that the Commissioners should find it necessary to conceal anything from France; and that the commercial article is struck out.—The attempts to inflame the army.—Remits bills for the salaries of the Ministers. From the city of Hamburg to Congress. March 29th, 1783, 88 Proposing the establishment of commercial connexions. David Hartley to B. Franklin. London, March 31st, 1783, 91 Enclosing Supplemental Treaty between Great Britain and the United States of North America, separate article to be referred to the Definitive Treaty, and paper mentioned in the close of Mr Hartley's letter. M. Salva to B. Franklin. Algiers, April 1st, 1783, 95 Informing him of an attempt by the Algerines to seize American vessels. To the Grand Master of Malta. Passy, April 6th, 1783, 96 Requesting protection for Americans in the ports of Malta. To M. Rosencrone. Passy, April 13th, 1783, 97 Relative to a treaty between Denmark and the United States.—Asks reparation for the seizure of American prizes in the Danish ports. To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, April 15th, 1783, 98 Proposals of Denmark.—Delay in the negotiation of the Definitive Treaty.—Mr Hartley substituted in the room of Mr Oswald.—Propositions for the renewal of the commerce between England and the United States.—Receives applications of persons wishing to emigrate to America.—Financial embarrassments of France. Charles J. Fox to B. Franklin. St James's, April 19th, 1783, 104 Introducing Mr Hartley.—Expresses a desire to effect a reconciliation of the two nations. To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, April 27th, 1783, 104 Introducing the Count del Veome. Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, May 5th, 1783, 105 Acknowledges the receipt of a copy of the three articles discussed by the Commissioners and Mr Hartley.— Complains of the infrequent appearance of the Commissioners at Court. To Count de Vergennes. Passy, May 5th, 1783, 105 [viii] [ix] [x] The Commissioners prevented by sickness from appearing at Court. To David Hartley. Passy, May 8th, 1783, 106 Desires the abolition of privateering. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, May 9th, 1783, 107 Infringements of the Provisional Treaty by the British.—Arrival of vessels in the American ports. Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, May 31st, 1783, 109 Determination of the Court of Appeals in case of the Portuguese vessel.—Recommends the demands on Denmark to be urged. To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, June 12th, 1783, 110 The ratification of the treaty with Sweden received.—Treaty with Denmark going on.—Portugal proposes to treat.—Delay of the Definitive Treaty with England.—Dr Bancroft. The Ambassador from Sweden to B. Franklin. Paris, June 13th, 1783, 112 Requesting that Mr W. T. Franklin may be sent to the Swedish Court. From the Grand Master of Malta to B. Franklin. Malta, June 21st, 1783, 112 Promising protection to Americans in the ports of Malta. To Henry Laurens. Passy, July 6th, 1783, 113 Delays of the negotiations.—Mr Laurens's presence necessary. From M. Rosencrone, Minister of Denmark, to B. Franklin. Copenhagen, July 8th, 1783, 114 Enclosing a Counter Project of a Treaty between the United States and Denmark. Explanation of the Counter Project of a Treaty of Amity and Commerce received from Denmark, 130 Giacomo F. Crocco to B. Franklin. Cadiz, July 15th, 1783, 135 Informing him that the Emperor of Morocco is ready to enter into a treaty with the United States. To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, July 22d, 1783, 136 Justifies the signature of the Provisional Treaty without communicating to the French Court.—Expresses his confidence in France.—Contrary opinion of one of his colleagues.—Reason for striking a commercial article out of the preliminaries proposed.—Advantages of free trade.—Moderation of France.—The Ambassador of Portugal desires to form a treaty with the United States.—Correspondence with the Danish Minister.—Inclination of Saxony and Prussia to engage in the American commerce.—Affair of the Bon Homme Richard.—Recommends his grandson for the diplomatic service.—General desire of the European powers to engage in commerce with the United States.— The American constitutions translated into French, produce a favorable effect.—Dangers from the Barbary powers. —Kindness of Mr Wren to the American prisoners near Portsmouth. Plan of a Treaty with Portugal, 150 Enclosed in the preceding. From the Pope's Nuncio to B. Franklin, 158 Proposing the appointment of an Apostolical Vicar Bishop in the United States. To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Aug. 16th, 1783, 159 The English Ministry reject the propositions of the Commissioners and of their own Ministers.—Propose the preliminaries slightly changed as a definitive treaty.—The other Commissioners are inclined to sign this. M. de Rayneval to B. Franklin. Versailles, August 29th, 1783, 160 Count de Vergennes consents to the signing the treaty at Paris instead of Versailles. To the President of Congress. Passy, August 31st, 1783, 161 The English Ministry have agreed to sign the articles formerly proposed as a definitive treaty. To David Hartley. Passy, September 6th, 1783, 161 Expresses his esteem for Mr Fox.—Intelligence of the American people.—Their misunderstandings much exaggerated.—Complains of the delay in evacuating New York. To John Jay. Passy, September 10th, 1783, 163 Quotes a letter from America, which accuses him of favoring France, in her opposition to granting the fishery, and the whole territory demanded by the Americans.—Appeals to Mr Jay for the falsehood of the assertion. John Jay to B. Franklin. Passy, Sept, 11th, 1783, 164 Dr Franklin agreed and acted with the other Commissioners respecting the boundaries and fisheries.—On former occasions he had also maintained the same claims on these points. John Adams to B. Franklin. Passy, September 13th, 1783, 165 Dr Franklin agreed with the other Commissioners in the management of the negotiation. To the President of Congress. Passy, September 13th, 1783, 166 Relations with Morocco; with Portugal.—False reports of disunion, &c. in the United States injurious to the American cause.—Count de Vergennes refuses to sign the Definitive Treaty with England before that between England and the United States was signed. To Lewis R. Morris. Passy, Sept. 14th, 1783, 169 Relative to accounts. David Hartley to B. Franklin. Bath, September 24th, 1783, 170 Expects to receive instructions for a convention on the basis, that American ships shall not bring foreign manufactures into Great Britain, nor trade directly between the West Indies and Great Britain. To the President of Congress. Passy, September 27th, 1783, 171 Encloses a copy of the Definitive Treaty.—Expects Mr Hartley to negotiate a treaty of commerce. [xi] [xii] To David Hartley. Passy, October 16th, 1783, 172 Advantages of a perpetual peace between England, France, and America. To David Hartley. Passy, October 22d, 1783, 173 Reports of the divisions in America unfounded. To the President of Congress. Passy, November 1st, 1783, 173 Financial difficulties of France; failure of payment by the Caisse d'Escompte.—Relations with Sweden, Denmark, and Portugal.—Claims of Du Calvet for supplies to the army in Canada. Giacomo Francisco Crocco to B. Franklin. Cadiz, November 25th, 1783, 176 Informs Dr Franklin that he is appointed by the Emperor of Morocco to conduct to that Court the Minister of the United States.—Demands $1500 for his expenses to Paris. To William Carmichael. Passy, Dec. 15th, 1783, 177 Accounts of the proceedings and demands of M. Crocco. To Giacomo Francisco Crocco. Passy, December 15th, 1783, 179 Mr Jay is the suitable person for M. Crocco's application. To the President of Congress. Passy, December 25th, 1783, 180 Mr Hartley refuses to go to Versailles to sign the Definitive Treaty.—Ill will of the British Court towards America.—Has the American constitutions translated in French, which produce a favorable impression.—Relations with Denmark, Portugal, Morocco, and Germany.—The expense of Commodore Jones's expedition paid entirely by the King of France. To Robert Morris. Passy, Dec. 25th, 1783, 187 Unreasonableness of the complaints against taxes.—Property is the creature of society.—Lafayette has conferences with the Ministers, relative to the new commercial regulations. To the President of Congress. Passy, December 26th, 1783, 188 Recommends Mr Hodgson as Consul in London. David Hartley to B. Franklin. London, March 2d, 1784, 189 Promises to apply for the despatch of the ratification of the treaty by Great Britain, on the arrival of that by Congress. To Charles Thompson. Passy, March 9th, 1784, 190 Ratifications exchanged with Sweden.—Receives numerous applications from persons wishing to settle in the United States. To the President of Congress. Passy, May 12th, 1784, 191 Mr Hartley arrives to exchange ratifications of the Definitive Treaty.—Proclamation relative to American commerce with the British colonies.—Proposed regulations of the commerce with the French colonies. David Hartley to B. Franklin. Paris, June 1st, 1784, 192 Defects of form in the ratification of the treaty by Congress. To David Hartley. Passy, June 2d, 1784, 193 Answers to the objections made in the preceding letter. To the President of Congress. Passy, June 16th, 1784, 196 Symptoms of resentment against America on the part of Great Britain. Consular Convention, 198 Consular convention between France and the United States. To Count de Mercy Argenteau. Passy, July 30th, 1784, 208 Dr Franklin, Mr Jefferson, and Mr Adams are appointed to negotiate a treaty of commerce with the empire. Count de Mercy Argenteau to B. Franklin. Paris, July 30th, 1784, 209 Assures Dr Franklin of the disposition of the Emperor to form commercial connexions with the United States. Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, August 27th, 1784, 210 Requesting a declaration, in an official form, that Congress will in no case treat any nation more favorably than France in commercial privileges. To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Sept. 3d, 1784, 210 Transmits a Resolution of Congress, declaring that no people shall be placed on more advantageous ground in the commerce with the United States than the French subjects. Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, September 9th, 1784, 211 Expresses the satisfaction of the King with the resolution of Congress, contained in the preceding letter.—The United States shall enjoy a complete reciprocity in France. Count de Mercy Argenteau to B. Franklin. Paris, September 28th, 1784, 211 The Emperor has agreed to the propositions of Congress concerning commercial regulations between the two powers. To Charles Thompson. Passy, October 16th, 1784, 212 The Commissioners have made propositions of treating to all the European powers. To Charles Thompson. Passy, Nov. 11th, 1784, 213 To the President of Congress. Passy, February 8th, 1785, 213 Receives the Resolve of Congress, respecting the Consular convention, too late to suspend the signing. To the President of Congress. Passy, April 12th, 1785, 214 [xiii] [xiv] Introducing M. de Chaumont, the younger. To Count de Vergennes. Passy, May 3d, 1785, 215 Informs him that he has received permission to return to America. M. de Rayneval to B. Franklin. Versailles, May 8th, 1785, 216 Regrets to hear of his approaching departure from France. To John Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Passy, May 10th, 1785, 216 Prepares for his return to America. To Charles Thompson. Passy, May 10th, 1785, 217 Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, May 22d, 1785, 217 Regrets his intended departure for the United States.—Assures him of the esteem of the King. To Thomas Barclay. Passy, June 19th, 1785, 218 Relative to his charges for salary as Minister Plenipotentiary. M. de Castries to B. Franklin. Versailles, July 10th, 1785, 220 Would have ordered a frigate for Dr Franklin, had he sooner known of his intention of leaving France. To John Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Philadelphia, September 19th, 1785, 220 Informs him of his arrival in the United States.—Signs a treaty of commerce and friendship with Prussia before leaving Europe. To Mr Grand, banker at Paris. Philadelphia, July 11, 1786, 222 Requests information concerning the gift of three millions of livres from the King, of which only two millions appear in the accounts. M. Durival to Mr Grand. Versailles, August 30th, 1786, 223 The King's gift amounted to three millions, independently of the million advanced to the United States by the Farmers-General. M. Durival to Mr Grand. Versailles, September 5th, 1786, 224 Declines communicating to him the receipt taken for the first million advanced by the King, June 10th, 1776. Mr Grand to B. Franklin. Paris, Sept. 9th, 1786, 224 States that he received only three millions; the first million having been advanced previous to his appointment. M. Durival to Mr Grand. Versailles, September 10th, 1786, 225 The Minister still persists in declining to communicate the receipt for the first million to Mr Grand. Mr Grand to B. Franklin. Paris, Sept. 12th, 1786, 226 Professes himself unable to discover who received the first million. To Charles Thompson. Philadelphia, January 27th, 1787, 226 Conjectures that the million advanced June 10th, 1776, must have been delivered to Beaumarchais. To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November 29th, 1788, 228 Requesting the settlement of his accounts, which have been three years before Congress, it having been asserted in the newspapers that he is indebted to the United States. JOHN ADAMS' CORRESPONDENCE. Committee of Foreign Affairs to John Adams. York, in Pennsylvania, December 3d, 1777, 241 Enclosing his commission as Commissioner to France. To Henry Laurens, President of Congress. Braintree, December 23d, 1777, 242 Accepting his appointment as Commissioner. To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Braintree, December 24th, 1777, 243 Acknowledging the receipt of his commission, with other documents accompanying. To Samuel Adams. Passy, May 21st, 1778, 244 State of Europe.—Disposition of the powers towards America.—Affairs of the United States in France in great confusion.—Expenses of the Commissioners. (Information on this subject in the note, p. 245.)—Proposes remedies. To the Commercial Committee. Passy, May 24th, 1778, 248 American affairs in France in great confusion; attended with much delay and expense.—Remedies proposed. To James Lovell. Passy, July 9th, 1778, 250 The ratification of the treaty with France gives great satisfaction in that country.—War between France and England appears inevitable.—Effect of the war of Bavarian succession on the policy of Germany. To James Lovell. Passy, July 26th, 1778, 251 Mr Deane's claims, services, and complaints.—Victories of the army the best negotiators in Europe. To the President of Congress. Passy, July 27th, 1778, 254 Policy of England to separate America from France. To Samuel Adams. Passy, July 28th, 1778, 256 [xv] [xvi] British Commissioners authorised to offer independence to America, on condition of her breaking off her connexions with France.—America is bound by alliances to reject such proposals.—The proximity of the British colonies to the United States will always render Great Britain an enemy.—France and America reciprocally important to each other.—The alliance of France will secure the rest of the continent.—Necessity of imposing taxes in the United States to support the national credit. To James Warren. Passy, August 4th, 1778, 259 The proceedings of Congress relative to the Conciliatory Bills, ratification of the treaty, answer to the Commissioners, &c. produce a favorable effect in Europe.—Expresses his abhorrence of the idea of infidelity to France.—Dangers to the Protestant religion from the French alliance imaginary.—Probable effects of the separation of America on the power of Great Britain. To Richard Henry Lee. Passy, Aug. 5th, 1778, 262 Necessity of taxation to support the national credit.—Dissensions among the American agents. To Henry Laurens, President of Congress. Passy, August 27th, 1778, 266 To the President of Congress. Passy, September 7th, 1778, 266 Great preparations of Spain; their object is unknown. To the President of Congress. Passy, September 11th, 1778, 267 To M. Ray de Chaumont. Passy, Sept. 15th, 1778, 268 Requesting him to fix the rent of his house, occupied by Mr Adams and Dr Franklin. M. Ray de Chaumont to John Adams. Passy, September 18th, 1778, 269 Declines receiving any compensation for his house. To the President of Congress. Passy, September 20th, 1778, 270 The American refugees in England encourage the notion, that another campaign will compel the colonies to return to submission.—The marine and finances of England are in a miserable condition. To Ralph Izard. Passy, September 25th, 1778, 271 Agriculture the most essential interest of America, even in Massachusetts.—Evils of the fisheries; they promote luxury, and injure morals; are useful as a source of naval power. To Ralph Izard. Passy, October 2d, 1778, 274 Relative to the insertion of the words 'indefinite and exclusive' in the tenth article of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. To the President of Congress. Passy, October 2d, 1778, 277 Committee of Foreign Affairs to John Adams. Philadelphia, October 28th, 1778, 277 Requests him to keep the Commissioners at the other Courts informed of all events in America. To the President of Congress. Passy, December 3d, 1778, 278 The opinion that the English intend to withdraw from the United States, unfounded.—The British power there must be destroyed. To Elbridge Gerry. Passy, December 5th, 1778, 279 Reserve of the French Ministry towards the Commissioners.—Dissensions of the Commissioners. To the President of Congress. Passy, December 6th, 1778, 281 Enclosing the King's speech. To Roger Sherman. Passy, December 6th, 1778, 282 Value and dangers of the connexion with France. To the President of Congress. Passy, December 8th, 1778, 283 Plan of the British to prosecute the war by devastating the country.—The war is not a ministerial but a national one. The Commissioners to John Paul Jones. Passy, May 25th, 1778, 284 Congratulations on his successes.—Prospect of obtaining an exchange of prisoners.—Refuse the payment of his bill of exchange drawn on the Commissioners.—Offer to furnish his men with slops. The Commissioners to John Paul Jones. Passy, June 3d, 1778, 287 Desiring the release of Lieut. Simpson under arrest for disobeying orders. The Commissioners to Lieut. Simpson, of the Ranger. Passy, June 3d, 1778, 288 The Commissioners have requested Captain Jones to set him at liberty. To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Passy, February 1st, 1779, 289 Difficult to obtain a loan in Europe. To Samuel Adams. Passy, February 14th, 1779, 290 Expresses his satisfaction with the appointment of Dr Franklin as Minister Plenipotentiary to France.—Disputes of the former Commissioners.—The French Court and nation unanimous in support of American independence.— The policy of France popular in Europe.—Discontents in Great Britain. To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Feb. 16th, 1779, 294 The recall of his commission has rendered unnecessary the conference he had requested with the Minister relative to Mr Deane's address. To the Marquis de Lafayette. Passy, February 21st, 1779, 295 Financial difficulties of America would be remedied by relieving the country of the necessity of supporting large forces; the naval superiority of France in the American seas would easily effect this relief. Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, February 21st, 1779, 298 [xvii] [xviii] [xix] Desires an interview with Mr Adams, to express the satisfaction of the King with his conduct. To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Feb. 27th, 1779, 299 Expresses his sense of the King's indulgent sentiments. To John Jay, President of Congress. Passy, February 27th, 1779, 299 Intends to return to America.—Tumults in Great Britain.—Little prospect of obtaining a loan in Europe.— Economy and taxation necessary to relieve the financial difficulties. To John Jay, President of Congress. Passy, March 1st, 1779, 302 Conditions of the British loan. M. de Lafayette to John Adams. St Germain, April 9th, 1779, 303 Asks leave to send a French officer to America with Mr Adams. To Arthur Lee. L'Orient, June 9th, 1779, 305 Relative to the charges made against Mr Lee. To the President of Congress. Braintree, August 3d, 1779, 307 Returns home in the Sensible, in company with M. de la Luzerne.—Character of the Minister, Luzerne; of the Secretary to the Embassy, Marbois. To the President of Congress. Braintree, August 4th, 1779, 311 View of the state of Europe.—France.—War of Bavarian succession.—Great Britain.—Holland.—Spain.— Portugal.—German States.—Austria.—Prussia.—The northern powers.—Italy. To James Lovell. Braintree, August 13th, 1779, 325 Enclosing letters concerning Count de Vergennes and Arthur Lee. To the President of Congress. Braintree, September 10th, 1779, 326 Requesting a copy of the complaints, evidences, witnesses, &c. reported by a Committee of Congress to exist against the Commissioners. To the President of Congress. Boston, September 23d, 1779, 327 To James Lovell. Braintree, October 17th, 1779, 328 Regrets Mr Lee's recall.—Denies Mr Izard's charges. To Samuel Huntington, President of Congress. Braintree, October 19th, 1779, 331 British whale fishery on the South American coast.—The crews American prisoners of war. To Samuel Huntington, President of Congress. Braintree, October 20th, 1779, 333 Present of an engraving of the exploit of William Tell for each State from Mr Schweighauser. To the President of Congress. Braintree, October 21st, 1779, 333 Advantages of convoys for the American trade; of maintaining a superiority of naval power in the American seas. To Henry Laurens. Braintree, Oct. 25th, 1779, 335 His appointment as Commissioner not sought by him.—Opinion of Colonel Laurens's abilities.—Difficulties at Philadelphia. To the President of Congress. Braintree, November 4th, 1779, 337 Accepting the commission of Minister for negotiating peace and commerce with Great Britain. Instructions for a treaty of peace with Great Britain, 339 Instructions for a treaty of commerce with Great Britain, 342 To the President of Congress. Braintree, November 7th, 1779, 344 Transmits a copy of the letter book of the Commissioners at the Court of Versailles. To B. Franklin. Ferrol, December 8th, 1779, 345 Informs him of his arrival at Ferrol, being obliged to put in there, in consequence of a leak. To the President of Congress. Ferrol, December 11th, 1779, 346 Arrival at Ferrol.—Attentions of the Spanish and French officers. To the President of Congress. Corunna, December 16th, 1779, 348 Disposition of Spain.—Report of the intended mediation of Russia on the basis of independence. To the Governor of Corunna. Corunna, December 18th, 1779, 351 Names of the persons for whom Mr Adams wishes for passports to Bayonne. M. de Sartine to John Adams. Versailles, December 31st, 1779, 352 To the President of Congress. Bilboa, January 16th, 1780, 352 Sketch of the northwestern provinces of Spain. To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, Feb. 12th, 1780, 360 Informs him of his mission.—Intends to take no measures without consulting the French Ministers.—Requests advice as to the course to be pursued in making known his mission. To M. de Sartine. Paris, February 13th, 1780, 363 Thanks for his being permitted a passage in the Sensible. Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, February 15th, 1780, 363 Advises him to conceal the object of his commission for a time. To the President of Congress. Paris, February 15th, 1780, 364 Arrives in Paris.—Has a conference with the French Ministers.—Supplies to be sent from France.— Preparations of England. To the President of Congress. Paris, February 17th, 1780, 366 [xx] [xxi] Supplied with money by M. Lagoanere at Corunna. To the Marquis de Lafayette. Paris, February 18th, 1780, 368 Requesting information concerning the reports circulated by the British, of their preparations for the ensuing campaign. To M. Genet, First Secretary for the department of Foreign Affairs. Paris, February 18th, 1780, 370 Same subject as the preceding. M. de Lafayette to John Adams. Paris, February 19th, 1780, 371 The accounts of the British abovementioned are without foundation. To the President of Congress. Paris, February 19th, 1780, 373 False reports circulated by the British as to their means for the next campaign.—Naval preparations of France.— The importance of the colonies in maintaining the naval supremacy of Great Britain, will render her averse to a peace. To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, Feb. 19th, 1780, 376 His instructions contain nothing inconsistent with the treaty between France and the United States. M. Genet to John Adams. Versailles, February 20th, 1780, 377 Falsehood of the British reports mentioned pp. 368, 370. To the President of Congress. Paris, February 20th, 1780, 378 Exaggeration of the English successes in South America and the United States.—Account of his proceedings in France.—Application of England to Russia rejected. To John Jay, Minister Plenipotentiary at Madrid. Paris, February 22d, 1780, 380 Congratulates him on his arrival.—Communication with America more easy from Spain than from France. To the President of Congress. Paris, February 23d, 1780, 382 Transmitting French journals; gives their character. To Samuel Adams. Paris, February 23d, 1780, 383 Committees of Correspondence established in England.—Naval preparations of France.—Supplies for the American army from that power. To General James Warren. Paris, Feb. 23d, 1780, 385 French naval force at sea, and preparing at Brest.—British resources. Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, February 24th, 1780, 386 Expresses himself satisfied with Mr Adams's powers and instructions.—Advises secrecy in regard to his powers for negotiating a treaty of commerce.—His mission to negotiate a peace will be publicly announced. To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, February 25th, 1780, 388 Promises to comply with the advice contained in the preceding letter. To the President of Congress. Paris, February 25th, 1780, 388 Committees of Correspondence formed in Ireland and England. To the President of Congress. Paris, February 27th, 1780, 389 Preparations at Brest composed of land and sea forces.—Violence of parties in England.—Seizure of Dutch ships by the English alienates the Dutch. To Dr Cooper of Boston. Paris, Feb. 28th, 1780, 392 The Americans must not indulge the hope of peace. To the President of Congress. Paris, February 29th, 1780, 393 M. Genet translates the American constitutions. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 3d, 1780, 394 Character of Admiral Rodney.—Intends to adopt a system of devastation on the American coast. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 4th, 1780, 395 Successes of Admiral Rodney.—French naval force. To Samuel Adams. Paris, March 4th, 1780, 399 Mr Izard's views of the policy to be adopted at the French Court.—Mr Adams's opinions different. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 8th, 1780, 400 Is presented at Court. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 8th, 1780, 401 To the President of Congress. Paris, March 10th, 1780, 401 Rodney's successes. To the President of Congress. Passy, March 12th, 1780, 403 Quotes an observation of M. de Mably concerning the establishment of the English empire of the sea.—The Americans must produce a balance of power by sea.—English naval force. To Edmund Jennings. Paris, March 12th, 1780, 407 Chatham's doctrine of a constitutional impossibility of acknowledging the independence of America.—Effects of the interposition of France and Spain on the acknowledgment. To the President of Congress. Passy, March 14th, 1780, 411 Clinton's expedition.—State of affairs in England and Ireland. To the President of Congress. Passy, March 14th, 1780, 414 English forces. To James Lovell. Paris, March 16th, 1780, 415 Refugees.—His accounts.—Reason of avoiding giving accounts of the state of affairs in France.—Approves the plan of distinct ministers. [xxii] [xxiii] To the President of Congress. Paris, March 18th, 1780, 418 French military preparations.—Armed neutrality of the northern powers. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 19th, 1780, 420 British fleet in the channel.—Reported capture of despatches from the Court of France. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 20th, 1780, 422 Transmits the Morning Post and the General Advertiser.—Virulence of parties. To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, March 21st, 1780, 423 Informing the Minister that his presentation at Court has not been announced. To William Lee. Paris, March 21st, 1780, 424 Rumors of change in the British Ministry.—A truce impossible. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 23d, 1780, 426 The abolition of the Board of Trade and Plantations carried against the Ministry.—The opposition are disposed only to a separate treaty.—The fatal consequences of a truce to America. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 24th, 1780, 429 Discussions on salaries of colonial officers, and pensions of refugees.—Requests instructions as to compensations to the refugees in case of negotiations; and whether the citizens of each power shall have the right of citizens in the dominions of the other. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 24th, 1780, 431 Account of Admiral Rodney's cruise. Preparations in Spain.—Dissensions in England. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 26th, 1780, 435 Free commerce with the colonies granted to Ireland.—Proceeding in the Irish Parliament thereon.—State of Ireland. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 29th, 1780, 440 Affairs of Holland.—History of the dispute with England. Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, March 30th, 1780, 443 Presentations of Ministers are not announced in the Gazette de France.—Proposes to announce it in the Mercure. To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, March 30th, 1780, 444 Approves the announcement of his presentation in the Mercure. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 30th, 1780, 445 Explains the reason, why his presentation was not announced in the Gazette.—Does not approve of the concealment of his powers to treat of commerce. To the President of Congress. Paris, March 30th, 1780, 446 Dispute between the Irish volunteers and the royal troops at Dublin. To Arthur Lee, at L'Orient. Paris, March 31st, 1780, 448 Difficulties between the Commissioners. To the President of Congress. Paris, April 3d, 1780, 449 Policy of the Stadtholder.—Inclination of the Dutch nation.—Petition to their High Mightinesses to equip a naval force.—Memorial of Sir J. Yorke.—Answer of the States-General.—Reply of Sir J. Yorke. To the President of Congress. Paris, April 3d, 1780, 458 Memorial of the Congress of County Committees recommending reforms in the expenditure, in elections, annual Parliaments, &c.—Proceedings of particular committees thereon. To the President of Congress. Paris, April 4th, 1780, 465 Attack of an English privateer on a Swedish frigate. To the President of Congress. Paris, April 6th, 1780, 466 Decree of the Admiralty in the case of a Dutch ship, captured by an English man-of-war, while sailing for a French port, loaded with naval stores under a Dutch convoy. To the President of Congress. Paris, April 7th, 1780, 473 Rumors of an armed neutrality of the northern powers.—Violations of the neutrality of the Turkish waters by the English and French naval forces.—Representations of the Porte.—Sentiments of Russia on the English attack of the Dutch convoy. To William Carmichael, Secretary of the American Embassy at Madrid. Paris, April 8th, 1780, 480 Reason for the delays of Spain.—Events in America.—State of England. To the President of Congress. Paris, April 8th, 1780, 483 List of the naval losses of the English since the beginning of the war. To the President of Congress. Paris, April 10th, 1780, 484 Proceedings of England and Holland relative to the granting of convoys to Dutch ships. To the President of Congress. Paris, April 10th, 1780, 488 Memorial of the Russian Envoy, Prince Gallitzin, to the States General, communicating the declaration of his Court to the belligerent powers, and inviting the concurrence of the States.—The declaration mentioned in the foregoing Memorial, asserting the determination of Russia to protect her subjects in the rights of neutrals, and proposing to establish the principles that free ships make free goods; that an efficient force is necessary to constitute a blockade, &c. To the President of Congress. Paris, April 11th, 1780, 493 [xxiv] [xxv] [xxvi] Proceedings of the counties, &c. in England in favor of reforms.—Resolutions of the county of York in favor of economical and parliamentary reform, of triennial parliaments, and condemning the carrying on of the war in America. To the President of Congress. Paris, April 14th, 1780, 497 Violations of neutrality.—Prospect of an armed neutrality of the north.—Proceedings in Holland. To the President of Congress. Paris, April 15th, 1780, 501 Quotations from the European papers.—From an English paper proposing the independence of the United States, the giving up of Nova Scotia and Canada.—Russia gives notice to France that she is arming to protect her neutrality. To M. de Sartine. Paris, April 16th, 1780, 507 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, COMMISSIONER AND MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY TO THE COURT OF FRANCE, AND COMMISSIONER FOR NEGOTIATING A PEACE. THE CORRESPONDENCE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED. COUNT DE VERGENNES TO B. FRANKLIN. Translation. Versailles, August 23d, 1782. Sir, I have received the letter you did me the honor of writing to me on the 9th instant, as well as the memorial enclosed in it. I communicated the paper to the Marquis de Castries, and I make no doubt, but that the Minister will take into consideration its contents, as far as circumstances will permit. We are desirous to adopt every measure, that may tend to the prosperity of the commerce established between France and the United States, and we shall neglect nothing to accomplish this object to the universal satisfaction of the two countries. Congress will greatly facilitate our labor, if they will communicate their ideas and wishes on this subject; and I make the request with greater confidence, as I am convinced that that assembly desires as much as we do to establish, on an advantageous and solid basis, the commercial concerns between France and America. I have the honor to be, &c. DE VERGENNES. [3] THOMAS TOWNSHEND TO RICHARD OSWALD. Whitehall, September 1st, 1782. Sir, I have received and laid before the King your letters of the 17th, 18th, and 21st ultimo; and I am commanded to signify to you his Majesty's approbation of your conduct in communicating to the American Commissioners the fourth article of your instructions; which could not but convince them, that the negotiation for peace, and the cession of independence to the Thirteen United Colonies, were intended to be carried on and concluded with the Commissioners in Europe. Those gentlemen having expressed their satisfaction concerning that article, it is hoped they will not entertain a doubt of his Majesty's determination to exercise, in the fullest extent, the powers with which the act of Parliament has invested him, by granting to America, full, complete, and unconditional independence, in the most explicit manner, as an article of treaty. T. TOWNSHEND. TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. Passy, September 3d, 1782. Sir, I have just received yours, No. 13, dated the 23d of June. The accounts of the general sentiments of our people, respecting propositions from England, and the rejoicings on the birth of the Dauphin, give pleasure here; and it affords me much satisfaction to find the conduct of Congress approved by all who hear or speak of it, and to see all the marks of a constantly growing regard for us, and confidence in us, among those in whom such sentiments are most to be desired. I hope the affair of Captain Asgill was settled as it ought to be, by the punishment of Lippincott. Applications have been made here to obtain letters in favor of the young gentleman. Enclosed I send you a copy of the answer I gave to that made to me. I had before acquainted M. Tousard, that his pension would be paid in America, and there only, it being unreasonable to expect that Congress should open a Pay Office in every part of the world, where pensioners should choose to reside. I shall communicate to him that part of your letter. You wish to know what allowance I make to my private Secretary. My grandson, William T. Franklin, came over with me, served me as a private Secretary during the time of the Commissioners; and no Secretary to the Commission arriving, though we had been made to expect one, he did business for us all, and this without any allowance for his services, though both Mr Lee and Mr Deane at times mentioned it to me as a thing proper to be done, and in justice due to him. When I became appointed sole Minister here, and the whole business, which the Commissioners had before divided with me, came into my hands, I was obliged to exact more service from him, and he was indeed, by being so long in the business, become capable of doing more. At length, in the beginning of the year 1781 when he became of age, considering his constant close attention to the duties required, and his having thereby missed the opportunity of studying the law, for which he had been intended, I determined to make him some compensation for the time past, and fix some compensation for the time to come, till the pleasure of Congress respecting him should be known. I accordingly settled an account with him, allowing him from the beginning of December 1776 to the end of 1777, the sum of 3,400 livres, and for the year 1778, the sum of 4,000 livres, for 1779, 4,800 livres, and for 1780, 6,000 livres. Since that time I have allowed him at the rate of three hundred louis per annum, being what I saw had been allowed by Congress to the Secretary of Mr William Lee, who could not have had, I imagine, a fourth part of the business to go through; since my Secretary, besides the writing and copying the papers relative to my common ministerial transactions, has had all those occasioned by my acting in the various employments of Judge of Admiralty, Consul, purchaser of goods for the public, &c. &c. besides that of accepting the Congress bills, a business that requires being always at home, bills coming by post, from different ports and countries, and often requiring immediate answers, whether good or not; and to that end, it being necessary to examine by the books, exactly kept of all preceding acceptances, in order to detect double presentations, which happen very frequently. The great number of these bills makes almost sufficient business for one person, and the confinement they occasion is such,...