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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Diplomatic Correspondence of the
+American Revolution, 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
+ Volume 7.
+
+Author: Various
+
+Editor: Jared Sparks
+
+Release Date: November 1, 2011 [EBook #37898]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DIPLOMATIC ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Frank van Drogen, Melissa McDaniel and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+(This file was produced from images generously made
+available by the Bibliotheque nationale de France
+(BnF/Gallica) at http://gallica.bnf.fr)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF THE
+
+AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
+
+VOL. VII.
+
+
+
+
+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. VII.
+
+
+BOSTON:
+
+NATHAN HALE AND GRAY & BOWEN;
+
+G. & C. & H. CARVILL, NEW YORK; P. THOMPSON, WASHINGTON.
+
+
+1830.
+
+
+
+
+Steam Power Press--W. L. Lewis' Print.,
+
+No. 6, Congress Street, Boston.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+OF THE
+
+SEVENTH VOLUME.
+
+
+JOHN ADAMS'S CORRESPONDENCE,
+
+CONTINUED.
+
+ Page.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, December 14th, 1782, 3
+
+ The King of Sweden's compliment to the United
+ States.--The signing of the preliminaries announced to
+ Parliament.--Quotes a note from the Courier de
+ l'Europe.--Requests leave to return.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, December
+ 19th, 1782, 4
+
+ Mr Jefferson accepts his appointment.--Financial
+ arrangements for raising a revenue.
+
+ To Charles W. F. Dumas. Paris, January 1st, 1783, 6
+
+ M. Brantzen.--Conversation with Mr Oswald on freedom of
+ navigation.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, January 22d, 1783, 8
+
+ Preliminaries and armistice between England, and Spain,
+ and France, signed and sealed.--Terms England offers to
+ the Dutch.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, January 23d, 1783, 10
+
+ Grounds of Mr Adams's opinions of European politics.--Mr
+ Laurens's services.--The northern powers friendly to
+ America.--America has suffered by reposing confidence in
+ a certain minister.
+
+ To C. W. F. Dumas. Paris, January 29th, 1783, 13
+
+ Proceedings of Congress in reference to the armed
+ neutrality.--America is ready to accede to its
+ principles.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, February 5th, 1783, 14
+
+ Causes of the revocation of his commission for
+ negotiating a treaty of commerce with Great
+ Britain.--Recommends the appointment of a Minister to
+ England for negotiating a treaty of commerce.--Mr
+ Adams's idea of the qualifications necessary for an
+ American Minister, particularly at the English
+ Court.--Address and fluency in speaking French of little
+ importance.--Mr Jay's services and qualifications.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, February
+ 13th, 1783, 23
+
+ Financial embarrassments of the country.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, March 2d, 1783, 25
+
+ Transmitting an application from a French house at
+ Leghorn to be appointed consul or commercial agent of
+ the United States.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, April 14th,
+ 1783, 26
+
+ Ambiguous expressions in the declaration of the
+ cessation of hostilities.--Affairs of the Dutch.--Mr
+ Adams's accounts.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, April 14th, 1783, 28
+
+ Mr Hartley succeeds Mr Oswald.--Prospect of a general
+ congress at Paris.
+
+ To Robert Morris. Paris, May 21st, 1783, 30
+
+ The Dutch loan; perplexities and embarrassments.--Wishes
+ to be at home to persuade the Americans to pay taxes and
+ build ships.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, May 24th, 1783, 31
+
+ A temporary regulation of commerce with England will be
+ necessary.--The American ministers invited to London
+ with a promise that they should be treated as the
+ ministers of other sovereign states.--The English court
+ wishes to interchange ministers with America.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, May 30th, 1783, 34
+
+ Receives the ratification by Congress of the treaty with
+ Holland.--Delay in the negotiations of the definitive
+ treaty.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, June 9th, 1783, 35
+
+ "Letters from a Distinguished American," written by Mr
+ Adams.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, June 16th, 1783, 36
+
+ Ambiguities in the articles of the provisional treaty
+ occasioned by the critical state of affairs.--The Dutch
+ have been of important service in bringing about the
+ termination of the war.--Expresses a wish to return; is
+ unwilling to remain in Europe if the embassy to England
+ is given to any other person.--Policy to be pursued in
+ raising a loan in Holland.--Conduct of General
+ Washington during the discontent in the army.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, June 23d, 1783, 41
+
+ Obstacles in the way of agreeing upon a regulation of
+ commerce.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, June 23d, 1783, 42
+
+ Embarrassments of the English Ministry.--A party in
+ England in favor of restricting the commerce of the
+ Americans.--America and the West Indies are mutually
+ necessary to each other.--Thinks it politic to revive
+ the trade on the former footing, if necessary.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, June 24th, 1783, 45
+
+ Fictions of the European Gazetteers.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, June 27th, 1783, 46
+
+ Progress of the negotiations of the other
+ powers.--Expects to obtain nothing more favorable than
+ the terms of the provisional treaty.--Conduct,
+ character, and materials of the British Ministry.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, June 27th, 1783, 48
+
+ American ships arrive in England.--Dubious policy of
+ the Ministry.--The American Ministers would effect more
+ in England.--France does not desire a reconciliation
+ between England and the United States.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 3d, 1783, 51
+
+ The American Ministers make visits to the Ministers of
+ all the powers.--The coalition.--The commerce with the
+ West Indies.--Receives a visit from the Ambassador of
+ the Emperor of Germany.--The other Ministers return his
+ visit.
+
+ To Robert Morris. Paris, July 5th, 1783, 56
+
+ State of affairs in Europe at the moment of signing the
+ peace.--Expediency of signing it without consulting the
+ French Minister.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 7th, 1783, 59
+
+ The British Ministry avoid any definitive
+ propositions.--The West India commerce in regard to the
+ different powers.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 9th, 1783, 63
+
+ Mediation of the Imperial Courts.--Explains the
+ necessity for concealing the separate article from
+ France; and for signing the treaty without a previous
+ communication of it to the French Court.--The foreign
+ Ministers cease to treat the American Ministers with
+ reserve.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 10th, 1783, 67
+
+ French policy in regard to the fisheries.--Letter of M.
+ Marbois.--M. de Rayneval's correspondence with Mr
+ Jay.--France wishes the exclusion of the Americans from
+ the West Indies.
+
+ To Robert Morris. Paris, July 10th, 1783, 70
+
+ Means of raising a loan in Holland.
+
+ To Robert Morris. Paris, July 11th, 1783, 72
+
+ Necessity of sustaining the credit of the United States
+ by providing for the prompt settlement of all claims.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 11th, 1783, 74
+
+ Obligations of America to France.--Reasons for
+ maintaining a close connexion with France.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 12th, 1783, 75
+
+ Algiers.--Negotiations with Portugal.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 13th, 1783, 77
+
+ Reasons for forming a treaty of commerce with the
+ Emperor of Germany.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 14th, 1783, 81
+
+ Jealousy of American ships and trade in France and
+ England.--Proclamation of the English court permitting
+ intercourse between America and the West Indies in
+ British vessels.--Fish, potash and pearlash not
+ admitted.--This measure is the result of French
+ policy--Remedies to be applied by America.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 14th, 1783, 85
+
+ Exclusive policy of the European powers in regard to
+ commerce.--Views of Austria and Russia towards the Black
+ Sea, the Danube, the Archipelago and Turkey.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 15th, 1783, 88
+
+ Mr Hartley offers no definitive
+ propositions.--"Observations on the American States."
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 16th, 1783, 89
+
+ Visit to the Count de Vergennes.--Conversation relative
+ to the West India commerce.--Means of retaliating the
+ British restrictions on the commerce with their
+ islands.--The Americans ought to send ships to
+ China.--Doubtful complexion of British politics.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 17th, 1783, 94
+
+ Conversation with Mr Hartley on the English trade and
+ policy in the East.--Importance of forming commercial
+ connexions with the Dutch.--Conversation with the Duc de
+ la Vauguyon relative to the French and English policy in
+ Eastern Europe; on the colonial commerce.--The British
+ restrictive policy will produce wars.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 18th, 1783, 99
+
+ The United States must counteract French and British
+ policy by forming connexions with other
+ nations.--Necessity of a common authority in America for
+ managing foreign affairs, regulating commerce, raising a
+ revenue, &c.--The friendship of the Dutch must be
+ secured.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 23d, 1783, 103
+
+ Sugar trade, and sugar refineries may be carried on by
+ Americans as well as by the Dutch.--Conversation with M.
+ Visscher and M. Van Berckel on the trade with the Dutch
+ Colonies.--M. Van Berckel's remarks on a loan in
+ Holland.--Conversation with the Prince of Orange on the
+ ranks of foreign Ministers.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 25th, 1783, 109
+
+ Intrigues of the English to restore their former
+ connexions with Holland.--The Dutch complain of having
+ been deceived by the French Ministers.--No progress in
+ the negotiations between England and Holland.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, July 28th, 1783, 112
+
+ Sugar trade.--American loan in Holland.--Loans of the
+ other powers there.
+
+ To Robert Morris. Amsterdam, July 28th, 1783, 115
+
+ The loan in Holland.--Suggests the expediency of sending
+ out ships loaded by the States with their respective
+ staples.--Probability of obtaining a loan in England.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 30th, 1783, 117
+
+ Trade with the Dutch Colonies.--Account of the limits,
+ &c. of the Dutch West India Company received from the
+ secretary.--General commerce with the European West
+ India Colonies.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 31st, 1783, 122
+
+ Conversation with the Sardinian Minister, who advises
+ the sending of a circular by Congress to the European
+ powers, giving an account of the Declaration of
+ Independence, of the acknowledgment by other powers,
+ &c.; recommends commercial connexions with Italy;
+ remarks on the Austrian policy towards Turkey.--Efforts
+ to detach Holland from her connexion with France.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, August 1st, 1783, 127
+
+ Conversation with the Portuguese Minister on commercial
+ matters.--Dr Franklin's treaty with Portugal.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, August 2d, 1783, 131
+
+ Conversation with M. Berenger on the European politics
+ of the day.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, August 3d, 1783, 133
+
+ Necessity of securing reciprocity in the commercial
+ treaties.--Dissatisfaction in Holland with France.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, August 10th, 1783, 136
+
+ Interview with the Spanish and Portuguese Ministers on
+ commercial subjects.--Extraordinary increase of the
+ commerce of the neutrals.--No progress in the
+ negotiation.--Causes of the delay.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, August 13th, 1783, 140
+
+ Exchange ratifications of the provisional treaty with Mr
+ Hartley.--The project of a definitive treaty produced by
+ Mr Hartley in the words of the provisional treaty.--Mr
+ Hartley objects to the mediation of the Imperial Courts.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, August 13th, 1783, 143
+
+ Probable policy of France in regard to
+ Turkey.--Situation of the Count de Vergennes considered
+ precarious.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, August 13th, 1783, 145
+
+ Expresses his discontent with Dr Franklin's negotiating
+ treaties with several powers without communicating with
+ other Ministers.--Remarks on the treaty with Denmark.
+
+ To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, August 15th, 1783, 149
+
+ The belligerent powers except Holland are
+ agreed.--Remarks of M. Brantzen on the conduct, policy,
+ and situation of the Count de Vergennes.--The Queen and
+ some of the council are opposed to him.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Paris, September 5th, 1783, 152
+
+ The definitive treaty signed, sealed, and delivered.--A
+ new commission necessary for negotiating a treaty of
+ commerce.--The Count de Vergennes was not desirous of
+ admitting the mediation of the Imperial Courts.--Mr
+ Adams regrets not having admitted the mediation.--Policy
+ of forming commercial connexions with the European
+ powers.
+
+ To Elias Boudinot, President of Congress. Paris, September
+ 8th, 1783, 156
+
+ Accepts the joint commission for negotiating a treaty of
+ commerce with England.--Advises that it be extended to
+ the other powers.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Paris, September 8th, 1783, 158
+
+ Management of the European Journals.--Courier de
+ l'Europe.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Paris, September 10th, 1783, 160
+
+ Advises the opening of negotiations with all the Courts
+ of Europe, and with the Barbary powers.
+
+
+JOHN JAY'S CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+ To the President of Congress. St Pierre's, Martinique,
+ December 20th, 1779, 171
+
+ Action at sea between the French and English.
+
+ To the President of Congress. St Pierre's, Martinique,
+ December 22d, 1779, 172
+
+ Repairs of the ship.
+
+ To the President of Congress. St Pierre's, Martinique,
+ December 24th, 1779, 174
+
+ An account of the condition of the ship, and the causes
+ of his favoring the steering for Martinique.
+
+ To the President of Congress. St Pierre's, Martinique,
+ December 25th, 1779, 190
+
+ Recommends Mrs Smith to the attention of Congress.
+
+ To the President of Congress. St Pierre's, Martinique,
+ December 25th, 1779, 191
+
+ Draws on the fund for the payment of his salary for a
+ hundred guineas, to be distributed among the officers of
+ the Confederacy.
+
+ To the President of Congress. St Pierre's, Martinique,
+ December 26th, 1779, 192
+
+ M. Gerard proposes to send home the Confederacy to
+ refit.--She is permitted to refit in Martinique, and a
+ French frigate is ordered to carry Mr Jay and M. Gerard
+ to France.--Mr Bingham's services.
+
+ To Arthur Lee. Cadiz, January 26th, 1780, 194
+
+ Requests of Mr Lee information.
+
+ To the Count de Vergennes. Cadiz, January 27th, 1780, 195
+
+ Recapitulation of former proceedings relative to
+ Spain.--Requests the interposition of the King in favor
+ of America.
+
+ To Don Joseph Galvez, Minister of the Spanish Court. January
+ 27th, 1780, 199
+
+ Stipulation in the treaty between France and the United
+ States providing for the accession of Spain.--Mr Jay
+ appointed to carry it into effect.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Cadiz, January 27th, 1780, 202
+
+ Reasons for his landing in Cadiz.
+
+ Instructions to William Carmichael. Cadiz, January 27th,
+ 1780, 203
+
+ Directions as to his conduct towards M. Galvez, the
+ Spanish Minister, and the French Ambassador, for
+ procuring information.
+
+ William Carmichael to John Jay. Madrid, February 15th, 1780, 207
+
+ Cordial reception by the French Ambassador.--Should have
+ been addressed to the Count de Florida Blanca.--Prospect
+ of reception by the Spanish Ministry.--M. Miralles has
+ been instructed to assist in the conquest of
+ Florida.--There is no coldness between the French and
+ Spanish Courts.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Cadiz, February 20th, 1780, 209
+
+ Mr Bingham advanced the hundred guineas distributed
+ among the officers of the Confederacy.
+
+ Count de Florida Blanca to John Jay. Pardo, February 24th,
+ 1780, 210
+
+ Expresses his Majesty's satisfaction with Mr Jay's
+ arrival, and declares there is no obstacle to his coming
+ to Court in an informal character.
+
+ To William Carmichael. Cadiz, February 25th, 1780, 211
+
+ Was informed by M. Gerard that M. Galvez was the
+ Minister with whom all business with the United States
+ was to be transacted.--Wished to have discovered the
+ sentiments of Spain towards America, independently of
+ French influence.--Requests further information as to
+ the instructions to M. Miralles.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Cadiz, February 29th, 1780, 215
+
+ Transmitting papers.--Generally believed that the
+ American islands will be the theatre of the next
+ campaign.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Cadiz, March 3d, 1780, 216
+
+ M. Guatier of Barcelona desires to be American consul
+ there.--Necessity for consuls in Spain.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Cadiz, March 3d, 1780, 217
+
+ Reason for not making personal application to the
+ Ministry at first.--Policy of France.--M. Gerard's
+ opinion.--Spain is already at war with England.
+
+ De Neufville & Son to John Jay. Amsterdam, April 6th, 1780, 219
+
+ Congratulations on his arrival.
+
+ Answer to De Neufville & Son. Madrid, April 27th, 1780, 219
+
+ Their letters to Congress were received before his
+ departure.--The success of America important to Holland.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Madrid, May 26th, 1780, 220
+
+ Arrival at Cadiz.--Draws on Dr Franklin.--Extract of a
+ letter from Dr Franklin (April 7th, 1780), contradicting
+ the report that the Loan Office bills payable in France
+ were not honored.--Certificate of Mr Grand to the same
+ effect.--Correspondence with Mr Lee.--Letter of the
+ Count de Vergennes in reply to that of Mr Jay announcing
+ his arrival.--Reply of Mr Jay (Aranjues, May 9th, 1780),
+ to the Count de Vergennes assuring him of his confidence
+ in M. de Montmorin.--M. Gerard informs him that he
+ should address himself to M. Galvez.--Writes to that
+ Minister.--Answered by the Count de Florida
+ Blanca.--Letter of Mr Jay (Cadiz, March 6th, 1780), to
+ the Count, expressing the confidence of the United
+ States in the King's favorable disposition, and
+ declaring his intention of setting out for
+ Madrid.--Arrives at Madrid.--Questions from the Count de
+ Florida Blanca (dated March 9th, 1780), requesting
+ information on the civil and military state of the
+ American Provinces.--Reply of Mr Jay (Madrid, April
+ 25th, 1780), to the preceding questions, comprising his
+ commission and that of Mr Carmichael, with details in
+ reply to the questions; the democratic nature of the
+ American governments renders a knowledge of their
+ affairs easily attainable. 1. THE CIVIL STATE;
+ population of each State; government of each State and
+ the Articles of the Confederation; disposition of the
+ people, who were at first only desirous of a redress of
+ grievances; but now determined on independence, with the
+ grounds of this opinion; there is no British party in
+ America; revenues; public debts; resources; possibility
+ of supporting their credit in the operations of
+ Government, in commerce, in the protection of the
+ national industry; advantages to result to Spain from
+ the independence of American States, in the reduction of
+ the British power, and in the commerce with America;
+ ability of the United States to furnish naval stores.
+ 2. THE MILITARY STATE; number of the troops; the
+ commander in chief; means of recruiting by the militia;
+ deficiency of arms, of clothing; means of subsistence;
+ naval forces; the people will not submit; their
+ disposition towards the Kings of France and of Spain;
+ financial embarrassments; sending supplies to America
+ would be the surest means of humiliating Great
+ Britain.--Receives the resolutions of Congress drawing
+ on Mr Laurens and himself for L100,000 sterling
+ each.--Letter of Mr Jay (Aranjues, April 29th, 1780), to
+ the Count de Florida Blanca in consequence of the
+ foregoing resolution, giving an account of the financial
+ operations of Congress, and requesting aid from his
+ Majesty.--Conference with the Count on the subject of
+ the preceding letter; the Count states that Spain has
+ been subject to heavy expenses during the preceding
+ year, but that his Majesty intends to give America all
+ assistance in his power, and has directed him to confer
+ with his colleagues in the Ministry on this point;
+ wishes Mr Jay to contract to furnish Spain with frigates
+ and light vessels; promises to engage in the King's name
+ to pay the bills of exchange if presented; the
+ pretensions of America to the navigation of the
+ Mississippi an obstacle to a treaty.--Letter of Mr Jay
+ (Aranjues, May 12th, 1780), to the Count de Florida
+ Blanca stating his confidential connexion with the
+ French Ambassador, and wishing to know if he may
+ communicate to him the subject of the conference.--Reply
+ of the Count de Florida Blanca (Aranjues, May 14th,
+ 1780).--Mr Jay's note to the French Ambassador informing
+ him of Sir J. Dalrymple's arrival at Madrid.--Note of M.
+ de Montmorin in reply, declaring his entire confidence
+ in the Spanish Ministry.--Extract of a letter from Mr
+ Jay (April 26th 1780), to Mr Adams informing him of Sir
+ J. Dalrymple's arrival at Aranjues.--Sir J. Dalrymple
+ requests permission to go through Spain, and a passport
+ through France.--Sir J. Dalrymple presents to the Count
+ de Florida Blanca Lord Rochford's project to prevent the
+ war by a confederation between France, Spain, Portugal
+ and England; the confederates to guaranty mutually their
+ Colonial possessions; to participate in the commerce of
+ the English Colonies under certain limitations, to be
+ settled by five persons, one from each country; to
+ settle the contested privileges of the Americans on just
+ principles; disadvantages resulting to Spain from the
+ independence of the English American Colonies, first by
+ promoting a contraband trade between the American States
+ and the Spanish Colonies, and secondly by exposing the
+ Spanish Colonies to the attacks of the Americans, who
+ will soon form establishments in the South Seas; all
+ Europe is interested in preventing the independence of
+ America.--The Gardoquis; Mr Jay is destitute of
+ resources; difficulty of conveying intelligence;
+ expenses of a Minister at the Spanish Court; coldly
+ treated by the Ministers of the Northern powers;
+ ignorance of American affairs in Spain; the secrets of
+ Congress well known to the Spanish and French Courts.
+
+ To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, May 27th, 1780, 282
+
+ Mr Laurens is not arrived.
+
+ To James Lovell. Madrid, May 27th, 1780, 283
+
+ Want of intelligence from America.
+
+ William Carmichael to John Jay. Aranjues, May 27th, 1780, 283
+
+ Destination of the Spanish fleet.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Madrid, May 28th, 1780, 284
+
+ Enclosing the preceding, the information in which he
+ considers authentic.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Madrid, May 30th, 1780, 285
+
+ Receives the resolution of Congress, desiring the
+ Ex-Presidents of Congress to lodge their public
+ correspondence in the Secretary's office.--Mr Jay did
+ this at the time of his retirement from the office.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Madrid, May 30th, 1780, 285
+
+ Bills drawn upon him are arrived.
+
+ De Neufville & Son to John Jay. Without date, 286
+
+ Bills drawn on Mr Laurens, who is not arrived.--Have
+ promised the holders to accept them.
+
+ De Neufville & Son to John Jay. Amsterdam, June 1st, 1780, 287
+
+ Are willing to accept the bills drawn on Mr Laurens,
+ provided they are permitted to draw on Dr Franklin at
+ seven or eight months.
+
+ De Neufville & Son to John Jay. Amsterdam, June 8th, 1780, 288
+
+ Have accepted the bills on Mr Laurens, and request that
+ some method of reimbursing them may be adopted.
+
+ Committee of Foreign Affairs to John Jay. Philadelphia, June
+ 16th, 1780, 288
+
+ Reasons for drawing on him.--Have drawn for an
+ additional sum.
+
+ To De Neufville & Son, at Amsterdam. Madrid, June 18th, 1780, 290
+
+ Thanking them for their offer to accept the bills drawn
+ on Mr Laurens.
+
+ To De Neufville & Son. Madrid, June 25th, 1780, 291
+
+ Is uncertain whether he shall be able to reimburse them
+ for their advances.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Madrid, July 10th, 1780, 292
+
+ Remittances from America are necessary.
+
+ De Neufville & Son to John Jay. Amsterdam, July 13th, 1780, 293
+
+ Cannot accept any more bills.--Would undertake a loan if
+ authorised.
+
+ De Neufville & Son to John Jay. Amsterdam, July 28th, 1780, 295
+
+ Dr Franklin has offered to accept further bills drawn on
+ Mr Laurens; they will therefore continue to accept those
+ presented.
+
+ To De Neufville & Son. Madrid, July 29th, 1780, 296
+
+ Has not power to authorise them to raise a loan.--The
+ capture of Charleston will have no effect on the
+ determination of the Americans.
+
+ To De Neufville & Son. Madrid, August 16th, 1780, 298
+
+ Expresses his sense of their friendly conduct towards
+ America.
+
+ To Silas Deane. St Ildefonso, September 8th, 1780, 299
+
+ Desires to correspond with him.
+
+ To the President of Congress. St Ildefonso, September 16th,
+ 1780, 299
+
+ It is necessary to cease drawing bills on him.--The King
+ of Spain has offered his responsibility to facilitate a
+ loan.
+
+ Instructions to John Jay. In Congress, October 4th. 1780, 300
+
+ Directing him to insist on the navigation of the
+ Mississippi.--The boundary.--Florida.
+
+ To De Neufville & Son. Madrid, October 4th, 1780, 302
+
+ Connexion between Holland and the United States.--Shall
+ recommend their house to Congress.--Spanish ordinance
+ establishing a paper currency.--Effect of this measure
+ on the bills drawn on him; wishes to know if money could
+ be raised in Holland for Congress on the joint credit of
+ Spain and the United States.
+
+ To James Lovell. Madrid, October 27th, 1780, 304
+
+ Difficulties of finding a safe conveyance for his
+ letters.--Receives little information from the
+ committee.--M. Dohrmer.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Madrid, November 6th, 1780, 306
+
+ The Abbe Hussey arrives at Madrid with Mr
+ Cumberland.--Notes of Mr Jay's conference with the Count
+ de Florida Blanca.--Conference of Mr Carmichael with the
+ Minister.--Note from the Count de Florida Blanca
+ (Aranjues, June 9, 1780); to Mr Jay on the subject of
+ aids; his Majesty is willing to become responsible at the
+ expiration of two years to the holders of the bills drawn
+ on Mr Jay, provided Congress will build four frigates and
+ some light vessels for the King; the Americans may send
+ for stores to the Spanish ports for this purpose; the
+ squadron manned by Americans and under Spanish colors to
+ intercept the English East India vessels.--Reply of Mr
+ Jay (Aranjues, June 9th, 1780); expectations of the
+ Americans from Spain; the holders of the bills will
+ prefer recovering the amount on protest, to waiting for
+ the payment two years; the Spanish treasure from America
+ may arrive before the bills become payable; Mr Jay is
+ authorised to pledge the faith of the United States for
+ the repayment of any sums his Majesty may lend; former
+ aids; Congress has not the resources necessary for
+ building ships; difficulty of manning them with American
+ sailors, who prefer sailing in privateers; the country is
+ not in a condition to undertake foreign enterprises; the
+ Americans will always be ready to cooperate with Spain
+ against the Floridas or elsewhere; unfavorable
+ conclusions will be drawn as to the condition of Spain,
+ if she cannot supply such aid to men in arms against her
+ enemy.--Mr Jay's reasons for not touching on other points
+ of the proposition.--Note from Mr Jay to the Count,
+ informing him of a new draft.--Reply of the Count,
+ promising to pay the bill, and declaring that no more can
+ be paid without consulting the King; the proposition of
+ the Count having been rejected, it becomes necessary for
+ Mr Jay to devise other means.--Reply of Mr Jay to the
+ preceding (Madrid, June 22d, 1780), proposing as a means
+ of paying the bills the advance of the L25,000 to L40,000
+ sterling promised; the sum necessary for building the
+ ships cannot be raised by Congress; America cannot pay
+ the debts occasioned by the war till peace; advantages
+ resulting to Spain by the furnishing of aid to
+ America.--Reasons for not pushing the treaty at this
+ time.--Letter from Mr Jay to the Count de Florida Blanca
+ (Madrid, June 28th, 1780), transmitting the resolutions
+ of Congress, directing that bills be issued redeemable in
+ specie in six years; this plan may enable the United
+ States to supply the vessels, his Majesty becoming
+ responsible for a certain part of the sum so
+ issued.--Note from Mr Jay to the Count de Florida Blanca,
+ stating that he has been called on to accept new
+ bills.--Reply of the Count de Florida Blanca, declaring
+ nothing can be done in regard to the new drafts without
+ consulting the King and the other Ministers; requests
+ further explanations of Mr Jay's plan for furnishing the
+ ships and engaging the responsibility of the King.--Note
+ from the Count de Florida Blanca to Mr Jay, requesting to
+ know when the bills lately arrived will become due.--News
+ of the capture of Charleston.--Mr Jay's notes of a
+ conference with the Count de Florida Blanca, July 5th;
+ capture of Charleston; death of M. Miralles; the Count
+ advises Mr Jay to be cautious of Messrs Joyce, who hold
+ the bills; regrets the precipitancy of Congress in
+ drawing; specie might have been remitted from the Spanish
+ Colonies directly to the United States; remarks on the
+ deranged state of the finances of the United States; the
+ difficulty of raising money in Europe; wishes to wait the
+ arrival of a certain person; Mr Jay observes, that
+ Congress have adopted measures for restoring the
+ finances; suggests that Spain might furnish aid by bills
+ on Havana; states in reply to a question of the Count,
+ that ship timber may be furnished from America; urges the
+ importance of accepting the bills; reminds the Minister
+ of the promise of clothing; evasive and uncertain nature
+ of this conference.--Note from Mr Jay to the Count de
+ Florida Blanca (Madrid, July 11th, 1780), informing him
+ that new bills have been presented; the Messrs Joyce
+ consent to have their bills payable at Bilboa.--Answer of
+ the Count to the preceding, desiring a delay till the
+ arrival of a certain person.--Mr Jay requests that Mr
+ Harrison be allowed to remain at Cadiz.--Note from the
+ Count de Florida Blanca (July 29th), granting Mr Harrison
+ permission to remain at Cadiz; still waits the arrival of
+ the person above mentioned.--Note from Mr Jay to the
+ Count de Florida Blanca (August 11th), announcing the
+ presentation of more bills.--Reply of the Count de
+ Florida Blanca, regretting that he must still wait the
+ arrival of a certain person.--Letter of Mr Jay (Madrid,
+ August 16th, 1780), to the Count de Florida Blanca,
+ stating that the holders of the bills grow
+ impatient.--Letter of Mr Jay to the Count de Florida
+ Blanca (Madrid, August 18th, 1780), informing him that
+ bills have been received by the Gardoquis, which will be
+ immediately presented.--Letter from Mr Jay to the Count
+ de Florida Blanca (St Ildefonso, August 25th, 1780),
+ urging the necessity of providing for the acceptance of
+ the bills.--Mr Jay's notes of a conference with the
+ French Ambassador, August 27th; Mr Jay gives an account
+ of his proceedings since his arrival, and requests the
+ Ambassador to obtain an answer for him from the Spanish
+ Minister; Mr Jay was encouraged to expect that he should
+ be supplied with money to meet the bills; the Ambassador
+ thinks that the Spanish Minister will pay the bills, and
+ promises to speak to him on the subject.--Subsequent
+ coolness of the French Ambassador.--Second visit to him;
+ he advises Mr Jay to write again to the Count de Florida
+ Blanca, praying an audience; Mr Jay declines making any
+ supplications, or purchasing by concessions the
+ acknowledgment of independence; declares his
+ determination to write on the subject of the treaty, and
+ if treated with the same neglect to return; conduct of
+ France.--Mr Jay consents to send Mr Carmichael to the
+ Minister.--Note from the Count de Florida Blanca
+ introducing M. Gardoqui.--Conversation with M. Gardoqui
+ on the subject of the bills; second conversation with M.
+ Gardoqui, who proposes the surrender of the navigation of
+ the Mississippi.--Objections to this
+ measure.--Conversation with M. Del Campo on the same
+ subjects.--Conversation with the Secretary of the French
+ Ambassador.--M. Gardoqui informs him from the Count de
+ Florida Blanca that no more bills can be paid by
+ Spain.--Letter of Mr Jay (St Ildefonso, September 14th,
+ 1780), to the Count de Florida Blanca, requesting to know
+ if any aid is to be expected from Spain.--Answer to the
+ preceding, dictated by M. Del Campo, in the name of the
+ Count de Florida Blanca, to M. Gardoqui, declaring the
+ readiness of his Majesty to assist the States.--Letter
+ from Mr Jay to Count de Vergennes (St Ildefonso,
+ September 22d, 1780), giving an account of his
+ proceedings in Spain; requesting the aid of France in
+ meeting the bills.--Letter of Mr Jay to Dr Franklin (same
+ date), on the same subject.--Notes of a conference
+ between Mr Jay and the Count de Florida Blanca (September
+ 23d); satisfaction of the King with the measures of
+ Congress for supplying the Spanish forces in the West
+ Indies; plan of the English Court to attempt an
+ accommodation with America; Mr Jay enters upon the points
+ mentioned in the paper dictated to M. Gardoqui; on the
+ manner of making known the King's responsibility; on the
+ King's being disgusted with the drawing of bills without
+ his consent, and without terms of recompense; the bills
+ were drawn on Mr Jay, and the faith of the United States
+ was pledged for the payment of any sum advanced; Mr Jay
+ wishes the evidence of an understanding between America
+ and England; Congress had given proofs of friendship by
+ sending a Minister to negotiate treaties of amity and
+ alliance; the delaying of the negotiations owing to the
+ Minister not sending the promised notes on the subject;
+ terms of such a treaty; Spain ought not to expect the
+ expenses of the war will be refunded; America will be
+ ready to render every assistance possible.--Mr Jay
+ returns to Madrid and accepts the bills.--Equivocal
+ nature of the Spanish policy.--Extract of a letter from
+ the Count de Vergennes to the French Ambassador, stating
+ that it will be difficult to make advances to Mr
+ Jay.--Letter from Messrs Couteulx and Co. to Mr Jay
+ (Cadiz, October 3d, 1780), complaining of the expenses
+ and difficulty of supplying and sending home American
+ seamen.--Mr Jay to Messrs Couteulx and Co. (Madrid,
+ October 15th, 1780), directing them to settle accounts
+ with Mr Harrison.--Difficulties in the conveyance of
+ correspondence.--A copy of the correspondence of the
+ Commissioners in France in the hands of a certain
+ foreigner.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Madrid, November 30th, 1780, 389
+
+ Enclosing copies of papers from Morocco.--Delays of the
+ Spanish Court.--Remarks on the enclosed account of the
+ revenues and expenditures of Spain for 1778.
+
+ From D'Audibert Caille to John Jay. Aranjues, April 21st,
+ 1780, 392
+
+ Is authorised to declare the pacific intentions of the
+ Emperor of Morocco towards the United States.
+
+ To D'Audibert Caille, 393
+
+ Expresses his satisfaction with the disposition of the
+ Emperor of Morocco.
+
+ Copy of M. D'Audibert Caille's Appointment, 394
+
+ Copy of M. D'Audibert Caille's appointment to officiate
+ as consul of all nations who have no consul in Morocco.
+
+ Copy of the Declaration by the Emperor of Morocco, February
+ 20th 1778, 396
+
+ Certificate of Pedro Umbert, that the above is
+ conformable to the truth.
+
+ Certificate of M. D'Audibert Caille. December 1st, 1779, 397
+
+ Certificate of M. D'Audibert Caille that Don Pedro
+ Umbert is employed for foreign affairs at the Court of
+ Morocco.
+
+ D'Audibert Caille to Congress. Sale, September 6th, 1779, 397
+
+ The Emperor of Morocco intends to be at peace with the
+ United States.
+
+ General State of the Revenues of Spain in the Year 1778, 399
+
+ To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, November 30th,
+ 1780, 401
+
+ Necessity of providing means for the safe conveyance of
+ the public correspondence.--His letters are opened and
+ many kept back both in Spain and the United States.
+
+ Instructions to John Jay. In Congress, February 15th, 1781, 403
+
+ Instructing him to recede from the demand of a free
+ navigation of the Mississippi below 31 deg..
+
+ James Lovell to John Jay. February 20th, 1781, 404
+
+ Has received no letters from him of late.
+
+ James Lovell to John Jay. March 9th, 1781, 405
+
+ Ratification of the articles of the Confederacy.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Madrid, March 22d, 1781, 405
+
+ Supplies from Spain.--Russian mediation.--M. Necker's
+ report.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Madrid, April 25th, 1781, 406
+
+ Spain insists on the exclusive navigation of the
+ Mississippi.--Letter from Mr Jay to De Neufville and Son
+ (Madrid, January 8th, 1781), renouncing the idea of a
+ loan in Holland separate from that negotiated by Mr
+ Adams.--Mr Jay's proceedings in regard to the payment of
+ the bills.--Advises that the unfinished ships be sold to
+ Spain.--Disposition of Portugal.--Dr Franklin.--Mr
+ Cumberland's mission.--Disposition of Spain.
+
+ The President of Congress to John Jay. In Congress, May 28th,
+ 1781, 415
+
+ Expressing the satisfaction of Congress with his
+ conduct.--Instructs him to disavow any understanding
+ between the United States and Great Britain; to avoid
+ referring to the treaty with France in his negotiations
+ with Spain; to declare that facilities will be granted
+ for the exportation of naval stores for the Spanish
+ marine; to continue to provide as far as possible for
+ American seamen in Spain; to open a correspondence with
+ M. D'Audibert Caille.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Aranjues, May 29th, 1781, 419
+
+ Conversation with the Count de Florida Blanca on the
+ admission of letters.
+
+ James Lovell to John Jay. Philadelphia, June 4th, 1781, 420
+
+ The affair of the Dover cutter.
+
+ James Lovell to John Jay. Philadelphia, June 15th, 1781, 421
+
+ Case of Dumain and Lyon.
+
+ Robert Morris to John Jay. Philadelphia, July 4th, 1781, 421
+
+ Mr Morris is appointed Superintendent of
+ Finance.--Objects to be accomplished by this
+ office.--Expectations of aid from Spain.--State of the
+ finances.--Disposition of the nation.--State of the
+ army.--Advantages that will result to Spain by aiding
+ America.--The United States cannot be dangerous to
+ Spain.--Amount desired.
+
+ Robert Morris to John Jay. Philadelphia, July 7th, 1781, 435
+
+ Necessity of immediate aids.
+
+ Robert Morris to John Jay. Office of Finance, July 9th, 1781, 436
+
+ Proposes a plan for sending home American seaman.
+
+ Robert Morris to John Jay. Philadelphia, July 13th, 1781, 438
+
+ Reasons which induced him to adopt the enclosed plan of
+ a national bank.--Wants aid from Spain.--Suggests that
+ an attempt should be made to obtain money from Portugal.
+
+ Robert Morris to John Jay. Office of Finance, August 15th,
+ 1781, 449
+
+ Directing to protest certain bills, assigning as a
+ reason his instructions.
+
+ James Lovell to John Jay. Philadelphia, August 15th, 1781, 450
+
+ Surrender of Pensacola.
+
+ To the President of Congress. St Ildefonso, September 20th,
+ 1781, 451
+
+ Regrets that instructions should have been given the
+ American Ministers to concur in any terms to which
+ France should accede.
+
+ To the President of Congress. St Ildefonso, October 3d, 1781, 454
+
+ Conversation with the Count de Florida Blanca, who
+ complains that Congress has not shown any disposition to
+ oblige the King; remarks relative to M. Gardoqui.--Mr
+ Jay regrets that the instructions concerning the
+ Mississippi had not been kept secret; use that might
+ have been made of the claim.--Has another interview with
+ the Minister; stoppage of the letters from America; the
+ affair of the Dover cutter; cession of the claims of the
+ United States to the navigation of the Mississippi; the
+ Count remarks that these affairs can be settled at a
+ general peace.--Letter from Mr Jay (Madrid, July 2d,
+ 1781), to the Count de Florida Blanca, declaring that he
+ has been instructed to cede the exclusive navigation of
+ the Mississippi.--Letter from Mr Jay (Madrid, July 2d,
+ 1781), to the Count de Montmorin, communicating the
+ above.--Receiving no answer from the Minister, Mr Jay
+ calls upon him, and is informed that he cannot attend to
+ the matter.--Letters from Mr Jay (Madrid, July 13th,
+ 1781), to the Count de Florida Blanca communicating his
+ instructions.--Note from the Count de Florida Blanca (St
+ Ildefonso, July 1st, 1781), to Mr Jay proposing to
+ attend to American affairs.--Mr Jay visits the Minister
+ with Major Franks; general conversation.--Renewed
+ delays.--Letter from Mr Jay (St. Ildefonso, September
+ 16th, 1781), to the Count de Montmorin, enclosing the
+ draft of a letter to the Count de Florida Blanca, and
+ requesting the advice of the Ambassador.--Note from the
+ Count de Florida Blanca to Mr Jay requesting him to call
+ upon him.--Notes of the conference between Mr Jay and
+ the Count de Florida Blanca (September 19th, 1781); the
+ Count requests Mr Jay to draw up an outline of the
+ proposed treaties; aids; commercial connexion; treaty of
+ alliance; the Count observes that Congress has done
+ nothing to gratify the King; a person will be appointed
+ to confer further with Mr Jay.--Letter from Mr Jay (St
+ Ildefonso, September 22d, 1781), to the Count de Florida
+ Blanca requesting that some decisive measure be taken in
+ regard to American affairs.--Propositions toward a plan
+ of a treaty, with remarks; the subject of aids will
+ require a separate convention; also the regulation of
+ the mutual conduct of the parties during the war.--Mr
+ Jay's reason for limiting the duration of the offer
+ contained in the sixth proposition, relating to the
+ navigation of the Mississippi; arts of Spain.--Note from
+ the Count de Florida Blanca to Mr Jay, expressing a hope
+ that some progress will soon be made in the
+ consideration of the propositions.--Embarrassments in
+ providing for the payment of the bills.--Mr Harrison's
+ services.--Proposes the sending of an agent to Portugal.
+
+ To the President of Congress. Madrid, October 18th, 1781, 506
+
+ Has protested some of the bills.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Jay. Philadelphia, November 1st,
+ 1781, 507
+
+ Organization of the new executive departments.--The debt
+ of the United States not so large as might have been
+ expected.--British American recruits.--Proposes that
+ Spain should furnish a convoy between Havana and the
+ United States.--Plan for paying the French troops in
+ specie from Havana.
+
+ Robert R. Livingston to John Jay. Philadelphia, November
+ 28th, 1781, 511
+
+ State of military affairs.--The Marquis de la Fayette.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF
+
+JOHN ADAMS,
+
+ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS TO FRANCE, MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY TO
+HOLLAND, AND ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS FOR NEGOTIATING THE TREATY OF
+PEACE.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, December 14th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+There is more matter than time to write at present. The King of Sweden
+has done the United States great honor in his commission to his
+Minister here, to treat with them, by inserting, that he had a great
+desire to form a connexion with States, which had so fully established
+their independence, and by their wise and gallant conduct so well
+deserved it; and his Minister desired it might be remembered, that his
+sovereign was the first who had voluntarily proposed a treaty with
+us.[1]
+
+Mr Secretary Townshend announced, on the 3d of December, in a letter
+to the Lord Mayor, the signature of our preliminaries. On the 5th, his
+Majesty announced it in his speech to both Houses. Addresses of
+thanks, in both Houses, passed without a division.
+
+There is a note in the _Courier de l'Europe_, of the 6th instant,
+worth transcribing, viz. "We mark these three lines in italics, to
+notice at present the assertion, which we shall consider more fully
+hereafter, that we do not owe to any of the causes assigned at
+present, even in the two Houses of Parliament, the peace, the
+blessings of which we consider as certain, but to the armed
+neutrality. This peace will be durable."
+
+I have transcribed this note, because it falls in with an opinion,
+that I have long entertained. The armed neutrality, and even Mr Dana's
+mission to it, have had greater effects, than the world is yet
+informed of, and would have had much greater, if his hands had not
+been tied.
+
+On the 4th instant, I wrote a resignation of all my employments in
+Europe, which I have now the honor to confirm, and to request, that
+the acceptance of it may be transmitted to me several ways, by the
+first ships.
+
+ I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[1] See Dr Franklin's letter on this subject, dated June the 25th,
+1782. _Franklin's Correspondence_, Vol. III. p. 371.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, December 19th, 1782.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The enclosed letter for Mr Dana you will open and peruse. It may
+possibly contain information, that may be useful to you, which it will
+be unnecessary to repeat here.
+
+I mentioned in my last, Mr Jefferson's appointment; I have the
+pleasure of adding now, that I have received an account from him of
+his acceptance of the place. He will be here in the course of ten or
+twelve days, and sail with Count de Rochambeau, who proposes to return
+to France. The French troops have embarked with the Marquis de
+Vaudreuil, and are to sail for the West Indies, unless they should
+receive counter orders, by a frigate, which is now in the river. Her
+letters are not yet come up, as she unfortunately ran ashore at Dover;
+it is yet uncertain whether she will be saved.
+
+The great political question, which at present engages the attention
+of Congress, is the means of providing for the payment of the public
+debts, or at least establishing such funds for the regular discharge
+of the interest, as may set their creditors at ease as to their
+capitals. It was imagined, that a duty of five per cent upon all
+imposts would afford a fund adequate to this. Congress accordingly
+recommended it to the several States to impose the duty. They have all
+complied, except Rhode Island. Her refusal renders the other laws
+nugatory, as they contain clauses suspending their operation until the
+measure is generally adopted. Congress are about to send down a
+committee to endeavor to persuade Rhode Island to comply with a
+measure, that they deem so essential to public credit. It is extremely
+difficult in a country, so little used to taxes as ours is, to lay
+them directly, and almost impossible to impose them so equally as not
+to render them too oppressive on some members of the community, while
+others contribute little or nothing. This difficulty is increased by
+the continued change of property in this country, and by the small
+proportion the income bears to the value of lands.
+
+By a short letter just received from Mr Jay, it appears, that England
+has at length swallowed the bitter pill, and agreed to treat with the
+"Thirteen United States of America." I am still at a loss to account
+for this commission's being directed to Mr Oswald, while Mr
+Fitzherbert's continues in force; or is that revoked?[2] I will not
+trouble myself with guesses, as I must receive despatches today, that
+will explain the mystery, if either Dr Franklin or Mr Jay have kept
+their words with me.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[2] The two commissions were for distinct purposes; Mr Oswald's to
+treat with the American Commissioners alone; and Mr Fitzherbert's to
+treat for a general peace with the European powers, then at war with
+England.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO CHARLES W.F. DUMAS.
+
+ Paris, January 1st, 1783.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Returning this evening from Versailles, where I had been to make the
+compliments of the season, I found your favors of the 26th and 27th of
+December. The letters enclosed shall be forwarded, as you desire.
+
+The Dutch Ministers here have no occasion for my assistance. _Non tali
+auxilio._ I have the honor to be more particularly acquainted with M.
+Brantzen, who is certainly a very able man, and universally
+acknowledged to be so by all who know him. The arguments, which I know
+he has used with the British Minister, are such as can never be
+answered, both upon the liberty of navigation, and the compensation
+for damages. He is an entire master of his subject, and has urged it
+with a degree of perspicuity and eloquence, that I know has much
+struck his antagonists.
+
+Unnecessary, however, as any exertions of mine have been, I have not
+omitted any opportunity of throwing in any friendly suggestions in my
+power, where there was a possibility of doing any good to our good
+friends, the Dutch. I have made such suggestions to Mr Fitzherbert.
+But with Mr Oswald, I have had several very serious conversations upon
+the subject. So I have also with Mr Vaughan and Mr Whiteford.
+
+To Mr Oswald I urged the necessity of Great Britain's agreeing with
+the Dutch upon the unlimited freedom of navigation, from a variety of
+topics, some of which I may explain to you more particularly
+hereafter. Thus much I may say at present, that I told him, that it
+was impossible for Great Britain to avoid it; it would probably be
+insisted upon by all the other powers. France and Spain, as well as
+Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Prussia, the Emperor, and Portugal, as well
+as Holland, had already signed the armed neutrality. The United States
+of America had declared themselves ready to sign, and were ready. The
+combination being thus powerful, Great Britain could not resist it.
+But if she should refuse to agree to it with Holland, and the other
+powers should acquiesce, and Holland should make peace without it
+(which would never, however, be the case,) yet all would be
+ineffectual, for Holland would forever be able to make use of other
+neutral bottoms, and would thus enjoy the benefit of this liberty and
+reality, though denied it by treaty, and in appearance. It would,
+therefore, be more for the honor and interest of Great Britain to
+agree to it with a good grace, in the treaty with Holland. Nay, the
+wisest part she could act would be to set on foot a negotiation
+immediately for signing herself the Treaty of Armed Neutrality, and
+then admitting it into the treaty with Holland would be a thing of
+course. At one of these conversations Dr Franklin was present, who
+supported me with all his weight; at another, Mr Jay seconded me with
+all his abilities and ingenuity. Mr Oswald has several times assured
+me, that he had written these arguments and his own opinion, in
+conformity with them, to the King's Ministers in London, and I doubt
+not they will be adopted.
+
+With respect to the compensation for damages, it is impossible to add
+anything to the arrangements M. Brantzen has urged to show the justice
+of it, and if Britain is really wise, she will think it her policy to
+do everything in her power to soften the resentment of the Dutch, and
+regain their good will and good humor.
+
+The rage of Great Britain, however, has carried her to such
+extravagant lengths, in a cause unjust from beginning to end, that she
+is scarcely able to repair the injuries she has done. America has a
+just claim to compensation for all her burnt towns and plundered
+property, and indeed for all her slaughtered sons, if that were
+possible. I shall continue to embrace every opportunity that presents,
+of doing all the little service in my power to our good friends the
+Dutch, whose friendship for us I shall not soon forget. This must be
+communicated with great discretion, if at all.
+
+My best respects to all.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, January 22d, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Upon a sudden notification from the Count de Vergennes, Dr Franklin
+and myself, in the absence of Mr Jay and Mr Laurens, went to
+Versailles, and arrived at the Count's office at ten o'clock on
+Monday, the 20th of this month. At eleven, arrived the Count d'Aranda
+and Mr Fitzherbert. The Ministers of the three Crowns, signed and
+sealed the preliminaries of peace and an armistice, in presence of
+Doctor Franklin and myself, who also signed and sealed a declaration
+of an armistice between the Crown of Great Britain and the United
+States of America, and received a counter declaration from Mr
+Fitzherbert. Copies of these declarations are enclosed.[3]
+
+The King of Great Britain has made a declaration concerning the terms,
+that he will allow to the Dutch; but they are not such as will give
+satisfaction to that unfortunate nation, for whom, on account of their
+friendship for us, and the important benefits we have received from
+it, I feel very sensibly and sincerely. Yesterday we went to
+Versailles again to make our court to the King and royal family upon
+the occasion, and received the compliments of the Foreign Ministers.
+
+The Count d'Aranda invited me to dine with him on Sunday next, and
+said he hoped that the affairs of Spain and the United States would be
+soon adjusted _a l'aimable_. I answered, that I wished it with all my
+heart. The two Floridas and Minorca are more than a _quantum meruit_
+for what this Power has done, and the Dutch unfortunately are to
+suffer for it. It is not in my power to say when the definitive treaty
+will be signed. I hope not before the Dutch are ready, in six weeks or
+two months at farthest I suppose.
+
+It is no longer necessary for Congress to appoint another person in my
+place in the commission for peace, because it will be executed before
+this reaches America. But I beg leave to renew the resignation of the
+credence to the States-General, and the commission for borrowing money
+in Holland, and to request, that no time may be lost in transmitting
+the acceptance of this resignation, and another person to take that
+station, that I may be able to go home in the spring ships.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[3] Contained in the Correspondence of the Ministers for negotiating
+peace.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, January 23d, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The letters you did me the honor to write on the 6th, and 18th of
+November, came safe to hand.
+
+You do me honor, Sir, in applauding the judgment I have formed from
+time to time of the Court of Britain, and future ages will give me
+credit for the judgment I have formed of some other Courts. The true
+designs of a Minister of State are not difficult to be penetrated by
+an honest man of common sense, who is in a situation to know anything
+of the secret of affairs, and to observe constantly the chain of
+public events; for whatever ostensible appearances may be put on,
+whatever obliquities may be imagined, however the web may be woven, or
+the thread doubled and twisted, enough will be seen to unravel the
+whole.
+
+My opinions, as you observe, sometimes run counter to those generally
+received; but the reason of this has generally been, that I have had
+earlier evidence than the generality, and I have had the satisfaction
+to find, that others have formed the same judgment, when they have
+had the same intelligence. I do not affect singularity, nor love to be
+in a minority, though truth and justice have sometimes obliged me to
+be so. You say, that nothing can be more conformable to your wishes
+than the instructions I transmitted. I am not surprised at this; it is
+very natural. Had I never been on this side of the Atlantic, I believe
+I should have been of your mind in this particular. At present I
+cannot be, and I believe, by this time, the Dutch regret having given
+them. You will hear enough of the reason of it. I have lived long
+enough, and had experience enough of the conduct of governments, and
+people, nations, and courts, to be convinced, that gratitude,
+friendship, unsuspecting confidence, and all the most amiable passions
+in human nature, are the most dangerous guides in politics. I assure
+you, Sir, if we had not been more cautious than the Dutch, we should
+have been worse off than they, and our country would have suffered
+much more.
+
+Mr Laurens has been here, and has behaved with great caution,
+firmness, and wisdom. He arrived so late, as only to attend the two
+last days of the conferences, the 29th and 30th of November. But the
+short time he was with us, he was of great service to the cause. He
+has done great service to America in England, where his conversation
+has been such as the purest and firmest American could wish it, and
+has made many converts. He is gone again to Bath, and his journey will
+do as much good to his country as to his health. He will return to the
+signature of the definitive treaty.
+
+The ratifications of my contracts have been received.
+
+The release of Captain Asgill was so exquisite a relief to my
+feelings, that I have not much cared what interposition it was owing
+to. It would have been a horrid damp to the joys of peace, if we had
+received a disagreeable account of him.
+
+The difference between Denmark and Holland is of no serious nature.
+The clue to the whole is, the Queen Dowager is sister to the Duke of
+Brunswick; but there is nothing to fear from Denmark. As to the
+northern powers, we have nothing to fear from any of them. All of
+them, and all the neutral powers, would have acknowledged our
+independence before now, by receiving Mr Dana to sign the principles
+of the armed neutrality, if he had not been restrained from acting.
+The unlimited confidence of Congress has been grossly abused, and we
+should have been irreparably injured, if we had not been upon our
+guard. As our liberties and most important interests are now secured,
+as far as they can be, against Great Britain, it would be my wish to
+say as little as possible of the policy of any Minister of our first
+ally, which has not been as we could desire, and to retain forever a
+grateful remembrance of the friendly assistance we have received. But
+we have evidence enough to warn us against unlimited confidence in any
+European Minister of State.
+
+I have never drawn upon Dr Franklin for any money, since the end of my
+two and a half years' salary; and he tells me he has made no use of
+the bills. I had received money for my subsistence of Messieurs
+Willinks, and as it will be but a few months more, at farthest, that I
+shall have to subsist in Europe, I beg leave to proceed to the end in
+the same way. I shall receive only the amount of my salary, and settle
+the account with Congress on my return.
+
+I hope to be safely landed on my native shore in the month of June;
+and to this end, I beg that an appointment may be made to the Dutch
+mission, and the acceptance of my resignation be transmitted to me by
+the first ships.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
+
+ Paris, January 29th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Upon receiving the letter, which you did me the honor to write me on
+the 24th, late last evening, I went immediately to consult with my
+colleague, Mr Jay, and we agreed to go this morning to Dr Franklin.
+Accordingly today we went together to Passy, and communicated your
+letter to him, and after recollecting the powers we have received, we
+all agreed that I should make you the following answer.
+
+You will readily recollect the resolutions of Congress, which I did
+myself the honor two years ago to communicate to the President of
+their High Mightinesses, and to the Ministers of Russia, Sweden, and
+Denmark, at the Hague. The letter to the President was sent "_au
+greffe_," and there may, perhaps, be now found. These resolutions
+contained the approbation of Congress, of the principles of the
+declaration of the Empress of Russia, and authorised any of the
+American Ministers in Europe, if invited thereto, to pledge the faith
+of the United States to the observance of them.
+
+Sometime after this, Congress sent Mr Dana a commission with full
+power to accede to the principles of the Marine Treaty between the
+neutral powers, and he is now at Petersburg, vested with these powers,
+and, according to late intelligence received from him, has well
+founded expectations of being soon admitted.
+
+It is the opinion of my colleagues, as well as my own, that no
+commission of mine to their High Mightinesses contains authority to
+negotiate this business, and we are all of opinion, that it is most
+proper that Mr Dana should negotiate it.
+
+But as there has been no express revocation of the power given to all
+or any of us, by the first resolutions, and if the case should happen,
+that Mr Dana could not attend in season, on account of the distance,
+for the sake of accelerating the signature of the definitive treaty of
+peace, we should not hesitate to pledge the faith of the United States
+to the observance of the principles of the armed neutrality. I wish it
+were in my power to give you a more satisfactory answer, but candor
+will warrant no other.
+
+With great respect to the gentlemen, as well as to you,
+
+I have the honor to be, Sir, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, February 5th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The resolution of Congress of the 12th of July, 1781, "That the
+commission and instructions, for negotiating a Treaty of Commerce
+between these United States and Great Britain, given to the Honorable
+John Adams, on the 29th day of September, 1779, be, and they are
+hereby revoked," was duly received by me in Holland; but no
+explanation of the motives to it, or the reasons on which it was
+founded, was ever transmitted to me by Congress, or the Committee of
+Foreign Affairs, or any individual member, nor has anybody in Europe,
+or America, ever once attempted, that I know of, to guess at the
+reason. Whether it was intended as a punishment to me, or with a
+charitable design not to lead me into temptation; whether it was
+intended as a punishment to the English for their insolence and
+barbarity; whether it was intended to prevent or remove suspicions of
+allies, or the envy and green eyed jealousy of copatriots, I know not.
+Of one thing, however, I am fully satisfied, that Congress had
+reasons, and meant well; but whether those reasons were founded on
+true or mistaken information, I know not.
+
+When I recollect the instructions, which were given and revoked with
+that commission, I can guess, and only guess, at some considerations,
+which might, or might not, operate with Congress. In these
+instructions, Congress determined,
+
+1st. That the common right of fishing should in no case be given up.
+
+2dly. That it is essential to the welfare of all these United States,
+that the inhabitants thereof, at the expiration of the war, should
+continue to enjoy the free and undisturbed exercise of their common
+right to fish on the Banks of Newfoundland, and the other fishing
+banks and seas of North America, preserving inviolate the treaties
+between France and the said States, &c. &c.
+
+3dly. "That our faith be pledged to the several States, that without
+their unanimous consent no Treaty of Commerce shall be entered into,
+nor any trade or commerce whatever carried on with Great Britain,
+without the explicit stipulation hereinafter mentioned. You are,
+therefore, not to consent to any Treaty of Commerce with Great
+Britain, without an explicit stipulation on her part, not to molest or
+disturb the inhabitants of the United States of America, in taking
+fish on the Banks of Newfoundland, and other fisheries in the American
+seas, anywhere, excepting within the distance of three leagues of the
+shores of the territories remaining to Great Britain at the close of
+the war, if a nearer distance cannot be obtained by negotiation. And
+in the negotiation you are to exert your most strenuous endeavors to
+obtain a nearer distance in the Gulf of St Lawrence, and particularly
+along the shores of Nova Scotia; as to which latter we are desirous,
+that even the shores may be occasionally used for the purpose of
+carrying on the fisheries by the inhabitants of these States."
+
+These instructions are very decisive in favor of our indubitable right
+to the fisheries; and it is possible, that Congress might be of
+opinion, that commerce would be the strongest inducement to the
+English to make peace, and at the same time, that there was something
+so naval in the fisheries, that the dread of acknowledging our right
+to them would be the strongest obstacle in the way of peace. They
+might think, too, that peace was of more importance to the United
+States, than a British acknowledgment of our right to the fisheries,
+which, to be sure, would have been enjoyed by our people in a good
+degree without it.
+
+Reasonings like these might influence Congress to revoke the
+commission and instructions in question. But whatever probability
+there might appear in them at that time, experience has since shown,
+that they were not well founded. On the contrary, arguments have been
+found to convince the British Ministers themselves, that it was the
+interest of their King and country, not only to acknowledge the
+American right to the fisheries, but to encourage the unrestrained
+exercise of it. These considerations, therefore, can be no longer of
+any weight against a treaty of commerce with Great Britain, or against
+accrediting a Minister to the Court of St James. Nor can I conceive of
+any motive now existing against this measure. On the contrary, so many
+advantages present themselves to view, that I think it my duty to
+recommend them to Congress as proper to be adopted without loss of
+time. If there are in Congress any of those gentlemen, with whom I had
+the honor to serve in the years 1775 and 1776, they may possibly
+remember, that in arguing in favor of sending Ministers to Versailles,
+to propose a connexion with that Court, I laid it down as a first
+principle, that we should calculate all our measures and foreign
+negotiations in such a manner, as to avoid a too great dependence upon
+any one power of Europe; to avoid all obligations and temptations to
+take any part in future European wars. That the business of America
+with Europe was commerce, not politics or war. And above all, that it
+never could be our interest to ruin Great Britain, or injure or weaken
+her any further than should be necessary to support our independence,
+and our alliances; and that as soon as Great Britain should be brought
+to a temper to acknowledge our sovereignty and our alliances, and
+consent that we should maintain the one, and fulfil the others, it
+would be our interest and duty to be her friends, as well as the
+friends of all the other powers of Europe, and enemies to none.
+
+We are now happily arrived, through many tremendous tempests, at that
+period. Great Britain respects us as sovereign States, and respects
+all our political engagements with foreign nations, and as long as she
+continues in this temper of wisdom, it is our duty to respect her. We
+have accordingly made a treaty with her and mutually sworn to be
+friends. Through the whole period of our warfare and negotiations, I
+confess I have never lost sight of the principles and the system, with
+which I set out, which appeared to me to be the sentiments of Congress
+with great unanimity, and I have no reason to believe that any change
+of opinion has taken place; if there has not, every one will agree
+with me, that no measure we can pursue will have such a tendency to
+preserve the government and people of England in the right system for
+their own and our interest, and the interest of our allies too, well
+understood, as sending a Minister to reside at the Court of London.
+
+In the next place, the Court of London is the best station to collect
+intelligence from every part, and by means of the freedom of the press
+to communicate information for the benefit of our country, to every
+part of the world. In time of peace, there is so frequent travelling
+between Paris, London, and the Hague, that the correspondence of our
+Ministers at those Courts may be carried on by private hands, without
+hazarding anything from the infidelity of the posts, and Congress may
+reasonably expect advantages from this circumstance.
+
+In the third place, a treaty of commerce with Great Britain is an
+affair of great importance to both countries. Upon this occasion I
+hope I shall be excused if I venture to advise, that Congress should
+instruct their Minister not to conclude such a treaty, without sending
+the project to them for their observations and fresh instructions, and
+I think it would not be improper, on this occasion, to imitate the
+Dutch method, and take the project, _ad referendum_, and transmit it
+to the Legislatures of all the States for their remarks, before
+Congress finally resolve. Their Minister may be authorised and
+instructed, in the mean time, to enter into a temporary convention for
+regulating the present trade, for a limited number of months or years,
+or until the treaty of commerce shall be completed.
+
+In the fourth place, it is our part to be the first to send a Minister
+to Great Britain, which is the older, and as yet the superior State.
+It becomes us to send a Minister first, and I doubt not the King of
+Great Britain will very soon return the compliment. Whereas if we do
+not begin, I believe there will be many delicacies at St James',
+about being the first to send. I confess I wish a British Minister at
+Philadelphia, and think we should derive many benefits from his
+residence there. While we have any foreign Ministers among us, I wish
+to have them from all the great powers with whom we are much
+connected. The _Corps Diplomatique_ at every Court is, or ought to be,
+a system representing at least that part of the system of Europe, with
+which that Court is most conversant.
+
+In the same manner, or at least from similar reasons, as long as we
+have any one Minister abroad at any European Court, I think we ought
+to have one at every one to which we are most essentially related,
+whether in commerce or policy, and therefore while we have any
+Minister at Versailles, the Hague, or London, I think it clear we
+ought to have one at each, though I confess I have sometimes thought,
+that after a very few years, it will be the best thing we can do to
+recall every Minister from Europe, and send embassies only on special
+occasions.
+
+If, however, any members of Congress should have any delicacies, lest
+an American Minister should not be received with a dignity becoming
+his rank and character at London, they may send a commission to make
+a treaty of commerce with Great Britain, to their Minister at Madrid,
+or Versailles, or the Hague, or St Petersburg, and instruct him to
+carry on the negotiation from the Court where he may be, until he
+shall be invited to London, or a letter of credence may be sent to one
+of these, with instructions to go to London, as soon as the King shall
+appoint a Minister to go to Philadelphia.
+
+After all, however, my opinion is, that none of these manoeuvres are
+necessary, but that the best way will be to send a Minister directly
+to St James', with a letter of credence to the King, as a Minister
+Plenipotentiary, and a commission to treat of a treaty of commerce,
+but with instructions not to come to any irrevocable conclusion, until
+Congress and all the States have an opportunity to consider of the
+project, and suggest their amendments.
+
+There is one more argument in favor of sending a Minister forthwith;
+it is this, while this mission lies open, it will be a source of
+jealousy among present Ministers, and such as are or may be candidates
+to be foreign Ministers, a source of intrigue and faction among their
+partisans and adherents, and a source of animosity and division among
+the people of the States. For this reason, it is a pity, that the
+first choice had not been such as Congress could have continued to
+approve, and the first measure such as Congress could have constantly
+persevered in. If this had been the case, the door of faction would
+have been kept shut. As this, however, was once my department, by the
+voice of eleven States, in twelve present, and as I will be answerable
+at any hazard, it will never be the department of any one by a greater
+majority, there seems to be a propriety in my giving my advice
+concerning it, on taking leave of it, if such is the will of
+Congress, as I have before done in this letter, according to the best
+of my judgment. And if it should not be thought too presumptuous, I
+would beg leave to add, what is my idea of the qualifications
+necessary for an American foreign Minister in general, and
+particularly and above all to the Court of St James'.
+
+In the first place, he should have had an education in classical
+learning, and in the knowledge of general history, ancient and modern,
+and particularly the history of France, England, Holland, and America.
+He should be well versed in the principles of ethics, of the law of
+nature and nations, of legislation and government, of the civil Roman
+law, of the laws of England, and the United States, of the public law
+of Europe, and in the letters, memoirs, and histories of those great
+men, who have heretofore shone in the diplomatic order, and conducted
+the affairs of nations, and the world. He should be of an age to
+possess a maturity of judgment, arising from experience in business.
+He should be active, attentive, and industrious, and above all, he
+should possess an upright heart, and an independent spirit, and should
+be one, who decidedly makes the interest of his country, not the
+policy of any other nation, nor his own private ambition or interest,
+or those of his family, friends, and connexions, the rule of his
+conduct.
+
+We hear so much said about a genteel address, and a facility in
+speaking the French language, that one would think a dancing master
+and a French master the only tutors necessary to educate a statesman.
+Be it remembered, the present revolution, neither in America nor
+Europe, has been accomplished by elegant bows, nor by fluency in
+French, nor will any great thing ever be effected by such
+accomplishments alone. A man must have something in his head to say,
+before he can speak to effect, how ready soever he may be at
+utterance. And if the knowledge is in his head, and the virtue in his
+heart, he will never fail to find a way of communicating his
+sentiments to good purpose. He will always have excellent translators
+ready, if he wants them, to turn his thoughts into any language he
+desires.
+
+As to what is called a fine address, it is seldom attended to after a
+first or second conversation, and even in these, it is regarded no
+more by men of sense of any country, than another thing, which I heard
+disputed with great vivacity among the officers of the French frigate,
+the Sensible. The question was, what were the several departments of
+an Ambassador and a Secretary of Legation. After a long and shrewd
+discussion, it was decided by a majority of votes, "that the
+Secretary's part was to do the business, and that of an Ambassador to
+keep a mistress." This decision produced a laugh among the company,
+and no ideas of the kind will ever produce anything else, among men of
+understanding.
+
+It is very true, that it is possible, that a case may happen, that a
+man may serve his country by a bribe well placed, or an intrigue of
+pleasure with a woman. But it is equally true, that a man's country
+will be sold and betrayed a thousand times by this infamous commerce,
+where it will be once served. It is very certain, that we shall never
+be a match for European statesmen in such accomplishments for
+negotiation, any more than, I must and will add, they will equal us in
+any solid abilities, virtues, and application to business, if we
+choose wisely among the excellent characters, with which our country
+abounds.
+
+Among the Ministers, who have already crossed the Atlantic to Europe,
+there have been none exceeding Mr Jay and Mr Dana, in all the
+qualifications I have presumed to enumerate, and I must say, that if I
+had the honor to give my vote in Congress, for a Minister at the Court
+of Great Britain, provided that injustice must be finally done to him,
+who was the first object of his country's choice, such have been the
+activity, intelligence, address, and fortitude of Mr Jay, as well as
+his sufferings in his voyage, journeys, and past services, that I
+should think of no other object of my choice than that gentleman. If
+Congress should neglect all their old Ministers, and send a fresh one
+from America, they cannot be at a loss, for there are in that country
+great numbers of men well qualified for the service. These are most
+certainly better known by name to Congress than to me, and, therefore,
+I shall venture no further, but conclude, by wishing this arduous
+business well settled, and by assurances to Congress, and to you, Sir,
+of my warmest attachment and respect.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, February 13th, 1783.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+On my return, the night before last, from a journey to the State of
+New York, I found your favors of the 6th, the 7th, the 17th, the 19th,
+and the 23d of September. They contain important and useful
+information; and that particularly of the 6th is replete with matter,
+which deserves an attention, that I lament not having it in my power
+to give it at this moment, as the express, by which this goes to
+Baltimore, is on the wing.
+
+I congratulate you most sincerely upon having surmounted all the
+obstacles, that opposed themselves to the completion of our important
+connexion with the United States [of Holland]. It has, I think, given
+the last blow to the pride of Britain. Its power, so far as it could
+endanger us, was past recovery before, except as it derived force from
+its pride, which, like the last struggles of a dying man, gave an
+appearance of vigor to the body, which it was about to destroy.
+
+This covers a ratification of the treaty. The first copy sent by Mr
+Jefferson has not been signed by me, owing to my absence. That
+gentleman has not yet sailed from Baltimore, having been delayed by a
+number of the enemy's cruisers, which infest the Bay.
+
+We this day received the speech of his Britannic Majesty. It breathes
+so much the language of peace, that I begin to think it will be
+unnecessary to give Mr Jefferson the trouble of going over at all. The
+delays he has met with leave you longer without intelligence from
+hence, than I would ever wish you to be, though no important event has
+taken place, except the evacuation of Charleston. Our distress for
+want of money has rather increased, than diminished. This object will
+demand your attention, full as much if the war should be terminated,
+as if it should continue. The army, and the other public creditors,
+begin to grow very uneasy, and our present exhausted situation will
+not admit of internal loans, or such taxes as will suffice to give
+them relief.
+
+I have sent you three different sets of cyphers, not thinking it
+advisable to send duplicates. Be pleased to let me know whether any
+and which have arrived safe.
+
+I am, Sir, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, March 2d, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I am very much of your opinion, that all places in general, in foreign
+countries, under the United States, should be filled with Americans,
+but am sometimes requested to transmit to Congress applications and
+recommendations in so pressing a manner, and by persons of
+distinction, that it would be scarcely civil to refuse.
+
+Such an instance is the following, and if Congress should depart from
+the general rule, I suppose, that no person at Leghorn has so good
+pretensions.
+
+The application to me is this,--"Messrs Touissaint, Doutremont & Co.,
+merchants of great credit at Leghorn, who obtained, fortyfive years
+ago, letters of nobility from the Court of France, pray the gentlemen,
+the deputies of the United States of America, to grant them the place
+of Consul, or of Agent of their commerce at Leghorn."
+
+At least, if Congress, or their Ministers, have occasion for a
+correspondent in that city, they will not be at a loss.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ Philadelphia, April 14th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I received two days ago your favors of the 22d and 23d of January,
+with the declarations for the cessation of hostilities, on which a
+doubt of much importance to the people of this country is started, to
+wit, to know at what period hostilities ceased on this coast, that is,
+what is meant by "as far as the Canaries." If it means in the same
+_latitude_, hostilities ceased here the 3d of March, and a great
+number of vessels must be restored. If it does not mean a latitudinal
+line, what does it mean, which carries any certainty with it? The
+terms of the provisional treaty also occasion much debate. A variety
+of questions have been started, but these I shall speak of in my
+letter to you in conjunction with your colleagues, that you may, if
+opportunity should offer before the Definitive Treaty is concluded,
+find some means to rid them of their ambiguity.
+
+It would give me pain to find, that the Dutch do not attain their
+objects in the close of the war, and still more to impute their
+misfortunes to any desertion of their interests by France, since I
+confess freely to you, that her conduct, as far as I have observed it,
+has appeared to me in the highest degree generous and disinterested.
+The extreme langour of the Dutch, their divisions, and the less than
+nothing that they have done for themselves, entitle them to little.
+Without the uncommon exertions of France, they would not have had a
+single settlement left, either in the East or West Indies. So that
+they lay absolutely at her mercy, and, therefore, I was pleased to
+find their instructions to their Ministers so expressed as to leave no
+room to fear, that they would obstruct the peace, when they
+contributed so little to the prosecution of the war. But I rather
+pitied, than blamed their weakness; they were torn by factions, and
+clogged by an executive, which strove to find reasons for having no
+execution.
+
+Congress, the day before yesterday, agreed to ratify the Provisional
+Articles as such, and to release their prisoners, in which the British
+took the lead. The tories have little reliance upon the effect of the
+recommendations of Congress; great numbers of them have sailed, and
+are daily sailing for Nova Scotia.
+
+With respect to your salary, I must pray you to settle with Dr
+Franklin the amount of bills drawn in your favor. You will, with those
+that go by this conveyance, receive the amount of three quarters'
+salary, at two thousand seven hundred and seventyseven dollars and
+sixtyeight ninetieths per quarter, which were laid out in bills at six
+shillings three pence, this money, for five livres, which was a very
+advantageous exchange for you. This, however, Congress have directed,
+by the enclosed resolution, to be altered, and your salaries to be
+paid in bills at the rate of five livres, five sous per dollar. As
+this resolution retrospects you will have, with the bills transmitted
+to you, livres more than is due for three quarters' salary. This will
+be deducted from the last quarter, for which I will get a warrant, and
+leave it with the Treasury here for you or your order. By settling
+this matter with Dr Franklin, and redrawing upon your banker in
+Holland, you will leave my accounts unembarrassed, which is of
+consequence to me, as I have determined to quit the place I now hold,
+in the course of a few weeks, and enjoy in retirement the pleasures of
+peace. I have charged no commissions on these money transactions, nor
+do I propose to charge any.
+
+Your account of contingent expenses is before a committee. Should
+Congress agree to accept your resignation, (which I am sorry to see
+you offer, since the connexions you have formed, and the experience
+you have acquired, might render you particularly serviceable in
+Holland) it will be best that you settle it with them yourself on your
+arrival. The want of permanent funds, and the opposition which some
+States have given to every attempt to establish them, the demands of
+the public creditors, and particularly of the army, have excited much
+uneasiness here. Satisfactory measures will, I hope, be adopted to
+calm it, and do ample justice. The army, whose proceedings I transmit,
+have done themselves honor by their conduct on this occasion. Too much
+praise could not be given to the commander-in-chief, for the share he
+had in the transaction, if he was not above all praise.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, April 14th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+You may easily imagine our anxiety to hear from America, when you know
+that we have no news to this hour, either of your reception of the
+news of peace, or that of the treaty with Holland, four copies of
+which I put on board different vessels at Amsterdam, in October.
+
+We have been in equal uncertainty about the turn, which affairs might
+take in England. But by letters from Mr Laurens we expect him every
+day, and Mr David Hartley with him, in order to complete the
+definitive treaty. It would have been more agreeable to have finished
+with Mr Oswald. But the present Ministry are so dissatisfied with what
+is past, as they say, though nobody believes them, that they choose to
+change hands.
+
+It will be proposed, I believe, to make a temporary arrangement of
+commercial matters, as our powers are not competent to a durable one,
+if to any. Congress will, no doubt, soon send a Minister with full
+powers, as the treaty of commerce with Great Britain is of great
+importance, and our affairs in that country require an overseer.
+
+It is confidently asserted, in letters from Holland, that M. Markow,
+the Minister Plenipotentiary from the Empress of Russia, has received
+from his mistress a full power to come to Paris, to the assistance of
+the Prince Bariatinski at a Congress for a general pacification. There
+is, as yet, no answer received from the Emperor. If the two Imperial
+Courts accept of the mediation, there will be a Congress; but I
+suppose it will relate chiefly to the affairs of Holland, which are
+not yet arranged, and to the liberty of neutral navigation, which is
+their principal point. I wish success to that Republic in this
+negotiation, which will help to compose their interior disorders,
+which are alarming.
+
+I know not whether it will be insisted or expected, that we should
+join in the Congress, nor do I know what we have to do in it, unless
+it be to settle that point as far as it relates to us. There is
+nothing in difference between us and Great Britain, which we cannot
+adjust ourselves, without any mediation.
+
+A spring passage to America is so great an object, that I should be
+very sorry to have the negotiations spun out to such a length as to
+oblige me to lose it, and I take it for granted, I shall now receive
+the acceptance of my resignation by the first ships.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT MORRIS.
+
+ Paris, May 21st, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I am just now honored with yours of the 19th of January, by the way of
+London. We have not yet had the happiness to receive, as we should be
+disposed to do with open arms, our excellent old friend Jefferson, and
+begin to fear that the news of peace has determined him not to come.
+
+I thank you, Sir, for your polite congratulations; when the tide
+turned, it flowed with rapidity, and carried the vessel, as I hope,
+into a safe harbor.
+
+As to the loan in Holland, I have never troubled you, nor any one else
+in America, with details of the vexations of various kinds, which I
+met with in the negotiation of it; indeed, I never thought it prudent
+or safe to do it. If I had told the whole truth, it could have done no
+good, and it might have done infinite mischief. In general, it is now
+sufficient to say, that private interest, party spirit, factions,
+cabals, and slanderers, have obstructed, perplexed, and tortured our
+loan in Holland, as well as all our other affairs, foreign and
+domestic. But as there has been a greater variety of clashing
+interests, English, French, Stadtholderian, Republican, and American,
+mixing in the affair of our loan in Holland, it has been more puzzled
+than anything else. If, in the bitterness of my soul, I had described
+the fermentation, and mentioned names, and drawn characters, I might
+have transmitted a curious tale, but it would have only served to
+inflame old animosities, and excite new ones.
+
+A great many things are said to me, on purpose that they may be
+represented to you or to Congress. Some of these I believe to be
+false, most of them I suspect, and some of them that are true would do
+no good. I think it necessary, therefore, to employ a little
+discretion in such cases.
+
+Messrs Willinks & Co. will write you from time to time, as they tell
+me they have done, the state of the loan. Mr Grand wants all the
+money, but they wait your orders. The loan has been and will be damped
+by transmitting the money to France, but your necessities were so
+urgent, that you could not avoid it.
+
+In my opinion, if you had a Minister at St James's, and he were
+authorised to borrow money generally, in England or elsewhere, it
+would serve you greatly, by causing an emulation even in Holland,
+besides the money you would procure in London, which would not be a
+trifling sum.
+
+I wish I were in Congress, that I might assist you in persuading our
+countrymen to pay taxes and build ships.
+
+With great esteem and respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, May 24th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor to enclose copies, to be laid before Congress, of
+several papers. 1st. Mr Hartley's full powers of May 14th. 2dly. The
+order of the King of Great Britain in Council, for regulating the
+American trade, of May 14th. 3dly. Articles proposed by the American
+Ministers to Mr Hartley, April 29th. 4thly. Mr Hartley's observations
+left with us May 21st. And 5thly. Mr Hartley's proposition of the same
+day.[4]
+
+This proposition, however, upon inquiry, we find Mr Hartley does not
+incline to subscribe to, before he sends it to his Court for their
+orders. So that we have not yet given him our opinion of it. He has
+sent a courier to London, before whose return we hope to have further
+intelligence from Philadelphia.
+
+The present British Ministry discover an indecision and timidity,
+which indicate instability. Some persons from England imagine, that my
+Lord Shelburne will come in again. The change would produce a longer
+delay; but I think would be no disadvantage to America. If he had
+continued in power, I think we should have finished, or been ready to
+finish, before now with Mr Oswald. Mr Hartley's dispositions, however,
+are very good, and if left to his own judgment, would be liberal and
+fair.
+
+The idea of reviving the trade, upon the plan of the laws of Great
+Britain before the war, although those laws were calculated so much
+for the advantage of that country and so little for the advantage of
+ours, might be admissible for a few months, until Ministers could be
+appointed on both sides to frame a treaty of commerce; provided no
+advantage should be ceded by it, in the negotiation of such treaty,
+and provided, that such a temporary convention for trade should
+neither delay nor influence the definitive treaty. It is much to be
+wished, that the definitive treaty of peace, and a permanent treaty of
+commerce, could be signed at the same time. This, however, seems now
+to be impossible; and, therefore, some temporary regulation of
+commerce seems unavoidable. But we are as yet too uncertain of the
+sentiments of the Court of St James, to be able to foresee, whether we
+shall be able to agree with them. Mr Hartley has been here four weeks,
+and nothing has been done, although he was very sanguine before he
+left London, that he should send home a convention in less than half
+of four days.
+
+Congress will see by Mr Hartley's commission, that they are become the
+"good friends" of the King of Great Britain. Mr Hartley on his first
+arrival here communicated to us in form, an invitation from the
+Ministers, with the knowledge and consent of the King, to all the
+American Ministers to go to London, with the assurance, that we should
+be there presented at Court, and treated in all respects like the
+Ministers of any other sovereign State. He also communicated the
+desire of his Court, that the two Powers should interchange Ministers
+as soon as possible. I hope that the first ship will bring a Minister
+for that Court, or a commission to some one to go there, because I
+think it would have been useful to us to have had one there three
+months ago, and that it would not be less useful now. The permanent
+treaty of commerce, nevertheless, should not he hastily concluded, nor
+before Congress shall have had an opportunity to judge of the project,
+suggest their amendments, and transmit their orders.
+
+No preliminaries are yet signed with the Dutch, and I am very anxious
+for their lot.
+
+With great respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[4] These papers will be found in the Correspondence of the
+Commissioners for making peace.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, May 30th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the 28th of this month, the letter which you did me the honor to
+write me on the 13th of February, which arrived at the Hague, I
+received, enclosed with the ratification of the treaty with their High
+Mightinesses, which will be exchanged by M. Dumas, as the conferences
+here for the definitive treaty will not admit of my taking so long a
+journey at this time.[5]
+
+This arrival in season to exchange the ratifications before the
+departure of M. Van Berckel, which is to be in about three weeks, is
+fortunate. I hope that the first ships from America will bring my
+letter of recall from that Republic, and another Minister, or credence
+to some one now in Europe, to take my place.
+
+I am happy to find that any letters of mine in September last
+contained information that you think of consequence, although, not
+having my letter book here, I am not able to recollect the subject.
+The final completion of the negotiation with Holland gives me a
+pleasure, which will not be equalled, but by that of the definitive
+treaty of peace, which languishes at present for want of decisive
+instructions from Mr Hartley, in such a manner, as gives cause to
+suspect that the present Ministry are not firm in their seats.
+
+The presence of a Minister in Holland would encourage your loan of
+money there, but it would be quickened still more, by your sending a
+Minister to London, with powers to borrow money there. Emulation is
+the best spring; or call it rivalry, or jealousy, if you will, it will
+get you money if you put it in motion.
+
+I have received two cyphers from you, Sir, one beginning with No. 1,
+and ending with No. 1011. The other beginning with Amsterdam, and
+ending with Provinces.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[5] The particulars of the ratification will be seen in M. Dumas's
+Correspondence.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, June 9th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The enclosed, No. 121 of the _Politique Hollandais_ having translated
+a few sentences of mine, and the author intending to insert more, as
+he has already inserted a good deal of the same correspondence, I
+think it proper to transmit you a short relation of it.
+
+In 1780, at Paris, a number of pamphlets of Mr Galloway's were sent me
+from England. I wrote to a friend an answer to them. He sent it to
+London to be published. But whether the printers were afraid, or from
+what other motive, I know not. I heard nothing of them until the
+spring and summer of 1782, when some of them appeared in print, in
+Parker's General Advertiser, under the title of "_Letters from a
+distinguished American_," &c. but with false dates.
+
+There are in those letters so many of the characteristic features of
+the Provisional Treaty, of the 30th of November, 1782, that the
+publication of them in England, at the time when they appeared, may be
+supposed to have contributed, more or less, to propagate such
+sentiments as the more private circulation of them before had
+suggested to a few. And as they were written by one of your Ministers
+at the conferences for peace, who repeated and extended the same
+arguments to the British Ministers in the course of the negotiation,
+it is proper that you should be informed of them. Whether I have in
+any former letter mentioned this subject, or not, I do not recollect.
+If I have, I pray you to excuse the repetition.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, June 16th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Yesterday afternoon, the duplicate of your letter of the 14th of
+April, No. 16, was brought in to me, with the post-mark "Brest" upon
+it. As soon as I had read it, I went out to Passy, in hopes that other
+despatches had arrived there, but I found none. While I was there, a
+packet of newspapers addressed to us all was brought in, with the
+post-mark of Brest on it. I still hope and believe, that other
+despatches, by the same conveyance, will appear in a few days, but
+whether they are still in the post office, or whether the Duc de
+Lauzun intends to bring them in person, is uncertain.
+
+I think, Sir, there is no room to doubt the justice of your opinion,
+that the latitude of the Canaries is meant, and, consequently, that
+hostilities ceased on the whole coast of the United States on the 3d
+of March.
+
+I am well aware, that a variety of questions may be started upon the
+provisional articles. The great points of sovereignty, limits, and
+fisheries, are sufficiently clear. But there are too many other things
+in much obscurity. No one of us alone would ever have put his hand to
+such a writing. Yet there is no one to blame. It must be confessed,
+that it was done in haste, but that haste was inevitable. The peace
+depended absolutely upon the critical moment, when that treaty was
+signed. The meeting of Parliament was so near, and the state of the
+Ministry so critical, that if that opportunity had been lost, there
+would have been at least another campaign. There were never less than
+three of us, and there were finally no less than three to be consulted
+on the other side. These inaccuracies are much to be lamented, but
+they were quite unavoidable. We shall endeavor to explain them in the
+definitive treaty, but I fear without success.
+
+I hope, Sir, you will excuse me, if I think your expressions fall
+short of the real merit of the Dutch. If they had accepted the Russian
+mediation for a separate peace, we should have seen a very formidable
+difference. The vast weight of the Dutch in the East Indies, being
+added to that of France, has influenced the minds of the natives in
+such a manner, as to turn the scale against England. The Cape of Good
+Hope was indispensable to France, and we are not yet informed what
+proportion of the expense of French operations in the East Indies is
+to be borne by the Dutch East India Company, at whose solicitations,
+by their agents, sent early to Versailles, they were undertaken. From
+twelve to fifteen British ships of the line, in the best condition,
+with the best officers and men, have been kept almost constantly in
+the North seas to watch the Dutch, a momentous diversion, which made
+the balance more clear in favor of the allies in the East and West
+Indies, as well as in the Channel; and it may be added, and that with
+strict truth, the battle of Doggerbank imprinted more terror on the
+imaginations of the British navy and nation, than all the other sea
+engagements of the war.
+
+Your observations of their unfortunate situation are, however, very
+just, and their exertions have not been such as they might and ought
+to have been. But this was the fault of the enemies of France in
+Holland, not of their friends, and, unhappily, those enemies are to be
+gratified by the terms of peace prescribed to that power, and those
+friends mortified. And this misfortune probably arises from the
+instructions in question, by which they made themselves of no
+importance, instead of acting the part of a sovereign, independent,
+and respectable power. If they had held their own negotiations in
+their own hands, they would probably have obtained better terms. I
+could mention many facts and anecdotes of much importance; but these
+have been communicated to me in confidence, and as this is a
+discussion that concerns us only indirectly, and as our instructions
+were parallel to theirs, although the execution of them was different,
+and the event different, I shall waive any further observations upon
+the subject.
+
+We are happy to learn, that Congress have ratified the treaty,
+imperfect as it is, and that each side has released its prisoners. Mr
+Hartley communicated to us officially, two days ago, that orders were
+gone to New York to evacuate the United States.
+
+Dr Franklin has never made any use of the bills for my salary, and I
+have never received any part of them. I shall easily settle that
+matter when I get home, which your letter encourages me to hope will
+be very soon. The connexions I have formed in Holland may be of use to
+the public, wherever I may be, in America, or elsewhere, as well as
+even in that country itself. Those connexions will readily become
+those of any Minister Congress may send there. It cost me all my
+happiness, and had very nearly cost me my life, to form them; it cost
+me more; it has left me in an ill state of health, which I never shall
+fully repair. I shall carry Holland in my veins to my grave. It will
+cost no man anything to go there now. His mind will be at ease, and he
+will have spirits necessary to take care to preserve his health. To me
+it has become physically necessary, as well as a moral and religious
+duty, to join my family. This can be done only by going to them, or
+bringing them to me; and to bring them to Holland is what I cannot
+think of, both because, that on account of my own health, as well as
+theirs, and on other considerations, I should not choose to live among
+those putrid lakes, and because I think I can do my country more and
+better service at home than there.
+
+I will not disguise another motive, which would be altogether
+insurmountable, if it were alone. I do not think it consistent with
+the honor of the United States, any more than with my own, for me to
+stay in Holland, after the appointment of any other Minister
+whatsoever to the mission upon which I came to Europe, and which has
+been taken from me without assigning any reason. Congress are the
+sovereign judges for themselves and the public of the persons proper
+for all services, excepting that every citizen is a sovereign judge
+for himself. I have never adopted the principle, that it is a
+citizen's duty to accept of any trust, that is pointed out to him,
+unless he approves of it. On the contrary, I think it a right and a
+duty, that no law of society can take away, for every man to judge
+for himself, whether he can serve consistently with his own honor, and
+the honor and interest of the public.
+
+When the existence of our country and her essential interests were at
+stake, it was a duty to run all risks, to stifle every feeling, to
+sacrifice every interest, and this duty I have discharged with
+patience and perseverance, and with a success, that can be attributed
+only to Providence. But in time of peace, the public in less danger
+abroad than at home, knowing I can do more good at home, I should do a
+very wrong thing to remove my family to stay in Holland, merely for
+the sake of holding an honorable commission, making and receiving
+bows, and compliments, and eating splendid suppers at Court.
+
+There is one piece of advice I beg leave to offer to the Minister who
+may go to Holland, respecting a future loan of money. It is, to
+inquire whether the house of Hope would undertake a loan for us,
+either in conjunction with the houses who have the present one, or
+with any of them, or alone. In my private opinion, which ought to be
+kept as secret as possible, we might obtain a large loan in that way,
+and that we cannot in any other. The people in that interest have the
+money. I am not personally known to that House, nor any one of them to
+me, but I know they are all powerful in money matters, and I believe
+they would engage.
+
+The happy turn given to the discontents of the army, by the General,
+is consistent with his character, which, as you observe, is above all
+praise, as every character is whose rule and object are duty, not
+interest, nor glory, which I think has been strictly true with the
+General from the beginning, and I trust will continue to the end. May
+he long live, and enjoy his reflections, and the confidence and
+affections of a free, grateful, and virtuous people.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, June 23d, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Your favor of the 14th of April, No. 16, acknowledged the receipt of
+mine of the 21st and the 22d of January, but took no notice of any
+letters, which went by Captain Barney. Neither Dr Franklin, Mr Jay,
+nor myself have any answer to the despatches, which went by this
+express; although yours to me, No. 16, gave cause to expect letters to
+us all, with instructions concerning the Definitive Treaty. This
+profound silence of Congress, and the total darkness in which we are
+left, concerning their sentiments, is very distressing to us, and very
+dangerous and injurious to the public.
+
+I see no prospect of agreeing upon any regulation of commerce here.
+The present Ministry are afraid of every knot of merchants. A clamor
+of an interested party, more than an evil to their country, is their
+dread. A few West India merchants, in opposition to the sense and
+interest of the West India planters, are endeavoring to excite an
+opposition to our carrying the produce of the West India Islands from
+those islands to Europe, even to Great Britain. There are also secret
+schemes to exclude us, if they can, from the trade of Ireland, to
+possess themselves of the carrying trade of the United States, by
+prohibiting any American vessel to bring to Great Britain any
+commodity but those of the State to which it belongs. Thus, a
+Philadelphia vessel can carry no tobacco, rice, or indigo, nor a
+Carolina vessel wheat or flour, nor a Boston vessel either, unless
+grown in its own State. In this way, a superficial party think they
+can possess themselves of the carriage of almost all the productions
+of the United States, annihilate our navigation and nurseries of
+seamen, and keep all to themselves more effectually than ever. They
+talk too of discouraging the people of the United States, and
+encouraging those of Canada and Nova Scotia, in such a manner as to
+increase the population of those two Provinces, even by migrations
+from the United States. These are dreams, to be sure; but the dreamers
+are so many, as to intimidate the present Ministry, who dare venture
+upon nothing that will make a clamor. I have lately heard, that the
+merchants in America are waiting to hear the regulations of trade made
+here. They will wait, I know not how long. There is no present
+prospect of our agreeing at all upon any regulations of trade.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, June 23d, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The British nation and Ministry are in a very unsettled state; they
+find themselves in a new situation, and have not digested any plan.
+Ireland is in a new situation; she is independent of Parliament, and
+the English know not how to manage her. To what an extent she will
+claim a right of trading with the United States, is unknown. Canada
+too, and Nova Scotia, are in a new situation; the former, they say,
+must have a new government. But what form to give them, and, indeed,
+what kind of government they are capable of, or would be agreeable to
+them, is uncertain. Nothing is digested.
+
+There is a party, composed probably of refugees, friends of the old
+hostile system, and fomented by emissaries of several foreign nations,
+who do not wish a cordial reconciliation and sincere friendship
+between Great Britain and the United States, who clamor for the
+conservation of the navigation act, and the carrying trade. If these
+should succeed so far as to excite Parliament or the Ministry to adopt
+a contracted principle, to exclude us from the West India trade, and
+from trading with Canada and Nova Scotia, and from carrying freely, in
+vessels belonging to any one of the Thirteen States, the production of
+any other to Great Britain, the consequences may be to perplex us for
+a time, may bind us closer to France, Spain, Holland, Germany, Italy,
+and the northern nations, and thus be fatal to Great Britain, without
+being finally very hurtful to us.
+
+The nations of Europe, who have islands in the West Indies, have, at
+this moment, a delicate part to take. Upon their present decisions,
+great things will depend. The commerce of the West India Islands, is a
+part of the American system of commerce. They can neither do without
+us, nor we without them. The Creator has placed us upon the globe in
+such a situation, that we have occasion for each other. We have the
+means of assisting each other, and politicians and artful contrivances
+cannot separate us. Wise statesmen, like able artists of every kind,
+study nature, and their works are perfect in proportion as they
+conform to her laws. Obstinate attempts to prevent the islands and the
+continent, by force or policy, from deriving from each other those
+blessings, which nature has enabled them to afford, will only put
+both to thinking of means of coming together. And an injudicious
+regulation at this time may lay a foundation for intimate
+combinations, between the islands and the continent, which otherwise
+would not be wished for, or thought of by either.
+
+If the French, Dutch, and Danes, have common sense, they will profit
+of any blunder Great Britain may commit upon this occasion. The ideas
+of the British cabinet and merchants, at present, are so confused upon
+all these subjects, that we can get them to agree to nothing. I still
+think, that the best policy of the United States is, to send a
+Minister to London to negotiate a treaty of commerce, instructed to
+conclude nothing, not the smallest article, until he has sent it to
+Congress, and received their approbation. In the meantime, Congress
+may admit any British or Irish ships, that have arrived, or may
+arrive, to trade as they please.
+
+For my own part, I confess I would not advise Congress to bind
+themselves to anything, that is not reasonable and just. If we should
+agree to revive the trade upon the old footing, it is the utmost that
+can, with a color of justice or modesty, be requested of us. This is
+not equal, but might be borne. Rather than go further, and deny
+ourselves the freight from the West Indies to Europe, at least, to
+Great Britain, especially rather than give away our own carrying
+trade, by agreeing that the ships of one State should not carry to
+Great Britain the produce of another, I would be for entering into
+still closer connexions with France, Spain, and Holland, and purchase
+of them, at the expense of Great Britain, what she has not wisdom
+enough to allow us for her own good.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, June 24th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The gazettes of Europe still continue to be employed, as the great
+engines of fraud and imposture to the good people of America.
+Stockjobbers are not the only people, who employ a set of scribblers
+to invent and publish falsehoods for their own peculiar purposes.
+British and French, as well as other politicians, entertain these
+fabricators of paragraphs, who are stationed about in the various
+cities of Europe, and take up each other's productions in such a
+manner, that no sooner does a paragraph appear in a French, Dutch, or
+English paper, but it is immediately seized on, and reprinted in all
+the others; this is not all; in looking over the American newspapers,
+I observe, that nothing is seized on with so much avidity by the
+American _nouvellists_, for republication in their gazettes, as these
+political lies. I cannot attribute this merely to the credulity of the
+printers, who have generally more discernment than to be deceived. But
+I verily believe, there are persons in every State employed to select
+out these things, and get them reprinted.
+
+Sometimes the invention is so simple, as really to deceive. Such, I
+doubt not, will be that of a long paragraph in the English papers, all
+importing that Mr Hartley had made a treaty of commerce with us, or
+was upon the point of concluding one. Nothing is further from the
+truth. We have not to this hour agreed upon one proposition, nor do I
+see any probability that we shall at all, respecting commerce.
+
+We have not, indeed, as yet, agreed upon a point respecting the
+definitive treaty. We are waiting for those instructions of yours,
+which you mentioned in yours of the 14th of April, which I have not
+yet received.
+
+Americans should be cautious of European newspapers, as well as of
+their own; more so, indeed, because they have not so much knowledge,
+and so good opportunities to detect the former as the latter. There is
+a great number of persons in Europe, who insert things in the papers
+in order to make impressions in America. Characters are in this way
+built up and pulled down, without the least consideration of justice,
+and merely to answer sinister purposes, sometimes extremely pernicious
+to the United States.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, June 27th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Yesterday Dr Franklin, Mr Jay, and myself, met to prepare the
+definitive treaty, and made so much progress in it, that tomorrow we
+shall be ready to communicate to Mr Hartley the result. But I have
+small hopes of obtaining anything more by the definitive treaty.
+
+The Duke of Manchester, and Count d'Aranda have arranged everything
+between England and Spain, and are ready to finish for their two
+Courts. France, I presume, waits only for Holland, or perhaps for some
+other negotiation with the Imperial Courts. If all the other parties
+were now to declare themselves ready, we should be puzzled. In such a
+case, however, I am determined (and I believe, but do not know, that
+my colleagues would join me) to declare myself ready to sign the
+provisional treaty, _totidem verbis_, for a definitive treaty.
+
+From all I can learn, I am persuaded we shall gain nothing by any
+further negotiation. If we obtain anything by way of addition or
+explanation, we shall be obliged to give more for it than it is worth.
+If the British Minister refuses to agree to such changes as we may
+think reasonable, and refuses to sign the provisional articles as
+definitive ones, I take it for granted, France will not sign till we
+do. If they should they are still safe, for the provisional articles
+are to constitute the treaty as soon as France has made peace, and I
+should rather have it on that footing, than make any material
+alteration.
+
+I have put these several cases, because I should be supprised at
+nothing from the present British Ministry. If they have any plan at
+all, it is a much less gracious one towards America, than that of
+their immediate predecessors. If Shelburne, Townshend, Pitt, &c. had
+continued, we should have had everything settled long ago, to our
+entire satisfaction, and to the infinite advantage of Great Britain
+and America, in such a manner as would have restored good humor and
+affection, as far as in the nature of things they can now be restored.
+
+After the great point of acknowledging our independence was got over,
+by issuing Mr Oswald's last commission, this Shelburne administration
+conducted towards us like men of sense and honor. The present
+administration have neither discovered understanding nor sincerity.
+The present British administration is unpopular, and it is in itself
+so heterogeneous a composition, that it seems impossible it should
+last long. Their present design seems to be not to commit themselves
+by agreeing to anything. As soon as anything is done, somebody will
+clamor. While nothing is done, it is not known what to clamor about.
+If there should be a change in favor of the Ministry that made the
+peace, and a dissolution of this profligate league, which they call
+the coalition, it would be much for the good of all who speak the
+English language. If fame says true, the coalition was formed at
+gambling tables, and is conducted as it was formed, upon no other than
+gambling principles.
+
+Such is the fate of a nation, which stands tottering on the brink of a
+precipice, with a debt of two hundred and fiftysix millions sterling
+on its shoulders; the interest of which, added to the peace
+establishment only, exceeds by above a million annually all their
+revenues, enormously and intolerably as they are already taxed. The
+only chance they have for salvation is in a reform, and in recovering
+the affection of America. The last Ministry were sensible of this, and
+acted accordingly. The present Ministry are so far from being sensible
+of it, or caring about it, that they seem to me to be throwing the
+last dice for the destruction of their country.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, June 27th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+A few vessels have arrived in England from various parts of America,
+and have probably made the Ministry, merchants, and manufacturers less
+anxious about a present arrangement of commerce. Whether these vessels
+have rashly hazarded these voyages against the laws of their country,
+or whether they have permission from Congress, or their States, we are
+not informed.
+
+It would have been better, no doubt, to have had an agreement made
+before the trade was opened, but the eagerness of both sides may not
+easily be restrained. Whether it is practicable for Congress to stop
+the trade, I know not, or whether it would be expedient if
+practicable, I doubt.
+
+The balance of parties in England is so nicely poised, that the
+smallest weight shifts the scales. In truth nothing can be done
+without changing the Ministry, for whatever is done raises a cry
+sufficient to shake those who do it. In this situation, it is a
+question whether it is best to keep things in suspense, or bring them
+to a decision. If Congress were to prohibit all trade with England,
+until a Treaty of Commerce were made, or some temporary convention at
+least, it might bring on a decision, by exciting a cry against the
+Ministry for not making a convention. But the moment a convention is
+made, a cry will be raised against them for making it. The present
+Ministry, to judge by their motions hitherto, will hazard the clamor
+for not making one, rather than that for making one. They think it
+least dangerous to them, especially since they have seen so many
+American vessels arrive in England, and have heard, that British ships
+are admitted to an entry in the ports of America, particularly
+Philadelphia.
+
+The most difficult thing to adjust in a Treaty of Commerce, will be
+the communications we shall have with the West India Islands. This is
+of great importance to us, and to the islands, and I think to Great
+Britain too. Yet there is a formidable party for excluding us at least
+from carrying the produce of those islands to Great Britain.
+
+Much will depend upon the Minister you first send to London. An
+American Minister would be a formidable person to any British Minister
+whatever. He would converse with all parties, and if he is a prudent,
+cautious man, he would at this moment have more influence there than
+you can imagine.
+
+We are chained here on the only spot in the world, where we can be of
+no use. If my colleagues were of my mind, we would all go together to
+London, where we could negotiate the Definitive Treaty, and talk of
+arrangements of commerce to some purpose. However, one Minister in
+London, with proper instructions, would do better than four. He would
+have the artifices of French emissaries to counteract, as well as
+English partizans; for you may depend upon it, the French see with
+pleasure the improbability of our coming soon and cordially together,
+as they saw with manifest regret, the appearances of cordial
+reconciliation under the former administration. These sentiments are
+not unnatural, but we are under no obligation, from mere complaisance,
+to sacrifice interests of such deep and lasting consequence. For it is
+not merely mercantile profit and convenience, that is at stake; future
+wars, long and bloody wars, may be either avoided or entailed upon our
+posterity, as we conduct wisely or otherwise the present negotiation
+with Great Britain.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 3d, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the last Ambassador's day, which was last Tuesday, Dr Franklin, Mr
+Jay, and myself waited on the Count de Vergennes, who told us, he
+thought he had agreed with the Duke of Manchester, but that his Grace
+had not yet received the positive approbation of his Court. The Count
+advised us to make a visit altogether to the Ambassadors of the two
+Imperial Courts. Accordingly, yesterday morning we went, first to the
+Count de Mercy Argenteau, the Ambassador of the Emperor of Germany,
+and King of Hungary and Bohemia. His Excellency was not at home, so we
+left our card.
+
+We went next to the Prince Bariatinski, Minister Plenipotentiary from
+the Court of Russia; our servant asked if the Prince was at home, and
+received for answer, that he was. We were shown into the Prince's
+apartment, who received us very politely. While we were here, Mr
+Markoff came in. He also is a Minister Plenipotentiary, adjoined to
+the Prince in the affair of the mediation. I told him we proposed to
+do ourselves the honor of calling on him. He answered, "As you are an
+old acquaintance I shall be very happy to see you." Whether this was a
+turn of politeness, or whether it was a political distinction, I know
+not. We shall soon know, by his returning, or not returning, our
+visit. The Prince asked where I lodged, and I told him. This indicates
+an intention to return the visit.
+
+We went next to the Dutch Ambassador's, M. de Berkenrode. He was not
+at home, or not visible. Next to the Baron de Blome, Envoy
+Extraordinary of the King of Denmark; not at home. Next to M.
+Markoff's. The porter answered, that he was at home. We alighted, and
+were going to his apartment, when we were told he was not come in. We
+left a card, and went to the other Dutch Ambassador's, M. Brantzen,
+who was not at home; _en passant_, we left a card at the Swedish
+Minister's, and returned home, the heat being too excessive to pursue
+our visits any further.
+
+Thus, we have made visits to all the Ministers, who are to be present
+at the signature of the definitive treaty. Whether the Ministers of
+the Imperial Courts will be present, I know not. There are many
+appearances of a coldness between France and Russia, and the Emperor
+seems to waver between two opinions, whether to join in the war that
+threatens, or not. Perhaps the Ministers of the Imperial Courts will
+write for instructions whether to return or not our visit.
+
+After I had begun this letter, Captain Barney came in, and delivered
+me your duplicate of No. 12, November the 6th, 1782; duplicate of No.
+14, December the 19th, 1782, and triplicate of No. 16, April the 14th,
+1783, and the original of your letter of the 18th of April, 1783, not
+numbered. The last contained my account. But as I have never received
+any of this money from Dr Franklin, or M. Gerard, but have my salary
+from Messrs Willinks & Co. at Amsterdam, I am extremely sorry you have
+had so much trouble with this affair.
+
+Although in your later letters you say nothing of my resignation, or
+the acceptance of it, I expect to receive it soon, and then I shall
+have an opportunity to settle the affair of my salary at
+Philadelphia.
+
+After reading your letters to me, I went out to Passy to see those
+addressed to us all. Dr Franklin, Mr Jay, and myself, (Mr Laurens
+being still in England) read them all over together. We shall do all
+in our power to procure the advantages in the definitive treaty, you
+mention. The state of parties is such in England, that it is
+impossible to foresee when there will be a Ministry, who will dare to
+take any step at all. The coalition between Lord North and his
+connexions, and Mr Fox and his, is a rope of sand. Mr Fox, by pushing
+the vote in the House of Commons disapproving the peace, and by
+joining so many of the old Ministers in the new administration, has
+justly excited so many jealousies of his sincerity, that no confidence
+can be placed in him by us. I am extremely sorry, that the most
+amiable men in the nation, Portland, and the Cavendishes, should have
+involved themselves in the same reproach.
+
+In short, at present, Shelburne, Pitt, Townshend, and the
+administration of which they were members, seem to have been the only
+ones, who, for a moment, had just notions of their country and ours.
+Whether these men, if now called to power, would pursue their former
+ideas, I know not. The Bible teaches us not to put our trust in
+Princes, and _a fortiori_ in Ministers of State.
+
+The West India commerce now gives us most anxiety. If the former
+British Ministry had stood, we might have secured it from England,
+and, in that case, France would have been obliged to admit us to their
+islands, _se defendendo_. The first maxim of a statesman, as well as
+that of a statuary, or a painter, should be to study nature; to cast
+his eyes round about his country, and see what advantages nature has
+given it. This was well attended to, in the boundary between the
+United States and Canada, and in the fisheries. The commerce of the
+West India Islands, falls necessarily into the natural system of the
+commerce of the United States. We are necessary to them and they to
+us; and there will be a commerce between us. If the government forbid
+it, it will be carried on clandestinely; France can more easily
+connive at a contraband trade than England. But we ought to wish to
+avoid the temptation to this. I believe, that neither France nor
+England will allow us to transport the productions of their Islands to
+other parts of Europe.
+
+The utmost we may hope to obtain would be permission to import the
+productions of the French Islands into France, giving bond to land
+them in some port of that kingdom, and the productions of the English
+Islands into some port of Great Britain, giving bonds to land them
+there. It must, however, be the care of the Minister, who may have to
+negotiate a treaty of commerce with Great Britain, to obtain as ample
+freedom in this trade as possible.
+
+While I was writing the above, my servant announced the Imperial
+Ambassador, whom I rose to receive. He said, that he was happy that
+the circumstances of the times afforded him an opportunity of forming
+an acquaintance with me, which he hoped would be improved into a more
+intimate one. I said, his Excellency did me great honor, and begged
+him to sit, which he did, and fell into a conversation of an hour. We
+ran over a variety of subjects, particularly the commerce which might
+take place between the United States and Germany, by the way of
+Trieste and Fiume, and the Austrian Netherlands, and the great
+disposition in Germany to migration to America. He says he knows the
+country round about Trieste very well, having an estate there; that
+it is a very extensive and a very rich country, which communicates
+with that maritime city, and that the navigation of the Adriatic sea,
+though long, is not dangerous. I asked him what we should do with the
+Barbary powers. He said, he thought all the powers of the world ought
+to unite in the suppression of such a detestable race of pirates, and
+that the Emperor had lately made an insinuation to the Porte upon the
+subject. I asked him if he thought France and England would agree to
+such a project, observing that I had heard that some Englishmen had
+said, "if there were no Algiers, England ought to build one." He said,
+he could not answer for England.
+
+It is unnecessary to repeat any more of the conversation, which turned
+upon the frugal and industrious character of the Germans, the best
+cultivators in Europe, and the dishonorable traffic of some of the
+German Princes in men, a subject he introduced and enlarged on
+himself. I said nothing about it. Rising up to take leave, he repeated
+several compliments he had made when he first came in, and added, "The
+Count de Vergennes will do me the honor to dine with me one of these
+days, and I hope to have that of your company. We will then speak of
+an affair upon which the Count de Vergennes and you have already
+conversed."
+
+This shows there is something in agitation, but what it is I cannot
+conjecture; whether it is to induce us to make the compliment to the
+two Imperial Courts to sign the definitive treaty as mediators,
+whether there is any project of an association for the liberty of
+navigation, or whether it is any other thing, I cannot guess at
+present, but I will write you as soon as I know. Whatever it is, we
+must treat it with respect, but we shall be very careful how we
+engage our country in measures of consequence without being clear of
+our powers, and without the instructions of Congress.
+
+I went out to Passy, and found from Mr Jay, that he had made his visit
+there, in the course of the day, but had said nothing to Dr Franklin
+or him about the dinner with the Count de Vergennes. In the course of
+the day, I had visits from the Prince Bariatinski and M. de Markoff,
+the two Ministers of the Empress of Russia. The porter told these
+gentlemen's servants, that I was at home, but they did not come up,
+but only sent up their cards.
+
+While I was gone to Passy, Monsieur de Blome, Envoy Extraordinary from
+the King of Denmark, called and left his card. Thus the point of
+etiquette seems to be settled, and we are to be treated in character
+by all the Powers of Europe.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT MORRIS.
+
+ Paris, July 5th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Your favors of the 12th and 29th of May were delivered to me on the 3d
+of this month by Captain Barney. Every assistance, in my power, shall
+be given to Mr Barclay. Mr Grand will write you the amount of all the
+bills which have been paid in Holland, which were accepted by me. You
+may banish your fears of a double payment of any one bill. I never
+accepted a bill without taking down in writing a very particular
+description of it, nor without examining the book, to see whether it
+had been accepted before. I sent regularly, in the time of it, copies
+of these acceptances to Dr Franklin, and I have now asked him to lend
+them to me, that I may copy them and send them to you. The Doctor has
+promised to look up my letters, and let me have them. The originals
+are at the Hague, with multitudes of other papers, which I want every
+day.
+
+Among the many disagreeable circumstances attending my duty in Europe,
+it is not the least, that instead of being fixed to any one station, I
+have been perpetually danced about from "post to pillar," unable to
+have my books and papers with me, unable to have about me the
+conveniences of a house-keeper for health, pleasure, or business, but
+yet subjected in many articles to double expenses.
+
+Mr Livingston has not informed me of any determination of Congress
+upon my letter to you of the 17th of November, which distresses me
+much on Mr Thaxter's account, who certainly merits more than he has
+received, or can receive, without the favor of Congress.
+
+I thank you, Sir, most affectionately for your kind congratulation on
+the peace. Our late enemies always clamor against a peace, but this
+one is better for them than they had reason to expect after so mad a
+war. Our countrymen too, I suppose, are not quite satisfied. This
+thing and that thing should have been otherwise, no doubt. If any man
+blames us I wish him no other punishment than to have, if that were
+possible, just such another peace to negotiate, exactly in our
+situation. I cannot look back upon this event without the most
+affecting sentiments, when I consider the number of nations concerned,
+the complications of interests, extending all over the globe, the
+characters of actors, the difficulties which attended every step of
+the progress, how everything labored in England, France, Spain, and
+Holland, that the armament at Cadiz was upon the point of sailing,
+which would have rendered another campaign inevitable, that another
+campaign would have probably involved France in a continental war, as
+the Emperor would in that case have joined Russia against the Porte;
+that the British Ministry was then in so critical a situation, that
+its duration for a week or a day depended upon its making peace; that
+if that Ministry had been changed, it could have been succeeded only
+either by North and Company, or by the coalition; that it is certain,
+that neither North and Company, nor the coalition, would have made
+peace upon any terms, that either we or the other Powers would have
+agreed to; and that all these difficulties were dissipated by one
+decided step of the British and American Ministers. I feel too
+strongly a gratitude to Heaven for having been conducted safely
+through the storm, to be very solicitous whether we have the
+approbation of mortals or not.
+
+A delay of one day might, and probably would, have changed the
+Ministry in England, in which case all would have been lost. If, after
+we had agreed with Mr Oswald, we had gone to Versailles to show the
+result to the Count de Vergennes, you would have been this moment at
+war, and God knows how or when you would have got out. What would have
+been the course? The Count de Vergennes would have sprinkled us with
+compliments, the holy water of a Court. He would have told us; "you
+have done, gentlemen, very well for your country. You have gained a
+great deal. I congratulate you upon it, but you must not sign till we
+are ready; we must sign altogether here in this room." What would have
+been our situation? We must have signed against this advice, as Mr
+Laurens says he would have done, and as I believe Mr Jay and I should
+have done, which would have been the most marked affront, that could
+have been offered, or we must have waited for France and Spain, which
+would have changed the Ministry in England, and lost the whole peace,
+as certainly as there is a world in being. When a few frail vessels
+are navigating among innumerable mountains of ice, driven by various
+winds, and drawn by various currents, and a narrow crevice appears to
+one, by which all may escape, if that one improves the moment and sets
+the example, it will not do to stand upon ceremonies, and ask, which
+shall go first, or that all may go together.
+
+I hope you will excuse this little excursion, and believe me to be,
+with great respect and esteem, your most obedient and most humble
+servant,
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 7th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We cannot as yet obtain from Mr Hartley, or his principals, an
+explicit consent to any one proposition whatever. Yet England and
+France, and England and Spain are probably agreed, and Holland, I
+suppose, must comply. Our last resource must be to say, we are ready
+to sign the Provisional Treaty, _totidem verbis_, as the Definitive
+Treaty.
+
+I think it is plain, that the British Ministry do not intend to sign
+any treaty till Parliament rises. There are such dissensions in the
+Cabinet, that they apprehend a treaty laid before Parliament, if it
+did not obtain advantages, of which they have no hope, would furnish
+materials to overthrow them. A new administration is talked of, under
+Lord Temple. The West India commerce is now the object, that interests
+us the most nearly. At dinner with the Duc de la Vauguyon, on Saturday
+last, he told me, that he believed the commerce between the French
+West India Islands and the United States, would be confined to ships
+built in France, and navigated by French seamen.
+
+"So then, M. le Duc," said I, laughing, "you have adopted the ideas of
+the British navigation act. But suppose the United States should adopt
+them too, and make a law, that no commerce should be carried on with
+any West India Islands, French, English, Spanish, Dutch, or Danish,
+but in ships built in America, and navigated with American seamen? We
+can import sugar from Europe. But give me leave to tell you, that this
+trade can never be carried on without a great number of seamen, which
+the French vessels being all large require, and your navigators are
+too slow. The trade itself was only profitable to us as a system, and
+little vessels, with a few hands, run away at any season of the year,
+from any creek or river, with a multitude of little articles,
+collected in haste. Your merchants and mariners have neither the
+patience to content themselves with much and long labor, and dangerous
+voyages for small profits, nor have they the economy, nor can they
+navigate vessels with so few hands." "Aye, but we think," said the
+Duke, "if we do not try, we shall never learn to do these things as
+well and as cheap as you." The Duke told me, some days before, that he
+had had a great deal of conversation with the Count de Vergennes, and
+he found he had a great many good ideas of commerce. The Count
+himself told me a few weeks ago, "in our regulations of the commerce
+between our Islands and you, we must have regard to our shipping, and
+our nurseries of seamen for our marine; for," said he, smiling
+politely enough, "without a marine, we cannot go to your succor."
+
+In short, France begins to grow, for a moment, avaricious of
+navigation and seamen. But it is certain, that neither the form of
+government, nor the national character, can possibly admit of great
+success in it. Navigation is so dangerous a business, and requires so
+much patience, and produces so little profit among nations who
+understand it best, and have the best advantages for it, where
+property is most secure, lawsuits soonest and cheapest ended, (and by
+fixed certain laws,) that the French can never interfere much with the
+Dutch, or Americans, in ship building or carrying trade. If any French
+merchants ever begin to carry on this commerce, between America and
+the Islands, they will break to pieces very soon, and then some new
+plan must be adopted. The English, for aught I know, will make a
+similar law, that the communications between us and their Islands
+shall be carried on in British built ships, or ships built in Canada
+or Nova Scotia, and navigated by British seamen. In this case, we must
+try what we can do with the Dutch and Danes. But the French and
+English will endeavor to persuade them to the same policy, for the Duc
+de la Vauguyon told me, that he thought it a common tie (_lien
+commun_.) In this they will not succeed, and we must make the most we
+can of the Dutch friendship, for luckily, the merchants and Regency of
+Amsterdam had too much wit to exclude us from their Islands by the
+treaty. Happily, Congress will have a Dutch Minister, with whom they
+may consult upon this matter, as well as any others, but I should
+think it would not be convenient to invite an English or French
+Minister to be present at the consultation.
+
+I am at a loss, Sir, to guess what propositions made to us Congress
+have been informed of, which they had not learned from us. None have
+been made to us. The Dutch Ambassadors did once propose a meeting to
+us, and had it at my house. Dr Franklin came, but Mr Jay did not, and
+Mr Laurens was absent. The Ambassadors desired to know, whether we had
+power to enter into any engagements, provided France, Spain, and
+Holland, should agree to any, in support of the armed neutrality. We
+showed them the resolution of Congress, of the 5th of October, 1780,
+and told them, that Mr Dana had been since vested with a particular
+commission to the same effect. We never heard anything further about
+it.
+
+Not seeing, at the time, any probability that anything would come of
+this, nor intending to do anything of any consequence in it, if we
+should hear further of it, without the further orders of Congress, we
+did not think it necessary to write anything about it, at least, till
+it should put on a more serious appearance. If the Count de Mercy's
+dinner, to which we are to be invited, with the Count de Vergennes,
+should produce any insinuations on this subject, (which I do not,
+however, expect) we shall inform you, and request the orders of
+Congress.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 9th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Since the dangerous fever I had in Amsterdam, two years ago, I have
+never enjoyed my health. Through the whole of the last winter and
+spring, I have suffered under weaknesses and pains, which have
+scarcely permitted me to do business. The excessive heats of the last
+week or two have brought on me a fever again, which exhausts me in
+such a manner, as to be very discouraging, and incapacitates one for
+everything. In short, nothing but a return to America will ever
+restore my health, if even that should do it.
+
+In these circumstances, however, we have negotiations to go through,
+and your despatches to answer. The liberal sentiments in England
+respecting the trade are all lost for the present, and we can get no
+answer to anything. It is the same thing with the Dutch. One of the
+Dutch Ambassadors told me yesterday at Versailles, that now, for five
+weeks, the English had never said one word to them, nor given them any
+answer. These things indicate, that the Ministry do not think
+themselves permanent.
+
+The Count de Vergennes asked Dr Franklin and me, yesterday, if we had
+made our visits. We answered, that we had, and that they had been
+promptly returned. "The thing in agitation," says the Count, "is for
+you to determine whether your definitive treaty shall be signed under
+the mediation of the two Imperial Courts, or not. Ours and the Spanish
+treaty with England are to be so finished, and if you determine in
+favor of it, you have only to write a letter to the Ministers of the
+Imperial Courts, who are here." I told him, in the present case, I
+did not know what a mediation meant. He smiled, but did not seem to
+know any better than I; at least, he did not explain it. We told him
+we would determine upon it soon.
+
+How we shall determine, I cannot say. For my own part, I see no harm
+in accepting the mediation, nor any other good, than a compliment to
+the two empires. In Europe it may be thought an honor to us, and,
+therefore, I shall give my voice, as at present informed, in favor of
+it, as it seems rather to be the inclination of the Count de Vergennes
+that we should.
+
+Your late despatches, Sir, are not well adapted to give spirits to a
+melancholy man, or to cure one sick with a fever. It is not possible
+for me, at present, to enter into a long detail in answer to them. You
+will be answered, I suppose, by all the gentlemen jointly. In the
+meantime, I beg leave to say to you a few words upon two points.
+
+1st. The separate article never appeared to me of any consequence to
+conceal from this Court. It was an agreement we had a right to make;
+it contained no injury to France or Spain. Indeed, I know not what
+France has, or ever had, to do with it. If it had been communicated to
+this Court, it would probably have been communicated to Spain, and she
+might have thought more about it than it was worth. But how you could
+conceive it possible for us to treat at all with the English, upon
+supposition, that we had communicated every, the minutest thing, to
+this Court, when this Court were neither obliged, nor thought proper,
+to communicate anything whatever to us, I know not. We were bound by
+treaty no more than they to communicate. The instructions were found
+to be absolutely impracticable. That they were too suddenly
+published, is very true.
+
+2dly. A communication of the treaty to this Court, after it was agreed
+upon, and before it was signed, would have infallibly prevented the
+whole peace. In the first place, it was very doubtful, or rather, on
+the contrary, it is certain, the English Minister never would have
+consented that we should have communicated it. We might, it is true,
+have done it without his consent or knowledge; but what would have
+been the consequence? The French Minister would have said, the terms
+were very good for us, but we must not sign till they signed; and this
+would have been the continuance of the war for another year, at least.
+It was not so much from an apprehension, that the French would have
+exerted themselves to get away from us terms that were agreed on, that
+they were withheld. It was then too late, and we have reasons to
+apprehend, that all of this kind had been done, which could be done.
+We knew they were often insinuating to the British Ministers things
+against us, respecting the fisheries, tories, &c. during the
+negotiation, and Mr Fitzherbert told me, that the Count de Vergennes
+had "fifty times reproached him for ceding the fisheries, and said it
+was ruining the English and French commerce both." It was not
+suspicion, it was certain knowledge, that they were against us on the
+points of the tories, fisheries, Mississippi, and the western country.
+
+All this knowledge, however, did not influence us to conceal the
+treaty. We did not, in fact, conceal it. Dr Franklin communicated the
+substance of it to the Count and M. de Rayneval. So did I. In a long
+conversation with the Count and M. de Rayneval together, I told them
+the substance of what was agreed upon, and what we further insisted
+on, and the English then disputed. But the signing before them is the
+point. This we could not have done, if we had shown the treaty, and
+told them we were ready. The Count would certainly have said to us,
+you must not sign till we sign. To have signed after this would have
+been more disagreeable to him, and to us too. Yet we must have signed
+or lost the peace. The peace depended on a day.
+
+Parliament had been waiting long, and once prorogued. The Minister was
+so pressed, he could not have met Parliament and kept his place,
+without an agreement upon terms, at least, with America. If we had not
+signed, the Ministry would have been changed, and the coalition come
+in, and the whole world knows the coalition would not have made peace
+upon the present terms, and, consequently, not at all this year. The
+iron was struck in the few critical moments when it was of a proper
+heat, and has been moulded into a handsome vessel. If it had been
+suffered to cool, it would have flown in pieces like glass. Our
+countrymen have great reason to rejoice, that they have obtained so
+good a peace, when, and as they did. With the present threatening
+appearances of a northern war, which will draw in France, if our peace
+was still to be made we might find cause to tremble for many great
+advantages, that are now secured. I believe the Count himself, if he
+were now to speak his real sentiments, would say, he is very glad we
+signed when we did, and that without asking his consent.
+
+The Duc de la Vauguyon told me and M. Brantzen together, last
+Saturday, "if you had not signed when you did, we should not have
+signed when we did." If they had not signed when they did, d'Estaing
+would have sailed from Cadiz, and in that case nobody would have
+signed to this day. It is not possible for men to be in more
+disagreeable circumstances than we were. We are none of us men of
+principles or dispositions to take pleasure in going against your
+sentiments, Sir, much less those of Congress. But in this case, if we
+had not done it, our country would have lost advantages beyond
+computation.
+
+On Monday, Sir, we pursued our visits, and today we finish. Yesterday
+at Court all the foreign Ministers behaved to us without reserve, as
+members of the _Corps Diplomatique_, so that we shall no longer see
+those lowering countenances, solemn looks, distant bows, and other
+peculiarities, which have been sometimes diverting, and sometimes
+provoking, for so many years.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 10th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In the present violent heat of the weather, and feverish state of my
+health, I cannot pretend to sit long at my pen, and must pray you to
+accept of a few short hints only.
+
+To talk in a general style of confidence in the French Court, &c. is
+to use a general language, which may mean almost anything, or almost
+nothing. To a certain degree, and as far as the treaties and
+engagements extend, I have as much confidence in the French Court as
+Congress has, or even as you, Sir, appear to have. But if, by
+confidence in the French Court is meant an opinion, that the French
+Office of Foreign Affairs would be advocates with the English for our
+rights to the fisheries, or to the Mississippi river, or our Western
+Territory, or advocates to persuade the British Ministers to give up
+the cause of the refugees, and make Parliamentary provision for them,
+I own I have no such confidence, and never had. Seeing and hearing
+what I have seen and heard, I must have been an idiot to have
+entertained such confidence, I should be more of a Machiavelian, or a
+Jesuit, than I ever was, or will be, to counterfeit it to you, or to
+Congress.
+
+M. Marbois' letter is to me full proof of the principles of the Count
+de Vergennes. Why? Because I know, (for it was personally communicated
+to me upon my passage home, by M. Marbois himself,) the intimacy and
+confidence there is between these two. And I know further, that letter
+contains sentiments concerning the fisheries, diametrically opposite
+to those, which Marbois repeatedly expressed to me upon the passage,
+viz. "That the Newfoundland fishery was our right, and we ought to
+maintain it." From whence I conclude, M. Marbois' sentiments have been
+changed by the instructions of the Minister. To what purpose is it
+where this letter came from? Is it less genuine, whether it came from
+Philadelphia, Versailles, or London? What if it came through English
+hands? Is there less weight, less evidence in it for that? Are the
+sentiments more just, or more friendly to us for that?
+
+M. de Rayneval's correspondence too with Mr Jay. M. de Rayneval is a
+_Chef de Bureau_. But we must be very ignorant of all Courts not to
+know that an Under Secretary of State dares not carry on such a
+correspondence without the knowledge, consent, and orders of the
+principal.
+
+There is another point now in agitation, in which the French will
+never give us one good word. On the contrary, they will say everything
+they can think of to persuade the English to deprive us of the trade
+of their West India Islands. They have already, with their emissaries,
+been the chief cause of the change of sentiment in London on this head
+against us. In general they see with pain every appearance of
+returning real and cordial friendship, such as may be permanent
+between us and Great Britain. On the contrary, they see with pleasure
+every seed of contention between us. The tories are an excellent
+engine of mischief between us, and are, therefore, very precious.
+
+Exclusion from the West India Islands will be another. I hold it to be
+the indispensable duty of my station, not to conceal from Congress
+these truths. Do not let us be dupes, under the idea of being
+grateful. Innumerable anecdotes happen daily to show, that these
+sentiments are general. In conversation, a few weeks ago, with the Duc
+de la Vauguyon, upon the subject of the West India trade, I endeavored
+to convince him, that France and England both ought to admit us freely
+to their islands. He entered into a long argument to prove, that both
+ought to exclude us. At last, I said, the English were a parcel of
+sots to exclude us, for the consequence would be, that in fifteen or
+twenty years we should have another war with them. _Tant mieux! tant
+mieux! je vous en felicite_," cried the Duke, with great pleasure.
+"_Tant mieux pour nous_," said I, because we shall conquer from the
+English in that case all their islands, the inhabitants of which would
+now declare for us, if they dared. But it will not be the better for
+the English. They will be the dupes, if they lay a foundation for it.
+"Yes," said the Duke, "I believe you will have another war with the
+English." And in this wish he expressed the vows of every Frenchman
+upon the face of the earth. If, therefore, we have it in contemplation
+to avoid a future war with the English, do not let us have too much
+confidence in the French, that they will favor us in this view.[6]
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[6] See a letter from Dr Franklin, containing remarks on Mr Adams's
+opinions of the policy and designs of the French Court, dated July the
+22d, 1783. _Franklin's Correspondence_, Vol. IV. p. 138. Also a letter
+from Mr Laurens, Vol. II. p. 486.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT MORRIS.
+
+ Paris, July 10th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Upon the receipt of the despatches by Barney, I sent off your letters
+for Messrs Willinks & Co. and I received last night an answer to the
+letter I wrote them upon the occasion. They have engaged to remit Mr
+Grand a million and a half of livres in a month, which has relieved Mr
+Grand from his anxiety.
+
+This Court has refused to Dr Franklin any more money. They are
+apprehensive of being obliged to take a part in the northern war, and
+their own financiers have not enough of the confidence of the public
+to obtain money for their own purposes.
+
+Your design of sending cargoes of tobacco and other things to
+Amsterdam, to Messrs Willinks & Co. is the best possible to support
+our credit there. The more you send, the more money will be obtained.
+Send a Minister too; residing there, he may promote it much. It is a
+misfortune, that I have not been able to be there, but this post
+cannot be deserted. Instruct your Minister to inquire whether the
+House of Hope could be persuaded to engage with Willinks in a new
+loan. This should be done with secrecy and discretion. If that House
+would undertake it, you would find money enough for your purpose, for
+I rely upon it, the States will adopt a plan immediately for the
+effectual payment of interest. This is indispensable. The foundation
+of a happy government can only be laid in justice; and as soon as the
+public shall see, that provision is made for this, you will no longer
+want money.
+
+It is a maxim among merchants and monied men, that "every man has
+credit who does not want it." It is equally true of States. We shall
+want it but little longer, if the States make provision for the
+payment of interest, and therefore we shall have enough of it. There
+is not a country in the world whose credit ought to be so good,
+because there is none equally able to pay.
+
+Enclosed is a pamphlet of Dr Price's, for your comfort. You will see
+by it, that the only nation we have reason to fear wants credit so
+much, that she is not likely to have it always, and this is our
+security. By some hints from Mr Hartley, he will probably return to
+London, and not be here again. The present Ministry is so undecided
+and feeble, that it is at least doubtful whether they will make the
+definitive treaty of peace.
+
+With great respect, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT MORRIS.
+
+ Paris, July 11th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In my letter to you of yesterday, I hinted in confidence, at an
+application to the house of Hope. This is a very delicate measure. I
+was induced to think of it merely by a conversation which M. Van
+Berckel, (who will soon be with you, as he sailed the 26th of June
+from the Texel,) had with M. Dumas. It would be better to be steady to
+the three Houses already employed, if that is possible. You will now
+be able to converse freely with that Minister upon the subject. I
+should not advise you to take any decisive resolution at Philadelphia,
+but leave it to your Minister to act as shall appear to him best upon
+the spot. The Houses now employed are well esteemed, and I hope will
+do very well. But no House in the Republic has the force of that of
+Hope.
+
+All depends, however, upon the measures to be taken by Congress and
+the States for ascertaining their debts, and a regular discharge of
+the interest. The ability of the people to make such an establishment
+cannot be doubted; and the inclination of no man who has a proper
+sense of public honor can be called in question. The Thirteen States,
+in relation to the discharge of the debts of Congress, must consider
+themselves as one body animated by one soul. The stability of our
+confederation at home, our reputation abroad, our power of defence,
+the confidence and affection of the people of one State towards those
+of another, all depend upon it. Without a sacred regard to public
+justice no society can exist; it is the only tie which can unite men's
+minds and hearts in pursuit of the common interest.
+
+The commerce of the world is now open to us, and our exports and
+imports are of so large amount, and our connexions will be so large
+and extensive, that the least stain upon our character in this respect
+will lose us in a very short time advantages of greater pecuniary
+value than all our debt amounts to. The moral character of our people
+is of infinitely greater worth than all the sums in question. Every
+hesitation, every uncertainty about paying or receiving a just debt,
+diminishes that sense of moral obligation of public justice, which
+ought to be kept pure, and carefully cultivated in every American
+mind. Creditors at home and abroad, the army, the navy, every man who
+has a well founded claim upon the public, have an unalienable right to
+be satisfied, and this by the fundamental principles of society. Can
+there ever be content and satisfaction? Can there ever be peace and
+order? Can there ever be industry or decency without it? To talk of a
+sponge to wipe out this debt, or of reducing or diminishing it below
+its real value, in a country so abundantly able to pay the last
+farthing, would betray a total ignorance of the first principles of
+national duty and interest.
+
+Let us leave these odious speculations to countries that can plead a
+necessity for them, and where corruption has arrived at its last
+stages; where infamy is scarcely felt, and wrong may as well assume
+one shape as another, since it must prevail in some.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 11th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+As there are certain particulars, in which it has appeared to me, that
+the friendship of a French Minister has been problematical, at least,
+or rather, not to exist at all, I have freely mentioned them to
+Congress; because I hold it to be the first duty of a public Minister,
+in my situation, to conceal no important truth of this kind from his
+masters.
+
+But ingratitude is an odious vice, and ought to be held in detestation
+by every American citizen. We ought to distinguish, therefore, between
+those points, for which we are not obliged to our allies, from those
+in which we are.
+
+I think, then, we are under no particular obligations of gratitude to
+them for the fisheries, the boundaries, exemption from the tories, or
+for the progress of our negotiations in Europe.
+
+We are under obligations of gratitude, for making the treaty with us
+when they did; for those sums of money, which they have generously
+given us, and for those, even, which they have lent us, which I hope
+we shall punctually pay, and be thankful still for the loan; for the
+fleet and army they sent to America, and for all the important
+services they did. By other mutual exertions, a dangerous rival to
+them, and I may be almost warranted in saying, an imperious master,
+both to them and us, has been brought to reason, and put out of the
+power to do harm to either. In this respect, however, our allies are
+more secure than we. The House of Bourbon has acquired a great
+accession of strength, while their hereditary enemy has been weakened
+one half, and incurably crippled.
+
+The French are, besides, a good natured and humane nation, very
+respectable in arts, letters, arms, and commerce, and, therefore,
+motives of interest, honor, and convenience, join themselves to those
+of friendship and gratitude, to induce us to wish for the continuance
+of their friendship and alliance. The Provinces of Canada and Nova
+Scotia in the hands of the English are a constant warning to us to
+have a care of ourselves, and, therefore, a continuance of the
+friendship and alliance of France is of importance to our
+tranquillity, and even to our safety. There is nothing, which will
+have a greater effect to overawe the English, and induce them to
+respect us and our rights, than the reputation of a good understanding
+with the French. My voice and advice will, therefore, always be for
+discharging, with the utmost fidelity, gratitude, and exactness, every
+obligation we are under to France, and for cultivating her friendship
+and alliance by all sorts of good offices. But I am sure, that to do
+this effectually, we must reason with them at times, enter into
+particulars, and be sure that we understand one another. We must act a
+manly, honest, independent, as well as a sensible part.
+
+With great respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 12th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Reports have been spread, that the Regency of Algiers has been
+employed in fitting out ships to cruise for American vessels. There
+are reports too, that Spain has an armament prepared to attack their
+town. How much truth there may be in either, I cannot pretend to say.
+
+Whether Congress will take any measures for treating with these
+piratical States, must be submitted to them. The custom of these
+Courts, as well as those of Asia and Africa, is to receive presents
+with Ambassadors. The Grand Pensionary of Holland told me, that the
+Republic paid annually to the Regency of Algiers a hundred thousand
+dollars. I hope a less sum would serve for us; but in the present
+state of our finances, it would be difficult to make any payment. Mr
+Montgomery, of Alicant, has ventured to write a letter to the Emperor
+of Morocco, in consequence of which, his Majesty was pleased to give
+orders to all his vessels to treat American vessels with all
+friendship. Mr Montgomery ventured too far, however, in writing in the
+name of the United States, and what will be the consequences of the
+deception I know not.
+
+Dr Franklin lately mentioned to Mr Jay and me, that he was employed in
+preparing, with the Portuguese Ambassador, a treaty between the United
+States and Portugal. The next Ambassador's day at Versailles, I asked
+him if we could be admitted to the Brazils? He said, no, they admitted
+no nation to the Brazils. I asked, if we were admitted to the Western
+Islands? He said he thought Madeira was mentioned. I told him, I
+thought it would be of much importance to us to secure an admission to
+all the Azores, and to have these Islands, or some of them, made a
+depot for the sugars, coffee, cotton, and cocoa, &c. of the Brazils.
+He liked this idea, and went immediately, and spoke to the Ambassador
+upon it. He said, the Ambassador had told him, that they could furnish
+us with these articles at Lisbon, fifteen per cent cheaper than the
+English could from their West India Islands.
+
+This treaty, I suppose, will be submitted to Congress before it is
+signed, and I hope Congress will give a close attention to it, in
+order to procure an exemption from as many duties as possible, and as
+much freedom and security of trade in all their ports of Europe and
+the Western Islands as possible. If any particular stipulations should
+be necessary, concerning the free admission of all the articles of our
+produce, as rice, wheat, flour, salt-fish, or any other, the members
+of Congress may readily suggest them.
+
+I could wish that the Court of Lisbon had sent a Minister to
+Philadelphia to negotiate a treaty there. I wish that advantages may
+not be lost by this method of preparing treaties here, by Ministers
+who have made no particular study of the objects of them.[7] Benefits
+on both sides may escape attention in this way. A good treaty with
+Portugal is of so much consequence to us, that I should not wonder if
+Congress should think it necessary to send a Minister to Lisbon to
+complete it.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[7] See the draft of a Treaty with Portugal, in _Franklin's
+Correspondence_, Vol. IV. p. 150.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 13th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Yesterday Colonel Ogden arrived with the originals of what we had
+before received in duplicates by Captain Barney. The ratification of
+the Dutch treaty had been before received and exchanged. The
+ratification of their High Mightinesses is in the safe custody of M.
+Dumas, at present at the Hague.
+
+I believe we shall accept of the mediation of the two Imperial Courts
+at the definitive treaty, as it is a mere formality, a mere
+compliment, consisting wholly in the Imperial Ministers putting their
+names and seals to the parchment, and can have no ill effect. The
+inclination of the Count de Vergennes seems to be, that we should
+accept it, and as he calls upon us to decide in the affirmative or
+negative, I believe we shall give an answer in the affirmative.
+
+The Empress has promised to receive Mr Dana, as soon as the definitive
+treaty shall be signed, and he has prepared a treaty of commerce,
+which will be valuable if he can obtain it.
+
+The Emperor of Germany has caused to be intimated several ways, his
+inclination to have a treaty of commerce with us; but his rank is so
+high, that his House never makes the first formal advance. I should
+think it advisable, that we should have a treaty with that power for
+several reasons.
+
+1st. Because, as Emperor of Germany, and King of Bohemia and Hungary,
+he is at the head of one of the greatest interests and most powerful
+connexions in Europe. It is true it is the greatest weight in the
+scale, which is, and has been, from age to age, opposite to the House
+of Bourbon. But for this very reason, if there were no other, the
+United States ought to have a treaty of commerce with it, in order to
+be in practice with their theory, and to show to all the world, that
+their system of commerce embraces, equally and impartially, all the
+commercial States and countries of Europe.
+
+2dly. Because the present Emperor is one of the greatest men of this
+age. The wisdom and virtue of the man, as well as of the monarch; his
+personal activity, intelligence, and accomplishments; his large and
+liberal principles in matters of religion, government, and commerce,
+are so much of kin to those of our States, (perhaps indeed so much
+borrowed from them, and adopted in imitation of them,) that it seems
+peculiarly proper we should show this respect to them.
+
+3dly. Because, that if England should ever forget herself again so
+much as to attack us, she may not be so likely to obtain the alliance
+or assistance of this Power against us. A friendship once established
+in a treaty of commerce, this power would never be likely to violate,
+because she has no dominions near us, and could have no interest to
+quarrel with us.
+
+4thly. Because the countries belonging to this power upon the Adriatic
+sea, and in the Austrian Flanders, are no inconsiderable sources of
+commerce for America. And if the present negotiations between the two
+Imperial Courts and the Porte shall terminate in a free navigation of
+the Danube, the Black sea, and the Archipelago, the Emperor's
+hereditary dominions will become very respectable commercial
+countries.
+
+5thly. Because, although we have at present a pleasant and joyful
+prospect of friendship and uninterrupted alliance with the House of
+Bourbon, which I wish may never be obscured, yet this friendship and
+alliance will be the more likely to continue unimpaired, for our
+having the friendship and commerce of the House of Austria. And (as in
+the vicissitudes of human affairs all things are possible) if in
+future times, however unlikely at present, the House of Bourbon
+should deal unjustly by us, demand of us things we are not bound to
+perform, or any way injure us we may find in the alliance, of Austria,
+England, and Holland a resource against the storm. Supernumerary
+strings to our bow, and provisions against possible inconveniences,
+however improbable, can do us no harm.
+
+If we were not straitened for money, I should advise Congress to send
+a Minister to Vienna. But as every Mission abroad is a costly article,
+and we find it difficult, at present, to procure money for the most
+necessary purposes, I should think it proper for Congress to send a
+commission to their Minister at Versailles, London, Madrid,
+Petersburg, or the Hague, who might communicate it to the Court of
+Vienna, by means of the Imperial Ambassador. The Emperor in such a
+case would authorize his Ambassador at that Court to prepare and
+conclude a treaty, and in this way the business may be well done,
+without any additional expense.
+
+M. Favi, _Charge d'Affaires_ of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, the
+Emperor's brother, has called upon me so often to converse with me
+upon this subject, that I doubt not he has been employed, or at least
+knows that it would be agreeable to his Court and their connexions,
+although he has never made any official insinuations about it. This
+gentleman has been employed by the Republic of Ragusa to consult
+American Ministers upon the subject of commerce too. I have told him,
+that the American ports were open to the Ragusan Vessels, as well as
+to all others, and have given him the address, by which they propose
+to write to Congress.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 14th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+A jealousy of American ships, seamen, carrying-trade, and naval power,
+appears every day more and more conspicuous. This jealousy, which has
+been all along discovered by the French Minister, is at length
+communicated to the English. The following proclamation, which will
+not increase British ships and seamen in any proportion as it will
+diminish those of the United States, will contribute effectually to
+make America afraid of England, and attach herself more closely to
+France. The English are the dupes, and must take the consequences.
+
+This proclamation is issued in full confidence, that the United States
+have no confidence in one another; that they cannot agree to act in a
+body as one nation; that they cannot agree upon any navigation act,
+which may be common to the Thirteen States. Our proper remedy would be
+to confine our exports to American ships, to make a law, that no
+article should be exported from any of the States in British ships,
+nor in the ships of any nation, which will not allow us reciprocally
+to import their productions in our ships. I am much afraid there is
+too good an understanding upon this subject between Versailles and St
+James's.
+
+Perhaps it may be proper for Congress to be silent upon this head
+until New York, Penobscot, &c. are evacuated. But I should think, that
+Congress would never bind themselves by any treaty built upon such
+principles. They should negotiate, however, without loss of time, by a
+Minister in London. A few weeks' delay may have unalterable effects.
+
+ PROCLAMATION
+
+ _At the Court of St James, the 2d of July, 1783._
+
+ Present, the King's Most Excellent Majesty in Council.
+
+ "Whereas, by an Act of Parliament, passed this session,
+ entitled an 'Act for preventing certain instruments from
+ being required from ships belonging to the United States of
+ America, and to give his Majesty, for a limited time, certain
+ powers for the better carrying on trade and commerce, between
+ the subjects of his Majesty's dominions, and the inhabitants
+ of the said United States;' it is amongst other things
+ enacted, that, during the continuance of the said act, 'it
+ shall and may be lawful for his Majesty in Council, by order
+ or orders to be issued and published from time to time, to
+ give such directions, and to make such regulations, with
+ respect to duties, drawbacks, or otherwise, for carrying on
+ the trade and commerce between the people and territories
+ belonging to the Crown of Great Britain, and the people and
+ territories of the said United States, as to his Majesty in
+ Council shall appear most expedient and salutary, any law,
+ usage, or custom to the contrary notwithstanding;' his
+ Majesty doth, therefore, by and with the advice of his Privy
+ Council, hereby order and direct, that pitch, tar,
+ turpentine, hemp and flax, masts, yards, and bowsprits,
+ staves, heading, boards, timber, shingles, and all other
+ species of lumber, horses, neat cattle, sheep, hogs, poultry,
+ and all other species of live stock, and live provisions;
+ peas, beans, potatoes, wheat, flour, bread, biscuit, rice,
+ oats, barley, and all other species of grain, being the
+ growth, or production of any one of the United States of
+ America, may, until further order, be imported by British
+ subjects, in British built ships, owned by his Majesty's
+ subjects, and navigated according to law, from any port of
+ the United States of America, to any of his Majesty's West
+ India Islands; and that rum, sugar, molasses, coffee,
+ cocoa-nuts, ginger, and pimento, may, until further order, be
+ exported by British subjects, in British built ships, owned
+ by his Majesty's subjects, and navigated according to law,
+ from any of his Majesty's West India Islands, and to any port
+ or place within the said United States, upon payment of the
+ same duties on exportation, and subject to the like rules,
+ regulations, securities, and restrictions, as the same
+ articles by law are, or may be, subject and liable to, if
+ exported to any British colony or plantation in America. And
+ the Right Honorable the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's
+ Treasury, and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, are
+ to give the necessary directions herein, as to them may
+ respectively appertain.
+
+ STEPHEN COTTRELL."
+
+One of the most remarkable things in this proclamation is, the
+omission of salt-fish, an article, which the islands want as much as
+any that is enumerated. This is, no doubt, to encourage their own
+fishery, and that of Nova Scotia, as well as a blow aimed at ours.
+There was, in a former proclamation concerning the trade between the
+United States and Great Britain, an omission of the articles of
+_potash_ and _pearlash_. These omissions discover a _choice love_ for
+New England. France, I am afraid, will exclude fish too, and imitate
+this proclamation but too closely; if, indeed, this proclamation is
+not an imitation of their system adopted, as I believe it is, upon
+their advice and desire.
+
+These, however, are important efforts. Without saying, writing, or
+resolving anything suddenly, let us see what remedies or equivalents
+we can obtain from Holland, Portugal and Denmark. Let us bind
+ourselves to nothing, but reserve a right of making navigation acts
+when we please, if we find them necessary or useful. If we had been
+defeated of our fisheries, we should have been wormed out of all our
+carrying-trade too, and should have been a mere society of
+cultivators, without any but a passive trade. The policy of France has
+succeeded, and laid, in these proclamations, if persisted in, the sure
+source of another war between us and Great Britain.
+
+The English nation is not, however, unanimous in this new system, as
+Congress will see by the enclosed speculations,[8] which I know to
+have been written by a confidential friend of my Lord Shelburne; I
+mean Mr Benjamin Vaughan. This Minister is very strong in the House of
+Lords, and Mr Pitt, in the House of Commons, has attached to him many
+members in the course of this session. If that set should come in
+again, we shall have a chance of making an equitable treaty of
+commerce. To this end a Minister must be ready; and I hope in mercy to
+our country, that such an opportunity will not be lost in delays, in
+compliance to our allies.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[8] This paper is missing.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON
+
+ Paris. July 14th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The United States of America have propagated far and wide in Europe
+the ideas of the liberty of navigation and commerce. The powers of
+Europe, however, cannot agree, as yet, in adopting them in their full
+extent. Each one desires to maintain the exclusive dominion of some
+particular sea, or river, and yet to enjoy the liberty of navigating
+all others. Great Britain wishes to preserve the exclusive dominion of
+the British seas, and, at the same time, to obtain of the Dutch a free
+navigation of all the seas in the East Indies. France has contended
+for the free use of the British and American seas; yet she wishes to
+maintain the Turks in their exclusive dominion of the Black sea, and
+of the Danube, which flows into it through some of their Provinces,
+and of the communication between the Black Sea and the Archipelago, by
+the Dardanelles. Russia aims at the free navigation of the Black Sea,
+the Danube, and the passage by the Dardanelles, yet she contends, that
+the nations, which border on the Baltic, have a right to control the
+navigation of it. Denmark claims the command of the passage of the
+Sound, and by the late Marine Treaty between the neutral powers, it
+was agreed, that the privateers of all the belligerent powers should
+be excluded from the Baltic. France and Spain too begin to talk of an
+exclusive dominion of the Mediterranean, and of excluding the Russian
+fleet from it; or, at least, France is said to have menaced Russia
+with a fleet of observation in the Mediterranean, to protect her
+commerce to the trading seaport towns of the Levant. But, as England
+possesses Gibraltar, and the Emperor of Morocco the other side of the
+Straits, France and Spain cannot command the entrance; so that it will
+be difficult for them to support their pretensions to any exclusive
+dominion of the Mediterranean, upon the principle on which the
+northern powers claim that of the Baltic, and the Porte the passage of
+the Dardanelles.
+
+France, at present, enjoys a large share of the trade to the Levant.
+England has enjoyed a share too, and wishes, no doubt, to revive it.
+The Emperor and the Empress, if they succeed in their views of
+throwing open the Danube, Black Sea, and Archipelago, will take away
+from France and England a great part of this trade; but it is not
+likely that England will join with France in any opposition to the
+Emperor and Empress.
+
+In order to judge of the object, which the two Empires have in view,
+we should look a little into the geography of those countries.
+
+The project of setting at liberty the whole country of ancient Greece,
+Macedonia, and Illyricum, and erecting independent Republics in those
+famous seats, however splendid it may appear in speculation, is not
+likely to be seriously entertained by the two Empires, because it is
+impracticable. The Greeks of this day, although they are said to have
+imagination and ingenuity, are corrupted in their morals to such a
+degree, as to be a faithless, perfidious race, destitute of courage,
+as well as of those principles of honor and virtue, without which
+nations can have no confidence in one another, nor be trusted by
+others.
+
+The project of conquering the Provinces of Albania, Romelia,
+Wallachia, Moldavia, and Little Tartary, from the Turks, and dividing
+them between the two Empires, may be more probable; but the Turks, in
+Asia and Europe together, are very powerful, and, if thoroughly
+awakened, might make a great resistance; so that it is most probable,
+the two Imperial Courts would be content, if they could obtain by
+negotiation, or by arms, the free navigation of the Danube, Black Sea,
+and Archipelago. This freedom alone would produce a great revolution
+in the commerce of Europe. The river Don or Tanais, with its branches,
+flows through the Ukraine, and a considerable part of the Russian
+dominions, into the Black Sea. The Danube flows very near Trieste,
+through the Kingdom of Hungary, and then through a Turkish Province
+into the Black Sea. If, therefore, the Black Sea and the Danube only
+were free, a communication would be immediately opened between Russia
+and Hungary quite to Trieste, to the great advantage of both Empires.
+But if, at the same time, the passage of the Dardanelles was laid
+open, all the Levant trade would be opened to the two Empires, and
+might be carried to Trieste, either by the Danube, or through the
+Archipelago and the Gulf of Venice. This would be such an accession of
+wealth, commerce, and naval power to the two Empires, as France is
+jealous of, and may be drawn into a war to prevent.
+
+It is a question how the King of Prussia will act. It is the general
+opinion, that, as he is advanced in years, loves and enjoys his
+laurels and his ease, and cannot hope to gain anything by the war, he
+will be neuter. If he is, the issue cannot be foreseen. The Emperor is
+vastly powerful, and his preparations are immense. Perhaps France may
+not think it prudent to declare war. I should be sorry to see her
+again involved in a war, especially against the principles she has
+lately espoused with so much glory and advantage.
+
+For my own part, I think nature wiser than all the Courts and States
+in the world, and, therefore, I wish all her seas and rivers upon the
+whole globe free, and am not at all surprised at the desire of the two
+Empires to set those near them at liberty.
+
+I think, however, that whatever turn these negotiations may take, they
+cannot directly affect us, although we may be remotely interested in
+the freedom of the Levant trade, and of the seas and rivers in the
+neighborhood of it.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 15th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Enclosed are copies of papers, which have passed between Mr Hartley
+and the American Ministers. We have not thought it prudent to enter
+into any written controversy with him, upon any of these papers. We
+have received whatever he has offered us. But he has offered nothing
+in the name of his Court, has signed nothing, and upon inquiry of him
+we have found that he has never had authority to sign officially any
+proposition he has made.
+
+I think it is evident, that his principals, the coalition, do not
+intend to make any agreement with us about trade, but to try
+experiments by their proclamations. I think, too, that they mean to
+postpone the definitive treaty as long as possible. We can get no
+answer, and I believe Mr Hartley gets no decisive answers to anything.
+
+Enclosed also is a pamphlet, entitled, "Observations on the American
+States," said to have been published by Lord Sheffield, and to have
+been composed by four American renegadoes. The spirit of it needs no
+comments. It deserves to be attended to, however, by Congress. It is a
+fatal policy, as it appears to me, to see a British Ambassador at
+Versailles, and a French Ambassador at St James's, and no American
+Minister at the latter. This is admired at Versailles, I doubt not,
+but not because they think it for our interest.
+
+I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 16th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Yesterday we waited on the Count de Vergennes at Versailles, and
+showed him the project of a letter to the Ministers of the two
+Imperial Courts, which he read and approved. We told him, that we were
+at a loss what might be the effect of the mediation; possibly we might
+be involved in difficulties by it; possibly the British Ministers
+might persuade the mediators to offer us their advice upon some
+points, respecting the royalists for example, which we could not
+comply with. The Count said, that he had told them, that as soon as he
+had fully agreed with England upon all points, their mediation should
+be accepted, and they should sign the treaty as such; and we might
+agree to it in the same manner. He said we were not obliged to this,
+but as they were to be present and sign one treaty, it would look
+better to sign both. It would be a very notorious, public, and
+respectable acknowledgment of us, as a power, by those Courts. Upon
+this footing we left the letter with him to be shown to the Imperial
+Ministers.
+
+We asked the Count if he had seen the British proclamation of the 2d
+of July. He answered, that he had. I asked him if the King had
+determined anything on the subject of salt provisions, and salt-fish,
+whether we might import them into his islands. He said we might depend
+upon it, they could not supply their islands with fish, that we had
+two free ports in their islands, St Lucia, and a port in Martinique.
+By the thirtysecond article of the Treaty of Commerce, these free
+ports are secured to us; nothing, he said, was determined concerning
+salt beef and pork, but the greatest difficulty would be about flour.
+I told the Count, that I did not think it would be possible either for
+France or England to carry on this commerce between the islands and
+continent; it was profitable to us only as it was a part of a system;
+that it could not be carried on without loss in large vessels,
+navigated by many seamen, which could sail only at certain seasons of
+the year, &c. Upon the whole, I was much pleased with this
+conversation, and conclude from it, that we shall do very well in the
+French West India Islands, perhaps the better in them the worse we are
+treated by the English.
+
+The Dutch and Danes will, I doubt not, avail themselves of every
+error, that may be committed by France or England. It is good to have
+a variety of strings to our bow; and, therefore, I wish we had a
+Treaty of Commerce with Denmark, by which a free admission of our
+ships into their ports in the West Indies might be established. By
+means of the Dutch, Danes, and Portuguese, I think we shall be able to
+obtain finally proper terms of France and England.
+
+The British proclamation of the 2d of this month, is the result of
+refugee politics; it is intended to encourage Canada and Nova Scotia,
+and their fisheries, to support still the ruins of their navigation
+act, and to take from us the carriage even of our own productions. A
+system, which has in it so little respect for us, and is so obviously
+calculated to give a blow to our nurseries of ships and seamen, could
+never have been adopted but from the opinion, that we had no common
+legislature for the government of commerce.
+
+All America from the Chesapeake Bay to St Croix I know love ships and
+sailors, and those ports to the southward of that bay have advantages
+for obtaining them when they will, and therefore I hope the Thirteen
+States will unite in some measures to counteract this policy of
+Britain, so evidently selfish, unsocial, and I had almost said
+hostile. The question is, what is to be done? I answer, perhaps it
+will be most prudent to say little about it at present, and until the
+definitive treaty is signed, and the States evacuated. But after that,
+I think in the negotiation of a treaty of commerce with Great Britain,
+Congress should tell them, that they have the means of doing justice
+to themselves. What are these means? I answer, let every State in the
+Union lay on a duty of five per cent on all West India articles
+imported in British ships, and upon all their own productions exported
+in British ships. Let this impost be limited in duration, until Great
+Britain shall allow our vessels to trade to their West Indies. This
+would effectually defeat their plan, and encourage our own carrying
+trade more than they can discourage it.
+
+Another way of influencing England to a reasonable conduct, is to
+take some measures for encouraging the growth in the United States,
+of West India articles; another is to encourage manufactures,
+especially of wool and iron among ourselves. As tilt-hammers are now
+not unlawful, and wool may be water-borne, much more may be done now
+than could have been done before the war. But the most certain method
+is, to lay duties on exports and imports by British ships. The sense
+of a common interest and common danger, it is to be hoped, will induce
+a perfect unanimity among the States in this respect. There are other
+ways of serving ourselves, and making impressions upon the English to
+bring them to reason. One is to send ships immediately to China. This
+trade is as open to us as to any nation, and if our natural advantages
+at home are envied us, we should compensate ourselves in any honest
+way we can.
+
+Our natural share in the West India trade, is all that is now wanting
+to complete the plan of happiness and prosperity of our country.
+Deprived of it, we shall be straitened and shackled in some degree. We
+cannot enjoy a free use of all our limits without this; with it, I see
+nothing to desire, nothing to vex or chagrin our people, nothing to
+interrupt our repose or keep up a dread of war.
+
+I know not what permission may be expected from Spain to trade to the
+Havana, but should think that this resource ought not to be neglected.
+
+I confess I do not like the complexion of British politics. They are
+mysterious and unintelligible. Mr Hartley appears not to be in the
+secret of his Court. The things which happen appear as unexpected to
+him as to us. Political jealousies and speculations are endless. It is
+possible the British Ministers may be secretly employed, in fomenting
+the quarrel between the two Imperial Courts and the Porte, and in
+secretly stirring up the French to join the Turks in the war. The
+prospect of seeing France engaged in a war may embolden them to adopt
+a system less favorable to us. The possibility of these things should
+stimulate us, I think, to form as soon as possible treaties of
+commerce with the principal powers, especially the Imperial Courts,
+that all our questions may be decided. This will be a great advantage
+to us, even if we should afterwards be involved in a war. I put this
+supposition with great reluctance. But if England should in the course
+of a few years or months have the art to stir up a general war in
+Europe, and get France and Spain seriously involved in it, which is at
+least a possible case, she may assume a tone and conduct towards us,
+which will make it very difficult for us to avoid taking a part in it.
+If such a deplorable circumstance should take place, it will be still
+a great advantage to us, to have our sovereignty explicitly
+acknowledged by these powers, against whom we may be unfortunately
+obliged to act. At present they are all disposed to it, and seem
+desirous of forming connexions with us, that we may be out of the
+question.
+
+The politics of Europe are such a labyrinth of profound mysteries,
+that the more one sees of them, the more causes of uncertainty and
+anxiety he discovers.
+
+The United States will have occasion to brace up their confederation,
+and act as one body with one spirit. If they do not, it is now very
+obvious, that Great Britain will take advantage of it in such a manner
+as will endanger our peace, our safety, and even our very existence.
+
+A change of Ministry may, but it is not certain that it will, give us
+better prospects.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 17th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Last evening Mr Hartley spent two hours with me, and appeared much
+chagrined at the proclamation, which had never been communicated to
+him by his principals. He has too much contempt of the commercial
+abilities of the French, and, consequently said, that the French could
+derive but little benefit from this step of his Court, but he thought
+the Dutch would make a great advantage of it. I endeavored to discover
+from him, whether he suspected that his Court had any hand in stirring
+up the two Imperial Courts to make war upon the Turks. I asked him
+what was the state of their Mediterranean trade, and Levant trade. He
+said, it was dead, and that their Turkey Company was dead, and,
+therefore, he did not think his Court cared much about either, or
+would ever do anything to prevent the Empires. He thought it possible,
+that they might rather encourage them.
+
+I am quite of Mr Hartley's mind, that the Dutch will profit by all the
+English blunders in regulating the West India trade, and am happy that
+M. Van Berckel will be soon with Congress, when its members and
+Ministers may communicate through him anything they wish to their High
+Mightinesses. They may inquire of him what are the rights of the East
+and West India Companies? To what an extent our vessels may be
+admitted to Surinam, Curacoa, Demerara, Essequibo, Berbice, St
+Eustatia? What we may be allowed to carry there? and what bring from
+thence to the United States, or to Europe? Whether we may carry
+sugars, &c. to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, &c.? There are at Rotterdam and
+Amsterdam one hundred and twentyseven or eight refineries of sugar.
+How far these may be affected, &c.?
+
+I lay it down for a rule, that the nation which shall allow us the
+most perfect liberty to trade with her Colonies, whether it be France,
+England, Spain, or Holland, will see her Colonies flourish above all
+others, and will draw proportionally our trade to themselves; and I
+rely upon it, the Dutch will have sagacity to see it, and as they are
+more attentive to mercantile profit, than to a military marine, I have
+great hopes from their friendship. As there will be an interval before
+the signature of the definitive treaty, I propose a journey of three
+weeks, to Amsterdam and the Hague, in hopes of learning in more detail
+the intentions of the Dutch in this respect. I am in hopes too of
+encouraging the loan to assist our Superintendent of Finance. The
+Dutch may be a great resource to us in finance and commerce. I wish
+that cargoes of produce may be hastened to Amsterdam to Messrs
+Willinks & Co. for this will give vigor to the loan, and all the money
+we can prevent England and the two Empires from obtaining in Holland,
+will not only be nerves for us, but, perhaps, be useful too to France
+in her negotiations.
+
+I have spent the whole forenoon in conversation with the Duc de la
+Vauguyon. He thinks that England wishes to revive her trade to the
+Levant, to Smyrna, Aleppo, &c. and her carrying trade in Italy; and
+although she might be pleased to see France involved in a war with the
+Emperor and Empress, yet he thinks her funds are not in a condition to
+afford subsidies to either, and, therefore, that she will be perfectly
+neutral. Quere, however, whether if by a subsidy or a loan of a
+million or two a year, she could make France spend eight or ten
+millions, she would not strive hard to do it? The Duke thinks, that
+France will proceed softly, and endeavor, if possible, to avert the
+furious storm that threatens, and to compose the disputes of the three
+Empires, if possible; but she will never suffer such a usurpation as
+the conquest of the Turkish Provinces in Europe. France will certainly
+defend Constantinople. He thinks that the Empress of Russia has not
+revenues, and cannot get cash to march and subsist vast armies, and to
+transport great fleets, and that the Emperor has not revenues to
+support a long war.
+
+This is, however, a serious business, and France lays it so much to
+heart, and looks upon the chance of her being obliged to arm, as so
+probable, that I presume this to be the principal motive of her
+refusal to lend us two or three millions of livres more.
+
+As to our West India questions, the Duke assures me, that the French
+Ministry, particularly the Count de Vergennes, are determined to do
+everything they can consistent with their own essential interests, to
+favor and promote the friendship and commerce between their country
+and ours. That they, especially the Count, are declared enemies of the
+French fiscal system, which is certainly the most ruinous to their
+commerce, and intend to do everything they can to make alterations to
+favor commerce; but no change can be made in this, without affecting
+their revenues, and making voids, failures, and deficiencies, which
+they cannot fill up. They must, therefore, proceed softly. That France
+would favor the commerce between Portugal and America, because it
+would tend to draw off that kingdom from her dependence on England.
+That England, by her commercial treaty with the Portuguese, in 1703,
+has turned them into an English Colony, made them entirely dependent,
+and secured a commerce with them of three millions value. France would
+be glad to see this, or as much of it as possible, turned to America.
+
+The Duke agrees fully with me in the maxim, that those Colonies will
+grow the most in wealth, improvement, population, and every sort of
+prosperity, which are allowed the freest communication with us, and
+that we shall be allowed to carry lumber, fish, and live stock, to
+their islands, but that the export of their sugars to us, he thinks,
+must be in their own ships, because they are afraid of our becoming
+the carriers of all their commerce, because they know and say, that we
+can do it cheaper than they can. These sentiments are different from
+those, which he mentioned to me a few days ago, when he said, the West
+India trade with us must be carried on in French bottoms.
+
+The Duke said, the English had been trying to deceive us, but were now
+developing their true sentiments. They pretended, for awhile, to
+abolish the navigation act and all distinctions, to make one people
+with us again, to be friends, brothers, &c. in hopes of drawing us off
+from France, but not finding success, they were now showing their true
+plan. As to the pretended system of Shelburne, of a universal free
+commerce, although he thought it would be for the good of mankind in
+general, yet, for an English Minister, it was the plan of a madman,
+for it would be the ruin of that nation. He did not think Shelburne
+was sincere in it; he only meant an illusion to us. Here I differ from
+the Duke, and believe, that the late Ministry were very sincere
+towards us, and would have made a treaty with us, at least to revive
+the universal trade between us, upon a liberal plan. This doctrine of
+ruin, from that plan, to the English, has been so much preached of
+late in England by the French and the American refugees, who aim at
+establishments in Canada and Nova Scotia, and by the old Butean
+administration and their partisans, that I do not know whether any
+Ministry could now support a generous plan. But if Temple, Thurlow,
+Shelburne, Pitt, &c. should come in, I should not despair of it. It is
+true, the Shelburne administration did encourage the ideas of cordial,
+perfect friendship, of entire reconciliation of affections, of making
+no distinction between their people and ours, especially between the
+inhabitants of Canada and Nova Scotia and us, and this, with the
+professed purpose of destroying all seeds of war between us. These
+sentiments were freely uttered by Fitzherbert, Oswald, Whiteford,
+Vaughan, and all who had the confidence of that Ministry; and in these
+sentiments they were, I believe, very sincere. And they are, indeed,
+the only means of preventing a future war between us and them, and so
+sure as they depart from that plan, so sure, in less than fifteen
+years, perhaps less than seven, there will break out another war.
+Quarrels will arise among fishermen, between inhabitants of Canada and
+Nova Scotia and us, and between their people and ours in the West
+Indies, in our ports, and in the ports of the three kingdoms, which
+will breed a war in spite of all we can do to prevent it. France sees
+this and rejoices in it, and I know not whether we ought to be sorry;
+yet I think we ought to make it a maxim to avoid all wars, if
+possible; and to take care that it is not our fault if we cannot. We
+ought to do everything, which the English will concur in, to remove
+all causes of jealousies, and kill all the seeds of hostility as
+effectually as we can; and to be upon our guard to prevent the French,
+Spaniards, and Dutch, from sowing the seeds of war between us, for we
+may rely upon it they will do it if they can.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, July 18th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+There is cause to be solicitous about the state of things in England.
+The present Ministry swerve more and more from the true system, for
+the prosperity of their country and ours. Mr Hartley, whose sentiments
+are at bottom just, is probably kept here, if he was not sent at
+first, merely to amuse us, and to keep him out of the way of
+embarrassing the coalition. We need not fear, that France and England
+will make a common cause against us, even in relation to the
+carrying-trade to and from the West Indies. Although they may mutually
+inspire into each other false notions of their interests at times, yet
+there can never be a concert of operations between them. Mutual enmity
+is bred in the blood and bones of both, and rivals and enemies at
+heart they eternally will be.
+
+In order to induce both to allow us our natural right to the
+carrying-trade, we must negotiate with the Dutch, Danes, Portuguese,
+and even with the Empires; for the more friends and resources we have,
+the more we shall be respected by the French and English; and the more
+freedom of trade we enjoy with the Dutch possessions in America, the
+more will France and England find themselves necessitated to allow us.
+
+The present Ministers in England have very bad advisers; the refugees,
+and emissaries of various other sorts, and we have nobody to watch
+and counteract, to correct or prevent anything.
+
+The United States will soon see the necessity of uniting in measures
+to counteract their enemies, and even their friends. What powers
+Congress should have for governing the trade of the whole, for making
+or recommending prohibitions, or imposts, deserves the serious
+consideration of every man in America. If a constitutional legislative
+authority cannot be given them, a sense of common danger and necessity
+should give to their recommendations all the force upon the minds of
+the people, which they had six years ago.
+
+If the union of the States is not preserved, and even their unity, in
+many great points, instead of being the happiest people under the sun,
+I do not know but we may be the most miserable. We shall find our
+foreign affairs the most difficult to manage of any of our interests;
+we shall see and feel them disturbed by invisible agents, and causes,
+by secret intrigues, by dark and mysterious insinuations, by concealed
+corruptions of a thousand sorts. Hypocrisy and simulation will assume
+a million of shapes; we shall feel the evil, without being able to
+prove the cause. Those, whose penetration reaches the true source of
+the evil, will be called suspicious, envious, disappointed, ambitious.
+In short, if there is not an authority sufficiently decisive to draw
+together the minds, affections, and forces of the States, in their
+common foreign concerns, it appears to me we shall be the sport of
+transatlantic politicians of all denominations, who hate liberty in
+every shape, and every man who loves it, and every country that enjoys
+it. If there is no common authority, nor any common sense to secure a
+revenue for the discharge of our engagements abroad for money, what
+is to become of our honor, our justice, our faith, our universal,
+moral, political, and commercial character? If there is no common
+power to fulfil engagements with our citizens, to pay our soldiers,
+and other creditors, can we have any moral character at home? Our
+country will become the region of everlasting discontents, reproaches,
+and animosities, and instead of finding our independence a blessing,
+we shall soon become Cappadocians enough to wish it done away.
+
+I may be thought gloomy, but this ought not to discourage me from
+laying before Congress my apprehensions. The dependence of those who
+have designs upon us, upon our want of affection to each other, and of
+authority over one another, is so great, that in my opinion, if the
+United States do not soon show to the world a proof, that they can
+command a common revenue to satisfy their creditors at home and
+abroad, that they can act as one people, as one nation, as one man, in
+their transactions with foreign nations, we shall be soon so far
+despised, that it will be but a few years, perhaps but a few months
+only, before we are involved in another war.
+
+What can I say in Holland, if a doubt is started, whether we can repay
+the money we wish to borrow? I must assure them in a tone, that will
+exclude all doubt that the money will be repaid. Am I to be hereafter
+reproached with deceiving the money-lenders? I cannot believe there is
+a man in America, who would not disdain the supposition, and therefore
+I shall not scruple to give the strongest assurances in my power. But
+if there is a doubt in Congress, they ought to recall their borrowers
+of money.
+
+I shall set off tomorrow for Holland, in hopes of improving my health,
+at the same time that I shall endeavor to assist the loan, and to
+turn the speculations of the Dutch merchants, capitalists and
+statesmen, towards America. It is of vast importance that the Dutch
+should form just ideas of their interests respecting the communication
+between us and their islands, and other colonies in America. I beg
+that no time may be lost in commencing conferences with M. Van Berckel
+upon this subject, as well as that of money; but this should not be
+communicated to the French nor the English, because we may depend upon
+it, both will endeavor to persuade the Dutch to adopt the same plan
+with themselves. There are jealousies on both sides the Pass of
+Calais, of our connexions and negotiations with the Dutch. But while
+we avoid as much as we can to inflame this jealousy, we must have
+sense and firmness and independence enough not to be intimidated by
+it, from availing ourselves of advantages, that Providence has placed
+in our power. There ever have been, and ever will be, suspicions of
+every honest, active, and intelligent American, and there will be as
+there have been insidious attempts to destroy or lessen your
+confidence in every such character. But if our country does not
+support her own interests, and her own servants, she will assuredly
+fall. Persons, who study to preserve or obtain the confidence of
+America, by the favor of European statesmen, or Courts, must betray
+their own country to preserve their places.
+
+For my own part, I wish Mr Jay and myself almost anywhere else but
+here. There is scarce any other place where we might not do some good.
+Here we are in a state of annihilation.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, July 23d, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On Saturday last I left Paris, and arrived here last night. This
+morning I sent M. Dumas to M. Van Berckel and M. Gyselaer, to inform
+them of my arrival, and to desire a conversation with them, upon the
+subject of the commerce between the United States and the Dutch
+establishments in the West Indies.
+
+M. Van Berckel told M. Dumas, "that St Eustatia and Curacoa were open
+to the vessels of all nations, and to the commerce of all the world;
+but that it was not the interest of the West India Company alone, but
+that of the whole State, that obliged them to confine the commerce of
+their sugars to themselves, because of the great number of their
+refineries of sugar. That all their own sugars were not half enough to
+employ their sugar-houses, and that at least one half of the sugars
+refined in Holland were the production of the French West India
+Islands."
+
+I suppose that some of these sugars may have been carried first to St
+Eustatia, and brought from thence to Holland, and some others may have
+been purchased in the ports of France, and imported raw from thence. I
+do not know that Dutch vessels were permitted to purchase sugars in
+the French Islands, and export them from thence. This matter deserves
+to be examined to the bottom. If France has not sugar-houses for the
+refinement of her own sugars, but is obliged to carry them, or to
+permit their being carried, to Amsterdam and Rotterdam for
+manufacture, why should she not be willing, that the same sugars
+should be carried by Americans to Boston, New York, and Philadelphia?
+Surely France has no predilection for Holland rather than America. But
+what is of more weight, all the sugars, which America takes, will be
+paid for in articles more advantageous to the Islands, and to France,
+than the pay that is made by the Dutch. If any sugars refined in
+Holland are afterwards sold in France, surely it would be more for the
+interest of France, or rather less against her interests, to have the
+same sugars refined in America, and afterwards sold in France, because
+the price of them would be laid out by us in France. There is this
+difference between us and the Dutch, and all other nations, we spend
+in Europe all the profits we make and more, the others do not. But if
+the French sugars, refined in Holland, are afterwards sold in other
+parts of Europe, it would be just as well that we should sell them. We
+have sugar-houses as well as the Dutch, and ours ought not to be more
+obnoxious to French policy or commerce than theirs.
+
+Sugars are a great article. There is a great consumption in America.
+It is not the interest of any nation, that has sugars to sell, to
+lessen the consumption there. All such nations should favor that
+consumption, in order to multiply purchasers, and quicken the
+competition, by which the price is raised. None of these nations then
+will wish to prevent our having sugar, provided we offer as high, or a
+higher price. How they will be able to arrange their plans, so that we
+may have enough for our own consumption, without having more, without
+having some for exportation, I do not know.
+
+We have now St Eustatia and Curacoa, St Lucia and Martinique, St
+Thomas and St Martin's, no less than six free ports in the West
+Indies; and perhaps England may be induced, necessitated indeed, to
+add two more to the number, and make eight. At these free ports, it
+will be hard if we cannot find sugars, when we carry thither all our
+own productions, in our own ships. And if the worst should happen, and
+all the nations, who have sugar Islands, should forbid sugars to be
+carried to America in any other than their own bottoms, we might
+depend upon having enough of this article at the free ports, to be
+brought away in our own ships, if we should lay a prohibition or a
+duty upon it in foreign ships. To do either, the States must be
+united, which the English think cannot be. Perhaps the French think so
+too, and in time, they may persuade the Dutch to be of the same
+opinion. It is to be hoped we shall disappoint them all. In a point so
+just and reasonable, when we are contending only for an equal chance
+for the carriage of our own productions, and the articles of our own
+consumption, when we are willing to allow to all other nations even a
+free competition with us in this carriage, if we cannot unite, it will
+discover an imperfection and weakness in our constitution, which will
+deserve a serious consideration.
+
+M. Visscher, Pensionary of Amsterdam, who came in to visit me, when I
+had written thus far, showed me a list of the Directors of the West
+India Company, and refers me to M. Bicker, of Amsterdam, as one of the
+most intelligent of them. He says, that the Colonists of Surinam,
+Berbice, Essequibo, and Demarara, have been in decay, and obliged to
+borrow money of the merchants at home, and have entered into contracts
+with those merchants, to send them annually all the productions of
+their plantations to pay the interest and principal of their debts;
+that this will make it difficult to open the trade.
+
+Soon after M. Visscher went out, M. Van Berckel came in. I entered
+into a like conversation with him, and told him that I thought the
+decay of their plantations in the West Indies had been owing to the
+rivalry of other nations, especially the English, whose Islands had
+greater advantages from a freer communication with North America; and
+I thought it might be laid down as a rule, that those Islands would
+flourish most in population, culture, commerce, and wealth, which had
+the freest intercourse with us, and that this intercourse would be a
+natural means of attracting the American commerce to the metropolis.
+He thought so too.
+
+I then mentioned to him the loan; and asked him, if he thought that
+the States-General, the States of Holland, or the Regency of
+Amsterdam, would be likely, in any way, to aid us? He said, no; that
+the country was still so much divided, that he could not depend upon
+any assistance in that way. That the Council of Amsterdam was well
+enough disposed; but that the Burgomasters were not so. That M.
+Temmink, M. Huggens, and M. Rendorp, were not to be depended on in
+such an affair. That, therefore, our only resource was, to endeavor to
+gain upon the public opinion and the spirit of the nation, and that,
+in this respect, he would do me all the service in his power. He
+thought that the present uncertainty about the definitive treaty, and
+the fate of the Republic, would be an obstacle; but the definitive
+treaty once signed, he thought our loan would succeed very well. I
+asked him, whether he thought that the junction of three houses in my
+loan was any obstruction to it? and whether any one of them, or
+whether any other house, would do better? I told him what his brother,
+(now I hope in Philadelphia,) had said to M. Dumas, viz. that the
+house of Wilkem and Van Willink alone would succeed sooner than the
+three. I asked him, whether he thought the house of Hope, either
+alone, or in conjunction with that of the Willinks, or any other,
+would undertake it? He said, this might well be, and that if they saw
+their interest in it they would, for those mercantile houses had no
+other object in view. He promised me to make inquiry into this matter,
+and let me know the result.
+
+Upon this occasion, I must inform Congress, that it is absolutely
+necessary they should send another Minister to this Republic, without
+loss of time; because our three present houses, before they would
+undertake the loan, extorted a promise from me, not to open another
+with any other house until the five millions should be full. This
+engagement I took for myself alone, however, and expressly premised
+that Congress should not be bound by it; that Congress should be
+perfectly free, and that any other Minister they might send here
+should be perfectly free to open another loan, when and with whom they
+pleased. A new Minister, therefore, may open a loan when he will, with
+Hope, Willink, or whom he will, and I am persuaded it would succeed to
+a good amount.
+
+I made visits to day, the 25th of July, to the Grand Pensionary, the
+Secretary Fagel, the President of the week, and M. Gyselaer; and
+returned visits to M. Van Berckel and M. Visscher. M. Gyselaer says,
+that at present there is no ready money (_argent comptant_) in the
+Republic, but in two months there will be, and the loan will go very
+well.
+
+At noon I went to the house in the Grove, to make my court to the
+Prince and Princess of Orange.
+
+The Prince either happened to be in a social humor, or has had some
+political speculations lately, for he thought fit to be uncommonly
+gracious and agreeable. He made me sit, and sat down by me, and
+entered into familiar conversation about the negotiations of peace. He
+asked many questions about it, and the probability of a speedy
+conclusion of the definitive treaty. At length, he asked me, if Dr
+Franklin was left alone? I answered, that Mr Jay was with him. He
+asked, if I returned before the signature? I answered, that such was
+my intention. He asked, whether Dr Franklin was an Ambassador? I
+answered, that he was a Minister Plenipotentiary only. He asked, if
+none of us were Ambassadors? I answered, that we all had the same rank
+of Ministers Plenipotentiary, and that Congress had never yet made an
+Ambassador. He said, he was astonished at that; that he had a long
+time expected to hear, that we had displayed the character of
+Ambassadors. I asked his Highness, what reason he had for this, and
+what advantage there was in it? "Why," said he, "I expected that your
+Republic would early assert her right to appoint Ambassadors.
+Republics have been generally fond of appointing Ambassadors, in order
+to be on a footing with crowned heads. Our Republic began very early.
+We had eight Ambassadors at the peace of Munster; one for each
+Province, and one supernumerary. And we always choose to appoint
+Ambassadors, for the sake of being upon an equality with crowned
+heads. There are only crowned heads, Republics, and the Electors of
+the Empire, who have a right to send Ambassadors; all others can only
+send Envoys, and Ministers Plenipotentiary. Princes cannot send
+Ambassadors. I cannot, as Stadtholder, nor as Prince, nor in any other
+quality, send a Minister of any higher order, than an Envoy, or
+Minister Plenipotentiary." He asked me, what was the reason the
+Congress had not made use of their right? I answered his Highness,
+that really I did not know. It was a subject I had never much
+reflected on; perhaps Congress had not. Or they might think it a
+matter of ceremony and of show, rather than substance; or might think
+the expense greater than the advantage. He said, it was very true, the
+dignity of the rank must be supported, but he thought the advantage
+worth more than the expense.
+
+I am utterly at a loss for his Highness' motives for entering so
+minutely into this subject. Whether M. Van Berckel, before his
+departure, had mentioned it; whether he thought he should please me by
+it; whether he thought to please Congress by it; whether he affected
+to interest himself in the honor of the United States; or whether any
+of the politicians of this, or any other country, have put him upon
+it, or whether it is mere accident, I know not. They are the words of
+a Prince, and I have reported them very exactly.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, July 25th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+It is the general opinion here both among the members of the States,
+and at the _Hotel de France_, that the delays of the definitive
+pacification are contrived by the Court of London, in order to set all
+their instruments at work in this Republic, to induce it to renew its
+ancient connexions with Great Britain, particularly their alliance,
+offensive and defensive, by which each power was bound to furnish the
+other, if attacked, a certain number of ships and troops. Against this
+the patriotic party is decided, and they are now very well satisfied
+with the Grand Pensionary, Bleiswick, because he openly and roundly
+takes their side, and the Court is said to be discontented with him
+for the same reason. There is, no doubt, an intelligence and
+correspondence between the two Courts of London and the Hague, to
+bring about this point. The Grand Pensionary told me yesterday, that
+the Court of London desired it, and there were persons here who
+desired it, and he knew very well who they were; but that most
+certainly they would not carry their point. Van Berckel, Visscher, and
+Gyselaer, all assured me of the same, and added, that the fear of this
+had determined them not to send a Minister to London, but to go
+through with the negotiation at Paris, although they were all highly
+dissatisfied with the conduct of France, and particularly with that of
+the Count de Vergennes.
+
+They all say, he has betrayed and deserted them, played them a very
+bad trick, (_tour_) and violated his repeated promises to them. They
+do not in the least spare M. Berenger and M. Merchant, who conduct the
+French affairs here in the absence of the Duc de la Vauguyon, but hold
+this language openly and freely to them. These gentlemen have
+sometimes found it hard to bear, and have winced, and sometimes even
+threatened; but their answer has been more mortifying still; "Do as
+you please, drive the Republic back into the arms of England, if you
+will. Suppress all the friends of France, if you choose it." And some
+of them have said, "we will go to America." They all say, that France
+had the power to have saved them. That the acquisition of Tobago was
+no equivalent to France for the loss of the Republic, &c. &c. &c. They
+are all highly pleased with the conduct of their own Ambassador,
+Brantzen, with his activity, intelligence, and fidelity. They all say,
+that they would send a Minister to London to negotiate there, if they
+were sure of being able to carry an election for a man they could
+depend upon. But the Court here would have so much influence in the
+choice, that they would run a risk of sending a man, who would
+insensibly lead them into a revival of the old ties with England,
+which, they say, is enslaving the Republic to that kingdom.
+
+I learn here from all quarters, a confirmation of what I had learned
+before at Paris from M. Brantzen and the Duc de la Vauguyon, viz. that
+the Duke of Manchester had given them no answer, nor said a word to
+them for six weeks, in answer to the propositions they had made; among
+which was an offer of an equivalent for Negapatnam. They offered some
+establishments in Sumatra and Surat. Lately the Duke of Manchester has
+received a courier, and has given an answer, that a real equivalent
+might be accepted. No answer is given to any other point, and this is
+vague; so that another courier must go to London and return.
+Parliament is now up, and perhaps the Ministers may now be more
+attentive, and less timorous.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Amsterdam, July 28th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I find, upon inquiry, that there are in this Republic, at Amsterdam,
+Rotterdam, and Dort, near one hundred and thirty sugar-houses. The
+whole of the raw sugars produced in Surinam, Berbice, Essequibo, and
+Demarara, are wrought in these houses; and, besides, raw sugars were
+purchased in Bordeaux and Nantes, after being imported from the French
+islands, in French bottoms. Raw sugars were also purchased in London,
+which went under the general name of Barbadoes sugars, although they
+were the growth of all the English Islands, and imported to London in
+British bottoms. I have learnt further, that great quantities of raw
+Brazil sugars were purchased in Lisbon, and that these were cheaper
+than any of the others. All these raw sugars were imported into
+Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Dort, and there manufactured for
+exportation. We must endeavor to obtain a share in this trade,
+especially with Lisbon, or the Western Islands.
+
+Since it is certain, that neither Portugal, France, nor England has
+been able to manufacture all their raw sugars, but each of them sold
+considerable quantities to the Dutch, I suppose that we may
+undoubtedly purchase such sugars in future in Lisbon, Bordeaux,
+Nantes, London, and perhaps Ireland, and carry them where we please,
+either home to America, or to Amsterdam, or to any part of Europe, and
+there sell them, and in this way promote our own carrying-trade, as
+well as enable ourselves to make remittances. I cannot see why the
+English, or French, should be averse to their sugars going to America
+directly; and if they insist upon carrying them in their own ships,
+we may still have enough of them. The Dutch have the most pressing
+commercial motives to bring home their West India produce; yet they
+would really gain the most by opening a free communication with us,
+because they would the most suddenly make their colonies flourish by
+it.
+
+Molasses and rum we shall have, probably, from all the islands,
+English, French, and Dutch, in our own bottoms, unless the three
+nations should agree together to keep the whole trade of their islands
+in their own ships, which is not likely.
+
+I have made all the inquiries I could, and have sown all the seeds I
+could, in order to give a spur to our loan. Three thousand obligations
+have been sold, and the other two thousand are signed; but at this
+time there is a greater scarcity of money than ever was known. The
+scarcity is so great, that the agio of the bank, which is commonly at
+four or five per cent, fell to one and a half. The Directors, at
+length, shut up the bank, and it continues shut. The English omnium,
+which at first was sold for eight or ten per cent profit, fell to one
+and a half. The scarcity of money will continue until the arrival of
+the Spanish flotilla at Cadiz. Seven eighths of the treasures of that
+flotilla will come here, and make money plenty. Then we may expect,
+that my obligations will sell.
+
+In the meantime, I have great pleasure in assuring you, that there is
+not one foreign loan open in this Republic, which is in so good
+credit, or goes so quick as mine. The Empress of Russia opened a loan
+of five millions, about the same time that I opened mine. She is far
+from having obtained three millions of it. Spain opened a loan with
+the House of Hope, at the same time, for two millions only, and you
+may depend upon it, it is very far from being full. Not one quarter
+part of the loan of France upon life-rents, advantageous as it is to
+the lender, is full. In short, there is not one power in Europe, whose
+credit is so good here as ours. Russia and Spain, too, allow of
+facilities to undertakers and others, in disposing of their
+obligations, much more considerable than ours; yet all does not
+succeed. You will see persons and letters in America, that will
+affirm, that the Spanish loan is full, and that France and Spain can
+have what money they please here. Believe me, this is all stockjobbing
+gasconade. I have made very particular inquiries, and find the
+foregoing account to be the truth. Of all the sons of men, I believe
+the stockjobbers are the greatest liars. I know it has been given out,
+that the Spanish loan, which was opened at Hope's, was full the first
+day. This I know has been affirmed in the hearing of Americans, with a
+confidence peculiar, and with a design, I suppose, that it should be
+written or reported to Congress. But I am now assured, that it is so
+far from being true, that it is not near full to this hour. Let me beg
+of you, Sir, to give Mr Morris an extract of this, because I am so
+pressed for time, that I cannot write to him.
+
+Upon further inquiry concerning sugars, I find, that the Dutch were
+used to purchase annually considerable quantities of the raw sugars of
+Spain, as well as of France, England and Portugal. Some of these they
+obtained by a clandestine trade between Curacoa and Havana, and St
+Domingo; but the greater part were purchased at Cadiz.
+
+I suppose our merchants and musters of vessels will be as adroit at
+inventing and executing projects of illicit trade, as others. But
+this is a resource, that Congress and the States cannot depend on, nor
+take into their calculations. Illicit trade will ever bear but a small
+proportion to that which is permitted. And our governments should take
+their measures for obtaining by legal and honorable means from Spain,
+Portugal, France, England, Holland, and Denmark, all the productions
+which our people may want for consumption, for manufacture, and for
+exportation.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT MORRIS.
+
+ Amsterdam, July 28th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Upon inquiry of those who best know, I see no probability of success
+from any application to authority in this country, for reasons which I
+have explained to our Minister of Foreign Affairs. Our only resource
+is in the public opinion, and the favor of the nation.
+
+I know of nothing which would operate so favorably upon the public, as
+the arrival of a few vessels with cargoes of American produce,
+addressed to your bankers, and appropriated to the payment of
+interest. The report of such an event would greatly augment our
+credit, by spreading the opinion of our ability and disposition to
+pay.
+
+It would be presumption in me, at this distance, to undertake to
+advise you, who are upon the spot, and much better informed. But I beg
+leave to suggest the question, whether an application of Congress to
+the States would not succeed? Suppose Congress should represent to the
+States the necessity of an exertion, in order to obtain a loan at
+present, to enable you to satisfy the most urgent demands of the army,
+and other public creditors, until the States can agree upon some
+permanent establishment, and should recommend to each State to furnish
+a cargo of its produce, in proportion to its rate upon the list. For
+example, South Carolina and Georgia a quantity of rice or indigo;
+Virginia and Maryland, of tobacco; Pennsylvania, of wheat or flour;
+and the Northern States, of fish or any other thing. Suppose these
+cargoes, which need not be expensive for the Thirteen States, should
+be sent to Amsterdam or anywhere else in Europe, the proceeds of sale
+to be remitted to Amsterdam to your bankers. The reputation of this,
+if well planned, adopted, and executed, would give a strong impulsion
+to your loan, if adopted here.
+
+I am but just arrived, and have not yet seen our bankers. Saturday and
+Sunday are usually spent at country seats. But before I leave this
+place, I shall be able to inform you more precisely, whether you may
+depend on anything from hence. No pains of mine shall be spared. The
+British stocks are so low that we may hope for something. If a
+Minister is sent to London, you should give him a commission to borrow
+money. If he conducts the matter with secrecy and caution, he may
+probably obtain a considerable sum there. There are monied men in that
+country who wish us well. There are others who may easily be inspired
+with more faith in our funds, than they can rationally have in their
+own. If upon advising with proper persons, he should not judge it
+prudent to open a loan there, he might easily put things in a train
+for some individuals to purchase obligations in your loan in
+Amsterdam. So dismal are the prospects in England, that many men are
+on the wing to fly, and some would be willing to transfer their
+property across the Atlantic.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, July 30th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have been the more particular in my letters to you concerning that
+extensive manufacture and commerce of refined sugars in this country,
+because the proximity of all the sugar colonies to us renders a share
+in it naturally useful and convenient, both to us and them. Fifty
+thousand hogsheads of raw sugar are annually wrought in this Republic,
+and exported at a great profit to Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Russia,
+Poland, and Italy. At Amsterdam I visited a number of respectable
+merchants, in order to discover their sentiments concerning the
+communication between us and their Islands and sugar colonies. They
+all agree, that St Eustatia and Curacoa are and will be commercial
+Islands, open and free to all our vessels. St Martin's is divided
+between the French and Danes and the Dutch, whose share of it does not
+flourish. The colonies upon the continent, Surinam, Berbice, Demarara,
+and Essequibo, are at a greater distance from us. But they will be
+open to our vessels and their cargoes, because they all agree, that
+those colonies cannot subsist without our horses, lumber and
+provisions, nor without the sale to us of their molasses. We shall be
+allowed to take in return molasses, with which some quantities of
+sugar, coffee, and other produce are always smuggled, as they say. But
+although nothing has been as yet determined, it is the general
+opinion, that the produce of the colonies must be brought home in
+Dutch ships, as heretofore, molasses excepted.
+
+From the Secretary of the West India Company I have obtained a few
+minutes, in so bad French, that I almost despair of rendering them
+intelligible. I have attempted it, however, in the following
+translation, viz.
+
+ "In the grant of the West India Company, renewed, or more
+ properly newly erected, in the year 1700, continued in 1730,
+ prolonged afterwards in the year 1760 for two years, and in
+ the year 1762, from the first of January to the thirtyfirst
+ of December, 1791, are found the limits fixed, only for the
+ inhabitants of these Seven United Provinces, under the name
+ of the United Company of these Provinces, upon the coasts and
+ country of Africa, computing from the Tropic of Cancer to the
+ southern latitude of the Equinoctial Line, with all the
+ Islands in this district, situated upon the said coast, and
+ particularly the Islands of St Thomas, Annebon, Islands of
+ Principia and Fernando Po, as also the places of Essequibo
+ and Baumenora, situated upon the Continental Coasts of
+ America, as also the Islands of Curacoa, Amaba and Buen Aire.
+ All the other limits of the ancient grant being open for the
+ commerce of all the inhabitants of the Republic, without
+ exception, upon condition, however, that if the Company,
+ oriental and occidental, should judge proper to navigate to
+ the Islands situated between the coasts of Africa and
+ America, beginning at the Ascension and further south, or any
+ of them, and should occupy it before any other should have a
+ private grant, with exclusion of all others for so long time
+ as it shall occupy its places, and in case they should
+ desist, these places should return under the second class,
+ open for the navigation of every individual of the Republic,
+ paying an acknowledgment, &c. That the said particulars,
+ trading in the said districts, shall be obliged to
+ acknowledge the Western Company, and to pay them for the
+ right of convoy, and consequently in form of acknowledgment,
+ viz. for the productions and merchandises for the West
+ Indies, two per cent, and returning from thence into these
+ Provinces, two per cent more for the commodities in return.
+ And further, the ships navigating to places farther distant
+ in America, contained in the ancient grant, both in going and
+ returning, should pay five florins per last, or more or less
+ as their High Mightinesses shall judge proper to determine
+ hereafter; observing, nevertheless, that these five florins
+ per last shall not be demanded of ships navigating to the
+ Caribee Islands, which shall pay the ordinary duty for convoy
+ to the Colleges of the Admiralty from which they sail, and
+ the said private navigators shall be held, moreover, for the
+ satisfaction of the Western Company, to give sufficient
+ caution, that they will not navigate, nor cause to be
+ navigated, the places contained in the first class, ceded to
+ the Company with exclusion of all others. And if any one is
+ found to act contrary, and to navigate to any place situated
+ in the prescribed limits, and granted to the Company, his
+ ship and cargo shall be confiscated and attacked in force, by
+ the ships belonging to the said Company; and if such ships
+ and merchandises or commodities, shall be sold or entered
+ into any other country or foreign port, the owner and his
+ accomplice shall be liable to execution, for the value of the
+ said ships and merchandises or commodities.
+
+ "The Company has also the right to require an acknowledgment
+ of all those who shall navigate, import or export any
+ merchandise to or from places belonging to the said Company,
+ notwithstanding they may be subject, and may belong to the
+ domination of other Kings or Princes, situated within the
+ limits stipulated in the grant; and especially of every
+ foreign vessel, bringing any commodities or merchandises from
+ the West Indies, or the limits stipulated in the grants into
+ the Provinces, whether upon its own account, or freight, or
+ on commission, whether such foreign vessel shall come
+ directly from the West Indies; and the limits of the grant,
+ into the Provinces, or whether she shall have carried her
+ cargo to other countries or kingdoms, for what reason soever
+ this may be done. Excepting only in case the merchandises of
+ the proprietor should by negotiation be changed in nature,
+ and that the duty of this country fixed to the place should
+ be paid, which any one alleging shall be obliged to prove
+ sufficiently, according to the amount of the merchandises.
+ Declaring, moreover, for the further elucidation of the said
+ grant, that under the name of the New Low Countries, in
+ consequence of the three per cent, which the Company has a
+ right to require for the merchandises sent there, or brought
+ from thence, is understood that part of North America, which
+ extends itself west and south of the northern part of
+ Newfoundland as far as the Cape of Florida, and for what
+ regards the payment of the two per cent under the name of the
+ West Indies, to be computed from the Cape of Florida, to the
+ river Oronoco, and the Islands of Curacoa. For what concerns
+ the other places of America, contained in the most ancient
+ and precedent grant, in regard to the five florins per last,
+ upon the vessels there navigating, shall be understood all
+ the Carribee Islands, Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola and Porto
+ Rico, as also all the other coasts and countries, computing
+ from the river Oronoco aforesaid, by the straits of Magellan,
+ Le Maire, or other passages or straits, situated under these,
+ as far as the strait of Aryan, both upon the sea of the
+ north, and the Islands situated upon the other side, and
+ between them, as also the southern countries, situated
+ between the two meridians, touching at the east the Cape of
+ Good Hope, and in the west the eastern part of New Guinea,
+ inclusively."
+
+If this paper is not very clear to Congress, it is not more so to me,
+and perhaps to the Dutch themselves. There is a dispute likely to
+arise between the West India Company and the College of the Admiralty
+about it, which will be explained further as it proceeds, by whatever
+Minister you may send here.
+
+Upon the whole matter of our communications with the European
+establishments in the West Indies; we shall carry freely our
+commodities to the French and Dutch, excepting, perhaps, flour to the
+French, which however will be carried, I suppose, to St Lucia and Port
+Royal, as well as St Eustatia and Curacoa, St Thomas's and St
+Martin's, and there sold to any nation that will purchase it. Molasses
+and rum we shall bring away freely from the French and Dutch. And if
+we can obtain of them the liberty of carrying sugars, coffee, &c. from
+their possessions in the West Indies to their ports in Europe, giving
+bonds with surety to land them in such ports, it will be as much as we
+can expect. If they will allow raw sugars, coffee, cotton, &c. to be
+sent freely to the United States in their own vessels, this would be
+an advantage for us, though not so considerable as to bring them in
+ours. What the English will do is uncertain. We are not to take the
+late proclamation for a law of the Medes. The Ministry who made it
+are not firm in their seats. If Shelburne comes in we shall do better;
+and, to be prepared to take advantage of so probable an event, you
+should have a Minister ready. We have one infallible resource, if we
+can unite in laying a duty or a prohibition. But this measure must not
+be hastily taken, because by negotiation, I apprehend, the point may
+be carried in England. To this end it may be proper to instruct your
+Minister, and authorise him to say, that the States will find
+themselves obliged, against their inclination, to lay a prohibition or
+heavy duty upon all West India goods imported, and all American
+productions exported in British bottoms, if the trade is not regulated
+by treaty upon an equitable footing.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, July 31st, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The last evening at Court in the house in the Grove, where all the
+foreign Ministers supped, the Count Montagnini de Mirabel, the
+Minister Plenipotentiary from the King of Sardinia, took an
+opportunity to enter largely into conversation with me. As he and I
+were at a party of politics, while the greatest part of the company
+were at cards, for two or three hours, we ran over all the world, but
+nothing occurred worth repeating except what follows.
+
+The Count said, that his advice to Congress would be to write a
+circular letter to every power in Europe, as soon as the definitive
+treaty should be signed, and transmit with it a printed copy of the
+treaty. In the letter, Congress should announce, that on the 4th of
+July, 1776, the United States had declared themselves a sovereign
+State, under the style and title of the United States of America; that
+France, on the 6th of February, 1778, had acknowledged them; that the
+States-General had done the same on the 19th of April, 1782; that
+Great Britain, on the 30th of November, 1782, had signed with them a
+treaty of peace, in which she had fully acknowledged their
+sovereignty; that Sweden had entered into a treaty with them, on the
+5th of February, 1783; and that Great Britain had concluded the
+definitive treaty under the mediation of the two Empires, if that
+should be the fact, &c. Such a notification to all the other powers
+would be a regular procedure, a piece of politeness, which would be
+very well received, and the letter would be respectfully answered by
+every power in the world, and these written answers would be explicit,
+and undeniable acknowledgments of our sovereignty.
+
+It might have been proper to make this communication in form,
+immediately after the declaration of independence; it might have been
+more proper to do it after the signature of the provisional treaty;
+but that it was expected it would be done after the definitive treaty.
+That these circular letters might be transmitted to your Ministers for
+peace, or such of them as may remain, or to any of your Ministers in
+Europe, to be by them delivered to the Ministers at the Court where
+they are, or transmitted any other way. That Congress must be very
+exact in the etiquette of titles, as this was indispensable, and the
+letters could not be answered nor received without it. That we might
+have these titles at the Count de Vergennes' office with precision,
+&c.
+
+The Count then proceeded to commerce, and said, that all the cabinets
+of Europe had lately turned their views to commerce, so that we should
+be attended to and respected by all of them. He thought we should find
+our account in a large trade in Italy, every part of which had a
+constant demand for our tobacco, and salt-fish, at least. The
+dominions of the King, his master, could furnish us in exchange,
+oranges, citrons, olives, oil, raisins, figs, anchovies, coral, lead,
+sulphur, alum, salt, marble of the finest quality and gayest colors,
+manufactures of silk, especially silk stockings twenty per cent
+cheaper than France, hemp, and cordage. He said, we might have great
+advantages in Italy in another respect. We had it in our power to
+become the principal carriers for the people of Italy, who have little
+skill or inclination for navigation or commerce. The (_cabotage_)
+carrying-trade of Italy had been carried on by the English, French,
+and Dutch; the English had now lost it, the French had some of it, but
+the Dutch the most, who made an immense profit of it; for to his
+knowledge they sold in the Baltic, and even in Holland, many Italian
+productions, at a profit of five or six for one. That we should have
+the advantage of them all. By bringing our tobacco and fish to Italy,
+we might unload at some of their ports, take in cargoes upon freight
+for other ports of Italy, and thus make coasting voyages, until we had
+made up our cargoes for return, or we might take in cargoes on freight
+for Germany, or the Baltic. The Dutch, he said, would be the greatest
+losers by this rivalry, but as long as the Italians and Americans
+would be honestly gainers, neither need be anxious for that. That
+there was a very good port in his master's dominions, which was
+perfectly free, where we might go in and out at pleasure, without
+being subject to duties, searches, or visits.
+
+We then made a transition to Turkey; the Count could not, for his
+part, blame the Emperor for wishing to open the navigation of the
+Danube; his kingdom of Hungary was one of the finest countries in the
+world; it was one of the most fertile, producing in great abundance
+wines of various sorts, all excellent, though Tokay was the best;
+grains of every sort in great quantities, metals of all sorts, gold,
+silver, copper, iron, quicksilver; yet all these blessings of nature
+were rendered in a manner useless by the slavery of the Danube. The
+Emperor was very unfortunate, in having the Danube enslaved on one
+side, and the Scheldt on the other; and in this age, when the liberty
+of navigation and commerce was the universal cry, he did not wonder at
+his impatience under it. He did not think, that England would meddle
+in the dispute, as her trade to the Levant had declined. The Dutch had
+some still, but France had now the greatest part of it to Smyrna,
+Alexandria, Aleppo, in short, to all the trading towns of Turkey in
+Asia, for this is what is understood by the Levant trade. France, he
+thought, could not venture to engage in the war in earnest, in the
+present state of her finances.
+
+I have learnt, since I came here, that France is desirous that this
+Republic should declare herself concerning this Turkish war. But she
+will avoid it. Unhappily, France has lost much of her influence here.
+Her friends fear, that the odium of losing Negapatnam will fall upon
+them among the people. The English and the Stadtholderians are
+endeavoring to detach the Republic entirely from France, and to revive
+the ancient connexions, particularly the ancient alliance, offensive
+and defensive in the treaty of 1674. A Mr Shirley, at Paris, has
+lately proposed to M. Boers, and M. Van der Pere, two agents of the
+Dutch East India Company, who have been a year or two at Paris, and
+are reputed to be in the Stadtholder's interest, that England had the
+best dispositions towards the Republic, and would give them ample
+satisfaction if they would treat distinctly from France, and renew the
+ancient cordial friendship, and proposed an interview with the Dutch
+Ambassadors upon this subject. The agents proposed it, but Brantzen
+refused, to the great satisfaction of the principal republicans. Yet
+M. Berenger tells me, that some of the republican members begin to be
+afraid, and to think they shall be obliged to fall in with the
+English.
+
+Upon conversing with many people in the government and out of it, in
+Amsterdam as well as the Hague, they all complain to me of the conduct
+of France. They all confess, that the Republic has not done so much in
+the war as she ought, but this is the fault of the friends of England,
+they say, not those of France, and the worst evils of all, that befall
+the latter, are the reproaches of the former, who now say insultingly,
+"this comes of confiding in France, we always told you, that you would
+be cheated," &c. France ought, they say, to have considered this, and
+not have imputed to the Republic the faults of her enemies, because
+the punishment falls wholly on her friends.
+
+I mention these things to you, because, although we are not
+immediately interested in them, they may have consequences which may
+affect us; and, therefore, you ought to know them. I think, however,
+upon the whole, the Republic will stand firm, and refuse to receive
+the alliance, though they sacrifice Negapatnam. France wishes to win
+the Republic into an alliance, but feels an awkwardness about
+proposing it, and, indeed, I doubt whether she would now succeed; she
+might have succeeded heretofore. But, in plain English, Sir, the
+Count de Vergennes has no conception of the right way of negotiating
+with any free people, or with any assembly, aristocratical or
+democratical. He cannot enter into the motives which govern them; he
+never penetrates their real system, and never appears to comprehend
+their constitution. With empires, and monarchs, and their Ministers of
+State, he negotiates aptly enough.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, August 1st, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I had last evening some conversation with D. Joas Theolonico de
+Almeida, the Envoy Extraordinary of Portugal, who desired to meet me
+today at any hour at his house or mine. I promised to visit him at
+twelve, which I did.
+
+He said, he had heard that the French Minister had proposed to the
+Duke of Manchester, at Versailles, to reduce the duties upon French
+wines in England to the level of those upon Portugal wines, and begged
+of me to inform him if it were true, because, if it were, Portugal
+must endeavor to indemnify herself by opening a trade with America, or
+some other way, for such a project will be ruinous to the sale of
+their wines in England, which was their only market. I answered, that
+I had heard of such a project among multitudes of others in private
+conversation, but knew no authority for it. We have a treaty, says he,
+made in 1703, by which we have stipulated with the English, to permit
+the importation of their cloths, upon condition that they allow the
+importation of Portugal wines upon paying one third of the duty upon
+French wines; if they violate the treaty, says he, we shall be rid of
+it.
+
+I asked him, if his Court permitted the English, or any other nation,
+to go to the Brazils? In the last century, said he, between 1660 and
+1670, we did agree with Charles the Second, who married a daughter of
+Portugal, that the English should go to the Brazils, and after that,
+the Dutch sued for permission to go there too, and we granted it. But
+we found it inconvenient, and in 1714 or 1715, at the treaty of
+Utrecht, we agreed upon an article with Spain, to exclude all nations
+from the Brazils, and as the English Ambassadors were there, we have
+since held that nation bound, and have confiscated their vessels as
+well as the Dutch which venture there. The English have sometimes made
+strong remonstrances, but we have always told them, if we admit you,
+we must admit the Dutch too, and such has been their jealousy of the
+Dutch, and dread of their rivalry, that this has always quieted them,
+choosing rather to be excluded themselves, than that the Dutch should
+be admitted. So that this commerce has been a long time carried on in
+Portuguese ships only, and directly between the Brazils and Lisbon.
+
+I asked him, whether we might not have free communication with all
+their Western Islands, and whether one or all of them might not be
+made a depot for the produce of the Brazils, so that Portuguese ships
+might stop and deposit cargoes there, and American vessels take them?
+He said, he would write about it to his Court by the next post. At
+present, Brazil communicated only with Lisbon, and, perhaps, it might
+be difficult for government to secure the duties at the Western
+Islands. I asked, if there were any refineries of sugar at Lisbon? He
+said, none. Their sugars had all been brought here by the Dutch for
+refining; that all their carrying-trade with other parts of Europe had
+been carried on by the English and Dutch; that their mercantile
+navigation (_marine marchand_) before this war, had been upon a very
+poor footing, but it was now much changed, and they began to carry on
+their trade in their own vessels. I observed, if their trade should
+continue to be carried on by others, it must be indifferent to them
+whether it were done in English, Dutch, or American vessels, provided
+it was done to their equal advantage. But if they should persist in
+the desire to conduct it in their own vessels, they might purchase
+ships ready built in America cheaper than they could build them or buy
+them elsewhere. All this, he said, was true. That they could supply us
+with sugars, coffee, cocoa, Brazil wood, and even with tea, for they
+had an island, called Macao, near China, which was a flourishing
+establishment, and sent them annually a good deal of tea, which the
+Dutch usually bought very cheap at Lisbon to sell again.
+
+He asked, whether Portugal wines had been much used in America. I
+answered, that Port wines, common Lisbon, and Caracavalles, had been
+before the war frequently used, and that Madeira was esteemed above
+all other wine. That it was found equally wholesome and agreeable, in
+the heats of summer and the colds of winter, so that it would probably
+continue to be preferred, though there was no doubt that a variety of
+French wines would now be more commonly used than heretofore. He said,
+they should have occasion for a great deal of our fish, grain, and
+perhaps ships or ship-timber, and naval stores, and other things, and
+he thought there was a prospect of a very beneficial trade with us,
+and he would write largely to his Court upon it. I replied, that I
+wondered his Court had not sent a Minister to Philadelphia, where the
+members and Ministers of Congress, and even the merchants of the city,
+might throw much light upon the subject, and assist in framing a
+treaty to the greatest possible advantage for both countries. He said,
+he would write for a commission and instructions to negotiate a treaty
+with me. I told him, that I believed his Court had already instructed
+their Ambassador at Versailles to treat with Dr Franklin; but that I
+thought that Philadelphia or Lisbon were the proper places to treat,
+and that I feared mutual advantages might be lost by this method of
+striking up a bargain in haste in a distant country, between Ministers
+who could not be supposed to have made of commerce a study.
+
+In a letter from Paris yesterday, I am informed that a project of a
+treaty with Portugal, and another with Denmark, are to go home by
+Captain Barney.[9] These projects have never been communicated to me,
+nor to Mr Jay. I hope that Congress will not be in haste to conclude
+them, but take time to inform themselves of everything which may be
+added to the mutual advantage of the nations and countries concerned.
+I am much mistaken, if we have not lost advantages by a similar piece
+of cunning in the case of Sweden.
+
+With great respect and esteem, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[9] For these treaties, and some account of them, see _Franklin's
+Correspondence_, Vol. IV. pp. 114, 115, 130, 141, 150.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, August 2d, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+M. Berenger, the Secretary of the French Legation, has this moment
+left me. He came in to inform me of the news. The Empress of Russia
+has communicated to the King of Prussia, a treaty of alliance between
+the Emperor of Germany and her, defensive against the Christian powers
+and offensive against the Turks. The King of Prussia has answered her,
+"that he is very sensible, upon this communication, as one is upon the
+communication of things of great importance." Thus wrapped up in an
+impenetrable reserve is this great warrior and statesman. We may
+discern by this answer, what all the world would know without it, viz.
+that his Majesty has no joy in this new alliance. Still he expresses
+no sorrow; and maintains a perfect liberty to take which side he will,
+or neither, at his pleasure, and the same reserve he will probably
+hold to the end of the war.
+
+M. Berenger says, if Prussia is neutral France must be so too, for she
+cannot cope by land with the two Empires; that this Republic is
+desired to declare, but does not choose it; that they are
+dissatisfied, and the republicans murmur a good deal, and are
+wavering, and that the other party will do nothing; that England
+hitherto has favored an accommodation between Russia and the Turks;
+that the British Ambassador, at Constantinople, has co-operated with
+the French to bring about an accommodation; that the Turks have
+offered Russia the free navigation of the Black Sea and passage of the
+Dardanelles, and the same with a free navigation of the Danube to the
+Emperor, but they will not accept it, but are determined to drive the
+Turks from Europe; that France has determined to put her army upon a
+war footing, because it has been much neglected during the late war;
+that he believes France and Spain will shut the Mediterranean against
+a Turkish fleet, as Russia, Sweden, and Denmark excluded warlike
+vessels from the Baltic in the last war; that this state of things
+gives him great pain, and must embarrass the Count de Vergennes. It is
+a great and difficult question, whether France should take a side. If
+she does not, and the Empires should prevail, it will be an immense
+aggrandizement of the House of Austria, which, with Russia, will
+become two great maritime powers; that England will act an insidious
+part; pretend to favor peace, secretly foment war, and join in, at the
+end, if she sees a favorable opportunity to crush France. These are
+sensible observations of M. Berenger, who added, that a new difficulty
+in the way of the definitive treaty had arisen between England and
+Spain, respecting the Musquito shore, so that more couriers must go
+and return.
+
+I confess myself as much in pain at this state of things as M.
+Berenger, and, therefore, I wish most ardently, that we may omit no
+proper means of settling our question with every Court in Europe, and
+especially our plan of commerce with Great Britain. If this is too
+long left in uncertainty, the face of things may soon change, so as to
+involve us in the complicated, extensive, and long war, which seems to
+be now opening.
+
+The prospect of returning to Paris, and living there without my
+family, in absolute idleness, at a time when so many and so great
+things want to be done for our country elsewhere, is very
+disagreeable. If we must live there, waiting for the moving of many
+waters, and treaties are to be there negotiated with the powers of
+Europe, or only with Denmark and Portugal, I pray that we may all be
+joined in the business, as we are in the commission for peace, that,
+at least, we may have the satisfaction of knowing what is done, and of
+giving a hint for the public good, if any one occurs to us, and that
+we may not be made the sport and ridicule of all Europe, as well as of
+those who contrive such humiliations for us.
+
+With the greatest respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ The Hague, August 3d, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The fiscal systems of the powers of Europe have such an ill influence
+on commerce, that they deserve the serious attention of Congress and
+their Ministers, whenever they have under consideration a treaty with
+any foreign power. In conversation yesterday with M. d'Asp, the
+_Charge d'Affaires_ of Sweden, I inquired of him what imposts were
+payable in their ports upon the importation and exportation of
+merchandises, and observed to him, that I had lately seen in the
+gazettes, that the King had taken off certain duties upon the
+importation of merchandises from America, in Swedish ships. He agreed
+that such a thing had been done. This ought to alarm us. All the
+powers of Europe, who are called neutral, have felt a sudden increase
+of their navigation in the course of the late war, and the profits
+they have made have excited a desire to augment it still further. If
+they should generally exact duties of our ships, and none of their own
+upon the importation of our produce, this will be as great a
+discouragement to our navigation as it will be an encouragement to
+theirs. Whether this has been attended to in the treaty with Sweden I
+know not, for I have not seen it. But it ought to be carefully
+considered by those who negotiate the treaties with Denmark and
+Portugal, the Emperor and Empress, and all other powers. We have a
+good right to insist, that no distinction shall be made in their ports
+between their ships and ours; that we should pay in their ports no
+higher duties than they pay in ours.
+
+I should think it therefore advisable for Congress to instruct their
+negotiators, to endeavor to obtain equity in this respect. This is the
+time for it, if ever. If we cannot obtain it by negotiation, we must
+think and talk of doing ourselves justice by making similar
+distinctions in our own ports between our vessels and theirs. But here
+again comes in the difficulty of uniting our States in such measures;
+a difficulty which must be surmounted, or our commerce, navigation,
+and marine will still be ruined, notwithstanding the conservation of
+the fisheries. It deserves to be considered by whom this new method of
+huddling up treaties at Paris is contrived, and for what purposes. It
+may well be conjectured, that it is done with the secret intention of
+preventing these things from being attended to; for there are persons
+who had rather that any other people should have navigation than the
+Americans. I have good reason to believe that it was known at
+Versailles, that Mr Dana had well digested his thoughts upon this
+subject, which was reason enough for some people to endeavor to take
+Sweden out of his hands, in whose department it was. Their success is
+much to be lamented.[10]
+
+I had yesterday and the day before long conversations with the Baron
+Van der Capellen de Pal, and M. Gyselaer. They both complain to me, in
+the most pathetic terms, of the cruel situation of the friends of
+America and France in this Republic. They both say, that they are
+looking round every way like drowning men for support. The Province of
+Friesland, their great dependence, wavers, and many of their
+fellow-laborers are discouraged. They both inquired of me very
+earnestly, if closer connexions could not be formed with us; if we
+could not agree to warrant to each other the liberty of navigation, or
+enter into an alliance, offensive and defensive. They see they shall
+be obliged to make a shameful peace, and that the blame of it will
+fall upon them, which will give a triumph to the Court, and put their
+persons even in danger. They say, the King of France, by his
+Ambassador, in July, 1782, gave them a positive assurance that he
+would never separate his cause from theirs. In consequence of this,
+they had instructed their Ambassadors never to separate their cause
+from his. On their part the agreement had been sacredly observed, but
+not on the other. With Great Britain enraged against them, with a
+formidable party in the Republic furious against them, with the King
+of Prussia threatening them, and abandoned by France, their prospects
+are, they say, as disagreeable as can be conceived.
+
+There are many appearances of designs to excite the people to
+seditions, and I think it probable that the Court of London studies
+delays of the Definitive Treaty in this hope. I still believe,
+however, that the people will be wise and the Republic firm, and
+submit to the immense losses of the war, and that of Negapatnam,
+rather than renew their old submission to the Court and to England.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[10] The plan of the treaty with Sweden was sent out to Dr Franklin by
+Congress, and adopted with hardly a verbal alteration. See the plan,
+and the treaty as adopted, in the Secret Journals of Congress, Vol.
+III. pp. 227, 369.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, August 10th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the 6th I left the Hague, and last night arrived here. I had
+several interviews, on some of the last days at the Hague, which I had
+not time to give you an account of, as a great part of my time was
+taken up with visits to take leave of the Court, the President, the
+Grand Pensionary, Greffier, &c. ceremonies which must be repeated at
+every coming and going, and upon many other occasions, to the no small
+interruption of business of more importance.
+
+I asked the Count de Sanafee, the Spanish Minister, with whom I have
+always lived upon very good terms, whether it might not be possible to
+persuade his Court, that it would be good policy for them to allow to
+the citizens of the United States of America a free port, in some of
+their islands at least, if not upon the Continent of South America? He
+said he did not know; that he thought, however, his Court would be
+afraid of the measure, as free ports were nests of smugglers, and
+afforded many facilities of illicit trade, (_le commerce interlope_.)
+
+I asked him further, whether measures might not be taken at Madrid, to
+the end that the sugars, coffee, cocoa, &c. of their Colonies might be
+carried to the free ports of France, Holland, and Denmark, in the West
+Indies or one of them, in Spanish vessels, that they might be there
+purchased by Americans? He said he was not able to foresee any
+objection against this. I asked him again, what objections there
+could be to admitting American vessels to the Spanish Islands of Cuba
+and Hispaniola, to carry their produce and purchase molasses, as they
+did in the French and Dutch Colonies. Such a commerce would be useful
+and profitable both to them and to us. He said that he could not
+pretend to give any opinion upon any of these points. But that we must
+negotiate them at Madrid. I hope Congress will instruct their Minister
+at the Court of Madrid to propose all these things, and endeavor to
+obtain them.
+
+The Portuguese Envoy, Don Almeida, returned my visit, and brought with
+him a copy of the treaty between Spain and Portugal, made at Utrecht
+in 1715. This treaty was signed under the warranty of Great Britain,
+and one article of it is, that each nation shall confine the commerce
+with its possessions in America to its own subjects. I had much
+satisfaction in the conversation of this Minister, who, though a young
+man, appears possessed of more than common intelligence, and a desire
+to inform himself of everything which can affect his nation. He is, as
+he told me, a nephew of the present Prime Minister at the Court of
+Lisbon. He says, that the _King his master_, (a style which they
+continue to use, although the Queen is the sovereign, and her husband
+is but her subject) allows but sixty thousand Dutch guilders a year to
+his Ambassador at Versailles, which not being sufficient for his
+expenses at that Court, he is continued there because he is very rich;
+but that he is not a man of business.
+
+He again enlarged upon the subject of Portuguese navigation, which has
+been prettily increased, (_tres joliment augmente_) during the late
+war, and would have been still doubled if the war had continued
+another year; that their merchants and mariners had pushed their
+navigation with more spirit than skill; had sent their wines and other
+things in prize vessels purchased in France and Spain, all over
+Europe; but that their seamen not being experienced, many vessels had
+been lost, so that the price of insurance was ten per cent with them,
+when it was not more then three or four with other neutral nations;
+that the profits had nevertheless been so considerable, as to excite a
+strong inclination still to increase their shipping and
+carrying-trade. These observations are worth repeating to Congress,
+because all the other neutral powers have felt a like advantage. The
+commerce of the northern powers was so increased, and had turned the
+course of business that way to such a degree, as occasioned to the
+Danish Minister at Versailles, for example, a loss of forty per cent
+upon his salary. So much was exchange affected.
+
+The late belligerent powers, having observed this sudden increase of
+the commerce of the neutrals, and that it was owing to the sudden
+growth of their navigation, are alarmed. So that the attention of all
+the commercial nations is now turned to navigation, carrying-trade,
+coasting-trade, &c. more than ever. We should be apprised of this, and
+upon our guard. Our navigation and carrying-trade is not to be
+neglected. We have great advantages for many branches of it, and have
+a right to claim our natural share in it.
+
+This morning I went out to Passy, and found from Dr Franklin and Mr
+Jay, that nothing farther had been done since my departure, but to
+deliver to Mr Hartley a fair copy of the project of a definitive
+treaty, which I had left with my colleagues; that Mr Laurens had been
+here in my absence, and returned to England; that he was of opinion,
+the present British Ministry would not remain a fortnight; that Mr
+Hartley had been seven weeks without a letter from his principals, and
+then received only an apology for not having written, a promise to
+write soon, and authority to assure the American Ministers that all
+would go well. These last are words of course. There are but three
+ways in which I can account for this conduct of the British Ministry.
+1st. The fact is, that they foresee a change, and do not choose to
+commit themselves, but wish to reserve everything for the foundation
+of a future opposition, that they may attack the definitive treaty
+which may be made by a future Ministry, as they attacked the
+provisional and preliminary one, made by the last. 2dly. That they are
+exciting secretly and insidiously the troubles in the north, in hopes
+of involving France, and then assuming a higher tone. 3dly. That they
+are in expectation, that seditions may be excited in Holland, and the
+Dutch induced to renounce France, and renew the ancient alliance with
+England.
+
+I see no more appearance of the definitive treaty, than I have done
+these six months. Mr Hartley, I am told by Mr Jay, thinks that the
+French Court wish to delay the signature; that they do not wish to see
+the peace finished between England and America, while matters are
+uncertain in the north. There are so many considerations on both sides
+of the question, whether the French Minister wishes to finish soon or
+not, that it is hard to decide it. Neither Court possibly is very
+zealous to finish, while so great a scene as the northern war lies
+under so much obscurity.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, August 13th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Yesterday I went to Court with Dr Franklin, and presented to the Count
+de Vergennes our project of a definitive treaty, who told us he would
+examine it and give us his sentiments upon it.
+
+It was Ambassadors' day, and I had conversations with a number of
+Ministers, of which it is proper I should give you an account.
+
+The Dutch Ambassador, Berkenrode, told me, that last Saturday the
+Count de Vergennes went to Paris, and dined with the Imperial
+Ambassador, the Count de Mercy, in company with the Duke of
+Manchester, the Count d'Aranda, the Prince Bariatinski, and M.
+Markoff, with their Secretaries; that after dinner the Secretaries in
+presence of all the Ministers read over, compared, and corrected the
+definitive treaties between France and Great Britain, and between
+Spain and Great Britain, and finally agreed upon both. So that they
+are now ready for signature by the Ministers of Great Britain, France,
+and Spain as principals, and by those of the two Imperial Courts as
+mediators.
+
+The Duke of Manchester told me, that Mr Hartley's courier, who carried
+our project of a treaty, arrived in London last Saturday, and might be
+expected here on next Saturday on his return.
+
+In the evening, on my return from Versailles, Mr Hartley called upon
+me at my house, and informed me, that he had just received a courier
+from Westminster, who had brought him the ratification of our
+provisional treaty, under the King's own hand, and under the great
+seal of the kingdom, enclosed in a silver box, ornamented with golden
+tassels as usual, which he was ready to exchange tomorrow morning. He
+informed me farther, that he had received very satisfactory letters
+from the Duke of Portland and Mr Fox, and the strongest assurances,
+that the dispositions of his Court were very good to finish
+immediately, and to arrange all things upon the best footing; that he
+had farther received plenary authority to sign the definitive treaty
+tomorrow, or tonight, if we pleased; that he had received a draft
+ready formed, which he would show us.
+
+We agreed to go together in the morning to my colleagues, and this
+morning we went out in Mr Hartley's carriage, exchanged the
+ratifications, and he produced to us his project of a definitive
+treaty. It is the provisional treaty in so many words; without
+addition or diminution. It is only preceded with a preamble, which
+makes it a definitive treaty. And he proposed to us, that all matters
+of discussion respecting commerce or other things should be left to be
+discussed by Ministers, to be mutually appointed to reside in London
+and Philadelphia. We told him, that it had been proposed to us, that
+the Ministers of the two Imperial Courts should sign the treaty as
+mediators, and that we had answered, that we had no objection to it.
+
+He said, he had unanswerable ones. First, he had no authority, and
+could not obtain any certainly under ten days, nor probably ever. For
+secondly, it would, he thought, give great offence to his Court, and
+they never would agree that any nation should interfere between them
+and America. Thirdly, for his part, he was fully against it, and
+should write his opinion to his Court. If he was about to marry his
+daughter, or set up a son in the world, after he was of age, he would
+never admit any of his neighbors to interfere, and sign any contract
+he might make, as mediators. There was no need of it.
+
+We told him there was no need of warmth upon the occasion, or any
+pretence for his Court to take offence; that it had been proposed to
+us, that the Imperial Ministers should sign as mediators. Our answer
+had been, that we had no objections, that we were willing and ready to
+consent to it, or even to request it. His Court had a right to consent
+or dissent, as it thought proper. To be sure, the mediation could not
+take place without their consent. That he might write to his Court the
+proposition, and if he received orders to consent or dissent, it would
+be equally well. In the meantime, we were ready to sign the definitive
+treaty, either with or without the mediation, whenever the other
+parties were ready to sign, according to his project just received
+from his Court, that is, simply a repetition of the provisional
+treaty.
+
+We have agreed to this, because it is plain, that all propositions for
+alterations in the provisional articles will be an endless discussion,
+and that we must give more than we can hope to receive. The critical
+state of things in England, and at the Court of Versailles, and in all
+the rest of Europe, affords pressing motives to get this business
+finished.
+
+Mr Hartley told us from his Court, that they had expected an American
+Minister at St James's these three months, and that all further
+matters might be there discussed.
+
+He also announced to us the birth of another Princess, the fifteenth
+child of the Queen, upon which event he received our congratulations,
+which I hope Congress will approve and repeat by their Minister in
+London; for these personal and family compliments are more attended
+to in Courts, and have greater effects than may be imagined.
+
+I lament very much, that we cannot obtain an explanation of the
+article respecting the refugees, and that respecting debts; but it is
+plain, we must give more than they are worth for such explanations;
+and what is of more decisive importance, we must make a long delay,
+and put infinitely greater things at hazard by this means.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, August 13th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The question before the French cabinet, whether they shall involve
+themselves in a war against two Christian Empires, in order to support
+a Turkish one, is of a serious nature on many accounts. If the Turks
+should be driven out of Europe, France would lose some of the Levant
+trade, and some of the coasting trade of Italy; and these commercial
+and naval considerations are enforced by others, which lie deeper in
+the human heart, the ancient rivalry between the great Houses of
+Bourbon and Austria, and between the vast countries of Germany and
+France, and between all the lesser powers, which depend upon them. To
+these considerations is to be added, that an Austrian Princess is now
+upon the throne of France, to whom it is no doubt a melancholy
+consideration, that there is danger of a war between a husband and a
+brother.
+
+The city politicians are looking out for alliances with Prussia,
+Holland, and even England, but can find none. It cannot be expected
+that either will engage; yet the French Minister has gone far towards
+compromising his master, by augmenting the array to a war
+establishment, and by threatening to shut up the Mediterranean Sea.
+
+In this posture of affairs, it is not surprising, that there should be
+a fermentation at Versailles, and since my return to Paris, I find it
+is the general topic of conversation. Monsieur de Breteuil, late
+Ambassador to the Court of Vienna, who is supposed to be esteemed by
+the Queen, and connected with her friends, is lately, about a
+fortnight ago, called to the King's council, and the Mareschal de
+Castries, who is in the same interest, is said to be new modelling the
+subordinate offices in his department.
+
+From these, and many other considerations, it is generally concluded,
+that Count de Vergennes' continuance in the Ministry is precarious. Mr
+Hartley last night and today began conversation with me upon the
+subject, and is very sanguine that his Minister will continue in place
+but a very short time, and assures me that the Duke of Manchester is
+of the same opinion. I pretend to form no opinion, because I have ever
+carefully avoided conversations and connexions, which might be
+misinterpreted into an attachment to persons or parties in this
+kingdom.
+
+I know, that for the last nine months many sensible people have
+thought this Minister in a tottering situation; others think he will
+weather out the storm, which all people agree is preparing for him.
+Time will discover. One thing is agreed on all hands, that he is not
+in favor with the Queen, and as he has taken up the cause in a pretty
+high tone against the Emperor and Empress, if he should be now
+displaced, Congress, I think, may infer from it, that France will not
+take a part in the war; on the contrary, if he remains, it is probable
+she will.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, August 13th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Yesterday at Versailles, the Baron de Walterstorff came to me and told
+me he had delivered to Dr Franklin, a project of a treaty between the
+Court of Denmark and the United States, and asked me if Dr Franklin
+had shown it to me? I answered him, that I knew nothing of it. He
+said, he wondered at that, he presumed it was because of my absence at
+the Hague, for that it had been shown to Mr Jay. There by the way he
+was misinformed, for upon my return from Versailles, I called upon Mr
+Jay on purpose to ask him, and he assured me he had not seen it. I
+asked Walterstorff, if his orders were to propose his project to us
+all. He said no, this Court had been informed, that Dr Franklin was
+the Minister authorised and empowered by Congress to treat with all
+the powers of Europe, and they had for this reason sent him orders to
+deliver the project to Dr Franklin, but he supposed Dr Franklin would
+consult his colleagues. The same information, I doubt not, has been
+given to the Court of Portugal, and every other Court in Europe, viz.
+that Dr Franklin is alone empowered to treat with them; and in
+consequence of it, very probably, propositions have been or will be
+made to him from all of them, and he will keep the whole as secret as
+he can from Mr Jay, Mr Laurens, Mr Dana, and me.[11]
+
+Now I beg to be informed by Congress, whether he has such authority or
+not? Having never been informed of such powers, I do not believe he
+has them. I remember there was seven years ago a resolution of
+Congress, that their Commissioners at Versailles should have power to
+treat with other powers of Europe; but upon the dissolution of that
+commission this authority was dissolved with it; or if not, it still
+resides in Mr Deane, Mr Lee, and myself, who were once in that
+commission, as well as Dr Franklin. And if it is by virtue of this
+power he acts, he ought at least to communicate with me, who alone am
+present. I think, however, that neither he nor I have any legal
+authority, and therefore that he ought to communicate everything of
+this kind to all the Ministers here or hereabout, Mr Jay, Mr Laurens,
+and myself, at least.
+
+It is not from the vain wish of seeing my poor name upon a treaty,
+that I write this. If the business is well done, it is not of much
+importance in itself who does it.
+
+But my duty to my country obliges me to say, that I seriously believe
+this clandestine manner of smuggling treaties is contrived by European
+politicians on purpose, that Mr Jay and I may not have an opportunity
+of suggesting ideas for the preservation of American navigation,
+transport-trade, and nurseries of seamen. But in another point of view
+it is of equal importance. This method reflects contempt and ridicule
+on your other Ministers. When all Europe sees, that a number of your
+Ministers are kept here as a kind of satellites to Dr Franklin in the
+affair of peace, but that they are not to be consulted or asked a
+question, or even permitted to know the important negotiations which
+are here going on with all Europe, they fall into contempt. It cannot
+be supposed that Congress mean to cast this contempt upon us, because
+it cannot be supposed they mean to destroy the reputation, character,
+influence, and usefulness of those to whom in other respects they
+intrust powers of so much consequence; and therefore I am persuaded,
+that Congress is as much imposed on by it as the Courts of Europe are.
+
+I asked the Baron, what was the substance of the treaty. He said his
+Court had taken for a model, my treaty with Holland. I said nothing to
+him in answer to this, but I beg leave to say to Congress, that the
+negotiation with Holland was in very different circumstances. We were
+then in the fiercest rage of the war. A treaty with that Republic was
+at that time of as much weight in the war, as the captivity of
+Burgoyne or Cornwallis. A treaty with any power was worth a battle or
+a siege, and no moments of time were to be lost, especially in a
+country so divided, that unanimity being necessary, every proposition
+was dangerous. At present the case is altered, and we may take time to
+weigh and inquire. The Baron tells me, that St Thomas and St John, two
+of their Islands, are free ports, but that St Croix, which is of more
+importance than both, is not. That foreign vessels, our vessels, are
+permitted to bring our produce, and carry away half the value in
+sugar, &c. The Island produces, _communibus annis_, twenty thousand
+hogsheads of sugar, and their molasses is better than that of the
+French, because they make only "_sucres crutes_." He says, they have
+some sugar-houses at Copenhagen. But notwithstanding this, I think it
+is worth while for Congress to try if they cannot, by the treaty,
+obtain a right to take away cargoes, to the full value of those they
+bring. It is worth while to try too, if we cannot obtain a tariff, to
+ascertain the duties to be paid in exportation and importation. It is
+worth while too, to endeavor to get the duties ascertained in the
+Danish ports in Europe, at least that we may not pay in their ports
+more than they pay in ours; or that our vessels may not be obliged to
+pay more than theirs, especially when we import our own produce. I
+pretend not to be a master of these commercial subjects, but I think
+that Dr Franklin has not studied the subject more than myself, that
+both of us need the advice of Mr Laurens and Mr Jay, and that all of
+us want that of American merchants, and especially of Congress. I am
+therefore against this secret and hasty method of concluding treaties,
+at this time, when they may be more maturely reflected on.
+
+I know very well to what ill-natured remarks these reflections are
+liable, but they shall not hinder me from doing my duty. I do
+sincerely believe, there are clandestine insinuations going about to
+every commercial nation in the world, to excite them to increase their
+own navigation and seamen at the expense of ours, and that this
+smuggling of treaties is one means of accomplishing the design,
+although Dr Franklin may not be let into the secret of it. For, from
+long experience and observation, I am persuaded that one Minister at
+least and his dependants would prefer, that the navigation of any
+nation in the world, even that of the English, should grow, rather
+than ours. In the last _Courier de l'Europe_, it is said, that all the
+commercial powers are concerting measures to clip the wings of the
+eagle, and to prevent us from having a navy. I believe it. That is to
+say, I believe measures are taken with them all to bring them into
+this system, although they are not let into the secret design, and do
+not know from whom the measures come, nor with what views promoted.
+
+With great regard, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[11] Franklin did not assume this authority, but reported to Congress,
+that propositions for treaties had been made, and desired that
+authority to conclude them might be sent to him, or _some other
+person_. See on this subject, _Franklin's Correspondence_, Vol. IV.
+pp. 74, 97, 99, 110, 114, 141. For the treaty with Sweden he had a
+special authority. _Secret Journals_, Vol. III. p 240.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ Paris, August 15th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+France, England, Spain, and America are all agreed; but Mr Hartley is
+sanguine, that the treaty will not be signed, because, he says, the
+Count de Vergennes does not mean to sign it. His reasons for this
+opinion I know not, and I think he is mistaken. It is very certain,
+however, that the French Minister is embarrassed, and would not,
+perhaps, be sorry to find good reasons for postponing the signature
+for some time.
+
+Congress may judge in some degree of the situation of things, by the
+following conversation, which I had this morning with M. Brantzen, the
+Ambassador Extraordinary from the States-General, to whom I returned
+the visit he made me yesterday, when I was abroad.
+
+He told me, "that he was as far, and indeed farther than ever, from an
+agreement with the Duke of Manchester. He had given up, he said, all
+pretensions to a compensation for the unjust damages of the war, and
+he had in a manner waived his claim of the restitution of Negapatnam.
+But the Duke of Manchester now insisted peremptorily upon, not only
+all the ancient salutations from the Dutch flag to the English, but
+upon an unlimited liberty of navigation in all the seas of the East
+Indies. He had despatched an express to the Hague the day before
+yesterday, who would arrive today; but the Grand Pensionary was sick,
+and the States of Holland not sitting; so that there must be some time
+before he could have an answer. Concerning the salutes to the flag,
+there would be different opinions, but they would be all of a mind
+against the liberty of navigation in the Indies. He could not,
+therefore, expect from their High Mightinesses permission to sign, and
+the Count de Vergennes would be embarrassed. All the other powers were
+ready, and to make them wait would raise a cry.
+
+"To sign without Holland would raise a terrible storm in Holland
+against the Count, and no small one in France. And even, if the States
+should authorise him to sign a shameful peace, this would raise no
+less clamor in Holland and France against the Count. He will,
+therefore, not know what to do, and will seek to postpone; for the
+parties of the Marquis de Castries and of M. de Breteuil will take
+advantage of every clamor against the Count, as these parties wish M.
+de Breteuil in his place. I am persuaded, therefore, that the Count
+himself looks upon his own situation as very hazardous. It has been so
+a long time. It was his instability in his place that made him sign
+the preliminaries, for money to carry on the war could not be obtained
+without M. Necker, and M. Necker would not come in with the Count, as
+they were and are sworn enemies to each other. He was, therefore,
+reduced to the dilemma to make peace or go out. I have good reasons to
+believe, that the Mareschal de Castries disapproves of the Count's
+conduct towards our Republic. He certainly deceived me. The
+States-General did very wrong to bind me to leave so much to the
+French Minister; but I thought him an honest man, and that I could
+trust him; so I left things to him, according to my instructions,
+depending on his word, and, at last, I found myself the dupe. No, not
+a dupe, for I am always upon my guard not to be a dupe. But he
+deceived me; and when one, whom I have reason to believe an honest
+man, deceives me, I cannot call myself a dupe, for I can do no other
+than believe an honest man, when he gives me his word."
+
+In several of your letters, Sir, you have insisted on my reciting to
+you my conversations with foreign Ministers. You must not esteem them
+infallible oracles. They are often mistaken in their facts, and
+sometimes wrong in their reasonings. But these sentiments of M.
+Brantzen are of so much importance, that I thought proper to recite
+them. It will, indeed, be necessary for your foreign Ministers to be
+more inquisitive than we have been, and to transmit to Congress more
+information concerning the intrigues of Courts, than we have done. If
+the Mareschal de Castries and M. de Breteuil, who is now in the
+Council, and M. Necker are not friends to the Count de Vergennes, and
+all the world here agree they are not, Congress ought to know it.
+Although I would have so much respect to the Queen, as not to name her
+Majesty upon unnecessary occasions, yet, upon this, when she is sister
+to the Emperor, and the question at Court is, whether there shall be a
+war with her brother, it is obviously a matter of so much importance,
+as to make it a duty to communicate to Congress her sentiments, which
+all men here agree are favorable to de Castries and Breteuil, but not
+partial to the present Minister of foreign Affairs. I said in a former
+letter, if this Minister continues, there will be war; but I am told
+by some, if there is war, he cannot continue; for neither he, nor his
+friends, can raise the money. M. de Rayneval, however, affirmed
+positively to Mr Hartley, that nothing but death could remove the
+Count.[12]
+
+All these things show the critical and uncertain constitution of this
+Court, and the uncertainty when the definitive treaty will be signed,
+notwithstanding that four powers are agreed, and, therefore, I can
+give Congress no clear information upon that head. This is a great
+chagrin to me, both on account of the public and myself, because I am
+as uncertain about my own destiny as that of the public.
+
+With great respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[12] This affirmation was verified. The Count de Vergennes continued
+in the Ministry till his death, which happened, February 13th, 1787.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Paris, September 5th 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On Wednesday, the 3d day of this month, the American Ministers met the
+British Minister at his lodgings at the _Hotel de York_, and signed,
+sealed, and delivered the Definitive Treaty of Peace between the
+United States of America and the King of Great Britain. Although it is
+but a confirmation or repetition of the provisional articles, I have
+the honor to congratulate Congress upon it, as it is a completion of
+the work of peace, and the best that we could obtain. Nothing remains
+now to be done but a treaty of commerce; but this in my opinion cannot
+be negotiated without a new commission from Congress to some one or
+more persons. Time, it is easy to foresee, will not be likely to
+render the British nation more disposed to a regulation of commerce
+favorable to us, and therefore my advice is to issue a commission as
+soon as may be.
+
+There is another subject on which I beg leave to represent to Congress
+my sentiments, because they seem to me of importance, and because they
+differ from many sanguine opinions, which will be communicated to the
+members of that assembly from partisans both of England and France.
+
+In the late deliberations concerning an acceptance of the mediation of
+the Imperial Courts, the British Minister refused it, and in the
+conferences we had with the Count de Vergennes upon this subject, it
+was manifest enough to me that he was not fond of our accepting it;
+for although he maintained a perfect impartiality of language, neither
+advising us for, nor against the measure, yet at last, when it was
+observed that Mr Hartley was averse to it, he turned to Dr Franklin
+and said, that we must agree with Mr Hartley about it, with such a
+countenance, air, and tone of voice (for from these you must often
+collect the sentiments of Ministers) as convinced me he did not wish
+the mediation should take place.
+
+It was not a subject which would bear insisting on either way. I
+therefore made no difficulty. But I am, upon recollection, fully of
+opinion that we should have done wisely to have sent our letter to the
+Imperial Ministers, accepting the mediation on our part. The signature
+of these Ministers would have given reputation in Europe and among our
+own citizens. I mention these, because I humbly conceive that Congress
+ought, in all their proceedings, to consider the opinion that the
+United States or the people of America will entertain of themselves.
+We may call this national vanity or national pride, but it is the main
+principle of the national sense of its own dignity, and a passion in
+human nature, without which nations cannot preserve the character of
+man. Let the people lose this sentiment, as in Poland, and a partition
+of their country will soon take place. Our country has but lately been
+a dependent one, and our people although enlightened and virtuous,
+have had their minds and hearts habitually filled with all the
+passions of a dependent and subordinate people; that is to say, with
+fear, with diffidence, and distrust of themselves, with admiration of
+foreigners, &c. Now I say, that it is one of the most necessary and
+one of the most difficult branches of the policy of Congress to
+eradicate from the American mind, every remaining fibre of this fear
+and self-diffidence on one hand, and of this excessive admiration of
+foreigners on the other.
+
+It cannot be doubted one moment, that a solemn acknowledgment of us by
+the signature of the two Imperial Courts would have had such a
+tendency in the minds of our countrymen. But we should also consider,
+upon every occasion, how our reputation will be affected in Europe. We
+shall not find it easy to keep up the respect for us, that has been
+excited by the continual publication of the exploits of this war. In
+the calm of peace, little will be said about us in Europe unless we
+prepare for it, but by those who have designs upon us. We may depend
+upon it, everything will be said in Europe and in the gazettes, which
+anybody in Europe wants to have repeated in America, to make such
+impressions upon the minds of our citizens, as he desires. It will
+become us, therefore, to do everything in our power to make reasonable
+and just impressions upon the public opinion in Europe. The signature
+of the two Imperial Courts would have made a deep and important
+impression in our favor, upon full one half of Europe, as friends to
+those Courts, and upon all the other half as enemies.
+
+I need not explain myself further. I may however add, that Americans
+can scarcely conceive the decisive influence of the governments of
+Europe upon their people. Every nation is a piece of clockwork, every
+wheel is under the absolute direction of the sovereign as its weight
+or spring. In consequence of this, all that moiety of mankind that are
+subject to the two imperial Courts and their allies, would, in
+consequence of their mediation have been openly and decidedly our
+friends at this hour, and the other half of Europe would certainly
+have respected us more for this. But at present, the two Imperial
+Courts not having signed the treaty, all their friends are left in a
+state of doubt and timidity concerning us. From all the conversations
+I have had with the Count de Mercy and M. Markoff, it is certain that
+the two Courts wished, as these Ministers certainly were ambitious to,
+sign our treaty. They and their sovereigns wished that their names
+might be read in America, and there respected as our friends. But this
+is now past. England and France will be most perfectly united in all
+artifices and endeavors to keep down our reputation at home and
+abroad, to mortify our self-conceit, and to lessen us in the opinion
+of the world. If we will not see, we must be the dupes; we need not,
+for we have in our own power, with the common blessing, the means of
+everything we want. There is but one course now left to retrieve the
+error, and that is to send a Minister to Vienna with power to make a
+treaty with both the Imperial Courts. Congress must send a Minister
+first, or it will never be done. The Emperor never sends first, nor
+will England ever send a Minister to America, until Congress shall
+have sent one to London.
+
+To form immediate commercial connexions with that half of Europe,
+which ever has been, and with little variations ever will be, opposite
+to the House of Bourbon, is a fundamental maxim of that system of
+American politics, which I have pursued invariably from the beginning
+of this war. It is the only means of preserving the respect of the
+House of Bourbon itself; it is the only means in conjunction with our
+connexions with the House of Bourbon, already formed, to secure us the
+respect of England for any length of time, and to keep us out of
+another war with that kingdom. It is, in short, the only possible
+means of securing to our country that peace, neutrality, impartiality,
+and indifference in European wars, which, in my opinion, we shall be
+unwise in the last degree, if we do not maintain. It is, besides, the
+only way in which we can improve and extend our commercial connexions
+to the best advantage.
+
+With great respect, I am,
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ELIAS BOUDINOT, PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Paris, September 8th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Yesterday morning Mr Jay informed me, that Dr Franklin had received,
+and soon after the Doctor put into my hands, the resolution of
+Congress of the 1st of May,[13] ordering a commission and instructions
+to be prepared to those gentlemen and myself for making a Treaty of
+Commerce with Great Britain. This resolution, with your Excellency's
+letter, arrived very seasonably, as Mr Hartley was setting off for
+London with information from us, that our powers were executed.
+
+I am very sensible of the honor, that is done me by this resolution of
+Congress, and of the great importance of the business committed to our
+care; and shall not, therefore, hesitate to take a part in it. I can
+attend to this business, and at the same time have some care of your
+affairs in Holland; and in case the present loan should be full in the
+course of the next winter, I can open a new one, either by going to
+Amsterdam, or by having the obligation sent to me in Paris to be
+signed. In this way there will be no additional expense to the public,
+as I have informed M. Dumas, that there must be no expense made at the
+Hague on my account, or on account of Congress, but that all his
+expenses must be borne by himself, or he must at least settle them
+with Congress. I have so much regard for this gentleman, and such an
+opinion of his worth and merit, that I cannot but recommend him upon
+this occasion to Congress, for the commission of Secretary of that
+Legation, but as economy is and ought to be carefully attended to, I
+presume not to point out the salary, which will be proper. There are
+so many ways of pillaging public men in Europe, that it will be
+difficult for Congress to conceive the expenses, which are unavoidable
+in these countries.
+
+If the principle of economy should restrain Congress from sending
+Ministers to Vienna, Petersburg, Copenhagen and Lisbon, they will
+probably send a commission to Paris to negotiate treaties there,
+because I think it will appear to be of great importance, both in a
+political and commercial light, to have treaties with these powers. If
+this should be the case, as three of us will be now obliged to attend
+at Paris the tedious negotiation with every Court, we can all at the
+same time and with the same expense attend to the negotiations with
+the other powers; which will afford to all an opportunity of throwing
+in any hints, which may occur for the public good, and will have a
+much better appearance in the eyes of Europe and America. I do not
+hesitate, therefore, to request, that if such a commission or
+commissions should be sent, that all your Ministers in Europe may be
+inserted in it. If the arrangement should make any difficulty in
+America, it will make none with me; for although I think there was
+good reason for the order in which the names stand in the new
+commission for peace, and in the resolution for a new commission for a
+treaty of commerce, that reason will not exist in any future
+commission.
+
+Mr Hartley's powers are sufficient to go through the negotiation with
+us, and I suppose it will be chiefly conducted at Paris, yet we may
+all think it proper to make a tour to London, for a few weeks
+especially, in case any material obstacle should arise. We are told,
+that such a visit would have a good effect at Court and with the
+nation; at least, it seems clear it would do no harm.
+
+With the greatest respect and esteem, I have the honor to be, Sir,
+your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[13] "Ordered, That a commission be prepared to John Adams, Benjamin
+Franklin, and John Jay, authorising them, or either of them in the
+absence of the others, to enter into a treaty of commerce between the
+United States of America and Great Britain, subject to the revisal of
+the contracting parties previous to its final conclusion; and, in the
+meantime, to enter into a commercial convention, to continue in force
+one year."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Paris, September 8th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+As the resolution of Congress of the 1st of May has determined it to
+be my duty to remain in Europe, at least another winter, I shall be
+obliged to say many things to your Excellency by letter, which I
+hoped to have had the honor of saying upon the floor of your house.
+Some of these things may be thought at first of little consequence,
+but time, and inquiry, and consideration, will show them to have
+weight. Of this sort, is the subject of this letter.
+
+The views and designs, the intrigues and projects of Courts, are let
+out by insensible degrees, and with infinite art and delicacy in the
+gazettes.
+
+These channels of communication are very numerous; and they are
+artificially complicated in such a manner, that very few persons are
+able to trace the sources from whence insinuations and projects flow.
+The English papers are an engine, by which everything is scattered all
+over the world. They are open and free. The eyes of mankind are fixed
+upon them. They are taken by all Courts and all politicians, and by
+almost all gazetteers. Of these papers, the French emissaries in
+London, even in time of war, but especially in time of peace, make a
+very great use; they insert in them things which they wish to have
+circulated far and wide. Some of the paragraphs inserted in them will
+do to circulate through all Europe, and some will not do in the
+_Courier de l'Europe_. This is the most artful paper in the world; it
+is continually accommodating between the French and English Ministry.
+If it should offend the English essentially, the Ministry would
+prevent its publication; if it should sin against the French
+unpardonably, the Ministry would instantly stop its circulation; it
+is, therefore, continually under the influence of the French
+Ministers, whose under-workers have many things translated into it
+from the English papers, and many others inserted in it originally,
+both to the end, that they may be circulated over the world, and
+particularly that they may be seen by the King of France, who reads
+this paper constantly. From the English papers and the _Courier de
+l'Europe_, many things are transferred into various other gazettes,
+the _Courier du Bas Rhin_, the _Gazette de Deux Ponts_, the _Courier
+d'Avignon_, and the _Gazette des Pays Bas_. The Gazettes of Leyden and
+Amsterdam, are sometimes used for the more grave and solid objects,
+those of Deux Ponts and d'Avignon for popular topics, the small talk
+of coffee-houses, and still smaller and lower circles.
+
+All these papers and many others discover a perpetual complaisance for
+the French Ministry, because they are always in their power so
+entirely, that if an offensive paragraph appears, the entrance and
+distribution of the gazette may be stopped by an order from Court, by
+which the gazetteer loses the sale of his paper in France, which is a
+great pecuniary object. Whoever shall hereafter come to Europe in any
+public employment, and take in the papers above enumerated, will
+acknowledge his obligations to me for mentioning them. He will find
+them a constant source of amusement, and sometimes of useful
+discoveries. I may hereafter possibly entertain Congress with some
+curious speculations from these gazettes, which have all their
+attention fixed upon us, and very often honor us with their
+animadversions, sometimes with their grave counsels, but oftener still
+with very subtle and sly insinuations.
+
+With great respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Paris, September 10th, 1783.
+
+ Sir,
+
+As I am to remain in Europe for some time longer, I beg leave to take
+a cursory view of what appears necessary or expedient to be further
+done in Europe; for I conceive it to be not only the right but the
+duty of a Foreign Minister, to advise his Sovereign, according to his
+lights and judgments, although the more extensive information and
+superior wisdom of the Sovereign, may frequently see cause to pursue a
+different conduct.
+
+With Spain no doubt Congress will negotiate by a particular Minister,
+either the present one or another, and perhaps it would be proper that
+the same should treat with Naples. With the two Empires, Prussia,
+Denmark, Portugal, Sardinia and Tuscany, I humbly conceive, it might
+be proper to negotiate, and perhaps with Hamburg; but there are other
+powers with whom it is more necessary to have treaties than it ought
+to be, I mean Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli.
+
+I presume that Congress will not think it expedient to be at the
+expense of sending Ministers to all these powers, if to any. Perhaps
+in the present state of our finances it may not be worth while to send
+any. Yet the present time is the best to negotiate with all. I submit
+it to consideration then, whether it is not advisable to send a
+commission to such Minister as you judge proper, with full powers to
+treat with all, to the Ministers now in Paris, or to any others. But I
+humbly conceive, that if powers to treat with all or any of these
+States are sent to any of your Ministers now here, it would be for the
+public good, that they should be sent to all. If Congress can find
+funds to treat with the Barbary Powers, the Ministers here are the
+best situated, for they should apply to the Court of Versailles and
+their High Mightinesses in the first place, that orders should be sent
+to their Consuls according to treaties to assist us. Ministers here
+may carry on this negotiation by letters, or may be empowered to send
+an agent if necessary. I have no private interest in this business. My
+salary will be the same, my expenses more, and labor much increased by
+such a measure. But as it is of public importance, I think, that no
+unnecessary delicacies should restrain me from suggesting these hints
+to Congress. Whatever their determination may be, will be satisfactory
+to me.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, your Excellency's,
+&c.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF
+
+JOHN JAY;
+
+
+MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY TO THE COURT OF SPAIN, AND ONE OF THE
+COMMISSIONERS FOR NEGOTIATING PEACE.
+
+
+
+
+John Jay was a member of the first Congress, which assembled at
+Philadelphia in September, 1774, having been, with four other persons,
+chosen a delegate from the city and county of New York. He was also in
+the Congress of the following year, but after the organization of the
+government of New York he was made Chief Justice of the State, and
+retired from Congress. On the 21st of October, 1778, even while he
+held the office of Chief Justice, he was elected by the Assembly a
+delegate to Congress for a specific object, till the first of March
+following. The Assembly at the same time declared, that by the
+constitution of New York both these stations were consistent with each
+other.
+
+Mr Jay joined the Congress on the 7th of December, and was elected
+President of that body three days afterwards, as the successor of
+Henry Laurens. He discharged this office with great dignity and credit
+to himself till September 27th, 1779, when he was appointed Minister
+Plenipotentiary to negotiate a treaty of amity and alliance with
+Spain. He sailed for France about the first of November in the same
+ship with M. Gerard, who had been the late French Minister in the
+United States. Accidents at sea compelled the Captain of the vessel to
+put into Martinique, whence Mr Jay sailed in another vessel for
+Europe, and arrived at Cadiz on the 22d of January, 1780. Here he
+remained between two and three months, and then proceeded to Madrid,
+and entered on the duties of his mission.
+
+The two principal objects, which Mr Jay was instructed to obtain, were
+a grant of aids in money and military supplies from Spain, to assist
+in prosecuting the war against the common enemy, and a treaty between
+Spain and the United States. After encountering for more than two
+years innumerable embarrassments, vexatious delays, cold treatment,
+and a provoking indifference, that would have exhausted the patience,
+if not ruffled the temper of most men, he met with very little success
+in the former object, and none at all in the latter. The Spanish Court
+seemed nowise inclined to recognize the independence of the United
+States, or to show them any substantial marks of friendship, and yet
+there was evidently a willingness to keep on terms, and be prepared to
+act according to the issue of events. Tardy promises of money were
+made by the Minister, which he was reluctant to fulfil, and it was
+with extreme difficulty at last, that Mr Jay succeeded in procuring
+from his Catholic Majesty the pitiful loan of one hundred and fifty
+thousand dollars. In the treaty he made no progress, but was put off
+from time to time, with pretences as frivolous as they were insincere.
+He was never received in his public capacity, nor in any other
+character than that of a private gentleman empowered to act as Agent
+for the United States. In short, it must be confessed, that the
+conduct of Spain, in regard to this country during the revolutionary
+war, was not such as to inspire the gratitude or respect of succeeding
+generations.
+
+Meantime, on the 13th of June, 1781, Mr Jay was chosen one of the
+Commissioners for negotiating a peace, when the parties at war should
+be prepared for such an event. Having already made considerable
+progress with Mr Oswald in the treaty; and being persuaded that the
+British government were in earnest as to their professed desire for
+peace, Dr Franklin wrote to Mr Jay requesting him to repair to Paris,
+and join in the negotiation. He arrived in that city on the 23d of
+June, 1782, and shortly afterwards engaged in the duties of his
+commission with his colleague. Mr Adams did not arrive till the 26th
+of October. The preliminary articles were signed on the 30th of
+November.
+
+Mr Jay continued in Europe the year following, and signed, with the
+other Commissioners, the Definitive Treaty, September 3d, 1783.
+Several months previously he had asked permission to return home, but
+he did not embark till June 1st, 1794. He arrived in New York on the
+24th of July following.
+
+It having been understood that he would soon return, Congress had
+elected him Secretary of Foreign Affairs on the 7th of May, as
+successor to Mr Livingston, who had resigned some time before. He
+accepted this appointment, and took charge of the office, which he
+filled with the same dignity and ability, that had marked his conduct
+in every public station.
+
+
+
+
+THE CORRESPONDENCE
+
+OF
+
+JOHN JAY.
+
+
+ INSTRUCTIONS TO JOHN JAY, MINISTER FOR NEGOTIATING
+ A TREATY WITH SPAIN.
+
+ In Congress, September 29th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+By the treaties subsisting between his Most Christian Majesty and the
+United States of America, a power is reserved to his Catholic Majesty
+to accede to the said treaties, and to participate in their
+stipulations, at such time as he shall judge proper, it being well
+understood, nevertheless, that if any of the stipulations of the said
+treaties are not agreeable to the Court of Spain, his Catholic Majesty
+may propose other conditions analogous to the principal aim of the
+alliance, and conformable to the rules of equality, reciprocity, and
+friendship. Congress is sensible of the friendly regard to these
+States manifested by his Most Christian Majesty, in reserving a power
+to his Catholic Majesty of acceding to the alliance entered into
+between his Most Christian Majesty and these United States; and,
+therefore, that nothing may be wanting on their part to facilitate
+the views of his Most Christian Majesty, and to obtain a treaty of
+alliance, and of amity and commerce with his Catholic Majesty, have
+thought proper to anticipate any propositions, which his Catholic
+Majesty might make on that subject, by yielding up to him those
+objects, which they conclude he may have principally in view; and for
+that purpose have come to the following resolution;
+
+That if his Catholic Majesty shall accede to the said treaties, and,
+in concurrence with France and the United States of America, continue
+the present war with Great Britain for the purpose expressed in the
+treaties aforesaid, he shall not thereby be precluded from securing to
+himself the Floridas; on the contrary, if he shall obtain the Floridas
+from Great Britain, these United States will guaranty the same to his
+Catholic Majesty; provided always, that the United States shall enjoy
+the free navigation of the river Mississippi into and from the sea.
+
+You are, therefore, to communicate to his Most Christian Majesty the
+desire of Congress to enter into a treaty of alliance, and of amity
+and commerce with his Catholic Majesty, and to request his favorable
+interposition for that purpose. At the same time, you are to make such
+proposal to his Catholic Majesty, as in your judgment, from
+circumstances, will be proper for obtaining for the United States of
+America equal advantages with those, which are secured to them by the
+treaties with his Most Christian Majesty; observing always the
+resolution aforesaid as the ultimatum of the United States.
+
+You are particularly to endeavor to obtain some convenient port or
+ports below the thirtyfirst degree of north latitude, on the river
+Mississippi, for all merchant vessels, goods, wares, and merchandises,
+belonging to the inhabitants of these States.
+
+The distressed state of our finances, and the great depreciation of
+our paper money, inclined Congress to hope that his Catholic Majesty,
+if he shall conclude a treaty with these States, will be induced to
+lend them money; you are, therefore, to represent to him the great
+distress of these States on that account, and to solicit a loan of
+five millions of dollars upon the best terms in your power, not
+exceeding six per cent per annum, effectually to enable them to
+co-operate with the allies against the common enemy. But before you
+make any propositions to his Catholic Majesty for a loan, you are to
+endeavor to obtain a subsidy in consideration of the guarantee
+aforesaid.[14]
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[14] The above is the form in which the instructions were reported by
+a committee.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ St Pierre's, Martinique, December 20th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+This is the only opportunity of transmitting a letter to Philadelphia
+since our arrival; and as the route, which this is to take, will be
+very circuitous and doubtful, it will be short and general.
+
+Having lost our bowsprit, all our masts, and many of our sails, as
+well as split our rudder, off the Banks of Newfoundland, we steered
+for this Island, and arrived yesterday afternoon. The Governor and
+Admiral are at Port Royal. They are informed of our being here, and I
+shall see them either at this or that place, according as we shall
+find it to be their intention to come to the one, or remain at the
+other. Till then, it must continue doubtful, whether we shall be able
+to obtain a passage in a French frigate, or speedily refit our own;
+neither of which can be done without the interposition of government.
+
+Two days hence, a vessel will sail for St Eustatia. I shall write more
+particularly by her, and it is more than probable, that those letters
+will come to hand before this.
+
+Yesterday, a fleet of twentyfive merchant-men under the convoy of a
+frigate, bound from France to this place, were attacked on the
+southern coast of Martinique, near Port Royal, by a number of the
+enemy's ships of war from St Lucia. Fourteen merchant-men were
+captured, and two driven on shore. The rest escaped during a very
+severe action between three line of battle ships under Monsieur le
+Motte Piquet, (who went from Port Royal to their relief) and double
+the number of the enemy. This intelligence was communicated to me this
+morning by the commanding officer here.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ St Pierre's, Martinique, December 22d, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+By a message received yesterday afternoon from the Marquis de Boullie,
+I find there is no reason to expect him or the Admiral here very soon.
+We shall, therefore, set out for Port Royal early tomorrow morning,
+and endeavor to get our ship refitted as soon as possible. She will
+follow us in a day or two, and, as the enemy's ships of war are
+frequently cruising near the Island, she will go under convoy; four of
+them are now in sight of this town.
+
+It seems agreed on all hands, that the expense of refitting the
+Confederacy will be very considerable. To reduce this matter to
+greater certainty, I have desired the captain to make out an estimate
+of his wants; he promised to prepare it, and give me a copy this
+evening. If I receive it before nine o'clock, it will accompany this
+letter, otherwise it will be transmitted by the next conveyance.
+
+The agent here tells me, he is without cash, and in debt on the public
+account. I fear he has been neglected. I shall, however, defer saying
+anything further on his subject till I shall be better informed.
+Should an opportunity offer of writing to your Excellency from Port
+Royal, I shall embrace it, if not, I shall take the first after my
+return. As the government here will, I hope, advance the money
+necessary for preparing the frigate for sea, I am anxious that you may
+have the earliest intelligence of it, that timely provision may be
+made for the payment.
+
+Of the fleet mentioned in my letter of the 20th instant, only nine
+were taken or destroyed.
+
+_7 o'clock._--I had written thus far, when Captain Harding called upon
+me. He has made out an estimate of the ship's wants, and given it to
+Mr Bingham, without having made a copy for me, which it is now too
+late to do to go by this vessel.
+
+On our return from Port Royal, the captain will transmit particular
+accounts of everything respecting the ship, which he ought to
+communicate. He has been too much engaged to prepare his despatches to
+go by this vessel, and, therefore, postpones writing for the present,
+especially as he would have leisure only to repeat the general account
+of our misfortune contained in my letter.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ St Pierre's, Martinique, December 24th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+My former letters to your Excellency of the 20th and 22d instant, (a
+triplicate of the former, and a duplicate of the latter are herewith
+enclosed) have already informed Congress of the disaster, which
+imposed upon us the necessity of coming hither. But as that necessity
+has been and still continues the subject of much inquiry and
+investigation, it is proper that the facts from which it arose be
+minutely stated.
+
+On the 7th day of November last, between the hours of five and six in
+the morning, in latitude 41 03 N. and longitude 50 39 W. the Captain
+being in bed indisposed, and the master and second lieutenant on deck,
+the ship going nine knots an hour in a brisk breeze and rough sea, but
+by no means hard weather, her bowsprit and all her masts gave way in
+less than three minutes. The day was employed in clearing the ship of
+the wreck, and getting up a little sail; towards evening a heavy gale
+came on. During the night, the tiller was lashed fast, and she lay too
+very well, the wind blowing hard at south east. The next morning the
+shank of the rudder was found to be so much wrenched and split, that
+the Captain then told me he thought it a greater misfortune than the
+loss of the masts. There were two French gentlemen on board, who, it
+was said, and I believe with truth, were well skilled in maritime
+affairs, having been bred to that business from their infancy, viz.
+Monsieur Roche, a Knight of the Order of St Louis, and a Captain
+Remuy, of Marseilles. Either this day or the next, I am not certain
+which, M. Gerard remarked to me, that without any previous counsel,
+it seemed to be the unanimous opinion of all the naval officers on
+board to go to the West Indies, and that he believed it would be best,
+though he said he was at first inclined to oppose it. The first
+expedient to steer the ship was by the cable and a spar; below the
+split in the rudder there was a bolt with two rings, to which it had
+been intended to fix a chain for the purpose of steering the ship in
+case of such accidents, but the fixing the chains had been omitted;
+through this ring the Captain passed a chain, and to each end of it
+fastened a strong rope, which was conducted over the quarters, and
+this was the second mode of steering her; but from the uncommon
+breadth of the rudder by which its power became unusually great, and
+the acuteness of the angle between it and the chains rendering a
+greater force necessary than if it had approached nearer to a right
+angle; the bolt, though to appearance a good one, broke nearly in the
+middle, and came out.
+
+It seems the rudder of this ship was hung after she had been launched,
+and that to do it the more easily an eyebolt had been fixed in each
+side of the rudder below the shank; to these eyebolts two chains were
+then fixed, which crossing the edge of the rudder in opposite
+directions, were fastened to pennants made of cordage, provided for
+the breechings of our twelve pounders. These pennants passed through
+blocks at the end of spars, run out of the ports of the cabin. From
+thence they were led through blocks in opposite ports of the main deck
+to the capstan, by means of which they were very conveniently managed,
+and the ship without much difficulty steered. Such however was the
+force and wear they underwent before our arrival in calmer latitudes
+and smoother seas, that they generally gave way every day or two; and
+the Captain tells me, no less than six hundred weight of that cordage
+has been consumed in that service.
+
+So great was the swell off the Banks, and so high, though not severe
+the winds, that near a fortnight elapsed before the ship was put in
+her present condition for sailing. The same obstacles also retarded
+the repairing of the rudder, which after all was so weak that it was
+not thought advisable to steer by the tiller, and to prevent any
+further injury from its striking against the ship, which it constantly
+did in calm weather, bags stuffed with oakum were placed on each side
+of it, and a man employed night and day to tend them.
+
+Some days before the 23d day of November, the Captain told me, he
+thought it advisable to call a council of his officers, and submit to
+their consideration the propriety of continuing our course towards
+Europe. M. Gerard shortly after mentioned to me the sitting of this
+council, and said, he could assure me that the Chevalier Roche and
+Monsieur Remuy would not give their opinions on the subject but in
+writing, and on being requested to do it in writing by the Captain.
+This intelligence appeared to me extraordinary, but as it was not
+necessary that my sentiments relative to it should be known, I made no
+reply to M. Gerard, but by degrees turned the conversation to another
+subject; nor did I give the least hint of it to the Captain, but
+observed a perfect silence relative to it. It appeared to me that
+those gentlemen either overrated their importance, or entertained
+improper ideas of the merit of our officers, and I confess it gave me
+pleasure to hear that they were not consulted at all.
+
+The council of officers was held the 23d of November last. The
+Captain gave me their report, together with a return of the provisions
+and water on board, and assured me of his readiness to proceed to any
+port whatever, that M. Gerard and myself should direct. I gave these
+papers to M. Gerard, and although I did not think it expedient by
+consulting the French officers to give them reason to suppose, that I
+concurred in sentiments with them as to the importance of their
+opinions, yet I told M. Gerard, I was well satisfied he should
+communicate to them the report of our officers, and obtain their
+sentiments on the question stated in it, and the better to enable him
+to do it, I proposed that we should postpone the discussion of the
+subject till the next day, or longer if necessary. He took the papers,
+said it was very well, and that he would speak to those gentlemen. A
+day or two after, being on deck, M. Gerard took me aside and gave me
+the papers, telling me he had seen these gentlemen, and that they both
+declined giving any opinion about it; that they had always been, and
+still were, ready to do anything for the benefit of the ship; that had
+they been requested to give their opinions while the matter was in
+agitation, they would have done it; that it was now over, and
+determined; that under these circumstances their opinion would be of
+no avail, and that they did not choose, by declaring their sentiments,
+either to confirm the report, or give it ineffectual opposition. M.
+Gerard further intimated, that those gentlemen seemed to think their
+giving their advice in the course of our troubles had given offence to
+the officers of the ship; but I had never reason to think their
+apprehensions well founded. Upon this conduct of those gentlemen, I
+briefly observed to M. Gerard, that as they were passengers, we had
+no right to demand their opinions, and that they had a right to
+withhold them, or not, as they pleased, and for such reasons as they
+might think proper; but that as the Captain of the ship had been
+directed by the marine committee to obey such orders as he should
+receive from us, it was necessary that in the present conjuncture we
+should decide on the report; that the Captain, in my opinion, would
+not be justifiable in further pursuing his course against the solemn
+and unanimous opinion of all the officers, unless by our express
+orders; and he would be culpable in changing it, without a previous
+application to us for direction. M. Gerard observed, that he was
+sensible of the honor done him by the order alluded to, but that it
+was not convenient to him to give any opinion or direction on the
+subject. It did not appear to me prudent to reply to this, and
+therefore I took the first opportunity of turning the conversation to
+another topic. As this circumstance prevented the Captain's receiving
+any positive orders from us on the subject, he was of course left to
+pursue his own judgment, but being desirous of my opinion, I gave it
+to him, in the manner endorsed on the report of the council, of which
+a copy is herewith enclosed.
+
+The reasons on which this opinion was grounded are, in part, contained
+in this report, but there were others not mentioned in it. That
+Congress may the better judge of their force, it is necessary that
+they be informed of some previous circumstances.
+
+The first fair day after losing our masts, I went to the door of M.
+Gerard's room on the deck, which was open, to bid him good morning.
+Chevalier Roche was with him; they were conversing on the course most
+proper for us to steer, and the port most proper to make for. M.
+Gerard was for going to Cadiz; he had an excellent set of charts, and
+he had then one of the Atlantic Ocean, with its American, European,
+and African Coasts, and the intervening islands, before him. By the
+assistance of this map we perfectly understood his reasoning. The
+Chevalier at that time inclined to the West Indies, and I heard him,
+on leaving the room, tell M. Gerard, that to endeavor to get to Europe
+in the present condition of the ship, would be to "_run a very great
+risk of perishing in the ocean_." Some time after this, M. Gerard
+perceiving that I had adopted no decided opinion on the subject, (and
+that was really the case) in the course of an evening he spent with us
+in the cabin, (none of the officers of the ship being present) desired
+me to attend particularly to his several reasons for going to Cadiz,
+and consider them maturely before I made up my judgment. I promised
+him to do it, and was as good as my word. He proceeded to observe;
+
+1st. That the distance to Cadiz and to Martinique differed but little,
+and that no weighty argument could be drawn from this difference.
+
+2dly. That between us and Cadiz lay the Western and Canary Islands,
+into some one or other of which we might run, if necessary.
+
+3dly. That if, on our arrival at either of these Islands, it should
+appear impracticable or imprudent to proceed further, our persons at
+least would be safe, and we might get to Europe in one of the many
+vessels, which frequent those Islands; whereas, on the other hand,
+there were no Islands between us and Martinique, and we should, in
+steering southward, be obliged to run all that distance without
+finding any place by the way, at which we might touch, or, in case of
+danger, find shelter.
+
+4thly. That if calmer seas were our object, we should find them in
+going eastward as well as southward; that we must not expect to meet
+with the trade winds at that season but in a very remote southern
+latitude; that in crossing the latitude of Bermudas, we should meet
+with heavy squalls, and bad weather; that in the latitude between that
+and the trade winds, we must expect variable winds, and particularly
+long calms, which are often more dangerous, and more to be dreaded
+than hard winds.
+
+5thly. That in a voyage to Cadiz, we should have nothing to apprehend
+from the enemy, but to Martinique, everything.
+
+6thly. That if we should arrive safe at Martinique, we should probably
+be detained there until next Spring; that the vessels, which usually
+sail from thence for France every fall, would have departed before the
+time we should reach the Island; that he had reason to believe it
+would be very difficult, if not impracticable, to obtain a frigate,
+and, among other reasons, urged the absence of Count d'Estaing, and
+the improbability that any subordinate officer would undertake without
+his orders to grant us one, even admitting what was very unlikely,
+that one might be spared from the service.
+
+7thly. That the ship might remain long at Martinique without being
+made ready for sea, for want of naval stores, provisions, &c.
+
+These were M. Gerard's reasons for our steering for Cadiz, by the way
+of the Azores, and I do not remember to have afterwards heard an
+additional one. Whether the French officers really thought them
+conclusive, or whether they found it convenient to make a compliment
+of their sentiments to a gentleman very able to serve them, is
+uncertain; but I believe they in appearance inclined to M. Gerard's
+opinion, and gave him implied reasons to think their sentiments
+corresponded with his.
+
+The matter appeared to me in a serious light, and to require caution
+on many accounts. Every consideration called me to Spain; private as
+well as public good forbade a difference with M. Gerard. I had reason
+to believe him well disposed towards me; I perceived, clearly, that he
+could not with any patience admit the idea of being absent from Europe
+at so important a season, and that he could scarcely treat with common
+decency the reasons urged for going to Martinique. Hence it appeared
+obvious, that should I be the means of his losing his objects, or
+should any public inconveniences result from our not being in Europe
+during the winter, I should be censured, not only by him, but by all
+those who judge of the propriety of a measure only by its
+consequences, of which number are the far greater part of mankind.
+Thus circumstanced, I found myself in a very unpleasant situation,
+without any way of extricating myself, but by agreeing to a sort of
+middle proposal; viz. to order the Captain to land us on one of the
+Western Islands, and then leave the ship to shift for herself. This
+would have satisfied M. Gerard, and we should have been as good
+friends as ever. I thought it my duty, however, to form my decision
+carefully, and honestly, and abide by it firmly. It was that we should
+proceed to Martinique. Some of the reasons for it are set forth in the
+report of the council of officers. The whole together were briefly
+these.
+
+1st. That the officers of the ship, including the carpenter, who were
+to be presumed to be better judges than M. Gerard or myself, were of
+opinion, that we ought not to attempt to go to Europe, and had this
+reason stood single and unexplained, I should not readily have
+ventured to reject it, especially as it appeared to me against the
+interest of the officers to come to the West Indies, and I have heard
+them constantly and uniformly regret the necessity of it; but I also
+thought they decided on good grounds; for
+
+2dly. The rudder daily gave us infinite trouble, almost everyday a
+pennant breaking, and on every such occasion the ship for some time
+left to the direction of the wind and waves, a circumstance which
+might be fatal in hard weather, and near land; the quantity of cordage
+consumed in this way of steering; the doubt of our having sufficient
+for the purpose without stripping the guns, which would thereby be
+rendered useless; the rudder irons daily becoming more and more loose,
+and, by the nails drawing out, opening a passage for the water into
+the stem of the ship. By this circumstance our bread had been damaged;
+the danger of our being obliged to get rid of the rudder entirely, and
+steering only by the cable, which in northern seas, and winter season,
+is very inadequate. This event would have arrived in case either of
+the eye bolts in the rudder had given way, as the first mentioned one
+had done, or the upper irons become entirely loose; and for this event
+it was thought necessary to prepare, by removing the obstacles to
+unhanging the rudder. Indeed the upper irons in the course of our
+passage here, with fair winds and no storms, became so loose as to
+render it necessary to lash the head of the rudder with ropes to a
+bolt fixed for the purpose in the cabin floor.
+
+3dly. The sails we had left were bad, having been originally made, as
+Mr Vaughan the second Lieutenant told me, of damaged canvass; they
+frequently split; we had none to replace them, nor a sufficient stock
+of twine to mend them, eight pounds only being left of the twenty odd
+we brought from Philadelphia; nor were we much better supplied with
+cordage, for which there was a daily demand and some of which was very
+bad.
+
+4thly. Our jury masts were not calculated for hard weather, the
+foremast being sprung a few feet below the top, and not able to endure
+a hard storm.
+
+For these reasons the rough weather common in northern latitudes was
+by all means to be avoided, and smooth seas sought.
+
+As to the conveniences to be derived from the Islands laying between
+us and Cadiz, I took some pains to examine into that matter. We had
+maps and descriptions of them all, and our master had been at many of
+them. I found there was not a single harbor in any one of them in
+which a ship could ride at anchor in every wind; on the contrary
+neither of them has anything more than open roads, out of which it is
+necessary for ships to make the best of their way, and put to sea
+whenever certain winds blow, a task which our ship was very far from
+being in condition to perform.
+
+From this and other circumstances it was evident we could not refit in
+either of those Islands, not even so much as get a new rudder; for
+admitting materials for the latter could be had, yet such was the
+difficulty, if not impossibility, of hanging it in an open road, from
+whence the ship was every moment exposed to the necessity of going to
+sea by an unfavorable wind, that we could expect to derive no
+advantage from these Islands, except the prospect of obtaining some
+refreshments, which we could do without, and the value of which would
+not have compensated for the risk of approaching them in our
+condition.
+
+As to the idea of our steering that course with a view of being landed
+on one of those Islands, and from thence going to Europe in another
+vessel, leaving our own to her fate, no earthly consideration could
+ever have reconciled me to it. The reasoning which was insisted on,
+that our being seasonably in Europe was of more importance to the
+United States than a frigate, and that in time of war, and for the
+public good, lives were to be risked by sea as well as by land, was a
+species of reasoning which applied to this case led to conclusions,
+which never have been, and I pray God never may be, among my
+principles of action. Had this plan of being landed on one of the
+Azores or Canaries been adopted, we should have either landed the crew
+with us or not; if the first, the frigate would have been given to
+destruction. This appeared to me inconsistent with the public good,
+because, if we reached Martinique, I had no doubt of a passage, and my
+arrival in France eight weeks sooner or later did not appear to me of
+equal importance to the United States with the frigate. Had the crew
+been left on board, it must have been with a view of saving the ship,
+either by her reaching Europe or the West Indies. The probability of
+her effecting either became then a most important question, as the
+lives of between two and three hundred Americans depended on the
+event. Against it were opposed the dangers of the seas, and the want
+of provisions; the former would have increased with the approach of
+winter, and therefore the longer the ship was detained to the
+northward, the more she had to suffer, and to fear. The frigate after
+having landed us on either of the Islands, must either have gone on
+towards Europe, or endeavored to get to the West Indies.
+
+All the considerations abovementioned opposed the first, and whoever
+compares the time necessary for a voyage for a ship under jury masts,
+and almost without a rudder, from the banks of Newfoundland to the
+Azores or Canaries, and from thence to the West Indies, with our stock
+of provisions, will find them inadequate to the purpose, and be
+convinced of the cruelty of subjecting one's fellow citizens to such
+extremities. For these reasons I positively refused to join in this
+system.
+
+As to the position in favor of going to Europe, that we should find
+the seas calmer as we advanced eastward, equally as we went southward,
+all the officers of the ship testified against it, nor would they
+admit that we had as much to dread from calms as from hard gales. The
+supposed difficulty of obtaining a passage from Martinique made but
+little impression on me. I could not suppose the Islands left
+unprotected by ships of war, or that the commanding officer would
+refuse to order a frigate on this service, if M. Gerard would
+represent it to be of importance, which I was sure he would do. How
+long our ship might be refitting here was not to be ascertained, but I
+could not prevail upon myself to believe, that the King of France
+would keep so considerable a fleet in those seas, without providing
+for the usual accidents they would be exposed to from the sea and the
+enemy. At the worst the ship would be in a safe port, and among a
+people bound by treaties and by interest to afford aid and protection,
+at least until Congress should be informed of her situation, and have
+an opportunity of providing for her wants. As to ourselves, in case we
+meet with the imagined difficulties respecting a passage, it would be
+easy by passing over to St Eustatia to get very safely in a Dutch ship
+to Holland.
+
+On these reasons the advice I gave to the captain to come here was
+founded. I thought them right then, and was daily more and more
+confirmed in an opinion of their propriety. In the course of our run
+here, we had all the way fine, fair breezes; and, except in the
+latitude of Bermuda, smooth seas and scarce any calms. The night
+before we made the land, it was thought proper to lay the ship too,
+after the moon set, which was between twelve and one o'clock, and she
+continued in that position only four hours and a half. Such, however,
+was the effect of it upon the rudder, and so much damage did it
+receive from it, that had the ship continued as much longer in the
+same state, it was agreed on all sides, that the rudder would have
+been rendered useless.
+
+M. Gerard, hurt by being disappointed in his expectation of being
+seasonably in France, and perhaps mortified at my preferring my own
+sentiments to his, ceased to observe that cordiality and frankness,
+which had before attended his conduct towards me. Nay, he once went
+so far as to tell me I had my reasons for coming here. I appeared not
+to understand him, and continued to endeavor to render the
+conversation as light and general as possible. This was a tax imposed
+on my feelings by regard to public good; as a private man, I should
+have acted differently.
+
+Thus matters continued till about ten or twelve days before our
+arrival here, when M. Gerard observed to me in the presence of the
+captain, that it was time to think which side of the island of
+Martinique it would be most prudent for the ship to go, the north or
+south side, and proceeded to state the reasons which ought to induce
+us to prefer the north; particularly, that in the present condition
+of the ship, she would if she went to the south side be in great
+danger of running by the island to the leeward; for that as we might
+expect the wind at northeast, she would not be able to lay
+sufficiently close to the wind, to reach Port Royal or St Pierre's;
+besides, that she would be in danger of calms, and being in sight of
+St Lucia, would be exposed to the enemy's ships of war, without having
+reason to expect succor from any French ships of war; none of which,
+he said, cruised off the eastern part of the island, between
+Martinique and St Lucia. He then showed the advantages of going the
+other side, by an enumeration of many circumstances, of which I have
+notes, but which it would be too tedious to mention. The obvious
+meaning of all this appeared to me to be, that we should direct the
+captain to go to the northward of the island; but as I neither thought
+myself authorised, nor found myself inclined to interfere with the
+particular navigation of the ship, to which I was not competent, I
+only observed to M. Gerard, that his reasoning appeared to me to have
+weight; that it was a subject I did not understand, but that I thought
+his observations merited attention. On this the captain remarked, and
+I thought with propriety, that it was impossible to determine on which
+side of the island it would be best to go, until we were at or near
+the parting point, for that circumstances at present unforeseen might
+render that way rash, which we might now think prudent; for instance,
+an unexpected change in the wind, or the appearance of an enemy. He
+therefore thought a decision on the question improper, till we arrived
+off the eastern part of the island. This appeared to me so perfectly
+reasonable, that I thought no more about the matter, and I did not
+suspect that M. Gerard would have felt any further anxiety about it;
+but it nevertheless so happened, that in the afternoon of the 14th
+instant, there was a conversation in the cabin relative to a wager,
+which of the two we should see first, land or a sail. In the course of
+this conversation, M. Gerard observed, that it would depend on our
+going on the north or south side of the island, and insensibly leaving
+the subject of the wager, proceeded minutely to recapitulate his
+reasons for the one, and his objections to the other. In the progress
+of this disquisition, he grew warmer and warmer, and at length
+addressing himself more particularly on the captain, said, he was
+surprised that those facts and observations should meet with so little
+attention; that he owed it to his conscience and personal safety to
+mention and enforce them, and that he should represent the whole
+matter to his Court, &c. The captain repeated what he had before said
+relative to the impropriety of deciding on which side of the island we
+were to go, until we had made the land, observed whether any vessels
+were on the coast, and knew how the wind would be. He then questioned
+some matters relative to the navigation round the island, on which M.
+Gerard had insisted.
+
+For my own part, as the subject was so serious, I wished to be
+informed of some others, which appeared to me to want explanation. The
+captain had informed me, that the master had been at the taking of
+Martinique last war, and was well acquainted with its bays, harbors,
+and coasts. I desired the captain to send for the master, which was
+immediately done. On this, M. Gerard more animated than usual, said,
+he pretended to no extraordinary knowledge on the subject, but that he
+had made inquiries, and was satisfied with the opinion he had given;
+then repeated what he had before said, about his conscience, personal
+safety, and Court, and was opening the door to go on deck, when I
+asked him if he would not stay, and hear what the master had to say.
+He said, no, he did not want to hear anything farther about it; he had
+done his duty in delivering what he had to us, and we might do as we
+pleased about the matter. I made no reply, but proceeded to examine
+the master, and one of the lieutenants. On the whole it did not appear
+to me necessary, but on the contrary invidious to give the captain any
+positive orders on the subject; nor did I enter into any farther
+conference respecting it with M. Gerard. I knew that no good would
+result from altercation, and that the best way of treating
+unreasonable propositions, cavalierly dictated, was silently to go my
+own way, uninfluenced by them.
+
+This last business rendered M. Gerard still more dissatisfied with me.
+We observed, nevertheless, and still observe great politeness towards
+each other, but it proceeds more from the head than the heart. On
+coming ashore, I flattered myself we should have left all these
+controversies behind us; but this city was soon entertained with them.
+The opinions of French officers were taken by M. Gerard about the
+sufficiency of the rudder to have gone to Europe; the question about
+the northern and southern navigation was stated and agitated. M.
+Gerard claims the merit of having saved the ship, by having, as he
+insinuates, dragged us into the measure of taking the northern
+passage, &c. &c. As we are safe in the harbor, these matters are now
+of no consequence, and therefore I constantly avoid the subject. How
+they may be represented at Philadelphia is of some moment, and
+therefore it appears to me expedient to trouble myself and Congress
+with this narration.
+
+I cannot conclude this letter without expressing my satisfaction with
+the attention and politeness observed by the captain and other
+officers towards the passengers, as far at least as my knowledge
+extends.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ St Pierre's, Martinique, December 25th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+As singular instances of humanity and patriotism always merit, and
+sometimes meet with public notice, I take the liberty of transmitting
+to Congress a copy of the Rev. Mr Keith's narrative of the conduct of
+a Mrs Smith, at New York, to the Americans there, who had been taken
+at Fort Washington.
+
+Conversing, while at sea, with Mr Keith (our chaplain, who had been
+one of those prisoners) respecting the cruelties exercised towards
+them by the enemy, and the manner in which they were treated by the
+inhabitants of the city, he mentioned the behavior of this Mrs Smith;
+whose conduct appeared to me so remarkably liberal, disinterested, and
+christianlike, that I desired him to commit it to paper, with a design
+to enclose it to your Excellency. I know nothing more of this woman
+than what Mr Keith told me; but, as from his profession and character
+I am induced to credit what he says, I transmit this account of her,
+that if, on further inquiry, it be found to be just, Congress may have
+an opportunity of saving from poverty and distress a widow, who
+generously divested herself of a decent maintenance, and applied it to
+the relief of many citizens and servants of the United States, who
+were then gloriously enduring the most extreme cruelties, for their
+faithful attachment to the rights of their country and mankind.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ St Pierre's, Martinique, December 25th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have done, what perhaps I shall be blamed for, but my pride as an
+American, and my feelings as a man, were not on this occasion to be
+resisted. The officers of the Confederacy were here without money, or
+the means of getting any. The idea of our officers being obliged to
+sneak, as they phrase it, from the company of French officers, for
+fear of running in debt with them for a bottle of wine, or a bowl of
+punch, because not able to pay for their share of the reckoning, was
+too humiliating to be tolerable, and too destructive to that pride and
+opinion of independent equality, which I wish to see influence all our
+officers. Besides, some of them wanted necessaries too much to be
+comfortable, or, in this country, decent. In a word, I have drawn on
+the fund, pointed out for the payment of part of my salary, for one
+hundred guineas in their favor, to be divided among them according to
+their respective ranks. Indeed, it would have given me pleasure to
+have done something towards covering the nakedness of the crew; but
+the expense I have been put to by coming here; and the preparations
+for another voyage, would not admit of it.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ St Pierre's, Martinique, December 26th, 1779.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On our arrival here, M. Gerard told me that he was about to write to
+the Governor and Admiral at Port Royal, and asked me whether I also
+chose to write, or would leave to him the necessary communication;
+offering to mention to them whatever I might desire. As I was well
+satisfied that he should take the lead in the business, I replied,
+that I was obliged to him, but did not think it necessary for him to
+communicate anything to those gentlemen from me, except our arrival,
+and the confidence I had in their readiness to afford us aid.
+
+I thought it would have been improper to apply for a passage in one of
+their ships, till I know in what time our own could be refitted, and
+on this subject it appeared to me most advisable, that application
+should be made by our agent here; and that I should reserve all
+interference, till it should be rendered necessary by obstacles. Mr
+Bingham accordingly wrote without delay to the Governor, and had
+immediate and full assurances of his readiness to afford us every aid
+in his power. Nothing now remained to be ascertained, but the time in
+which the repairs could be made, and this depended on the state of
+their naval stores.
+
+Mr Bingham went with us to Port Royal, on a visit to the officers of
+government, (a compliment paid them by all strangers.) The Governor
+again assured him, that everything should be done for the ship that
+was possible, and some orders were given for the purpose. This passed,
+I believe, without M. Gerard's knowledge. About two hours after our
+arrival at Port Royal, he took me aside, observed that great
+difficulties and delays would attend the Confederacy's refitting
+there; that there were no masts or spars in store, and the expectation
+of supplies uncertain; that an old mast of a merchant-man had been
+purchased for one of their ships of war, and that a main yard for
+another had been made of four pieces for want of a proper spar, and,
+after some general hints about expenses, provision, &c. proposed, that
+the frigate should be provided with a new rudder, and proceed to
+America to refit. I objected, that, contrary to our expectations, the
+English had an acknowledged superiority in these seas; that three
+French frigates were at that instant flying from four ships of the
+line, which were in full chase of them; that a frigate under jury
+masts would find no safety in flight; that it would be more prudent
+for Captain Harding to remain here without being refitted, till he
+could get materials and supplies from America, or receive orders from
+Congress, than expose his ship to such imminent danger, and,
+therefore, that I could not possibly come into the measure he
+proposed.
+
+M. Gerard replied, that she might be convoyed to sea by the French
+squadron here; but this required no answer. It was not to be supposed,
+that the French squadron, which, in their present state of
+inferiority, choose to keep their eyes constantly on Port Royal, would
+expose themselves to very unequal combat, for no higher object than
+that of convoying the Confederacy seventy or eighty leagues off the
+coast, or, that if they did, she would then be out of that degree of
+danger, to which no ship in her condition ought to be exposed.
+Besides, I could not reconcile it to the wisdom of France long to
+leave their fleet here destitute of naval stores, or to disgust their
+allies by a conduct neither just nor politic. We agreed to leave the
+matter till the next day, when we expected to see the Admiral; but in
+an hour or two afterwards the Admiral came in; and a very little time
+elapsed when the Governor, and shortly after M. Gerard told me, the
+"_whole arrangement_ was completed; that the same attention should be
+paid to the Confederacy as if she had been a French frigate, and that
+the Aurora, of thirty odd guns, should carry us to France." The fact
+is, that the officers of government in general, and the Governor in
+particular, are strongly attached to everything that is American.
+
+Our agent here is in high estimation. I really believe, from
+everything I hear, that he has done his duty faithfully, and that he
+well deserves the notice and approbation of Congress. This leads me to
+take the liberty of remarking, that it would, probably, be much for
+the public interest, if Congress were to pay off all private debts due
+from them to subjects of France, and have none but national
+engagements with that kingdom. The debts unavoidably contracted here,
+for the outfit of the Deane, &c. ought certainly to be paid. Our
+credit and reputation suffer from such delay. We sail tomorrow
+morning, at six o'clock.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO ARTHUR LEE.
+
+ Cadiz, January 26th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+As a knowledge of the measures you may have taken and the information
+you may have acquired, relative to the objects of your commission
+from the United States of America to conclude treaties with his
+Catholic Majesty, would probably enable me with greater facility and
+advantage to execute the duties of my appointment, permit me, Sir, to
+request the favor of you to communicate the same to me in such manner
+as you may judge most prudent.
+
+I have in my possession some letters directed to you; they are
+voluminous, and probably contain printed papers. They may also be
+confidential and important to you. Under these circumstances I can
+only judge of your inclination by what would be my own in a similar
+situation. I should wish that they might be detained till I could have
+an opportunity of directing the manner of their conveyance. Upon this
+principle they shall remain among my papers till I receive your orders
+what to do with them.[15]
+
+I am, Sir, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[15] See the answer to this letter in Arthur Lee's Correspondence,
+Vol. II, p. 276.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+ Cadiz, January 27th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+It is with very sensible pleasure that I commence a correspondence
+with a Minister, of whose disposition and abilities to promote the
+happiness of my country we have received repeated proofs, and on a
+subject that affords His Most Christian Majesty an opportunity of
+perceiving the desire and endeavors of the United States to become
+cordial and steadfast friends and allies to an illustrious branch of
+his royal house.
+
+By the treaties subsisting between His Most Christian Majesty and the
+United States of America, His Most Christian Majesty, in consequence
+of his intimate union with the King of Spain, did expressly reserve to
+his Catholic Majesty the power of acceding to the said treaties, and
+to participate in their stipulations at such time as he should judge
+proper. It being well understood, nevertheless, that if any of the
+said stipulations should not be agreeable to the King of Spain, his
+Catholic Majesty might propose other conditions analogous to the
+principal aim of the alliance, and conformable to the rules of equity,
+reciprocity, and friendship. And the Deputy of the said States,
+empowered to treat with Spain, did promise to sign, _on the first
+requisition_ of his Catholic Majesty, the act or acts necessary to
+communicate to him the stipulations of the treaties abovementioned,
+and to endeavor in good faith the adjustment of the points in which
+the King of Spain might propose any alteration, conformable to the
+principles of equality, reciprocity, and perfect amity.
+
+But as the above reservation has always been no less agreeable to the
+United States than to their great and good ally, both considerations
+conspired in inducing them to make the first advances towards
+attaining the object of it. And, therefore, instead of waiting till
+the requisitions mentioned in the said article should be made, they
+have thought proper to assure his Most Catholic Majesty, not only of
+their readiness to comply with the terms of it, but of their desire to
+obtain his confidence and alliance, by carrying it immediately into
+execution on the most liberal principles. Trusting also that the same
+wise reasons which induced his Most Christian Majesty to give birth
+to the said article, would lead him to facilitate the endeavors of his
+allies to execute it, they resolved that their desire to enter into
+the said treaties should be communicated to his Majesty, and that his
+favorable interposition should be requested.
+
+The more fully to effect these purposes, the Congress were pleased, in
+September last, to do me the honor of appointing me their Minister
+Plenipotentiary, and, in pursuance of this appointment, I sailed from
+America for France on the 26th of October last, with M. Gerard, who
+was so obliging as to wait till I could embark in the frigate assigned
+for his service. After being thirteen days at sea, the frigate was
+dismasted, and her rudder so much damaged that it was thought
+imprudent to proceed on our voyage. We therefore steered for
+Martinique, and arrived there on the 18th of December. I cannot, on
+this occasion, forbear expressing my warmest acknowledgments for the
+very polite attention and hospitality with which we were received and
+treated, both by the officers of government and many respectable
+inhabitants of that island. We left Martinique on the 28th day of the
+same month, in the Aurora, in which I expected to have gone to Toulon,
+but on touching at this place, it appeared that the further
+prosecution of our voyage had become impracticable, without running
+risks that could not be justified.
+
+Thus circumstanced, the respect due to his most Catholic Majesty
+demanded an immediate communication of my appointment and arrival,
+which I had the honor to make in a letter to his Excellency, Don
+Joseph Galvez, of the Council of his Catholic Majesty, and general
+Secretary of State for the Department of the Indies, of which the
+enclosed is a copy.
+
+Will you, therefore, Sir, be so obliging as to lay this circumstance
+before his Most Christian Majesty, and permit me through your
+Excellency to assure him of the desire of Congress to enter into a
+treaty of alliance, and of amity and commerce with his Catholic
+Majesty, and to request his favorable interposition for that purpose?
+
+I am happy in being able to assure you, that the United States
+consider a cordial union between France, Spain and them as a very
+desirable and most important object, and they view the provision,
+which his Most Christian Majesty has made for it by the abovementioned
+article, not only as evinsive of his attention to his royal ally; but
+of his regard to them.
+
+Under these views and these impressions, they are most sincerely
+disposed, by the liberality and candor of their conduct, to render the
+proposed treaties speedy in their accomplishment, and perpetual in
+their duration.
+
+Your Excellency will receive this letter by M. Gerard, who is so
+obliging as to take charge of it, and to whom the Congress have been
+pleased to give such ample testimonies of their esteem and confidence,
+as to enable him to exert his talents with great advantage on every
+occasion interesting to them.
+
+I cannot conclude without indulging myself in the pleasure of
+acknowledging how much we are indebted to the politeness and attention
+of the Marquis de La Flolte and the other officers of the Aurora,
+during the course of our voyage.
+
+With great respect and esteem, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO DON JOSEPH GALVEZ, MINISTER OF THE SPANISH COURT.
+
+ Cadiz, January 27th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Permit me through your Excellency to have the honor of representing to
+his most Catholic Majesty, that on the sixth day of February, 1778,
+the respective Plenipotentiaries of his most Christian Majesty, and
+the United States of America, by whom the treaties now subsisting
+between them were concluded, did make and subscribe a secret article
+in the words following, viz.
+
+"The Most Christian King declares, in consequence of the intimate
+union which subsists between him and the King of Spain, that in
+concluding with the United States of America this treaty of amity and
+commerce, and that of eventual and defensive alliance, his Majesty had
+intended, and intends to reserve expressly, as he reserves by this
+present separate and secret act, to his Catholic Majesty, the power of
+acceding to the said treaties and to participate in their
+stipulations, at such time as he shall judge proper. It being well
+understood, nevertheless, that if any of the stipulations of the said
+treaties are not agreeable to the King of Spain, his Catholic Majesty
+may propose other conditions analagous to the principal aim of the
+alliance, and conformable to the rules of equality, reciprocity and
+friendship. The deputies of the United States, in the name of their
+constituents, accept the present declaration to its full extent; and
+the deputy of the said States, who is fully empowered to treat with
+Spain, promises to sign, on the first requisition of his Catholic
+Majesty, the act or acts necessary to communicate to him the
+stipulations of the treaties above written. And the said deputy shall
+endeavor, in good faith, the adjustment of the points in which the
+King of Spain may propose any alteration, conformable to the
+principles of equality, reciprocity, and perfect amity; he the said
+deputy not doubting but the person or persons, empowered by his
+Catholic Majesty to treat with the United States, will do the same
+with regard to any alterations of the same kind, that may be thought
+necessary by the said Plenipotentiary of the United States."
+
+The Congress willing to manifest their readiness fully to comply with
+an article, which they have reason to believe particularly agreeable
+to their great and good ally, and being desirous of establishing
+perpetual amity and harmony with a Prince and nation whom they greatly
+respect, and with whom various circumstances lead them to wish for the
+most cordial and permanent friendship, have thought proper to request
+his most Catholic Majesty to accede to the said treaties, and thereby
+preclude the necessity of that measure's originating in the manner
+specified in the article. For this purpose they have done me the honor
+to appoint me Minister Plenipotentiary, and directed me to communicate
+to his Most Christian Majesty the desire of Congress on this subject,
+and to request his favorable interposition. They also made it my duty
+to give his Most Catholic Majesty the fullest assurances of their
+sincere disposition to cultivate his friendship and confidence; and
+authorised me, in their behalf, to enter into such treaties of
+alliance, amity, and commerce, as would become the foundations of
+perpetual peace to Spain and the United States, and the source of
+extensive advantages to both.
+
+Thus commissioned I embarked without delay on board the frigate, which
+had been appointed to carry the Sieur Gerard to France, and sailed
+with him for that kingdom, from Pennsylvania, on the 26th day of
+October last.
+
+But after having been thirteen days at sea, the frigate was dismasted,
+and her rudder so greatly injured, as to oblige us to alter our course
+and steer for Martinique. We arrived there on the 18th day of December
+last; and sailed from thence on the 28th day of the same month in a
+French frigate which was bound to Toulon, but had orders to touch at
+this port for intelligence. We arrived here the 22d instant, and
+received information of recent events, which rendered the further
+prosecution of our voyage too hazardous to be prudent.
+
+Providence having thus been pleased to bring me directly to Spain, the
+respect due to his most Catholic Majesty forbids me to postpone
+communicating to him my appointment and arrival; and the same motive
+will induce me to remain here till he shall be pleased to signify to
+me his pleasure. For although nothing would afford me more sensible
+pleasure, than the honor of presenting to his Majesty the despatches,
+which I am charged by Congress to deliver to him, yet on this, as on
+every other occasion, it shall be my study to execute the trust
+reposed in me, in the manner most pleasing to his Majesty, agreeable
+to the true intent and meaning of the article abovementioned.
+
+And that his most Christian Majesty may have the highest evidence of
+the intention and desire of Congress fully and faithfully to execute
+this article, I shall immediately do myself the honor of communicating
+the same, together with my appointment and arrival; and I flatter
+myself, that the request of Congress for his favorable interposition,
+will meet with the same friendly attention, which he has uniformly
+extended to all their concerns, and of which I am too sensible not to
+derive the highest satisfaction from acknowledging it on every
+occasion.
+
+Mr Carmichael, my Secretary, will have the honor of delivering this
+despatch to your Excellency, as well as of giving every information in
+his power to afford. This gentleman was a member of Congress at the
+time of his appointment, and will be able more fully to express the
+ardor with which the United States desire to establish a union with
+France and Spain, on principles productive of such mutual attachment
+and reciprocal benefits, as to secure to each the blessings of
+uninterrupted tranquillity.
+
+I have the honor to be, with great consideration and respect, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+P. S. I do myself the honor of transmitting to your Excellency,
+herewith enclosed, a copy of my letter to his Excellency the Count de
+Vergennes.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Cadiz, January 27th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+This morning M. Gerard set out from this city for France, and Mr
+Carmichael, charged with despatches from me to the Spanish Ministry,
+accompanies him as far as Madrid.
+
+We arrived here the 22d inst. and I have been so much engaged ever
+since in preparing letters, &c. as not to have an opportunity of
+writing circumstantially to your Excellency by Captain Proctor, who I
+am told, is to sail early in the morning for the Delaware or
+Chesapeake.
+
+We left Martinique on the 28th of December, in the Aurora frigate,
+bound to Toulon. On touching here for intelligence we were informed
+that the enemy had acquired a decided superiority in the
+Mediterranean, and that the coast was infested by their cruisers, all
+of whom we had fortunately escaped. Hence it became improper for me to
+proceed to France by water, and it would in my opinion have been
+indelicate, and therefore imprudent to have passed silently through
+this kingdom to that, for the purpose of making a communication to his
+most Christian Majesty, which could be fully conveyed by paper. On
+this subject I shall take the liberty of making a few further remarks
+in a future letter.
+
+Congress will be enabled to judge of the propriety and plan of my
+conduct, from the papers herewith enclosed, viz. a copy of a letter to
+M. Galvez, the Spanish Minister; a copy of a letter to the Count de
+Vergennes; of both these I have sent copies to Dr Franklin; a copy of
+a letter to Mr Arthur Lee; and a copy of my instructions to Mr
+Carmichael.
+
+It is in pursuance of what appears to me to be my duty, that I shall
+render frequent, particular, and confidential accounts of my
+proceedings to Congress. I flatter myself care will be taken to
+prevent the return of them to Europe.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ INSTRUCTIONS TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
+
+ Cadiz, January 27th, 1780.
+
+You will proceed to Madrid with convenient expedition, and, if M.
+Gerard, with whom you set out, should travel too deliberately, I
+advise you to go on before him. The propriety of this, however, will
+depend much on circumstances, and must be determined by your own
+discretion.
+
+On delivering my letter to M. Galvez, it would be proper to intimate,
+that I presumed it would be more agreeable to him to receive my
+despatches from you, who could give him information on many matters
+about which he might choose to inquire, than in the ordinary modes of
+conveyance. And it may not be amiss to let him know, that his not
+receiving notice of our arrival from me by M. Gerard's courier, was
+owing to a mistake between that gentleman and me.
+
+Treat the French Ambassador with great attention and candor, and that
+degree of confidence only, which prudence, and the alliance between us
+may prescribe. In your conversations with people about the Court,
+impress them with an idea of our strong attachment to France; yet, so
+as to avoid permitting them to imbibe an opinion of our being under
+the _direction_ of any counsels but our own. The former will induce
+them to think well of our constancy and good faith, the latter, of our
+independence and self respect.
+
+Discover, if possible, whether the Courts of Madrid and Versailles
+entertain, in any degree, the same mutual disgusts, which we are told
+prevail at present between the two nations, and be cautious when you
+tread on this delicate ground. It would also be useful to know who are
+the King's principal confidants, and the trains leading to each.
+
+To treat prudently with any nation, it is essential to know the state
+of its revenues. Turn your attention, therefore, to this object, and
+endeavor to learn whether the public expenditures consume their
+annual income, or whether there be any, and what overplus or
+deficiency, and the manner in which the former is disposed of or the
+latter supplied.
+
+If an opportunity should offer, inform yourself as to the regulations
+of the press at Madrid, and, indeed, throughout the kingdom; and the
+particular character of the person at the head of that department.
+Endeavor to find some person of adequate abilities and knowledge in
+the two languages, to translate English into Spanish with propriety,
+and, if possible, elegance. I wish also to know, which of the
+religious orders, and the individuals of it, are most esteemed and
+favored at Court.
+
+Mention, as matter of intelligence, rather than in the way of
+argument, the cruelties of the enemy, and the influence of that
+conduct on the passions of Americans. This will be the more necessary,
+as it seems we are suspected of retaining our former attachments to
+Britain.
+
+In speaking of American affairs, remember to do justice to Virginia,
+and the western country near the Mississippi. Recount their
+achievements against the savages, their growing numbers, extensive
+settlements, and aversion to Britain, for attempting to involve them
+in the horrors of an Indian war. Let it appear also from your
+representations, that ages will be necessary to settle those extensive
+regions.
+
+Let it be inferred from your conversation, that the expectations of
+America, as to my reception and success, are sanguine; that they have
+been rendered the more so by the suggestions of persons generally
+supposed to speak from authority, and that a disappointment would be
+no less unwelcome than unexpected.
+
+I am persuaded, that pains will be taken to delay my receiving a
+decided answer as to my reception, until the sentiments of France
+shall be known. Attempts will also be made to suspend the
+acknowledgment of our independence, on the condition of our acceding
+to _certain_ terms of treaty. Do nothing to cherish either of these
+ideas; but, without being explicit, treat the latter in a manner
+expressive of regret and apprehension, and seem to consider my
+reception as a measure, which we hoped would be immediately taken,
+although the business of the negotiation might be postponed till
+France could have an opportunity of taking the steps she might think
+proper on the occasion.
+
+You will offer to transmit to me any despatches, which M. Galvez may
+think proper to confide to you; or to return with them yourself, if
+more agreeable to him.
+
+You will be attentive to all other objects of useful information, such
+as the characters, views, and connexions of important individuals; the
+plan of operations for the next campaign; whether any, and what secret
+overtures have been made by Britain to France, or Spain, or by either
+of them to her, or each other; whether any of the other powers have
+manifested a disposition to take a part in the war; and whether it is
+probable that any, and which of them, will become mediators for a
+general peace, and on what plan. If the war should continue, it would
+be advantageous to know whether Spain means to carry on any serious
+operations for possessing herself of the Floridas, and banks of the
+Mississippi, &c. &c. &c.
+
+Although I have confidence in your prudence, yet permit me to
+recommend to you the greatest circumspection. Command yourself under
+every circumstance; on the one hand, avoid being suspected of
+servility, and on the other, let your temper be always even, and your
+attention unremitted.
+
+You will oblige me by being very regular and circumstantial in your
+correspondence, and commit nothing of a private nature to paper unless
+in cypher.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ WILLIAM CARMICHAEL TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Madrid, February 15th, 1780.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+I arrived in this city late in the evening of the 11th, after a
+tedious and disagreeable journey. The next day, although much
+indisposed, I waited on the French Ambassador, who had by a message
+over night, requested M. Gerard to engage me to dinner. I was received
+by him and all his family in the most friendly manner, and was offered
+every service in his power, to render us without those personal
+professions, which give birth to many unmeaning words and more
+suspicion. Indeed, I have neither expressions nor time to represent
+the apparent candor and liberality of his sentiments. He entered fully
+into the good disposition of his Court, and informed me, that the
+King, as a further proof of his friendship for us, had agreed to pay
+us annually the additional sum of three millions of livres during the
+continuance of the war, in order to enable us to purchase the
+necessaries for our army, &c. &c. and that his Majesty had also
+determined to send a considerable marine and land force early in the
+year to America, to be at the disposition and under the direction of
+our General. Seventeen sail of the line, and four thousand troops, are
+also to be sent to the West Indies, if they have not already sailed.
+Judge after this, if attention, candor, and apparent unreservedness,
+were not the more necessary on my part.
+
+On inquiring, I found that M. Galvez was at the Pardo, about two
+leagues from Madrid, where the King resides at present, and in the
+course of conversation discovered, that the proper channel of address
+ought to have been through the Count de Florida Blanca.
+
+The Ambassador offered to introduce me, but as this could not be done
+with propriety without previous application, he undertook to make it
+the day following, and to fix the time for my reception by both, and I
+think the manner will be the sole difficulty.
+
+Among other circumstances, which induce this conclusion, is the
+certain knowledge I have obtained, that M. Mirales received
+instructions several months past to enter into engagements with
+Congress, to take into pay a body of troops to assist in the conquest
+of Florida. Your own good sense will point out the use, which may be
+made of this intelligence. It answers to the point of the
+instructions, which I had the honor to receive from you. The short
+time I have been in this city has not hitherto given me an opportunity
+of writing so circumstantially as I could wish, in the matters
+abovementioned, and much less of giving a decided opinion on many
+objects contained in your instructions. I find, however, hitherto no
+difficulty in acquiring in time a knowledge on most of the subjects
+recommended to my attention.
+
+I have reason to believe, that the same disgusts do not subsist
+between the Crowns as between the nations, but the most perfect
+harmony and good understanding.
+
+I have been positively assured, and from good authority, that no
+overtures have been made for peace.
+
+The Dutch are arming, which is a circumstance in our favor, as their
+preparations originate from their discontent with England, on account
+of the late affair of the convoy.
+
+Mr Harrison is here, and proposes to proceed to Cadiz next week, which
+will furnish me a good opportunity of writing to you. I enclose you
+the last paper received from America; the people were in high spirits,
+and everything in a good state in the beginning of January.
+
+I cannot conclude without mentioning the very polite manner in which
+the French Ambassador offered his personal civilities in everything,
+that depended on him, to be useful to you in this place.
+
+M. Gerard will write to you himself, yet I must do him the justice to
+mention his personal kindness to me, and the candid representations he
+has made in every public company here of the prosperous situation of
+our affairs.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Cadiz, February 20th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The papers herewith enclosed are duplicates of those, which I had the
+honor of transmitting to your Excellency by Captain Desaussure. As yet
+I have received no intelligence from Madrid, owing I believe to the
+extreme badness of the roads.
+
+When at Martinique, I informed Congress by letter, dated the 25th of
+December last, that I had drawn a bill in favor of the officers of the
+Confederacy on Dr Franklin, for one hundred guineas. At the time that
+letter was written, I had made the officers that promise, and had
+directed the bills to be made out accordingly, but just as I was
+coming away and closing accounts with Mr Bingham, he, perceiving that
+the money I was about to draw for the officers was to come out of my
+salary, in the first instance, was so obliging as to offer to advance
+that sum on the credit of Congress, and thereby save me the necessity
+of drawing. I accepted his offer, and gave notice of it to the
+officers by Mr Lawrence, the clerk of the frigate.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Pardo, February 24th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Having received by the hands of Don Joseph de Galvez, the letter which
+your Excellency sent by Mr Carmichael, and having communicated the
+contents to his Majesty, I have it in command to inform you, that his
+Majesty highly approves the choice, which the American Congress have
+made of you to the trust mentioned in your letter, as well on account
+of the high estimation in which his Majesty holds the members who made
+the choice, as the information he has received of your probity,
+talents, and abilities. His Majesty also received with pleasure the
+information of the desire which the Colonies have to form a connexion
+with Spain, of whose good disposition they have already received
+strong proofs. Nevertheless, his Majesty thinks it necessary in the
+first place, that the manner, the forms, and the mutual correspondence
+should be settled, upon which that Union must be founded, which the
+United States of America desire to establish with this monarchy. For
+this purpose there is no obstacle to your Excellency's coming to this
+Court, in order to explain your intentions and those of the Congress,
+and to hear those of his Majesty, and by that means settling a basis
+upon which a perfect friendship may be established, and also its
+extent and consequences.
+
+His Majesty thinks, that until these points are settled, as he hopes
+they will be, it is not proper for your Excellency to assume a formal
+character, which must depend on a public acknowledgment and future
+treaty. But your Excellency may be assured of the sincerity and good
+dispositions of his Majesty towards the United States, and of his
+earnest desire to remove every difficulty, for the mutual happiness of
+them and of this monarchy. This has been intimated to Mr Carmichael,
+who can communicate the same to your Excellency, to whom I beg leave
+to make a tender of my service, being, &c.
+
+ COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
+
+ Cadiz, February 25th, 1780.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Your favor of the 15th instant was delivered to me last evening. I
+congratulate you on your safe arrival, and hope the agreeable
+circumstances of your present situation will compensate for the
+fatigue and trouble you experienced on the way to it.
+
+It gives me pleasure to hear the French Ambassador has been so
+obliging, and I am glad to find from your letter, that your
+attentions to him at least keep pace with his civilities, especially
+as you are no stranger to the distinction between the candor and
+politeness of a gentleman, and that unbounded confidence which is
+seldom necessary.
+
+The intelligence you received from him is so agreeable and so
+interesting, that although the nature of it leaves me no room to doubt
+of this having been signified by the Court of France to Congress,
+either through Dr Franklin or the Count de la Luzerne, yet as
+unexpected accidents may have retarded its arrival, I shall also
+transmit it by a vessel, which will sail in a few days for Boston.
+
+I regret your not having been more particular on the subject of the
+mistake you have been led to suppose in the direction of my letter, as
+I wish to have the means of determining whether it was from decisive
+authority that M. Gerard, whose opinion I requested on that subject,
+without hesitation told me, that M. Galvez was the Minister with whom
+all business with the United States was to be transacted, and urged
+several reasons for his being of that opinion. From that gentleman's
+knowledge of the Courts of Europe, and the departments established for
+the despatch of business in each, particularly with that of Madrid,
+with which his Court had been so long and so intimately acquainted, I
+was induced to desire and confide in his information on that point.
+Very conclusive reasons, therefore, are necessary to induce a belief
+of his having been mistaken. But as it is of importance that all
+errors of this kind be known, and, if possible, corrected, I must
+request your attention to this matter in your next.
+
+I am at a loss to determine from your letter whether or not you have
+sent my despatches to M. Galvez. From your not having seen that
+gentleman, nor expecting to be introduced to him till the 17th
+instant, I conjecture that my letter did not reach him till that day;
+if so, I fear the delay will appear as singular to him as I confess it
+does to me. It does the more so to me, as my letter would have
+introduced you, and as you were apprised of my apprehension that pains
+would be taken to delay my receiving a decided answer, as to my
+reception, until the sentiments of France should be known. Perhaps the
+advice you received, as to the time and manner most proper for the
+delivery of it, was a little influenced by a desire of gaining time. I
+wished to have felt the pulse of Spain, and, by their conduct on this
+occasion, to have been enabled to determine whether their councils,
+with respect to the United States, are in any and in what degree
+independent of those of France, or whether directed by them. This
+would have been very useful in the further progress of the business,
+and might have been easily obtained, had my letter been delivered
+immediately on your arrival, because in that case, before the
+sentiments of the French Court could have been asked and received,
+sufficient time would have elapsed to justify your applying to M.
+Galvez for an answer; and, whatever that might have been, certain
+inferences would have been deducible from it. For these reasons, and
+not from an expectation of opposition from France, I regret this
+delay. But as my conjectures may prove groundless, and if just, you
+may have very cogent reasons, I forbear further remarks till I shall
+again have the pleasure of hearing from you.
+
+Are you sure that the intelligence you heard respecting M. Mirales is
+_certain_? I am sorry by this question to lengthen your next letter,
+especially as writing in cypher is tedious and disagreeable. But that
+intelligence is important; if credited, it may have an influence on
+American measures, which, if it should be groundless, might be
+injurious. The transmission of information to Congress, by which their
+councils and determinations may be affected, is a very delicate
+business, and demands the greatest care and precision. It is not
+uncommon, you know, for one gentleman to think a matter certain, which
+another of no greater discernment, and judging by the same evidence,
+will deem somewhat doubtful. I would choose, therefore, with respect
+to all interesting intelligence, and particularly such as I may
+transmit to Congress, to possess as far as possible every circumstance
+necessary to form a judgment of its credibility, such as the rank and
+character of the informants, and the means they have of acquiring the
+information they give, that I may represent it as entitled to that
+degree of credit only, which, on full consideration, it may appear to
+deserve. I observe this less with reference to the case in question
+than as a general rule. Besides, as we correspond in cypher, no danger
+can result from being explicit.
+
+I am well satisfied that the short time you had been at Madrid did not
+admit of your writing on the several subjects contained in your
+instructions, on all of which, if allowed sufficient time, I am
+persuaded you will be able to obtain important information. However,
+as the object of your going to Madrid was to prevent delays in my
+receiving an answer to the letter to M. Galvez, the other
+instructions, however important, are to be considered as secondary,
+and though I wish that great and constant attention may be paid them,
+yet by no means to the neglect or prejudice of the first.
+
+I am much obliged to you for the American paper enclosed in your
+letter. Everything from our country is interesting. If you should find
+any more of them, whose contents afford either information or
+entertainment, send them, and you shall receive from me all I may meet
+with here, which come under that description.
+
+The letter you gave me reason to expect from M. Gerard has not yet
+arrived; perhaps the next post will bring it. On the first occasion I
+have of writing to him, I shall take the liberty of mentioning the
+sense you have of his personal kindness and attention to you.
+
+The polite offers of the French Ambassador to be useful to me in all
+things that depend on him at Madrid, as well as his civilities to you,
+demand my acknowledgments, which I must beg the favor of you to
+present to him.
+
+I am, Dear Sir, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Cadiz, February 29th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency in the enclosed
+papers,[16] all the intelligence I have received from Madrid. Mr
+Secretary Thompson will decypher them. An opinion begins to prevail,
+that America will be the theatre of war the ensuing campaign, and that
+the islands there will be the principal objects of contention.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[16] See above, p. 207, Mr Carmichael's letter, dated February 15th,
+and Mr Jay's reply, p. 211, dated February 25th. See also a letter in
+_Carmichael's Correspondence_, dated February 18th.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Cadiz, March 3d, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Agreeably to my promise to the Marquis de la Flotte, I must inform
+your Excellency, that a Monsieur Jean Guy Guatier, merchant at
+Barcelona, recommended to the Marquis by Monsieur Aubere, the French
+consul there, is desirous of becoming the consul of the United States
+at that port. He had been encouraged, as M. Aubere says, to expect
+this appointment by Dr Franklin, but as he supposed my arrival would
+prevent the Doctor's interference, it became necessary to make the
+application to me. I told the Marquis that my commission did not
+authorise me to comply with his request, and that all I could do would
+be to mention his friend's application to Congress.
+
+How far it may be proper to grant appointments of this sort to any but
+citizens of America, is a question whose importance will not, I am
+persuaded, escape the notice of Congress. A sensible, active consul is
+a very useful officer in many respects, and has many opportunities of
+doing essential services to those who employ him, or to whom he may be
+most attached. It is most certain, that for want of proper persons
+appointed to take care of our distressed seamen, who, escaping from
+captivity at Lisbon, Gibraltar, &c. daily arrive here, America loses
+many of them. Humanity as well as policy calls for this provision. I
+have some of them now with me, destitute of bread and money, and
+almost of clothes, and of the means of getting either, unless by
+entering into the French or Spanish service. Such as may arrive here
+after my going to Madrid will be friendless unless I employ some
+person to take a little care of them, which I shall take the liberty
+of doing, being fully persuaded that the same principles which press
+me into that measure will induce Congress to approve it.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Cadiz, March 3d, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Captain Morgan being still here, waiting for a fair wind, I have an
+opportunity of transmitting to your Excellency a copy of a letter[17]
+just come to hand from the Count de Florida Blanca, in answer to mine
+to M. Galvez.
+
+Being apprehensive that if present I should probably be amused with
+verbal answers capable of being explained away if necessary, until the
+two courts could have time to consult and decide on their measures, I
+thought it more prudent that my first application should be by letter
+rather than in person.
+
+The answer in question, divested of the gloss which its politeness
+spreads over it, gives us, I think, to understand, that our
+independence shall be acknowledged, provided we accede to certain
+terms of treaty, but not otherwise; so that the acknowledgment is not
+to be made because we are independent, which would be candid and
+liberal, but because of the previous considerations we are to give for
+it, which is consistent with the principles on which nations usually
+act.
+
+I shall proceed immediately to Madrid. There are many reasons
+(hereafter to be explained,) which induce me to suspect that France is
+determined to manage between us, so as to make us debtors to their
+influence and good correspondence with Spain for every concession on
+her part, and to make Spain hold herself obligated to their influence
+and good correspondence with us for every concession on our part.
+Though this may puzzle the business, I think it also promotes it.
+
+M. Gerard has often endeavored to persuade me, that a certain
+resolution of Congress would, if persisted in, ruin the business,
+which however he did not appear much inclined to believe, but, on the
+contrary, that if every other matter was adjusted you would not part
+on that point. I assured him that ground had, in my opinion, been
+taken with too much deliberation now to be quitted, and that
+expectations of that kind would certainly deceive those who trusted
+them. And, indeed, as affairs are now circumstanced, it would, in my
+opinion, be better for America to have no treaty with Spain, than to
+purchase one on such servile terms. There was a time when it might
+have been proper to have given that country something for their making
+common cause with us, but that day is now past. Spain is at war with
+Britain.
+
+I do not like the cypher in which I write, and shall therefore defer
+further particulars till Mr Thompson shall receive the one now sent
+him.
+
+I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem, your
+Excellency's most obedient servant,
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[17] See this letter above, dated February 24th, p. 210.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DE NEUFVILLE & SON TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Amsterdam, April 6th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+We beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on your safe arrival in
+Europe. By principle warmly attached to the American cause, we could
+wish that we saw our States in a situation to acknowledge the
+independence of their sister Republic, and though we could only
+cultivate private connexions as yet, we took the liberty to address
+some intelligence to your Excellency when President of Congress. We
+should reckon ourselves extremely happy to know whether our letter
+came to hand before your Excellency left Philadelphia, and whether we
+may form any hopes that our zeal may prove successful for the benefit,
+as we intended, of both countries.
+
+Meanwhile we have the honor to be, with all possible regard, &c.
+
+ JOHN DE NEUFVILLE & SON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ANSWER TO DE NEUFVILLE & SON.
+
+ Madrid, April 27th, 1780.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+I have had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 6th instant,
+and am much obliged by your kind congratulations on my arrival in
+Europe.
+
+The letters you mention to have written to Congress had been received
+before I left Philadelphia, and referred to a committee. This mark of
+attention was justly due to the interest you take in the American
+cause, and the disposition you manifest to serve it. I presume that
+the committee soon made a report, and that answers to your letters
+have been written, although perhaps the many hazards to which letters
+from America are exposed may have prevented their reaching you.
+
+When the rulers of your republic recollect in what manner and on what
+occasion they became free, I am persuaded they cannot but wish
+duration to our independence, nor forbear considering it as an event
+no less interesting to every commercial nation in Europe than
+important to America. These and similar considerations, added to the
+injustice they daily experience from England, will, I hope, induce
+them to call to mind that spirit of their forefathers, which acquired
+a glorious participation in the empire of the ocean, and laid the
+foundation of the commerce, affluence, and consideration they
+transmitted to their posterity.
+
+Permit me to assure you that I shall consider your correspondence as a
+favor, and that I am, with great respect, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Madrid, May 26th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Since my departure from America I have had the honor of writing the
+following letters to your Excellency, viz. 20th, 22d, 24th, 25th,
+25th, 26th and 27th of December, 1779, from Martinique; and 27th of
+January, 20th, 28th and 29th of February, and 3d of March, 1780, from
+Cadiz. I am still uncertain whether any, and which of them, have come
+to your hands, and request the favor of particular information on this
+subject.
+
+Of such of them as respect immediately the business committed to me I
+now send duplicates, as well as copies of such other papers as, taken
+collectively, will give Congress a full and accurate state of their
+affairs here.
+
+This packet, of which an exact copy goes by another vessel, will
+appear voluminous. It will nevertheless be found interesting. I have
+interspersed such observations as to me appeared proper for the
+purpose of explanation.
+
+On the 22d of January, 1780, I arrived at Cadiz, without letters of
+credit or recommendation to any person there. The Chevalier Roche (a
+passenger with us) was so obliging as to procure me credit for about
+two hundred pounds sterling with a relation of his, to whom I was
+obliged to give a bill on Dr Franklin at a more than usual short
+sight. I afterwards became acquainted with the house of Le Couteulx
+and Company, who offered me what money I might want, and furnished me
+accordingly, with great cheerfulness. I was very disagreeably
+circumstanced.
+
+Finding reports ran hard against American credit, and that bills on Dr
+Franklin were held very cheap, by reason of his having, as was there
+said, postponed, delayed, and in some instances refused payment of
+them, on very frivolous pretences, I did, on the 26th of January,
+1780, inform him by letter of my arrival, and of these reports.
+
+In answer to this, the Doctor, on the 7th of April, 1780, wrote me a
+very friendly letter, asserting these reports to be false, and
+enclosing a certificate of his banker, which proved them to be so. Of
+this I have made the proper use, and as the same reports prevailed in
+Martinique, and probably in the other islands, I wish the remedy to be
+as extensive as the mischief, and therefore transmit the following
+extract from his letter on that subject, and a copy of the certificate
+mentioned in it.
+
+ _Extract of a Letter from his Excellency Dr Franklin,
+ dated April 7th, 1780._
+
+ "The reports you tell me prevail at Cadiz, that the Loan
+ Office Bills, payable in France, have not been duly honored,
+ are wicked falsehoods. Not one of them, duly endorsed by the
+ original proprietor, was ever refused by me, or the payment
+ delayed a moment. And the few not so endorsed have been also
+ paid on the guarantee of the presenter, or some person of
+ known credit. No reason whatever has been given for refusing
+ payment of a bill, except this very good one that either the
+ first, second, third or fourth of the same set had been
+ already paid. The pretence that it was necessary for the
+ whole set to arrive before the money could be paid, is too
+ absurd and ridiculous for anyone to make use of, who knows
+ anything of the nature of exchange. The unexpected large
+ draughts made upon me by Congress and others, exclusive of
+ these from the Loan Office, have indeed sometimes embarrassed
+ me not a little, and put me to difficulties. But I have
+ overcome those difficulties, so as never to have been obliged
+ to make the smallest excuse, or desire the least delay of
+ payment from any presenter of such bills. Those reports must
+ therefore have been contrived by enemies to our country, or
+ by persons who proposed an advantage to themselves by
+ purchasing them at an under rate. Enclosed I send you a
+ certificate of our banker in refutation of those calumnies."
+
+
+ _Copy of the abovementioned Certificate._
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "I, the subscriber, banker at Paris, and alone charged with
+ the payment of the bills of the Loan Office, declare, that I
+ have paid, without exception or delay, all such bills to this
+ date, accepted by his Excellency Dr Franklin; that, to my
+ knowledge, no such bill has been refused payment; but that
+ several have been presented after they had been once paid.
+
+ "I declare further, that whatever is contradictory to this
+ present is false.
+
+ "In testimony of which I have here signed my name at Paris,
+ this 15th of March, 1780.
+
+ GRAND."
+
+It appearing to me of importance that I should as soon as possible be
+informed of the measures, which Mr Arthur Lee might have taken leading
+to a treaty between the United States and Spain, I did, on the 26th of
+January, 1780, write him a letter, of which the following is a
+copy.[18]
+
+Mr Lee, in answer to this, wrote me a polite letter on the 17th of
+March, 1780. The following is a copy of it.[19]
+
+As, for reasons, which will appear in the course of the following
+papers, and which I hope will meet with the approbation of Congress,
+it became proper for me to remain in Spain, I apprised the Court of
+France of it by a letter to his Excellency the Count de Vergennes, on
+the 27th of January, 1780, of which the following is a copy.[20]
+
+The Count's answer to this is in the following words.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "Versailles, March 13th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "I have received your favor of the 27th of January, and I am
+ fully sensible of the confidence you have reposed in me, by
+ communicating to me the object of your mission. You know too
+ well the attachment of his Majesty to the United States, not
+ to feel assured that he sincerely wishes you success, and
+ will be eager to contribute to it. The Count de Montmorin has
+ received instructions accordant with this disposition, and I
+ do not doubt that your confidence in him will enable him to
+ fulfil them to your entire satisfaction.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ DE VERGENNES."
+
+On the 9th of May, 1780, I replied to the Count as follows.
+
+ "Aranjues, May 9th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "The letter which your Excellency did me the honor to write
+ me, on the 13th of March last, was delivered to me by the
+ Count de Montmorin on my arrival at Madrid.
+
+ "I should not have thus long delayed the pleasure of replying
+ to it, if I could have prevailed upon myself to have given
+ your Excellency complimentary professions, instead of sincere
+ assurances. Unreserved confidence in an Ambassador of our
+ great and good ally was just, as well as natural; and I am
+ exceedingly happy to find that personal considerations,
+ instead of forbidding, prompt it. M. Gerard, whose judgment I
+ greatly respect, had given me a very favorable impression of
+ this gentleman, and I am convinced from my own observation,
+ that he was not mistaken. His conduct towards me has been
+ that of a wise minister, and a candid gentleman. Your
+ Excellency may therefore rely upon his receiving all that
+ confidence from me, which these considerations dictate.
+ Permit me to add, that I never indulge myself in
+ contemplating the future happiness and independence of my
+ country, without feeling the warmest attachment to the Prince
+ and people, who are making such glorious exertions to
+ establish them.
+
+ "With the most lively sentiments of respect and esteem, I
+ have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+I requested the favor of M. Gerard to inform me, to which of the
+Ministers of Spain it would be proper to address any letters, which I
+might think proper to write to that court. He told me M. Galvez, and
+enumerated his reasons for thinking so. On the 27th of January, 1780,
+I wrote a letter to that Minister. The following is a copy of it.[21]
+
+Mr Carmichael was the bearer of this letter, and as his going to
+Madrid to expedite an answer to it would give him an opportunity of
+acquiring, as well as giving information on several subjects, I gave
+him the following instructions.[22]
+
+I have desired Mr Carmichael, for greater certainty, to give me notes
+in writing of all the information he gained in pursuance of these
+instructions, but he has postponed it for the sake of enlarging them
+by some important additions.
+
+My letter to M. Galvez was answered the 24th of February, 1780, by the
+Count de Florida Blanca, in the words following, viz.[23]
+
+To this letter I replied as follows, viz.
+
+ "Cadiz, March 6th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "I have been honored with your Excellency's favor of the
+ 24th ultimo, which did not come to my hands till sometime
+ after its arrival.
+
+ "The sentiments which his Majesty is pleased to entertain of
+ me, together with the polite manner in which your Excellency
+ has been so obliging as to express them, demand my warmest
+ acknowledgments, and give additional force to the many
+ motives, which render me desirous of a permanent union
+ between his Majesty and the United States.
+
+ "The honor and probity, which have ever characterised the
+ conduct of Spain, together with the exalted reputation his
+ Majesty has acquired, by being an eminent example of both,
+ have induced the people of the United States to repose the
+ highest confidence in the proofs they have received of his
+ friendly disposition towards them; and to consider every
+ engagement with this monarchy as guarantied by that faith,
+ and secured by that ingenuousness, which have so gloriously
+ distinguished his Majesty and this kingdom among the other
+ Princes and nations of the earth.
+
+ "Permit me to request the favor of your Excellency to assure
+ his Majesty, that the people of the United States are
+ convinced, that virtue alone can animate and support their
+ governments; and that they can in no other way establish and
+ perpetuate a national character, honorable to themselves and
+ their posterity, than by an unshaken adherence to the rules
+ which religion, morality, and treaties may prescribe for
+ their conduct. His royal mind may also be persuaded, that
+ gratitude will never cease to add the influence of
+ inclination to the power of dignity, in rendering them
+ solicitous for the happiness and prosperity of those generous
+ nations, who nobly strengthened their opposition to a torrent
+ of oppression, and kindly aided in freeing them from the
+ bondage of a nation, whose arrogance and injustice had become
+ destructive of the rights of mankind, and dangerous to the
+ peace and tranquillity of Christendom.
+
+ "Having therefore the most perfect conviction, that the
+ candor and benignity of his Majesty's intentions are equal to
+ the uprightness and sincerity of those of Congress, I shall
+ set out in a few days for Madrid, with the pleasing
+ expectation that there will be little delay or difficulty in
+ adjusting the terms of a union between a magnanimous Monarch
+ and a virtuous people, who wish to obtain, by an alliance
+ with each other, only reciprocal benefits and mutual
+ advantages.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, with perfect respect and
+ consideration, your Excellency's most obedient, and most
+ humble servant,
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+On the 4th of April, 1780, I arrived at Madrid, and Mr Carmichael
+delivered to me the following questions from the Count de Florida
+Blanca, to which he had declined giving answers, viz.
+
+ _Questions from the Count de Florida Blanca, dated the
+ 9th of March, 1780._
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "Before entering into a discussion with Mr Jay or Mr
+ Carmichael, jointly or separately, on the subject of the
+ affairs of the United States of North America, and their
+ mutual interest with respect to Spain, it is judged
+ indispensable at Madrid, that the Catholic King should be
+ exactly informed of the civil and military state of the
+ American Provinces, and of their resources to continue the
+ present war, not only for the defence of their own liberty,
+ but also with respect to the aid and succors they may be able
+ to afford Spain in its operations, in case hereafter this
+ Crown should become the ally of America. The _Civil Affairs_
+ ought to comprehend,
+
+ "1st. A true account of the population and form of government
+ of each Province of the Union, and the resolution of the
+ inhabitants to continue the war with vigor, as long as it is
+ necessary.
+
+ "2dly. Whether there is any powerful party in favor of
+ England, and what consequences are to be apprehended from it;
+ whether the heads of this party suffer themselves to be
+ seduced by the great promises of the British government.
+
+ "3dly. A statement of the revenues of these Provinces, and of
+ their ability to contribute to the general expense; to which
+ may be added, whether they will be able long to support this
+ burthen, and even to increase it should it be judged
+ necessary.
+
+ "4thly. A statement of the public debts, and of the
+ particular debts of each State, taken collectively or
+ separately, of their resources to lessen them, and the
+ possibility of their being able to support their credit in
+ all the operations of government, in the commerce of their
+ inhabitants, and above all in the protection of national
+ industry.
+
+ "5thly. By what means, or with what branches of commerce,
+ will the States of America have it in their power to
+ indemnify Spain, whenever this power may second the views and
+ operations of the Americans; and particularly the Court
+ wishes to know, whether it may be convenient for the said
+ States to furnish ships of war of the best construction for
+ the Spanish marine, and likewise timber and other articles
+ for the King's arsenals, and the whole without loss of time,
+ and fixing the terms on which they would make an agreement of
+ this nature, and who would be commissioned to bring the
+ vessels and these naval stores to Spain.
+
+ "With respect to the _Military State_ of America, it is
+ necessary to be informed first, of the number and strength of
+ the different bodies of troops armed by the Provinces, and of
+ their present situation, in order to judge whether they are
+ sufficient to oppose the enemy wherever they may go, and
+ particularly in Carolina and Georgia.
+
+ "Further, it may be expedient to know the means of augmenting
+ the American army in case it is necessary, or to keep it
+ always on the same footing, notwithstanding its daily losses.
+ In what condition their clothing and arms are at present;
+ whether they are partly in want of those articles, and how
+ much it would require to remedy those defects.
+
+ "The subsistence of an army being an object of the greatest
+ consequence, the Court desires to know if proper measures
+ have been taken for that purpose, that it may be ascertained
+ whether it can act everywhere, if necessary, even in the
+ above mentioned Provinces, without danger of being in want of
+ necessaries.
+
+ "It is highly essential for the Provinces of America to keep
+ a marine to act against the common enemy, and to secure their
+ own possessions during the present war. The Spanish Minister
+ therefore is desirous of knowing its strength, including the
+ armed vessels belonging to individuals, and by what means it
+ may be augmented, and what succors will be necessary for that
+ purpose.
+
+ "The Court of Spain, desirous of information on these
+ subjects with all possible frankness and precision, does not
+ pretend to dive into matters, which Mr Jay or Mr Carmichael
+ may regard as reserved to themselves. Its only aim is to be
+ acquainted with the present state of the American forces,
+ their resources, and ability to continue the war, so that if
+ it was in consideration for new allies to supply them with
+ succors of any kind, the former might be able to plan on
+ solid grounds their operations convenient for the common
+ cause, and for the particular advantage of these States,
+ without running the risk of being misled by false
+ calculations for want of foresight and proper information."
+
+ "_Pardo, March 9th, 1780._"
+
+My answer to these questions is contained in a letter I wrote to the
+Count de Florida Blanca, on the 25th of April, 1780; the removal of
+the Court to Aranjues, and his attending the King at that time at an
+annual chase, rendering it useless, and perhaps improper, to endeavor
+to call his attention to these matters sooner. The following is a copy
+of it.
+
+ "Madrid, April 25th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "Mr Carmichael has delivered to me a paper he had the honor
+ of receiving from your Excellency before my arrival here,
+ containing heads of many important inquiries respecting which
+ it was thought necessary, that his Catholic Majesty should be
+ exactly informed before entering into a discussion with me
+ and Mr Carmichael jointly or separately, on the subject of
+ the affairs of the United States of North America, and their
+ mutual interest with respect to Spain; but that the Court,
+ though desirous of information on these several articles,
+ with all possible frankness and precision, did not mean to
+ dive into matters which Mr Carmichael and myself might regard
+ as reserved to ourselves only.
+
+ "Being persuaded, that direct and accurate information
+ respecting the nature and extent of the commissions given to
+ that gentleman and myself, would be very agreeable to your
+ Excellency, I take the liberty of transmitting the following
+ copies of each.
+
+ 'The delegates of the United States of New Hampshire,
+ Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,
+ Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
+ Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and
+ Georgia, in Congress assembled, to all who shall see these
+ presents, Greeting.
+
+ 'Whereas an intercourse between the subjects of his Catholic
+ Majesty, and the citizens of these United States, founded on
+ the principles of equality, reciprocity, and friendship, may
+ be of mutual advantage to both nations, and it being the
+ sincere desire of the United States to enter into a treaty of
+ alliance and of amity and commerce with his Catholic Majesty,
+ know ye, therefore, that we, confiding in the integrity,
+ prudence, and ability of the Honorable John Jay, late
+ President of Congress, and Chief Justice of the State of New
+ York, have nominated and constituted, and by these presents
+ do nominate and constitute him, the said John Jay, our
+ Minister Plenipotentiary; giving him full power general and
+ special to act in that quality, to confer, treat, agree, and
+ conclude, with the Ambassador or Plenipotentiary of his
+ Catholic Majesty vested with equal powers, of and concerning
+ a treaty of amity and commerce, and of alliance, and whatever
+ shall be so agreed and concluded for us and in our names, to
+ sign, and thereupon make such treaty or treaties, conventions
+ and agreements, as he shall judge conformable to the ends we
+ have in view, in as ample form, and with the same effect, as
+ if we were personally present and acted therein, hereby
+ promising in good faith, that we will accept, ratify, fulfil,
+ and execute whatever shall be agreed, concluded, and signed
+ by our said Minister Plenipotentiary, and that we will never
+ act, nor suffer any person to act, contrary to the same in
+ the whole, or in any part.
+
+ 'In witness whereof, we have caused these presents to be
+ given in Congress, at Philadelphia, the 29th day of
+ September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
+ and seventynine, and the fourth year of the independence of
+ the United States of America.
+
+ 'Signed by the President, and sealed with his seal.
+
+ 'SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.
+
+ 'Attest, CHARLES THOMSON, _Secretary_.'
+
+
+ 'The United States of America, in Congress assembled. To the
+ Honorable William Carmichael, a delegate in Congress from the
+ State of Maryland. Greeting.
+
+ 'We, reposing especial trust and confidence in your
+ patriotism, ability, conduct, and fidelity, do, by these
+ presents, constitute and appoint you, during our pleasure,
+ Secretary to our Minister Plenipotentiary, appointed to
+ negotiate a treaty of amity and commerce, and of alliance
+ with his Catholic Majesty. You are, therefore, carefully and
+ diligently to discharge the duty of Secretary, by doing and
+ performing all things thereunto belonging, and, in case of
+ the death of our said Minister, you are to signify it to us
+ by the earliest opportunity, and on such event, we authorise
+ and direct you to take into your charge all our public
+ affairs, which were in the hands of said Minister at the time
+ of his death, or which may be addressed to him before notice
+ thereof, and proceed therein, according to the instructions
+ to our said Minister given, until our further orders.
+
+ 'Witness, his Excellency, Samuel Huntington, President of the
+ Congress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia,
+ the 29th day of September, in the year of our Lord, 1779, and
+ in the fourth year of our independence.
+
+ 'SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.
+
+ 'Attest, CHARLES THOMSON, _Secretary_.'
+
+ "The inquiries in question are numerous and important. They
+ do honor to the sagacity which suggested them, and, if fully
+ answered, would produce a very interesting history of the
+ present condition of the American States. On some of the
+ subjects proposed, I can give your Excellency full and
+ positive intelligence; on others, only general and by no
+ means precise information. On all, however, I shall write
+ with candor.
+
+ "Such is the nature of the American governments and
+ confederacy, that the Congress, and all other rulers of the
+ people, are responsible to them for their conduct, and cannot
+ withhold from their constituents a knowledge of their true
+ situation, without subjecting themselves to all the evils,
+ which they experience, who substitute cunning in the place of
+ wisdom. Hence it is, that a knowledge of their affairs is
+ easily attainable by all who will be at the trouble of
+ collecting it, and as it is neither the policy nor
+ inclination of America to draw a veil over any part of their
+ affairs, your Excellency may be persuaded, that every
+ consideration forbids their servants, by a suppression, or
+ misrepresentation of facts, to deceive or mislead those whose
+ amity they so sincerely endeavor to cultivate, as they do
+ that of Spain.
+
+ I. THE CIVIL STATE OF NORTH AMERICA.
+
+ "Your Excellency has with great propriety arranged the
+ subjects of your inquiry under two heads; the _Civil_ and
+ _Military_ States of North America. The first of these is
+ again branched into several subdivisions, at the head of
+ which, is the
+
+ _Population of each State._
+
+ "The exact number of inhabitants in the United States has
+ not, I believe, been ascertained by an actual census in more
+ than two or three of them. The only computation made by
+ Congress was on the 29th of July, 1775; the manner and
+ occasion of which exclude every suspicion of its exceeding
+ the true number. Congress had emitted bills of credit to a
+ very considerable amount, and were apprised of the necessity
+ of emitting more. Justice demanded that this debt should be
+ apportioned among the States according to their respective
+ abilities; an equitable rule whereby to determine that
+ ability became indispensable. After much consideration,
+ Congress resolved, 'that the proportion, or quota of each
+ Colony, should be determined according to the number of the
+ inhabitants of all ages (including negroes and mulattoes) in
+ each Colony,' but as that could not _then_ be ascertained
+ _exactly_, they were obliged to judge of, and compute the
+ number from circumstantial evidence. The delegates gave to
+ Congress an account of the population of their respective
+ Colonies, made from the best materials then in their power,
+ and so great was their confidence in each other, that from
+ those accounts that computation was principally formed. Your
+ Excellency will readily perceive, that the delegates were far
+ from being under any temptations to exaggerate the number of
+ their constituents; they were not ignorant, that by such
+ exaggerations they would increase their portion of aids, both
+ of men and money, and that whatever errors they might commit,
+ could not be rectified by an actual numeration during the
+ war. The computation then formed was as follows.
+
+ New Hampshire, 124,069 and a half
+ Massachusetts Bay, 434,244
+ Rhode Island, 71,959 and a half
+ Connecticut, 248,139
+ New York, 248,139
+ New Jersey, 161,290 and a half
+ Pennsylvania, 372,208 and a half
+ Delaware, 37,219 and a half
+ Maryland, 310,174 and a half
+ Virginia, 496,278
+ North Carolina, 248,139
+ South Carolina, 248,139
+ ---------
+ 3,000,000
+
+ Exclusive of the inhabitants of Georgia, who were not at that
+ time represented in Congress, and of whose numbers I have no
+ information that I can confide in.
+
+ _The Form of Government of each State._
+
+ "In the pamphlets I have now the honor of transmitting to
+ your Excellency, viz. No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5,
+ you will find the constitutions of New York, New Jersey,
+ Pennsylvania, Delaware, and South Carolina. The others I have
+ not with me. The great outlines of them all are very similar.
+ By the last accounts from America, it appears that
+ Massachusetts Bay had not as yet agreed upon their
+ constitution, but had it then under consideration.
+
+ "It cannot be necessary to observe to your Excellency, that
+ these new modes of government were formed by persons named
+ and authorised by the people for that express purpose; that
+ they were, in general, instituted with great temper and
+ deliberation upon such just and liberal principles, as on the
+ one hand to give effectual security to civil and religious
+ liberty, and on the other make ample provision for the rights
+ of justice, and the due exercise of the necessary powers of
+ government.
+
+ "The articles of confederation agreed upon by Congress, and
+ approved by every State in the Union except Maryland, provide
+ for the general government of the Confederacy, and the
+ ordering of all matters essential to the prosperity and
+ preservation of the Union in peace and war. I ought also to
+ inform your Excellency, that the reasons why Maryland has as
+ yet withheld her assent to those articles, do not arise from
+ any disaffection to the common cause, but merely from their
+ not having adopted certain principles respecting the
+ disposition of certain lands.
+
+ _The Union and Resolution of the Inhabitants to continue the
+ War with Vigor as long as may be necessary._
+
+ "On this subject I can give your Excellency certain and
+ positive information; the storm of tyranny and oppression,
+ which had for some years been constantly growing more black
+ and more terrible, began to burst with violence on the people
+ of North America in the year 1774. It was seen and felt and
+ deprecated by all except those, who expected to gather spoils
+ in the ruins it was designed to occasion. These were those
+ who enjoyed, or expected, emoluments from Great Britain,
+ together with their immediate dependants and connexions; such
+ as the officers of government throughout the Colonies, but
+ with some very distinguished exceptions; those of the clergy
+ of the church of England almost without exception, who
+ received annual salaries from the society established in
+ England for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts; foreign
+ adventurers, buyers and sellers, who, being no further
+ attached to the country than as it afforded the means of
+ gain, soon prepared to speculate in confiscations, and
+ courted the notice of their sovereign by intemperate zeal for
+ the ruin of his subjects. With these exceptions, the great
+ body of the people moved together, and united in such firm
+ and considerate measures for the common safety, and conducted
+ their affairs with such regularity, order, and system, as to
+ leave no room to suppose them to be the work of only a
+ prevailing party, as our enemies have always represented and
+ affected to consider them.
+
+ "There was, it is true, another class of persons not much
+ less dangerous, though far more contemptible than those I
+ first mentioned; persons who in every revolution, like
+ floating weeds in every storm, obey the strongest wind, and
+ pass from side to side as that happens to change. I mean the
+ _neutrals_, a pusillanimous race, who having balanced in
+ their minds the advantages and disadvantages, the gains and
+ dangers of joining either side, are seduced by their fears to
+ form a thousand pretexts for joining neither; who, to
+ manifest their loyalty to their King, when his armies were
+ successful, gave them every aid in their power, except
+ drawing their swords against their country, and who, when
+ their countrymen prevailed, were ready to render them all
+ possible service, except taking arms against their Prince.
+
+ "The auxiliaries, whom the British measures and forces found
+ in the country, consisted of persons from these classes. And
+ although when these first appeared in, and wounded the bosom
+ of America, she was obliged to extend her arms to repel the
+ assaults of a foreign enemy, yet such was the union and
+ spirit of her inhabitants, that she was soon enabled not only
+ to put them under her feet, but on the ruins of her former
+ governments to erect new ones in the midst of invasions from
+ without, and treacherous combinations from within. Being able
+ to obtain no other terms of peace than unconditional
+ obedience, she had sufficient courage to declare herself
+ independent in the face of one of the best appointed armies
+ Britain could ever boast of, as well as sufficient strength
+ to limit its operations, and reduce its numbers.
+
+ "It may perhaps be observed, that the first object of the war
+ was a redress of grievances; that the present object is
+ _independence_; and it may be asked whether the people are as
+ much united with respect to the last as they were with
+ respect to the first.
+
+ "I am certain that the people of America never were so well
+ united as they are at present, in that of their independence.
+ Exclusive of actual observation on the spot, I think so
+ because,
+
+ "1st. The Declaration of Independence was made by Congress at
+ a time, when the great body of their constituents called for
+ it.
+
+ "2dly. Because that declaration was immediately recognised by
+ the general assemblies and legislatures of the several
+ States, without exception.
+
+ "3dly. Because the successful army under General Burgoyne was
+ defeated and captured by a great collection of the
+ neighboring militia, to whom he had offered peace and
+ tranquillity on their remaining at home, terms which it was
+ natural to suppose a great many of them would have accepted,
+ had the Declaration of Independence been disagreeable to
+ them.
+
+ "4thly. Because the Congress, consisting of members annually
+ elected, have repeatedly, expressly, and unanimously declared
+ their determination to support it at every hazard.
+
+ "5thly. Because their internal enemies have been either
+ expelled or reduced, and their estates to a very great amount
+ in some of the States confiscated and actually sold.
+
+ "6thly. Because constitutions and forms of government have
+ since been instituted and completely organised, in which the
+ people participate, from which they have experienced
+ essential advantages, and to which they have of consequence
+ become greatly attached.
+
+ "7thly. Because Congress unanimously refused to enter into
+ treaty with the British Commissioners on any terms short of
+ independence, and because every State, though afterwards
+ separately solicited, refused to treat otherwise than
+ collectively by their delegates in Congress.
+
+ "8thly. Because the inhuman and very barbarous manner in
+ which the war has been conducted by the enemy, has so
+ alienated the affections of the people from the King and
+ government of Britain, and filled their hearts with such
+ deep rooted and just resentments, as render a cordial
+ reconciliation, much less a dependence on them, utterly
+ impossible.
+
+ "9thly. Because the doctrine propagated in America by the
+ servants of the King of Great Britain, that no faith was to
+ be kept with Americans in arms against him, and the
+ uniformity with which they have adhered to it, in their
+ practice as well as professions, have destroyed all
+ confidence, and leave the Americans no room to doubt, but
+ that, should they again become subjects of the King of
+ Britain on certain terms, those terms would as little impede
+ the progress of future oppression, as the capitulation of
+ Limerick, in 1691, did with respect to Ireland.
+
+ "10thly. Because the treaty with France, and consequently
+ virtue, honor, and every obligation due to the reputation of
+ a rising nation, whose fame is unsullied by violated
+ compacts, forbid it.
+
+ "11thly. Because it is the evident, and well known interest
+ of North America to remain independent.
+
+ "12thly. Because the history of mankind, from the earliest
+ ages, with a loud voice calls upon those who draw their
+ swords against a Prince, deaf to the supplication of his
+ people, to throw away that scabbard.
+
+ "13thly. Because they do not consider the support of their
+ independence as difficult. The country is very defensible and
+ fertile; the people are all soldiers, who with reason
+ consider their liberty and lives as the most valuable of the
+ possessions left them, and which they are determined shall
+ neither be wrested or purchased from them but with blood.
+
+ "14thly. Because for the support of their independence, they
+ have expressly, by a most solemn act, pledged to each other
+ their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor; so that
+ their bond of union, for this very purpose, thus formed of
+ all the ties of common interest, common safety, mutual
+ affection, general resentments, and the great obligations of
+ virtue, honor, patriotism, and religion, may with reason be
+ deemed equal to the importance of that great object.
+
+ _Whether there is any powerful Party in Favor of England, and
+ what Consequences are to be apprehended from it? Whether
+ the Heads of this Party suffer themselves to be seduced by
+ the Promises of the British Government?_
+
+ "What has been already said, on the subject of the union of
+ the people in North America, will I imagine in a great
+ measure answer these questions.
+
+ "If by a party in favor of England is meant a party for
+ relinquishing the independence of the United States, and
+ returning to the dominion of Britain, on any terms whatever,
+ I answer there is no such party in North America; all the
+ open adherents of the Crown of Great Britain having either
+ voluntarily quitted or been expelled from the country.
+
+ "That Britain has emissaries and masked adherents in America,
+ industrious in their little spheres to perplex the public
+ measures, and disturb the public tranquillity, is a fact of
+ which I have not the most distant doubt, and it is equally
+ true, that some of these wicked men are by a few weak ones
+ thought to be patriots, but they cannot with any propriety be
+ called a party, or even a faction. The chief mischief they
+ do, is collecting and transmitting intelligence, raising
+ false reports, and spreading calumnies of public men and
+ measures; such characters will be found in every country so
+ circumstanced, and America has not been negligent in
+ providing laws for their punishment.
+
+ "The obvious policy of the Court of London has induced them
+ to boast perpetually of their party in America; but where it
+ is? of whom composed? what it has done, or is doing? are
+ questions to which they constantly give evasive answers. Much
+ also have they said of the numbers that have joined their
+ arms in America. The truth is, that at Boston, Rhode Island,
+ New York, and Philadelphia, they gleaned some of that refuse
+ of mankind, to be found and purchased by any body in all
+ commercial cities. It is also true, that some men of weight
+ and influence in the country, who joined the enemy on their
+ first successes, did draw away with them several of their
+ immediate dependents, whom they persuaded or otherwise
+ influenced to enlist in their service. To these may also be
+ added the prisoners, who at different times they forced into
+ their service by famine, and other severities too numerous as
+ well as barbarous to be here particularized. But I have no
+ reason to believe, that all these aids put together ever
+ exceeded three thousand men. This business, however, (except
+ with respect to prisoners,) has long been over, and before I
+ left America many of those deluded people had returned and
+ implored the pardon of their country.
+
+ "In America, as in all other popular governments, your
+ Excellency knows there must and ever will be parties for and
+ against particular measures and particular men. The enemy,
+ adverting to this circumstance, have had address enough to
+ ascribe differences and temporary heats arising from this
+ source, in which they were not interested, to causes much
+ higher, and more flattering to their importance; and this
+ they have done with so much art, as to have imposed in some
+ instances on the credulity of men high in reputation for
+ sagacity and discernment.
+
+ "If your Excellency will be pleased to peruse a pamphlet
+ marked No. 6, which you will find enclosed with the other
+ papers I herewith transmit, and entitled 'Observations on the
+ American Revolution,' you will perceive that nothing is to be
+ apprehended from this supposed party in North America.
+
+ _A Statement of the Revenues of the States, and of their
+ Ability to contribute to the General Expense; whether they
+ will be able long to support this Burthen, and increase it
+ if necessary?_
+
+ "The Confederated States have no fixed revenues, nor are such
+ revenues necessary, because all the private property in the
+ country is at the public service. The only restriction
+ imposed by the people is, that it be taken from them with
+ wisdom and justice, or to be more explicit, that the sums
+ required be proportionate to the public exigencies, and
+ assessed on the individuals in proportion to their respective
+ abilities.
+
+ "A nation can seldom be destitute of the means of continuing
+ a war, while they remain unsubdued in the field, and
+ cheerfully devote their all to that service. They may indeed
+ experience great distress, but no distress being equal to
+ that of subjection to exasperated oppressors, whose most
+ tender mercies are cruel, the Americans had little difficulty
+ in making their election.
+
+ _A Statement of the Public Debts._
+
+ "This subject your Excellency will find fully discussed in an
+ address of Congress to their constituents, in which they
+ compute their debts, and mention the means they had taken to
+ preserve the public credit. It is also herewith enclosed, and
+ marked No. 7.
+
+ _A Statement of the Debts of each particular State._
+
+ "Although exact accounts of these debts are contained in the
+ public printed acts of each State, yet as I neither have any
+ of those acts or extracts from them with me, and my general
+ knowledge on this hand is very imperfect, I am deterred from
+ giving your Excellency any information respecting it, by the
+ very great risk I should run of misleading you on this point.
+
+ _The Resources to lessen these Debts._
+
+ "Taxes; foreign and domestic loans; sales of confiscated
+ estates, and ungranted lands.
+
+ _The possibility of their supporting their Credit in all the
+ Operations of Government, in the Commerce of their
+ Inhabitants, and, above all, in the Protection of National
+ Industry._
+
+ "As to the possibility of supporting their credit in the
+ cases mentioned, there is no doubt it is very _possible_. How
+ far it is _probable_, is a question less easy to answer. If
+ the taxes called for by Congress last fall be duly paid, all
+ will be safe. But whether they have been paid or not I am
+ wholly uninformed, except that I find in a public paper that
+ Virginia had made good her first payment. As I daily expect
+ to receive advices from America on this subject, I shall
+ postpone saying anything further on it at present, but your
+ Excellency may rely on my communicating to you a full state
+ of what intelligence I may have respecting it.
+
+ "As to supporting their credit in _commerce_, it is attended
+ with considerable, though not insurmountable difficulties.
+ They are of two kinds, the want of sufficient commodities for
+ remittances, and the risk of transporting them. North
+ America abounds in valuable commodities, such as fish, oil,
+ lumber, provisions of flesh and corn, iron, tobacco, and
+ naval stores, peltry, indigo, potash, and other articles, all
+ of which have greatly diminished since the war; the laborers
+ formerly employed in producing them having been often called
+ to the field, and by other effects of the war been prevented
+ from regularly following their usual occupations. Of some of
+ these articles America still produces more than is necessary
+ for her own consumption, but the risk of transporting them to
+ Europe renders her remittances very uncertain. The asylum,
+ which all British armed vessels find in the ports of
+ Portugal, enables them to cruise very conveniently and with
+ great advantage off the Western Islands, and other situations
+ proper for annoying vessels from thence to France, Spain, or
+ the Mediterranean. Hence it is that the trade from America to
+ St Eustatia has of late so greatly increased, it being
+ carried on principally in small, fast sailing vessels, that
+ draw but little water, and that the chief remittances to
+ Europe have been in bills of exchange instead of produce.
+
+ "With respect to the protection of _national industry_, I
+ take it for granted that it will always flourish where it is
+ lucrative, and not discouraged, which was the case in North
+ America when I left it; every man being then at liberty, by
+ the law, to cultivate the earth as he pleased, to raise what
+ he pleased, to manufacture as he pleased, and to sell the
+ produce of his labor to whom he pleased, and for the best
+ prices, without any duties or impositions whatsoever. I have
+ indeed no apprehensions whatever on this subject: I believe
+ there are no people more industrious than those of America,
+ and whoever recurs to their population, their former exports,
+ and their present productions amidst the horrors of fire and
+ sword, will be convinced of it.
+
+ _By what Means, or what Branches of Commerce, will the States
+ of America have it in their Power to indemnify Spain,
+ whenever this Power may second the Views and Operations of
+ the Americans?_
+
+ "America will indemnify Spain in two ways, by fighting the
+ enemy of Spain, and by commerce. Your Excellency will be
+ pleased to remark that Spain as well as America is now at war
+ with Britain, and therefore that it is the interest of both
+ to support and assist each other against the common enemy. It
+ cannot be a question whether Britain will be more or less
+ formidable if defeated or victorious in America; and there
+ can be no doubt but that every nation, interested in the
+ reduction of her power, will be compensated for any aids they
+ may afford America, by the immediate application of those
+ aids to that express purpose at the expense of American
+ blood.
+
+ "Your Excellency's well known talents save me the necessity
+ of observing, that it is the interest of all Europe to join
+ in breaking down the exorbitant power of a nation, which
+ arrogantly claims the ocean as her birthright, and considers
+ every advantage in commerce, however acquired by violence, or
+ used with cruelty, as a tribute justly due to her boasted
+ superiority in arts and in arms.
+
+ "By establishing the independence of America, the empire of
+ Britain will be divided, and the sinews of her power cut.
+ Americans, situated in another hemisphere, intent only on the
+ cultivation of a country more than sufficient to satisfy
+ their desires, will remain unconnected with European
+ politics, and not being interested in their objects, will
+ not partake in their dissensions. Happy in having for their
+ neighbors a people distinguished for love of justice and of
+ peace, they will have nothing to fear, but may flatter
+ themselves that they and their posterity will long enjoy all
+ the blessings of that peace, liberty, and safety, for which
+ alone they patiently endure the calamities incident to the
+ cruel contest they sustain.
+
+ "While the war continues, the commerce of America will be
+ inconsiderable; but on the restoration of peace it will soon
+ become very valuable and extensive. So great is the extent of
+ country in North America yet to be cultivated, and so
+ inviting to settlers, that labor will very long remain too
+ dear to admit of considerable manufactures. Reason and
+ experience tell us, that when the poor have it in their power
+ to gain affluence by tilling the earth, they will refuse the
+ scanty earnings which manufacturers may offer them. From this
+ circumstance it is evident, that the exports from America
+ will consist of raw materials, which other nations will be
+ able to manufacture for them at a cheaper rate than they can
+ themselves. To those who consider the future and progressive
+ population of that country, the demands it will have for the
+ manufactures and productions of Europe, as well to satisfy
+ their wants, as to gratify their luxury, will appear immense,
+ and far more than any one kingdom in it can supply. Instead
+ of paying money for fish and many other articles as
+ heretofore, Spain will then have an opportunity of obtaining
+ them in exchange for her cloths, silks, wines, and fruits;
+ notwithstanding which, it is proper to observe, that the
+ commerce of the American States will forever procure them
+ such _actual wealth_, as to enable them punctually to repay
+ whatever sums they may borrow.
+
+ _How far it may be convenient for these States to furnish
+ Ships of War, Timber, and other Articles for the King's
+ Arsenals, without Delay, and, if in their Power, on what
+ Terms?_
+
+ "I am much at a loss to determine at present, and therefore
+ will by no means give your Excellency my conjectures for
+ intelligence.
+
+ "It is certain, that in ordinary times, America can build
+ ships as good, and cheaper than any other people, because the
+ materials cost them less. The ships of war now in her
+ service, as to strength and construction, are not exceeded by
+ any on the ocean. On this subject I will write to America for
+ information, and give your Excellency the earliest notice of
+ it. Naval stores, and particularly masts and spars, may
+ certainly be had there, and of the best quality, and I doubt
+ not but that the Americans would carry them to the Havana or
+ New Orleans, though I suspect, their being in a manner
+ destitute of proper convoys for the European trade, would
+ render them backward in bringing them to Spain, on terms
+ equal to the risk of capture, on the one hand, and the
+ expectations of purchasers on the other.
+
+ II. THE MILITARY STATE OF NORTH AMERICA.
+
+ _The Number and Strength of the American Troops, their
+ present Situation, and Ability to oppose the Enemy,
+ especially in Georgia and Carolina._
+
+ "Six months have elapsed since I left America, and I had not
+ seen a return of the army for some time before that period.
+ It did not, I am certain, amount to its full complement, and,
+ in my opinion, did not in the whole exceed thirty or
+ thirtyfive thousand men; I mean regular troops.
+
+ "The Commander-in-Chief, whose abilities, as well as
+ integrity, merit the highest confidence, was authorised to
+ conduct all the military operations in the United States at
+ his discretion, subject, nevertheless, to such orders as the
+ Congress might think proper from time to time to give. It is
+ impossible, therefore, for me (not having received a single
+ letter from America on these subjects since my arrival) to
+ decide in what manner or proportions these troops are
+ employed or stationed, though I am confident it has been done
+ in the best manner.
+
+ "All the men of proper age in America are liable to do
+ military duty in certain cases, and with a few exceptions, in
+ all cases. The militia is for the most part divided into a
+ certain number of classes, and whenever reinforcements to the
+ main army, or any detachment of it are wanting, they are
+ supplied by these classes in rotation. These reinforcements
+ while in the field are subject to the like regulations with
+ the regular troops, and with them submit to the severest
+ discipline and duty. Hence it is, that the people of America
+ have become soldiers, and that the enemy have never been able
+ to make a deep impression in the country, or long hold any
+ considerable lodgments at a distance from their fleets.
+ Georgia and South Carolina, indeed, enjoy these advantages in
+ a less degree than the other States, their own militia not
+ being very numerous, and speedy reinforcements from their
+ neighbors of North Carolina and Virginia rendered difficult
+ by the length of the way. They have, nevertheless, given
+ proofs of their spirit by various and great exertions, and I
+ have reason to believe, that all possible care has been taken
+ to provide for their safety, by furnishing them with a
+ proper body of troops under Major General Lincoln, a very
+ good officer, as well as a very good man.
+
+ "Arms are still wanting in America, many of those imported
+ proving unfit for use, and the number of inhabitants who were
+ without proper arms at the beginning of the war, calling for
+ great supplies. The army, and a considerable part of the
+ militia, especially in the Northern States, have in general
+ good arms.
+
+ "The article of clothing has been, and still is a very
+ interesting one to the American army. It is impossible to
+ describe, and, indeed, almost impossible to believe, the
+ hardships they have endured for want of it. There have been
+ instances, and I speak from the most undoubted authority, of
+ considerable detachments marching barefooted over rugged
+ tracts of ice and snow, and marking the route they took by
+ the blood that issued from their feet; but neither these
+ terrible extremities, nor the alluring offers of the enemy,
+ could prevail on them to quit their standard, or relax their
+ ardor. Their condition, however, has of late been much
+ bettered by supplies from France and Spain, and American
+ privateers; but adequate provision has not yet been made for
+ the ensuing winter, and I cannot conceal from your Excellency
+ my anxiety on that head. A supply of clothing for twenty
+ thousand men, added to what is engaged for them in France,
+ would make that army and all America happy.
+
+ "I foresee no other difficulties in providing subsistence for
+ the American armies in every station in which they may be
+ placed, than those which may attend the transportation of it.
+ But when I reflect on the obstacles of this kind, which they
+ have already met with and surmounted, I have little
+ uneasiness about future ones. The last crops in America
+ promised to be plentiful when I left it, but whether there
+ would be any and what considerable overplus for exportation
+ was then undetermined, the damages done the wheat in
+ Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina by a fly, which
+ infested those countries, not being to my knowledge at that
+ time ascertained.
+
+ "How many ships of war belong to Congress, is a question I
+ cannot answer with certainty. I think there are not more than
+ ten or twelve in the whole. Of privateers there are a great
+ number, but how many exactly has not been computed. In my
+ opinion, they exceed one hundred, several of them very fine
+ ships. The Governor of Martinique told me, that in that
+ Island alone, the American privateers had brought and sold
+ above five thousand African slaves, which they had taken from
+ the enemy. Nine tenths at least of all the rum and sugar used
+ in North America, these three years past, have been obtained
+ in the same way, and to their successes have the public been
+ indebted for the most seasonable and valuable supplies of
+ military stores which they have received. I left several
+ vessels on the stocks at Philadelphia, and heard of more in
+ other parts.
+
+ "Upon the whole, his Majesty may rest perfectly assured, that
+ the Americans are determined, though forsaken by all mankind,
+ to maintain their independence, and to part with it only with
+ their lives; the desolations and distresses of war being too
+ familiar to them to excite any other passions than
+ indignation and resentment.
+
+ "That the country will supply its inhabitants with
+ provisions, some clothing, and some articles of commerce.
+
+ "That there is no party in America in favor of returning
+ under the dominion of Britain, on any terms whatever.
+
+ "That the King of France is very popular in America, being in
+ all parts of it styled the protector of the rights of
+ mankind, and that they will hold the treaty made with him
+ inviolate.
+
+ "That the people in America have very high ideas of the honor
+ and integrity of the Spanish nation, and of his Catholic
+ Majesty especially, and that this respect and esteem unite
+ with their interest in rendering them so desirous of his
+ friendship and alliance.
+
+ "That the greatest difficulty under which America labors
+ arises from the great depreciation of her bills of credit,
+ owing principally to a greater sum having been emitted than
+ was necessary for a medium of commerce, and to the
+ impossibility of remedying it by taxes before regular
+ governments are established.
+
+ "That great attempts, seconded by the general voice of the
+ people, have been made to retrieve the credit of those bills
+ by taxation, the issue of which was as yet uncertain, but if
+ unsuccessful, a recurrence to taxes in kind was still left,
+ and would be practised, though it is an expedient which
+ nothing but necessity can render eligible.
+
+ "That if France and Spain were to unite their endeavors to
+ conquer Britain in America, by furnishing the latter with the
+ necessary aids of ammunition, clothing, and some money, there
+ is reason to believe, that the House of Bourbon would find it
+ the most certain and least expensive method of reducing the
+ power of their irreconcilable enemy, and not only command the
+ gratitude and perpetual attachment of America, but the
+ general approbation of all who wish well to the tranquillity
+ of Europe, and the rights of mankind. Thus would that
+ illustrious House erect glorious and lasting monuments to
+ their virtues in the hearts of a whole people.
+
+ "I fear your Excellency will consider the intelligence here
+ given, less full and precise than you expected. I regret that
+ it is not in my power to render it more so but it is not. I
+ hope however it will be thought sufficient to open a way to
+ those further discussions, which must precede the measures
+ necessary to bind America to Spain, as well as to France, and
+ thereby complete the division and consequently the
+ humiliation of the British Empire; a work too glorious and
+ laudable not to merit the notice of so magnanimous a Prince
+ as his Majesty, and engage the attention of a Minister of
+ such acknowledged abilities as your Excellency.
+
+ "I flatter myself that the importance of the subject will
+ apologise for my trespassing so long on your Excellency's
+ patience so soon after your return to Aranjues.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+This letter gives occasion for many observations, which I am persuaded
+will not escape Congress, and therefore I forbear repeating them. Your
+Excellency will be pleased to observe, that on some of the subjects of
+it I ought to be without delay apprised of the intentions of Congress,
+and furnished with such information and instructions as may be
+necessary to enable me to fulfil them.
+
+On the 27th of April last, I received at Madrid a letter from the
+Committee of Foreign Affairs, enclosing copies of the resolutions of
+Congress of the 23d and 29th of November, 1779, for drawing on Mr
+Laurens and myself for L100,000 sterling each. I went the next day to
+Aranjues, and the day after wrote to the Count de Florida Blanca, in
+the words following, viz.
+
+ "Aranjues, April 29th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "By the address of Congress to their constituents on the
+ subject of their finances, which I had the honor of
+ transmitting to your Excellency, you have doubtless observed,
+ that in September last Congress came to a resolution of
+ emitting no more bills, than, with those already emitted and
+ in circulation, would amount to 200,000,000 of dollars; that
+ about the same time they called upon their constituents to
+ raise money by taxes, and assigned the first day of January
+ last for the first payment, at which day it was supposed,
+ that the bills to be emitted would be nearly expended.
+
+ "Congress perceiving that at once to stop the great channel
+ of supplies, that had been open ever since the war, and to
+ substitute another equally productive, was not one of those
+ measures which operate almost insensibly without hazard or
+ difficulty; and well knowing that if the first payment of
+ these taxes should be delayed beyond the limited time, the
+ treasury would be without money, and the public operations
+ obstructed by all the evils consequent to it; they were of
+ opinion, that collateral and auxiliary measures were
+ necessary to ensure success to the great system for
+ retrieving and supporting the public credit. So early,
+ therefore, as the 23d day of November last, they took this
+ subject into their most serious consideration, and although
+ they had the highest reason to confide in the exertions of
+ their constituents, yet having received repeated assurances
+ of his Majesty's friendly disposition towards them, and being
+ well persuaded, that they could avail themselves of his
+ Majesty's friendship on an occasion more agreeable to him and
+ advantageous to them, than on one so interesting to the
+ United States, and important to the common cause, they
+ adopted a measure, which, but for these considerations, might
+ appear extraordinary, viz. to draw bills upon me for L100,000
+ sterling, payable at six months' sight.
+
+ "The drawing bills previous to notice of obtaining money to
+ satisfy them may at first view appear indelicate, but when it
+ is considered that the whole success of this measure depended
+ on its taking place between the 23d of November, and the
+ first of January last, in which period it was impossible to
+ make the application, his Majesty's magnanimity will I am
+ persuaded readily excuse it.
+
+ "As I shall always consider it my duty to give your
+ Excellency all the information in my power, that may enable
+ his Majesty from time to time to form a true judgment of the
+ state of American affairs, it is proper, that I should inform
+ your Excellency, that Congress, having reasons to believe
+ that a loan might be obtained in Holland, did shortly after
+ my leaving America take measures for that purpose, and on the
+ 23d of November last resolved to draw bills on Mr Henry
+ Laurens, to whom that business had been committed, for the
+ sum of L100,000 sterling.
+
+ "I greatly regret that it was not in my power to advise your
+ Excellency of these matters sooner; but it was not until the
+ 27th instant, at Madrid, that I received the letter which
+ informed me of them.
+
+ "As further remarks would draw this letter into greater
+ length, than the opinion I have of your Excellency's
+ discernment will permit me to think necessary, I forbear
+ longer to engage your time and attention, than to request the
+ favor of your Excellency to lay it before his Majesty.
+
+ "The eyes of America are now drawn towards him by their
+ opinion of his virtues, and the situation of their affairs;
+ and I flatter myself it will not be long before their hearts
+ and affections will also be engaged by such marks of his
+ Majesty's friendship, as his wisdom and liberality may
+ prompt, and their occasions render expedient.
+
+ "With great respect and esteem, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+On the subject of this and my former letter, I had a conference with
+the Count, on the 11th of May 1780, of which the following are notes,
+taken immediately after it ended.
+
+ Aranjues, May 11th, 1780.
+
+ Mr Jay having waited on the Count de Florida Blanca, in
+ consequence of a message received on the evening of the 10th,
+ the latter commenced the conversation by observing that he
+ was sorry that his ignorance of the English language
+ prevented him from speaking with that ease and frankness,
+ with which he wished to speak in his conferences with Mr Jay,
+ and which corresponded with his own disposition and
+ character.
+
+ He observed that he intended to speak on two points. The
+ first related to the letter Mr Jay had written to him, on the
+ subject of bills of exchange drawn on him by Congress, that
+ being an affair the most pressing and more immediately
+ necessary to enter upon. He said that the last year he should
+ have found no difficulty on that head, but that at present,
+ although Spain had money, she was in the situation of
+ Tantalus, who, with water in view, could not make use of it;
+ alluding to the revenue arising from their possessions in
+ America, which they were not able to draw from thence. That
+ their expenses had been so great in the year 1779,
+ particularly for the marine, as to oblige them to make large
+ loans, which they were negotiating at present. He entered
+ into a summary of those expenses, and particularized the
+ enormous expense of supporting thirtyfive ships of the line
+ and frigates in French ports. He observed, that to do this
+ they had prepared a very expensive and numerous convoy at
+ Ferrol and other ports of Spain, loaded with provisions,
+ naval stores, and every other article necessary for the
+ squadron before mentioned, which convoy did not arrive at
+ Brest until the day on which the Spanish fleet sailed from
+ thence. That the supplies so sent had emptied their magazines
+ at Cadiz, Ferrol, and other ports, and had frequently obliged
+ them to buy at enormous prices the necessary stores to supply
+ the fleet under the admirals Cardova and Gaston, on their
+ arrival in the ports of Spain. That they had been forced to
+ sell these stores thus sent to France, and others purchased
+ for the same purpose at Bourdeaux, Nantes, and elsewhere, at
+ half price; and added, that their loss on this occasion could
+ scarce be calculated. This, joined to the other expenses, and
+ the great losses they had sustained in their marine and
+ commerce, but chiefly in the former, and the great expenses
+ they were at in consequence thereof, rendered it difficult
+ for the King to do for America what he could have done easily
+ the last year, and which he declared repeatedly, and in the
+ strongest manner, it was his intention to do, as might be
+ judged from his conduct heretofore; touching slightly on the
+ succors sent us from Spain, the Havana, and Louisiana, but
+ dwelling on his conduct in the negotiation last year with
+ Great Britain, in which he would on no account be brought to
+ sacrifice the interests of America.
+
+ Such being his Majesty's disposition and intentions previous
+ to the war, Mr Jay might easily judge, that he was not less
+ determined at present to support their interests, whether
+ formally connected with America by treaty or not. That,
+ notwithstanding the losses and misfortunes sustained, the
+ King's resolution, courage, and fortitude induced him to
+ continue the war, and therefore they were obliged to incur
+ much expense in order to fill their magazines and make the
+ necessary preparations for this campaign and the next, yet
+ that it was his Majesty's intention to give America all the
+ assistance in his power. That it was as much his inclination
+ as duty to second these dispositions, and that he had
+ received the King's orders to confer with his colleagues
+ thereon. He observed, however, that, although he was First
+ Secretary of State, he must first confer with them on this
+ subject; and from his own personal inclinations to second the
+ King's intentions and to serve America, he was desirous of
+ concerting with Mr Jay measures in such a manner as would
+ prevent him from meeting with opposition from his colleagues,
+ and therefore he spoke to him not as a minister, but as an
+ individual.
+
+ In order to facilitate this, he said it was necessary to make
+ some overtures for a contract, in case Mr Jay was not
+ absolutely empowered to make one; and then he pointed out the
+ object most essential to the interests of Spain at the
+ present conjuncture. He said that for their marine they
+ wanted light frigates, cutters, or swift sailing vessels of
+ that size. That for ships of the line, they could procure
+ them themselves; that if America could furnish them with the
+ former, they might be sent to their ports in Biscay, loaded
+ with tobacco or other produce, and, discharging their
+ cargoes, be left at the disposition of Spain. He also
+ mentioned timber for vessels, but said that was an article
+ not so immediately necessary, though it might be an object of
+ consequence in future. He observed that he mentioned this at
+ present in order that Mr Jay might turn his thoughts on that
+ subject as soon as possible, and that he would, in order to
+ explain himself with more precision, send him, either on
+ Saturday or Sunday next, notes containing his ideas on this
+ subject, and adding that he hoped that the one, viz. Jay,
+ would assist the other, meaning himself, to manage matters in
+ such a way as to procure the means of obtaining for America
+ present aid.
+
+ With respect to the bills of exchange which might be
+ presented, he said that at the end of the present year, or in
+ the beginning of the next, he would have it in his power to
+ advance twentyfive, thirty, or forty thousand pounds
+ sterling, and in the mean time, should these bills be
+ presented for payment, he would take such measures as would
+ satisfy the owners of them, viz. by engaging, in the name of
+ his Majesty, to pay them, observing that the King's good
+ faith and credit were so well known, that he did not imagine
+ this would be a difficult matter. He also said, that in
+ consequence of what Mr Jay had written with respect to
+ clothing for the American army, it might be in his power to
+ send supplies of cloth, &c. which he would endeavor to do.
+
+ Mr Jay, in answer, assured him of his high sense of the
+ frankness and candor with which he had been so obliging as to
+ communicate the King's intentions and his own sentiments, and
+ gave him the strongest assurances that he should, for his
+ part, with the same frankness and candor, give him all the
+ assistance and information in his power to forward his
+ generous intentions in favor of his country, and that be
+ might depend that in doing this, he would neither deceive him
+ in his information, nor mislead him by ill grounded
+ expectations.
+
+ The Count then expressed his confidence in these assurances,
+ said he had been well informed of the characters, both of Mr
+ Jay and Mr Carmichael, (who was present at the conference,)
+ and said, that he considered them as _les hommes honnetes_,
+ and that no consideration could have prevailed upon him to
+ have treated with men who did not sustain that reputation.
+
+ The Count then proceeded to the second point, viz. with
+ respect to the treaty in contemplation between Spain and
+ America. He began by observing, that he now spoke as a
+ Minister, and as such, that he would be as candid and frank
+ as he had just been speaking as a private man; and that it
+ was always his disposition to do so with those from whom he
+ expected the same conduct. He then proceeded to observe, that
+ there was but one obstacle from which he apprehended any
+ great difficulty in forming a treaty with America, and
+ plainly intimated that this arose from the pretensions of
+ America to the navigation of the Mississippi. He repeated the
+ information, which the Count had received from M. Mirales,
+ that Congress had at one time relinquished that object; that
+ he also knew from the same source, that afterwards they had
+ made it an essential point of the treaty. He expressed his
+ uneasiness on this subject, and entered largely into the
+ views of Spain, with respect to the boundaries. (He mentioned
+ Cape Antonio and Cape ----, and expressed their resolution if
+ possible, of excluding the English entirely from the Gulf of
+ Mexico.) They wished to fix them by a treaty, which he hoped
+ would be perpetual between the two countries. He spoke amply
+ of the King's anxiety, resolution, and firmness on this
+ point, and insinuated a wish that some method might be fallen
+ upon to remove this obstacle. He observed, that the King had
+ received all his impressions with respect to the necessity of
+ this measure, previous to his being in place, and appeared to
+ regard it as a point from which his Majesty would never
+ recede, repeating that, still however he was disposed to give
+ America all the aid in his power, consistent with the
+ situation of his affairs, to distress the common enemy; that
+ this point being insisted on, it would be necessary for the
+ Court of Spain to obtain the most accurate knowledge of local
+ circumstances, with which he supposed Mr Jay and his
+ constituents were more fully apprised than his Majesty's
+ Ministers could be. That for this purpose they had already
+ written to the Havana and Louisiana, in order to obtain all
+ the necessary information, which he gave reason to believe
+ they had not yet received. He dwelt on the necessity of this
+ information previous to any treaty, and expressed his own
+ regret, that ways and means could not be found to obviate or
+ overcome this impediment.
+
+ Mr Jay here took an opportunity to mention, that many of the
+ States were bounded by that river, and were highly interested
+ in its navigation, but observed that they were equally
+ inclined to enter into any amicable regulations, which might
+ prevent any inconveniences with respect to contraband or
+ other objects, which might excite the uneasiness of Spain.
+
+ The Count, still, however, appeared to be fully of opinion,
+ that this was an object that the King had so much at heart,
+ that he would never relinquish it, adding, however, that he
+ hoped some middle way might be hit on, which would pave the
+ way to get over this difficulty, and desired Mr Jay to turn
+ his thoughts and attention to the subject, in which he
+ assured him he was as well disposed to assist him, as in the
+ means of procuring the assistance and succors for America
+ beforementioned; always repeating the King's favorable
+ disposition, his inviolable regard to his promises, &c. &c.
+ On this subject he also subjoined, that whenever Mr Jay chose
+ to go to Madrid, he desired to have previous notice of it;
+ for in those cases, he would leave his sentiments in writing
+ for him with Mr Carmichael, or, if he should also go to
+ Madrid, that he would then write to Mr Jay there, to which he
+ might return an answer by the _Parle_ (a post which goes to
+ and from Madrid) to Aranjues, every twentyfour hours.
+
+ Mr Jay expressed his full confidence in what the Count had
+ done him the honor to communicate to him, and assured him of
+ his satisfaction and happiness in having the good fortune to
+ transact a business so important to both countries, with a
+ Minister so liberal and candid in his manner of thinking and
+ acting.
+
+ The conference ended with much civility on the one part and
+ on the other, and with an intimation from the Count, that he
+ should take an opportunity of having the pleasure of Mr Jay's
+ company at dinner, and of being on that friendly footing on
+ which he wished to be with him.
+
+What passed in the course of this conference needs no comment, though
+it calls for information and instructions. If Congress remains firm,
+as I have no reason to doubt, respecting the Mississippi, I think
+Spain will finally be content with equitable regulations, and I wish
+to know whether Congress would consider any regulations necessary to
+prevent contraband, as inconsistent with their ideas of free
+navigation. I wish that as little as possible may be left to my
+discretion, and that, as I am determined to adhere strictly to their
+sentiments and directions, I may be favored with them fully, and in
+season.
+
+The Count de Florida Blanca had upon all occasions treated me with so
+much fairness, candor, and frankness, that between the confidence due
+to him and the footing I was and ought to be on with the French
+Ambassador, I was embarrassed exceedingly, especially as there is
+little reason to doubt of their being on confidential terms with each
+other. I was reduced to the necessity, therefore, of acting with
+exquisite duplicity, a conduct which I detest as immoral, and
+disapprove as impolitic, or of mentioning my difficulties to the
+Count, and obtaining his answers. I preferred the latter, and wrote
+the following letter to the Count de Florida Blanca.
+
+ "Aranjues, May 12th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "It is with the utmost reluctance, that I can prevail upon
+ myself to draw your Excellency's attention from the great
+ objects that perpetually engage it. But the liberality,
+ frankness, and candor, which distinguished your conduct
+ towards me the last evening, has impressed me with such
+ sentiments of correspondent delicacy, as to place me in a
+ most disagreeable situation.
+
+ "Deeply sensible of the benefits received by my country from
+ their illustrious ally, prompted by duty and inclination to
+ act not only with the highest integrity, but the greatest
+ frankness towards him and his Minister, and influenced by the
+ good opinion I have imbibed of the talents, attachment, and
+ prudence of the Count de Montmorin, I have given him and his
+ Court assurances that he should receive from me all that
+ confidence, which these considerations dictate. These
+ assurances were sincere; I have most strictly conformed to
+ them, and as no circumstances of delicacy forbid it, I have
+ communicated to him the information I gave your Excellency
+ relative to American affairs, and the resolution of Congress
+ for drawing bills upon me, these being the only transactions
+ within my knowledge and department, which related to that
+ proposed connexion between Spain and America, for the
+ accomplishment of which, the King of France has been pleased
+ to interpose his kind offices with his Catholic Majesty.
+
+ "But, Sir, my feelings will not allow me to permit the
+ confidence due to one gentleman to interfere with that which
+ may be due to another. Honor prescribes limits to each, which
+ no consideration can tempt me to violate. You spoke to me the
+ last evening in the character of a private gentleman, as well
+ as of a public Minister, and in both without reserve. Let me
+ entreat your Excellency therefore to inform me, whether I am
+ to consider your conferences with me, either in the whole or
+ in part, as confidential. I am apprised of the delicacy of
+ this question. I wish I could know your sentiments without
+ putting it. I assure you my esteem and respect are too
+ sincere and too great, not to make me regret every measure,
+ that can give you an uneasy sensation. On this occasion I am
+ urged by justice to you as well as to myself, and that must
+ be my apology.
+
+ "Unpractised in the ways of courts, I rejoice in finding that
+ I am to transact the business committed to me with a
+ gentleman, who adorns his exalted station with virtues as
+ well as talents, and looks down on that system of finesse
+ and chicanery, which, however prevalent, wisdom rejects and
+ probity disapproves.
+
+ "With sentiments of attachment and esteem, I have the
+ honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+To this I received the following answer.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "Aranjues, May 14th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "Sensible of the favorable opinion you are pleased to
+ entertain of my conduct, both as a minister and a private
+ gentleman, I have the honor to assure you, that on every
+ occasion, you shall experience nothing but frankness and
+ candor on my part. Besides that my own principles are
+ invariable on these points, I am certain thereby to follow
+ the example and good intentions of the King my master.
+
+ "The delicacy, which induced you to doubt, whether there
+ would be any impropriety in communicating to the Ambassador
+ of France the explanation we had in the course of our late
+ conference, accords well with the idea I first formed of your
+ character, and I am pleased with this mark of your attention.
+ Besides, it appears to me that you may do it freely,
+ especially as those explanations are founded on principles of
+ equity and wisdom, for the benefit of the common cause. But
+ if, hereafter, circumstances demand a more pointed reserve,
+ by accidents we cannot now foresee, we shall always have time
+ to agree upon those points, which it may be necessary to keep
+ secret.
+
+ "I am, Sir, with the most sincere attachment, and the most
+ perfect consideration, your most humble and most obedient
+ servant,
+
+ COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA."
+
+I have not yet received from his Excellency the notes mentioned in the
+conference, and therefore cannot have the satisfaction of sending
+copies of them to Congress by this opportunity.
+
+On the 9th of April, 1780, Sir John Dalrymple arrived here from
+Portugal with his lady. On the evening of the 10th I heard of it, and
+the next morning sent the following card to the French Ambassador at
+Aranjues, viz.
+
+ "Mr Jay presents his compliments to his Excellency Count
+ Montmorin, and informs him that Sir John Dalrymple arrived
+ here the day before yesterday from Lisbon, and it is said,
+ intends to be at Aranjues today. What business should call
+ this gentlemen here, or enable him to obtain license to come,
+ are questions which I am persuaded will receive from your
+ Excellency all the attention due to their extent and
+ importance.
+
+ "_Madrid, May 11th, 1780._"
+
+To this I immediately received the following answer on that subject,
+viz.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "M. de Montmorin received this morning Mr Jay's note, and
+ thanks him for the information. M. de Montmorin is fully
+ sensible of the importance of it, and although he is far from
+ entertaining the least doubt on the sentiments of the Spanish
+ Ministry, he will not fail to take the precaution to be
+ informed of everything connected with Sir John Dalrymple's
+ arrival. He advises Mr Jay to follow the same course. Courts
+ are so beset with intrigues, that nothing should be
+ neglected, which may tend to discover them. He repeats that
+ he has not the slightest cause to suspect the Spanish
+ Ministry, but on the contrary, has the strongest reasons for
+ confiding in its integrity and honor. M. de Montmorin begs Mr
+ Jay to accept his compliments, and to present his respectful
+ homage to Mrs Jay."
+
+Learning that Sir John had obtained leave to go to France in his way
+to England, I apprised Mr Adams of it in a letter of the 26th of
+April, 1780, of which the following is an extrac
+
+ "Sir John Dalrymple is here; he came from Portugal for the
+ benefit of his lady's health, as is said. He is now at
+ Aranjues. He has seen the Imperial Ambassador, the Governor
+ of the city, Senior Compomanes, the Duke of Alva, and several
+ others named to him I suppose by Lord Grantham, who I find
+ was much respected here. He will return through France to
+ Britain. I shall go to Aranjues the day after tomorrow, and
+ shall form some judgment of that gentleman's success by the
+ conduct of the Court towards America."
+
+On waiting on the Count de Florida Blanca, a few days afterwards at
+Aranjues, he told me that Sir John had applied to him to obtain from
+him permission to go through Spain to France, and to the French
+Minister for a passport through that kingdom to England. The
+indisposition of his lady was the reason assigned for not going from
+Portugal by water. That in conversation, Sir John took occasion to say
+several things respecting the war, and the manner of drawing it to a
+conclusion. That the Count desired him to reduce what he would wish to
+say on that subject to writing, and that Sir John thereupon sent him
+a paper, entitled "A Historical Anecdote," of which the following is
+a copy.
+
+ _A Project of Lord Rochford to prevent the War._
+
+ "Before the declaration of France in favor of America, Lord
+ Rochford, formerly Ambassador in Spain and in France, formed
+ a project to prevent the war. It was, that England should
+ propose a great treaty of confederation between France,
+ Spain, Portugal, and England, the objects of which should be
+ the three following; the first, a mutual guarantee between
+ these four powers of their possessions in America and the two
+ Indies, with a proviso, that a war in Europe should never be
+ a war in those remote regions on any pretext whatever, fixing
+ also the number of troops and vessels to be furnished by the
+ contracting powers against the power that should contravene
+ the peace in those distant parts. The second object was, to
+ grant a participation in the commerce of America to France,
+ Spain, and Portugal, as far as such participation might not
+ be incompatible with the common interests, and without the
+ rivalship of English America and England. The third object
+ was, the adjustment of the contested privileges of the
+ Americans upon principles just and honorable for them. Lord
+ Rochford was at that time Secretary of State. He told me,
+ that the first person to whom he had communicated this
+ project was the late Prince of Mazarano, Ambassador of Spain,
+ and that though old and indisposed, he arose and embraced
+ him, and said, 'Ah! my Lord, what divinity has inspired you?'
+ Lord Rochford also communicated it to a friend of his, who
+ was then, and still continues one of the Ministers of the
+ King of England, who gave it his approbation; but Lord
+ Rochford soon after quitted the Ministry and retired to the
+ country, by which accident the project failed of being
+ presented to the cabinet of the King.
+
+ "I have given a relation of this anecdote, because I am one
+ of the four or five persons who alone know the truth of it,
+ and because I am of opinion, that it is not yet too late to
+ revive a project, which will save a million of Christians
+ from becoming widows and orphans. As to the first object of
+ such a confederacy, Lord Rochford did not doubt of the
+ proposition's being accepted by all the powers, because it
+ was the interest of all to accept it. The losses of France in
+ the two Indies the last war, and their misfortunes in the
+ East Indies in the present one, where, in six weeks, they
+ have lost all they possessed; the losses of the Spaniards in
+ the last war in the two Indies, and even the stroke the other
+ day in the Bay of Honduras, by a young captain with a handful
+ of soldiers; the facility with which Portugal lost the Island
+ of St Catharine in the Brazils, and the misfortunes of the
+ English armies the three last years in America, all prove
+ that France, Spain, Portugal, and England, have their tender
+ parts in America and the two Indies, and of consequence, that
+ they have all an interest in a mutual guarantee of their
+ possessions in those three parts of the world.
+
+ "As to the second object of the confederacy, I am sensible,
+ that the idea of the other three powers participating in the
+ commerce of America, under the limitation of its not being
+ incompatible with the common interests of English America and
+ England, is an idea somewhat vague, and subject to disputes.
+ But, fortunately for humanity, there are five persons in
+ those five countries, of characters which render them proper
+ to draw the outlines of some determinate regulations, which
+ will admit of no disputes, and may enrich France, Spain, and
+ Portugal, without impoverishing England and her Colonies. In
+ America there is Doctor Franklin, perhaps the first genius of
+ the age, who is well acquainted with the commercial
+ connexions between America and England; France has her
+ Comptroller-General, who, from his youth, has been brought up
+ in the practice of commerce; in Spain, we find M. Campomanes,
+ who has employed the maturity of his life in studies, that
+ give him a superiority in discussions of this kind; Portugal
+ will be assisted by the counsels of the Duke of Braganza, who
+ has gathered knowledge in almost every field, in courts, in
+ libraries, and even on the exchanges of the merchants of
+ Europe; and as for England, she has a Minister who,
+ thoroughly versed in the true interests of commerce, will not
+ refuse to America what he has just granted to Ireland.
+
+ "As to the third object of the confederation; England, who
+ much boasts of her own _magna charta_, will make no
+ difficulty in granting a _magna charta_ to the liberties of
+ America. Perhaps the best means to expedite this measure
+ would be to give a _carte blanche_ to Dr Franklin. A generous
+ confidence is the surest means to secure a generous man.
+ Spain has two very solid interests in the success of such a
+ confederacy, and against the independence of America. The
+ first is, that if English America becomes independent,
+ Spanish America will be overrun with the contraband of the
+ Americans thus independent of England. 1. England is bound by
+ treaties with Spain not to carry on the contraband trade. 2.
+ She is restrained by the fear of this contraband's drawing a
+ war upon her in Europe, which was the consequence of it in
+ the times of Sir Robert Walpole. 3. The dearness of English
+ and European commodities sets natural bounds to the quantity
+ of this contraband. But when the Americans are independent,
+ they will say, first, they are not bound by the treaties of
+ the English; secondly, they will not be restrained by fear,
+ being so far from Spain, and having defended themselves
+ against eighty thousand English soldiers and marines, they
+ would but little dread the forces of Spain; and thirdly, the
+ low price of American commodities will cover the Spanish
+ Colonies with contraband. Indeed, necessity itself will
+ oblige the Americans either to carry on this contraband, or
+ to make war on Spanish and Portuguese America and their
+ Islands. They have neither gold nor silver among themselves,
+ and without these precious metals, they can neither cultivate
+ their lands nor carry on commerce. They will only have four
+ sources from whence to draw them; first, their commerce with
+ Europe; secondly, pensions from France and Spain; thirdly, a
+ contraband trade with the Provinces of Spain and Portugal in
+ the new world; and fourthly, a war in these Provinces.
+
+ "While the Americans continue in a state, which the English
+ call rebellion, their commerce with Europe will be
+ interrupted by English cruisers. Thus they will draw but a
+ small quantity of these precious metals from this first
+ source. The pensions of France and Spain will be much too
+ inconsiderable to support the agriculture and manufactures of
+ so extensive a country. Their only remaining source then for
+ these metals will be in the contraband, or wars with the
+ Spanish and Portuguese Provinces. To prevent this contraband,
+ the treaty of confederation might make provision against the
+ contraband both of the English and Americans. It is a
+ delicate point for an Englishman to suggest the means, but
+ were the two nations sincerely disposed for peace, I could in
+ a quarter of an hour suggest the infallible means.
+
+ "Spain has another interest, perhaps still greater, against
+ the independence of the Americans, and, consequently, in
+ favor of the treaty in question. The Americans, who will be
+ able to fly with their sails wherever they please, will make
+ establishments in New Zealand, the Islands of Otaheite, or
+ some other Islands in the South Sea, from whence they will
+ torment the Spaniards in that sea, and even the English, the
+ French, the Portuguese, and the Dutch, in the East India
+ Seas. Being independent, no treaty will prevent their making
+ such establishments. They may make them consistent with the
+ laws of nations. Captain Cook in his last printed voyages
+ says, there are fortyseven thousand seafaring people in the
+ Island of Otaheite alone; and Captain Wallis, who discovered
+ those Islands, told me at Lisbon a few days ago, that the
+ inhabitants of Otaheite went to the mast-head of the English
+ ships, and ran on the yard-arms as well in three days' time
+ as the English mariners, and gave me two reasons for it. The
+ first was, that living on fish, they are all seafaring
+ people; and the second, that those who wear no shoes are
+ always the most dexterous in mounting the upper parts of a
+ ship. Captain Cook also in the same voyage gives a
+ description of a port and city in New Zealand, which might in
+ a few weeks be made impregnable, and one needs only look at
+ the shape of the Islands in the South Seas, in the maps we
+ have of them, to be convinced that they have no small number
+ of these impregnable ports.
+
+ "I show myself as much a friend to Spain, to France, to
+ Portugal and Holland, as to England, in disclosing the
+ following idea, which may have escaped others. Heretofore it
+ was impossible to go to the South Seas with any safety, but
+ in the months of December and January, and by the dreadful
+ latitudes round Cape Horn. But the late discoveries of
+ Captain Cook and other Englishmen have demonstrated the
+ practicability of going thither in every month of the year,
+ round the Cape of Good Hope, and the fine latitude of New
+ Zealand, and in almost the same time; the one being a passage
+ of four and the other of five months. Because the same west
+ wind, which blows almost the whole of the year, and retards
+ the vessels passing by Cape Horn, carries them with rapidity
+ by the Cape of Good Hope and New Zealand. Hence it follows,
+ that when the Americans quarrel with Spain, perhaps on the
+ subject of the contraband, they will send their ships on the
+ coast of Chili from their establishments in the South Seas,
+ by the latitudes of New Zealand, and with the west winds,
+ which always blow in that quarter. This is a voyage of only
+ five weeks; for Captain Cook in one voyage, and Captain
+ Fourneaux in another, went from New Zealand to Cape Horn in
+ less time, and the journal of the winds annexed to the voyage
+ of Captain Cook shews, that the west winds in those latitudes
+ bear to the east the proportion of ten to one. When their
+ vessels are on the coasts of Chili, they will take the
+ advantage of the land wind, which, blowing constantly from
+ south to north, will carry them along the coasts of Chili and
+ Peru. With this wind they will go in fourteen days to the Bay
+ of Panama, and in the course of this voyage they will ravage
+ the sea coasts, and make prizes of all the vessels they meet.
+ The naval force of Spain at Lima will not have it in their
+ power to hinder them, for the same south wind, which will
+ push the Americans forward, will prevent the fleets of Spain
+ going to meet them. From the Bay of Panama they will return
+ by the great wind of the tropics, which never fails blowing
+ from east to west, either to their settlements in the South
+ Seas, or to sell their prizes in the seas of China or India,
+ from whence they will perhaps again return with new vessels,
+ newly manned, to repeat their ravages. Their return will
+ either be by New Zealand in coming from the Indies, or by the
+ latitude of forty north in coming from China. In this last
+ case they will fall on Mexico, and profiting of the land
+ winds which always blow there from north to the Bay of
+ Panama, they will ravage Mexico as before they ravaged Chili
+ and Peru. From the Bay of Panama they will return by the
+ great tropic wind, either to their own homes in the South
+ Seas, or to the seas of Asia to renew a war, insulting,
+ tormenting, and without remedy.
+
+ "On the other hand, when at war with England, France,
+ Portugal, or Holland, they will direct their course from
+ their establishments in the South Seas, and fall upon the
+ possessions of those powers in the East Indies. They will
+ have two great routes to go and return by; the one to the
+ west of New Zealand, the other by the Islands between China
+ and New Holland, and in this they will have as many passages
+ as there are Islands. Thence follows the impossibility of
+ waylaying their vessels, either going or on their return.
+ These consequences may all be prevented by the treaty
+ proposed by Lord Rochford, in which it might be stipulated
+ that these Islands shall forever belong to their present
+ inhabitants and their posterity, for certainly the nation who
+ shall first possess herself of them will command the commerce
+ of the South Seas and those of Asia.
+
+ "Europe, wishing for the independence of America, resembles a
+ man asleep on ice, and not sensible that ice thaws, and
+ therefore to give the greater weight to the confederation,
+ Holland and Denmark, who have interests in both the new
+ worlds, might be invited to become contracting parties to
+ those articles of treaty, which regard the mutual guarantee.
+
+ "The reason of the frequent breach of treaties is, that they
+ are made without provision for the future reciprocal
+ interests of the contracting nations. The only ones that I
+ know of, that pay attention to this object, are the treaties
+ between Portugal and England; by which Portugal gains a
+ preference for the sale of her wines in England, and England
+ for the sale of her cloths in Portugal. The consequence is,
+ that there never has, and in appearance never will be, a war
+ between Portugal and England. It would not be difficult,
+ either in the general confederation, or by separate treaties
+ of commerce between England on the one part, and the three
+ kingdoms of Spain, Portugal, and France respectively on the
+ other, to advance infinitely the commercial interests of all
+ three, by their connexions with England. Spain having wines,
+ oil, fruits, salt, fine wools, and some other articles, which
+ England has not, and England having iron, with coal in the
+ same fields for the manufacturing of it, and by the moistness
+ of her climate long wool for cloths of a low price, also tin,
+ fish, with some other articles, which Spain has not, it
+ follows, that when England is rich she will buy more articles
+ of Spain, and when Spain is rich she will buy more articles
+ of England, and consequently, that one cannot enrich herself
+ without enriching the other. The same reasoning applies to
+ the natural connexions between England and Portugal. There is
+ even a natural connexion between England and France in many
+ articles of commerce, if the jealousy of fools, and
+ misinformed persons did not perpetually interrupt it. I have
+ heard from certain authority, that had the Abbe Terray
+ continued in the Ministry of France, there would have been a
+ tariff between France and England for the entry, on the most
+ favorable conditions, of the wines and articles of mode of
+ the one nation, and the manufactures of iron and wheat of the
+ other, and England might have procured the consent of
+ Portugal for the diminution of her commerce of wines with
+ England by other indemnifications. England in favor of
+ France, Spain, and Portugal, might, without injury to herself
+ even permit the exportation of those wools, paying a duty at
+ the exportation thereof. The exportation of the superfluous
+ wool, would be an advantage to the proprietors of lands in
+ England, to the King in furnishing him a new revenue, and to
+ those three nations, in giving them an article necessary for
+ their manufactures.
+
+ "Unfortunately for humanity, the Abbe Terray is no more; but
+ happily for humanity, Dr Franklin, the Comptroller-General of
+ France, M. Compomanes, the Duke of Braganza, and Lord North
+ are all still living, and the King of Spain, with the Count
+ de Florida Blanca, may put all these five in motion.
+
+ "For my part I have no authority from the English Ministers
+ to present this project, but living in friendship with the
+ greater part of them, and on an intimate footing with the
+ others, I am certain that some of the sentiments in this
+ memorial correspond with their manner of thinking on the
+ subject. I confess I received a letter in Portugal, fourteen
+ days before my departure for Spain, from Lord Rochford, who
+ is not at present in the Ministry, but who is so taken up
+ with a project that does him so much honor, that he has
+ advised me to feel the pulses on the possibility of making it
+ succeed, and that I have a letter on the same subject from
+ the Duke of Braganza, who entered into the views of my Lord
+ Rochford not as a politician, but as a friend to humanity.
+
+ "Encouraged by such men, and still more by the dictates of my
+ own heart, I wrote to one of the English Ministers, that if I
+ did not find minds too much heated, and there was no danger
+ of giving offence, I intended to do justice to the project of
+ my Lord Rochford, in Spain and in France, and begged him to
+ send me an answer to Paris whether the Ministry of England
+ approved or disapproved my intentions.
+
+ "I have only to add, that my views being to unite, and not to
+ separate nations, I have no objection that the Ministers of
+ France and Dr Franklin should each have a copy of this
+ memorial."
+
+The Count spoke of Sir John and his anecdote very properly, and
+concluded with assurances of the King's firmness.
+
+The manner in which Sir John speaks of Dr Franklin, however just, I
+impute to a design of injuring the confidence reposed in him by his
+constituents.
+
+The house of Gardoqui at Bilboa are rich, in favor with the Ministry,
+and friends to America. The Navy Board have sent to them for goods for
+the use of the navy, and have remitted to them only an inconsiderable
+part of the sum to which they will amount, desiring the residue on
+credit, and promising speedy payment. One of the House now here spoke
+to me on the subject; I advised him to complete the orders. It is of
+the utmost consequence that the Navy Board be punctual in their
+remittances. American credit is not high, and ought to be higher. I am
+the more anxious on this subject, as that House is exceedingly well
+disposed, and a disappointment would not only be injurious to them,
+but much more so to us. Perhaps it would be a good rule if the United
+States were to contract debts only with Governments, and never with
+individuals abroad.
+
+I received a letter last week from a Captain Hawkins at Cadiz,
+informing me that the Americans, who had escaped from captivity and
+were collected there, were fitting out a vessel for America, which
+they were arming, and wished to be enabled to act offensively and
+defensively in their way home, by having a proper commission from me
+for that purpose. As I had neither blank commissions nor authority to
+grant them, I referred him to Dr Franklin.
+
+Congress will be pleased to consider how far it may be proper to
+remove these obstacles, by sending me both. This leads me again to
+remind your Excellency of several letters I wrote you from Cadiz,
+respecting American seamen coming to Spain from captivity at Gibraltar
+and other places. As copies of these letters have been sent by
+different vessels, I presume some of them have reached you. It
+certainly is necessary that provision be made for these people, and in
+a regular established manner. I am very desirous of instructions on
+this subject.
+
+The credit given me by Congress on Dr Franklin is expended, and I am
+without other means of obtaining supplies than by private credit,
+which I am at a loss to satisfy. To apply to, and be maintained by
+the Court, is, in my opinion, too humiliating to be for the public
+good; and as yet I have neither received nor heard of remittances
+from America. It would give me pleasure to know in what manner
+Congress mean I should be supplied, and whether any measures have been
+taken for that purpose.
+
+I am much embarrassed for the means of conveying and receiving
+intelligence. Being at a great distance from the sea, all my letters
+to and from thence here must either be conveyed by private couriers or
+the public post. All my letters by the latter, whether in France or
+Spain, are opened. By that conveyance, therefore, it would not always
+be proper to write either to Congress, to Dr Franklin, Mr Adams, or
+others, with that freedom which would often be useful, and sometimes
+necessary. The salary allowed me, so far from admitting the expense of
+private couriers, is inadequate for the common purposes for which it
+was given. This is a delicate subject, and I wish it was not my duty
+to say anything respecting it. This place is the dearest in Europe.
+The Court is never stationary, passing part of the year in no less
+than five different places, viz. Madrid, Pardo, Aranjues, St
+Ildefonso, and the Escurial; hence considerable expenses arise. I
+forbear enumerating particulars, my design being only to mention this
+matter to Congress, not to press it upon them. I shall always live
+agreeably to my circumstances; and if, from their being too narrow,
+inconveniences result to the public, they ought to be informed of it.
+I hope what I have said will be viewed in this light only; so far as I
+am personally interested, I am content.
+
+Mr Harrison, a gentleman of Maryland, now here, will be the bearer of
+this letter to Cadiz. I therefore embrace this good and unusual
+opportunity of being so minute and explicit in it.
+
+The family of Galvez is numerous and of weight. The one on the
+Mississippi has written favorably of the Americans to his brothers
+here, three of whom are in office. It would be well to cultivate this
+disposition whenever opportunities of doing it offer.
+
+The resolution providing for Spanish prisoners at New York was well
+judged.
+
+Dr Franklin is more advantageously circumstanced than I am to gain and
+transmit to Congress intelligence of the disposition of Holland and of
+the Northern Powers.
+
+From the conduct of their ministers here, I have no reason to predict
+much to our advantage. They are cold, and I have received nothing more
+than common civility from any of them, except the Ministers of Holland
+and Sweden, and indeed not much more from them. Perhaps they have been
+rendered unusually cautious by an extract of a letter from Madrid in
+the Leyden paper, mentioning the precious reception Mr Carmichael met
+with here, and the attentions he received from the foreign Ministers.
+You have probably seen it in the _Courier de l'Europe_.
+
+From what I hear of the character of the Empress of Russia, I cannot
+but think that a prudent agent there would be very useful. They say
+she is sensible, proud, and ambitious. Hence I infer that such a mark
+of attention would be grateful, and consequently useful.
+
+I should have given your Excellency seasonable intelligence of the
+Spanish fleet and armament, which lately sailed from Cadiz, as I
+believe to the Havana, and whose objects I suspect to be the Floridas
+or Jamaica, or probably both, but I omitted writing on that subject
+previous to the departure of the fleet, from a persuasion that any
+letters by the post containing such advices would not be permitted to
+proceed, and therefore I thought it unnecessary; nor will I now swell
+the pages of this letter, already very voluminous, by entering into
+particulars relative to it, especially as that armament will probably
+have begun its operations before this letter will come to your
+Excellency's hands.
+
+The reports of dissensions in Congress, which prevailed here prior to
+my arrival, and the causes to which they were ascribed, had filled
+this Court with apprehensions; and it gives me pleasure to assure you,
+that the present appearance of union in Congress is attended here with
+very happy effects.
+
+The people in this country are in almost total darkness about us.
+Scarce any American publications have reached them, nor are they
+informed of the most recent and important events in that country. The
+affairs of Stony Point, Paulus Hook, &c. &c. have never been heard of
+here, except perhaps by the great officers of state, and they could
+scarcely believe that the Roman Catholic religion was even tolerated
+there.
+
+There are violent prejudices among them against us. Many of them have
+even serious doubts of our being civilized, and mention a strange
+story of a ship driven into Virginia by distress, about thirty years
+ago, that was plundered by the inhabitants, and some of the crew
+killed in a manner and under circumstances which, if true, certainly
+indicate barbarity. The King and Ministry are warm, yet I have reason
+to believe that the bulk of the nation is cold towards us; they appear
+to me to like the English, hate the French, and to have prejudices
+against us.
+
+I mention these things to show in a strong light the necessity of
+punctuality in sending me from time to time all American intelligence
+of importance, and observing such conduct towards Spaniards in
+general, as may tend to impress them with more favorable sentiments of
+us. There was a little uneasiness among the mercantile people at Cadiz
+respecting the capture of some Spanish vessels by privateers. I hope
+the former have had ample justice done them; it certainly is of great
+importance that they should have reason to be satisfied.
+
+Your Excellency may observe that I have written very particularly.
+Both this Court and that of France have very particular information
+respecting the proceedings of Congress.
+
+Want of prudence, rather than virtue, I believe to be the cause. I
+nevertheless think it my duty to give Congress from time to time full
+information of their affairs here, and shall not be restrained by the
+apprehension of any consequences, that may result from want of secrecy
+there. I make it a rule to write on these subjects only to Congress,
+and to them very particularly.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+_P. S._ Congress may think it extraordinary, that Mr Carmichael's
+handwriting does not appear in this letter. He is, with my
+approbation, now at Aranjues, and I must do him the justice to say,
+that he is always ready and willing to do his duty as Secretary.
+
+ J. J.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[18] See above, dated January 26th, p. 194.
+
+[19] See this letter in Arthur Lee's Correspondence, Vol. II p. 276.
+
+[20] See above, p. 195.
+
+[21] See above, p. 199.
+
+[22] See p. 203.
+
+[23] See p. 210.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
+
+ Madrid, May 27th, 1780.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+On the 27th of last month I had the pleasure of receiving your favor
+of the 11th of December, 1779, with copies of the resolutions of
+Congress, for drawing on Mr Laurens and myself for one hundred
+thousand pounds sterling each.
+
+I had the honor of writing to Congress yesterday very fully respecting
+their affairs in this kingdom, and particularly on the subject of
+those resolutions.
+
+I have not yet had the pleasure of hearing of Mr Lauren's arrival,
+about which I am anxious. Be pleased to assure Congress, that Mr
+Laurens shall receive from me every mark of attention, and all the aid
+in my power to afford. The latter I fear will not be great.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JAMES LOVELL.
+
+ Madrid, May 27th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Eight days ago I had the pleasure of receiving a packet containing
+journals and newspapers.
+
+From an endorsement I conjecture that I am indebted to you for it.
+There was no letter enclosed in it. I am much obliged by this
+attention. American intelligence is of more importance here (where
+they have little of it) than can well be imagined.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ WILLIAM CARMICHAEL TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Aranjues, May 27th, 1780.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Since my letter of the 25th instant, I have very strong reason to
+believe, in consequence of conversations I have had with persons who
+ought to be well informed, that the fleet and troops, which sailed
+from Cadiz the 28th ultimo, are destined in the first instance to the
+Windward Islands, to act in concert with the squadron of the Count de
+Guichen, from thence as circumstances may render it proper they will
+proceed to Jamaica or the Floridas; for it appears to be the intention
+of the Spanish, as well as of the French Court, to detach a part at
+least of their force in the Islands to the continent, as soon as the
+hurricane season in the West Indies renders it dangerous for them to
+act against the enemy in that part of the world. I do not mention by
+letter my source of information, because I do not choose to hazard the
+loss of intelligence, which I may gain from the same persons, by the
+miscarriage of letters. I shall however mention it to you _viva voce_,
+in order to enable you to judge of the credit due to my information.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Madrid, May 28th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Since closing my letter of the 26th instant, I have received from Mr
+Carmichael the interesting intelligence contained in the enclosed
+paper.[24] He is now here, and has communicated to me the channel
+through which he obtained it, from which I think his information
+deserves belief, and his address in obtaining it credit.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[24] See the preceding letter.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Madrid, May 28th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In the journal of the proceedings of Congress of November, 1779, I
+find that on the 8th day of that month they were pleased to come to
+the following resolution. "Resolved, that the late and former
+Presidents of Congress be desired to lodge, as soon as they
+conveniently can in the Secretary's office, copies of all public
+letters by them respectively written during their Presidentship."
+After I resigned the chair, and immediately on your Excellency's
+election, I delivered a book, containing copies of the public letters
+I had written during my Presidentship, to your Excellency, who
+promised to lodge it in the Secretary's office, which, I am persuaded,
+was accordingly done. It gives me concern therefore to find this
+resolution is made to extend to me, and I flatter myself Congress will
+do me the justice to let it appear, by the entry to be made on their
+journals of the receipt of this letter, that I had done that part of
+my duty in season, and without their express request.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Madrid, May 30th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the 26th instant I had the honor of writing a very long and
+particular letter to your Excellency, by the way of Cadiz, of which a
+duplicate has also been sent. To the contents of that letter I have
+nothing new to add, except that two of the bills directed to be drawn
+upon me have arrived.
+
+I shall go tomorrow to Aranjues, from whence I shall embrace the first
+opportunity of communicating to Congress the further progress of their
+affairs here.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DE NEUFVILLE & SON TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Without date.
+
+ Sir,
+
+By vessels lately arrived from the continent, and from St Eustatia,
+there appeared here some bills drawn by the Treasurer of Loans in
+America on Henry Laurens, Commissioner for the States in Amsterdam.
+Every body has been surprised at it, and we in particular, as we were
+directly applied to. We said at the first, that we expected Mr Laurens
+would be in town very soon, begging them to keep those bills a
+fortnight, and that, at all events, we would accept them. We have seen
+others since more willing to wait; but not knowing what sums may have
+been drawn for already, we are in hopes to be soon released from this
+anxiety by the arrival of the Minister. As we think your Excellency
+may have some intelligence about this matter, and have it in your
+power at the same time to save the credit of America, if Mr Laurens by
+any accident should not arrive, we beg the favor to be informed how to
+conduct ourselves. In the mean time we will do what lies in our power
+to prevent all noise and trouble about them. In case Mr Laurens should
+not arrive, your Excellency will have time left to make or provide for
+remittances, as the bills are drawn at six months' sight.
+
+We have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN DE NEUFVILLE & SON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DE NEUFVILLE & SON TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 1st, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Craving reference to our last, we have now the honor to propose to
+your Excellency on what terms we think all difficulty on account of
+the absence of Henry Laurens, as Commissioner from Congress here, may
+be prevented. We have written the same to Dr Franklin in France,
+offering him to accept all those bills, provided he gives us
+permission to re-draw directly on him for account of Congress, and to
+do it even at seven or eight months, until, by the arrival of Mr
+Laurens, or in some other way, this matter may be arranged, for there
+must certainly be provision made for those bills, and the sums we do
+not think will exceed two or three hundred thousand guilders before Mr
+Laurens's arrival here may be known in America, and matters are
+settled. We even offered those transactions without any view of
+interest, as for a commission. The importance of the business must
+have influence with every one, who has any regard for the United
+States; and this emboldened us even to trouble your Excellency with
+this relation, not doubting but you might equally find means to make
+matters easy at all events; for the terrible loss which there would be
+on such bills, if protested, must be prevented, and the honor of the
+credit of America must be saved. We hope our endeavor for it may be
+approved of, and have the desired end.
+
+We have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN DE NEUFVILLE & SON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DE NEUFVILLE & SON TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Amsterdam, June 8th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+In conformity with what we have informed you, that we had engaged for
+the acceptance of some of the bills drawn on Henry Laurens, since
+nothing has been heard of him as yet, we accepted those on the first
+instant, and we hope your Excellency, as well as Dr Franklin, may
+approve of our proceeding, and of the method we have proposed for our
+reimbursement, in case Mr Laurens may not appear, or that they should
+not be provided for in time. Certain it is that those bills should be
+honored for the credit of America. At the same time, it is not in the
+power of a mercantile house to stand for the whole; yet the measure
+proposed may make it easy, since the sums will not be so large but
+that they may be easily provided for in Spain and France by the
+Plenipotentiary Ministers. And for ourselves, we only desire to be
+properly empowered to draw again for any sums we may accept. As there
+was no time to get the matter previously adjusted, we will go on, and
+see how our plan may be agreed to and approved of.
+
+We have the honor to be always with the most devoted regard, &c.
+
+ JOHN DE NEUFVILLE & SON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Philadelphia, June 16th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The embarrassments, which the depreciation of the currency had created
+in the public affairs at the time of your departure for Europe, were,
+as you may well remember, very distressing, and have, till lately,
+continued to increase. Congress, greatly anxious to avail themselves
+of every possible means of checking this evil, on the 23d of November
+last ventured on the expedient of drawing bills upon you for one
+hundred thousand pounds sterling, as you have been already advised by
+letter of December the 11th following. This they thought they might
+risk, considering the importance of the object. But as the time of
+your arrival in Europe could not be counted upon with certainty, and
+as the negotiation might not be immediately practicable, and moreover,
+as a disappointment would be highly injurious to the public faith,
+they determined to draw the bills at six months' sight, which we hope
+will allow sufficient leisure for every preparation.
+
+It will not be amiss to observe, that Congress have not taken this
+measure without some circumstances of encouragement, that a fund to
+satisfy the draft would not be unattainable. Since the agreeable news
+of your arrival, and to answer a purpose of great national utility,
+Congress, by their resolution of the 19th instant, have directed bills
+to be drawn for the additional sum of twentyfive thousand dollars,
+payable at sixty days' sight. The exertions necessary at this crisis
+require the command of a considerable sum of money; but these drafts,
+we hope, will not be increased till we have intelligence from you
+respecting your prospects and assurances. We have the pleasure to
+inform you, that from the measures, which have lately been adopted,
+and with which you are made acquainted by the journals, the finances
+begin to assume a better appearance, and our public affairs in general
+will, we hope, be delivered from many of the embarrassments under
+which they have labored, but we earnestly entreat you to push every
+possible exertion for procuring aids of money from the Court of Spain,
+without which we are fearful the measures of Congress fully to restore
+the currency and prosecute the war with good effect will fall short of
+the desired success.
+
+We have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JAMES LOVELL,
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON,
+ WILLIAM C. HOUSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO DE NEUFVILLE & SON, AT AMSTERDAM.
+
+ Madrid, June 18th, 1780.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+Accept my thanks for your favors on the subject of the bills drawn on
+Mr Laurens. The kind concern you take in the credit and prosperity of
+the United States merits their acknowledgments, and I shall take the
+first opportunity of communicating to Congress your very friendly
+propositions relative to the acceptance of the bills.
+
+Whether Dr Franklin is in circumstances to agree to these propositions
+I know not. They certainly are very generous and liberal, and would be
+attended with very happy effects. I am persuaded, that Congress would
+strain every nerve to fulfill them. I have no intelligence whatever of
+Mr Laurens, and am much at a loss to conjecture what should detain
+him.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO DE NEUFVILLE & SON.
+
+ Madrid, June 25th, 1780.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+Your favor of the 8th instant came to hand yesterday. The receipt of
+the letters referred to in it was acknowledged by the last post. Your
+plan for paying the bills drawn on Mr Laurens is noble and generous. I
+heartily wish it may succeed, and that things could be so adjusted as
+that you might not be exposed to loss or inconvenience by it. But,
+gentlemen, as to this matter, I have neither instructions, nor the
+means of preventing the evils you mention. If I had the money, or
+could procure it, I would, without hesitation, engage to repay you
+punctually, but that is not the case. That Congress will repay you
+with gratitude I am certain, but whether quite so soon as your
+convenience may require, is more doubtful, because the absence of Mr
+Laurens is an event they did not foresee, and consequently did not
+provide against. If you could make a loan for the United States in
+your country, the money might be applied for the discharge of these
+bills. I am sure you would do Congress a very acceptable service by
+it. I have not yet heard from Dr Franklin on this subject. You may
+rely on all the aid in my power to render, and I should be very happy
+if it could be equal to the present exigency. I am not without
+difficulties respecting the bills drawn upon me. If these difficulties
+should cease, and I should be in a capacity to assist you, I will
+immediately let you know it, but of this there is as yet no great
+prospect.
+
+As a man, I admire and esteem your conduct, and as an American I
+thank you. Be assured, therefore, that I shall omit no opportunity of
+convincing you of the regard and attachment, with which I have the
+honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Madrid, July 10th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+As a late and particular letter from me to your Excellency is now on
+the way to America, and as I purpose to write again very fully by the
+successor of M. Mirales, I decline saying much in this letter, which I
+shall send by a circuitous and hazardous route.
+
+I have accepted bills to the amount of between eleven and twelve
+thousand dollars. They arrive slowly, and I am very glad of it. No
+news of Mr Laurens; I regret his absence. I hope the terms for the
+sale of the bills on me will not be lowered. Remittances have really
+become necessary. Distressed American seamen cost a great deal. The
+house of Le Couteulx has advanced money for them at Cadiz.
+
+I had yesterday an application from the director of a hospital at St
+Andeira, desiring to be informed whether I would be responsible for
+the ordinary expenses of receiving and curing a New England master of
+a vessel, who had escaped from captivity pennyless, having one of his
+legs so injured by iron fetters as to be in danger of losing it. These
+are calls of humanity, and I entreat Congress to enable me to obey
+them, and to establish specific regulations for the conduct of these
+affairs.
+
+The surrender of Charleston is the subject of much speculation, and
+many unfavorable conjectures. I have received no public letters since
+I left America, except one from the Committee, enclosing the
+resolutions for drawing bills on me.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DE NEUFVILLE & SON TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Amsterdam, July 13th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Never letter could have been more welcome than the favor your
+Excellency honored us with of the 25th of the past month, since it
+expressed a true concern about the bills drawn on Mr Laurens, and your
+approbation of our conduct. As we from the beginning acted from
+principle in the American cause, and never will prevaricate, this is
+only from the same motive, but we shall be sorry if we should not be
+supported, and that it is out of your Excellency's power to do it. We
+cannot judge how far those drafts may go, and if we had not expected
+that your Excellency, as well as Dr Franklin, would have been willing
+and able to answer for a trifle, (one or two hundred thousand
+guilders) in such a matter as this, it would have been a folly to
+undertake it.
+
+Dr Franklin wrote to us, that people would be satisfied to have the
+bills enregistered, but we found the contrary; several of them would
+have them duly protested, and until today we have again accepted them
+all; but how it will go further we do not know. We were very sensible
+to the hint your Excellency was pleased to give us, of making a loan
+here. We might from time to time have got some money in that way, if
+properly authorised; and our good will and influence certainly would
+have brought it further than it had been done by the House, which was
+formerly intrusted with it, and we have long ago desired a loan should
+be opened in our hands, but we never could properly obtain it. A
+trifle of allowance, and chiefly the largeness of the sum, which was
+required from us to answer for at once, prevented it; so we did not
+think proper to mention it again. We can and may work for glory, but
+on a large scale we cannot sacrifice our own interest. Every
+catastrophe in favor of or against America, has with our public a
+great influence. So the capture of Charleston would be very much
+against us at this moment for such a purpose; and though we could not
+flatter ourselves to go any length with it, a very particular
+circumstance might revive the American spirit; and it would even
+require some time before such a power was brought into due terms,
+whereon we could engage anything.
+
+This is certain, that in a moment as critical as the present, a small
+sum would save the honor of Congress, and in that light could not be
+paid for too dear; which made us think on a method, that your
+Excellency could employ a banker, and likewise Dr Franklin; that we,
+drawing on either of your Excellencies, if we were sure you would
+approve of it, could prolong terms in all probability, and without
+doubt as long as should be needful, and until the arrival of Mr
+Laurens, and that by his means and instructions proper measures could
+be taken.
+
+We must also expect, that Congress, (as on the first days of May they
+were informed, that Mr Laurens had not sailed,) will have been
+attentive to provide for those bills, and have considered the
+consequences, as we do in Europe. We write the same idea to Dr
+Franklin, and propose to him, if he should not approve of such a
+method, or find a better, to empower us for a loan, as we know he had
+formerly instructions thereon. We are too nice and anxious for the
+credit of Congress to make any use thereof, if it should hurt matters
+any way; but it is not possible to know what may be done before a
+proper trial; and we are obliged at last to speak plain, that whatever
+bills now further should offer, we cannot accept any more. We wish our
+proposals may not seem incongruous; we make them with the more
+assurance, as we are not guided by any other motive, than by the most
+extended desire to prevent every difficulty, which could in any way
+affect the reputation of the United States.
+
+We have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN DE NEUFVILLE & SON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ DE NEUFVILLE & SON TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Amsterdam, July 28th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Since we had the honor of writing to your Excellency, it is but just,
+that we should inform you of the success of our proceedings in the
+acceptance of the bills drawn on Henry Laurens, for which Dr Franklin,
+by his last favor, has engaged, offering to accept further bills, when
+sent to him, until the arrival of Mr Laurens, or that some good reason
+may appear for the contrary. As this will answer the same purpose, and
+we think it best, that there should not seem to be any alteration, we
+offer today to continue our acceptance until forbid, under guarantee
+of our being reimbursed in time. We are very much pleased, that the
+matter is thus far settled for the honor of Congress.
+
+We have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN DE NEUFVILLE & SON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO DE NEUFVILLE & SON.
+
+ Madrid, July 29th, 1780.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+Your favor of the 13th instant was delivered to me last evening. I
+admire the generous principles, which lead you to take so decided and
+friendly a part in favor of America. I have too great confidence in
+the honor, justice, and gratitude of Congress to suspect, that they
+will permit you to be sufferers by your exertions in their favor. On
+the contrary, I am persuaded they will entertain a proper sense of
+your disinterested attachment, and with pleasure take every
+opportunity of acknowledging it.
+
+Mr Laurens's absence is much to be regretted; his endeavors, aided by
+your assistance, would probably have prevented the embarrassments,
+which have taken place. I have not as yet received any advices of his
+having sailed, and your information of his not having left America in
+May is true. By a letter from a gentleman at Cadiz of the 21st instant
+I learn, that a vessel from North Carolina had arrived in fortynine
+days, and left Mr Laurens there on his way to Philadelphia. I am at a
+loss to account for this, having no intelligence from America on the
+subject. Perhaps his design was to sail from Philadelphia. If so, we
+may still look out for him. Prudence, however, demands, that every
+possible step be taken to alleviate the inconveniences arising from
+his absence. If my power extended to this case, I should, without
+hesitation, authorise you in a proper manner to make a loan in
+Holland, and be much obliged to you for undertaking it. But my
+instructions do not reach so far; all I can do is to advise as an
+individual, and as a public servant, to represent in a true light to
+Congress your benevolent efforts to preserve their credit. If Dr
+Franklin has such instructions as you suppose, and his circumstances
+will admit of it, I can at present see no objections to his taking
+some such measures as you propose, until Mr Laurens's arrival; but of
+this, he alone can properly judge. I shall write to him on the
+subject, and you may rely on my doing everything in my power. I assure
+you I feel myself, as an American, so much obliged by your generous
+zeal to serve my country, that I shall be happy in being instrumental
+to render the issue of it as agreeable and honorable to you, as the
+principles on which you act are meritorious and noble.
+
+I flatter myself, that the unfavorable influence, which the capture of
+Charleston has on the public, will be of short duration. When they
+reflect, that America has nobly sustained a six years' war, fought
+hard battles with various success, and lost and regained several of
+their cities, they will find it ridiculous to believe, that the fate
+of the Thirteen States is involved in that of one or two towns. The
+like impressions were made, when New York, Philadelphia, and
+Ticonderoga fell into the enemy's hands; and those impressions were
+again removed by the battle of Trenton, the evacuation of
+Philadelphia, the battle of Monmouth, the defeat and capture of
+General Burgoyne and his army, and other victories on our side. Many
+of these great events happened when America had no ally, and when
+Britain had no other objects to divide her force. It is not
+reasonable, therefore, to imagine, that the power of Britain has been
+augmented by the accession of two formidable enemies, or that the
+power of America has been diminished in proportion as the number of
+her friends increased.
+
+Depend upon it, that as the spirit of America has always risen with
+the successes of her enemies they will not, on this occasion, throw
+away their arms, and ingloriously pass under the yoke of a nation
+whose conduct towards her has been marked by injustice and oppression
+in peace, and by malice and wanton barbarity in war.
+
+With sentiments of sincere regard and esteem, I have the honor to be,
+&c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO DE NEUFVILLE & SON.
+
+ Madrid, August 16th, 1780.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+My last to you was dated July 29th, in answer to yours of the 13th of
+the same month. I have since had the pleasure to receive your favor of
+the 28th of July, and am happy to hear that Dr Franklin has been able
+to take the step you mention. I cannot forbear again to repeat the
+sense I have of your very friendly conduct on this occasion. I assure
+you I shall rejoice in every opportunity of acknowledging the
+obligations you have conferred on my country. Such disinterested acts
+of friendship are not common, and ought never to be forgotten.
+
+With sentiments of great and sincere esteem and regard, I have the
+honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO SILAS DEANE.
+
+ St Ildefonso, September 8th, 1780.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+If I could easily be angry with an old friend, I should be so with
+you. Your silence is unkind, and the more so as you might probably
+have communicated things useful, as well as entertaining. Before we
+parted in America, you gave me a cypher, and I really promised myself
+much from it on your arrival in Europe. I could almost wish that the
+winds had blown you this way. I would give a good deal for a day's
+conversation with you, but that is impossible. A correspondence is the
+only substitute, and perhaps you have detached yourself too much from
+public concerns and public men to be troubled with it. I hope this is
+not the case. It would be wrong to extend to a whole nation the
+resentments excited by a few. Perhaps other reasons may have induced
+your silence; whatever they may be I regret them.
+
+Adieu. I am, dear Sir, your most obedient servant,
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ St Ildefonso, September 16th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+This letter and several copies of it are to be sent by the next post
+to Bilboa, Cadiz, Nantes, &c. The object of it is to inform you, that
+it is necessary immediately to cease drawing bills upon me for the
+present.
+
+Your Excellency may soon expect a full detail of particulars; you will
+then receive an answer to every question that may be raised upon this
+letter.
+
+His Catholic Majesty has been pleased to offer his responsibility to
+facilitate a loan of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for us,
+payable in three years, and to promise us some clothing. This need not
+be kept secret. I have written several letters to your Excellency, but
+have received only one from the Committee since I left America. It
+covered the resolutions respecting these bills.
+
+The Philadelphia bank, the ladies' subscriptions, and other
+indications of union and public spirit, have a fine effect here.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ INSTRUCTIONS TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ In Congress, October 4th, 1780.
+
+On the report of a committee to whom were referred certain
+instructions to the delegates of Virginia by their constituents, and a
+letter of the 26th of May, from the Honorable John Jay, Congress
+unanimously agreed to the following instructions to the Honorable John
+Jay, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, at the
+Court of Madrid.
+
+That the said Minister adhere to his former instructions, respecting
+the right of the United States of America to the free navigation of
+the river Mississippi into and from the sea; which right, if an
+express acknowledgment of it cannot be obtained from Spain, is not by
+any stipulation on the part of America to be relinquished. To render
+the treaty to be concluded between the two nations permanent, nothing
+can more effectually contribute, than a proper attention, not only to
+the present but the future reciprocal interests of the contracting
+powers.
+
+The river Mississippi being the boundary of several States in the
+union, and their citizens, while connected with Great Britain, and
+since the revolution, having been accustomed to the free use thereof,
+in common with the subjects of Spain, and no instance of complaint or
+dispute having resulted from it, there is no reason to fear, that the
+future mutual use of the river by the subjects of the two nations,
+actuated by friendly dispositions, will occasion any interruption of
+that harmony which it is the desire of America, as well as of Spain,
+should be perpetual. That if the unlimited freedom of the navigation
+of the river Mississippi, with a free port, or ports below the 31st
+degree of north latitude, accessible to merchant ships, cannot be
+obtained from Spain, the said Minister in that case be at liberty to
+enter into such equitable regulations as may appear a necessary
+security against contraband; provided the right of the United States
+to the free navigation of the river be not relinquished, and a free
+port or ports as above described be stipulated to them.
+
+That with respect to the boundary alluded to in his letter of the 26th
+of May last, the said Minister be, and hereby is instructed, to adhere
+strictly to the boundaries of the United States as already fixed by
+Congress. Spain having by the treaty of Paris ceded to Great Britain
+all the country to the northeastward of the Mississippi, the people
+inhabiting these States, while connected with Great Britain, and also
+since the revolution, have settled themselves at divers places to the
+westward near the Mississippi, are friendly to the revolution, and
+being citizens of these United States, and subject to the laws of
+those to which they respectively belong, Congress cannot assign them
+over as subjects to any other power.
+
+That the said Minister be further informed, that in case Spain shall
+eventually be in possession of East and West Florida, at the
+termination of the war, it is of the greatest importance to these
+United States to have the use of the waters running out of Georgia
+through West Florida into the Bay of Mexico, for the purpose of
+navigation; and that he be instructed to endeavor to obtain the same,
+subject to such regulations as may be agreed on between the
+contracting parties; and that as a compensation for this, he be and
+hereby is empowered to guaranty the possession of the said Floridas to
+the Crown of Spain.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO DE NEUFVILLE & SON.
+
+ Madrid, October 4th, 1780.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+I have lately had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 7th of
+September. After the proofs you have given of disinterested zeal in
+the cause of liberty and America, I cannot harbor a doubt of your
+opposing the measures of a Court industriously employed in attempts to
+destroy both.
+
+Your sentiments respecting the expediency of a connexion between the
+United States and your Republic concur with my own, and I am persuaded
+that those who know and wish well to the interests of both will
+assiduously promote it.
+
+As I have received no further intelligence respecting Mr Laurens, I
+can add nothing on that subject. I cannot doubt but that good reasons
+have detained him, though I do not know what they are. Congress, I am
+sure, will continue their attention to the objects of his appointment,
+and will be happy in cultivating a friendly connexion with a people
+whose history exhibits many instances of heroic and glorious exertions
+in a cause similar to their own. Those among you who know history, and
+venerate the names and characters of their forefathers, cannot consent
+to be the instruments of despotism, to deprive others of those rights
+which were purchased for themselves by the blood of their own
+ancestors.
+
+When or how far it may consist with the views of Congress to make
+mercantile appointments in your country, I cannot determine; should
+they ever become necessary, I cannot doubt of your being remembered.
+The most powerful recommendation I can give them, will be by sending
+them our correspondence; and for that purpose, copies of all the
+letters that have passed between us are now preparing, and shall,
+together with duplicates and triplicates, be sent by the first
+vessels.
+
+As to the late ordinance of Spain establishing a paper currency, it is
+a subject on which I make no remarks, and for this very good reason,
+that the policy and propriety of that measure are objects without my
+sphere, on which I can have no influence, and which would not be
+altered by anything I might say or write about them.
+
+The Mexican dollars, mentioned in the bills drawn upon me, I
+understand to be only another name for Spanish milled dollars, which
+you know pass here at twenty reals of vellon. How far the sale or
+payment of these may be affected by the paper in question I know not,
+though I must confess that I do not apprehend so much evil from it as
+some others do. These bills will be on an equal footing with all
+others drawn on Spain, and you will readily suppose it not to be in
+my power to put them on a better.
+
+The King of Spain has been so kind as to offer to become responsible
+to a certain amount for monies which I may borrow for Congress,
+payable in three years. Be so kind as to inform me whether this could
+be done in your country, on their _joint credit_, how far, and on what
+terms.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JAMES LOVELL.
+
+ Madrid, October 27th, 1780.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Your letter of the 11th of July gave me much pleasure. There is a
+degree of ease and cordiality in it, which, as mere letters of
+business do not require, I am the more obliged to you for.
+
+It is true that I might write to Congress very often, indeed by every
+vessel, and there are many of them. But how are my letters to get to
+the sea-side? By the post? They would be _all_ inspected, and many
+suppressed. There is scarce a man in any of the ports, except Mr
+Harrison at Cadiz, with whom I would trust them; so that if, under
+different covers, I should get them there, the danger would not end.
+To write often, and write nothing material, would be useless; and when
+you see my public letters, by this opportunity, you will perceive,
+that, to be well understood, I must write a great deal.
+
+I would throw stones too, with all my heart, if I thought they would
+hit only the committee, without injuring the members of it. Till now I
+have received but one letter from them, and that not worth a farthing,
+though it conveyed a draft for one hundred thousand pounds sterling
+on the bank of hope.
+
+One good private correspondent would be worth twenty committees, made
+of the wisest heads in America, for the purpose of intelligence. What
+with clever wives, or pretty girls, or pleasant walks, or too tired,
+or too busy, or do you do it, very little is done, much postponed,
+and more neglected. If you are naturally industrious, and love your
+country, you would frequently take up your pen and your cyphers, and
+tell me how the wheel of politics runs, and what measures it is from
+time to time turning out. I should be better informed and Congress
+better served. I now get more intelligence of your affairs from the
+French Ambassador, than from all the members of Congress put together.
+
+I had written thus far, when I received a letter from M. Le Couteulx
+at Cadiz, enclosing a letter of the 16th of September, written at St
+Ildefonso from me to Congress. It had been enclosed in one to Mr
+Harrison, and that again put under cover to M. Le Couteulx, and, under
+these two covers, it was put into the post office. Now mark its fate.
+The Director of the post office at Cadiz showed it to M. Le Couteulx,
+naked and stripped of its two covers, of which he made no mention. He
+said it came from Bayonne, but M. Le Couteulx, knowing my hand
+writing, paid the postage, and returned it to me. This is only one
+among many instances of the fate to which my letters are subjected. To
+avoid it, I must now be at the expense of sending Colonel Livingston
+to the sea-side with my despatches.
+
+When at Cadiz, I heard some of our countrymen, who had been prisoners
+at Lisbon, speak handsomely of M. Dohrmer. They mentioned his having
+supplied them with necessaries, but at the same time told me that he
+had been employed for the purpose by Dr Franklin. Hence it happened
+that I declined mentioning his usefulness to Congress. I considered
+him as an agent of Dr Franklin, who did his duty faithfully, and
+thought it would be more proper for him to recommend his services to
+the notice of Congress than for me.
+
+I am, dear Sir, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Madrid, November 6th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The last particular letter I had the honor of writing to your
+Excellency was dated the 26th of May, and, with a duplicate, was
+carried to Cadiz by Mr Harrison, who sent one by the Peacock, Captain
+Davis, to Boston, and the other by the General Arnold, Captain
+Jenkins, to Alexandria in Virginia. They both sailed in June last, and
+the former, I hear, arrived safe after a short passage.
+
+I have since written several letters to your Excellency, but as they
+went to the seaports by the post, none of them contained anything
+material, except one from St Ildefonso of the 16th of September,
+advising Congress of the necessity of suspending further drafts on me
+for the present.
+
+Congress will recollect, that my letter of the 26th of May contained
+notes of a conference I had with the Minister on the 11th of that
+month, on the subjects of my two former letters to him, the first in
+answer to his questions, and the latter relative to the resolution for
+drawing bills upon me. It may be remembered also, that, in this
+conference, the Minister promised me his sentiments in writing in a
+few days, as well on the subject of the proposed treaty, as on the
+bills which were daily expected. The first I have not yet received,
+and it was not before the 7th of June that I was favored with the
+latter.
+
+In this interval there arrived here from England, by the way of
+Lisbon, an Abbe Hussey. He came to Lisbon in company with Mr
+Cumberland, one of Lord George Germain's secretaries, who, with his
+family, purposed, on obtaining permission, to come to Madrid. This
+priest was known to many, being a pensioner of the Spanish Court, and
+formerly in the late Prince Massarano's family. Indeed he took no
+pains to conceal himself, or his business, which was to obtain
+permission for his friend to proceed, on account of the bad health of
+a daughter. Mr Carmichael watched his motions with success and
+industry, and was the first who mentioned his arrival to me. He hired
+lodgings and a coach for Mr Cumberland, and visited several persons
+about the Court, particularly M. del Campo, First Secretary of the
+Minister.
+
+On the first of June I received a card from the Minister, desiring to
+see me at nine o'clock the next evening. I waited upon him
+accordingly. The following are notes of what passed upon that
+occasion.
+
+ [Notes of a Conference between his Excellency the Count de
+ Florida Blanca and Mr Jay, in the office of the former at
+ Aranjues, 2d of June, 1780, reduced to writing, immediately
+ after the conference ended, by Mr Carmichael, who was present
+ at it.]
+
+ In consequence of a card received by Mr Jay yesterday, from
+ his Excellency the Count de Florida Blanca, appointing him a
+ meeting at nine o'clock this evening, Mr Jay waited on him at
+ that hour. The conversation commenced on the part of the
+ Minister, with polite inquiries for the state of Mr Jay's
+ health, which, he said, had induced him not to send the notes
+ promised on the former meeting, at the time when appointed,
+ as he had been informed that he was indisposed. He attributed
+ to his own frequent ill state of health (a disorder of the
+ nerves, occasioned by his necessary application to business)
+ the disappointment and delay to which, without intending it,
+ the business that passed through his hands was sometimes
+ subjected. He then said, that on Sunday following, at eleven
+ o'clock in the forenoon, if Mr Carmichael would wait on him,
+ he would send Mr Jay the notes formerly promised him.
+
+ He added that his reason for desiring to see him at present
+ proceeded from something mentioned to him by the French
+ Ambassador, of which he supposed he was informed. He
+ recapitulated what he had before mentioned of the King's good
+ faith and favorable disposition towards America, and entered
+ more fully into his conduct in the negotiation with Great
+ Britain, when the Court of Spain proposed a truce between
+ that country and the United States, observing, that as the
+ King at that period was determined not to sacrifice our
+ interests, it could not be supposed that now, when at war
+ with Great Britain, his Majesty would be less disposed to
+ maintain them. After these reflections and assurances, he
+ told Mr Jay that the person lately from England, by the way
+ of Portugal, was the chaplain of their former Embassy at
+ London; that he had been there for some time on his private
+ affairs, and had at the same time instructions concerning an
+ exchange of prisoners, which their sufferings rendered
+ expedient; that the death of an uncle, a chaplain of the
+ Court, had obliged him to return; that an English gentleman
+ and his family had come to Lisbon with him, under the
+ pretext, or really on account of the ill health of a
+ daughter, to whom the Duke of Dorset was much attached; that
+ the opposition made by his friends to the marriage had
+ affected her health, and that this family was desirous of
+ passing through Spain to Italy. He added, that this gentleman
+ was one of Lord George Germain's secretaries, and would
+ perhaps have some proposals to make for an exchange of
+ prisoners, and possibly others of a different nature, which
+ he assured Mr Jay should be communicated to him as candidly
+ as he had communicated the extravagant scheme presented by
+ Sir J. Dalrymple. He desired Mr Jay, therefore, to make
+ himself easy on this subject, giving new assurances of the
+ King's strict regard to justice and good faith, and of his
+ disposition to assist America.
+
+ Mr Jay begged him to be persuaded of the perfect confidence
+ of America and himself, and of their reliance on the good
+ faith, justice, and honor of his Catholic Majesty; that he
+ had no other apprehension from the circumstance of Englishmen
+ resorting to this Court, than that the enemy would on this,
+ as on former occasions, avail themselves of it, by
+ endeavoring to alarm and deceive our people.
+
+ The Count de Florida Blanca assured Mr Jay, that he would
+ shortly give him such proofs of the King's intentions, as
+ would enable him to prevent any bad effects from such
+ misrepresentations, and convince America of his Majesty's
+ favorable disposition and good faith. After repeating
+ assurances of his full confidence, Mr Jay mentioned that he
+ had received two bills of exchange, drawn by order of
+ Congress on him, and that he should take no measures on that
+ subject, as he had before the honor of telling him, till he
+ had consulted his Excellency. The Count, having asked the
+ amount, and being told that the bills were for between six
+ and seven hundred dollars, told him, smiling, that he might
+ accept them, and he hoped so to arrange matters, as, in a
+ short time, to make him easy on that head. He then said, that
+ an expedition had been suggested to him, in which the
+ Americans might co-operate; but, without entering into
+ particulars, he recollected himself, and said he would send
+ the project to Mr Jay by Mr Carmichael at the same time that
+ he should give him the other papers. The conference ended
+ with mutual compliments.
+
+ _June 4th._ This morning the Chevalier de Burgoing, Secretary
+ of the French Embassy, waited on Mr Jay, and afterwards on Mr
+ Carmichael, and told them the Ambassador had informed him,
+ that the Count de Florida Blanca had received despatches from
+ Versailles, which demanded his instant attention, and that,
+ therefore, he could not see Mr Carmichael until the 5th, at
+ the hour mentioned in the conference of the 2d. Mr Jay,
+ however, having received no direct message from the Minister,
+ thought it proper for Mr Carmichael to wait on him at the
+ place and hour appointed. Accordingly he went to the Bureau
+ of Foreign Affairs, and was told by order of the Minister,
+ that he had desired the Ambassador to acquaint Mr Jay, that
+ he could not see Mr Carmichael that day, but desired to see
+ him next Monday, at eleven.
+
+ _June 5th._ Mr Carmichael waited on the Minister, agreeably
+ to appointment, who, on his entrance, immediately expressed
+ his concern, that the arrival of a courier, which informed
+ him of the intentions of the Court of Great Britain to
+ expedite the sailing of their grand fleet, had engaged his
+ attention so much as to prevent him from fulfilling his
+ promise of sending the notes mentioned in the former
+ conferences, that he would certainly do it on the Wednesday
+ following, and desired Mr Carmichael to wait on him that day
+ at the same hour to receive them. He then mentioned an
+ expedition, which had been proposed to him from Bilboa, to
+ intercept the homeward bound ships of the East India Company,
+ by equipping some frigates in America at the expense of his
+ Catholic Majesty, desiring Mr Carmichael to communicate this
+ to Mr Jay, that he might turn his attention to that object,
+ to enable him to judge of the probability of its success. He
+ touched slightly on the subject of bills of exchange, and on
+ the only difficulty of the treaty, viz. the navigation of the
+ Mississippi, which he said he hoped some middle means might
+ be hit on to obviate. He concluded by saying that he would
+ give his sentiments on that, and other subjects to Mr Jay in
+ writing at the time abovementioned, and hoped that he would
+ believe the delay hitherto proceeded from no other motives
+ than those he had mentioned. Mr Carmichael assured him, that
+ Mr Jay was too sensible of the importance of his other
+ occupations, and of his candor, to impute the delay to any
+ other cause, and after common civilities he withdrew.
+
+This conversation needs no comment. It promised well. On or about the
+19th of June, Mr Cumberland, his wife, and two daughters arrived,
+appeared publicly, and were openly visited and received by persons of
+distinction. But although it was not difficult to know who he was,
+and with whom he associated, his business and measures continue to
+this day mere objects of conjecture, further that he or the Minister
+has thought proper to communicate them.[25] The impression made by his
+arrival on the minds of the people is worthy of remark. They supposed
+his errand to be secret overtures for peace, and as far as I can judge
+were very glad of it. There is reason to believe that he favored these
+conjectures from the first. He has since said publicly, that he was
+authorised to offer to Spain Gibraltar, and other advantageous terms.
+
+On the 7th of June, I received from the Minister his notes on the
+subject of aids. They are in these words.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Aranjues, June 7th, 1780.
+
+ "His Catholic Majesty would be very glad to be able to
+ furnish, at the present crisis, funds for the payment of the
+ one hundred thousand pounds sterling, proposed to be
+ addressed to Mr Jay, in order to evince the concern which the
+ King takes in the prosperity and relief of the United States
+ of North America, as well as in the personal satisfaction of
+ the abovementioned gentleman. But the demands of the present
+ war, and the great difficulty there would be to transport
+ hither the treasures of the King's possessions in that part
+ of the world, render it impracticable to furnish here, the
+ said sum in specie, as could be wished. Some expedient,
+ however, may be found to remedy this inconvenience. For
+ example; if the owners of the bills of exchange would be
+ content with the security or responsibility of his Catholic
+ Majesty, to pay the sum already mentioned in the term of two
+ years. The King will readily agree to such an arrangement,
+ even if it should be found necessary to add a moderate
+ interest. This security, given by such a sovereign as the
+ King of Spain, would induce the owners of those bills of
+ exchange, and the creditors of Congress to consent to a
+ measure so advantageous, and would equally serve to sustain
+ the credit and good faith of the same body.
+
+ "Mr Jay, therefore, is entreated to reflect on the idea just
+ stated to him, and in answer to inform us what measures he
+ thinks suitable to this scheme, in order that they may be
+ laid before the King, and his orders taken thereon. If the
+ expedient in question should be adopted, it will at the same
+ time be necessary to take measures in concert to reimburse to
+ the King this considerable sum, as well as others already
+ expended in favor of the United States. The first idea which
+ offers for reciprocal convenience is that Congress should
+ engage to build without delay some handsome frigates and
+ other smaller vessels of war, fixing the price of each, and
+ the time when they will be finished.
+
+ "This point once settled, it will be proper immediately to
+ take measures to equip these vessels as fast as they are
+ ready; to point out what articles will be necessary to send
+ from Spain for this purpose, and in what port they will have
+ notice to receive them. After this it is expedient to be
+ informed, whether the Americans themselves will engage to
+ come to the ports of Bilboa, St Ander, Ferrol, or Cadiz, for
+ the said articles, which they will find ready, and afterwards
+ transport them in their own vessels of war or letters of
+ marque to America. On this supposition it is conjectured,
+ that it would be easy to find hands enough in America to man
+ these new built vessels, which will sail under Spanish
+ colors. There are certainly among the subjects of the said
+ United States many who have made the voyage, and are
+ acquainted with the usual route of the ships of the English
+ East India Company, and who know perfectly well the ports and
+ places at which they stop. This fact established, it is
+ proposed to equip in the ports of the United States four good
+ frigates, and some other lighter vessels, with the effects
+ which shall be sent from hence on account of Spain. This
+ small squadron, under Spanish colors, shall be employed to
+ intercept the convoys of the said Company by cruising in the
+ proper latitudes. The measures just pointed out appear to be
+ the most proper to reimburse, in some shape, the expenses
+ already incurred by his Catholic Majesty, and to answer for
+ such security as has been proposed to be given in this
+ memoir. It being always understood, that a share of the
+ prizes taken from the English by this small squadron shall be
+ given to the crews, and even to Congress, in proportion to
+ the assistance which they shall furnish for the equipment of
+ the vessels.
+
+ "A speedy and decisive answer to all the points here
+ enumerated is requested, and Mr Jay is too enlightened not to
+ perceive that the common cause is interested therein."
+
+To this paper, which deserves much attention, I returned the
+following answer.
+
+ "Aranjues, June 9th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "The propositions which your Excellency did me the honor to
+ send on the 7th inst. have been considered with all the
+ attention, which their great importance demands.
+
+ "The evidence they contain of his Majesty's friendly
+ disposition towards the United States will, I am persuaded,
+ make correspondent impressions on the citizens of America;
+ and permit me to assure you, that his Majesty's desire of
+ contributing to my personal satisfaction by measures
+ conducive to the welfare of my country, has excited my
+ warmest acknowledgments and attachment.
+
+ "The enlarged ideas my constituents entertain of the power,
+ wealth, and resources of Spain, are equal to those they have
+ imbibed of the wisdom and probity of his Catholic Majesty,
+ and of that noble and generous system of policy, which has
+ induced him to patronize their cause, and, by completing
+ their separation from Great Britain, effectually to disarm
+ the latter. Such wise and liberal designs, followed by such
+ great and extensive consequences, would add a bright page to
+ the annals of a reign already signalised by important events.
+ It is, therefore, with deep regret that Congress would
+ receive information that the aid they solicit, small when
+ compared with their ideas of the resources of Spain, has been
+ rendered impracticable by the expenses of a war, which, on
+ the part of Spain, is of a recent date. Nor will their
+ disappointment be less than their regret, when they find
+ their credit diminished by the failure of a measure, from the
+ success of which they expected to raise it.
+
+ "The kind disposition of his Majesty to become responsible at
+ the expiration of two years for the amount of the bills in
+ question, and that even with interest, is a proof of his
+ goodness, by which I am confident the United States will
+ consider themselves greatly obliged. But when it is
+ considered that bills of exchange, immediately on being drawn
+ and sold, become a medium in commerce, and pass through
+ various hands in satisfaction of various mercantile
+ contracts; that the drawer and every endorser become
+ responsible for their credit at every transfer; and that the
+ object of the merchants last holding the bills, as well as of
+ all other merchants, is money in hand or actively employed in
+ trade, and not money lying still, at an interest greatly
+ inferior to the usual profits to be gained in commerce; I
+ say, on considering these things, it appears to me that,
+ although no objection can be made to the good faith of his
+ Majesty, which is acknowledged by all the world, yet that the
+ last holders of the bills will prefer recovering the amount
+ of them, with the usual damages on protests, to delay of
+ payment for two years with interest.
+
+ "Should these bills, therefore, meet with this fate, his
+ Majesty will readily perceive its influence on the credit,
+ operations, and feelings of the United States; on the common
+ cause; on the hopes and spirits of the enemy. The necessity
+ or prudence which detains his Majesty's treasure in his
+ American dominions, is an unfortunate circumstance at a time
+ when it might be so usefully employed. There is,
+ nevertheless, room to hope, that the great superiority of the
+ allied fleets and armaments in the American seas will, in the
+ course of a year or eighteen months, render its
+ transportation safe and easy, and that the greater part of it
+ may arrive before the bills in question would become payable.
+ This will appear more probable, when the time necessary to
+ sell these bills, and the time which will be consumed in
+ their passage from America, and the time which will be
+ employed in their journey from different ports of Europe to
+ this place, are all added to the half a year which is
+ allotted for the payment of them after they have been
+ presented. I am authorised and ready to engage and pledge
+ the faith of the United States for the punctual repayment,
+ with interest, and within a reasonable term, of any sums of
+ money which his Majesty may be so kind as to lend them.
+
+ "As to the aids heretofore supplied to the United States, I
+ am without information relative to the precise terms on which
+ they were furnished, as well as their amount. When I left
+ Congress, they appeared to me not to possess full and
+ positive intelligence on these points. I ascribe this, not to
+ omissions in their commissioner, who then had the direction
+ of these affairs, but to those miscarriages and accidents, to
+ which the communication of intelligence to a distant country
+ is liable in time of war. If it should appear proper to your
+ Excellency, in order that I may be furnished with an accurate
+ and full statement of these transactions, I will do myself
+ the honor of transmitting them immediately to Congress; and,
+ as they happened prior to my appointment, I shall request
+ particular instructions on the subject.
+
+ "With respect to the plan proposed for the repayment of such
+ sums as Spain may lend to the United States, viz. by the
+ latter furnishing the former with frigates, &c. &c. I beg
+ leave to submit the following remarks to your Excellency's
+ consideration. In the United States there are timber, iron,
+ masts, shipwrights, pitch, tar, and turpentine; and Spain can
+ furnish the other requisites. But neither the timber, the
+ iron, the masts, nor the other articles, can be procured
+ without money. The Congress are in great want of money for
+ the immediate purposes of self-defence, for the maintenance
+ of their armies and vessels of war, and for all the other
+ expenses incident to military operations. The Congress,
+ pressed by their necessities, have emitted bills of credit,
+ till the depreciation of them forbids further emissions. They
+ have made loans from their great and good ally, and, in aid
+ of the system of gaining supplies by taxation and domestic
+ loans, they have, for the reasons which I have already had
+ the honor of explaining to your Excellency, drawn upon me the
+ bills before mentioned. These bills will be sold in the
+ United States for paper money, and that money will be
+ immediately wanted for the purposes I have enumerated. If,
+ therefore, this money was to be turned into frigates, the
+ obvious ends of drawing those bills would not be attained.
+ The war against the United States has raged without
+ intermission for six years already, and it will not be in
+ their power to pay their debts during its further
+ continuance, nor until the return of peace and uninterrupted
+ commerce shall furnish them with the means of doing it.
+
+ "That excellent frigates and other vessels may be built in
+ America cheaper than in Europe, I am persuaded. And I know,
+ that Congress will cheerfully give every aid in their power
+ to facilitate the execution of any plan of that kind, which
+ his Majesty may adopt, but, Sir, their necessities will not
+ permit them to supply money to those purposes, and I should
+ deceive your Excellency with delusive expectations, were I to
+ lead you to think otherwise. I would rather, that the United
+ States should be without money than without good faith; and,
+ therefore, neither my own principles of action, nor the
+ respect due to his Majesty and reputation of my country, will
+ ever suffer me (if my authority extended so far) to enter
+ into any contracts, which I had not the highest reason to
+ believe would be fully, fairly, and punctually performed on
+ the part of my constituents. Nor, in case his Majesty should
+ think proper to cause frigates to be built in America, can I
+ encourage your Excellency to expect, that they could be
+ easily manned there for cruises. The fact is, that the
+ American frigates often find difficulties in completing their
+ compliments, principally because the seamen prefer going in
+ privateers, which are numerous, and too useful to be
+ discouraged.
+
+ "The design of preparing an armament to intercept the English
+ East Indiamen appears to me very judicious. The enemy draw
+ their resources from commerce; to annoy the one, therefore,
+ is to injure the other. Before the present war, there were
+ several, but not a great many Americans, well acquainted with
+ the route of the East Indiamen. But whether any number of
+ these men could now be secretly collected is uncertain; for
+ if by a particular selection of and inquiry for them, the
+ enemy should become apprized of the design, they would
+ naturally take measures to frustrate it. For my part, I
+ should suppose, that many of these men are not necessary, and
+ that the proper number may be had from France, if not from
+ America.
+
+ "The idea of the United States co-operating in the execution
+ of this plan is flattering, and the terms proposed generous.
+ But so far as this co-operation will depend on the building
+ of frigates there as proposed, it cannot be effected from
+ their want of money. Whether the American frigates could be
+ employed in such an enterprise, that is, whether the
+ services, for which they may be already destined, will admit
+ of it, are, with other similar circumstances, necessary to be
+ known before that question could possibly be answered. The
+ distance from America, and the length of time necessary to
+ ask for and receive information and instructions from
+ thence, are such, that it would probably be more expedient,
+ that engagements for these purposes should be discussed and
+ concluded there than here. The circumstances of the United
+ States, while invaded, will be more fluctuating than those of
+ Spain, and measures in which they might conveniently embark
+ at one period, may shortly after be rendered impracticable by
+ the vicisitudes of war. It is further to be observed, that a
+ people, rising amidst such terrible struggles, with an
+ extensive country to defend, and that country invaded, and,
+ as it were, on fire in several places at once, are not in
+ good condition for foreign enterprises; but, on the contrary,
+ that it must generally be their interest, and of course their
+ policy, to keep their forces and strength at home, till the
+ expulsion of their enemies shall afford them leisure and
+ opportunities for distant and offensive operations.
+
+ "Whenever this period shall arrive, his Majesty may be
+ assured, that the United States will not remain idle, but
+ that, impelled by resentments too deep and too just to be
+ transitory, as well as by unshaken attachment to their
+ friends, they will persevere with firmness and constancy in
+ the common cause, and cheerfully unite their efforts with
+ those of France and Spain, in compelling the common enemy to
+ accept of reasonable terms of peace. I can, also, with great
+ confidence, assure your Excellency that the United States
+ will be happy in every opportunity, which may offer during
+ the war, of joining their arms to those of Spain, and in
+ co-operating with them in any expeditions, which
+ circumstances may render expedient against the Floridas, or
+ other objects. The Americans would most cheerfully fight by
+ the side of the Spaniards, and by spilling their blood in the
+ same cause, and on the same occasion, convince them of their
+ ardent desire to become their faithful friends and steadfast
+ allies.
+
+ "I cannot prevail upon myself to conclude, without expressing
+ to your Excellency my apprehension of the anxiety, and
+ painful concern, with which Congress would receive
+ intelligence of the failure of their bills, and especially
+ after the expectations they have been induced to conceive of
+ the successful issue of their affairs here. What conclusions
+ the enemy would draw from the inability of Spain to advance
+ the sum in question, even to men actually in arms against
+ Great Britain, I forbear to mention, nor would it become me
+ to point out the several evil consequences flowing from such
+ an event, to those who enjoy from nature and experience more
+ discernment than I am blessed with.
+
+ "I still flatter myself, that some expedients may be devised
+ to surmount the present difficulties, and that the harvest of
+ laurels now ripening for his Majesty in America will not be
+ permitted to wither for want of watering.
+
+ "Influenced by this hope, I shall delay transmitting any
+ intelligence respecting this matter to Congress, till your
+ Excellency shall be pleased to communicate to me his
+ Majesty's further pleasure on the subject.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+Your Excellency will doubtless observe, that this answer does not
+comprehend all the objections to which the Minister's plan is liable,
+such, for instance, as the proposal that the vessels proposed to be
+built in America, with the money of America, and to be navigated by
+Americans, should sail under _Spanish colors, &c._ I thought it most
+prudent to avoid taking notice of these and similar circumstances,
+lest objections, which might be ascribed to pride, as well as reason,
+might lose their force in that supposition, and, instead of
+convincing, serve only to irritate.
+
+Nothing further passed between the Minister and myself except a
+message or two respecting each other's health, until the 19th day of
+June, when I sent him the following card.
+
+ "Mr Jay presents his respectful compliments to his
+ Excellency, the Count de Florida Blanca, and takes the
+ liberty of enclosing the copy of a note he has just received,
+ respecting a bill drawn upon him for three hundred and
+ thirtythree dollars. From this his Excellency will perceive
+ the painful situation Mr Jay is in. He forbears making any
+ reflections on it, being persuaded that his Excellency's
+ wisdom and sensibility render them unnecessary.
+
+ "_Madrid, June 19th, 1780._"
+
+On the 20th instant I received the following answer.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "The Count de Florida Blanca will have no difficulty in
+ paying the bill of three hundred and thirtythree dollars
+ mentioned in Mr Jay's note of yesterday, both on account of
+ its small value, and in consequence of what he had the honor
+ to offer him at their last conference; but he cannot forbear
+ observing to Mr Jay, that it will be impossible to show the
+ same complaisance for other bills without consulting the
+ pleasure of the King.
+
+ "The means hitherto proposed not having been considered as
+ agreeable to Congress, it has become necessary to seek for
+ others, and Mr Jay will do well to think seriously on this
+ subject, and communicate to the Count de Florida Blanca
+ whatever his wisdom and information may suggest to him."
+
+This looked dry, and indicated a degree of irritation, though it held
+up the idea of further means.
+
+I replied to it on the 22d of June, as follows.
+
+ "Madrid, June 22d, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "I received the note your Excellency did me the honor to
+ write on the 20th instant, and I take the earliest
+ opportunity of expressing my thanks for your Excellency's
+ permission to accept the bills mentioned in it, which I have
+ accordingly done.
+
+ "Agreeably to your Excellency's recommendation in the first
+ conference, I have turned my thoughts very seriously to the
+ objects which were the subjects of it, relative to the bills
+ drawn upon me; they were two.
+
+ "1st. The means of paying these bills.
+
+ "2dly. The proposed contract with America for light vessels,
+ &c.
+
+ "With respect to the _first_, it appeared to me, that the
+ principal difficulty was removed by your Excellency's
+ informing me, '_that at the end of the present year, it would
+ be in your power to advance twentyfive, thirty, or forty
+ thousand pounds sterling_.' Hence I inferred, that as much
+ time would be taken up in the sale, negotiation, and
+ transmission of those bills, and as so long a space as six
+ months was assigned for their payment, after being presented,
+ that the sums which it would be in your Excellency's power to
+ advance at the end of the year, would probably be equal to
+ the amount of the bills which would then become payable; and
+ that in the mean time such further means might be provided,
+ as would obviate difficulties with respect to those that
+ might afterwards become due. When I reflected that I was a
+ stranger to the resources of Spain, and that your
+ Excellency's acknowledged abilities comprehended all the
+ objects and combinations necessary in determining what
+ supplies they were capable of affording, and the manner and
+ means most proper for the purpose, it appeared to me in the
+ light of presumption to hazard to your Excellency any
+ propositions on the subject.
+
+ "2dly. On considering the proposed contract, it became
+ important to distinguish between the building these vessels
+ with the money of the United States, or with that of Spain.
+ The latter was very practicable, and I gave your Excellency
+ that opinion in my letter of the 9th instant. The former, on
+ the contrary, appeared to me not to be within the power of
+ the United States, and candor obliged me to make this known
+ to your Excellency in the same letter.
+
+ "I knew it to be impossible for Congress, consistent with
+ good faith, to contract; that, notwithstanding their great
+ want of money, the injuries of a six years' war, and their
+ being actually invaded, they would repay immediately the
+ monies lent them, either in ships or otherwise. It is not
+ uncommon for ancient and opulent nations to find it necessary
+ to borrow money in time of war, but I believe it very seldom
+ happens, that they find it convenient to pay those debts till
+ the return of peace. If this be the case with powerful and
+ long established nations, more cannot be expected from a
+ young nation brought forth by oppression, and rising amidst
+ every species of violence and devastation, which fire, sword,
+ and malice can furnish for their destruction.
+
+ "If attentive only to obtaining payment of these bills, and
+ thereby relieving my country from the complicated evils which
+ must result from their being protested, I had entered into
+ the proposed engagements for immediate repayment, by building
+ vessels, &c. if I had done this, notwithstanding a full
+ conviction, that the contract so made could not be fulfilled,
+ my conduct, however convenient in its immediate consequences,
+ would have been highly reprehensible. This reflection,
+ therefore, will I hope convince your Excellency of the purity
+ of my intentions, and induce you to ascribe my objections to
+ the contract, to want of ability, and not to want of
+ inclination in the United States to perform it. No
+ consideration will ever prevail upon me to practise
+ deception, and I am happy in a persuasion, that although
+ truths may sometimes not please, yet that when delivered with
+ decency and respect, they will never offend either his
+ Majesty or your Excellency.
+
+ "Believe me, Sir, the United States will not be able to pay
+ their debts during the war, and therefore any plan whatever
+ calculated on a contrary position must be fruitless. I am
+ ready to pledge their faith for repaying to his Majesty,
+ within a reasonable term after the war, and with a reasonable
+ interest, any sums he may be so kind as to lend them. What
+ more can I offer? What more can they do? If there be any
+ services they can do to his Majesty, consistent with their
+ safety and defence, they are ready and will be happy to
+ render them. They respect the King and the nation, and at the
+ very time they are requesting his aid, they are soliciting to
+ be united to him by bonds of perpetual amity and alliance.
+ Against his enemies as well as their own, they are now in
+ arms; and the supplies they ask are not for the purpose of
+ luxury or aggrandizement, but for the sole and express
+ purpose of annoying those enemies, and enabling France,
+ Spain, and themselves, to obtain a peace honorable and
+ advantageous to each.
+
+ "Of his Majesty's kind disposition towards them, they had
+ received not only professions but proofs. Hence they became
+ inspired not only with gratitude, but with confidence in his
+ friendship. Impelled by this confidence, and a particular
+ concurrence of exigencies already explained to your
+ Excellency, they drew the bills in question. The issue of
+ this measure will be highly critical, and followed by a train
+ of consequences very important and extensive. The single
+ circumstance of your Excellency having permitted me to accept
+ the first of these bills, will be considered by our enemies
+ as an unfortunate omen. By predicting from it further aids,
+ their ideas of the resources of Spain, and the resistance of
+ America will naturally be raised, and their hopes of subduing
+ the one, or reducing the power of the other, will naturally
+ be diminished. They will impute these aids to a plan of the
+ House of Bourbon, wisely concerted and firmly persisted in,
+ to secure themselves and all Europe against the ambition of
+ Britain, by completing the division of her empire, and they
+ will cease to flatter themselves, that America thus aided
+ will become destitute of resources to carry on the war. On
+ the other hand, America will derive fresh vigor from this
+ mark of friendship, and their attachment to his Majesty
+ become proportionably more strong. By mutual good offices,
+ friendship between nations, as between individuals, is only
+ to be established; and it is always a happy circumstance when
+ it subsists between those, whom nature has placed contiguous
+ to each other. But your Excellency's time is of too great
+ importance to be engaged by such obvious reflections.
+
+ "Permit me, Sir, still to indulge the pleasing expectation of
+ being enabled to inform Congress, that his Majesty's
+ magnanimity and friendship have prompted him, though
+ inconvenient to his own affairs, to secure the credit of
+ their bills; and I am persuaded that the benevolence of your
+ Excellency's disposition will be gratified in being
+ instrumental in a measure, which would make such agreeable
+ impressions on the hearts and minds of so great a number of
+ steadfast friends to the Spanish monarchy.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, Sir, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+As this letter was, among other things, designed to establish the
+expectations and encouragement given me by the Minister, as to money,
+in the last conference, by obliging him either to deny them against
+truth, or admit them, at least, by his silence, I desired Mr
+Carmichael to deliver it with his own hands, which he accordingly did.
+It still remains unanswered.
+
+Your Excellency will be at no loss to perceive, that this was an
+improper season for pushing on the treaty, and that it would not have
+been prudent to have given poignancy to the Minister's feelings for
+the loss of his frigates, and the trouble of our bills, by disputes
+about the Mississippi, &c. &c. I therefore did not remind him of the
+notes he had promised, nor indeed say anything at all about the
+matter.
+
+About this time I met with a printed copy of an act of the State of
+Connecticut, reciting and adopting the resolutions of Congress of the
+18th of March last, respecting the former and new paper emissions.
+This was the first advice I had of those resolutions. The promise of
+annual interest in Europe appeared to me to be a hardy measure,
+though, in my opinion, the weakest side of the plan.
+
+Finding the Minister's heart and imagination much attached to his
+favorite idea of getting American frigates at the expense of the
+United States, I gave him the following hint.
+
+ "Madrid, June 28th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency,
+ herewith enclosed, a copy of an act of the State of
+ Connecticut, just come to hand, in which are recited certain
+ resolutions of Congress, passed the 18th of March last.
+
+ "These resolutions are calculated to put the American
+ finances on a permanent footing. They direct, among other
+ things, that bills be issued, redeemable in specie, with
+ interest, at the expiration of six years. The interest to be
+ paid at the redemption of the bills, or at the election of
+ the holder annually, at the American Loan Offices, in
+ sterling bills of exchange on the commissioners in Europe.
+
+ "Your Excellency will perceive, that when this plan, so well
+ concerted, shall be fully executed, it will furnish the
+ United States with resources equal to all the exigencies of
+ the war, and probably enable them to supply his Catholic
+ Majesty with vessels, &c, &c.
+
+ "I take the liberty, therefore, of submitting to your
+ Excellency's consideration, whether it would not be for the
+ benefit of both nations, that his Majesty, on the one hand,
+ should engage his responsibility for the credit of a certain
+ proportion of the sum so to be emitted; and that the United
+ States, on the other hand, should not only pledge their faith
+ to indemnify his Majesty, but also furnish him with certain
+ aids in vessels, &c.
+
+ "If your Excellency should think this hint worthy of your
+ attention, it will be easy to improve it, and adjust the
+ particulars.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+This letter was accompanied with the following one, on the subject of
+some more bills that had just arrived.
+
+ "Mr Jay presents his respectful compliments to his Excellency
+ the Count de Florida Blanca, and has the honor of informing
+ him, that he has been called upon to accept bills to the
+ amount of between ten and eleven thousand dollars; that the
+ far greater part of them belong to Messrs Joyce of this city,
+ who have agreed to wait for an answer until Monday next.
+
+ "Mr Jay exceedingly regrets his being obliged to give his
+ Excellency so much trouble, but still flatters himself, that,
+ when his Excellency considers it as his duty which imposes
+ that necessity upon him, his goodness will excuse it.
+
+ _Madrid, June 28th, 1780._"
+
+I ought also to add, that I had sent to the Count a representation on
+the subject of a very high handed stretch of power in the Governor of
+Teneriffe, towards a prize carried there by some Americans. On the
+next day I received the following answer to these three papers.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "Aranjues, June 29th, 1780.
+
+ "The Count de Florida Blanca has had the honor of the three
+ last letters, which Mr Jay has been pleased to write him.
+
+ "The first relates to a privateer detained in the Canaries.
+ On this point he can say nothing until he has obtained some
+ further information thereon.
+
+ "The second respects some new bills of exchange just
+ presented by Messrs Joyce, to the amount of between ten and
+ eleven thousand dollars. The Count can give no positive
+ answer hereon, without first taking the orders of the King,
+ his master, and having a meeting with the other Ministers,
+ and some of these having already gone to Madrid, a
+ determination cannot be immediately had, which renders it
+ necessary for Mr Jay to require Messrs Joyce to wait some
+ days longer for the answer in question.
+
+ "The third contains a project of an arrangement, by which his
+ Majesty should oblige himself for his responsibility for
+ certain sums in favor of Congress, and they, on their part,
+ for the indemnification of the said sums at a certain period,
+ by furnishing some vessels, &c. Mr Jay is therefore entreated
+ to draw out a more clear and precise plan on this subject,
+ noting therein the sum to which the responsibility of the
+ King should extend, and on which they may converse at their
+ first interview.
+
+ "In the meanwhile the Count has the honor of assuring him of
+ the sincerity of his esteem and attachment."
+
+Congress will observe, that the Minister still kept up the idea of an
+interference in favor of these bills. On the 3d of July, the Count
+having removed to Madrid, he wrote me a note expressing the same idea.
+It is in these words
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "The Count de Florida Blanca presents his compliments to Mr
+ Jay, and prays to be informed when the last bills of
+ exchange, which he mentioned the other day as being in the
+ hands of Messrs Joyce, and amounting to about ten or eleven
+ thousand dollars, will become payable. At the Palace, 3d of
+ July, 1780."
+
+Thus things were apparently in good train, when the news of the loss
+of Charleston became credible. The effect of it was as visible the
+next day, as that of a hard night's frost on young leaves.
+
+I requested a conference with the Minister, and had one on the evening
+of the 5th of July. The following are notes of it.
+
+ Madrid, July 5th, 1780.
+
+ Mr Jay waited on the Count de Florida Blanca agreeably to an
+ appointment made by the latter to meet at his house at half
+ past eight this evening.
+
+ After the usual compliments, the bad news relative to the
+ surrender of Charleston, just received, became the topic of
+ conversation. The Count mentioned the channels through which
+ he had received it, viz. by an express despatched by the
+ Spanish Ambassador at Lisbon, in consequence of intelligence
+ which Governor Johnson had received and published in that
+ city, and by letters from the Count d'Aranda, with the
+ accounts printed at London of the affair. He expressed his
+ sorrow on the occasion, but observed, that the Count d'Aranda
+ flattered him, that the arrival of the Chevalier de Ternay in
+ that part of the world would totally change the face of
+ affairs, particularly as there would be eight vessels of the
+ line, and more than five thousand troops instead of three
+ thousand, and three vessels of the line which he had been
+ informed were demanded by General Washington.
+
+ He seemed to think it strange, that the place had not been
+ better defended, and that more vigorous measures had not
+ been taken to impede the enemy's progress, and observed, that
+ if the town was not in a condition to stand a siege, it would
+ have been better to have withdrawn the troops and stores, and
+ reserved them for the defence of the country. Mr Jay replied,
+ that probably when all circumstances relative to this affair
+ were known, there might be reasons which would account for
+ the conduct of the Americans on this occasion; to the truth
+ of which remark the Count appeared to assent. He then
+ mentioned the death of M. Mirales, and regretted his loss at
+ this time. He said, he had recommended to his Majesty a
+ person to succeed him, whom we knew, that spoke English, whom
+ he expected soon, and to whom he would explain his ideas on
+ the subject of the bills, and on other matters, touching
+ which Mr Jay had written to him, and who would confer also
+ with Mr Jay on those subjects.
+
+ Mr Jay mentioned, that if it was agreeable to his Excellency
+ to permit M. Del Campo (a confidential secretary of the
+ Count, who speaks English, and who translated all the letters
+ to and from the Count) to be present, he should be able to
+ explain his sentiments more fully and clearly. Though the
+ Count did not object to this proposal, he appeared
+ disinclined to it, and said, that with the assistance of Mr
+ Carmichael, then present, they could understand each other
+ very well.
+
+ He then proceeded to speak of the bills of exchange in the
+ possession of the Messrs Joyce, and seemed to be surprised
+ that that House should be possessed of so many of them. He
+ advised Mr Jay to be cautious of those gentlemen, saying,
+ that they were as much English in their hearts as the
+ Ministry of that country; that he had known them long, that
+ he thought their conduct extraordinary in being so urgent
+ for the acceptance of these bills. Mr Jay then informed his
+ Excellency, that he had paid those gentlemen a visit in order
+ to obtain further time, and that they had consented to wait
+ until Monday next. The Count mentioned a fortnight or three
+ weeks as necessary, in order that he might have an
+ opportunity of seeing the person he had sent for, and making
+ some arrangements with him. He said, that it would be more
+ agreeable to his Majesty to pay those bills at Cadiz, Bilboa,
+ or Amsterdam, than here; lamented the precipitancy with which
+ Congress had entered into this measure, saying, that if they
+ had previously addressed the King on the subject, ways and
+ means might have been found, either to transport from their
+ possessions in America specie for the service of Congress, or
+ to have enabled them to have drawn bills of exchange at a
+ shorter sight, which would have prevented the loss of one
+ third of the money to which Congress had subjected
+ themselves, by the terms on which the present bills were
+ sold. Mr Jay assured his Excellency, that by letters he had
+ received from America, from members of Congress and others,
+ he was informed, that the terms were judged so unfavorable to
+ the buyers, that the bills drawn on him sold heavily from
+ that circumstance solely, and not from any doubt of their
+ credit and payment.
+
+ This did not, however, appear to convince his Excellency, who
+ spoke much of the deranged state of our finances and credit;
+ of the advantages taken of Congress by merchants and others,
+ who availed themselves of that circumstance, which he called
+ cruel extortions, frequently expressing the King's wishes and
+ his own to render America all the service in their power in
+ this crisis of their affairs; but observed, that it was
+ impossible to obtain much money in Europe while France,
+ England, and Spain, were making use of every resource to
+ obtain it for the enormous expenses of the war, and while the
+ channel through which the European merchants received
+ supplies of specie was stopped, viz. the arrival of the usual
+ quantity from America. This induced him to mention the
+ arrival at Cadiz of three millions of piastres, all of which
+ was on account of the merchants, and again to dwell on what
+ he had before said of the possibility of transmitting specie
+ to the States from the Spanish possessions abroad, and of the
+ effect that this would have in re-establishing the credit of
+ our money. Mr Jay observed in reply, that if a supply of
+ specie could be sent to America, and his Excellency thought
+ that measure more convenient and advisable than bills, the
+ Congress would, in his opinion, readily suspend drawing, on
+ receiving that information; to which the Count answered, that
+ when the person he had sent for arrived, this matter might be
+ further discussed.
+
+ Mr Jay then proceeded to observe, that by papers which he had
+ transmitted to his Excellency, he would see that Congress had
+ adopted a system to redeem and destroy the former emissions,
+ and to emit other bills to be paid in Europe with interest in
+ a certain term of years, and in fully establishing this
+ system, it would be probably in their power, not only to
+ sustain the credit of their money, but to contribute, in some
+ measure, to assist Spain in the way proposed by his
+ Excellency, viz. in building of frigates, &c. &c. He added,
+ that as his Majesty's treasure was detained in America, and
+ as much expense would be incurred by the armaments employed
+ by Spain there, that bills on the Havana in favor of the
+ United States might be more convenient to Spain, and equally
+ contribute to the end proposed. The Count did not seem to
+ disapprove of the idea, but did not enlarge upon it. He asked
+ Mr Jay, if America could not furnish Spain with masts and
+ ship timber. Mr Jay replied, that those articles might be
+ obtained there. The Count then said that he would defer
+ further remarks on this head, till the arrival of the person
+ whom he expected would succeed M. Mirales, and appeared
+ desirous of leaving this subject, and, indeed, all other
+ matters relative to American affairs to be discussed when he
+ came.
+
+ In the further course of conversation, he recurred to the
+ subject of the bills in question, and told Mr Jay if an
+ immediate acceptance of them was insisted on, that he might
+ accept them payable at Bilboa, but rather seemed to wish that
+ their acceptance might be delayed till the coming of the
+ abovementioned person. Mr Jay expatiated on the impression,
+ which the acceptance of these bills and every other mark of
+ friendship would make in America at this particular crisis,
+ and the Count, in a very feeling and warm manner, assured him
+ that his desire to serve the States increased in consequence
+ of their distresses. By his whole conversation he endeavored
+ to show how much he interested himself in the prosperity of
+ our affairs, more than once desiring Mr Jay not to be
+ discouraged, for that with time and patience all would go
+ well, expatiating on the King's character, his religious
+ observation of, and adherence to his promises, and his own
+ desire of having Mr Jay's entire confidence. Mr Jay seized
+ this opportunity of assuring him of his full reliance on the
+ King's justice and honor, and his particular and entire
+ confidence in his Excellency, asserting to him that all his
+ letters to Congress breathed these sentiments. The Count
+ appeared much pleased with this declaration, and, seeming to
+ speak without reserve, hinted his hopes that the combined
+ fleets would soon be in condition to give the law to that of
+ England in the seas of Europe, repeating that measures would
+ be taken, on the arrival of the person expected, to provide
+ for the payment of the bills of exchange, and that other
+ arrangements would be made with the same person, which would
+ contribute to relieve, as much as it was in his Majesty's
+ power, the present distresses of America, of which he
+ frequently spoke very feelingly in the course of this
+ conversation.
+
+ Mr Jay reminded his Excellency, in a delicate manner, of the
+ supplies of clothing, &c. &c. which had been promised in a
+ former conference, and said that if they could be sent in
+ autumn, they would be essentially useful. The Count assured
+ him that measures would be taken for this purpose, with the
+ person so often hinted at in the course of the conference;
+ that probably these goods would be embarked from Bilboa, as
+ everything was so dear at Cadiz. He also once more told Mr
+ Jay, that at all events he might accept the bills presented
+ by Messrs Joyce, payable at Bilboa, though he appeared to
+ wish that this measure might be delayed for a fortnight if
+ possible. The conference ended with compliments and
+ assurances on the one part and the other, the Count
+ endeavoring to persuade Mr Jay of his Majesty's desire to
+ assist the States, and Mr Jay assuring him of his reliance on
+ his Excellency, and of the good effects which such proofs of
+ his Majesty's friendship would have in America at the present
+ juncture.
+
+In this conference not a single nail would drive. Everything was to be
+postponed till the arrival of the person intended to succeed M.
+Mirales.
+
+On the 11th of July I wrote the Count the following note.
+
+ "Mr Jay presents his respectful compliments to his Excellency
+ the Count de Florida Blanca, and has the honor of informing
+ him, that Don Carlos Maria Maraci of this place has presented
+ to him, for acceptance, bills amounting in the whole to one
+ thousand six hundred and sixtyfive dollars. The Messrs Joyce
+ consent to having their bills payable at Bilboa, but have
+ acquainted Mr Jay that the name of the House there, by whom
+ they are to be paid, should accompany the acceptance of the
+ bills, it being necessary to their further negotiation.
+
+ "_Madrid, July 11th, 1780._"
+
+To this note the following answer was returned.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "In answer to the note the Count de Florida Blanca has just
+ received from Mr Jay, dated yesterday, he has the honor to
+ acquaint him, that he intends writing to Bilboa on the
+ subject of the bills in the hands of Messrs Joyce, and which
+ are to be accepted, so that it will be necessary to wait some
+ days to fix the House at which the acceptance will be made.
+
+ "As to the bills presented by Don Carlos Maraci to the value
+ of one thousand six hundred and sixtyfive dollars, the Count
+ recommends to Mr Jay to request, in like manner, a delay of
+ fifteen days for their acceptance, this time being necessary,
+ that the Count may have an interview with a person not at
+ present in Madrid.
+
+ "_At the Palace, July 12th, 1780._"
+
+I was obliged to wait with patience, and endeavor to keep the holders
+of the bills from returning them, noted for non-acceptance. The Count
+went to St Ildefonso; the time limited for the arrival of the person
+expected having expired, I wrote the Count three notes on the subject
+of the bills, and in one requested his permission for Mr Harrison of
+Maryland to remain at Cadiz, from whence he was threatened to be
+removed in pursuance of the King's ordinance against Irishmen. To
+these I received the following answer, dated the 29th of July.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "The Count de Florida Blanca presents his compliments to Mr
+ Jay, and acquaints him that he has duly received his three
+ last letters.
+
+ "For the satisfaction of Mr Jay, orders shall be given for Mr
+ Harrison to remain at Cadiz, the general regulations
+ established by the King notwithstanding.
+
+ "On the subject of the acceptance of the bills of exchange,
+ the Count can only say that he still waits for the person in
+ question, who has informed him that he was on the point of
+ setting out on his journey.
+
+ "He is moreover very sensible of the attention in
+ communicating to him the last advices received respecting the
+ affair of Charleston, and persuades himself that Mr Jay will
+ always observe the same complaisance.
+
+ "_Saturday, July 29th._"
+
+I immediately wrote him a letter of thanks for his civility to Mr
+Harrison, and nothing further passed between us till the 11th of
+August, when I sent him the following note.
+
+ "Mr Jay presents his respectful compliments to his Excellency
+ the Count de Florida Blanca, and has the honor of informing
+ him, that since the date of his last, bills to the amount of
+ six thousand and six hundred dollars have been presented to
+ him for acceptance. Mr Jay has prevailed on the holders of
+ these bills to wait six or eight days for his answer, on a
+ promise that the time for their payment, if accepted, shall
+ be computed from the day on which they were presented.
+
+ "_Madrid, August 11th, 1780._"
+
+To this was written the following answer.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "The Count de Florida Blanca has just received Mr Jay's note
+ of yesterday, on the subject of the new bills, which have
+ been presented to him. He is mortified not to be able to
+ return a positive answer today, respecting the acceptance of
+ said bills, and must repeat, that he still waits for the
+ person of whom mention has been made in preceding notes.
+
+ "_St Ildefonso, August 12th, 1780._"
+
+Mrs Jay's illness, and the death of a child, detaining me at Madrid, I
+requested the Count to give me notice when it would be necessary I
+should wait upon him, and in the mean time Mr Carmichael went to St
+Ildefonso.
+
+Congress will be pleased to remember, that in the conference of July
+5th, the Minister, speaking of the person intended to succeed M.
+Mirales, said that he spoke English, and that we knew him. I supposed,
+that he alluded to one of the Gardoquis, three of whom speak English,
+and I was well acquainted with one of them. But as another of them had
+been heretofore employed by the Court, it appeared most probable that
+he was the person meant. They are brothers and have a strong family
+likeness.
+
+On the 10th, Mr Carmichael wrote me, that he had seen the Count, and
+was informed by him, that the person so long expected had not yet
+arrived, and when he did he would give notice of it. On the 12th he
+wrote me that a person had arrived, whom he suspected to be the one so
+long expected. It seems that a person much resembling the Gardoqui
+family had arrived at the same inn where Mr Carmichael lodged, and was
+seen by him.
+
+The holders of the bills becoming extremely uneasy, I wrote the Count
+the following reply to his last note.
+
+ "Madrid, August 16th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "The letter, which your Excellency did me the honor to write
+ on the 12th instant, was delivered to me yesterday.
+
+ "The kind concern you are pleased to express for the delay,
+ which suspends my receiving a positive answer respecting the
+ bills, demands my acknowledgments, and is an additional proof
+ of that generous sensibility, which induced your Excellency
+ to tell me, that your friendship for America should rise with
+ her distresses. A sentiment so evincive of magnanimity will
+ be received by Congress with all the admiration and gratitude
+ it merits, and will not cease to inspire me with that
+ confidence in your Excellency, which greatness of mind seldom
+ fails to excite.
+
+ "I ought to mention, that the holders of the bills here begin
+ to grow impatient, and frequently repeat their applications
+ to me for acceptance.
+
+ "With sentiments of great respect and regard, I have the
+ honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+No answer.
+
+The next day I received a card from the house of Joyce, informing me
+of their having received peremptory orders to return their bills, and
+that they could not delay it longer than the next post. Of this I sent
+a copy to the Count without any observations.
+
+No answer.
+
+On the 18th of August, I wrote the Count the following letter.
+
+ "Madrid, August 18th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "I never find myself more disagreeably circumstanced, than
+ when my duty constrains me to be troublesome to those, whom I
+ wish to afford only pleasure and satisfaction. Such is my
+ present situation. Monday next I perceive is to be a critical
+ day. Other bills besides Messrs Joyce are then to be
+ re-presented.
+
+ "M. Gardoqui of Bilboa writes me, that he has received bills
+ on me for thirteen thousand three hundred and thirtyfive
+ dollars, with orders immediately to ship the amount in goods
+ to America. They will be presented tomorrow, and he expects
+ an answer by Monday's post. If an immediate acceptance or
+ refusal should be insisted on by any one of them, a protest
+ must ensue, and American credit be reduced to the lowest ebb.
+ What am I to do? If your Excellency should direct me to
+ accept these bills payable at Bilboa, they will, as before,
+ demand at what House they are to be paid.
+
+ "I must entreat your Excellency to relieve me and my country
+ from this painful situation, and to pardon the trouble I am
+ obliged to give you.
+
+ "With great respect and esteem, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+ "_P. S._ The enclosed contains intelligence from America."
+
+No answer.
+
+Having first visited the holders of the bills, and obtained further
+time till Monday next, on the 24th I set out for St Ildefonso. I
+arrived the next day, and wrote the Count the following letter.
+
+ "St Ildefonso, August 25th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "I arrived here this morning, but was prevented from
+ immediately doing myself the honor of paying my respects to
+ your Excellency, by fatigue and indisposition.
+
+ "In a letter I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on
+ the 16th instant, I mentioned, that the holders of the bills
+ began to grow impatient. On the 18th instant, I informed your
+ Excellency by another letter, that their applications to me
+ for acceptance had become so pressing, as that I found myself
+ under the necessity of again requesting your directions.
+
+ "I have accepted Messrs Joyce's bills payable at Bilboa,
+ agreeable to your Excellency's directions on the 5th of July
+ last, and they have agreed to wait some time for the name of
+ the House there, which may be employed to pay them. The other
+ gentlemen were induced to delay requiring of me a decisive
+ answer until Monday next, on my assurances, that they should
+ then receive one.
+
+ "The inducements and reasons, which urged Congress into this
+ measure, are known to your Excellency, and it would be no
+ less unnecessary than improper to recapitulate the
+ consequences, which must ensue from the success or failure of
+ it.
+
+ "I fear your Excellency thinks I am too solicitous, too
+ importunate. But when it is considered, that the holders of
+ these bills are not under my control, and that they require
+ an answer from me, I flatter myself that the trouble I give
+ your Excellency on this subject will appear to arise from a
+ sense of my duty, and not from the impulse of impatience.
+
+ "I sincerely congratulate your Excellency on the late
+ important naval success against the common enemy, and have
+ the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+No Answer.
+
+The next morning I went to pay my respects to the Minister, but being
+told he was sick, I left a card. The French Ambassador, however, and
+others, had been with him in the morning, and he rode out as usual in
+the afternoon.
+
+Mr Carmichael informed me, that in passing by a wicket-gate of the
+King's private gardens, he had seen the person, whom he had before
+seen at the inn, walking in them, and that his servant had learned
+from a barber of his acquaintance, that he dressed a gentleman who
+spoke English, and lodged at M. Del Campo's. He also informed me, that
+the French Ambassador had lately received a letter from Count de la
+Luzerne, dated the 12th of May; that he was present when it was
+opened, that it was in cypher, and that the Ambassador said, he
+supposed he was impatient to hear the news; that he afterwards
+expressed a desire to see this letter, and that the Ambassador
+referred him for it to the Secretary; that the Secretary gave him some
+important papers, adding, that he had _mislaid_ the letter. Hence it
+seems, as if the Ambassador intended at first to communicate the
+letter, but that its contents on being decyphered forbad it.
+
+It appeared to me proper to mention my embarrassments to the French
+Ambassador, who had always been friendly, and ask his advice and aid
+on the subject. The next day I had a conference with him, and the
+following are notes of it.
+
+ St Ildefonso, August 27th, 1780.
+
+ Mr Jay waited on the Count de Montmorin this morning at nine
+ o'clock, agreeably to appointment the day before. The former
+ commenced the conversation by observing, that in his first
+ conferences with the Minister of Spain, at Aranjues, the
+ Minister divided the subject into two parts, and spoke
+ largely on that of the bills drawn on Mr Jay, and on the
+ treaty proposed to be entered into between Spain and America.
+ Mr Jay recapitulated the Minister's assurances relative to
+ the former, and informed the Ambassador, that the result of
+ this conference was a promise of the Minister to send him
+ written notes on _both_ points, a few days afterwards. That
+ with respect to the notes relative to the treaty, Mr Jay had
+ not received them as yet. That on the other point, he had
+ received notes, which, as well as his answer, he had shown to
+ the Ambassador. That on the 5th of July he had another
+ conference with the Minister at Madrid, in which he had
+ endeavored to turn the conversation to the several objects of
+ his business and mission here, but that the Minister
+ postponed the discussion of them, until a person for whom he
+ had sent, with a view to succeed M. Mirales, should arrive,
+ when all the necessary arrangements should be made. He indeed
+ told Mr Jay, that if the Messrs Joyce were pressing, he might
+ accept their bills, payable at Bilboa, and throughout the
+ whole conference, had given Mr Jay warm and repeated
+ assurances, not only of the King's good faith and friendly
+ disposition towards America, but of his own personal
+ attachment to her interest, on both of which, as well as in
+ his candor and promises, he desired him to place the greatest
+ reliance.
+
+ Mr Jay proceeded further to inform the Ambassador, that being
+ exceedingly pressed by Messrs Joyce and others, holders of
+ the bills, for a decisive answer, which they had required to
+ have on the Monday last past, he had signified the same to
+ the Minister by three letters, requesting his directions, to
+ none of which he received any answers. That he had accepted
+ Messrs Joyce's bills, payable, as directed, by the Minister,
+ and had prevailed on the other to wait until Monday next.
+ That on his arrival here on Friday he wrote another letter to
+ the Minister on the same subject, and the next day called at
+ his house to pay his respects, but not being able to see him
+ had left a card; that being thus circumstanced he was under
+ the necessity of requesting the favor of him to speak to the
+ Count, and obtain an answer from him.
+
+ The Ambassador told Mr Jay, that he ought to ask an audience
+ of the Minister. To this Mr Jay replied, that he could not
+ hope to have an answer to this request, as he had not been
+ able to procure one to the different applications he had
+ already made. The Ambassador said, that he would willingly
+ speak to the Minister, but that he feared he should not be
+ able to enter fully into the subject with him until
+ Wednesday, both the Minister and himself having their time
+ employed on objects, which at present and for some time past,
+ had engrossed much of their attention. He then asked Mr Jay
+ if he had written to Congress to stop drawing bills on him.
+ Mr Jay replied, that he could not with propriety give such
+ information to Congress, after the general and repeated
+ assurances made him by the Count de Florida Blanca ever since
+ his arrival here, and particularly the Minister's
+ declaration, that he should be able to furnish him with
+ thirty or forty thousand pounds sterling, at the end of the
+ present or commencement of the next year, and that in the
+ meantime, other arrangements might be taken to pay such bills
+ as might become due after that period. He added, that if the
+ Count had candidly told him that he could not furnish him
+ with money to pay the bills, he should then immediately have
+ informed Congress of it, who would have taken of course the
+ proper measures on the occasion, but that should he now send
+ a true account of all that had passed between the Count de
+ Florida Blanca and himself thereon, he could not answer for
+ the disagreeable effects such intelligence would produce. The
+ Count seemed to think the Spanish Minister would pay the
+ bills that had been already presented, and had probably
+ delayed giving Mr Jay an answer until the arrival of the
+ person he expected, who he understood was detained by the
+ necessity of making some arrangements in his family before he
+ left it.
+
+ On this Mr Jay remarked, that this did not accord with the
+ information the Minister had given him near three weeks
+ before, that the said person was then about to set out.
+
+ The conference ended with a promise of the Count de
+ Montmorin, that he would endeavor to speak to the Count de
+ Florida Blanca on the subject, but that he was afraid he
+ should not be able to do it fully until Wednesday next.
+
+Finding that the Ambassador could not do anything till Wednesday next,
+and that the Minister's determined silence left no room to hope much
+from him very soon, I despatched letters by express to the holders of
+the bills, and requested a little more time. I was apprehensive that
+if I should accept them without the Minister's consent, it might
+become an objection to his providing for their payment, and
+appearances led me to suspect, that any tolerable excuse for such
+refusal would have been very grateful.
+
+The French Ambassador did not, as usual, return my visit. I dined with
+him, nevertheless; but his behavior, though polite, was dry, and not
+cordial and open as before. He mentioned not a syllable of his having
+received a letter from Philadelphia. These circumstances increased my
+apprehensions that his letter contained some things unpleasant.
+
+On Wednesday afternoon, 30th of August, I waited on the Ambassador, to
+know the result of the conversation he had promised to have with the
+Minister on our affairs. He did not appear very glad to see me. I
+asked him whether he had seen the Minister, and conversed with him on
+our affairs. He said he had seen the Minister, but that as Count
+d'Estaing was present, he had only some general and cursory
+conversation with him, and slipping away from that topic, went on to
+observe, that I would do well to write another letter to the Minister,
+mentioning the number of letters I had already written, my arrival
+here, and my desire of a conference with him. I told the Ambassador,
+that while four letters on the subject remained unanswered, it could
+not be necessary to write a fifth. That these letters had been written
+with great politeness and circumspection; that the last was written
+the day of my arrival at St Ildefonso; that I had also gone to the
+Minister's house, to pay my respects to him, and on being told he was
+sick, had left a card; and that, notwithstanding these marks of
+attention and respect, I still continued unanswered and unnoticed. I
+observed to him further, that this conduct accorded ill with the
+Minister's assurances; that unless I had met with more tenderness from
+the holders of the bills, they would have been returned noted for
+non-acceptance; that if such an event should at last take place, after
+the repeated promises and declarations of the Minister, there would of
+necessity be an end to the confidence of America in the Court of
+Spain.
+
+He replied, that he hoped things would take a more favorable turn;
+that to his knowledge the Minister had been of late much occupied and
+perplexed with business; that I ought not to be affected with the
+inattention of his conduct; that I should continue to conduct the
+business smoothly, having always in view the importance of Spain, and
+remembering that we were as yet only rising States, not firmly
+established, or generally acknowledged, &c. and that he would by all
+means advise me to write the Minister another letter, _praying_ an
+audience.
+
+I answered, that the object of my coming to Spain was to make
+_propositions_, not _supplications_, and that I should forbear
+troubling the Minister with further letters, till he should be more
+disposed to attend to them. That I considered America as being, and to
+continue independent in _fact_, and that her becoming so in _name_ was
+of no further importance than as it concerned the common cause, in the
+success of which all the parties were interested; and that I did not
+imagine Congress would agree to purchase from Spain the acknowledgment
+of an undeniable fact at the price she demanded for it; that I
+intended to abide patiently the fate of the bills, and should transmit
+to Congress an account of all matters relative to them; that I should
+then write the Minister another letter on the subject of the treaty,
+and if that should be treated with like neglect, or if I should be
+informed that his Catholic Majesty declined going into that measure, I
+should then consider my business at an end, and proceed to take the
+necessary measures for returning to America; that I knew my
+constituents were sincerely desirous of a treaty with Spain, and that
+their respect for the House of Bourbon, the desire of France signified
+in the Secret Article, and the favorable opinion they had imbibed of
+the Spanish nation, were the strongest inducements they had to wish
+it; that the policy of multiplying treaties with European nations was
+with me questionable, and might be so with others; that, for my own
+part, I was inclined to think it the interest of America to rest
+content with the treaty with France, and, by avoiding alliances with
+other nations, remain free from the influence of their disputes and
+politics; that the situation of the United States, in my opinion,
+dictated this policy; that I knew it to be their interest, and of
+course their disposition, to be at peace with all the world; and that
+I knew too it would be in their power, and I hoped in their
+inclination, always to defend themselves.
+
+The Ambassador was at a stand; after a little pause, he said, he hoped
+my mission would have a more agreeable issue. He asked me if I was
+content with the conduct of France. I answered, most certainly; for
+that she was spending her blood as well as treasure for us. This
+answer was too general for him. He renewed the question, by asking
+whether I was content with the conduct of France relative to our
+proposed treaty with Spain. I answered, that, as far as it had come to
+my knowledge, I was. This required an explanation, and I gave it to
+him, by observing, that, by the Secret Article, Spain was at liberty
+to accede to our treaty with France whenever she pleased, and with
+such alterations as both parties might agree to; that Congress had
+appointed me to propose this accession now, and had authorised me to
+enter into the necessary discussions and arguments; that, to give
+their application the better prospect of success, they had directed me
+to request the favorable interposition of the King of France with the
+King of Spain; that I had done it by letter to Count de Vergennes,
+who, in answer, had assured me of the King's disposition to comply
+with the request of Congress; and informed me that instructions
+analogous to this disposition should be given to the Ambassador at
+Madrid; that it gave me pleasure to acknowledge that his conduct
+towards me had always been polite and friendly, but that I still
+remained ignorant whether any, and what progress had been made in the
+mediation. He seemed not to have expected this; but observed, that all
+he could do was to be ready to do me any friendly office in his power,
+for that he did not see how his _mediation_ could be proper, except in
+cases where points of the treaty were discussed, and could not be
+agreed upon. To this I replied, that these were only _secondary_
+objects of the expected mediation, and that the _primary_ one was to
+prevail upon the King of Spain to commence the negotiation, and enter
+upon these discussions; but that I remained uninformed of what he
+might have done on that subject. The Ambassador made no direct reply
+to these remarks, but again proceeded to repeat his advice, that I
+should try one more letter to the Minister. I told him I had, after
+much consideration, made up my mind on that subject, and that it
+appeared to me inexpedient to follow his advice in this instance; and
+that when he should see the letters I had already written, he would
+probably be of the same opinion. I promised to show him the letters
+the next day, and took my leave. How far the tone of this conversation
+may be judged to have been prudent, I know not. It was not assumed,
+however, but after previous and mature deliberation. I reflected that
+we had lost Charleston, that reports ran hard against us, and
+therefore that this was no time to clothe one's self with humility.
+
+On considering the earnestness with which the Ambassador had pressed
+me to write another letter to the Minister, I began to suspect that it
+might be the wish of the latter, who, conscious of having gone rather
+too far, might desire this way to retreat through. I concluded,
+therefore, to adhere to my resolution of not writing, but that if the
+Ambassador should confirm my suspicions by again pressing the measure,
+in that case to consent to send Mr Carmichael to the Minister with my
+compliments, and a request that he would favor me with a conference at
+such time as might be most convenient to him.
+
+The next day, Thursday, the 31st of August, I visited the French
+Ambassador, and showed him the four last letters I had written to the
+Minister. He confessed they were perfectly unexceptionable, but again
+advised me to write another; I told him, I could not think of it, but
+that I would so far follow his advice, as to send Mr Carmichael to
+request of the Minister the favor of a conference. The Ambassador
+expressed much satisfaction at this proposal, and immediately
+promised to speak to the Minister on the subject. He advised, however,
+that I should delay the measure till Saturday, on account of some
+urgent business which then employed the Minister. To this I agreed. I
+hinted to him, that the person expected to succeed Mr Mirales was in
+town. He said he did not know, and waived the subject. I thought if
+that was really the case, it could do no harm that the Minister should
+know I suspected it. In the afternoon, the Ambassador's secretary paid
+me a visit, and seemed desirous of entering into particular
+conversation on the subject of our affairs, but as I did not approve
+of talking with the Ambassador through his secretary, I avoided it, by
+turning the conversation to light and general topics. He asked me
+several leading questions, and among others, whether there was a _M.
+Gardoqui_ in town. I told him many persons came and departed that I
+was ignorant of, and passed on to another subject. Two persons about
+the Court mentioned to Mr Carmichael this evening, that this person
+was arrived.
+
+On Saturday morning, the 2d of September, I committed my message for
+the Minister to Mr Carmichael, with directions, first to call on the
+French Ambassador, and ask him whether anything new had occurred to
+render the delivery of it improper. He told Mr Carmichael, he had
+mentioned to the Minister my desire of seeing him that day, but that
+the Minister said, he was so much occupied that it would be
+impossible. He, nevertheless, told Mr Carmichael _he might go and
+see_. This being mentioned to me, I told Mr Carmichael to go on.
+
+After being long detained in the ante-chamber, he had an opportunity
+of delivering his message, and received for answer, that the Minister
+could not possibly see me till the next Tuesday evening, and that Mr
+Carmichael should call again on Tuesday morning, to be informed
+whether it would be in his power to see me _then_; that the person so
+long expected was arrived; that he had been preparing instructions for
+him, and would endeavor in the meantime to send him to converse with
+me.
+
+On Sunday, the 3d of September, Don Diego Gardoqui, of Bilboa,
+presented me a note from the Count de Florida Blanca, in these words.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "The Count de Florida Blanca presents his compliments to Mr
+ Jay, and recommends to him to form an acquaintance with the
+ bearer of this letter, being the person in question, whom he
+ had expected from day to day."
+
+It is observable, that M. Gardoqui's name is not mentioned in this
+letter, which appears the more singular, as the Count had never
+mentioned to me the _name_ of the _person expected_. This was being
+very wary. Mr Carmichael told me, he took this to be the same person
+whom he saw first at the inn, and afterwards walking in the private
+gardens.
+
+Hence it appears, that these strange delays were not unavoidable.
+Probably, the desire of further intelligence of the enemy's operations
+in America, and the undecided state of Mr Cumberland's negotiation,
+might have given occasion to them. To these may perhaps be added an
+expectation that our distresses would render us more pliant, and less
+attached to the Mississippi. But these are conjectures, and as men
+sometimes act without any settled system, it may not be prudent to
+scan their conduct by a supposed plan, however probable.
+
+M. Gardoqui began the conversation by assurances of his personal
+attachment to our cause and country, which gave occasion to mutual and
+complimentary professions too unimportant to repeat. I told him, that
+the holders of the bills, after having shown me great forbearance and
+delicacy, were at length perfectly tired; that the house of Casa Mayor
+had sent their bills after me, but that as I was not to expect the
+honor of a conference with the Minister until Tuesday evening, at
+soonest, I had requested time till Wednesday to give my answer. I
+therefore begged the favor of him to mention this to the Minister, and
+obtain his directions what I should do. He asked to what amount
+Congress had resolved to draw. I told him. He observed, that the Court
+ought previously to have been applied to. In answer to which, I
+recapitulated the reasons before given to the Minister. He dwelt
+largely on the necessities of the State, and I expatiated on the
+extensive ideas entertained of Spanish opulence in America. He assured
+me they were mistaken, and spoke of the difficulties occasioned by the
+detention of their treasures abroad. He then remarked, that we offered
+no _consideration_ for the money we solicited. I replied, that we
+offered the same consideration that other nations did who borrowed
+money, viz. the repayment of the principal with interest. He asked me
+if we had nothing further to offer, and mentioned ship timber. I said
+we had ship timber, but that as it belonged to individuals, the public
+could not get it otherwise than by purchase, and that it could answer
+no purpose to borrow money with one hand and instantly repay it with
+the other, for that a repayment in money, or in ship timber, was the
+same thing in fact, and differed only in name. Besides, that if Spain
+wanted timber from America, it would be better in case he went there,
+that he should be charged with that business, than that it should be
+under the direction of Congress, for that public works were always
+more expensive than private. He agreed in this. He again asked me
+whether I could think of nothing else to offer. I told him no. Whether
+there was nothing on the side of the Mississippi that I could offer. I
+told him nothing that I could think of except land, and that I did not
+think it would be worth the King's while to buy a hundred thousand
+pounds worth of land there, considering the immense territories he
+already possessed. He inquired whether I thought Congress would draw
+for the whole sum. I answered that it was in my opinion not
+improbable, for that they would consider the acceptance of ten or
+twelve thousand dollars as a prelude to further aids, naturally
+supposing, that if the King afforded us any supplies at all, they
+would be such as would correspond with his dignity, and not be limited
+to that little pittance. He desired me to meet him the next day at M.
+Del Campo's, which I promised to do.
+
+I shortly after saw the French Ambassador, who among other things
+mentioned the proposed meeting at Del Campo's, which, with various
+other circumstances, shows his being on confidential terms with the
+Minister.
+
+In the evening M. Gardoqui again paid me a visit, and pointedly
+proposed my offering the navigation of the Mississippi, as a
+consideration for aids. I told him that object could not come in
+question in a treaty for a loan of one hundred thousand pounds, and
+Spain should consider, that to render alliances permanent, they should
+be so formed as to render it the interest of both parties to observe
+them; that the Americans, almost to a man, believed that God Almighty
+had made that river a highway for the people of the upper country to
+go to the sea by; that this country was extensive and fertile; that
+the General, many officers, and others of distinction and influence in
+America, were deeply interested in it; that it would rapidly settle,
+and that the inhabitants would not readily be convinced of the justice
+of being obliged, either to live without foreign commodities, and lose
+the surplus of their productions, or be obliged to transport both over
+rugged mountains, and through an immense wilderness, to and from the
+sea, when they daily saw a fine river flowing before their doors, and
+offering to save them all that trouble and expense, and that without
+injury to Spain. He observed, that the present generation would not
+want this navigation, and that we should leave future ones to manage
+their own affairs, &c.
+
+The next day, that is, the 4th of September, I met M. Gardoqui at M.
+Del Campo's. After some unconnected conversation, I observed to M. Del
+Campo, that as all the papers between the Minister and myself had
+passed through his hands, it was unnecessary to give him any
+information, except what related to the present state of the bills
+drawn upon me, which I proceeded to state in a short, but particular
+manner. He replied by making several strictures on the impropriety of
+drawing bills without previous notice and consent. He remarked, that
+they might with more propriety have been drawn on France, with whom we
+were allied, and who were richer than they; that the King must first
+take care of his own people, before he could supply us; that Spain had
+been brought into the war by our quarrel, but received no advantage
+from us; that they had been told of our readiness to assist in taking
+Pensacola, &c. but instead of aids, he had heard of nothing but
+demands from us; that our situation was represented as being
+deplorable, and that the enemy talked of the submission of some of the
+States, and of negotiations being on foot for that purpose.
+
+Whether this style proceeded from natural arrogance, or was intended
+to affect my temper, I cannot say; in either case, I thought it most
+prudent to take no notice of it, but proceed calmly and cautiously,
+and the more so as this was the first time I had ever conversed with
+this man. I told him in substance, though more at large, that the
+assurances given Congress of the friendly disposition of Spain by M.
+Mirales and others had been confided in, and had induced Congress to
+expect the aids in question. That if this application could be called
+a demand, it was still the first they had made to my knowledge; that
+men in arms against the enemies of Spain were serving her as well as
+themselves, and therefore might without impropriety request her aid;
+that our separation from Britain was an object important to Spain, and
+that the success, with which we had opposed her whole force for six
+years, showed what the power of both, if under one direction, might be
+capable of; that I knew nothing of Spain's having been drawn into the
+war by or for us, and that this was not to be found among the reasons
+she had alleged for it; that an attack on Pensacola could not be
+expected to be made by troops actually employed in repelling the
+enemy's assaults from their own doors, and that the principles of
+self-defence would not permit or justify it; that Spain had much to
+expect in future from our commerce, and that we should be able as well
+as willing to pay our debts; that the tales told of our despondency
+and submission resulted from the policy of the enemy, not from fact,
+and I believed no more of their private negotiations between America
+and Britain, than I did of there being private negotiations between
+Spain and Britain for a separate peace, which the Minister assured me
+was not the case; that if on the arrival of the bills, I had been told
+plainly that no money could be advanced, further drafts would soon
+have been prevented; but that a contrary conduct having been adopted,
+other expectations had been excited; that as to France, she had done,
+and was still doing much for us, and that her being our ally did not
+confer propriety upon every request that we could make to her. He
+still pressed this point, and complained that the greater part of the
+money heretofore advanced by Spain had been laid out in France. He saw
+that France was deriving great commercial advantages from us, but that
+our commerce never would be an object with Spain, because all her
+productions would find a better market in her own Colonies. He desired
+a note of the bills which had arrived, and then made some reflections
+on the proposal of a treaty. We agreed perfectly well, that mutual
+interest should be the basis of it, and I added, that the good opinion
+entertained of the King and nation by America, was also a pleasing
+circumstance. He said, however that might be, America did not seem
+inclined to gratify Spain, in the only point in which she was deeply
+interested. Here followed much common-place reasoning about the
+navigation of the Mississippi, of which your Excellency has heretofore
+heard too much to require a repetition. He spoke also much of the
+difficulties of Spain, as to money matters, saying that their
+treasures in America could at present be of no use to them, as they
+had given orders that none should be sent home during the war, even if
+it continued these ten years; and this was done in order, by stopping
+the usual current of specie into Europe, to embarrass the measures
+which Britain must take to obtain her necessary supplies.
+
+On the 6th of September, M. Gardoqui brought me word, that I might
+accept the bills of Casa Mayor, amounting to one thousand one hundred
+and ten dollars, which I accordingly did. The proposed conference was
+postponed, nor indeed was it obtained until the 23d of September.
+
+On the 11th, the French Ambassador's Secretary called upon me, by the
+Ambassador's direction, to inform me, that an express was going to
+Paris, and to know whether anything further had been done in our
+affairs since he had seen me. I told him things continued in the same
+situation. He again commenced a conversation on the subject, and as he
+came directly from the Ambassador I entered into it. He expressed some
+concern for the delays I met with. I told him such things must be
+expected. He said he hoped I was content with France. I replied, that I
+apprehended France considered an interference in our negotiations, as
+a delicate matter, for that as she had probably held up the exclusive
+navigation of the Mississippi, and Gulf of Mexico, among other objects
+to induce Spain to take a part in the war, she might hesitate about
+pressing Spain into a treaty with us on terms, that would not
+comprehend this object. He said M. Gerard had reasoned well about
+those matters, but that he did not believe France would be backward,
+nor indeed that she had promised this to Spain to bring her into the
+war. I told him, I should not be surprised to find, that the delay
+arose from a desire of hearing further news from America, and probably
+from Philadelphia. He said, that could not be the case, for since M.
+Mirales's death, Spain had no person there to give them intelligence.
+I told him that Spain might be waiting the issue of new motions
+respecting the Mississippi in Congress, and that I was sure Count de
+la Luzerne would readily be at the trouble of communicating to them
+any interesting information on _that_ or any other subject. Whether he
+drew any conclusions from the manner in which this was said, I cannot
+say, but in a way that looked like exculpating that Minister, he told
+me, that Count de la Luzerne had only mentioned to the French
+Ambassador, that two Members of Congress, with whom he had talked over
+the affair of the Mississippi, thought it would be best not to bring
+on the question of the navigation until Spain should become possessed
+of the adjacent country, for that then it might be ceded with a better
+grace. He mentioned no names. This explains the letter herein before
+mentioned. The inferences which flow from it are obvious. I incline to
+suspect, that what I said in my letters on that head returned here by
+the same conveyance.
+
+On the 13th of September, M. Gardoqui delivered me the following
+verbal message from Count de Florida Blanca. "That the exigencies of
+the State would not permit his Majesty to provide for the payment of
+more of the bills drawn upon me than had been already accepted." I
+expressed my regret that this had not been told me at first, and told
+him it appeared a little extraordinary that the Minister should employ
+himself and me three months in making and answering propositions
+relative to a loan which it was not in his power to make. I touched
+also on the assurances from time to time given me, and intimated, that
+something, which I could not at present see through, must have caused
+this change; that I lamented it the more, as it would weaken the
+foundations on which I wished to see a cordial union laid between the
+two countries.
+
+I dined with the French Ambassador. He was a little out of spirits,
+and on talking to him on what had happened, I told him there was
+nothing now left but for me to apply to France. He encouraged the
+idea, and agreed with me, that the bills ought to be by all means
+saved from protests. He imputed the conduct of Spain to resentment
+against M. Necker, for opposing a certain scheme of Spanish finance,
+which he thought interfered with his plan. It is a curious one, but I
+shall omit it at present, as I fear Congress already wish this letter
+at an end. As the Count de Florida Blanca's message to me by M.
+Gardoqui was a verbal one, and might hereafter be denied or explained
+away as convenience might dictate, I thought it important to establish
+it, and for that and other reasons which need no explanation, I wrote
+the Count the following letter.
+
+ "St Ildefonso, September 14th, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "The information I received yesterday from your Excellency by
+ M. Gardoqui, has drawn the affair of the bills of exchange to
+ a conclusion. He told me, that the exigencies of the State
+ would not permit his Majesty to provide for the payment of
+ more of those bills than were already accepted, amounting to
+ about fourteen thousand dollars.
+
+ "As it is important that every nation at war should know
+ exactly the state of their resources, and as America has been
+ induced to consider the friendship of his Catholic Majesty
+ as among the number of hers, I must request the favor of your
+ Excellency to tell me frankly whether the United States may
+ expect any, and what aids from Spain. The general assurances
+ of amity, which that country has received from this, together
+ with what has passed between your Excellency and myself
+ relative to clothing for our troops, and supplies of specie
+ in America, will I hope be considered as authorising this
+ question; and the more so, as M. Gardoqui, to whose arrival
+ your Excellency postponed the discussion of these matters,
+ informs me he is not instructed to say anything to me on
+ these, or indeed any other subjects.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+On this day some glorious reports from America arrived. It seemed as
+if she had risen like a giant refreshed with sleep, and was doing
+wonders. I sent the news to the Count as usual, without appearing to
+be affected by his late conduct. I began again to be seen, and in a
+few instances to be known.
+
+The next day, the 15th of September, M. Gardoqui delivered to me a
+paper by way of answer to my letter of yesterday to the Minister. It
+is in these words;
+
+ "The following answer has been dictated to me in his
+ Excellency's name by Don Bernardo del Campo, to be delivered
+ to the honorable John Jay.
+
+ "That it is not his Majesty's intention to stop assisting the
+ States, whenever means can be found to do it, but that it
+ will be impossible to supply them with money in Europe, there
+ being none to spare, for that which ought to have come this
+ year from America, has neither come, nor is it known when it
+ will, and that which would have facilitated a far advanced
+ negotiation is likely to produce no effect, in a great
+ measure, _through the undermining of some persons of rank in
+ France_.
+
+ "The States not giving timely advice, nor having taken his
+ Majesty's previous consent, he could not arrange his affairs
+ beforehand, in order to assure the acceptance and payment of
+ the bills they have drawn, for which reasons, and that
+ Congress has not to this day given any tokens of a
+ recompense, his Majesty might have just cause of disgust, but
+ notwithstanding he does not, nor will change his ideas, and
+ will always retain those of humanity, friendship, and
+ compassion, that he has had towards the colonies. That,
+ consequently, if Mr Jay or his constituents should find money
+ upon credit, to the sum of one hundred or one hundred and
+ fifty thousand dollars, that his Majesty will be answerable
+ for the said sum, payable in the space of three years; that
+ his Majesty will besides exert all that is possible to assist
+ them with clothing and other things, and, finally, in order
+ that his Majesty may extend his further dispositions, it is
+ precisely necessary that they should give sure and effective
+ tokens of a good correspondence, proposing reciprocal
+ measures of a compensation that may establish a solid
+ friendship and confidence, without reducing it to words and
+ protests of mere compliment.
+
+ "This being the substance, I would further suggest to Mr
+ Jay's consideration, that the continuance of assisting the
+ States by answering the sum expressed in a manner much more
+ public than that of paying the money privately, shows plainly
+ the sincerity of his Majesty, although the States have not to
+ this day proposed any equivalent to the assistance already
+ given, and to the expenses occasioned by a war, which had its
+ true origin from them, to all which must be added, (though
+ by the way no credit is given to it,) that there are hints of
+ some understanding between the colonies and England.
+
+ "_St Ildefonso, September 15th, 1780._
+
+ JAMES GARDOQUI."
+
+It is to be observed, that this paper when first delivered was not
+signed, and suspecting that this omission might not be accidental, I
+mentioned it to M. Gardoqui a day or two afterwards. After some
+hesitation, and doubts of its being necessary, he signed it. I made no
+remarks at all to M. Gardoqui on any part of this paper except the
+last article, which I treated with great indignation.
+
+On the 16th I wrote a short letter and many copies to your Excellency,
+informing you of the necessity of suspending further drafts upon me
+for the present.
+
+Three days afterwards, I had a long and satisfactory conversation with
+the French Ambassador, in which he was very unreserved, candid, and
+confidential. He read to me part of a letter he intended to send to
+Count de Vergennes on our affairs, and justice calls upon me to say,
+that we are obliged to him for it.
+
+On the 22d of September, I sent the following letter to Count de
+Vergennes by one of the Ambassador's couriers.
+
+ "St Ildefonso, September 22d, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "I have never taken up my pen with so much reluctance as I
+ now do, although my design is to write a letter to your
+ Excellency. But, Sir, there are few sensations more painful
+ than those which they experience, who, already covered with
+ benefits, are impelled by cruel necessity to ask for more.
+ Such is my present situation, and hence proceeds my regret.
+
+ "My uniform and unreserved communications to the Count
+ Montmorin, who has my fullest confidence, precludes the
+ necessity and consequently the propriety of a minute detail
+ of American affairs here.
+
+ "Your Excellency will recollect the resolution of Congress
+ for drawing bills on me, as well as the reasons assigned for
+ that measure. In my first conference with the Minister on
+ that subject, he enlarged on the necessities of the State,
+ but nevertheless told me, he should be able, at the end of
+ the present or beginning of the next year, to advance thirty
+ or forty thousand pounds sterling, and that further
+ arrangements respecting the residue should then be made.
+
+ "I afterwards received and answered propositions for the
+ reimbursement of this money; and from time to time, was
+ permitted to accept such of the bills as were most pressing.
+
+ "Things remained in this state till the 5th of July, when,
+ after many warm assurances of friendship and good will, the
+ further discussion of these matters was postponed by the
+ Minister until the arrival of a person intended to succeed M.
+ Mirales, the late Spanish agent at Philadelphia, and I was
+ told that they should then be arranged and adjusted.
+
+ "Several weeks elapsed after the time assigned for his
+ arrival had expired. The holders of the bills became
+ importunate, and insisting on my accepting or refusing them.
+
+ "I wrote several letters to the Minister, requesting his
+ directions, but was not favored with an answer to any of
+ them.
+
+ "On the 3d instant, after fruitless endeavors to see the
+ Minister, I received the following note from him by the hands
+ of M. Gardoqui;
+
+ 'The Count de Florida Blanca sends his compliments to Mr
+ Jay, and advises him to become acquainted with the bearer
+ of this letter, who is the person that has been expected
+ from day to day.'
+
+ "This gentleman made many remarks tending to show the
+ propriety of America's offering some specific consideration
+ for this money, and hinted at the navigation of the
+ Mississippi, ship timber, vessels, tobacco, &c. &c. I
+ replied, that the only consideration Congress could offer,
+ was that which all other nations at war, who borrowed money,
+ offered, viz. to repay the principal with a reasonable
+ interest after the war; that I should deceive him, were I to
+ enter into contracts to pay it sooner; that the proposition
+ of paying it during the war, in ship timber, tobacco, or
+ other articles, did not lessen the difficulty, for that these
+ things were worth, and cost money in America, as well as in
+ Europe; and that as to the Mississippi, it could not come in
+ question as a consideration for one hundred thousand pounds.
+ The conversation was concluded, by his desiring me to meet
+ him at M. Del Campo's the next morning. M. Gardoqui then, and
+ since, behaved with temper, candor, and politeness.
+
+ "The next day we saw M. Del Campo. He was liberal in his
+ censures on the measure of drawing the bills in question on
+ Spain. He informed me, that the King must first take care of
+ his own people before he gave supplies to others; that Spain,
+ instead of deriving advantage from America, heard of nothing
+ but demands. That if Congress wanted money, they should have
+ drawn on France, with whom they were in alliance, and who had
+ all the profit of their trade; that we ought to have
+ distinguished between our allies, and those who only wished
+ us well, and that applications for aid might be proper to
+ the one, which were not so to the other; that our affairs
+ were in a ruinous condition, and that it was even said some
+ of the States were holding secret negotiations for peace with
+ the enemy, &c. &c. &c. My replies were such as the subject
+ naturally suggested, and as prudence dictated; there are
+ seasons when men mean not to be convinced, and when argument
+ becomes mere matter of form. On such occasions, we have
+ little more in our power than moderation and temper. I gave
+ M. Del Campo credit for his frankness, and wish I could with
+ propriety have extended it to his delicacy.
+
+ "A day or two afterwards, viz. the 6th instant, I was
+ permitted to accept bills to the amount of one thousand one
+ hundred and ten dollars.
+
+ "On the 13th, M. Gardoqui, by order of the Minister, told me,
+ that the exigencies of the State would not permit the King to
+ provide for the payment of more of the bills than had been
+ already accepted, amounting to about fourteen thousand
+ dollars. This gave occasion to my letter to the Minister of
+ the 14th, and to his answer of the 15th, which was dictated
+ by him to M. Del Campo, and by M. Del Campo to M. Gardoqui,
+ copies of both of which your Excellency will receive from
+ Count Montmorin. The Minister's answer made a conference
+ between us expedient. I requested that favor the 15th
+ instant, and have been informed that the Count de Florida
+ Blanca will endeavor to see me on Saturday evening next.
+
+ "I forbear remarks on this singular conduct. I wish it could
+ be explained in a manner compatible with the reputation Spain
+ enjoys in North America. I much fear partial resentments,
+ which ought not to affect America, have been permitted to
+ have an undue degree of influence, and that the Minister
+ forgot in his zeal for a certain scheme of finance, that it
+ was unjust to wound opponents through the sides of their
+ friends. But whatever may have been the cause; the effect,
+ unless removed, will be destructive, and France only can at
+ present afford the means of doing it.
+
+ "When I consider, on the one hand, that France was our first,
+ and is still our best, and almost only friend; that she
+ became our ally on terms of equality, neither taking, nor
+ attempting to take ungenerous advantages of our situation;
+ that she has clothed and armed our troops, and is at this
+ moment assisting us with her fleets, her armies, her
+ treasure, and her blood; gratitude and generosity forbid me
+ to solicit a further tax on her magnanimity. But, on the
+ other hand, when I reflect that the loss of American credit
+ would be a loss to the common cause, and an eventual injury
+ to France; that such an event would be a matter of triumph to
+ our common enemy; and of pain to our friends; that the honor
+ of Congress, suspended on the fate of these bills, now hangs
+ as it were by a hair, and that our enemies here and elsewhere
+ are doing all in their power to cut it; when I consider, that
+ America would feel more sensibly the loss of reputation in
+ this instance, than the loss of battles in many others; I
+ say, Sir, when I consider these things, I find it to be my
+ duty to request your Excellency to interpose the amity of
+ France, and that his Majesty will be pleased to add this
+ strong link to the chain of benefits, by which he has already
+ bound the affections of America to his family and people.
+
+ "I ought to inform your Excellency, that bills for about
+ fifty thousand dollars remain unaccepted. The greater part
+ of these are in the hands of merchants, who waited my answer
+ with a degree of patience, I could not have expected; some of
+ them ever since the month of June last. Further delays,
+ therefore, were not to be asked or obtained, and I was
+ reduced to the necessity, either of promising to accept them,
+ or permit the credit of Congress to perish with them. I could
+ not long hesitate. I promised to accept them. Fortunately,
+ these bills have hitherto come on slowly, though, it is
+ probable, that the assurances of Spain, which I have
+ communicated to Congress, may quicken their pace. A period,
+ however, will soon be put to their drawing, as I have written
+ to them by several conveyances immediately to stop.
+
+ "I ought also to inform your Excellency, that a promise made
+ me in June last of some clothing for our troops has been
+ renewed, and that his Majesty has been pleased to offer us
+ his responsibility to facilitate a loan of one hundred and
+ fifty thousand dollars. I shall endeavor to make the most of
+ this offer, and your Excellency may rest assured, that I
+ shall gladly embrace every measure, which may be calculated
+ to lessen the weight with which the American cause presses on
+ the finances of France.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+I also sent a copy of this letter to Dr Franklin, enclosed in one of
+which the following is a copy.
+
+ St Ildefonso, Sept. 22d, 1780.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+ "I have lately written to you several letters. Enclosed is a
+ copy of one to Count de Vergennes, which Count Montmorin, who
+ also writes to him on the same subject, is so obliging as to
+ send together with this, by a courier to Bayonne.
+
+ "The papers you have heretofore received from me, with those
+ now sent, will enable you to understand it, and I am
+ persuaded your abilities and influence will be exerted to
+ promote the success of the application contained in it. It
+ appears to me absolutely necessary, that the bills drawn on
+ me be saved at all events. If contrary to my ideas of the
+ wisdom and affection of France, she should not lend us money
+ for the purpose, we must endeavor to borrow it of
+ individuals, though at a higher than usual interest; nay, on
+ any terms, rather than not get it. Almost anything will be
+ better than a protest; for exclusive of the disgrace, which
+ is intolerable, the consequences of it would cost Congress
+ more than the expense of saving their credit, be it almost
+ what it will.
+
+ "I am, &c.
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+The Ambassador informed me, that he had received despatches from
+Philadelphia, which gave him and the Court great pleasure, viz.--That
+Congress had, at the instance of the Chevalier de la Luzerne and Don
+Francisco, agreed to make a diversion to the southward in order to
+facilitate the Spanish operations in that quarter; that a noble spirit
+was pervading all ranks of people; that we had been successful in
+Jersey, &c. &c. and in short, that the Chevalier de la Luzerne was
+much pleased with Congress and the general aspect of affairs in
+America. I lamented in silence, that I should have no other
+intelligence of all this, but from a French Ambassador.
+
+He informed me further, that he believed we should now be able to get
+some of the clothing taken from the enemy by Admiral Cordova; that he
+had, and would continue to cherish the idea. We had a long
+conversation; he gave me much good advice, some useful information,
+and many assurances of cordiality and good will.
+
+On the evening of the 23d, I was admitted to the honor of a conference
+with his Excellency the Count de Florida Blanca; and M. Gardoqui, who
+understands Spanish and English exceedingly well, performed the part
+of interpreter.
+
+The following notes of the conference are very exact as to every
+particular.
+
+ _Notes of a Conference between his Excellency the Count de
+ Florida Blanca and Mr Jay, at St Ildefonso, on Saturday
+ Evening, September 23d, 1780_.
+
+ After the usual civilities the Count began the conference by
+ informing Mr Jay, that the Court had received intelligence
+ from the Havana, of Congress having so far complied with the
+ request made to them to permit the exportation of provisions
+ for the use of his Majesty's fleets and armies there, as to
+ give license for shipping three thousand barrels of flour,
+ circumstances not admitting of further supplies at that time;
+ that this business was conducted by Mr Robert Morris in a
+ manner with which he was well pleased; that Congress had
+ also, in order to promote the success of the Spanish
+ operations against Pensacola, &c. agreed to make a diversion
+ to the southward, to detach a considerable body of regular
+ troops and militia to South Carolina under General Gates;
+ that his Majesty was well pleased with, and highly sensible
+ of, these marks of their friendly disposition, and had
+ directed him to desire Mr Jay to convey his thanks to them on
+ the occasion.
+
+ Mr Jay expressed his satisfaction at this intelligence, and
+ promised to take the earliest opportunity of conveying to
+ Congress the sense his Majesty entertained of their
+ friendship, manifested by these measures. He told the Count
+ it gave him pleasure to hear the business of the Spanish
+ supplies was committed to Mr Robert Morris, and assured him,
+ that the fullest confidence might be reposed in that
+ gentleman's abilities and integrity. He requested his
+ Excellency again to assure his Majesty, that he might rely on
+ the good disposition of Congress, and of their evincing it in
+ every way, which the situation of their affairs and the
+ interest of the common cause might render practicable and
+ expedient. The Count told Mr Jay, that he had proposed to the
+ French Ambassador to send to Congress for the use of their
+ army, clothing for ten regiments lately taken in the convoy
+ bound from Britain to Jamaica, and in which the two Crowns
+ were equally interested; that the Ambassador approved the
+ proposition, but had not yet given his final answer. He then
+ observed, that a negotiation for a peace between Britain and
+ Spain appeared at present more distant than ever; that the
+ former had offered his Majesty everything he could desire to
+ induce him to a separate peace; but that the King, adhering
+ to the same resolutions in favor of America, which had
+ influenced his conduct in his mediation for a general peace
+ and since, had rejected them, and that Congress might rely on
+ his Majesty's determination never to give up or forsake
+ America, but on the contrary continue affording her all the
+ aids in his power.
+
+ He told Mr Jay, that the Court of London, disappointed in
+ their expectations of detaching Spain, had it in
+ contemplation again to send Commissioners to America to
+ treat with Congress on the subject of an accommodation with
+ them; that this measure was at present under the
+ consideration of the Privy Council, and that there was reason
+ to suppose it would be adopted. He observed, that the English
+ had hitherto discovered much finesse and little true policy;
+ that first they endeavored by their intrigues in France to
+ separate that kingdom and America, but not succeeding there,
+ they sent Commissioners to America; that the last year they
+ attempted to detach France, and this year Spain, and that
+ being unsuccessful in both they would again attempt America;
+ that the best way of defeating their designs was mutual
+ confidence in each other. He remarked, that America could not
+ rely on any promise of Britain, and asked if she was once
+ detached from France and Spain, who could compel an
+ observance of them? Mr Jay thanked the Count for this
+ communication, and assured him, that Congress would not only
+ adhere to their engagements from motives of interest, but
+ from a regard to their honor, and the faith of treaties; that
+ the opinion of Congress on this subject corresponded with
+ that of his Excellency, and that their conduct, with respect
+ to the former English Commissioners, gave conclusive evidence
+ of their sentiments on the subject. Mr Jay promised in case
+ he received any intelligence relative to this matter, his
+ Excellency might depend on its being communicated immediately
+ to him.
+
+ The Count appeared satisfied with this, and again repeated
+ his former assurances of the King's good disposition towards
+ America, &c. &c.
+
+ Mr Jay informed his Excellency, that the subject on which he
+ was desirous of conversing with him, arose from the paper he
+ had received from M. Gardoqui the 15th instant, containing
+ his Excellency's answer to Mr Jay's letter of the 14th.
+
+ Mr Jay then requested the Count to communicate to his Majesty
+ his thanks for the offer he had been pleased to make, of his
+ responsibility in order to facilitate a loan of one hundred
+ and fifty thousand dollars, and also for the promise of
+ clothing, &c. &c. and to assure him, that the gratitude of
+ the States would always be proportionate to the obligations
+ conferred upon them; he observed to the Count, that he
+ intended to attempt this loan in Spain, France, and Holland,
+ and begged to be informed in what manner he should evidence
+ the responsibility of his Majesty to the persons, who might
+ be disposed to lend the money, for that in this and other
+ similar cases, he meant to be guided by his Excellency's
+ directions. The Count replied, that as this matter fell
+ within the department of M. Musquir, the Minister of Finance,
+ he would consult him upon it on Tuesday evening next, and
+ immediately thereafter inform Mr Jay of the result. He then
+ apologized, and expressed his regret for not being able to
+ furnish the money he had expected to supply (alluding
+ evidently to the _thirty or forty thousand pounds_ which, in
+ the conference at Aranjues, the 11th day of May last, he said
+ he expected to be able to supply by the end of this or
+ beginning of next year.) He said he had been disappointed in
+ the remittances expected from America, for he was advised,
+ that two ships, which he had expected would arrive from
+ thence with treasure in December or January next, would not
+ come, and that this and other circumstances rendered it
+ impossible for him to advance us any money in Europe. But
+ that he would, nevertheless, agreeably to the King's
+ intentions, give us all the assistance in his power.
+
+ Mr Jay desired to be informed, whether any steps were
+ necessary for him to take for forwarding the clothing at
+ Cadiz to America. The Count answered, that he waited the
+ French Ambassador's answer on the subject, and that he had as
+ yet no inventory of them, but that he would again speak to
+ the Ambassador, and make arrangements for sending them on to
+ America as soon as possible.
+
+ Mr Jay then proceeded to regret that the pleasure he derived
+ from these instances of his Majesty's friendship to the
+ United States, was mingled with pain from being informed by
+ the abovementioned paper, that the King conceived he might
+ have just cause to be disgusted with them.
+
+ Because, 1st; they had drawn the bills of exchange without
+ his previous consent; and, 2dly, because they had not given
+ any tokens of a recompense. Mr Jay reminded his Excellency
+ that these bills were drawn upon himself, and not on Spain,
+ and although that Congress might have hoped, for reasons
+ already assigned, to have been enabled to pay them by a loan
+ from his Majesty, yet that every other usual measure was left
+ open for that purpose. That an application to Spain for such
+ a loan could give no just cause of offence, for that if it
+ had not been convenient to her to make it, all that she had
+ to was to have told him so, and he was then at liberty to
+ take such measures for procuring it elsewhere as he might
+ think proper. The Count replied, that what Mr Jay observed
+ was true, but that certainly the bills were drawn with an
+ expectation of their being paid by Spain, and that this might
+ probably have been done if previous notice of the measure had
+ been given. That he always intended to have done something
+ towards their payment, but had been prevented by
+ disappointments, and the exigencies of the State. Mr Jay
+ continued to observe, that the second cause assigned for this
+ disgust, viz. that Congress had given no tokens of a
+ recompense, must have risen from a mistake. He reminded his
+ Excellency, that he had never requested a donation from
+ Spain, but that on the contrary he had repeatedly offered to
+ pledge the faith of the United States for the repayment with
+ interest, within a reasonable time after the war, of whatever
+ sum his Majesty might be so kind as to lend them. To these
+ remarks the Count said only, that interest for the money
+ would have been no object with them; that they would gladly
+ have lent it to us without interest, and repeated his regret
+ at the disappointment which had prevented them. He appeared
+ rather uneasy and desirous of waiving the subject.
+
+ Mr Jay next called the Count's attention to a part of the
+ paper in question, which informed him "that there were hints
+ (though no credit was given to it) of some understanding
+ between America and the Court of London." He observed, that
+ this subject was both delicate and important; that so far as
+ this understanding related to Congress, or the governments of
+ either of the States, he was sure that this insinuation was
+ entirely groundless; that there might possibly be intriguing
+ individuals, who might have given cause to such suspicions;
+ that if there were such men or bodies of men it would be for
+ the good of the common cause that they should be detected,
+ and their designs frustrated. He therefore requested, that if
+ his Excellency had any evidence on this subject, he would be
+ pleased to communicate it, and thereby enable him to give
+ Congress an opportunity of taking such measures as
+ circumstances might render proper. The Count said, he had
+ nothing specific or particular as yet to communicate. That he
+ was pursuing measures for further discoveries, and that he
+ would mention to Mr Jay whatever information might result
+ from them.
+
+ Mr Jay resumed his animadversions on the paper in question by
+ observing, that it assured him it was necessary, "that
+ Congress should give sure and effective tokens of a good
+ correspondence, proposing reciprocal measures of a
+ compensation, &c. in order that his Majesty might extend his
+ further dispositions towards them." That for his part he
+ could conceive of no higher tokens, which one nation could
+ give to another of friendship and good will, than their
+ commissioning and sending a person for the express purpose of
+ requesting his Majesty to enter into treaties of amity and
+ alliance with them, and that on terms of reciprocity of
+ interest and mutual advantage. To this the Count replied,
+ that to this day he was ignorant of these terms, and that no
+ particular propositions had been made him. Mr Jay then
+ reminded him of his letters from Cadiz, and of the conference
+ on the subject at Aranjues on the 2d day of June last, in the
+ latter of which, after conferring on the subject of aids, and
+ of the treaty, his Excellency had promised to reduce his
+ sentiments on both to writing, and send him notes on each;
+ that as to the first, Mr Jay had received the notes, but not
+ on the last; that he had been in constant expectation of
+ receiving them, and that delicacy forbade pressing his
+ Excellency on that matter, or offering anything further till
+ he should have leisure to complete them.
+
+ He said he thought he had given them to Mr Jay or Mr
+ Carmichael, which both of them assured him he had not. Of
+ this the Count appeared after a little time satisfied, when
+ Mr Jay resumed the subject by remarking, that the order of
+ conducting that business appeared to him to be this; that as
+ a right was reserved by the Secret Article to his Majesty to
+ accede to the treaty between France and America whenever he
+ thought proper, and that the latter would go into a
+ discussion of any alteration the King might propose, that
+ should be founded on reciprocity of interest, the first
+ question was whether his Majesty would accede to it as it
+ was, or whether he would propose any and what alterations.
+
+ The Count here interrupted Mr Jay by saying, that the
+ interest of France and Spain with respect to America were so
+ distinct, as necessarily to render different treaties
+ necessary. Mr Jay answered, that admitting this to be the
+ case, the treaty with France might be made the basis, and
+ then go on _mutatis mutandis_. The Count proceeded to say,
+ that it would not conduce to the general pacification to
+ hurry on the treaty; that finding Congress were not disposed
+ to cessions, without which the King would not make a treaty,
+ he thought it best by mutual services and acts of friendship,
+ to continue making way for more condescensions on both sides,
+ and not excite animosities and warmth by discussing points
+ which the King would never yield. That, therefore, Mr Jay
+ might take time to write to Congress on the subject, and
+ obtain their instructions.
+
+ He said, that previous to Mr Jay's or M. Gerard's arrival at
+ Madrid, M. Mirales had informed him that Congress would yield
+ the navigation of the Mississippi, but that M. Gerard
+ informed him that Congress had changed their resolution on
+ that subject; that he had mentioned these obstacles to Mr Jay
+ and Mr Carmichael, and it was probable that having done this,
+ he had neglected or forgotten to give Mr Jay the notes in
+ question. Mr Jay here reminded his Excellency, that the
+ conference between them of the 2d day of June last turned
+ among other points on these obstacles, and that they had then
+ mutually expressed hopes that regulations calculated to
+ remove them in a manner satisfactory to both parties might be
+ adopted, and that the conferences respecting them were
+ concluded by his Excellency's promising to give Mr Jay notes
+ of his sentiments on the proposed treaty. The Count admitted
+ this, and made several observations tending to show the
+ importance of this object to Spain, and its determination to
+ adhere to it, saying, with some degree of warmth, that unless
+ Spain could exclude all nations from the Gulf of Mexico, they
+ might as well admit all; that the King would never relinquish
+ it; that the Minister regarded it as the principal object to
+ be obtained by the war, and _that obtained_, he should be
+ perfectly easy whether or no Spain procured any other
+ cession; that he considered it far more important than the
+ acquisition of Gibraltar, and that if they did not get it, it
+ was a matter of indifference to him whether the English
+ possessed Mobile or not; that he chose always to speak his
+ sentiments plainly and candidly on those occasions, for which
+ reason he generally acted differently from other politicians,
+ in always choosing to commit himself to paper, and appealing
+ to the knowledge of the French Ambassador and others, who had
+ done business with him, for the proofs of this being the
+ principle of his conduct. He concluded by saying he would
+ give his sentiments in writing on this subject to Mr Jay.
+
+ Mr Jay made no reply to the Count's remarks on the
+ navigation, but observing, that being little acquainted with
+ the practice of politicians, he was happy in having to treat
+ with a Minister of his Excellency's principles. He added,
+ that there were many points necessary to be adjusted in order
+ to a treaty; that they might proceed to agree upon as many as
+ they could, and with respect to the others, he should state
+ them clearly to Congress, and attend their further
+ instructions.
+
+ Mr Jay then again turned the conference to the paper
+ beforementioned, by observing to the Count, that it appeared
+ from it, that the King also expected from Congress
+ equivalents to the supplies formerly afforded, and also the
+ expenses of the war, which it alleged had its origin from
+ them. That as to the first he could only repeat what he had
+ before said, that a general account of them was necessary.
+ That he neither knew the amount of them, nor the terms on
+ which they were granted; that it was a transaction previous
+ to his appointment; that on being furnished with the
+ necessary information, he would transmit it to Congress, and
+ wait their instructions; that an expectation of an equivalent
+ to the expenses sustained by Spain in the war, was
+ inadmissible on every principle. He read the passage in
+ question and remarked, that America could no more be justly
+ chargeable with the expenses of the war sustained by Spain,
+ than Spain could be justly chargeable with the expenses of
+ the war sustained by America. The Count replied, that Mr Jay
+ had mistaken his meaning, and that he urged it merely to show
+ that as the States were deriving considerable advantages from
+ very expensive operations on the part of Spain, that
+ consideration should incline them to more condescension
+ towards the latter.
+
+ Mr Jay assured his Excellency that he knew it to be the
+ disposition of Congress to contribute all in their power to
+ the success of the common cause, and that they would on
+ every occasion give proofs of it, and among others, that he
+ was confident they would permit his Majesty to export from
+ thence, _during the war_, ship timber and masts for the royal
+ navy, and would readily consent to such measures as might be
+ proper and necessary for facilitating it. He further observed
+ that having been informed by M. Gardoqui that his Majesty
+ would like to take and finish a seventyfour gun ship now on
+ the stocks in one of the eastern ports, on which it was said
+ no work was doing, he would with pleasure write to Congress,
+ and propose their transferring her to his Majesty at prime
+ cost. That this previous step was necessary, as Congress
+ might perhaps intend that vessel for particular services, but
+ he was confident they would otherwise be happy in indulging
+ his Majesty's inclinations. The Count appeared pleased with
+ this. He said, that with respect to timber they stood most in
+ need at present of yards, and should be glad to obtain a
+ supply of them from Congress. That as to the ship, he wished
+ to be informed exactly of her present state, and the
+ materials wanted to complete and equip her, which he observed
+ might be sent from the Havana, and whether a crew of
+ Americans could be had to navigate her there. Mr Jay replied,
+ that though he was sure that Congress would readily give
+ their aid in these and other matters interesting to Spain,
+ yet he could not forbear reminding his Excellency as a
+ friend, that public business done under the direction of
+ public bodies was always more expensive than when done by
+ individuals. That, therefore, he would submit it to his
+ consideration whether it would not be more advisable to
+ commit the management of those affairs to the agent, intended
+ to succeed M. Mirales, who, by being on the spot, would have
+ opportunities of acting on exact information, and in a
+ manner more consistent with the views of his Excellency. The
+ Count agreed in this opinion, and promised to communicate to
+ Mr Jay his further intentions on this subject.
+
+ Mr Jay informed the Minister, that as his further stay here
+ would now be unnecessary, and business called him to Madrid,
+ he purposed to return there on Monday next. The Count
+ concurred and the conference ended.
+
+Congress will permit me to observe that many things in this conference
+are important, and demand instructions. I forbear to point them out,
+because they are obvious; and I take the liberty of giving this hint
+from a knowledge of the delays attending the proceedings of large
+bodies.
+
+I returned to Madrid on the day appointed; and whether to accept or
+not to accept the bills became a very serious question. After
+reviewing all the reasons for and against it, which are numerous, and
+which Congress will readily perceive without a particular enumeration,
+I determined to put a good face on the business, and accept all that
+should be presented, which I have accordingly done, and am daily
+doing. What the event will be I cannot pretend to decide. All that I
+can say is, that my endeavors shall not be wanting to render it
+successful. The responsibility of the King will not produce much, and
+the difficulty of borrowing money has been increased, by the number of
+agents sent to Europe for that purpose by several of the different
+States, who I am told have imprudently bidden on each other.
+
+M. Gardoqui returned to Madrid a few days after I did, and brought me
+word from the Minister, that instructions should be sent to their
+Ambassadors in Holland and France, to assure in due form the
+responsibility of the King to such persons as might there incline to
+lend us money on the credit of it, and that the Minister would do the
+same here. He told me further, that the Minister hoped I would not be
+discouraged, nor consider this only on the dark side, for that it was
+still his intention to afford America every aid in his power. All this
+I ascribe to the exertions of America, and I am confident, that it will
+always be necessary for the United States to be formidable at home, if
+they expect to be respectable anywhere.
+
+For my own part, I shall be disappointed, if I find Courts moving on
+any other principle than political ones, and, indeed, not always on
+those. Caprice, whim, the interests and passions of individuals, must
+and will always have greater or less degrees of influence. America
+stands very high here, at present. I rejoice at it, though I must
+confess I much fear that such violent exertions may be followed by
+languor and relaxation. What the plan of this Court is with respect to
+us, or whether they have any, is with me very doubtful. If they have
+rejected all the overtures of Britain, why is Mr Cumberland still
+here? And why are expresses passing between Madrid and London through
+Portugal? If Spain is determined that we shall be independent, why not
+openly declare us so, and thereby diminish the hopes and endeavors of
+Britain to prevent it? She seems to be desirous of holding the
+balance, of being in some sort a mediatrix, and of courting the offers
+of each by her supposed importance to both. The drawing of bills on me
+was considered as a desperate measure, prompted by our imbecility, and
+was a bad card to play at a time we were endeavoring to form a treaty,
+and when prudence demanded that the importance of Spain to us should
+not have been brought forward, or placed in such a glaring point of
+view.
+
+One good consequence, however, has resulted from it. The cordiality of
+Spain has been tried by it. For I know of a certainty, that it was in
+her power easily to have made the loan we asked. Indeed, we shall
+always be deceived, if we believe that any nation in the world has, or
+will have, a disinterested regard for us, especially absolute
+monarchies, where the temporary views or passions of the Prince, his
+Ministers, his women, or his favorites, not the voice of the people,
+direct the helm of State. Besides, from the manner in which the war is
+carrying on, it would seem as if it was the design of France and Spain
+that the longest _purse_, not the longest _sword_, should decide it.
+Whether such be really their intention, or how far it may be politic,
+I cannot pretend to determine. This, however, is certain, that it
+would be putting the affair on a hard issue for us. It is also
+certain, that some respect is due to appearances and probable events,
+and we should be cautious how we spend our money, our men, or our
+public spirit, uselessly.
+
+In my opinion, we should endeavor to be as independent on the charity
+of our friends, as on the mercy of our enemies. Jacob took advantage
+even of his brother's hunger, and extorted from him a higher price
+than the value of the Mississippi even for a single dinner. The way
+not to be in _Esau's_ condition, is to be prepared to meet with
+_Jacob's_.
+
+From what I can learn of the King's character, I am persuaded, that a
+present from Congress of a handsome fast sailing packet boat would be
+very acceptable, and consequently very useful.
+
+I am informed, and believe, that a loan from individuals in France is
+impracticable. Here nothing can be done in that way. What may be
+expected from the like attempts in Holland, I am unable to say.
+
+I have received no answer to my letter to Count de Vergennes; the
+Ambassador informs me, that the Count has written him on the subject,
+and the following is an extract from his letter.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "I doubt whether I shall be able to render Mr Jay the service
+ he requests of me, independently of what the Ministry has
+ furnished the Americans in the course of the year. Dr
+ Franklin is urgent for a million extra, to meet the drafts of
+ Congress to the 31st of December. I am sensible how important
+ it is to prevent them from being returned protested, but the
+ difficulty is to find the means. I shall do my best in this
+ exigency, but am not sure of success; beyond this, it would
+ be impossible for me to go."
+
+Dr Franklin has obtained some more money from his Court, and I am to
+have twentyfive thousand dollars of it; perhaps he may be able to
+advance more, but how much, I cannot say.
+
+_November 1st, 1780._ No orders have as yet been given respecting the
+clothing. I have applied and reapplied, and have been promised and
+repromised. I employed Mr Harrison, at Cadiz, (with the Minister's
+concurrence) to make the purchase, and he has several weeks been
+waiting for these orders.
+
+General Gates is defeated, and Mr Laurens in the Tower. Our sky in
+this quarter is again darkened with clouds not in my power to dispel.
+
+I had flattered myself with receiving before this time some
+regulations respecting American seamen.
+
+The house of Le Couteulx have refused to continue their care of them,
+or to advance more money on that account. They complain that the
+American Captains under various pretexts refuse to give them passages,
+without being paid for them. This is cruel.
+
+The following are copies of their letter to me on the subject, and my
+answer.
+
+ LE COUTEULX & CO. TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ "Cadiz, October 3d, 1780.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "Our supplies for the American sailors amount at this day to
+ ---- We will continue to render them every service in our
+ power, but will confess to you ingenuously, that if you do
+ not furnish us with an order from Congress, by which you
+ empower us to oblige all American Captains, who come here, to
+ take a certain number of people, in proportion to their bulk,
+ free of passage, and afterwards so many more on paying them a
+ certain sum for their provisions, we can advance nothing; as
+ all the Captains who come here never fail of showing good
+ motives for not taking any of their fellow countrymen,
+ without paying them a passage, which forces us to let the
+ people go on board neutral vessels; and instead of fulfilling
+ your views of sending them back as soon as possible, this is
+ a means by which they get still further from it, and a great
+ many engage in the English service."
+
+ TO LE COUTEULX & CO.
+
+ "Madrid, October 15th, 1780.
+
+ "Gentlemen,
+
+ "I have been honored with your favor of the 3d instant, and
+ am much obliged by your attention to the letter it enclosed.
+ You were not mistaken in supposing that the handwriting was
+ mine. That letter was enclosed in one for Mr Harrison, and
+ sent under cover to you.
+
+ "It gives me concern to find that you have so much trouble
+ with American seamen, and I much lament that it is not in my
+ power to comply with the terms on which alone you incline to
+ continue it. I have written more than once to Congress on the
+ subject, and submitted to their consideration the propriety
+ of establishing proper regulations for the conduct of that
+ business, but as yet I have received none. I presume that
+ their attention has been so engaged by other matters of
+ higher and more pressing importance, as not to have had
+ leisure for making these arrangements. The refusal of
+ American Captains to give passages to their unfortunate
+ countrymen is certainly unkind. I shall communicate to
+ Congress, and I hope proper measures will be taken to remove
+ that obstacle. At any rate, however, I cannot leave these
+ unhappy captives friendless, in a strange country. The
+ unfeeling treatment of the Captains rather stimulates than
+ represses my commiseration, and, therefore, Gentlemen, as it
+ is not convenient to you to proceed in your care of them, but
+ on terms not in my power to comply with, I find myself
+ reduced to the necessity of requesting that favor from
+ others. For this purpose I have written to Mr Harrison of
+ your city, and proposed his undertaking it, and have desired
+ him in case he consented, to mention it to you. On that event
+ I must beg the favor of you to give him such information and
+ advice, as may be useful to him in the management of those
+ affairs. Be pleased also to liquidate your accounts with him;
+ they shall be paid without further delay.
+
+ "The attention and kind offices you have regularly paid to
+ Americans, and the personal civilities that myself and family
+ experienced from you, while at Cadiz, will always continue to
+ excite my warmest acknowledgments, and lead me to omit no
+ opportunity of convincing you of the esteem and regard, with
+ which I am, Gentlemen, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+I have before mentioned to Congress my difficulties as to
+correspondence. They continue, and I am obliged to give Colonel
+Livingston the trouble of carrying this letter to Bilboa, and
+delivering it with his own hands to the Captain of some American
+vessel. Congress might have letters from me every month, if orders
+were given to the Captains of the vessels bringing despatches for me,
+to send a trusty officer with them to me. I know that all are opened,
+and some suppressed, and I can think of no other way of avoiding these
+inconveniences. It is important that our correspondence be
+uninterrupted.
+
+I have written very particularly, perhaps more so than may be prudent,
+but as I think it my duty, I pay no regard to consequences. If
+Congress will be equally well satisfied with less minute information,
+I wish to be told so, that their direction on this head may govern me
+in future. I cannot forbear again observing, that few of their
+proceedings remain long secret. I have very good authority for saying
+that copies of the letters, which passed between the Committee and the
+late Commissioners in France, are now in the hands of a certain
+foreigner. How he got them I do not know, but such is the fact, and in
+my opinion it calls for more care in future.
+
+If my letters meet with the same fate, my remaining here will become a
+useless expense to my country.
+
+I think I have written everything material to enable Congress to know
+the exact state of their affairs here. If, however, there should be
+any questions to which an answer would be agreeable to Congress, I
+wish to be informed of them; for since I left America, I have made it
+a rule to be always in a capacity to render a reason for every part of
+my conduct, and state with accuracy every fact relative to it.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[25] A full account of Mr Cumberland's proceedings in Spain may be
+found in his _Memoirs_ published many years afterwards.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Madrid, November 30th, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed certain papers from
+Morocco, viz.
+
+_No. 1._ Containing a letter of the 21st of April last, to me from
+Audibert Caille, who styles himself the "Consul appointed by the
+Emperor for such foreign nations as have none of their own in his
+dominions, to protect the strangers who may come to traffic in his
+ports pursuant to two proclamations published last year."
+
+_No. 2._ My answer.
+
+_No. 3._ Copy of M. Audibert's appointment.
+
+_No. 4._ Copy of a declaration of the Emperor, 20th of February, 1778.
+
+_No. 5._ A letter from M. Audibert Caille to Congress of 6th of
+September, 1779. Also, six printed copies of M. Audibert Caille's
+certificates.
+
+These papers ought to have been sent with my letters of May last, but
+recollecting as I was then about to put them up, that if the originals
+should be lost on the passage, it might be difficult to obtain
+others, I thought it most prudent to detain them to be copied, and
+wait for some other opportunity of getting them to the sea; none has,
+however, since occurred, and I did not think them of sufficient
+importance to render it necessary that either Mr Carmichael or Colonel
+Livingston should carry them to one of the sea ports.
+
+It is proper that your Excellency should be informed, that on the 8th
+instant I had a conference with the Minister at the Escurial, in which
+I received many good _words_ and friendly assurances, but time only
+can decide how they will terminate. I received a letter yesterday from
+Mr Harrison, of the 24th instant, and then no orders had arrived about
+the clothing. These delays may seem singular, but they are not
+uncommon. Mr Cumberland is still here. The French and English fleets
+are at sea.
+
+Although appearances are not very flattering at present, I hope they
+will in time become more so. Patience, prudence, and perseverance,
+sometimes effect much. It is in my opinion very important that no
+dissatisfaction be expressed in America at the conduct of Spain.
+Complaint and disgust can answer no good purpose, but may be
+productive of many disagreeable consequences. A cautious silence is
+the more necessary, as I am confident that there are persons in
+America, who would make a merit of collecting and transmitting the
+sentiments of Congress, or _members_ of Congress, on subjects
+interesting to the views and objects of persons in power here.
+
+Colonel Livingston would have returned this fall at the expiration of
+the term expressed in his leave of absence, had I not taken the
+liberty of advising him to remain, and taken upon myself to adjust
+this matter with Congress. As he is employed, and industrious in
+obtaining knowledge, which may enable him to be useful in future to
+his country, I must join with him in requesting that Congress will be
+so kind as to extend his leave of absence to such further period as
+may be agreeable to them.
+
+The enclosed paper marked No. 6, is a copy of a State of the Revenues
+and Expenditures of Spain, in the year 1778. It was formed by a
+Secretary to one of the embassies, and a copy of it was given to Mr
+Carmichael. I received it the last day of July, and had no safe
+opportunity of sending it before. What credit may be due to this
+account I cannot determine, and I have reason to think that there are
+few men in the kingdom who can. This government, disposed to
+concealment and mystery in most matters, will not probably permit an
+accurate knowledge of their revenues to be easily attained. This
+account is perhaps as near the truth as any other. The gentleman, it
+is said, took much pains in forming it, and it also met with the
+approbation of some foreign Ministers; but how far those Ministers
+were judges of the subject I am uninformed. The remarks subjoined to
+this account are Mr Carmichael's, and were added to the copy I
+received from him.
+
+I send copies of several letters, which passed between Messrs de
+Neufville and Son, of Amsterdam, and myself, relative to the bills
+drawn on Mr Laurens.[26] The conduct of that House has been so
+friendly and disinterested, that I think Congress should be
+particularly informed of it, and by taking proper notice of it, induce
+others to follow the example.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[26] These have been inserted in the order of their several dates.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ No. 1.
+
+ FROM D'AUDIBERT CAILLE TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Aranjues, April 21st, 1780.
+
+ Sir,
+
+By order of his Majesty the Emperor of Morocco, I wrote on the 6th of
+September in the last year to the Congress of the United States of
+North America, by way of his Excellency Dr Franklin, their
+Plenipotentiary at the Court of France, to inform them of the pacific
+intentions of that sovereign.
+
+Not having yet received any answer on their part, I fear they have not
+received my letter, and by way of precaution, send your Excellency
+herewith joined an open copy, that after perusing it, you may make
+such use of it as you may think proper. I also send you a copy of the
+two manifests therein mentioned, as well as a translation of the
+patent of the consuls for foreign nations, with which his Majesty the
+Emperor has been pleased to honor me, and some copies of the
+certificates which he ordered me to give to the captains of ships,
+which sail under his flag.
+
+I wish, Sir, that you may receive all these papers with pleasure, and
+I request your Excellency to honor me with an answer, that I may be
+able to convince his Majesty, the Emperor of Morocco, that I have
+executed the commission he gave me to make known to Congress, that the
+subjects of the said United States might come and traffic under their
+own flags, in the ports of the empire of Morocco, in the like manner
+as they formerly did under the English flag.
+
+Before I had the commission to write to Congress I had already
+written on this subject to his Excellency Dr Franklin, and I offered
+to interest myself cheerfully in establishing a good understanding
+between his Majesty, the Emperor of Morocco, and the Northern United
+States.
+
+In case that Congress should be equally well pleased to be at peace
+with his Majesty, the Emperor of Morocco, it will be proper to
+instruct the captains of American armed ships to let freely pass all
+ships sailing under the flag of his Majesty, the Emperor, and will be
+provided with a certificate similar to the within mentioned copies.
+
+I shall probably be obliged to remain here some days; as soon as my
+business shall be despatched, I shall set out for Cadiz, and from
+thence go to Sale, the place of my residence.
+
+Whenever your Excellency may be pleased to honor me with your orders,
+you may address your letters to Messrs Paul Greppi, Azarino, and
+Company, merchants at Cadiz, who will take care to forward them to me.
+
+I am with profound respect, &c.
+
+ D'AUDIBERT CAILLE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ No. 2.
+
+ TO D'AUDIBERT CAILLE.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Your favor of the 21st day of April, 1780, with the papers enclosed in
+it, has come safe to hand.
+
+The declaration of his Majesty, the Emperor of Morocco, does honor to
+his liberality and wisdom, and I shall with great pleasure transmit
+the copy of it, as well as of the other papers enclosed with it, to
+his Excellency the President of Congress.
+
+Although I have no particular instructions on the subject, yet the
+knowledge I have of the sentiments of Congress enables me to give
+assurances of their disposition to cultivate peace and harmony with
+all nations. I am persuaded that his Majesty's declaration will be
+very agreeable to them, and that a correspondent conduct on their part
+towards the subjects of Morocco, will convince him of the truth of
+these assurances. I am much obliged to you for this mark of attention,
+and I flatter myself that by extending your good offices to such
+Americans as may resort to the ports of Morocco, they will have reason
+to consider you among the number of their friends.
+
+Should anything interesting to America occur in Morocco, I request the
+favor of you to communicate it.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ No. 3.
+
+ COPY OF M. D'AUDIBERT CAILLE'S APPOINTMENT.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Copy of a French translation of a writing in Arabic, the most
+ authentic of those that are written at the Court of his
+ Majesty the Emperor of Morocco.
+
+ "Let the name of the only God be praised; there is neither
+ wisdom nor power but what proceeds from the Lord most high
+ and most mighty.
+
+ "We make known by this our present and generous writing, that
+ we have appointed the Christian, D'Audibert Caille, who is
+ the bearer hereof, to officiate as consul for all those
+ nations who have no consuls in our dominion, and who are,
+ the empire of Germany, Russia, Prussia, Naples, Sardinia,
+ Rome, Tuscany, the States of America, Genoa, Ragusa, Hamburg,
+ Lubec, and Dantzic; all of whom may come into our ports, and
+ each of them there traffic under the flag of his nation, such
+ as it may be. The said consul will assist them, by our order,
+ in whatever may be useful to them in like manner as the other
+ consuls do towards the subjects of their nations. And all the
+ officers and governors of our ports will acknowledge him for
+ a consul as they do the other consuls, and whichsoever of the
+ said nations shall come into our ports, they shall not be
+ molested by any of our officers or commandants whatsoever, of
+ our ports. To all our captains whom we shall order to cruise
+ by sea, the said consul will give a passport, and we renew
+ our order to him to hoist the flag of peace at his house,
+ without being therein opposed by anybody. He may also hoist
+ it in any port whatever, where he may have a house of
+ commerce, and he shall be mediator between us and the said
+ nations, because we esteem him. Given the 8th of the moon of
+ Alcahda, 1193. (1st of November, 1779.)"
+
+ Signed by the Emperor.
+
+We, Stephen d'Audibert Caille, a French merchant resident at Sale,
+appointed by his Majesty, the Emperor of Morocco, consul of those
+foreign nations who have none in his dominions to protect them in that
+capacity on all occasions, and to be mediator between him and those
+nations, certify to all whom it may concern, that the above copy is
+conformable to the original, compared by Don Miguel Cassori, the
+interpreter of his Catholic Majesty. In faith of which we sign the
+present certificate, sealed with the seal of the consulate of peace
+at Sale. Done at Aranjues, where I happen to be in passing, the 21st
+of April, 1780.
+
+ S. D'AUDIBERT CAILLE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ No. 4.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ _Copy of the Declaration, which his Majesty the Emperor of
+ Morocco (whom God preserve) orders to be notified to all
+ the Consuls and Christian Merchants, who reside in the
+ Ports of Tangier, Sale, and Mogadore, dated the 20th of
+ February, 1778._
+
+ "That in future all vessels, which carry Russian, German,
+ Prussian, Hungarian, Neapolitan, Sardinian, Tuscanian,
+ Genoese, Maltese, or American flags, may freely enter into
+ the ports of his dominions; and in consequence of his
+ determination, he has given orders to the commanders of his
+ vessels, that they let freely pass, all ships and other
+ vessels carrying the said flags without molesting them. To
+ the end, that they may arrive at his ports, take
+ refreshments, and enjoy in them the same privileges and
+ immunities, with those of the other nations with whom his
+ Imperial Majesty maintains peace."
+
+I, the underwritten, employed by his Imperial Majesty for foreign
+affairs, certify, that the contents of the preceding declaration are
+conformable to the truth. And in faith thereof, I sign this present
+certificate. At Sale, the 30th of October, 1779.
+
+ PEDRO UMBERT.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+We, Stephen d'Audibert Caille, a French merchant residing at Sale,
+appointed by his Majesty, the Emperor of Morocco, to be consul of the
+foreign nations who have none in his dominions to protect them in that
+capacity on all occasions, and to be mediator between him and those
+nations, certify, whom it may concern, that the said Don Pedro Umbert,
+who has signed the above certificate, is employed for foreign affairs
+at the Court of Morocco, and that in the said quality faith is to be
+given to his signature. In witness whereof we sign these presents,
+sealed with the seal of the consulate of peace, at Sale, the 1st of
+December, 1779.
+
+ S. D'AUDIBERT CAILLE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ No. 5.
+
+ D'AUDIBERT CAILLE TO CONGRESS.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ Sale, September 6th, 1779.
+
+In quality of a French merchant, who has resided in this town since
+the year 1773, and whom his Majesty, the Emperor of Morocco, has
+lately named consul for those foreign nations who have none in his
+dominions to protect the strangers who might come to traffic in his
+ports, in pursuance of the two manifestoes which he published last
+year, I have the honor to inform your Excellencies, that it is his
+intention to be at peace with the United States of North America, and
+that their subjects can come to trade freely in his ports under
+American colors, with the like safety with those of the principal
+maritime powers in Europe who enjoy peace with him. Besides the good
+reception, which the governors of the ports of this empire will give
+to the subjects of the United States of North America, I will on my
+part render them all the services, which may depend upon me as consul
+for those foreign nations who have none, and as being charged to
+invite them to come and traffic freely in these ports, in like manner
+as they formerly did under the English flag.
+
+In order that I may be able to convince his Majesty, the Emperor of
+Morocco, that I have executed the commission he gave me to write as
+above to the Congress, I entreat your Excellencies to be pleased to
+honor me with an answer. If you think proper to write at the same time
+to his Majesty, the Emperor of Morocco, relative to what I have
+written to you on his part, I will take care to obtain a very
+satisfactory answer; and I offer to interest myself very willingly, as
+far as may depend upon me, that a treaty of peace may be made between
+his Majesty, the Emperor of Morocco, and the United States of North
+America, nearly similar to those which the principal maritime powers
+have with him.
+
+That this letter may the more safely pass to you, I address it to his
+Excellency Dr Franklin, your Plenipotentiary with his Most Christian
+Majesty. Your Excellencies may answer me through the same channel, or
+directly by the way of Cadiz, addressing your letter to the Sieurs
+Paul Grippi, Azarino, and Company. My address is, to Stephen
+d'Audibert Caille, consul for those foreign nations who have none in
+the dominions of his Majesty the Emperor of Morocco, residing at Sale,
+or simply "to D'Audibert, Santigo, and Company," which is that of my
+house of commerce.
+
+I am, with the most profound respect, &c.
+
+ D'AUDIBERT CAILLE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ No. 6.
+
+ _General State of the Revenues and Expenses of Spain in the
+ Year 1778._
+
+ REVENUES.
+
+ Reals de vel.
+ Provincial duties, 70,000,000
+ Duties on tobacco, 55,000,000
+ Duties on salt, 20,000,000
+ Duties on wool, 17,000,000
+ General duties, 48,060,000
+ Duties on brandy, 4,525,000
+ 2 per cent duty on the Octrois,
+ former grants of the Crown, 500,000
+ Taxes on the houses in Madrid, 1,200,000
+ 1. King's domain in the Serrara, 140,000
+ Post office and couriers, 34,000,000
+ Tax on cards, 1,000,000
+ Stamp paper, 4,312,000
+ Tax on the taverns in Madrid, 196,000
+ Various revenues farmed, 6,418,552
+ 2 Manufacture of glass at St Ildefonso, 1,500,000
+ 3 Manufactures of St Ferdinando and
+ Guaudalaxa, 1,800,000
+ Extraordinary effects, 35,000,000
+ Books of Advocates and Attorneys, 62,000
+ Fines in the chamber of Castille, 72,000
+ Effects in the same chamber, 786,800
+ Tax on the Grand Masters, 1,800,000
+ Do. arising from the secular annals and
+ vacancies, 1,300,000
+ Royal lottery, 4,500,000
+ Cruzada, 20,000,000
+ 4 Effects of the kingdom of Navarre, 47,500,000
+ American revenue[27], 200,600,000
+ Clergy, 13,000,000
+ -----------
+ 562,273,152
+
+ EXPENSES.
+
+ Reals de vel.
+ The Court[28], 108,500,000
+ 5 Land forces, 204,202,000
+ 6 Marine, 100,000,000
+ Secretary of the Indies, 8,000,000
+ Department of Finance, 4,500,000
+ Favers and justice, 1,100,000
+ To support the tribunals, 8,422,769
+ 7 Secretary of state and foreign
+ affairs, 9,873,288
+ 8 Extraordinary expenses, 30,000,000
+ -----------
+ 474,598,251
+
+I subjoin the result of my inquiries touching the articles marked No.
+1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
+
+No. 1, 2, 3. The sums mentioned in the preceding statement as arising
+from the revenues numbered as above may be deducted, as concurrent
+testimony induces me to believe, that the expenses consume near the
+whole of the revenue.
+
+No. 4. I have been also assured, that this article is much
+exaggerated.
+
+No. 5. The expenses of this establishment have greatly increased, but
+I have not been able to ascertain the sum.
+
+No. 6. I have heard from good authority, that the expenses of the
+marine in 1776 amounted to one hundred and twentyfour millions of
+reals, owing to the expedition against Portuguese America. In 1777
+they amounted to eightyeight millions of reals, and in 1779 to near
+four hundred millions of reals; which information induces me to
+conclude, that there were great arrears of the expenses of 1778, or
+that the estimate for that year is not exact.
+
+No. 7, 8. The expenses of these departments have greatly augmented.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[27] The American revenue is difficult to ascertain from this
+circumstance; that not arriving regularly and annually, it is
+necessary to have the receipts for several years to be able to form an
+exact calculation of the modium communibus annis.
+
+[28] The birth of the Infant has increased the Court expenses.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
+
+ Madrid, November 30th, 1780.
+
+ Gentlemen,
+
+I have had the honor of receiving from you a letter of the 16th of
+June, and another of the 12th of July, 1780, with the several papers
+mentioned in them. With respect to the subjects of the first, you will
+find them fully discussed in my letter to the President of Congress,
+which will accompany this. The description of the bills will, I hope,
+answer good purposes.
+
+How far the resolution, which immediately follows the one respecting
+Mr Dohrman, can be fully executed, is hard to determine. Had I funds
+necessary for the purpose, I should meet with few difficulties. The
+measure is a wise one, and my attention to it shall be unremitted. In
+a future letter I shall say more on this subject; as yet nothing has
+had time to ripen.
+
+I must request your attention to the necessity of putting your
+correspondence with the public servants in Europe on a better
+footing. I am now at the expense of sending Colonel Livingston to the
+sea side with my despatches, with orders to wait for American vessels,
+and deliver them to the Captain with his own hands. I receive no
+letters by the post, but with marks of inspection, and after much
+delay. Some that I write never come to hand, and I know of letters
+having arrived from America for me, which I have never seen, and never
+expect to see. I know of but one man at the sea ports whom I can
+confide in, viz. Mr Harrison, at Cadiz. I cannot even find a courier,
+that I can depend on. Is it not time for America like other nations to
+provide against these inconveniences by proper regulations and
+establishments? Would it not be well to have American agents or
+consuls in one or more of the ports of France and Spain? Public
+despatches might be sent by packet boats, or other vessels to these
+agents, and should on no account be delivered to any other person; the
+agents might be ordered to send them to the Courts, to which they may
+be directed, by a trusty American; one of the officers of the ship,
+for example; and he should be ordered to wait for, and return with,
+the despatches of the Minister.
+
+Would it not also be proper to provide for the safe conduct of letters
+to Congress after their arrival in America? I have reason not only to
+suspect, but to believe, that certain persons in America are attentive
+to these matters, and care should be taken to keep American letters
+out of their way.
+
+This is an important subject and merits attention. For my own part I
+find several persons here, who have more intelligence from America
+than myself; and it is the more mortifying when considered, that they
+are probably often indebted for their information to the contents of
+letters directed to me.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ INSTRUCTIONS TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ In Congress, February 15th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Congress having since their instructions to you of the 29th of
+September, 1779, and 4th of October, 1780, relative to the claim of
+the United States to the free navigation of the river Mississippi, and
+to a free port or ports below the thirtyfirst degree of north
+latitude, resumed the consideration of that subject, and being
+desirous to manifest to all the world, and particularly to his
+Catholic Majesty, the moderation of their views, the high value they
+place on the friendship of his Catholic Majesty, and their disposition
+to remove every reasonable obstacle to his accession to the alliance
+subsisting between his Most Christian Majesty and these United States,
+in order to unite the more closely in their measures and operations
+three powers who have so great a unity of interests, and thereby to
+compel the common enemy to a speedy, just, and honorable peace; have
+resolved, and you are hereby instructed to recede from the
+instructions above referred to, so far as they insist on the free
+navigation of that part of the river Mississippi, which lies below the
+thirtyfirst degree of north latitude, and on a free port or ports
+below the same; provided such cession shall be unalterably insisted
+upon by Spain; and provided the free navigation of the said river,
+above the said degree of north latitude, shall be acknowledged and
+guarantied by his Catholic Majesty to the citizens of the United
+States in common with his own subjects. It is the order of Congress,
+at the same time, that you exert every possible effort to obtain from
+his Catholic Majesty the use of the river aforesaid, with a free port
+or ports below the said thirtyfirst degree of north latitude for the
+citizens of the United States, under such regulations and restrictions
+only, as may be a necessary safeguard against illicit commerce.
+
+I am, &c.
+
+ SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY
+
+ February 20th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+The President sends you instructions passed in Congress the 15th.
+
+Personally, I am mortified that no letters from you since September
+16th have reached us. We have not waited for the minute information
+promised in yours of that date, nor have we received any notice of
+your receipt of our instructions of October 4th, before we discussed
+anew the old subject. There has been unfair dealing with your
+despatches. I apprehend that we are allowed to see only sentiments
+somewhat different from yours. Perhaps the enclosed memorandum may be
+some clue to your scrutiny.
+
+On the 10th of January, Congress resolved to establish an office for
+foreign affairs, which I hope will make your station more easy and
+reputable. I wish most earnestly to have a choice made of the
+secretary, to whom I may deliver all the papers in my possession
+connected with his duty.
+
+I am, Sir, your friend and humble servant,
+
+ JAMES LOVELL,
+ _For the Committee_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ March 9th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+You will herewith receive gazettes and journals, also a resolve
+respecting the complete ratification of the articles binding the
+Thirteen States as a confederated body. The delay of that business
+appears now like all the other circumstances of our rise and growth;
+for the present is really the best of all times for that particular
+event. Our enemies have been ripening themselves for this capital
+_mentitis_.
+
+We have no letters from you or Mr Carmichael later than those
+mentioned in my last, a copy of which attends this.
+
+I am, Sir, your friend and humble servant,
+
+ JAMES LOVELL.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Madrid, March 22d, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I ought, and wish to write your Excellency a long letter, but not by
+the post. The French fleet is not yet sailed. It will, in my opinion,
+be late in the summer before the fleet at Rhode Island will be
+reinforced. This Court has promised me one hundred and fifty thousand
+dollars. Some clothing is now shipping on account of Congress from
+Cadiz.
+
+Russia has offered her mediation to England and the States-General.
+The latter have accepted it. The answer of the former (if given) is
+not known here. If she should refuse, Russia will probably take part
+with the Dutch; if she accepts, she will doubtless be obliged either
+to agree to terms consistent with the armed neutrality, or continue
+the war. The consequences of either are obvious.
+
+M. Necker has published a state of the French finances, much to his
+honor and their credit. Perhaps a complimentary order to translate and
+publish it would be useful.
+
+Mr Cumberland will set out on his return, through France, in a few
+days.
+
+This letter is intended to go by Captain Trask, from Bilboa. I am told
+he will sail much sooner than had been given out, and that unless my
+letters go by this evening's post, they would arrive too late. Hence I
+am obliged to write in haste, and say little, there being no time for
+cyphers. I have received some letters from your Excellency. Their
+dates shall be mentioned another time.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Madrid, April 25th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I have had the honor of receiving your Excellency's letters of the 6th
+and 17th of October last, with the enclosures. They arrived the 30th
+day of January last. There is more than reason to suspect, that the
+French Court were apprised of their contents before they arrived, and
+to believe that the construction of the treaty, by which the
+navigation of the Mississippi is supposed to be comprehended in the
+guarantee, does not correspond with their ideas on that subject. This
+Court continues pertinaciously to insist on our ceding that
+navigation, nor will they, as yet, listen to any middle line. Whether
+this be their real motive for declining a treaty with us at present,
+or whether the bills drawn upon me have inspired an expectation of
+profiting by our necessities, or whether they flatter themselves with
+a future majority of Congress on that point, or whether they choose,
+by continuing free from engagements with us, to be better enabled to
+improve to their advantage the casualties of the war, are questions
+which still remain undecided. Indeed, the movements of this Court in
+general, when compared with the great rules of national policy
+applicable to their situation, is so inexplicable, that I should not
+be surprised, if it should appear in future, that they had no fixed
+system whatever.
+
+My last particular letter informed your Excellency, that having, in
+September last, been told that his Majesty could not advance us any
+money, but could be responsible for a loan to the amount of one
+hundred and fifty thousand dollars, I determined to continue accepting
+the bills, to attempt the loan, and by a representation of my
+situation to the French Court, endeavor to save the necessity of
+protesting them for non-payment.
+
+I tried to borrow here on the security of this responsibility, but
+without the least success. I attempted it in France, but it would not
+do. I made the like attempt in Holland, and a gleam of hope appearing
+there, I was about improving it, when a letter from America informed
+me, that Mr Adams was authorised to execute the business, which had
+been committed to Mr Laurens. I had heard before of his being in
+Holland, but did not know the object which had called him there.
+Several letters passed between Messrs De Neufville and myself on the
+subject of this loan. The following is a copy of my last to them about
+it.
+
+ TO DE NEUFVILLLE & SON.
+
+ "Madrid, January 8th, 1781.
+
+ "Gentlemen,
+
+ "I have had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 4th
+ ult. together with the one referred to in it.
+
+ "England has, it seems, declared war against the United
+ Provinces, and that in a style of such eminent superiority,
+ as I am persuaded will remind your countrymen, that the
+ United Netherlands are not comprehended among the territories
+ depending on the Crown of Great Britain.
+
+ "The English Ministry, by charging the States with having
+ acted under French influence, intend to alarm their national
+ pride, and, by making Holland the particular object of their
+ resentment, to sow the seeds of dissensions among them, and
+ render that most important Province obnoxious to the others.
+ The tone of the whole declaration is that of a nation going
+ rather to give correction to disobedient vassals, than to war
+ upon a free and independent people. It could have been
+ assumed only upon a persuasion, that the same supposed
+ timidity, to which they ascribed the long forbearance of the
+ Dutch under multiplied insults and injuries, would, on this
+ ostentatious display of terror, reduce them to the
+ humiliating measure of imploring forgiveness for having acted
+ like freemen, and purchasing peace at the expense of their
+ honor and liberty. Every other nation must expect better
+ things of you, and can never believe, that the present
+ generation will want firmness to assert the rights and
+ vindicate the honor of a Republic, which owes its very
+ existence to the glorious spirit and magnanimity of its
+ ancestors.
+
+ "It gives me great satisfaction to hear that Mr Adams has
+ conversed with you on the subject of a loan, and I am
+ persuaded that business will be much advanced by it. The
+ impropriety of two loans at a time is evident. My chief
+ motive in proposing one at the time I did was, that no time
+ might be lost by the absence of Mr Laurens, in prosecuting a
+ measure, which appeared to me highly useful to my country. I
+ have no views or objects separate from her, and, provided she
+ is effectually served, I am well content that the honor of
+ doing it should devolve on others. As the management of our
+ affairs in your country is committed to Mr Adams, I request
+ the favor of you to give him all the aid in your power. When
+ that gentleman went to Holland, I was ignorant of the
+ business which called him thither; and the first knowledge I
+ had of it was from America, long after Mr Laurens's capture.
+ It cannot now be necessary, that my name should appear in the
+ affair of the proposed loan, but should it be in my power to
+ be useful, Mr Adams may rely upon my zealous endeavors to
+ promote that, and every other measure for the public good.
+ Indeed, as matters now stand, delicacy forbids me to
+ interfere further than as a mere auxiliary to Mr Adams, to
+ whom, and to whose affairs I beg you to extend the influence
+ of that generous regard for America, which has placed you so
+ high in the esteem of
+
+ "Gentlemen, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+My last particular despatches contained a copy of my letter to Count
+de Vergennes, requesting his aid. I received from Count de Montmorin
+an extract of a letter he had received from the Minister on that
+subject, in which he mentions the advances made to Dr Franklin, and
+the improbability of his being able to assist me, but concluded with
+saying, he would do his best. Shortly after, I received a letter from
+Count de Vergennes, which left me without hopes of succor from that
+quarter, except that Dr Franklin promised to accept my drafts to the
+amount of twentyfive thousand dollars.
+
+In December following, I had a long and interesting conference with
+Count de Florida Blanca, the particulars of which it is not necessary
+minutely to enumerate by this opportunity. He expressly promised me
+one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. As the bills afterwards became
+due, I applied for money to pay them, and received it to the amount of
+thirtyfour thousand eight hundred and eighty dollars.
+
+On the 15th of March I sent him a list of the bills payable in April,
+which amounted to eightynine thousand and eightythree dollars.
+
+On the 25th, I was informed that the payment of this sum could not
+then be possibly made, but that the balance due on the one hundred and
+fifty thousand dollars promised, should be paid in the course of six
+months.
+
+I communicated this matter to the Ambassador of France, and I must do
+him the justice to say, that his conduct on this occasion merits our
+thanks. All he could obtain from this Court was, that the amount of
+the April bills should be paid me in six equal monthly payments. This
+arrangement still leaving me unprovided with the means of satisfying
+the approaching demands, the Ambassador made personal application to a
+rich banker here, and on his personal credit and my consenting that
+the aforesaid six monthly payments should be applied to the repayment,
+obtained a loan for me of the whole sum wanted for April. I have
+passed my note for it, payable as soon as possible, with interest at
+the rate of six per cent. But this provision not extending beyond
+April, the fate of the bills payable in the succeeding months still
+remained dubious. That nothing in my power might be left undone, I
+sent on the 1st of April an express to Dr Franklin representing to him
+my true situation, and the injuries our credit would sustain from the
+protest of a single bill drawn by order of Congress. I desired him to
+communicate my letter to Colonel Laurens, to whom I also wrote on the
+subject. The express returned on the 19th instant, with a letter from
+Dr Franklin, by which I am authorised to draw upon him as occasion may
+require, to the amount of one hundred and fortytwo thousand two
+hundred and twenty dollars, towards paying the bills that become due
+between May and September.
+
+My endeavors, however, to obtain further aids from Spain, shall not be
+relaxed. They seem very desirous of having the ships of the line,
+still unfinished on the stocks at Boston and Portsmouth. I have
+written to your Excellency on this subject, and have as yet received
+no answer. When I consider that the state of our finances has so long
+prevented the completing those ships, and the difficulties heretofore
+experienced in providing for those in service; when I recollect that
+the finishing and fitting out those ships will bring money into our
+country, and probably prepare the way for Spain's building more
+vessels in it, and lastly, when I consider how much these ships seem
+to be an object, I am almost prevailed upon to engage positively that
+Spain shall have at least one of them at prime cost. To exercise a
+power not clearly within the limits of those confided to me, is a
+delicate and disagreeable business. This is the first time I ever
+found myself disposed to hazard it, and yet so many circumstances lead
+me to think, that the public good would be promoted by the sale of
+these ships, that in case I should be again pressed on this subject, I
+believe I shall run the risk, from a persuasion that though such
+conduct ought not to be approved or encouraged by Congress, yet that
+when directed by the purest motives, and for the best purpose, it may
+obtain forgiveness.
+
+Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed a copy of the invoice
+of prize clothing, taken by Admiral Cordova, and presented by the
+Courts of France and Spain to Congress. The Count de Montmorin was
+very much an American on this occasion also. Mr Harrison, at Cadiz,
+has my orders to ship these goods in different vessels to America;
+part of them is now on the ocean, and the rest will soon follow. Your
+Excellency will receive a letter of advice with each parcel from Mr
+Harrison, of whom I have a very good opinion. He charges no commission
+for doing this business, being contented with the satisfaction of
+serving his country.
+
+I have often mentioned to Congress the necessity of more effectual
+provision for our captive seamen; for want of money I cannot pay that
+attention to them, which their misfortunes and usefulness demand. I am
+already greatly in arrears on their account, and Mr Harrison, unless
+reimbursed, must soon stop his hand.
+
+Portugal, though overawed by France and Spain, fears and perhaps
+loves England; her conduct will be determined by future events. The
+Minister here has promised me to interpose the good offices of his
+Court with that of Lisbon in our behalf. In time something good may
+result from it. I have not received a line from Mr Dohrman; I fear he
+is obliged to be very circumspect and cautious. The letters herewith
+enclosed from Dr Franklin were left open for my perusal, the short
+stay of my courier not allowing time for copies to be made of the
+information conveyed in and with them. The intercepted letters will be
+found interesting. One of them ascertains the price paid Arnold.
+
+I perceive that Dr Franklin desires to retire. This circumstance calls
+upon me to assure Congress, that I have reason to be perfectly
+satisfied with his conduct towards me, and that I have received from
+him all the aid and attention I could wish or expect. His character is
+very high here, and I really believe that the respectability, which he
+enjoys throughout Europe, has been of general use to our cause and
+country.
+
+Your Excellency may rely on my cordially adopting and pursuing any
+measures, that can conduce to the enlargement of Mr Laurens, and I
+regret that no occasion has yet offered in which I could do anything
+towards the attainment of that desirable object.
+
+Mr Cumberland is on the road home. I much suspect that he was sent and
+received, from mutual views in the two Courts of deceiving each other.
+Which of them has been most successful is hard to determine. I believe
+in point of intelligence, England has had the advantage. As to the
+assurances of the Minister on this subject, they are all of little
+consequence, because on such occasions Courts only say what may be
+convenient; and therefore may or may not merit confidence. Time and
+circumstances will cast more light on this subject.
+
+Whatever we may get from this Court is clear gain. We have no demands
+upon it, and if we had, are not in a capacity to insist upon them. In
+my opinion, therefore, it is of the utmost importance to avoid
+appearances of discontent, and rather to impress other nations with
+an opinion of the friendship of Spain for us, than otherwise. Indeed,
+I really believe the King means well towards us, and that the Prime
+Minister is also well disposed; but whether as much can be said of the
+Minister's confidential and I believe influential secretary, M. Del
+Campo, is by no means a clear point. It is proper that Congress should
+know, that the gentleman intended to succeed M. Mirales was
+recommended by M. Del Campo, with whom he has long been on terms of
+intimacy and friendship.
+
+I have nevertheless no room to doubt of this gentleman's attachment to
+our cause, though I am inclined to think his conduct will be
+conformable in a certain degree with the views of his patron. This
+ought to remain a secret. He is still here, although he expects daily
+to be despatched.
+
+I represented the case of the Dover cutter to the Ministry here the
+22d of June last. In December I obtained a promise that it should be
+appraised, and the value paid to the captors, and two days ago I was
+again assured, that measures were taking to bring this matter to a
+conclusion. _Festina Lente_ seems to be the first maxim in Spanish
+politics and operations. It is the fashion of the country and
+strangers must conform to it.
+
+I congratulate Congress on the victory obtained by General Morgan, and
+the success of the French in the Chesapeake. The enclosed gazette
+contains much good news from the East Indies. These events will
+probably give Lord George Germain other ideas than those which appear
+in his intercepted letters.
+
+M. Toscan, who goes to reside as Vice Consul of France at Boston, will
+carry this letter to America, and perhaps to Philadelphia. He was
+ready to set out when my courier returned from France. I was obliged
+to delay my letters till his arrival, and M. Toscan has been so
+obliging as to wait till I could complete them.
+
+I have the honor to be, Sir, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ In Congress, May 28th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Your letter of the 6th of November last, detailing your proceedings
+from the 26th of May down to that period, has been received by the
+United States in Congress assembled. At the same time was received
+your letter of the 30th of November, with the several papers therein
+referred to.
+
+It is with pleasure, Sir, I obey the direction of Congress to inform
+you, that throughout the whole course of your negotiations and
+transactions, in which the utmost address and discernment were often
+necessary to reconcile the respect due to the dignity of the United
+States with the urgency of their wants, and the complaisance expected
+by the Spanish Court, your conduct is entirely approved by them. It is
+their instruction that you continue to acknowledge, on all suitable
+occasions, the grateful impression made on these States by the
+friendly disposition manifested toward them by his Catholic Majesty,
+and particularly by the proofs given of it in the measures which he
+has taken, and which it is hoped he will further take, for preserving
+their credit, and for aiding them with a supply of clothing for their
+army. You are also authorised and instructed to disavow, in the most
+positive and explicit terms, any secret understanding or negotiation
+between the United States and Great Britain; to assure his Catholic
+Majesty, that such insinuations have no other source than the
+invidious designs of the common enemy, and that as the United States
+have the highest confidence in the honor and good faith both of his
+Most Christian and of his Catholic Majesty, so it is their inviolable
+determination to take no step, which shall depart in the smallest
+degree from their engagements with either.
+
+Should the Court of Spain persist in the refusal intimated by its
+Minister to accede to the treaty between the United States and his
+Most Christian Majesty, or to make it the basis of its negotiation
+with you, the difficulty, it is conceived, may easily be avoided by
+omitting all express reference to that treaty, and at the same time
+conforming to the principles and tenor of it; and you are accordingly
+authorised so far to vary the plan of your original instructions. As
+his Most Christian Majesty however may justly expect, in a matter
+which so nearly concerns him, and which was brought into contemplation
+in the treaty he so magnanimously entered into with these States, the
+strongest marks of attention and confidence, you will not fail to
+maintain, in the several steps of your negotiation, a due
+communication with his Minister at the Court of Spain, and to include
+his interests as far as circumstances will warrant.
+
+You are authorised to acquaint his Catholic Majesty that not only
+entire liberty will be granted, during the war at least, to export
+naval stores for the royal marine, but that every facility will be
+afforded for that purpose.
+
+As Congress have no control over the captains of private vessels,
+however proper your hints may be of obliging them to give a passage to
+American seamen returning home from foreign ports, and to send an
+officer with despatches intrusted to them for foreign Ministers, it is
+impracticable to carry them into execution, you will therefore
+continue to provide for these objects for the present, in the best
+manner you can. As soon as the United States are in condition to
+establish consuls in the principal ports of the States with which they
+have intercourse, the difficulty will be removed; or if any other
+practicable remedy be suggested in the meantime, it will be applied.
+
+The letter, of which you enclose a copy, from Stephen d'Audibert
+Caille, styling himself consul for unrepresented nations at the Court
+of Morocco, had before been received through the hands of Dr Franklin.
+If you shall have no objection to the contrary, you will correspond
+with him, and assure him in terms the most respectful to the Emperor,
+that the United States in Congress assembled entertain a sincere
+disposition to cultivate the most perfect friendship with him, and
+that they will embrace a favorable occasion to announce their wishes
+in form.
+
+The generous and critical services rendered these United States by
+Messrs Neufville and Son, have recommended them to the esteem and
+confidence of Congress. You will signify as much to them, and that
+their services will not be forgotten, whenever a proper occasion
+offers of promoting their interests.
+
+Your intimation with respect to complimenting his Catholic Majesty
+with a handsome, fast sailing packet-boat, claims attention; but the
+variety of public embarrassments will render the execution of it very
+uncertain.
+
+Congress agree to an extension of Colonel Livingston's furlough, till
+the further order of Congress, which you will make known to him.
+
+Your letter of the 16th of September last was received on the 4th day
+of December. No bills have been drawn on you since. That of the 28th
+of January was received on the 27th day of April; and in consequence
+of it the sale of the bills already drawn, but then remaining on hand,
+was countermanded.
+
+By a letter from Mr Carmichael, dated the 22d of February, and
+received on the 27th of April last, Congress are informed that you had
+received despatches from them dated in October. These must have
+contained their instructions to you to adhere to the claim of the
+United States to the navigation of the Mississippi. A reconsideration
+of that subject determined Congress, on the 15th day of February last,
+to recede from that instruction so far as it insisted on their claim
+to the navigation of that river below the thirtyfirst degree of north
+latitude, and to a free port or ports below the same. On the receipt
+of this latter instruction, Congress have little doubt that the great
+obstacle to your negotiations will be removed, and that you will not
+only be able without further delay to conclude the proposed alliance
+with his Catholic Majesty, but that the liberality and friendly
+disposition manifested on the part of the United States by such a
+cession, will induce him to afford them some substantial and effectual
+aid in the article of money. The loss attending the negotiation of
+bills of exchange has been severely felt. A supply of specie through
+the Havana would be much more convenient and acceptable.
+
+ SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, _President_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Aranjues, May 29th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+My last to your Excellency was of the 25th ult. and was the more
+particular, as Mr Toscan, who is appointed Vice Consul of France at
+Boston, and was the bearer of it; he sailed from Bilboa.
+
+On the 18th instant I received from Mr Lovell three letters written on
+one sheet, viz. 20th of February, 9th and 31st of March last. No other
+copies of these letters ever reached me. They arrived at Cadiz in the
+Virginia; but the papers and journals said to accompany them never
+came to my hands, nor have I received any letters from your Excellency
+since January last.
+
+On the 23d instant I waited upon his Excellency, the Count de Florida
+Blanca, and informed him of the facts stated in the above memorial. He
+said, he had not as yet heard anything upon the subject; that there
+was such an ordinance, and that prudence demanded that the admission
+of letters from abroad, especially in time of war, should be under the
+direction of government. That the situation of North America rendered
+new regulations necessary, that he would turn his thoughts to it, and
+do what should appear equitable. The next day I sent him Mr Harrison's
+memorial in a letter on the subject of it.
+
+As this letter will go by the post, I must omit being minute about
+many matters, which I wish to communicate to Congress. Cyphers would
+probably impede the progress of this letter, if not stop it.
+
+The captors of the Dover cutter still remain unsatisfied. My first
+memorial on that subject was dated and presented the 22d of June last.
+In the winter I was promised, that the prize should be appraised, and
+the value paid. At present I am assured that informations about it are
+taking.
+
+M. Gardoqui, it is said, will set out in June. If a safe conveyance,
+which I am encouraged to expect in about a fortnight's time, should
+offer, I shall write your Excellency a long letter, and mention the
+dates of my former ones. If not, I shall take another method, not
+proper to explain in this letter, which, notwithstanding its different
+covers, will, I doubt not, be inspected before it reaches Cadiz.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Philadelphia, June 4th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+I enclose a resolve of Congress, of May 24th, respecting an interest
+of Messrs Dumain and Lyon, with their petition annexed. I also add the
+copy of a resolve of September the 27th, 1780, and of a short letter
+of mine to a gentleman in Teneriffe, to serve as a memorandum in case
+you have not already procured justice for Mr Magnall and his
+associates, who took the Dover cutter. Mr McCarrick of Santa Cruz is
+knowing to all the circumstances of that affair. Magnall has been
+unfortunate from the time he left this place last October; he is now
+here. I do not know whether this is the matter referred to in the
+letter of Mr Carmichael of December 24th, where he says, "The Minister
+also engaged to do justice to certain Americans, who carried a British
+privateer to the Canaries." I send you an extract from instructions
+given to Dr Franklin concerning M. d'Audibert Caille, which may serve
+to govern your conduct towards that gentleman.
+
+Your humble servant,
+
+ JAMES LOVELL.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Philadelphia, June 15th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+On the 4th I transmitted to you a resolve of May 24th, respecting an
+interest of Messrs Dumain and Lyon, with their petition annexed. You
+will herewith receive other copies of those papers by opportunities,
+which the party concerned will industriously find. I recommend the
+business afresh to your attention, those worthy men having already met
+with vexatious delays on this side of the water.
+
+With much esteem I am, Sir, your friend,
+
+ JAMES LOVELL.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT MORRIS TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 4th, 1781.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+The derangement of our money affairs, the enormity of our public
+expenditures, the confusion in all our departments, the languor of our
+general system, the complexity and consequent inefficacy of our
+operations; these are some among the many reasons which have induced
+Congress to the appointment of a Superintendent of Finance. I enclose
+you copies of their resolutions on that subject, with such other
+papers as will fully explain to you my appointment and powers.
+
+The use of this office must be found in a progress towards the
+accomplishment of these two capital objects, the raising a revenue
+with the greatest convenience to the people, and the expenditure of it
+with the greatest economy to the public.
+
+The various requisitions of Congress to the several States, none of
+them entirely complied with, create a considerable balance in favor of
+the United States, and the claiming this balance is delivered over to
+me as revenue; while on the other hand, the dangerous practice of
+taking articles for the public service and giving certificates to the
+people, has created a very general and a very heavy debt. The amount
+of this debt is swelled beyond all reasonable bounds, nor can the
+extent of it be at present estimated. These things need no
+explanation, but it may be proper to observe, that if the certificates
+were not in my way, there is still an infinite difference between the
+demand of a balance from the States, and an effectual revenue. The
+latter can be obtained only in consequence of wise laws generally
+adopted, and as generally executed with vigor and decision. Were all
+that is necessary on these heads accomplished, something further would
+still remain to be done, in order that the produce of taxes should he
+subject to the sole and absolute disposition of the United States, or
+of their officers. To you who are acquainted with republican
+governments, it is unnecessary to observe on the delays which will
+arise, the obstacles which will be raised, and the time which will be
+consumed, in placing the revenue of America on a proper footing. Yet
+this is absolutely necessary before credit can be established, and the
+indispensable supplies obtained on terms of economy.
+
+To reform our expenditure is an object of equal importance with the
+other, and it is in some degree within my power, as you will perceive
+it to have been subjected to my authority. But even here I find myself
+trammeled by the want of necessary funds. To contract, for instance,
+with any one, in order to obtain bread for our troops, requires the
+previous certainty of being able to make the stipulated payments. And
+so in every other case, I shall be unable to act with decision, unless
+I have the command of money. On the other hand, the people will bear
+with great reluctance the necessary imposition of heavy burthens,
+while they can perceive any want of arrangement, method, or economy,
+in the administration of their affairs.
+
+If for a moment we suppose, that this country, amid the confusions of a
+revolution, and the rage of war, could be governed with all the
+regularity, wisdom, and prudence, of ancient and peaceable nations;
+yet we must be convinced, that no annual revenue she is able to raise
+could equal the annual expense in an offensive war against so powerful
+a nation, as that which we now contend with. A great balance,
+therefore, must remain, and it must be provided for by loans or
+subsidies.
+
+To expect loans within the United States, presupposes an ability to
+lend, which does not exist in any considerable number of the
+inhabitants. The personal property, not immediately engaged, either in
+commerce or the improvement of lands, was never very considerable.
+Little as it was, it has been greatly diminished by the pernicious
+effects of a depreciating medium. This expedient, which was adopted in
+the beginning from necessity, and too pertinaciously adhered to in the
+sequel, has not only exhausted the funds of those who might have been
+willing to trust the United States, but it has so wounded our public
+credit, that even the will would be wanting if the ability existed,
+which as I said before, it really does not.
+
+While we have neither credit nor means at home, it is idle to expect
+much from individuals abroad. Our foreign credit must be nurtured with
+tenderness and attention before it can possess any great degree of
+force, and it must be fed by substantial revenue, before we can call
+it into active exertion or derive beneficial effects from its
+application.
+
+All reasonable expectation, therefore, is narrowed down to the
+friendly interposition of those sovereigns, who are associates in the
+war. From Holland, we can properly ask nothing; nor is she, I believe,
+in a capacity to grant it if we did ask. The active efforts of France
+require all the resources of that great nation, and of consequence the
+pecuniary aid which she affords us can but little advance the general
+cause, however it may relieve our immediate distress.
+
+We must then turn our eyes to Spain, and we must ask either loans or
+subsidies to a very considerable amount. Small sums are not worth the
+acceptance. They have the air of obligation without affording relief.
+A small sum, therefore, is not an object to the United States, for
+they do not mean to beg gratuities, but to make rational requests.
+
+As Congress have empowered you to remove the obstacles, which have
+hitherto impeded your negotiations, you will doubtless proceed with
+prudent despatch in forming the important treaties, which are to be
+the basis of our national connexion. Your own integrity, and the
+dispositions which you certainly feel, as the true representative of
+your Sovereign, to gratify the wishes of his Catholic Majesty, will
+give you just claim to the confidence and friendly support of his
+Ministers. And on the other hand, his Majesty's known piety and
+justice, will certainly induce him to facilitate a permanent union
+between the two countries, and to overturn that power, whose ambition
+is known, felt, and detested, throughout the habitable globe.
+
+Having a perfect confidence in the wisdom of his Majesty's Ministers,
+I must request that you will submit to their consideration the
+reasons, which operate in favor of the advances we expect. In doing
+this, it will immediately strike you and them, that the enemy carries
+on the operations against us at an expense infinitely greater than
+that by which they are opposed. By enabling us, therefore, to increase
+our resistance, and redouble our offensive efforts, the British will
+be reduced to the necessity of increasing their force in America, or
+of submitting beneath a decided superiority. Either must be fatal to
+them. In the first instance, they will be crushed by the weight of
+expense; and, in the second, they must, while they lose an actual
+force, and part forever with the object in contest, feel the increased
+weight of the American arms, and make head against those resources,
+applied to a marine, which are now consumed in land operations.
+
+Money ought, therefore, to be supplied to us from the Havana, which
+will at the same time save the risk of transporting it to Europe,
+while, as I have already observed, it must, when employed among us,
+absolutely ruin the common enemy. For, when once they are driven from
+the United States, they must, at a considerable expense, defend, or,
+at a great loss, relinquish the rest of their American possessions;
+and, in either case, the resources of this country will enable France
+and Spain to carry on operations for the subjection of the British
+Islands.
+
+With respect to our finance, I am further to observe, that the
+resolutions of Congress, of the 18th of March, 1780, have neither been
+so regularly adopted by the States as was hoped and expected, nor been
+productive of those consequences, which were intended. It is
+unnecessary to travel into the causes, or to explain the reasons of
+this event. The fact is clear. The new money is depreciated, and there
+is the strong evidence of experience to convince us, that the issuing
+of paper, at present, must be ineffectual. Taxation has not yet been
+pursued to that extent, which was necessary. Neither is it reasonable
+to expect that it should. Time has been required under all governments
+to accustom the people by degrees to bear heavy burdens. The people of
+America have so patiently endured the various calamities of the war,
+that there is good reason to expect they will not shrink at this late
+hour from the imposition of just and equal taxes. But many
+arrangements are necessary to this purpose, and, therefore, an
+immediate pecuniary assistance is the more necessary to us. Our debts,
+under which I comprise, as well those of the individual States, as
+those of the Union, are but trifling, when we consider the exertions
+which have been made. The debt I have already mentioned on
+certificates is heavy, not from the real amount, but because it is
+beyond what the supplies obtained were reasonably worth, and because
+it impedes taxation and impairs its effects. But the amount of other
+debts so small, that a few years of peace would bring it within the
+bounds of a revenue very moderate, when compared with the wealth of
+our country. You well know the rapid increase of that wealth, and how
+soon it would relieve us from the weight of debts, which might be in
+the first instance very burdensome. There can, therefore, be no doubt,
+that we shall be able to pay all those, which it may be necessary to
+contract. But, as I have already observed, our great difficulty is the
+want of means in our people, and of credit in our government.
+
+It gives me, however, very great pleasure to inform you, that the
+determined spirit of the country is by no means abated either by the
+continuance of the war, the ravages of our enemy, the expense of blood
+and treasure we have sustained, or the artifices, falsehoods, and
+delusions of an insidious foe. These last become daily more and more
+contemptible in America, and it appears equally astonishing, that they
+should longer attempt them here, or boast the success of such attempts
+in Europe. Uniform experience has shown the futility of their efforts,
+and the falsehood of their assertions. I know they take the advantage
+of every little success to vaunt the prowess of their troops and
+proclaim hopes of conquest, which they do not feel. But those, who
+know anything of our history or situation, must have the utmost
+contempt for all these gasconades. It is impossible they should make
+impression upon any but weak minds, and I should hardly have thought
+of mentioning them, but I learn by letters from Spain, that men, who
+are uninformed, have been led into misapprehensions from
+circumstances, which were here considered as trivial and even
+favorable.
+
+I could hardly have supposed that our enemies had still the folly to
+repeat, as I am told they do, that there is an English party in
+America. Bribes and deceit have induced some wicked and weak men to
+join them; but when we consider the sums they have expended, and the
+falsehoods they have used, our wonder is not, that they have got so
+many, but that they have gained so few. The independence of America is
+considered here as established; so much so, that even those of
+equivocal character accustom themselves to cherish the idea; for the
+doubt is not now, whether an acknowledgment of it will take place, but
+when that acknowledgment will be made. Our exertions also, in the
+present moment, are not so much directed to establish our liberties,
+as to prevent the ravages of the enemy, abridge the duration and
+calamities of the war, and faithfully contribute to the reduction of a
+power, whose ambition was equally dangerous and offensive to every
+other.
+
+All reasonings on this subject must be deeply enforced, by paying
+attention to what has happened in the Southern States. The progress of
+the enemy, while in appearance it menaced the conquest of that
+extensive region, tended only, in effect, to exhaust him by fruitless
+efforts, so that at length a handful of men have rescued the whole
+from his possession. The attack on Virginia (if the piratical
+incursions there can deserve that name) has been equally futile. The
+commanders may indeed have enriched themselves by plunder, and many
+worthy families have been distressed; but what is the consequence?
+Indignation and resentment have stimulated even the weak and indolent
+to action. The wavering are confirmed, and the firm are exasperated,
+so that every hour, and by every operation, they create enemies,
+instead of gaining subjects.
+
+Our armies, though not very numerous, are powerful. The regular troops
+are so much improved in discipline and the habits of a military life,
+that they are at least equal to any troops in the world. Our militia
+are becoming more and more warlike, so as to supply the wants of
+regular troops, when the enemy (taking advantage of that convenience,
+which their ships afford them) transfer the scene of action from one
+place to another. The number of the British diminishes daily, and of
+consequence, our superiority becomes daily more decisive. The greatest
+plenty of subsistence is to be had for our armies, and the prospects
+from the present harvest are beyond all former experience. I wish I
+could add, that clothing and military stores were as abundant as those
+other requisites for war. This is not the case; our soldiers, indeed,
+are well armed, and, in some degree, they are clothed. We have also
+ammunition abundantly sufficient for the common operations of the
+field. But many of our militia are unarmed, and the sieges, which will
+be necessary to expel the enemy, must make a heavy deduction from our
+military stores.
+
+The proposed siege of New York will soon be commenced, and would
+undoubtedly be successful, if we could maintain a decided superiority
+at sea. This must depend on contingencies, which are not in our power,
+nor perhaps in the power of any human being. I am not without hopes,
+even if we should not possess that superiority; but the expense will,
+from the want of it, be very considerably enhanced, and this is a
+circumstance which I cannot but deplore, for I repeat it again, the
+want of money can alone prevent us from making the greatest
+exertions. What our exertions have already been, our enemies
+themselves must acknowledge, and while from insidious views, they
+assert that they could not make an impression on us with ninety
+thousand soldiers and seamen, we are certainly authorised to conclude
+from this confession, that these States form a considerable balance in
+the scale against them.
+
+I am now, therefore, again led to reiterate my request of a
+considerable sum of money from Spain; for I also again repeat, that
+small sums are not worth our acceptance, and I may add, they are
+unworthy the dignity of his Catholic Majesty. There can be no doubt,
+nor will the Spanish Ministry deny, that there is a considerable risk
+in transporting their money from the new world to the old, besides,
+that when expended there, it necessarily runs through the different
+channels of commerce, to feed the wants and invigorate the forces of
+the enemy. There is, therefore, a double policy in expending a part of
+it here, where it can not only be brought with safety and despatch,
+but be employed to an immense advantage, when compared with its
+effects in Europe. If it be asked, what advantages Spain will derive
+in particular during the war, and what recompense can be made her
+after the peace? I answer, that the weakening more the common enemy by
+a given sum, is in itself a great advantage, and that to do this, by
+sparing the blood of Spanish subjects, is an advantage still greater.
+I add, that when relieved from the enemy, we may assist her in the
+reduction of the Floridas and Bahamas, and, perhaps, of Jamaica. We
+shall then, also, be in a situation to secure Nova Scotia, thereby
+depriving Great Britain of her principal resource for ship-timber, and
+enable us to furnish that essential article to the navy of Spain, on
+cheaper and better terms, than it can be had elsewhere. On this last
+subject, I have further to observe, that there is hardly anything in
+which the maritime power of Spain is so much interested; for if we do
+not possess that country, it will be impracticable to furnish those
+supplies of masts and spars, which both France and Spain may stand in
+need of; so that, of consequence, their positive and absolute strength
+at sea will be the less, while that of the enemy is positively and
+absolutely greater. The comparative inferiority, therefore, will be
+still more considerable. Nor is this all. A marine requires men, as
+well as ships. The fisheries and collieries are two pillars, which
+support the marine of Britain, so far forth as seamen are required.
+But it is evident, that the fisheries could not long continue in her
+hands, if she were deprived of Nova Scotia. Here again, we are also to
+consider, that there is an immense difference between that patient
+resistance, whose opposition must at length weary the enemy into
+granting our independence, and those vigorous active operations, which
+may wrest from them their present possessions. Money is necessary for
+the latter, and I can say with confidence, that money alone is
+necessary.
+
+But to return. The advantages which will flow to Spain at a peace,
+from giving effectual aid to our finances now, will be, in the first
+place, the common compensation of repayment, should his Catholic
+Majesty prefer loans to subsidies. The having expelled the English
+from the Bay of Mexico, and having, by that means, prevented the
+contraband commerce, so destructive to his revenue, will be another
+striking advantage, which cannot have escaped the penetration of his
+Ministers. But this is not all. The opening a port in East Florida, on
+the shores of the Atlantic, under proper regulations and
+restrictions, would enable us to carry on a commerce very advantageous
+to Spain, because we could furnish all such supplies of provisions,
+&c. as their possessions might stand in need of, and in return, take
+at port, cocoa, logwood, Nicaragua wood, and, indeed, any other
+commodities, which his Catholic Majesty should find it for the
+advantage of his dominions to permit the exportation of. Our commerce
+with Spain is also, in itself, a very considerable object. At this
+moment, we take from thence wine, oil, fruit, silk, cloth, &c. And
+after the conclusion of the war, our remittances of wheat, corn, fish,
+and naval stores, will be of very great consequence to the commerce of
+that country. Another article of commerce will be the building of
+ships, which can be had on cheaper and better terms here than
+elsewhere; and there can be no doubt but that the construction of
+ships in this country is equal, if not superior, to that in any other.
+Even now, ships might be built on his Majesty's account, though by no
+means so cheaply as in times of peace; besides that, as there is now
+no seasoned timber in the country, such ships would not be durable,
+and, therefore, it might, perhaps, be imprudent to get any more than
+are immediately necessary.
+
+To all the other advantages, which would arise to his Catholic
+Majesty, I may add, (although that is not so properly within my
+department,) the security, which his dominions would derive from our
+guarantee. This is an advantage, which must be the more evident from a
+consideration of what might have happened, had this country continued
+in union with Great Britain, and had Great Britain pursued those
+schemes of universal empire, which the virtue and fortitude of America
+first checked, and which it is the object of the present war to
+frustrate. Our enemies do, I know, allege, that our weakness is unable
+to withstand them, and that our force is dangerous to Spain. The
+serious refutation of such absurd contradictions would involve an
+absurdity. It may not, however, be improper to observe, that the
+attention of this country, for a century past, has been, and for a
+century to come, most probably will be, entirely turned to agriculture
+and commerce. We must always, therefore, be useful neighbors, and
+never dangerous, except to those who may have views of dominion. Spain
+can never be in this predicament, though the British may and will.
+Their solicitude, therefore, to inspire apprehensions of us is, and
+ought to be, the strongest argument against entertaining them. But, if
+this evident reasoning did not exist, still the conduct of Congress,
+with regard to his Catholic Majesty, has been so just, and even
+generous, not only in being willing to secure his rights, but to
+gratify him by foregoing their own, that there is not room for the
+shadow of suspicion. This conduct, I should suppose, would alone have
+weight sufficient to procure what it is my object to request, if the
+other very cogent and conclusive reasons for it did not apply. And,
+after all, if it be considered how much greater is the interest of
+Spain at the vigorous continuance of the present war, than that of any
+other of the associates, I cannot permit myself one moment to doubt of
+your success. I am the more sanguine from the character of the
+Catholic King, and of his Ministers, for wisdom, candor, and
+integrity. These qualities will, I am sure, meet such corresponding
+dispositions in the United States, that the most thorough harmony and
+coalition must inevitably take place. This is an object of the
+greatest importance to both countries. Mutual benefits and the
+reciprocation of good offices will endear a connexion between them,
+and their interests require that this connexion should be of the
+closest kind.
+
+In every point of view, therefore, that we can consider the subject,
+the advance I have mentioned must appear alike beneficial. If the
+Governor of Cuba, or any other person, were duly authorised,
+stipulations might even now be entered into for furnishing all
+necessary supplies of provisions to the fleets and armies of his
+Catholic Majesty, which would certainly facilitate their operations.
+The advance of money also by Spain would enable the fleets and troops
+of France to subsist cheaper than at present, because it would tend to
+raise the exchange here, which is now too low.
+
+Your own good sense will suggest to you many other most forcible
+arguments, as well as the proper time and manner of applying them. It
+is necessary to mention, that the sum of five million dollars may,
+perhaps, be sufficient for our present emergencies; but if a greater
+sum can be obtained, we shall thereby become more extensively useful.
+Whatever the grant may be, it will be proper that it be sent hither in
+some Spanish ships of war from the Havana, or advanced to us there; in
+which latter case, we will devise the means of bringing it away.
+Whether to ask for subsidies, or loans, as well as the terms on which
+either are to be obtained, these, Sir, are objects, which you are
+fully competent to determine upon. I have only to wish that your
+applications may meet with that success, which I am confident you will
+not fail to merit. As the means of facilitating your views, I shall
+apply to the Minister of his Most Christian Majesty here, to write on
+the same subject to the French Ambassador at Madrid. The generous
+conduct of France gives just ground of reliance on her friendly
+assistance; and you are too well convinced of this, not to act in the
+most perfect harmony with the servants of that Court, especially on an
+occasion so important as the present. I need not stimulate your
+activity, by observing how precious is every moment of time in those
+affairs, on which the fate of Empires depends; nor need I suggest the
+importance of a treaty, and particularly a subsidiary treaty with
+Spain, in that moment, when the judgment of Europe is to be passed on
+the fate of America. For, however impracticable it may be to subdue
+us, it is undoubtedly of moment to hasten the approach of that period,
+when the acknowledgment of our independence shall give the blessings
+of peace to so many contending nations. To spare the present lavish
+effusion of blood and treasure, is a serious object with those, who
+feel, as you do, the emotions of benevolence; and I am confident, that
+the patriotism, which has inspired your conduct, will prompt you to
+obtain a peace honorable for your country and advantageous to her
+friends. The only probable method to effect these things, is a
+thorough union of forces and resources, to reduce the pride and power
+of that aspiring nation, whose ambition embroils the universe.
+
+With all possible respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT MORRIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT MORRIS TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 7th, 1781.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+This will accompany my former letter of the 4th instant, which you
+will perceive to be so written, as that it may be shown, if
+necessary, to the Spanish Minister. You will make such use of it as
+prudence may dictate. I would gladly now give you details of our
+situation and plans for reforming it, but I have not yet sufficiently
+obtained the one, nor matured the other. Whenever I am in capacity to
+apprize you fully of these things, you shall hear from me at large on
+the subject. At present I can only inform you that a sum of hard money
+will, from particular circumstances, afford us relief and turn to our
+advantage far beyond what might be supposed from the amount. Although
+I have stated the demand at five millions, yet I beg you will take as
+much as you can obtain, though it be far short of that sum. But at the
+same time, I repeat, that a very small one is not worth the
+acceptance. Knowing our wants to be great, you will judge properly as
+to what we can accept consistently with our dignity.
+
+I enclose you a cypher, and with the duplicate of my letters I will
+send you another. Should both arrive safe, you will be so kind as to
+hand one to Mr Carmichael, letting me know which you keep and write
+by.
+
+I have the honor to be your Excellency's most obedient and humble
+servant,
+
+ ROBERT MORRIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT MORRIS TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Office of Finance, July 9th, 1781.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Observing by your correspondence with Congress, that you are put to a
+good deal of expense by American seamen arriving from captivity at
+Cadiz, where they also grow very troublesome, I offer the following
+proposal to your consideration. Authorise Mr Harrison, or whoever may
+be your agent at Cadiz, to enter into contracts with such Americans as
+present themselves for the bounty of their country, to proceed from
+Cadiz, in such ship or vessel as he may provide for the purpose, for
+such port within the United States as he may appoint, at the monthly
+wages of six or eight Spanish dollars, to be paid as soon after their
+arrival in America as the cargo of the vessel shall be landed. After
+they sign such contract, he is to supply their wants sparingly, until
+he collects a sufficient number to man a suitable vessel, which he may
+procure either by charter or purchase, whichever may be in his power,
+and shall appear most eligible at the time. If he charter, it should
+be on such terms that the owners risk their vessel, putting in their
+own master, and, if they choose it, part of the seamen. The vessel to
+be loaded with salt for account and risk of the United States; freight
+so much per bushel or so much per ton to America and back. But in that
+case, let it be always a condition, that the vessel may be ordered
+from the first place she arrives, to any one other port in America;
+because, it may happen that she will arrive where there cannot be got
+a cargo to load her back, or where the salt would be of no use.
+
+If your funds will admit of it, and vessels can be furnished cheap,
+this would be the more eligible mode of doing the business, because I
+could then either send the vessels back, or sell, as might suit best.
+In case of purchase, they should be fast sailers, with good sails and
+rigging, well found and fitted, and if armed, so much the better.
+Honest, active, industrious, and faithful masters must be provided for
+these vessels, and they must all come addressed to my order, directed
+for this port, with liberty however to get into any safe port they
+can. The master to give me immediate notice of his arrival, when I
+shall give proper orders, or probably have them previously ready. An
+account of the moneys advanced to each person on board these vessels,
+as well as the cost and outfit of the ship and cost of the cargo, must
+be sent me by each vessel, in order that proper deductions may be made
+from the people, and proper credits be given for the costs. You will
+observe, I am duly empowered by Congress to export and import for
+account and risk of the United States; and I think this plan so likely
+to benefit the public, that I very freely give my sanction to it,
+provided you can find the money. Your agent must give me regular
+advice of every expedition, and inform you also whenever he commences
+them. When a ship is provided and a master appointed, all the men
+should sign articles for the voyage in the common form.
+
+I am, Dear Sir, &c.
+
+ ROBERT MORRIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT MORRIS TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Philadelphia, July 13th, 1781.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+I enclose you in this packet the plan of a national bank, which I have
+been induced to adopt for the following reasons. The issuing of a
+large paper medium converted the coin of the country into a commodity,
+so that much of it was exported and the remainder concealed. The
+depreciation of our paper has so lessened our currency, that there is
+not a sufficiency for commerce and taxation, without creating by the
+latter such distress in the former, as must injure every order of men
+in the community. It is necessary, therefore, to fill up the
+deficiency in such proportion as it may be called, and with such
+medium as may preserve its value.
+
+I have already in my letter of the 4th instant stated the want of
+ability in the people to lend, and of credit in the government to
+borrow. An additional reason, therefore, for establishing a bank is,
+that the small sums advanced by the holders of bank stock may be
+multiplied in the usual manner by means of their credit, so as to
+increase the resource, which government can draw from it, and at the
+same time, by placing the collected mass of private credit between the
+lenders and borrowers, supply at once the want of ability in the one,
+and of credit in the other.
+
+An additional reason for this institution is, to supply the place of
+all our other paper, which it is my design to absorb as soon as
+possible, and thereby to relieve the people from those doubts and
+anxieties, which have weakened our efforts, relaxed our industry, and
+impaired our wealth. But this must not be done, without the
+substitution of other paper, for reasons which I have already
+assigned, and because that our commerce would suffer for the want of
+that facility in money transactions, which paper alone can give.
+
+Finally, one very strong motive, which has impelled my conduct on this
+occasion, is to unite the several States more closely together, in one
+general money connexion, and indissolubly to attach many powerful
+individuals to the cause of our country, by the strong principle of
+self-love, and the immediate sense of private interest. It may not be,
+perhaps, improper to show and explain this plan to the Spanish
+Ministry. They will then perceive how, by an advance of money, they
+may in this instance increase our resources and our efforts in a
+degree much superior to the immediate sum, and they may be assured,
+that on a variety of other occasions, similar benefits will result
+from it. I take this opportunity, however, to observe to you, that I
+do not mean this, or any other communication, should be absolutely
+made. It is, on the contrary, my unalterable opinion, that a prudent
+Minister on the spot should be left to act with large discretionary
+power, being always furnished with such details, as will enable him to
+judge with propriety, and act with decision.
+
+It will undoubtedly strike your observation, that the sum of four
+hundred thousand dollars is very small, considering the object which
+it is my design to effect. I acknowledge that it is so, and when I
+tell you, that I was very apprehensive that we should be unable to
+fill a larger subscription, and when I add, that it is far from
+certain we shall get all of this moderate sum, you will see still more
+clearly the force of those observations which I have already made. But
+it is weakness to be deterred by difficulties from a proper pursuit. I
+am, therefore, determined that the bank shall be well supported, until
+it can support itself, and then it will support us. I mean that the
+stock, instead of four hundred thousand dollars, shall be four hundred
+thousand pounds, and perhaps more. How soon it will rise to that
+amount, it is impossible to foresee. But this we may venture to
+assert, that if a considerable sum of specie can be speedily thrown
+into it, the period when its force and utility will be felt and known
+is not far off.
+
+After I had determined to make the application to the Court of Madrid,
+which is contained in my letters, it was my next object to obtain for
+you such support as might materially favor your operations. For this
+purpose I have written to Dr Franklin, and have told him, that you
+would receive by this conveyance, and forward to him, copies of those
+resolutions and letters, which may be necessary to explain my
+appointment and powers. I lay this task on your Secretaries, because
+the want of clerks in my office, and the many things to be done,
+together with the short time allowed me by the departure of the
+vessel, prevent me from having duplicates made out. I have written to
+the Doctor to apply to the Court of Versailles, to further your
+negotiations with their influence. I am confident his application will
+not be unsuccessful; but how you may derive most benefit from the
+cooperation of the French Court, you best can tell. Major Franks,
+therefore, is instructed to take your orders for Passy, and return
+thence to Philadelphia; so that you will have an opportunity of
+communicating fully with the Doctor on any subject you think proper.
+You may write to me by any opportunity, if this should arrive safe,
+because our cypher will prevent you from being exposed to interested
+or impertinent curiosity.
+
+To obtain for you still further assistance, I have applied (in the
+absence of M. de la Luzerne, who is gone to camp,) to M. de Marbois
+for letters to their Ambassador at the Court of Madrid. I have stated
+my views, my hopes, and wishes, with that candor which is proper on
+such occasions, and which I wish to preserve on all occasions. M. de
+Marbois has, in consequence, written a letter on the subject, in which
+he informs the Ambassador of our conversation, states the disorders of
+our finances, and makes polite mention of my operations, my designs,
+and abilities, as well as the confidence reposed in me by Congress,
+and by the people at large. He details the proposed plans, and
+particularly that of the Bank, and shows forcibly the advantages,
+which would result from a considerable advance of money by Spain. He
+assigns also very proper reasons to show why it ought to be
+considerable, if it be made at all. The great interest of France in
+this business, as well as the open and candid manner, which has marked
+all transactions I have hitherto had with the Minister of that nation,
+induces me to believe that this letter is more than a compliment, and
+that as it is intended, so it will operate to produce the desired
+effect.
+
+That nothing in my power might be wanting to the success of a
+business, which you must be convinced I have very much at heart, I
+have also applied to Don Francisco Rendon, who at present acts here
+for Spain, and I have every reason to believe that he will write to
+the Spanish Court such a letter as I wish. But after all, much, my
+Dear Sir, must depend on your prudence, your activity, and your
+attentions to incline, to stimulate, to lead the Ministry into our
+views, to remove the obstacles, surmount the difficulties, and crush
+the procrastinations, which retard the completion of an object so
+essential to your country. I am happy to add, that I have the utmost
+confidence in your abilities, your industry, and integrity.
+
+There is a possibility that money may be obtained from Portugal, and
+though I confess there is not a very solid ground to build on, and
+though it must be owned that appearances are against us, yet I think
+it best not too much to trust appearances, either favorable or
+unfavorable, and to leave nothing unattempted which may be useful. It
+was for reasons of this sort that my letter of the 9th instant, which
+I enclose you a copy of, was written to Congress. In consequence of
+it, on the 11th they passed a resolution, of which I also enclose you
+a copy, and have only to add, that you will act entirely according to
+your own discretion on this occasion. I cannot pretend to know the
+situation of the Court of Lisbon, and therefore I will not attempt to
+measure out a line of conduct to be pursued there. You are, for every
+reason, more competent to this business than I am, and therefore I
+submit it to your management entirely.
+
+You will observe that a material part of my letter of the 9th remains
+unnoticed by Congress. The Committee had not yesterday reported upon
+it. Should anything be done previous to the departure of this vessel,
+you shall know it. But you are so well acquainted with the delays
+incident to public assemblies, that you will not be surprised if you
+hear nothing further on the subject.
+
+It is unnecessary for me to make any other mention of Major Franks,
+except to inform you, that after a critical examination into his
+conduct by a court of inquiry, he was honorably acquitted of all
+improper connexion with his late General.[29] For the rest, you are
+perfectly acquainted with him, and will therefore take that notice of
+him which he deserves.
+
+I am, Dear Sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
+
+ ROBERT MORRIS.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[29] Major Franks was Aid to General Arnold at the time his treachery
+was discovered, but he was honorably acquitted from all suspicion of
+having any knowledge of Arnold's designs.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ _Plan of a Bank, referred to in the preceding Letter._
+
+ 1. That a subscription be opened for four hundred thousand
+ dollars, in shares of four hundred dollars each, to be paid
+ in gold or silver.
+
+ 2. That the subscription be paid into the hands of George
+ Clymer and John Nixon, or their agents.
+
+ 3. That any subscriber of less than five shares, pay the
+ whole sum on the day of his subscription.
+
+ 4. That every subscriber of five shares or upwards, pay one
+ half the sum on the day of his subscription, and the other
+ half within three months of that day.
+
+ 5. That every holder of a share shall be entitled to vote by
+ himself, his agent, or proxy, properly appointed, at all
+ elections for directors, and that he have as many votes as he
+ holds shares. And that every subscriber may sell and transfer
+ his share or shares at his pleasure, the transfer being made
+ in the bank book, in presence and with the approbation of the
+ proprietor or his lawful attorney, the purchaser then to
+ become entitled to the right of voting, &c.
+
+ 6. That there be twelve directors chosen from among those
+ entitled to vote, who at this first meeting shall choose one
+ as president.
+
+ 7. That there be a meeting of the directors quarterly, for
+ the purpose of regulating the affairs of the bank; any seven
+ of the directors to make a board, and that the board have
+ power to adjourn from time to time.
+
+ 8. That the board of directors determine the manner of doing
+ business, and the rules and forms to be pursued, appoint the
+ various officers, which they may find necessary, and dispose
+ of the money and credit of the bank for the interest and
+ benefit of the proprietors, and make from time to time such
+ dividends out of the profits as they may think proper.
+
+ 9. That the board be empowered from time to time, to open new
+ subscriptions, for the purpose of increasing the capital of
+ the bank on such terms and conditions as they shall think
+ proper.
+
+ 10. That the board shall, at every quarterly meeting, choose
+ two directors to inspect and control the business of the bank
+ for the ensuing three months.
+
+ 11. That the inspectors so chosen shall, on the evening of
+ every day, Sundays excepted, deliver to the superintendent of
+ the finances of America, a state of the cash account, and of
+ the notes issued and received.
+
+ 12. That the bank notes, payable on demand, shall by law be
+ made receivable in the duties and taxes of every State in the
+ union, and from the respective States, by the Treasury of the
+ United States, as specie.
+
+ 13. That the superintendent of the finances of America shall
+ have a right at all times to examine into the affairs of the
+ bank, and for that purpose shall have access to all the books
+ and papers.
+
+ 14. That any director or officer of the bank, who shall
+ convert any of the property, monies, or credits thereof to
+ his own use, or shall any other way be guilty of fraud or
+ embezzlement, shall forfeit all his share or stock to the
+ company.
+
+ 15. That laws shall be passed making it felony, without
+ benefit of clergy, to commit such fraud or embezzlement.
+
+ 16. That the subscribers shall be incorporated under the name
+ of the President, Directors and Company of the Bank of North
+ America.
+
+ 17. That none of the directors shall be entitled to any
+ pecuniary advantage for his attendance on the duties of his
+ office of director, or as president, or inspector, unless an
+ alteration in this respect shall hereafter be made by the
+ consent of a majority of the stockholders at a general
+ election.
+
+ 18. That as soon as the subscription shall be filled, Mr
+ George Clymer and Mr John Nixon shall publish a list of the
+ names and sums respectively subscribed, with the places of
+ abode of the subscribers, and appoint a day for the choice of
+ directors, to whom, when chosen, they shall deliver over the
+ money by them received.
+
+
+ _Observations on the above Plan._
+
+ART. 1st. The objects and use of a bank are too obvious to need
+illustration. But it may not be amiss to take notice, that the first
+moment of its getting into action, the credit arising from its funds
+can be made use of by the government of the United States in
+anticipation of taxes, in consequence of special agreements to be made
+between their superintendent of Finance and the directors for that
+purpose; and as the capital and credit of the bank increase, so may
+this mode of anticipation be increased, to answer all the purposes of
+government. It is, however, evident at the first view, that four
+hundred thousand dollars are not sufficient for those purposes, nor
+those of private commerce, because no considerable circulation of
+paper can be founded on so narrow a basis; yet it is dangerous to
+attempt more. It is not possible to determine what is the highest sum,
+that could speedily be obtained by subscription. To ask more than
+could be obtained would have a fatal effect; to ask less is a partial
+evil. It is, however, an evil which admits of a remedy, as is
+provided in the plan.
+
+ART. 2d. Before the corporation is formed, and much more so before the
+subscription is opened, by which the company is to be determined, no
+authority can be bestowed under the corporation. At the same time, it
+must be remembered, that in circumstances like ours, the loss of time
+involves in it the loss of many advantages. It becomes necessary,
+therefore, to appoint individuals to manage the subscription and
+receive the money. Mr Clymer and Mr Nixon having been formerly
+directors of the Bank of Pennsylvania, and being thereby generally
+known in that line, their names naturally present themselves for this
+purpose.
+
+ART. 3d & 4th. The difference as to payments of large and small, is so
+common an incitement to subscribers, on such occasions, as to speak
+for itself.
+
+ART. 5th. The subscribers, it is expected, will consist of citizens of
+every State in the Union; and, possibly, foreigners may subscribe or
+purchase bank stock; therefore the necessity and propriety of enabling
+them to vote by proxy; and this being a monied institution, it is just
+that every share be entitled to a vote.
+
+ART. 6th. As the stockholders will mostly be absent from the place
+where the bank is kept, the number of twelve seems quite sufficient
+for the direction, as they will generally be chosen from the
+residents, and there ought to be room left for rotation among these.
+
+ART. 7th & 8th. This plan, if adopted, will be considered as the
+constitution of the Bank, and therefore necessary to establish in it
+the powers of government by by-laws, rules, and regulations, and
+making dividends out of the profits; it is meant that they should
+annually pay a dividend of five or six per cent to the proprietors of
+the stock, and then settling the accounts of the bank, declare
+publicly, if necessary to give credit and confidence, what capital
+remains after such dividend. It will be observed, that such dividends
+are confined to be made out of the profits; consequently, the capitals
+can never be touched.
+
+ART. 9th. When the directors, by paying a dividend out of the profits,
+establish the credit of the bank firmly in the minds of the
+stockholders, and by declaring the capital stock at the same time to
+be increased, give it equal confidence in the general opinion, there
+is little doubt but they may open new subscriptions for increasing the
+capital with certainty of success.
+
+ART. 10th, 11th & 12th. As credit is the soul of all operations of
+this kind, every precaution should be taken to support it. In the
+course of things, much of the private property of America may be
+dependent on the conduct of affairs at the bank. Care, therefore,
+should be taken to prevent fraud and mismanagement. If the
+transactions were opened to public inspection, it would be impossible
+to do the business amidst the continued interruption; besides that, in
+this way, the national enemies would be apprized of our resources and
+operations. It is necessary, therefore, by instituting a check, to
+guard against the ill consequences which lie in the way, as the public
+will have much connexion with the bank, and, at times, deposit
+considerable sums of money in it, and always be availing themselves of
+its credit. The check should be in the hands of that officer who is
+appointed to manage the monied interests of America.
+
+ART. 13th & 14th. The penalties on fraud and embezzlement are derived
+from the same source, and are supported by the same reasoning.
+
+ART. 15th & 16th. The necessity of incorporating the bank is obvious,
+and the propriety of rendering the office of a director honorable,
+rather than lucrative, arises from this circumstance, over and above
+the difference between motives of fame and interest, that at present,
+any adequate salaries would absorb the profits, and in future the care
+of their own interests as stockholders will be an additional
+inducement to the first characters to accept the direction, for it is
+not doubted but every subscriber will increase his capital in the
+bank, so soon as he finds not only the national advantages it will
+produce, but sees clearly his private interest advanced beyond his
+most sanguine expectations.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT MORRIS TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Office of Finance, August 15th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Enclosed you have a list of sundry bills of exchange drawn on you. I
+wrote you relatively to these bills on the 29th day of July last, with
+sundry enclosures explanatory of my letter. I am now to inform you,
+that the advices contained in that letter must, from particular
+circumstances, be totally disregarded. Should any of the bills,
+mentioned in the enclosed list, come to your hands, you will be pleased
+to protest them, and assign, if you please, as a reason therefor, that
+you have express instructions to that purport. The uncertainty,
+whether you have received my cypher, prevents my using it on this
+occasion. The importance of the subject obliges me to write, and as I
+send many copies, the risk of capture and inspection is too great to
+be more particular.
+
+The gazettes will furnish you with our latest intelligence. That of
+New York announces the arrival of near three thousand Hessian troops,
+and the capture of the Trumbull frigate. Neither of these is a very
+agreeable circumstance. However, we must wait the course of events,
+and struggle, as well as we can, against adverse fortune. Our affairs
+to the southward wear no unpleasing aspect. And, although it is
+impossible, at this distance, to determine what effect European
+movements may have on American politics, our government acquires daily
+a firmness and stability, which will not easily be shaken.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ ROBERT MORRIS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ JAMES LOVELL TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Philadelphia, August 15th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Herewith you will receive according to the resolution of Congress of
+the 10th, such information relative to the surrender of Pensacola, and
+the subsequent arrival of the garrison at New York, as I have been
+able to obtain, which you will make use of according to your
+discretion, and the spirit of the enclosed resolution.
+
+I am, Sir, your friend and very humble servant,
+
+ JAMES LOVELL.
+
+_P. S. August 16th._--It appears to me not amiss to enclose to you a
+report of a committee on the 10th, as it stands negatived on the
+journals of Congress. J. L.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ St Ildefonso, September 20th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Your Excellency's favor of the 5th of July last, with the papers
+therewith enclosed, were delivered to me on the 29th ult. by Major
+Franks, whom the procrastination of the Minister still obliges me to
+detain.
+
+The new commissions, with which Congress have honored me, argue a
+degree of confidence, which demands my warmest acknowledgments, and
+which, so far as it may be founded on an opinion of my zeal and
+integrity, they may be assured will not prove misplaced.
+
+At the commencement of the present troubles, I determined to devote
+myself, during the continuance of them, to the service of my country,
+in any station in which she might think it proper to place me. This
+resolution, for the first time, now embarrasses me. I know it to be my
+duty, as a public servant, to be guided by my own judgment only in
+matters referred to my discretion, and in other cases faithfully to
+execute my instructions, without questioning the policy of them. But
+there is one among those which accompanies these commissions, which
+occasions sensations I never before experienced, and induced me to
+wish that my name had been omitted.
+
+So far as personal pride and reluctance to humiliation may render
+their appointment contra-agreeable, I view it as a very unimportant
+circumstance, and should Congress, on any occasion, think it for the
+public good to place me in a station inferior and subordinate to the
+one I now hold, they will find me ready to descend from the one, and
+cheerfully undertake the duties of the other. My ambition will always
+be more gratified in being useful than conspicuous; for, in my
+opinion, the solid dignity of a man depends less on the height or
+extent of the sphere allotted to him, than on the manner in which he
+may fulfil the duties of it.
+
+But, Sir, as an American, I feel an interest in the dignity of my
+country, which renders it difficult for me to reconcile myself to the
+idea of the sovereign independent States of America submitting, in the
+persons of their Ministers, to be absolutely governed by the advice
+and opinions of the servants of another sovereign, especially in a
+case of such national importance.
+
+That gratitude and confidence are due to our allies, is not to be
+questioned, and that it will, probably, be in the power of France
+almost to dictate the terms of peace for us, is but too true. That
+such an extraordinary extent of confidence may stimulate our allies to
+the highest efforts of generous friendship in our favor is not to be
+denied, and that this instruction receives some appearance of policy
+from this consideration may be admitted.
+
+I must, nevertheless, take the liberty of observing, that however our
+situation may in the opinion of Congress render it necessary to relax
+their demands on every side, and even to direct their Commissioners
+ultimately to concur (if nothing better could be done) in any peace or
+truce not subversive of our independence, which France determined to
+accede to, yet that this instruction, besides breathing a degree of
+complacency not quite republican, puts it out of the power of your
+Ministers to improve those chances and opportunities, which in the
+course of human affairs happens more or less frequently to all men.
+Nor is it clear, that America, thus casting herself into the arms of
+the King of France, will advance either her interest or reputation
+with that or other nations.
+
+What the sentiments of my colleagues on this occasion may be, I do not
+as yet know, nor can I foresee how far the negotiation of the ensuing
+winter may call for the execution of this commission. Thus
+circumstanced, at such a distance from America, it would not be proper
+to decline this appointment. I will, therefore, do my best endeavors
+to fulfil the expectations of Congress on this subject, but, as for my
+own part, I think it improbable, that serious negotiations for peace
+will soon take place. I must entreat Congress to take an early
+opportunity of relieving me from a station, wherein, in character of
+their Minister, I must necessarily receive (and almost under the name
+of opinions) the directions of those on whom I really think no
+American Minister ought to be dependent, and to whom, in love for our
+country and zeal for her service, I am sure that my colleagues and
+myself are at least equal.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+_P. S._ I had an interview last evening with the Minister. Nothing was
+promised or denied. A person is to be named on Sunday to confer in
+earnest, as it is said, with me about the treaties. I do not despair,
+though having so many bills to pay, and no money, perplexes me
+extremely. The treasury of Spain is very low; much of the money for
+the expenses in this war costs them between thirty and forty per
+hundred, by mismanagement and want of credit. This ought not to be
+public. His Excellency still looks at your ships on the stocks, but I
+shall, without refusing, not consent to their changing masters. J. J.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ St Ildefonso, October 3d, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+My letter of the 25th of April last, by Mr Toscan, informed Congress,
+that on the 30th day of January preceding, I had the honor of
+receiving their letters of the 6th and 17th of October, 1780, the
+latter of which states particularly and ably the right of the United
+States to the free navigation of the river Mississippi, and enumerates
+the various reasons which induce them to decline relinquishing
+it.[30]
+
+Among these reasons is the guarantee contained in the treaty with
+France. I hinted to Congress, that it was more than probable, that the
+contents of this interesting letter were well known to the French
+Court before it came to my hands. I am well persuaded, that this was
+the case. Shortly after receiving it, I took occasion to converse
+generally with the Ambassador on the subject of the Spanish
+pretensions to that navigation, and remarked, as it were
+inadvertently, how unreasonable it was for them to expect, that we
+should relinquish a territorial right, which both justice and the
+guarantee of France enabled us to retain. The thought did not appear
+new to him, but he strongly combated this construction of the treaty,
+and endeavored to explain it away by observing, that the guarantee
+could not comprehend claims, whose objects we had never possessed, &c.
+&c. I mention this only to show how improper it would have been for me
+to have communicated this part of your Excellency's letter to the
+Spanish Minister. It could have answered no good purpose, because, as
+France would have disputed this construction, Spain could with
+propriety have refused to admit the force of any argument drawn from
+it, and it might have done much mischief, not only by bringing on an
+unseasonable explanation between France and us, but also between Spain
+and France.
+
+If I had given the Spanish Minister a copy of every other part of this
+letter, except those paragraphs which contain the reasoning in
+question, the omission might in future have been urged by France, who
+I verily believe has a copy of that whole letter, as an argument for
+my having yielded that point as not tenable; and though my opinion
+might not be of much consequence, it appeared to me most prudent to
+avoid doubts about it. For my own part I really did, and do think,
+that this guarantee does comprehend the navigation in question, though
+I also think, that no question should be raised about it at present.
+So circumstanced, I thought it most advisable to make no written
+communications of any parts or part of this letter, but from time to
+time to press every argument contained in it in the course of
+conversations with the Spanish Minister, except those drawn from the
+guarantee.
+
+The Minister, however, did not at any time enter into the merits of
+these arguments, nor appear in the least affected by them. His answer
+to them all was, that the King of Spain must have the Gulf of Mexico
+to himself, that the maxims of policy adopted in the management of
+their colonies required it; and that he had hoped the friendly
+disposition shown by this Court towards us would have induced a
+compliance on the part of Congress.
+
+As to a free port below the northern limits of West Florida, or
+anywhere else in the vicinity, the Minister sometimes wished certain
+regulations, some middle line might be devised, to reconcile the views
+of both parties, but he did not see how it could be done. The King had
+always been accustomed to consider the exclusive navigation of the
+Gulf of Mexico as a very important object to Spain, more so indeed
+than even Gibraltar, and he was persuaded, that his Majesty would
+never be prevailed upon to change his ideas on that subject. At other
+times he spoke clearly, and decidedly against it, saying, that it was
+their desire to exclude all nations from the Gulf, and that it made
+little or no difference, whether they admitted all nations or only
+one.
+
+In my letter of the 25th of April last, I informed your Excellency,
+that on the 25th of March preceding, the Minister sent me word, that
+the money necessary to pay the bills due in April could not be
+advanced to me. The constant inconsistency I experienced between the
+Minister's promises and conduct often surprised, as well as
+embarrassed me. This last instance appeared to me to be really cruel;
+for if he had intended to withhold the necessary supplies, he ought to
+have given me notice of it, and not by keeping up my expectations to
+within a few days before the holders of the bills were to call upon me
+for their money, (and the bills of April amounted to eightynine
+thousand and eightythree dollars,) reduce me to such imminent danger
+of being obliged to protest them. Speaking on this subject with the
+French Ambassador, he intimated, that the Court expected I should have
+made them some further overtures respecting the Mississippi. I told
+him I had no authority to make any others than what I had already
+made. He replied, that the Minister believed I had. At that time I
+had received no letters, public or private, which gave me the least
+reason to suspect, that Congress had passed the resolution of the 15th
+of February last,[31] and it was not before the 18th of May, that a
+letter, I then received from Mr Lovell, enabled me to understand the
+reason of the Minister's belief. I then recalled to mind his frequent
+assurances of frankness, and of his speaking without reserve, often
+adding, that he was well informed of our affairs, and had minute
+information of what was passing at Philadelphia. There can be no doubt
+but that some copies of the President's letters to me have fallen into
+his hands, and that he supposed I had received others, though this was
+not in fact the case. Hence it appears, that the double miscarriage,
+if I may so call it, of these letters, had an unfavorable influence on
+our hopes of pecuniary aids, for it is highly probable, that in this
+instance they were so critically withheld on purpose to extort
+overtures from me, which the Minister, though mistaken, had reason to
+believe I was in a capacity to make.
+
+Your Excellency will perceive from this, how important it is, that
+your letters, to and from your Ministers, be transmitted in a manner
+not subject to these inconveniences.
+
+It was not, as I said before, until the 18th of May, that Mr Lovell's
+letter, enclosing a copy of the resolution of Congress of the 15th of
+February, reached me. It was brought to Cadiz by the Virginia, and it
+is remarkable, that none of the journals, or gazettes, nor the letter
+from Congress, which Mr Lovell gave me reason to expect, ever came to
+my hands. But as all the papers brought by the Virginia passed through
+the hands of the Governor of Cadiz, and afterwards through the Post
+Office, the suppression of some of them may be easily accounted for.
+
+As Mr Lovell's letter did not appear to be official, nor the copy of
+the instruction of the 15th of February authenticated, I was much at a
+loss to determine how far it was to be considered as a measure finally
+concluded upon, and this difficulty was increased by another, viz.
+whether my having no letter on the subject from the President was to
+be imputed to the miscarriage of it, or to a reconsideration of the
+instruction in question; for I recollected, that resolutions had in
+some former instances been reconsidered, and either altered or
+repealed a few days after their date; for these reasons it appeared to
+me imprudent immediately to hazard overtures on the ground of this
+instruction.
+
+The next day, the 19th of May, I thought it expedient to wait upon the
+Minister, and again renew the subject of our proposed treaty,
+expecting that if he was acquainted with the contents of my letter,
+something might drop from him in the course of conversation, which
+would lead me to judge of what he might, or might not know on that
+subject, and others connected with it.
+
+He received me with more than usual cordiality. The conversation
+turned at first on the situation of the southern States, the late
+combat between the fleets in the Chesapeake, and General Greene's
+retreat. He appeared to apprehend much danger from what he called the
+delicate situation of our army there, and the blockade of the
+reinforcement intended for it, under the Marquis de la Fayette. I
+endeavored to remove such of his fears as appeared to be ill-founded,
+and (though without leaving room to suppose that the operations of
+Spain were indispensable to our safety,) represented to him the good
+policy and probable success of France and Spain's seriously turning
+their attention and force to the expulsion of the enemy from America.
+I then repeated what I had often before remarked to him, respecting
+the influence which the hesitations and delays of Spain in forming a
+treaty with us must naturally have on the hopes and fears of Britain.
+I announced to him formally the completion of our confederation by the
+accession of Maryland, and after dwelling on the advantages, which the
+States and their allies might expect from it, I endeavored to impress
+him with an opinion, that a cordial union between France, Spain,
+Holland, and America, supported by vigorous measures, would soon
+reduce the enemy to the necessity of listening to reasonable terms of
+peace.
+
+The Count replied, generally, that he was very minutely informed of
+the state of our affairs. That the good dispositions of Congress
+towards Spain had not as yet been evinced in a manner the King
+expected, and that no one advantage had hitherto been proposed by
+America to Spain, to induce the latter to come into the measures we
+desired. That the views of Congress were such as would not permit his
+Majesty to form a treaty with the States, but that the King was an
+honest man, and I might again and again assure Congress, that he would
+never suffer them to be sacrificed to Britain, but on the contrary
+would with constancy maintain the friendship he had professed for
+them. That Britain had in vain attempted to deceive Spain; that Mr
+Cumberland had been sent here for that express purpose, but that,
+however possible it might be for Britain to vanquish, she would never
+be able to deceive Spain; that he wished Congress had been more
+disposed to oblige the King. He knew indeed that opposition in
+sentiments must necessarily prevail in public bodies, but that he
+hoped for the best. That I ought to preach to them forcibly, for that
+he thought a good preacher (_un bon predicateur_,) would do much good,
+thereby intimating, as I understood it, that Congress were not
+sufficiently apprised of the importance of Spain, and the policy of
+complying with her demands.
+
+To all this I briefly remarked, that his Excellency's knowledge of
+American affairs must convince him, that it was not in their power to
+give his Majesty other proofs of their attachment than what they had
+already done, and that if he alluded to the affair of the Mississippi,
+I could only add one remark to those which I had often made to him on
+that head, viz. that even if a desire of gratifying his Majesty should
+ever incline Congress to yield to him a point so essential to their
+interest, yet it still remained a question whether new delays and
+obstacles to a treaty would not arise to postpone it.
+
+The Count smiled, said he always spoke frankly, and that whenever I
+should announce to him my having authority to yield that point, I
+might depend on his being explicit, and candid, but as matters stood
+at present, he could say nothing on that head. He then informed me,
+that M. Gardoqui would set out for America the beginning of June. He
+said it might be in my power to furnish some useful hints and
+observations relative to the objects and conduct of his mission,
+adding that he reposed full confidence in me, and wished that I would
+also consider whether there were any particular reasons which might
+render it advisable, either to hasten or retard his going.
+
+I suspected there was too much meaning in all this to admit of my
+entering into these discussions without time for further reflection;
+and, therefore, without seeming to avoid it, I told the Count I was
+happy to hear, that M. Gardoqui was so near his departure. That I
+considered myself much honored by his requesting my remarks relative
+to it, and that I was sure Congress would draw agreeable conclusions
+from his mission. That I should write by him to Congress, and as they
+would expect to learn from me the precise character in which they were
+to receive, and consider him, it became necessary, that his Excellency
+should favor me with that information, as well to enable me to
+transmit the proper advices to Congress, as to make the remarks which
+he had done me the honor to request. That I conceived this to be the
+more indispensable, because if M. Gardoqui should carry no public
+testimonials from this Court to Congress, he could only be considered
+by them as a private gentleman, and all his intercourse with Congress
+would of consequence be subjected to all the inconveniences resulting
+from it.
+
+This topic carried the conversation off the delicate ground to which
+the Count had led it. He admitted the propriety of my being exactly
+apprized of the nature of M. Gardoqui's commission, said that as yet
+it was not decided, and therefore for the present could only give me
+his opinion of what it would probably be.
+
+He observed that circumstances did not render it proper, that he
+should go as Minister, though perhaps it might he proper to give him
+contingent powers. That it was the common practice, where Courts sent
+to each other persons charged with their affairs, in a character below
+that of Minister, to give no other credentials than a letter of
+advice from the Minister of the Court sending to the Minister of the
+Court receiving the person in question. That the same practice was
+about to be pursued by Spain towards Prussia, and had been observed in
+other instances; therefore, he believed the like method would be
+adopted in this case. That if it should be purposed to give M.
+Gardoqui a letter authenticating his being an agent of Spain, it would
+be either to the President, or the Secretary of Congress, and asked me
+which of the two would be the most proper.
+
+Whether he really was uninformed on this point, or whether he asked
+the question merely to try my candor, cannot easily be determined. I
+told him honestly, that Congress had no Secretary or Minister of State
+for general purposes, nor for foreign affairs particularly, and that
+neither the President nor Secretary of Congress could regularly be
+considered in that light. That there was a committee of Congress,
+whose appointment came near to that of Secretary for foreign affairs,
+but that I had heard Congress were about establishing a more proper
+and regular mode of conducting the affairs committed to that
+committee, and had perhaps already done it. That therefore it was
+difficult for me to give his Excellency a clear and decided opinion on
+the subject, and the more so as the letters which I daily expected to
+receive from the President, and which probably contained exact
+information relative to this very matter, had not yet come to my
+hands. He seemed very well satisfied, and extended his civilities so
+far as to say, that if at any time the warmth of his temper had led
+him into any harshness of expression, he hoped I would forget it. I
+told him, and that was the fact, that I did not recollect any part of
+his behavior to me, which required that apology. He desired me to wait
+upon him again on the Wednesday next.
+
+As to the instructions of the 15th of February, I had every reason to
+wish it had been a secret to the Ministry. The propriety of them is a
+subject without my province. To give decided opinions of the views and
+designs of Courts always appeared to me hazardous, especially as they
+often change, and as different men will often draw different
+conclusions from the same facts. This consideration has constantly
+induced me to state facts accurately and minutely to Congress, and
+leave them to judge for themselves, and be influenced only by their
+own opinions.
+
+I could not forbear, however, seeing the danger to which the proviso
+contained in that instruction exposed me. I have no reason to flatter
+myself, that, more fortunate than others, the propriety and policy of
+my conduct will not be drawn, at least impliedly, into doubt. If I
+should, on a persuasion that this cession would be unalterably
+insisted upon by Spain, yield that point, I am certain that many
+little half-created doubts and questions would be cast into, and
+cultivated in America. If, on the other hand, I should be of opinion
+that this point could be gained, and the event prove otherwise, it
+would soon be whispered, what rich supplies and golden opportunities
+the United States had lost by my obstinacy.
+
+I permitted my mind to dwell on these considerations, merely that I
+might, by the utmost degree of circumspection, endeavor to render the
+uprightness and propriety of my conduct as evident as possible.
+
+My only difficulty arose from this single question. Whether I could
+prudently risk acting on a presumption, either that Spain did not
+already, or would not soon be acquainted with the contents of this
+instruction. If such a presumption had been admissible, I should,
+without the least hesitation, have played the game a little further,
+keeping this instruction in my hand as a trump card, to prevent a
+separate peace between Spain and Britain, in case such an event should
+otherwise prove inevitable. Had Spain been at peace with our enemies,
+and offered to acknowledge, guaranty, and fight for our independence,
+provided we would yield them this point, (as once seemed to be the
+case) I should, for my own part, have no more hesitation about it now
+than I had then. But Spain being now at war with Great Britain, to
+gain her own objects, she doubtless will prosecute it full as
+vigorously as if she fought for our objects. There was and is little
+reason to suppose that such a cession would render her exertions more
+vigorous, or her aids to us much more liberal. The effect, which an
+alliance between Spain and America would have on Britain and other
+nations, would certainly be in our favor, but whether more so than the
+free navigation of the Mississippi is less certain. The cession of
+this navigation will, in my opinion, render a future war with Spain
+unavoidable, and I shall look upon my subscribing to the one as fixing
+the certainty of the other.
+
+I say I should have played this game a little further, if the
+presumption before mentioned had been admissible, because it has
+uniformly been my opinion, that if after sending me here Congress had
+constantly avoided all questions about the Mississippi, and appeared
+to consider that point as irrevocable, Spain would have endeavored to
+purchase it by money, or a free port, but as her hopes of a change in
+the opinion of Congress were excited, and kept alive by successive
+accounts of debates, and intended debates on that question, and as
+Congress by drawing bills without previous funds had painted their
+distress for want of money in very strong colors, Spain began to
+consider America as a petitioner, and treated her accordingly. But as
+by the intervention of Dr Franklin, our bills for near six months were
+safe, and as after this resolution of the 15th of February, there was
+reason to expect that the subject of it would not soon be resumed in
+Congress, I should, in case I could have depended on this
+instruction's being and remaining a secret, have thought it my duty to
+have given the United States a fair trial for the Mississippi, or at
+least for a free port near it. With this view I should have appeared
+to give myself no concern about the bills, applied for no aids, made
+no offers, and on all proper occasion have treated an alliance with
+Spain as an event, which, though wished for by us, was not essential
+to our safety, and as the price demanded for it appeared to us
+unreasonable, it was not probable we should agree. I think we should
+then have been courted in our turn, especially as the Minister was
+very desirous of having our men-of-war on the stocks, and that thus
+dealing with them on terms of equality, would have produced some
+concessions on their part, as inducements to greater ones on ours. I
+am persuaded in my own mind, that prudent self-respect is absolutely
+necessary to those nations, who would wish to be treated properly by
+this Court, and I have not the least doubt but that almost any spirit
+will prosper more here, than that of humility and compliance. I had no
+doubt but that this plan of conduct would have been perfectly
+consistent with that part of the instruction, which orders me to make
+every possible effort to obtain from his Catholic Majesty the use of
+the river aforesaid, &c. For whatever might have been, or may be, my
+private sentiments, they shall never in mere questions of policy
+influence me to deviate from those of Congress.
+
+But on the other hand there being abundant circumstantial evidence to
+induce a firm persuasion, that the Ministry were well acquainted with
+the contents of this instruction, this plan would have been idle. The
+moment they saw that the cession of this navigation was made to depend
+upon their persevering to insist upon it, it became absurd to suppose,
+that they would cease to persevere. All that remained for me therefore
+to do was, in the next conference to break this subject as decently as
+possible, and in such a manner as would account for my not having
+mentioned this instruction at our last meeting.
+
+On Wednesday evening, the 23d of May, I waited upon the Count
+agreeably to his appointment. The Count seemed a little hurried in his
+spirits, and behaved as if he wished I had not come. He asked me
+rather abruptly, if I had anything particular to communicate to him,
+and whether I had received any further letters. I told him I had
+received some private ones from L'Orient, but that none from the
+President of Congress had as yet, reached me, though I had reason to
+expect one by that opportunity, as well as by the vessel lately
+arrived at Cadiz. I informed him of my having received from Mr
+Harrison a copy of his memorial to the Governor of Cadiz, complaining
+that letters brought for him by the Virginia, from Philadelphia, had
+been stopped at the gates, on pretence, that they must agreeably to an
+ordinance for that purpose be put into the post office, and charged
+with the like postage as if brought from Spanish America. He said he
+had not yet received a copy of the memorial, but that there was such
+an ordinance, and that it was highly proper the admission of letters
+into the kingdom, especially in time of war, should be under the
+direction of government. That letters from North America rendered new
+regulations necessary, and that he would turn his thoughts to this
+subject, and do what should appear equitable. This was another proof
+of what I before suspected, and looked like an indirect apology for
+opening my letters.
+
+It surprised me a little that he said nothing of the remarks he had
+desired me to make on M. Gardoqui's going to America, especially as he
+had appointed this meeting for that purpose. To give him further time,
+I started a new subject, and begged he would take the earliest
+opportunity of completing the business of the Dover cutter.
+Notwithstanding all that had before passed between us about this
+affair, he affected to be very ignorant of it, and asked me a number
+of questions. I recapitulated the circumstances of the capture, my
+several applications to him on the subject, his promise finally to
+order the prize to be appraised, and the value to be paid to the
+captors, the arrival of one of them at Madrid, &c. &c. He replied,
+with some degree of quickness and perplexity, that it was not a lawful
+prize, the crew not having authority to do what they did; that he had
+sent to the Canaries for particular information respecting the value,
+&c. that two of the packet boats had been taken; that he would pay
+some gratuity to the captors, and wished I would give him another
+state of the whole case in writing, to refresh his memory, which I
+promised to do, and have since done.
+
+He then resumed the subject of the letter, which I expected from
+Congress. He expressed his regret at its not having arrived, said he
+was preparing instructions for M. Gardoqui, who would certainly depart
+in June, and that until I could give him precise information of the
+dispositions of Congress, he could not enter into any further
+conversations on the subject of the proposed treaty. I joined in
+regretting the miscarriage of my public letter, and the more so, as my
+private ones gave me reason to expect instructions, which would enable
+me to comply so far with his Majesty's views, as that I hoped no
+further delays would intervene to prevent a perfect union between
+Spain and the United States. That my correspondence had given me to
+understand that Congress viewed the speedy accomplishment of this
+union as very important to the common cause; and, therefore, if Spain
+would consent forthwith to come into it, in that case they would
+gratify his Majesty by ceding to him the navigation of the
+Mississippi, below their territories, on reasonable terms.
+
+He replied, that he earnestly desired to see all difficulties on this
+point removed, but that the treaties subsisting between Spain and
+other nations, as well as the particular policy and determination of
+Spain, rendered it necessary that she should possess the exclusive
+navigation of the Gulf of Mexico. After a variety of other remarks of
+little importance, he made a very interesting observation, which will
+help us to account for the delays of the Court, viz. That all these
+affairs could with more facility be adjusted at a general peace than
+now, for that such a particular, and even secret treaty with us might
+then be made, as would be very convenient to both. That he
+nevertheless wished to know exactly the views and intentions of
+Congress, but that I must wait for the arrival of my letters, and that
+he would in the meantime finish M. Gardoqui's instructions, whose
+going to America, he did not doubt, would make a useful impression on
+the English Court. I was beginning to reply to what he said when he
+interrupted me, by mentioning his not having time at present to
+prolong the conference.
+
+Throughout the whole of this conversation, the Count appeared much
+less cordial than in the preceding one; he seemed to want
+self-possession, and to that cause I ascribe his incautiously
+mentioning the general peace as the most proper season for completing
+our political connexions. I had, nevertheless, no reason to suspect
+that this change in his behavior arose from any cause more important
+than those variations in temper and feelings, which they, who are
+unaccustomed to govern themselves often experience from changes in the
+weather, in their health, from fatigue of business, or other such like
+accidental causes.
+
+As I had not as yet received any letter from the President, either by
+the Virginia, or the vessel lately arrived at L'Orient, nor by Colonel
+Laurens, who, I was informed, had brought letters for me, I concluded
+it would be most prudent to wait ten days, or a fortnight, before I
+proceeded to act on the copy of my instruction received from Mr
+Lovell, expecting that such other letters as might then have arrived
+in France or Spain for me, would reach me in the course of that
+interval, if at all. And I determined, in case I should receive none,
+to proceed, without further loss of time, to make a formal overture to
+the Minister for a treaty on the ground of this instruction. It
+happened, however, that the Minister was so occupied during the
+remaining time that the Court staid at Aranjues, by the expedition
+preparing to sail from Cadiz, under the Duke of Crillon, and other
+matters, that it was impossible to engage a moment of his attention to
+American affairs. The removal of the Court to Madrid necessarily
+consumed some time, and as soon as they were well settled there, I
+wrote the Count the following letter; none of the letters expected
+from America having come to my hands.
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA.
+
+ Madrid, July 2d, 1781.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "When Congress were pleased to order me to Spain, with the
+ commission of which I have had the honor of presenting a copy
+ to your Excellency, I left my country with the most sanguine
+ expectations, that the important objects of it would be
+ speedily accomplished. The proofs they had received of his
+ Majesty's friendship for them, the interests of a common
+ cause, and the information they had received from persons
+ whom they conceived in capacity to give it, all conspired to
+ infuse these hopes.
+
+ "On my arrival, your Excellency gave me to understand, that
+ the realising these expectations would turn on one point, and
+ I have uniformly since been informed, that this point was the
+ navigation of the Mississippi below the territories of the
+ United States, in which Congress desired to retain a common
+ right, but of which the maxims of policy adopted by his
+ Majesty required the exclusive use.
+
+ "I have now the honor of informing your Excellency, that
+ Congress, in order to manifest in the most striking manner
+ the sincerity of their professions to his Majesty, and with a
+ view that the common cause may immediately reap all the
+ advantages naturally to be expected from a cordial and
+ permanent union between France, Spain, and the United States,
+ have authorised me to agree to such terms relative to the
+ point in question, as to remove the difficulties to which it
+ has hitherto given occasion.
+
+ "Permit me, therefore, to hope, that his Majesty will now be
+ pleased to become the ally of the United States, and for that
+ purpose authorise some person or persons to adjust with me
+ the several points of compact necessary to form a union,
+ which, by being founded on mutual interest, may be no less
+ satisfactory than it certainly will be important to both
+ countries.
+
+ "Your Excellency will oblige me exceedingly, by putting it in
+ my power to give Congress early, explicit, and, let me add,
+ agreeable information of his Majesty's pleasure and
+ intentions on the subject of this letter.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+Although it was sufficiently evident, that the Court of France could
+not, for the reasons assigned in my letter to Congress, of the 6th of
+November, 1780, openly and warmly interpose their good offices to
+bring about this treaty, it nevertheless appeared to me most prudent,
+to behave on this occasion towards the Ambassador, as if I knew
+nothing of those reasons, and, therefore, sent him a copy of the
+aforegoing letter to the Minister, enclosed in one of which the
+following is a copy.
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN.
+
+ "Madrid, July 2d, 1781.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency herewith
+ enclosed, a copy of a letter I have this day written to his
+ Excellency, the Count de Florida Blanca. I have thereby
+ informed him of my being authorised to remove the objections
+ hitherto made by the Court of Spain to a treaty of alliance
+ with the United States, and again requested that the
+ measures necessary for the purpose may now be taken.
+
+ "Permit me to request, that the favorable interposition of
+ our kind and generous ally with his Catholic Majesty may be
+ exerted to commence the proposed negotiation, and bring it to
+ a speedy and happy conclusion.
+
+ "The confidence justly reposed by America in the amity and
+ assurances of his Most Christian Majesty, forbid me to urge
+ this request by any arguments, (persuasives being indelicate,
+ when not warranted by doubts of inclination.) I am happy in
+ reflecting, that his instructions on this subject are
+ committed to the execution of a Minister, from whose
+ attachment, as well as from whose talents and address, the
+ American cause may expect to derive advantage.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+The instructions above alluded to are those, which Count de Vergennes,
+in his letter to me of the 13th of March, 1780, assures me should be
+sent to their Ambassador here. I must confess to Congress, that I very
+much doubt his ever having received any other instructions, than
+generally to favor the treaty, and to manage his interference in such
+a delicate manner, as, without alarming the pride of Spain, to give
+both parties reason to think themselves obliged.
+
+The French Ambassador sent me no answer to this letter, which, in my
+opinion, gives a greater degree of probability to my conjectures. I
+must, nevertheless, do him the justice to say that I have great reason
+to believe him to be in sentiment, and with sincere attachment, a
+friend to our cause; and that he considers the honor and interest of
+France deeply concerned in the success and support of it.
+
+On the 11th of July, having received no answer from the Minister, I
+waited upon him. He told me, he had received my letter, but that the
+short time the Court would remain at Madrid, and the multiplicity of
+business that he was obliged to despatch, would not admit of his
+attending to our affairs till after the arrival of the Court at St
+Ildefonso. He then informed me, that a vessel had arrived at Cadiz,
+which had brought despatches for me, and that his courier had brought
+them to Madrid. He then delivered me a number of letters, among which
+was one from his Excellency the President, of the 28th of May
+last.[32]
+
+I need not observe, that all these letters bore evident marks of
+inspection, for that has uniformly been the case with almost every
+letter I have received.
+
+I do not recollect to have ever received a letter that gave me more
+real pleasure. When I considered, that almost the whole time since I
+left America had afforded me little else than one continued series of
+painful perplexities and embarrassments, many of which I neither
+expected, nor ought to have met with; that I had been engaged in
+intricate and difficult negotiations, often at a loss to determine
+where the line of prudence was to be found, and constantly exposed by
+my particular situation to the danger of either injuring the dignity
+and interest of my country on the one hand, or trespassing on the
+overrated respectability and importance of this Court, on the other; I
+say, Sir, that on considering these things, the approbation of
+Congress gave me most singular and cordial satisfaction.
+
+I was also happy to perceive from this letter, that the plan of my
+late letters to the Minister and French Ambassador, of the 2d of July,
+above recited, happens to correspond exactly with the views of
+Congress, respecting the manner of conducting this negotiation.
+
+It appearing to me, that the communication I was directed to make to
+this Court could not be better made than in the very words of this
+letter, which seemed exceedingly well calculated for the purpose, I
+recited them in a letter, which I wrote two days afterwards to the
+Minister, viz.
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA.
+
+ Madrid, July 13th, 1781.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "I have now the honor of communicating to your Excellency a
+ copy of certain instructions I have just received from
+ Congress, dated the 28th of May, 1781, and which were
+ included in the despatches, which your Excellency was so
+ obliging as to deliver to me the evening before the last,
+ viz.
+
+ "It is their instruction, that you continue to acknowledge on
+ all suitable occasions, the grateful impression made on these
+ States by the friendly disposition manifested towards them by
+ his Catholic Majesty, and particularly by the proofs given of
+ it in the measures which he has taken, and which it is hoped
+ he will further take for preserving their credit, and for
+ aiding them with a supply of clothing for their army.
+
+ "You are also authorised and instructed to disavow in the
+ most positive and explicit terms, any secret understanding or
+ negotiation between the United States and Great Britain, to
+ assure his Catholic Majesty that such insinuations have no
+ other source than the insidious designs of the common enemy,
+ and that as the United States have the highest confidence in
+ the honor and good faith, both of his Most Christian and his
+ Catholic Majesty, so it is their inviolable determination to
+ take no step, which shall depart in the smallest degree from
+ their engagements with either.'
+
+ "It gives me pleasure to observe that these instructions
+ confirm, in the fullest manner, the assurances and
+ professions I have heretofore made to your Excellency
+ respecting the sentiments and dispositions of the United
+ States, and I flatter myself that his Majesty will be pleased
+ to consider the assurances they contain, as receiving
+ unquestionable proofs of sincerity from the offer I have
+ already made to confirm them by deeds, no less important to
+ the interests than, I hope, consistent with the views and
+ desires of his Majesty.
+
+ "I cannot omit this occasion of presenting my congratulations
+ on the success of his Majesty's arms at Pensacola. This event
+ cannot fail of being followed by important consequences to
+ the common cause, and may perhaps induce the enemy to expect
+ greater advantages from concluding a reasonable peace, than
+ continuing to protract an unrighteous war.
+
+ "Having understood, shortly after receiving my letters from
+ your Excellency, that the Court had also received despatches
+ from Philadelphia, I presumed that the communication of any
+ gazettes from thence, which indeed contain all the
+ intelligence I have, would be useless, and therefore did not
+ send them; but on considering that it was possible that the
+ papers I had might be of later date than those which your
+ Excellency might otherwise receive, I now take the liberty of
+ enclosing two, which contain accounts somewhat interesting.
+ If they should be new to your Excellency, I beg that their
+ not being sooner sent will receive an apology from the
+ abovementioned circumstance; and that your Excellency will
+ remain assured of the perfect respect and consideration with
+ which I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+I also took the earliest opportunity of mentioning to the Ambassador
+of France, that my letters from America gave me reason to believe that
+our union was daily growing more warm and intimate, and that Congress,
+in writing of their affairs here, had expressed themselves in the
+strongest terms of attachment to his Most Christian Majesty, and not
+only approved of my communicating freely and confidentially with his
+Ambassador here, but also directed me in express terms to endeavor, in
+the course of my negotiations, to include and promote the interests of
+France.
+
+The Ambassador was much pleased. He told me his letters assured him
+that the best understanding subsisted between the French and American
+troops, and that much good might be expected from the increasing
+harmony and intercourse between the two countries.
+
+The Court removed to St Ildefonso without the Minister's having either
+given any instructions to M. Gardoqui, answered my abovementioned
+letters, or taken the least notice of my late representations to them
+about the Dover cutter, &c.
+
+The events of the campaign were as yet undecided, and little money in
+the treasury.
+
+On the 21st of July the Minister wrote me the following note, in which
+there was ample field left open for procrastination.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "The Count de Florida Blanca presents his compliments to Mr
+ Jay, and has the honor of acquainting him, that he has duly
+ received his two letters of the 2d and 13th instant. The
+ short stay of the Court at Madrid allowing time only to
+ despatch the most pressing business, the Count de Florida
+ Blanca has not been able to take into consideration the
+ points, which form the object of the abovementioned letters.
+ He proposes therefore to do it at present, in order to render
+ an account thereof to the King, and in the meanwhile he has
+ the honor to repeat to Mr Jay the assurances of the most
+ perfect esteem and consideration.
+
+ "_St Ildefonso, July 21st, 1781._"
+
+On the 4th of August, I arrived here. I did not see the Minister till
+the 8th, he being, as I was told, from home. He had made no
+communications to the King. He had been sick; he had been busy, and
+was so still. I requested to be informed when it would be most
+convenient to him to confer with me on the subject of my late letters,
+and to give me such information relative to his Majesty's intentions,
+as he might be prepared to communicate to me. He answered, that he
+could not then fix a time, being exceedingly hurried by pressing
+business. He asked how long I proposed to stay, I told him till the
+Court removed. He then promised to take an early opportunity of
+conferring with me on the subject of our affairs, and promised to send
+me word when he should be ready to receive me.
+
+I remained in this state of suspense and expectation until the 18th of
+August, when having been for a week past very much indisposed with a
+fever and dysentery, and fearing lest that circumstance might become a
+ground of delay, I wrote the Count word, "that my health would permit
+me to wait upon his Excellency at any time and place he might do me
+the honor to name." He replied two days afterwards, in a manner which
+indicated his supposing I had gone to Madrid and had returned. He must
+have known better, for none of my family had been absent from hence,
+and one or other of them were almost daily about the palace and
+gardens.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "The Count de Florida Blanca is charmed to learn, that Mr Jay
+ has sufficiently recovered from his last indisposition to
+ make the journey from Madrid to this place, and thanks him
+ for his attention in communicating it to him.
+
+ "The very pressing business with which he finds himself at
+ present surrounded does not permit him to fix the day for a
+ conference with Mr Jay, but the moment he shall be a little
+ disengaged, he will have the honor to advise Mr Jay of it.
+
+ "_St Ildefonso, August 20th, 1781._"
+
+On the 22d I sent him a note enclosing a newspaper, which contained an
+account of General Greene's operations, the capture of Fort Watson,
+&c.
+
+The Count answered this note by another, expressing his thanks for the
+intelligence, but not a word of a conference.
+
+On the 30th of August Major Franks arrived here with interesting
+despatches, of which I must not here take notice, lest I interrupt
+the thread of this letter, which I devote particularly to the affair
+of our negotiations for a treaty.
+
+There was indeed among these despatches a very sensible letter from Mr
+R. Morris to me about money matters,[33] &c. excellently well
+calculated for being shown entire to the Minister.
+
+I consulted with the French Ambassador on the propriety of giving the
+Minister a copy of it. He advised me to do it, and much commended the
+letter. As it might have suffered from being carelessly translated, I
+had it put into very good French.
+
+I was very glad to see the Major. The nature of the despatches he
+brought being a secret occasioned speculation, and gave me an
+opportunity of drawing further advantages from his arrival. His
+accounts of American affairs were favorable to us, and the manner of
+his behavior and conversation has not done discredit to himself, nor
+prejudice to his country.
+
+The Ambassador of France having assured me that the Minister had
+really been a good deal indisposed, I thought it would be best to
+write him a letter in a style somewhat adapted to his situation. He
+certainly appears to be fatigued, and worn down by business. He looks
+as I have seen some members of Congress look, after two years'
+attendance.
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA.
+
+ "St Ildefonso, September 3d, 1781.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "When I consider that the delicate state of your Excellency's
+ health demands a greater degree of leisure and relaxation,
+ than the various business of your office will permit, it is
+ with great reluctance, that I can prevail upon myself to
+ remind your Excellency, that since our conference at
+ Aranjues, the affairs of the United States at this Court have
+ made no progress.
+
+ "The short residence of his Majesty at Madrid, I am
+ persuaded, made it necessary to postpone the discussion of
+ these affairs to this place; and since my arrival here on the
+ 4th of August last, I have daily flattered myself with being
+ enabled to communicate to Congress his Majesty's pleasure on
+ the important subjects, which by their order I have had the
+ honor of laying before your Excellency.
+
+ "It has also for some time past been my duty to have
+ requested your Excellency's attention to some other objects,
+ which, though of less public importance, are nevertheless
+ interesting to individuals, as well as to the commercial
+ intercourse of the two countries, but it did not appear to be
+ consistent with the respect due to your Excellency to solicit
+ your attention to new objects, while this former remained
+ undespatched for want of time.
+
+ "It would give me great pleasure to have it in my power to
+ regulate all my applications by your Excellency's
+ convenience, and though I am happy to see the connexion
+ between our two countries daily increasing, yet as that
+ circumstance will naturally render necessary applications to
+ government more frequent, I fear the duties of my situation
+ will often press me to be troublesome to your Excellency.
+
+ "On Friday evening last I received some important despatches
+ from Congress, which I shall do myself the honor of
+ communicating at any time, which your Excellency may be
+ pleased to name. The gentleman who brought them, will after
+ passing on to Paris, return immediately to Philadelphia, and
+ will with pleasure execute any orders which your Excellency
+ may honor him with, for either of those places. His stay here
+ will be but short. As soon as I can ascertain the day of his
+ departure, your Excellency shall have immediate notice of it.
+ As Congress will naturally expect to receive by him
+ particular information respecting their affairs here, I
+ cannot forbear expressing how anxious I am to make him the
+ bearer of welcome tidings; and permit me to hope, that your
+ Excellency's sensibility will suggest an apology for the
+ solicitude which appears in this letter.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, with great respect, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+On the 5th, I received the following answer, viz.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "The Count de Florida Blanca has been much mortified not to
+ be able to receive the visit of Mr Jay, not only on account
+ of the too pressing business, which has engaged all his time,
+ but also by reason of the indisposition he has suffered, and
+ still suffers.
+
+ "Although he be not in a situation to engage in long and
+ serious conferences for the reasons abovementioned, he will,
+ nevertheless, be charmed to converse a moment with Mr Jay,
+ one of those leisure evenings when there is no business with
+ the King; in which case, Mr Jay may, if he thinks proper,
+ bring with him the officer in question.
+
+ "Saturday, for instance, towards eight o'clock, the interview
+ may take place."
+
+ _Wednesday, the 5th of September._
+
+Your Excellency will be pleased to observe, that the Minister in the
+above note intimates a desire that I should bring Major Franks with
+me. I thought it best to do so; but lest his presence should be a
+check upon business, and as it was natural to suppose, that the Count
+would begin by asking him questions about our affairs, I desired the
+Major to relate to him the impression made in America by that article
+in the capitulation of Pensacola, which permitted the garrison to go
+to New York. I also desired the Major to retire into the ante-chamber
+and leave me alone with the Minister, as soon as the latter should
+appear to have finished with him.
+
+At the time appointed, viz. the evening of the 8th of September, we
+waited upon the Minister.
+
+The Count received us very politely. He spoke much of his want of
+health, and how greatly it incapacitated him for business. He then
+asked the Major several questions about our military operations. The
+Major answered them clearly, and, in speaking of the proposed siege of
+New York, very naturally introduced an account of the surprise and
+apprehensions occasioned by the permission given to the Pensacola
+garrison to join that of New York. The Count confessed it was ill
+done; said it was very unexpected, and that they ought to have been
+sent to Europe; that the like should not happen in future, and that
+proper orders upon that subject should be despatched to their
+Generals. He then observed, that our fears were not altogether well
+founded, for that those troops were restrained by the capitulation
+from taking arms against the allies of Spain till exchanged, and could
+not operate against our troops without also operating against those of
+France, who were joined with them, and who, it was well known, were
+the allies of Spain. The Major replied, that it was feared that the
+enemy would attempt to evade this reasoning, by insisting that the
+French troops in America were only to be considered as auxiliaries to
+the United States, and that though that argument might be fallacious,
+yet, that in matters affecting America, the enemy had invariably
+neglected good faith, whenever they found it convenient.
+
+The Count asked how long the Major would stay here. I told him, that I
+only detained him in expectation of being soon enabled by his
+Excellency to write something decisive by him to Congress on the
+subjects under his consideration. He said he hoped in the course of
+next week to enter into serious conferences with me on those subjects,
+and that he would give me notice of the day. He offered to give the
+Major letters to the Spanish Ambassador at Paris, and to do him any
+other services in his power. He then rose from his chair in a manner
+indicating indisposition, said he was unable to do business, and that
+M. Del Campo should inform me when it would be convenient for him that
+I should see him again. I expressed my regret at his illness, and gave
+him the French translation of Mr Morris's letter, adding, that I had
+intended to offer him some remarks on the subject of it. He said he
+would read it with pleasure. He spoke of Mr Morris's appointment, and
+after conversing a few minutes about the good consequences expected
+from it, and of the services done by that gentleman to Spain, in some
+business they had committed to his care, we parted.
+
+Thus this conference ended as fruitless as the last.
+
+Eight days elapsed. I heard nothing from the Minister. He was daily at
+Court, and every evening took his ride.
+
+I repeatedly mentioned and complained of these delays to the French
+Ambassador. He regretted them, promised to speak to the Minister on
+the subject; but, I believe, did not. I appeared much dissatisfied,
+though not with him; and told him, that if Major Franks returned to
+America with no other intelligence than that of repeated delays, it
+was more than probable that Congress would be much hurt, as well as
+much disappointed. He had the same fears, and advised me to detain the
+Major.
+
+It became in my opinion important, that the Minister, as well as the
+French Ambassador, should be seriously apprehensive of my dismissing
+the Major with letters, that would render Congress very little
+disposed to make sacrifices to this Court. The manner of doing this
+required some caution. I could think of nothing better than to prepare
+a letter to the Minister, and send the Ambassador a fair copy of my
+draft for his consideration and advice.
+
+The following are copies of that letter, and of the one I sent with it
+to the Ambassador.
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN.
+
+ "St Ildefonso, September 16th, 1781.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "The paper herewith enclosed is the draft of a letter, which
+ I think of writing to his Excellency, the Count de Florida
+ Blanca.
+
+ "The subject, as well as the occasion, demands that dexterous
+ and delicate management, of which they only are capable, who
+ possess an accurate judgment and much experience in affairs
+ of this kind.
+
+ "I am happy, therefore, that on such occasions I can avoid
+ the risk of committing errors, by recurring to your friendly
+ advice. Without compliment, but with sincerity,
+
+ I am, Sir, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+ TO THE COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA.
+
+ "Whatever may be the issue of the American revolution,
+ whether that country shall continue independent, or be doomed
+ to reunite her power with that of Great Britain, the good
+ will and affection of the people of North America cannot in
+ either case be unimportant to their neighbors; nor will the
+ impressions made upon their minds by the benefits or
+ injuries, which they may receive from other nations in the
+ course of their present struggles, ever cease to have a
+ certain degree of influence on their future conduct.
+
+ "Various circumstances led Congress at an early period to
+ suppose, that the Court of Spain had wisely and generously
+ determined to take a decided part in their favor. The
+ supplies granted to them by his Catholic Majesty, soon after
+ the British armies became numerous in America, spoke this
+ language in strong terms, and the assurances repeatedly given
+ me by your Excellency, that his Majesty would firmly support
+ their cause, and never consent to their being reduced to the
+ subjection of Britain, left no room to doubt of his friendly
+ disposition and intentions towards them.
+
+ "Many obvious considerations prompted Congress to desire,
+ that an intimate connexion might speedily be established
+ between the two countries by such treaties as would take from
+ the enemy every prospect of success, and secure to Spain and
+ the United States the permanent enjoyment of mutual
+ advantages and reciprocal attachment. With this view Congress
+ were pleased to send me to Spain, and the first letter I had
+ the honor of receiving from your Excellency gave me reason to
+ believe, that the object of my mission was not displeasing
+ to his Majesty; unavoidable and long delays were,
+ nevertheless, created by differences respecting a certain
+ important right, which America wished to retain. So strong,
+ however, was the reliance of Congress on his Majesty's
+ assurances of support, and such was their disposition to
+ render the proposed treaties consistent with his
+ inclinations, that they have since agreed to remove the only
+ obstacle, which seemed to prevent his Majesty from realising
+ those assurances by substantial aids and an open declaration
+ of his intentions.
+
+ "But unfortunately for America, and perhaps for the general
+ cause, the delays in question have not ceased with the cause
+ to which they were ascribed, and although the confidence
+ reposed by Congress in his Majesty's assurances will not
+ permit them to doubt of his determination to support their
+ independence, yet the silent inattention, with which their
+ offers to remove the former obstacle to a treaty have long
+ laid unanswered, must appear to them as being very singular.
+ Your Excellency has indeed repeatedly promised me to name a
+ time when I should have an opportunity of conferring with you
+ on that and other subjects submitted to your consideration,
+ but it constantly happened that the expectations excited by
+ these promises proved abortive.
+
+ "Knowing that Congress would expect to receive by the return
+ of Major Franks particular information respecting their
+ affairs here, I was anxious to send them some intelligence
+ more welcome than I have reason to think a detail of delays
+ and procrastination would be, in a season when they would be
+ indulging the most flattering expectations from the measures
+ they had taken to gratify his Majesty. For this reason I
+ informed your Excellency, that I should detain Major Franks
+ for the present, and your Excellency promised me on the 8th
+ instant, that you would appoint some time in the ensuing week
+ for entering into a serious conference about these matters,
+ and that M. Del Campo should give me notice of it. That week,
+ however, has passed away without having been witness to any
+ such notice or conference.
+
+ "I think your Excellency will do me the justice to
+ acknowledge that the utmost respect, delicacy, and patience,
+ have been observed in all my transactions with your
+ Excellency, and therefore I cannot forbear hinting that my
+ constituents are at least entitled to that species of
+ attention, which the most dignified sovereigns usually pay to
+ the friendly propositions of such States, as solicit either
+ their aid or alliance in a decent manner, viz. a candid
+ answer.
+
+ "I am sensible that Spain possesses a higher degree on the
+ scale of national importance than the United States, and I
+ can readily admit, that the friendship of this Court is of
+ more immediate consequence to America, than that of America
+ to the Spanish empire. But as his Catholic Majesty and his
+ Ministers doubtless extend their views beyond the present
+ moment, it would ill become me to remark, how essential it is
+ to the happiness of neighboring nations, that their conduct
+ towards each other should be actuated by such passions and
+ sentiments only, as naturally tend to establish and
+ perpetuate harmony and good will between them. Most certain
+ it is, that in whatever manner the negotiations between Spain
+ and North America may terminate, various good or evil
+ consequences will in future naturally and necessarily flow
+ from it to both.
+
+ "There is good reason to believe, that the apparent
+ indecision of Spain, relative to an open acknowledgment of
+ the independence of the United States, has inspired other
+ nations with doubts and conjectures unfavorable to the
+ American cause, and on the other hand, it is more than
+ probable that, if his Catholic Majesty would be pleased to
+ declare to the world, that the United States were his allies,
+ and that he had given his royal word to support their
+ independence, Holland and many other nations would follow his
+ example.
+
+ "On such an event, also, it might not be difficult to form a
+ permanent alliance between France, Spain, the Dutch and the
+ United States, and thereby not only prevent a separate peace
+ between the Dutch and English, but effectually reduce the
+ latter to reasonable terms of general pacification.
+
+ "The limits of a letter forbid my enlarging on these topics.
+ The eyes of America, and indeed of all Europe, are turned
+ towards Spain. It is in the power of his Catholic Majesty to
+ increase his friends and humble his enemies. I will only add
+ my most sincere wishes, that the annals of America may inform
+ succeeding generations, that the wisdom, constancy, and
+ generous protection of his Catholic Majesty, Charles the
+ Third, and of his Minister, the Count de Florida Blanca, are
+ to be ranked among the causes that insured success to a
+ revolution, which posterity will consider as one of the most
+ important and interesting events in modern history.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+The Ambassador called upon me in the evening to answer my letter.
+
+He observed, that the delays of which I complained were not singular,
+but that others, and even himself, experienced the like. That he had
+reason to believe this Court were really disposed to treat with us,
+though the time when might be doubtful. That the remarks made in the
+draft of my intended letter were but too just; that he feared they
+would give offence; that at any rate, he thought I had better postpone
+it, and for the present write one less pointed, and more laconic. We
+had much conversation on the subject, unnecessary to repeat. It ended
+in my consenting to pursue his advice.
+
+It is observable, that he did not offer to return me the draft of this
+letter, though I had agreed to suppress it.
+
+The letter which, agreeable to the Ambassador's advice, I substituted
+in the place of the other, is in these words, viz.
+
+ St Ildefonso, September 17th, 1781.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "A reluctance to despatch Major Franks without transmitting
+ by him to Congress the information they expect to receive, on
+ the subject I have had the honor of submitting to your
+ Excellency's consideration, has induced me hitherto to detain
+ him, especially as I was encouraged to hope that your
+ Excellency would have found leisure last week for entering
+ into serious conference with me on those important points.
+ The same reluctance prevails upon me to detain him another
+ week, and I think it my duty to inform your Excellency that
+ he will set out on Saturday next.
+
+ "I need not remark to your Excellency, that if the letter I
+ may then write by him should not contain the desired
+ intelligence, Congress will naturally be led to apprehend
+ that their expectations of forming an intimate union with
+ Spain were not well founded.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+On the 19th, I received the following answer.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "The Count de Florida Blanca would have been charmed to have
+ had it in his power to have a long conference with Mr Jay, if
+ his ordinary indispositions had not prevented him; he will,
+ therefore, have the honor to see him this evening about eight
+ o'clock, if Mr Jay will give himself the trouble of waiting
+ on him, either alone or with Major Franks, and in
+ communicating to the King the result of their conference, he
+ will endeavor to prevail on his Majesty to name some other
+ person to confer with Mr Jay in case of need, in order to
+ avoid, as much as possible, the embarrassments which Mr Jay
+ has hitherto experienced.
+
+ _Wednesday, 19th of September, 1781._"
+
+I waited upon the Count at the time appointed. The following is a copy
+of my notes of that conference.
+
+ _Notes of a Conference held at St Ildefonso, on Wednesday
+ Evening, the 19th of September, 1781, between his
+ Excellency, the Count de Florida Blanca, and Mr Jay,
+ agreeably to the appointment of the former._
+
+The Count introduced the conference by asking for Major Franks, and
+why Mr Jay did not bring him with him. Mr Jay answered, that as Major
+Franks was not charged with the transaction of any business with his
+Excellency, and had, at a former interview, answered such questions
+relative to American affairs as the Count had thought proper to ask
+him, Mr Jay did not think his attendance on this occasion necessary,
+as he supposed his Excellency meant to enter at present into the
+discussion of the matters referred to in Mr Jay's last letter.
+
+The Count then proceeded to enumerate the various obstacles arising
+from his ill health, the multiplicity of business, which had so long
+subjected Mr Jay to the delays he had hitherto experienced, and which,
+for his part, he could not but regret; that agreeable to his promise
+made to Mr Jay soon after his arrival, and frequently afterwards
+repeated, he had attempted to commit to paper his sentiments on the
+various points on which the proposed treaties must turn, and although
+he had made some progress in it, he had, for the reasons
+abovementioned, been obliged to leave it imperfect; that daily
+experience convinced him that his official business was too extensive
+and various to admit of his application to other objects, especially
+as his indisposition often rendered it impracticable for him to pay a
+due attention to it; that he, therefore, conceived it necessary that
+some person, duly authorised to confer with Mr Jay on these subjects,
+should be appointed by his Majesty; that he intended on Sunday next to
+recommend this measure to the King, to whom he would at the same time
+communicate the copy of Mr Morris's letter to Mr Jay, which the latter
+had given him; that in order to the putting of this matter in proper
+train, it would be expedient for Mr Jay previously to commit to paper
+his ideas of the outlines of the proposed treaties, and particularly
+to state the propositions he might think proper to make relative
+thereto; that he had been informed, that the treaties between France
+and America had been preceded by the like measures; for that the
+American Commissioners had first offered a plan of propositions, and
+then M. Gerard was appointed to confer with them before those treaties
+were drawn into the state they now appear, and finally concluded. That
+the like proceedings were rendered particularly necessary in this
+case, by the variety and importance of the points necessary to be
+adjusted between Spain and America; that in forming political
+connexions between nations, constant regard must be had to their
+reciprocal interests, and care taken, by previous arrangements, to
+avoid the inconveniences which would result from any clashing of
+interest; that three great points presented themselves, as requiring
+great attention, in forming the proposed connexion between Spain and
+America.
+
+1st. The aids requested by America, as stated in Mr Morris's letter,
+were very considerable; that it would be necessary, on the part of
+Spain to determine what pecuniary aids it might be in their power to
+grant either by loan or subsidy, as well as the time, place, and
+manner of payment; for that great punctuality was requisite in such
+transactions, as well that the royal engagements might be properly
+fulfilled, as that Congress might not be subjected to inconveniences
+and disappointments; that on the part of America, it must be
+ascertained what compensation they should make, as well as the time
+and manner of doing it; and that it might be well to consider how far
+such compensation might be made in ship timber, or other productions
+of that country; that a compensation would be indispensable, for that
+the King, being only the guardian of his dominions, would not think
+himself justifiable in dispensing with the just rights of his people.
+
+2dly. That the commercial concerns of the two countries was another
+point, which would call for very accurate and important regulations.
+That so far as this commerce would respect the United States and old
+Spain, the difficulty would not be very great; for that such commerce
+being in a considerable degree permitted to other nations, America
+ought also to participate in the benefits of it. But with respect to
+the Spanish dominions in America, as all other nations were excluded
+from any direct commerce with any part of them, the United States
+could not reasonably expect to be on a better footing than other
+nations, and particularly the French, who were the near allies of
+Spain.
+
+3dly. That with respect to the proposed treaty of alliance, Mr Jay
+must be sensible, that the several engagements, which would thereby be
+rendered necessary between the parties, the matters of boundary, and
+the navigation of the Mississippi, would give occasion to several
+important articles, which ought to be maturely considered and well
+digested. To this end, he wished that Mr Jay would immediately turn
+his thoughts on these subjects, and offer him such a set of
+propositions, as might become the basis of future conferences between
+him and the person whom he expected his Majesty would appoint.
+
+The Count then took occasion to observe, that he had long wished Mr
+Jay had offered him such propositions, but that his Court had as yet
+received from Congress nothing but good words and fair assurances, and
+that though his Majesty had given them some little aids, yet they had
+discovered no disposition, by acts, to acknowledge them. Mr Jay
+reminded his Excellency of his having, at a very early day, undertaken
+to commit to paper the outlines of the proposed treaties, and that the
+constant expectations of his perfecting it, had restrained Mr Jay from
+offering anything of the like nature on the subject. That he could
+conceive of nothing in the power of Congress to do, which could more
+fully evidence their disposition to gratify his Majesty, than their
+having offered to recede from their claims to the navigation of the
+Mississippi, though the preservation of it was deemed of the highest
+importance to their constituents. The Count admitted the propriety of
+both these observations, and said he hoped that the delays, which had
+so long embarrassed Mr Jay, would soon be terminated.
+
+Mr Jay expressed his anxiety to be enabled to communicate to Congress
+some decided intelligence, respecting the aids they might expect from
+this Court; to which the Count replied, that the sum requested was
+great, the expenses of the kingdom very extensive, and the means of
+obtaining the sums necessary to defray them subject to many
+difficulties; that he would, as he had before mentioned, communicate
+Mr Morris's letter to the King, and, until that was done, he could not
+be in capacity to say anything further on the subject; that as the
+appointment of a person to confer with Mr Jay would rest with his
+Majesty, he could not say who in particular it would be, but he hoped,
+and was persuaded that it would be some person well-intentioned
+towards America; that he was the more confirmed in this expectation,
+from the friendly disposition, which the King had early and constantly
+manifested towards that country; that he would again repeat what he
+had before told Mr Jay, viz. that the King, when acting in capacity of
+mediator for a peace, had refused to permit that country to be
+sacrificed; that since the rupture with Britain, tempting and
+advantageous offers had been made to him to withdraw his protection
+from America, and conclude a separate peace; that he had rejected
+these offers, and still continued determined to support the States;
+that this conduct ought to be viewed as extremely generous, as no
+political connexions or engagements did then, or do as yet subsist
+between the two countries. Mr Jay assured his Excellency that the
+magnanimity of this conduct had made a deep impression on the people
+of America; that nothing but want of opportunity would ever prevent
+their expressing it more strongly than by words, and that the sense
+they entertained of it, had greatly influenced the late measure they
+had taken to comply with his Majesty's desires. The Count then pressed
+Mr Jay again to send him the paper above mentioned before Sunday,
+adding that he sincerely wished nothing might be wanted to put the
+business in a proper train; that for his part, he had the best
+disposition towards America, as well as personal regard for Mr Jay,
+and, after adding some complimentary expressions relative to the
+character of the latter, he concluded.
+
+I was a little surprised that the Count should expect to receive from
+me, in the course of three days, formal propositions on the several
+points stated in this conference. But it would not have been proper
+for me to desire further time.
+
+On the 22d of September, I sent him the following letter and
+propositions.
+
+ "St Ildefonso, September 22d, 1781.
+
+ "Sir,
+
+ "I have the honor of transmitting, herewith enclosed, the
+ propositions requested by your Excellency on Wednesday
+ evening last.
+
+ "I have endeavored to render them as short and simple as
+ possible, and I flatter myself that the unreserved frankness
+ with which they are written will be no less agreeable to your
+ Excellency, than I am sure it is consistent with the desire
+ and disposition of my constituents.
+
+ "As the issue of this measure will in a great degree
+ ascertain the expectations which Congress entertain from
+ their negotiations here, and as they flatter themselves with
+ receiving information on this subject by the return of Major
+ Franks, they will doubtless excuse my detaining him another
+ week, unless your Excellency should sooner be enabled to
+ communicate to me his Majesty's pleasure relative to the
+ proposed treaty.
+
+ "Permit me to entreat your Excellency, therefore, to enable
+ me to transmit by him such intelligence to Congress, as may
+ relieve them from their present distressing doubts and
+ uncertainties.
+
+ "I sincerely hope it may be such as may make them happy in a
+ prospect of soon seeing an intimate and lasting union
+ established between France, Spain, and the United States, a
+ union which, by being raised on the solid foundation of
+ mutual interest and reciprocal advantages, may secure to each
+ the blessings of uninterrupted tranquillity. This generous
+ policy pervades the treaties already formed between his Most
+ Christian Majesty and the United States, and I am happy in
+ being persuaded, that the magnanimity of his Catholic
+ Majesty's conduct towards my country, on this and other
+ occasions, will furnish materials for some bright pages in
+ the American annals.
+
+ "I have the honor to be, Sir, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+Here follow the propositions alluded to, and sent enclosed in the
+preceding letter.
+
+ "St Ildefonso, September 22d, 1781.
+
+ "As the time allowed Mr Jay for offering such propositions,
+ as may become the basis of the proposed treaty between his
+ Catholic Majesty and the United States of North America, is
+ very short, he should fear the consequences of haste and
+ inaccuracy, if he were not persuaded that the candor, with
+ which they will be received, will secure him from the
+ inconveniences to which these circumstances might otherwise
+ expose him.
+
+ "Mr Jay presumes that it is not expected he should offer a
+ plan of a treaty drawn at length, but only general
+ propositions, which may be so modified and enlarged, as on
+ due consideration and discussion may appear expedient. With
+ this view, he begs leave to present the following as the
+ basis of a treaty of amity and alliance, viz.
+
+
+ PROPOSITIONS.
+
+ I.
+
+ "There shall forever subsist an inviolable and universal
+ peace and friendship between his Catholic Majesty and the
+ United States, and the subjects and citizens of both.
+
+ II.
+
+ "That every privilege, exemption, and favor, with respect to
+ commerce, navigation, and personal rights, which now are, or
+ hereafter may be granted, by either, to any the most favored
+ nation, be also granted by them to each other.
+
+ III.
+
+ "That they mutually extend to the vessels, merchants, and
+ inhabitants of each other, all that protection, which is
+ usual and proper between friendly and allied nations.
+
+ IV.
+
+ "That the vessels, merchants, or other subjects of his
+ Catholic Majesty, and the United States, shall not resort to,
+ or be permitted (except in cases which humanity allows to
+ distress,) to enter into any of those ports or dominions of
+ the other, from which the most favored nation shall be
+ excluded.
+
+ V.
+
+ "That the following commerce be prohibited, and declared
+ contraband between the subjects of his Catholic Majesty and
+ the United States, viz.
+
+ "All such as his Catholic Majesty may think proper to
+ specify.
+
+ REMARKS. "On this proposition Mr Jay can offer nothing, but
+ an assurance of his being ready to concur in every reasonable
+ regulation that may be proposed.
+
+ VI.
+
+ "The United States shall relinquish to his Catholic Majesty,
+ and in future forbear to use, or attempt to use, the
+ navigation of the river Mississippi from the thirtyfirst
+ degree of north latitude, that is, from the point where it
+ leaves the United States, down to the ocean.
+
+ REMARKS. "The impression made upon the United States by the
+ magnanimity of his Majesty's conduct towards them; the
+ assistance they hope to receive from the further exertions of
+ the same magnanimity; the deep wound which an alliance with
+ so great a monarch would give to the hopes and efforts of the
+ enemy; the strong support it would afford to their
+ independence; the favorable influence which the example of
+ such a King would have on other nations, and the many other
+ great and extensive good consequences which would result at
+ this interesting period from his Majesty's taking so noble
+ and decided a part in their favor, have all conspired in
+ prevailing upon Congress to offer to relinquish in his favor,
+ the enjoyment of this territorial and national privilege, the
+ importance of which, to their constituents, can only be
+ estimated by the value they set upon his Majesty's
+ friendship.
+
+ "By this proposition, the United States offer to forego all
+ the advantages and conveniences, which nature has given to
+ the country bordering on the upper parts of that river, by
+ ceasing to export their own, and receiving in return the
+ commodities of other countries by that only channel, thereby
+ greatly reducing the value of that country, retarding its
+ settlement, and diminishing the benefits which the United
+ States would reap from its cultivation.
+
+ "Mr Jay thinks it his duty frankly to confess, that the
+ difficulty of reconciling this measure to the feelings of
+ their constituents, has appeared to Congress in a serious
+ light, and they now expect to do it, only by placing in the
+ opposite scale the gratitude due to his Catholic Majesty, and
+ the great and various advantages, which the United States
+ will derive from the acknowledgment and generous support of
+ their independence by the Spanish monarchy, at a time when
+ the vicissitudes, dangers, and difficulties of a distressing
+ war, with a powerful, obstinate, and vindictive nation,
+ renders the friendship and avowed protection of his Catholic
+ Majesty in a very particular manner interesting to them. The
+ offer of this proposition, therefore, being dictated by these
+ expectations and this combination of circumstances, must
+ necessarily be limited by the duration of them, and
+ consequently, that if the acceptance of it should, together
+ with the proposed alliance, be postponed to a general peace,
+ the United States will cease to consider themselves bound by
+ any propositions, or offers, which he may now make in their
+ behalf.
+
+ "Nor can Mr Jay omit mentioning the hopes and expectations of
+ Congress, that his Majesty's generosity and greatness of
+ mind will prompt him to alleviate, as much as possible, the
+ disadvantages to which this proposition subjects the United
+ States, by either granting them a free port, under certain
+ restrictions, in the vicinity, or by such other marks of his
+ liberality and justice, as may give him additional claims to
+ the affection and attachment of the United States.
+
+ VII.
+
+ "That his Catholic Majesty shall guaranty to the United
+ States all their respective territories.
+
+ VIII.
+
+ "That the United States shall guaranty to his Catholic
+ Majesty all his dominions in North America.
+
+ Lastly.
+
+ "As the aforegoing propositions appear to Mr Jay the most
+ essential, he omits proposing those less and subordinate
+ ones, which seem to follow of course. He therefore concludes
+ this subject with a general offer and propositions to make
+ and admit all such articles as, in the course of this
+ negotiation, shall appear conducive to the great objects of
+ the proposed treaty.
+
+ REMARKS. "Nothing on Mr Jay's part shall be wanting to
+ expedite the happy conclusion of this business, by adhering
+ constantly to the dictates of candor, frankness, and
+ unsuspecting confidence.
+
+ "He is ready to receive the treaty between the United States
+ and his Christian Majesty, as a model for this, or with such
+ alterations as, founded on the principles of reciprocity, may
+ be more agreeable to his Catholic Majesty, it being his
+ earnest desire to arrive at the important objects of his
+ mission in any way his Majesty may be pleased to prefer.
+
+ "The subject of aids, either by subsidy or loan as may be
+ most convenient to his Majesty, will require a particular
+ convention, but as the manner, extent, and terms depend on
+ his Majesty's pleasure, it is impossible for Mr Jay, without
+ some knowledge of it, to offer propositions adapted thereto.
+ All that he can at present say on that subject is, that
+ Congress are ready to do everything in their power. He will
+ not, however, endeavor to conceal their incapacity to do much
+ in the way of compensation, while the enemy shall continue to
+ make the United States the theatre of a desolating war, and
+ the object of their predatory operations. But when those
+ obstacles shall cease, it will be in their power, as well as
+ their inclination, to make retribution, and render important
+ services to his Majesty. Mr Jay will therefore continue to
+ decline attempting to induce his Majesty to take any
+ measures, however favorable to his country, by delusive
+ promises, or rash engagements; but on the other hand, he is
+ ready to enter into such reasonable ones, as he may have good
+ reason to say shall be faithfully and punctually performed.
+
+ "A particular treaty regulating the conduct to be observed by
+ his Catholic Majesty, and the United States, towards each
+ other during the war, also appears to Mr Jay important to
+ both; but as the proper plans and articles of such a treaty
+ can only result from a free conference on the subject, he can
+ upon this occasion only express his readiness to concur in
+ every provision, which may be calculated to give energy and
+ success to the operations and objects of both.
+
+ JOHN JAY."
+
+Your Excellency will be pleased to observe, that among my remarks on
+the sixth proposition, I have limited the duration of the offer
+contained in it. I did this from a persuasion, that such limitation
+was not only just and reasonable in itself, but absolutely necessary
+to prevent this Court's continuing to delay a treaty to a general
+peace. Besides what the Minister dropped upon this head in his
+conference with me at Aranjues, I think it probable that they still
+wish to adhere to that idea. To me they appear desirous of avoiding
+the expense that the aids, which a treaty we should expect would
+render unavoidable, and which at present would not be very convenient
+for them. They wish to see our independence established, and yet not
+be among the first to subscribe a precedent, that may one day be
+turned against them. They wish not to exclude themselves, by any
+present engagements, from taking advantage of the chances and events
+of the war, not choosing on the one hand, that in case we sink, that
+we should be fastened to them by any particular ties, nor on the other
+hand, in case we survive the storm, to be so circumstanced as not to
+make the most of us. I think it is their design, therefore, to draw
+from us all such concessions as our present distress, and the hopes of
+aid may extort, and by protracting negotiations about the treaty,
+endeavor to avail themselves of these concessions at a future day,
+when our inducements to offer them shall have ceased. As this would
+evidently be unjust, I think the limitation in question can give them
+no offence, and I hope Congress will be pleased to communicate to me
+their sentiments on the subject.
+
+I must also remark, that after what has passed, and considering how
+well they are acquainted with my instructions, it would not only have
+been useless, but absurd, to have made these propositions otherwise
+than agreeably to those instructions.
+
+Congress may at first view be a little surprised at the extent of the
+fifth proposition, but when they compare it with the second, I am
+persuaded they will find it sufficiently restrained.
+
+In forming these propositions, it was my determination to leave them
+so free from disputed, or disputable points, as that no plausible
+pretexts for delay should arise from the face of them. I am well
+apprised, nevertheless, that in the course of the negotiation, it will
+be impossible for me to prevent their practising as much
+procrastination as they may find convenient. Almost the only hope I
+have of their seriously doing business arises from their fearing, that
+the instruction respecting the Mississippi will be recalled the moment
+that either any very decided successes on our part in America may
+render a treaty with Spain of less importance to us, or a general
+treaty of peace give us different views and prospects.
+
+These are my conjectures and opinions. Perhaps they may prove
+erroneous; as facts accompany them, Congress will be enabled to judge
+for themselves. I will add, that from everything I can hear, the King
+is honestly disposed to do us good, and were he alone to be consulted
+in this business, I believe it would soon be concluded.
+
+On the 23d of September, the foregoing propositions were to be laid
+before the King. I heard nothing further from the Minister until the
+27th, when he sent me the following note.
+
+ Translation.
+
+ "Although the last letter of Mr Jay, accompanied with a
+ certain plan, was transmitted on Saturday in the evening to
+ the Count de Florida Blanca, and although he could not inform
+ himself of their contents until translated from the English,
+ he nevertheless did not fail to render an account thereof to
+ the King in his despatch of Sunday. His Majesty having then
+ shown himself disposed to appoint some person to confer with
+ Mr Jay, it is become necessary to prepare a suitable
+ instruction, and present it to the King for his approbation.
+ The Count de Florida Blanca flatters himself, that he shall
+ be able to arrange this affair before the departure of the
+ Count for the Escurial, and in the meanwhile, he has the
+ honor to transmit to Mr Jay a passport for Major Franks.
+
+ "_Thursday, September 27th, 1781._"
+
+I have been given to understand, though not officially, that M. Del
+Campo, the Minister's Secretary, is the person who will be appointed
+to confer with me, and though that gentleman is constantly about the
+Minister, yet it seems, that a set of formal instructions are to be
+prepared for him. When the Minister will be able to find either time
+or health to complete them is uncertain.
+
+There is reason to believe, that still less progress would have been
+made in this affair, had Major Franks not have arrived. I regret his
+detention, but hope the reasons assigned for it will be deemed
+sufficient; I am perfectly satisfied with him.
+
+Notwithstanding Congress had given me reason to expect, that the plan
+of drawing bills upon me had been laid aside, I have now bills to the
+amount of between seventy and eighty thousand dollars to pay, and no
+funds provided. What am I to do? Dr Franklin writes me, that so far from
+being able to give me further aids, he does not expect to have it in
+his power even to pay our salaries in future.
+
+From the facts stated in this letter, Congress will perceive that this
+Court neither refuse nor promise to afford us further aid. Delay is
+their system; when it will cease I cannot conjecture, for that is a
+question which I doubt whether they themselves have as yet determined.
+
+I am indebted largely to Mr Harrison for money advanced by him to
+distressed seamen. He ought to be paid, and it is so far from being in
+my power to do it, that I have been reduced to the mortifying
+necessity of desiring him for the present to hold his hand. A great
+many of this valuable class of people are confined in English gaols,
+without other means of obtaining their enlargement than by entering
+into the enemy's service. They complain bitterly of being neglected by
+their country, and I really think not without reason. Retaliation
+ought to be practised, and if we have not a sufficient number of
+marine officers and seamen in our power to make the objects of it, why
+would it be improper to substitute landsmen?
+
+As to Portugal, I have more than once spoken to the Minister on the
+subject. He admits the justice of our being treated by that as by
+other neutral nations. He has promised to interfere in our behalf, but
+nothing efficacious has yet been done. To send an agent there, could
+do no harm, and might do good; I am therefore for it. The Ambassador
+of France thinks with me, that before that step is taken, it ought to
+be confidentially communicated to this Court, and I am persuaded
+difficulties will arise from it. I shall do my best.
+
+M. Gardoqui's departure is uncertain. He is still attending the orders
+of the Court. I doubt his receiving them till the campaign closes, and
+perhaps not then.
+
+I do not despair of seeing some good result, finally, from all this
+complication of political solecisms. It would not surprise me if we
+should in the end be the gainers by them. My greatest fears are about
+the fate of the bills. If protested, for want of payment, they will
+become the source of much evil.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+_P. S._ I have this instant received a letter from Commodore Gillon,
+dated at Corunna, the 28th of September, and one from Colonel Searle
+of the 26th of September. I herewith enclose copies of them. Their
+contents are interesting. J. J.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[30] See these letters at large in the _Secret Journal of Congress_,
+Vol. II. pp. 323, 326. The latter was drawn up by Mr Madison.
+
+[31] Secret Journal of Congress, Vol. II. p. 393.
+
+[32] Secret Journal of Congress, Vol. II. p. 404.
+
+[33] See this letter above, p. 449.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+ Madrid, October 18th, 1781.
+
+ Sir,
+
+Major Franks delivered me the despatches committed to his care on the
+30th of August. He set out for France the 5th instant. My letters by
+him to your Excellency will account for his remaining here so long. I
+also beg leave to refer to them for other more interesting
+particulars.
+
+Congress will doubtless be informed that I have refused to accept some
+of their bills. As the enemies of America in Europe had, with some
+success, endeavored to render the credit of our paper suspected, it
+appeared to me expedient to state the reasons for these refusals very
+particularly, and I caused them to be recited at large in the
+protests. I have sent copies of them to Dr Franklin and Mr Adams,
+that in case these transactions should be represented to our
+disadvantage, either in France or Holland, they might be enabled to
+set the matter right. I now send copies to Congress, to prevent their
+being alarmed at any general report that may arrive in America, of my
+having refused to accept their bills drawn upon me.
+
+Our merchants would, in my opinion, do well to write their
+endorsements on bills at length, and in their own hand writing. There
+is reason to believe that the enemy often turn blank endorsements to
+good account.
+
+M. Gardoqui is here. Those ships of the Spanish flotilla, which
+carried the treasure, are arrived at Cadiz. Trenches are not yet
+opened against Fort St Philip at Minorca. Another expedition is
+preparing at Cadiz; its destination is uncertain.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+ JOHN JAY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Philadelphia, November 1st, 1781.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+Your letter to Congress of April last having been read and answered by
+them, though not so minutely as I would wish, I forbear making any
+remarks upon it, because I am not yet perfectly acquainted with their
+sentiments, (and would not wish any which might interfere with them)
+having just entered upon the office, in consequence of which I open
+this correspondence, though long since appointed. I beg of you,
+agreeably to the directions of Congress, to address in future your
+public letters to me, and to notify the Count de Florida Blanca of
+this alteration in our system, our unacknowledged situation rendering
+it improper to do it formally.
+
+Congress have at length completed the organization of their executive
+departments, by the choice of General Lincoln for their Secretary at
+War. It is expected that order and system will arise out of this mode
+of doing business, and the strictest economy.
+
+If the great powers of Europe, with every advantage that settled
+governments enjoy, feel themselves under the necessity of making
+foreign loans, can it be expected that a war of six years, in the
+heart of our country, should not have abridged the resources of a
+State, which had every necessary for their army to import; which never
+manufactured for itself; which had no marine; and which, with a number
+of internal enemies in their bosom, had civil governments to
+establish? Perhaps it would be impossible to offer a better picture of
+the resources of this country, and the stability of her funds when
+they shall be well managed, than by comparing our present debt with
+the duration of the war and the exertions we have made. For though our
+enemies may allege, that our debt was relieved by the depreciation of
+our bills, yet it must be remembered, that that very depreciation was
+a tax, though an unequal one, borne by the people of these States, and
+as it has not produced national ruin, it must follow, that the States
+had sufficient resources to bear this burthen. These resources, though
+lessened, still remain.
+
+The only object for which Britain continues the war, is the recovery
+of this country. What better plan of finance then can be adopted by
+France or Spain, than by timely aids of ships and money to blast this
+hope, and by a speedy peace to terminate their expenses? If, on the
+contrary, they wish to linger out the war till Britain is more
+exhausted, this country affords them the easiest means of doing it.
+
+Armies may be maintained here for one third of the expense that
+Britain lays out upon hers. This France has experienced. Though her
+affairs were not perhaps managed with the strictest economy, though
+her bills were extremely low, her supplies cost at least one third
+less than the British paid at New York, without taking into account
+the hire of transports, the seamen employed, paid, and fed in that
+service, and the number of them that fell into our hands. Be persuaded
+yourself, and endeavor to persuade others, that if this is a war of
+finance, which all modern wars are, Britain is most vulnerable in
+America.
+
+I congratulate you upon the important success of our aims in South
+Carolina and Virginia, of which I enclose you official accounts. On
+the returns you will remark a number of British American nominal
+regiments. These were recruiting in Virginia and North Carolina, and
+their success will show the truth of what Britain advances with
+respect to the number of her partisans in America. I will venture to
+say, that with similar advantages, their recruiting parties would have
+been more successful in any country in Europe. Besides the troops
+mentioned in the returns, the enemy lost during the siege near two
+thousand negroes. Previous to the surrender, they had a naval
+engagement with the Count de Grasse. The Terrible, a British
+seventyfour, was burnt, so that our affairs here stand upon the most
+respectable footing imaginable.--[Upwards of thirty lines follow
+interspersed with a cypher, the key to which is not to be found.]
+
+But this is a delicate subject, and I quit it till I am more fully
+acquainted with the views of Congress thereon, for I confess to you,
+that the sentiments I have hazarded are rather my own, than any that I
+know to be theirs, and should weigh accordingly with you. The
+provision trade with the Havana being very considerable and important
+to Spain, while she has fleets and armies to maintain there, it might
+be proper to suggest to the Spanish Ministry the advantage of allowing
+small convoys of frigates, which would enable us to carry it on in
+vessels of greater burden, and by that means diminish the expense of
+freight and insurance, both of which, eventually, fall upon Spain. A
+few frigates would answer the purpose, as the stations of the enemy's
+ships are almost always known on this coast, and, indeed, they seldom
+have any out but frigates cruising singly.
+
+Another thought strikes me, which, perhaps, if digested, might be
+ripened into a plan advantageous to France, Spain, and America. While
+France keeps an army here, she must draw bills, or export money. She
+has, for the most part, preferred the former, at the loss of forty per
+cent discount. The money of Spain is lodged at the Havana, and cannot
+be brought to Europe without great hazard; whereas the risk of sending
+it here under convoy is extremely small. It may be vested in European
+bills to such advantage, as to pay the whole expense of
+transportation, and even an interest, till the bills are negotiated in
+Europe. This plan affords France a market for her bills, Spain a cheap
+and easy way of bringing her money home, and America a circulating
+medium, which enables her to tax with advantage.
+
+The enclosed act of Congress informs you of the appointment of Mr
+Hanson, of Maryland, to the Presidentship.
+
+I shall write very frequently to you, and shall in return expect that
+you will omit no opportunity of letting me hear from you. A Court
+kalendar, if one is printed with you, with notes of your own thereon,
+might be of some service to us. I shall use our private cypher, as
+corrected by that sent by Mr Toscan, till you receive the one
+transmitted by Mr Thomson, in which case, as it is less troublesome,
+be pleased to use that, if you are sure it came safe.
+
+I am, dear Sir, with the sincerest regard and esteem, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN JAY.
+
+ Philadelphia, November 28th, 1781.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+I wrote so fully to you not long since, that I should not trouble you
+at this time, if I had not determined to omit no opportunity of
+letting you hear from this side of the water, and enabling you at all
+times to meet any falsehood the enemy may find it politic to publish.
+
+Since the capture of Cornwallis, nothing very material has happened.
+The ravaging parties on the northern frontiers have been defeated with
+great loss by the militia. The armies have taken their stations for
+the winter quarters; the French, in Virginia and Maryland; our troops,
+on the Hudson, excepting some detachments under General St Clair,
+destined to reinforce General Greene. They have orders to take
+Wilmington in their way, where the enemy have about six hundred men;
+it is probable they will not wait the attack. General Greene will have
+men enough to shut up the enemy, but not to force their strong holds.
+Want of money cramps all our exertions, and prevents our making a
+glorious winter campaign. The enemy are all shut up on two or three
+points of land, which is all they possess of the immense country they
+hope to conquer; and even these they hold by a very precarious tenure.
+Disaffection, which has languished for some time past, died when
+Cornwallis surrendered.
+
+Congress are occupied in taking measures for an active campaign; and
+they feel themselves satisfied with everything both at home and
+abroad.
+
+Congress have dissolved Mr Adams's powers to make a treaty of commerce
+with Great Britain; and, as you know, joined Dr Franklin and Mr
+Laurens in his other commission, if England should at length be wise
+enough to wish for peace.
+
+The Marquis de Lafayette is the bearer of this. He has promised to
+convey it with safety to you, and to correspond with you in such a
+manner as to enable you to avail yourself of the knowledge which he
+has acquired, that may be of use to you. The resolves of Congress, of
+which I enclose a copy, show their sense on this subject, and the
+confidence which they very justly repose in him. His Aid waits for
+this. Adieu my dear Sir.
+
+Believe me to be, with the highest respect and esteem, &c.
+
+ ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
+
+
+ END OF THE SEVENTH VOLUME.
+
+
+
+
++--------------------------------------------------------------------+
+| TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE. |
+| |
+| Omitted words, shown as blank spaces in the original, have been |
+| transcribed as four hyphens ('----'). |
+| |
+| Every effort was made to match the original text. Spelling |
+| variations between letters have been preserved. Apparent typos |
+| and misspellings were retained, including the following: |
+| |
+| Page Original text |
+| 47 "supprised" possible misspelling |
+| 169 "he did not embark till June 1st, 1794 1784? |
+| 198 "Marquis de La Flolte possible misspelling |
+| 216 "Jean Guy Guatier" possible misspelling |
+| 267 "the following is an extrac" possible misspelling |
+| 285 "May 28th, 1780" date is given as May |
+| 30th in Table of |
+| Contents |
+| 399 sum of Revenues does |
+| not appear correct |
+| 400 sum of Expenses does |
+| not appear correct |
+| |
++--------------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Diplomatic Correspondence of the
+American Revolution, by Various
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