THE
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
OF THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
VOL. V.
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. V.
BOSTON:
NATHAN HALE AND GRAY & BOWEN;
G. & C. &. H. CARVILL, NEW YORK; P. THOMPSON, WASHINGTON.
1829.
Steam Power Press—W. L. Lewis, Printer.
No. 6, Congress Street, Boston.
CONTENTS
OF THE
FIFTH VOLUME.
JOHN ADAMS' CORRESPONDENCE,
CONTINUED.
Probable effects of the armed neutrality.—Critical situation of England.—The opposition carry the resolution, that the influence of the Crown is increasing, and ought to be diminished.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 18th, 1780, 6Encloses a letter written from England on the subject of peace with America.—Exposes the errors of the writer; on the confederacy with France and Spain; on the probability of America violating her treaty with France; on the notion that the policy of France has been to expose the States in order to exhaust them; on the plan of a reconciliation and reunion of America with Great Britain.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 24th, 1780, 12Proceedings of Russia in regard to the armed neutrality.—Proceedings in Holland in relation to the same subject.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, April 25th, 1780, 18Enclosing papers from America.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 25th, 1780, 18State of Ireland.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 26th, 1780, 24Debate in the House of Lords on the declaration of Russia; Lord Camden expresses his astonishment at the doctrine of free ships and free goods; Lord Shelburne's remarks on the critical state of England.—Anti-English policy of Russia.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 28th, 1780, 27Declaration of the English Council, placing the subjects of the United Provinces on the footing of neutral powers, not privileged by treaties.—Address of the States of Groningen to the States-General, recommending the protection of commerce by convoys.—Second Address of the States of the same Province, proposing answers to the Memorials of Sir J. Yorke.—The Province of Holland recommends the acceptance of the invitation of Russia to accede to the armed neutrality.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 29th, 1780, 37English naval expeditions.
To the President of Congress. Paris, April 29th, 1780, 38Mutiny in the English fleet.—County meetings adopt resolutions censuring the war.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 2d, 1780, 41Memorial of the French Ambassador to the States-General, announcing the abolition of the duty of fifteen per cent on Dutch merchandise entering France.—Decree of the French Council on the same subject.—The Seven Provinces have resolved to refuse the succors demanded by Great Britain; to grant convoys; and to accept the invitation of Russia.—Instructions of the States of Holland and West Friesland to their deputies in the States-General on the attack of the Dutch convoy by the English.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 3d, 1780, 50General exchange of prisoners agreed on between France and England.
From Elbridge Gerry to John Adams. Philadelphia, May 5th, 1780,Favorable effects of the resolutions of Congress for cancelling the two hundred millions of dollars previously emitted on the currency.—New emission of five millions.—Financial concerns of the confederacy.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 8th, 1780, 54Instructions of the United Provinces to their Minister at London, on the subject of Lord Stormont's answer to former representations relative to the attack on the Dutch convoy.—Resolutions of the States regulating the trade of foreigners with the Dutch Colonies.—Proceedings of the different Provinces relative to the Russian Memorial; the granting of unlimited convoys; raising of subsidies.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 8th, 1780, 63Enclosing the letter of the Count de Florida Blanca to the Spanish Minister of the Marine, regulating the treatment of neutrals.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 8th, 1780, 73Copy of the Swedish ordinance providing convoys.—Answer of the Court of St James to the Russian declaration.—Difference of the English and Russian doctrine of blockade in these documents.—English recruits in Germany.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 8th, 1780, 79The Russian declaration hostile to the policy of England.—Lord Stormont's letter to the Dutch Envoy.
To an unknown person. Paris, May 9th, 1780, 82Observations on the Dean of Gloucester's proposals.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 9th, 1780, 84The Dean of Gloucester's proposals for a general pacification.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 10th, 1780, 86Proceedings in the Irish Commons relative to the sovereignty of the Irish Parliament.
Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, May 10th, 1780, 88 To the President of Congress. Paris, May 11th, 1780, 89Motions of Mr Hartley in the House of Commons, on the subject of reconciliation.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, May 9th, 1780, 91The American party in England hope to make a separate peace with the United States.—The alliance with France will not be violated.—Mr Adams always an advocate of the alliance.
To John Jay. Paris, May 13th, 1780, 93Difficulty of influencing the views and conduct of European Ministers.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 13th, 1780, 94Answer of France to the Russian declaration, approving the doctrines of Russia.—Orders issued to the English commanders to detain Dutch ships, having on board effects belonging to the enemy, or which are considered as contraband by the law of nations.
To John Jay. Paris, May 15th, 1780, 98Facility and importance of intercepting the English West India fleet.—Policy to be observed towards Spain and Portugal.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 16th, 1780, 100Rumor of opening the navigation of Antwerp.—Naval preparations of Austria.
To M. Genet, at Versailles. Paris, May 17th, 1780, 101Objections to General Conway's assertion, that the alliance between France and the United States is unnatural.—Habits; language; religion.—These circumstances will rather tend to separate America and England.—The commercial interests of England and America different.—Boundaries will form a source of dispute.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, May 19th, 1780, 106The Assembly of Pennsylvania cut to pieces the great seal of the Province.—American privateers.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 19th, 1780,Answer of Spain to the Russian declaration, approving the principles therein contained.—Conversation between Lord Stormont and the Count de Welderen on the attack on the Dutch convoy.—Proceedings in Ireland.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 20th, 1780, 110General Conway proposes a bill for reconciliation or peace.—Debate on the subject in the House of Commons.—Denmark accedes to the armed neutrality.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 20th, 1780, 116General Conway's Speech on his bill for reconciliation.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 23d, 1780, 120The different Powers accede to the armed neutrality.
Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, May 24th, 1780, 123Expressing full confidence in his conduct in case of overtures from England.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 26th, 1780, 124Address of the Bar at Dublin to Mr Grattan.—Reply of Mr Grattan.—Extracts from the journals.—Letter of M. de Sartine, concerning the treatment of neutrals.—Letter from the Count de Florida Blanca.
To the President of Congress. Paris, May 27th, 1780, 133Application of the principles of the British Constitutions to external dominions, extensively studied in America.—Effects of the American publications on this subject, on other foreign possessions of Great Britain.
To the President of Congress. Paris, June 1st, 1780, 135Indecisive engagement between the French and English fleets.—Governor Pownal asks leave to bring in a bill authorising a convention, truce, or peace with the Colonies.—The House proceeds to the order of the day.
To the President of Congress. Paris, June 1st, 1780, 137Report of a Committee of the citizens of Dublin, declaring the independence of the Irish Parliament, and returning thanks to those members who have supported it.
To the President of Congress. Paris, June 2d, 1780, 142Petitions of the Dutch merchants to the States-General, and to the States of Holland and West Friesland, praying for a speedy protection of commerce. Answer of Spain to the Russian declaration.—Extracts from the Journals, on the destination of the naval forces of France.—Proceedings of Congress kept more secret than the plans of the European Courts.
To the President of Congress. Paris, June 2d, 1780, 149Declaration of Lord George Germain, that there is a prospect of peace with America, on good and honorable terms for England, not with the Congress, but with the people.—Fallacy of these statements; America could not make peace with England, without involving herself with France and Spain; Congress cannot oppose the will of the people in America, which is expressed through the press, the towns, the juries, and the assemblies.—Other errors concerning the misery of the people, the debt, dislike to France, &c. exposed.—Barriers to a reconciliation or peace between England and America. (Note.)
To the President of Congress. Paris, June 4th, 1780, 159Extracts from numerous European journals.
To the President of Congress. Paris, June 5th, 1780, 166Extracts from the journals.—Petitions of the Corn Merchants of Amsterdam to the States-General and to the States of Holland and West Friesland, praying for protection of the commerce.
To the President of Congress. Paris, June 10th, 1780, 170Preparations for supporting the armed neutrality.—An East India company formed at Trieste.—English losses in Africa.—Critical situation of the British power in India.—Duty imposed on sugars imported from England, by the Irish Parliament.—Violation of neutral ground on the Dutch coast by the English.—Representations of the States of Holland and West Friesland to the States-General, and of the latter to the Dutch Minister at London on this subject.
To the President of Congress. Paris, June 12th, 1780, 181Extract from Lord Shelburne's Speech, relating to the policy of the Ministry towards Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Turkey.—The American war was the true cause of that policy.
To the President ofCopy of Governor Pownal's bill, empowering the King to make peace with the United States.—Meeting of merchants at Dublin to obtain a duty on sugars imported into the kingdom.—Proceedings of the Irish House of Commons on the same subject.—Port of Vendre on the Mediterranean repaired.
To the President of Congress. Paris, June 16th, 1780, 190Extracts from pamphlets published under the name of Mr Galloway, but probably written by the refugees.—Refutation of the statements therein contained.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, June 16th, 1780, 201 To the President of Congress. Paris, June 17th, 1780, 201Governor Hutchinson's death and character.—Further extracts from the pamphlets abovementioned.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, June 20th, 1780, 207On the paying off of the loan office certificates.
Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, June 21st, 1780, 208Injustice of obliging the French holders of the American paper money to suffer by the depreciation.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, June 22d, 1780, 212Requesting a delay of the orders instructing the French Minister in America to make representations against the resolutions of Congress for the paying off the paper money at its depreciated value.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, June 22d, 1780, 213Defence of the resolutions of Congress above referred to.—The holders have received the bills at the depreciated value, and are not therefore entitled to the nominal value.—The loss will not fall on French holders, who have received them at their depreciated value.—The same measure was adopted by the colony of Massachusetts Bay, without being objected to by the English government or merchants.—Very little of the paper in the hands of French subjects.
To B. Franklin. Paris, June 22d, 1780, 225Suggesting the propriety of requesting a revocation of the orders to the French Minister in America, abovementioned.—Evils which they may produce in America.
To the President of Congress. Paris, June 26th, 1780, 226Clamor in Europe against the resolutions providing for the paying off the paper bills.—Interview and correspondence with Count de Vergennes on the subject.
To the President of Congress. Paris, June 29th, 1780, 228Recommends the appointment of Consuls to relieve the Minister.—Also, that strict instructions be given to the commanders of ships-of-war, in which there has been a want of subordination.
To B. Franklin. Paris, June 29th, 1780, 231Enclosing his correspondence with the Count de Vergennes, relative to resolutions of Congress for paying off the paper money.
Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, June 30th, 1780, 232Adheres to his former opinions on the subject of the paper money.—Expects the views of Congress in reply to the representations.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 1st, 1780, 233 To the President of Congress. Paris, July 6th, 1780, 234Lists of French, Spanish, American, and English vessels taken and destroyed.
To the President of Congress. Paris, July 6th, 1780, 239Regrets the American losses, and considers the causes. Urges Congress to cherish the navy while it is in their power.
To the President of Congress. Paris, July 7th, 1780, 240Rejection of Mr Hartley's proposal for a bill to empower the King to make peace with America.—Abstract of the bill.—Sir G. Saville's motion, that the American war be declared unconstitutional and ruinous, rejected.
Petition of the merchants of Amsterdam to the States-General, for protection of commerce from the English.
B. Franklin to Count de Vergennes. Passy, July 10th, 1780, 245Agrees that foreign merchants ought not to suffer from the depreciation of the paper money.—Assures him that the sentiments of the Americans in general in regard to the alliance, differ widely from those expressed by Mr Adams.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 13th, 1780, 247Determination of the English to undertake a new campaign.—State of things in America.—The advantages which the English derive from being masters of the American seas.—The English in America have been for two years in the power of their enemies.—Their possessions must be protected and supplied by a naval power.—A naval superiority in those seas is the true policy of America and France. The policy of France has been suspected in America, and misrepresented in England on this point.—The real importance of America.—Prejudices against the Americans in France.
To the President of Congress. Paris, July 14th, 1780, 259Proposed congress at St Petersburg.—English accounts of their successes in America.—Ignorance of the American foreign envoys on these subjects.
To the President of Congress. Paris, July 15th, 1780, 260Preamble of the Russian ordinance relative to neutral rights.—There is no appearance of favor to England in the Russian Court.
To the President of Congress. Paris, July 15th, 1780, 263Attack on the French vessels in the neutral port of Milo by the English.—Russian, Swedish, Danish, and Dutch naval preparations.
To the President of Congress. Paris, July 15th, 1780, 265English, French, and Spanish forces at sea.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 17th, 1780, 266Reasons why his powers ought no longer to be concealed from the English Court.
To the President of Congress. Paris, July 19th, 1780, 270Naval forces of the northern powers.—Russian ordinance ascertaining the neutral rights of Russian commerce.
To the President of Congress. Paris, July 19th, 1780, 276Armed neutral forces.—Quotes speculations from the Amsterdam Gazette relative to the effect of the conquest of Mobile by the Spaniards.
Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, July 20th, 1780, 278A French naval force has been sent to America, to co-operate with the American military operations.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 21st, 1780, 279Expresses his satisfaction with the destination of the armament abovementioned.
To the President of Congress. Paris, July 22d, 1780, 280Extract from the King's speech on the prorogation of Parliament.—Extracts from the journals, showing the state of the navies in Europe.
To the President of Congress. Paris, July 23d, 1780, 285Messengers pass between London and Madrid.
Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, July 25th, 1780, 287Reasons for opposing Mr Adams' communication of his full powers to the English Ministry.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 26th, 1780, 294Reply to the statements and arguments of the preceding letter.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 27th, 1780, 301Observations on Count de Vergennes' assertion, that the King had taken measures for sustaining America without solicitations from Congress.—Solicitations
Expresses his dissatisfaction with the remarks of Mr Adams.—Shall treat only with Mr Franklin on matters concerning the United States.
Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, July 31st, 1780, 305Transmitting his correspondence with Mr Adams with the request that it may be laid before Congress. (Letter from the President of Congress to Mr Adams on this subject. Note.)
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 14th, 1780, 307Arrives in Amsterdam.—Importance of maintaining an official agent in the United Provinces.—Probability of raising a loan in Holland.—Declaration of Sweden in regard to neutrality.—Declaration of Denmark on the same subject.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, August 17th, 1780, 314Absurd political speculations in Europe on the conditions and prospects of America.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 22d, 1780, 316Answer of France to the Swedish declaration.—Questions of Sweden relative to the proposals of Russia, for reciprocal protection and mutual assistance of the neutrals.—Russian answer.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 23d, 1780, 321The English mission to Madrid merely a cover.—Real design of England to continue the war, and to separate the House of Bourbon from America.—Urges the sending a Minister to Holland.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, September 4th, 1780, 323Capture of the British West India fleet by the combined fleets of France and Spain.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, September 5th, 1780, 324No measures ever taken in England to fix the English language.—Proposes that Congress should effect this object by erecting the American Academy for refining and ascertaining the English language, and by furnishing the necessary funds for a library and the support of its officers.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, September 19th, 1780, 327Acknowledges the receipt of his commission for negotiating a loan.—Difficulties of this charge.—Expediency of a Minister Plenipotentiary to Holland, charged with this duty.
Commission to John Adams, referred to in the preceding letter, 329 To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, September 16th, 1780, 330Congress of St Petersburg.—The policy of Holland doubtful.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, September 24th, 1780, 332Determines to negotiate a loan in a private character.—Little reputation of the Dutch owing to their language.—Importance of cultivating the English language in America.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, September 25th, 1780, 334General ignorance of America in Holland.—Predominance of the English interest there.—Little prospect of raising a loan.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, September 28th, 1780, 338The Dutch Ministers to St Petersburg have an audience of the Empress.—Their address on this occasion.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 5th, 1780, 340The Dutch Ministers to St Petersburg have an audience of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess.—Their addresses on the occasion.—Report of despatches from St Petersburg, which will induce Holland to accede to the armed neutrality.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 5th, 1780, 342Has effected nothing in regard to the loan.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 11th, 1780,Sketch of the constitution of the Dutch Republic in respect to the powers of the Stadtholder, with the history of the office.—Copy of the commission of the Stadtholder.—Capture of Mr Laurens.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, October 14th, 1780, 360Thanks Dr Franklin for the communication of intelligence.—Does not think it degrading to the United States to ask for loans, or to seek the friendship of the maritime powers.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 14th, 1780, 362Severe treatment of Mr Laurens.—Determination of England to prosecute the war.—Superiority of the United States to the United Provinces.—Forces of the Dutch Republic.—Advantages of a naval power.—Prospect of a rupture between England and Holland.—Proposals for facilitating the loan.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, October 24th, 1780, 365Uncertainty of a loan in Holland.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 24th, 1780, 366Sufferings of Mr Laurens.—Recommends Congress to send cargoes to Dutch ports for the payment of the interest of the proposed loan.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 27th, 1780, 367The capture of Mr Laurens' papers has betrayed his correspondence with Holland.
James Lovell to John Adams. Philadelphia, October 28th, 1780, 368 To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 31st, 1780, 369Influence of the refugees in England.—Cruel treatment of Mr Laurens intended to intimidate the friends of America.—Necessary to abandon all hope of reconciliation with England.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, November 4th, 1780, 371Requests him to become responsible for certain bills of exchange drawn on Mr Laurens.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, November 16th, 1780, 372Enclosing Sir J. Yorke's Memorial to the States-General.—Insolence of that document.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, November 17th, 1780, 376Difficulties in the way of obtaining a loan.—Remarks on the proceedings of England in regard to Holland.—M. Van Berckel.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Nov. 24th, 1780, 378Little prospect of procuring a loan.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, November 25th, 1780, 379A plurality of Provinces declare for the armed neutrality.—Accepts the bills on Mr Laurens, under assurance from Dr Franklin that he will meet them in case of Mr Adams' disability.—The fear of the submission of America discourages the loan.—The Stadtholder favorable to England.—Sir J. Yorke's memorial injures the English cause.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Nov. 30th, 1780, 382Has accepted bills on Mr Laurens.—Prospect of a loan doubtful.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, November 30th, 1780, 383The courier, despatched to St Petersburg by Holland, countermanded.—Preponderance of the English interest in Holland.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 14th, 1780, 384Requests that no more drafts be made on Holland.—Little disposition in Holland to furnish a loan.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 18th, 1780, 386Memorial of Sir J. Yorke, threatening Amsterdam for the plan of a treaty with the Americans, unless reparation is made.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 21st, 1780, 388Influence of the English in Holland, shown by the prayers in the
Politics and disposition of the Prince of Orange.—England will probably declare against the Dutch, on account of their joining the armed neutrality.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 25th, 1780, 391Proceedings of the States-General in regard to Amsterdam.—They determine to demand satisfaction for the memorials of Sir J. Yorke.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 25th, 1780, 393Rumors of the recall of Sir J. Yorke and other hostile indications.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 26th, 1780, 394Sir J. Yorke leaves Holland abruptly.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 28th, 1780, 395Holland will be supported by the armed neutrality in case of war with England.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 30th, 1780, 397Explanation of the opposition of the Province of Zealand to the measures of the States-General.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 31st, 1780, 404Holland will be supported in a war with England, either by the armed neutrals, or by the other belligerents.—Death of Maria Theresa.
The President of Congress to John Adams. Philadelphia, January 1st, 1781, 405Enclosing his commission as Minister Plenipotentiary to Holland, resolve of Congress on the Russian Declaration (Note) and other documents.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 1st, 1781, 406British Manifesto against the States-General.—Orders in Council directing the seizure of Dutch ships and goods.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 4th, 1781, 414Popularity of the American cause in the Provinces.—Recommends M. Dumas to Congress.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 5th, 1781, 416Abstract of the proceedings in Holland, in consequence of Sir J. Yorke's memorial.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 14th, 1781, 418Resentment in Holland against the English.—Unprepared state of the country in case of war.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 15th, 1781, 419Declaration of the States-General on their accession to the armed neutrality.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 15th, 1781, 422The Province of Zealand continues to oppose the rupture with England.—State of the Dutch marine.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 15th, 1781, 423Address of the Stadtholder to the States-General, recommending warlike preparations.—The States approve the proposition and direct it to be communicated to the Provinces.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 15th, 1781, 425Obstacles in the way of obtaining a loan in Holland.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 18th, 1781, 425Proclamation of the States-General for the encouragement of privateers against the English.—Proclamation granting indemnifications to those who shall be wounded in the service of the Republic, in the war at sea.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, February 1st, 1781,Treaty of Marine between Russia and Denmark.—A similar treaty between Russia and Sweden, with modifications.—The States-General accede to the treaty.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Feb. 15th, 1781, 443Requesting funds to discharge bills drawn on him by Congress.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Feb. 20th, 1781, 444State of American affairs in Holland.
To the Duc de la Vauguyon. Amsterdam, March 1st, 1781, 446The Province of Friesland resolves to acknowledge the independence of America.—Considers it time to prepare for the execution of his instructions.—Requests his opinion on the enclosed project of a proposition to the States.
A Memorial to the States-General, 448 To the Prince de Gallitzin, Minister of the Empress of Russia. Leyden, March 8th, 1781, 449Transmitting a resolution of Congress, relative to the rights of neutrals.—Would be happy to accede to the Marine Treaty in the name of the United States.
To M. Van Berckel, First Counsellor Pensionary of the city of Amsterdam. Leyden, March 8th, 1781, 450Enclosing a resolution of Congress on the rights of neutrals.
To the Duc de la Vauguyon, Ambassador of France at the Hague. Leyden, March 8th, 1781, 450Enclosing the resolution of Congress, referred to in the preceding letters.
From the Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. Hague, March 14th, 1781, 451Cannot interfere in the measures of Mr Adams in regard to the neutral powers without instructions.
To the President of Congress. Leyden, March 18th, 1781, 451Counter manifesto of Holland, in reply to the British manifesto.—Memorial of Prince Gallitzin to the States-General, offering the mediation of Russia.
To the President of Congress. Leyden, March 19th, 1781, 469Acknowledges the reception of his commission as Minister Plenipotentiary to Holland.—Division of sentiments in that country.
To the President of Congress. Leyden, March 29th, 1781, 472Memorial of the Dutch Minister to the King of Sweden, demanding the protection of the armed neutrals.
To the President of Congress. Leyden, March 29th, 1781, 479Additional taxes in Great Britain.—Comparison of Lord North with M. Necker.—Necessity of creating a permanent public credit in the United States.—Ways and means for effecting it.
To the Duc de la Vauguyon. Leyden, April 16th, 1781, 481Acquainting him with the reception of his powers and instructions.
Memorial of Mr Adams to the States-General, 481 Memorial of Mr Adams to the Prince of Orange. Leyden, April 19th, 1781, 493Informing the Stadtholder of his appointment and powers.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, April 27th, 1781, 494Protesting a set of bills drawn by Congress, might enable him to raise a loan.
To the Duc de la Vauguyon, Ambassador of France at the Hague. Leyden, May 1st, 1781, 496Proposing that Holland be invited, according to the terms of the treaty between France and America, to make common cause with these powers.
To the President of Congress. Leyden, May 3d, 1781, 497Interview with the Grand Pensionary of Holland.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 7th, 1781,In a second interview with the Grand Pensionary, he is referred to the President of the States-General.—Interview with the President, who declines receiving his commission or memorial, and promises to report to the States.—Delivers a letter to the Secretary of the Stadtholder for the Prince, who declines receiving it.—The President reports to the States, who take the subject ad referendum.—The French Ambassador at the Hague disapproves of the proceedings of Mr Adams, but promises his support.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, May 8th, 1781, 501Generous aid of France.—America might tax Europe, by laying export duties.—Cannot accept bills drawn by Congress, unless Dr Franklin will meet them.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 16th, 1781, 503Encloses his memorials to the States and the Stadtholder.—No probability of a speedy decision.—Dutch fleet sails.—Divided state of opinions in Holland.
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.