Part 1

Transcriber's Notes:

Underscores "_" before and after a word or phrase indicate _italics_ in the original text. Equals signs "=" before and after a word or phrase indicate =bold= in the original text. A series of underscores (_____) is used to represent blank spaces in the original text. Small capitals have been converted to BLOCK capitals. Antiquated spellings have been preserved. Typographical errors have been silently corrected but other variations in spelling and punctuation remain unaltered. Where double quotes have been repeated at the beginnings of consecutive stanzas, they have been omitted for clarity. Footnotes have been moved to the bottom of the letter in which they occur.

THE DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. VOL. II.

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. II.

BOSTON: NATHAN HALE AND GRAY & BOWEN. G. & C. & H. CARVILL, NEW YORK. 1829.

HALE’S STEAM PRESS. No. 6 Suffolk Buildings, Congress Street, Boston.

CONTENTS OF THE SECOND VOLUME.

ARTHUR LEE’S CORRESPONDENCE.

Page.

From the Committee of Secret Correspondence to Arthur Lee. Philadelphia, December 12th, 1775, 5 Dumas.--Important to know the disposition of foreign powers.--Necessity of secrecy.

To Benjamin Franklin. London, February 13th, 1776, 6

To Lieutenant Governor Colden. London, February 13th, 1776, 7 British preparations for the ensuing campaign.--Plan of operations.--Reluctance of troops to serve.--Secret wishes of the French government.

To Lieutenant Governor Colden. London, February 14th, 1776, 10 British forces; military; naval.--Character and disposition of the troops.--Dr Church.

To Lieutenant Governor Colden. April 15th, 1776, 12 Address of the city of London; answer.--Disposition of the English nation.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. June 3d, 1776, 14 Disposition of France favorable.--Spain.--Necessity of independency.

Record of the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Philadelphia, October 1st, 1776, 16 Message from Mr Lee; his conferences with the French Ambassador; offer of arms and ammunition through Hortalez.--Proceedings of the Committee in relation to the message; determine to keep it secret, except in case of ill success.

The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Arthur Lee. Philadelphia, October 23d, 1776, 18 Informing Mr Lee of his appointment as Commissioner to the Court of France.

To Lord Shelburne. Paris, December 23d, 1776, 19

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Paris, January 3d, 1777, 20 Acceptance of his appointment.--Joins Dr Franklin and Mr Deane.--Doubtful politics of the French Court.

From the Commissioners in Paris to Count de Vergennes. Paris, January 5th, 1777, 21 Applying for ships; arms; promise payment for them.--American commerce to France and Spain.

The Commissioners to M. Gerard. Paris, January 14th, 1777, 23 Relative to the message of the King of France.

The Commissioners to Count de Vergennes. Paris, February 1st, 1777, 24 Danger of America; German troops; blacks.--English acquainted with the proceedings of France in favor of America.--Dangers of France if England subdues the colonies.--Interest of France to assist America.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Nantes, February 11th, 1777, 27 Exertions of the British.--Measures to defend the West India trade.--Commercial connexions of the Committee in Nantes.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Nantes, February 14th, 1777, 31 Agreement with the Farmers-General for tobacco.--British offer of prisoners to the East India Company.

From James Gardoqui to Arthur Lee. Madrid, February 17th, 1777, 33 Advises him not to come to Madrid.--Proposes a meeting between Grimaldi and Mr Lee at Burgos.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Bordeaux, February 18th, 1777, 35 Plan of the British for the ensuing campaign.--Tobacco.

To the Commissioners in Paris. Vitoria, February 26th, 1777, 36

Memorial delivered by Arthur Lee to the Marquis de Grimaldi. Burgos, March 5th, 1777, 38 Reasons for visiting Madrid.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Burgos, March 8th, 1777, 40 Promise of supplies from Bilboa, New Orleans and Havanna.

Memorial presented to the Court of Spain. Burgos, March 8th, 1777, 41 Critical state of affairs.--Importance of American commerce.--Policy of immediate assistance.--Danger of Great Britain in case of war in Europe.--Impolicy of allowing the reunion of the colonies by conquest or conciliation.

Answer to the Memorial by the Marquis de Grimaldi at Vitoria, 44 Objections of Spain to an immediate declaration.

To the Count de Florida Blanca, Minister to the King of Spain. Vitoria, March 17th, 1777, 45 Acknowledging the favors of Spain.--British oppressions.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Vitoria, March 18th, 1777, 47 Account of the proceedings as already stated in preceding letters.--Supplies furnished by Gardoqui. --Situation of Great Britain.

From B. Franklin to Arthur Lee. Passy, March 21st, 1777, 54 New commission substituting Mr Lee instead of Mr Jefferson; empowering Commissioners to treat with Spain; particular commission to Dr Franklin for that purpose.--America will assist France to conquer the British West Indies, and Spain to conquer Portugal.--Loan of £2,000,000.--Sir J. Yorke’s memorial.--Proceedings of the States and of Amsterdam thereon.

The Commissioners at Paris to Baron de Schulenburg, Minister to the King of Prussia. Paris, April 19th, 1777, 58 Congress propose to send a Minister to Prussia.

James Gardoqui to Arthur Lee. Madrid, April 28th, 1777, 59 Enclosing money.

A Minute of the sixteen enclosed Bills, 60

To James Gardoqui at Madrid. Paris, May 8th, 1777, 60

To Baron de Schulenburg. Paris, May 8th, 1777, 62

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, May 13th, 1777, 62

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee. Berlin, May 20th, 1777, 63

To the Commissioners at Paris. Vienna, May 27th, 1777, 64

To Benjamin Franklin. Vienna, May 28th, 1777, 65

To Baron de Schulenburg. Berlin, June 5th, 1777, 65 Requests an interview.

To Baron de Schulenburg. Berlin, June 7th, 1777, 66 Commerce with America.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee. Berlin, June 9th, 1777, 68

To Baron de Schulenburg. Berlin, June 10th, 1777, 68 Insurance to America.--Value of American commerce.--Danger of its reverting into the hands of the British.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Berlin, June 11th, 1777, 70 Cautious policy of Prussia.--No danger to be apprehended from Russia.--German Princes.--Hesse. --European powers awaiting events.--Chatham’s motion for a cessation of hostilities.

To the Commissioners at Paris. Berlin, June 15th, 1777, 72

To George Washington. Berlin, June 15th, 1777, 73 His plan of operations approved.--Prussian army; discipline; arms.--Intention of writing the history of the revolution.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee. Berlin, June 18th, 1777, 75 Commercial intercourse--Difficulties.

To Baron de Schulenburg. Berlin, June 20th, 1777, 76 Reasons for the admission of prizes, made by the Americans, into Prussian ports.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee. Berlin, June 26th, 1777, 78 Prizes, made by the Americans, not to be admitted into Prussian ports.

To the Commissioners in Paris. Berlin, June 28th, 1777, 79 His papers stolen.--Suspects the English Ambassador.

To the King of Prussia. Berlin, June 29th, 1777, 80 Commerce with America; objections answered.--Justified by usages and law of nations.

To the King of Prussia. Berlin, July 1st, 1777, 85 Complains of the loss of his papers; requests an audience.

The King of Prussia to Arthur Lee. Potsdam, July 2d, 1777, 86 Mr Lee may communicate with Baron Schulenburg.

To the Commissioners in Paris. Berlin, July 6th, 1777, 86 Recovery of his papers.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, July 29th, 1777, 87 Account of his proceedings at Berlin.--Odium in Germany against the princes who let their troops to England.--Situation of Russia.--British credit low in Germany and Holland.--Disposition of European powers.

To M. Gerard, Secretary to Count de Vergennes. Paris, August 1st, 1777, 91

Committee of Foreign Affairs to Arthur Lee. Philadelphia, August 8th, 1777, 91 Paper currency.

To Baron de Schulenburg. Paris, August 13th, 1777, 93 Commercial affairs.

To James Gardoqui, at Madrid. Paris, August 18th, 1777, 94

Count de Vergennes to Mr Grand. August 21st, 1777, 95 American Privateers in French ports.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, September 9th, 1777, 96 English trade in French ships.--Success of American cruisers in European seas.

To Baron de Schulenburg. Paris, September 21st, 1777, 97

To James Gardoqui, at Madrid. Paris, September 25th, 1777, 97 Military Supplies.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, October 6th, 1777, 98 Receives a commission to the Court of Spain.--Supplies from Gardoqui.--Hortalez.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee. Berlin, October 8th, 1777, 102 Commerce with America.

To Baron de Schulenburg. Paris, October 23d, 1777, 103 Requests information of British affairs in Russia, Denmark and Germany.

To Baron de Schulenburg. Paris, November 13th, 1777, 104 William Lee appointed Commissioner to Berlin.

To Messrs Gardoqui and Sons at Bilboa. Paris, November 15th, 1777, 105 Supplies consigned to Mr Gerry; for whom intended?--Authorised to sell the prizes of American cruisers.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, November 27th, 1777, 106 Prussia declines opening her ports to American armed vessels.--Extract of a letter from the Prussian Minister; Great Britain will receive no reinforcements in Europe.--Decline of English credit.--Further extracts from Prussian Minister’s letter; desirous of information relating to America.--King’s speech; discontents in England.--Preparations in France, Spain, and Holland.--Circular to captains of American armed vessels relating to violations of neutrality.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee. Berlin, November 28th, 1777, 111 William Lee’s mission.

To Dr Berkenhout. Paris, December 3d, 1777, 111 America expects to receive, not make overtures; folly of British measures.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, December 8th, 1777, 112 Extract of a letter from M. Gardoqui; goods shipped to Mr Gerry.--King of Prussia refuses a passage to Anglo-German troops.

The Commissioners in Paris to Count de Vergennes. Paris, December 8th, 1777, 113 Urging an answer to propositions for a treaty. --Supply of three millions from France.

To Count d’Aranda. Paris, December 9th, 1777, 115 Enclosing memorial of Commissioners to Vergennes.

To Baron de Schulenburg. Paris, December 11th, 1777, 115

The Commissioners in Paris to Lord North. Passy, December 12th, 1777, 116 Treatment of American prisoners by the British.

To Lord Shelburne. Paris, December 14th, 1777, 119 Enclosing a copy of the preceding. --Clinton’s cruelties.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee. Berlin, December 18th, 1777, 120 Congratulations on the surrender of Burgoyne. --The King’s favorable disposition waits only for France.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, December 19th, 1777, 121 Favorable effects of recent intelligence from America.--Edmund Jennings.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee. Berlin, December 23d, 1777, 122 The King of Prussia refuses a passage to Anglo-German troops.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, January 5th, 1778, 123 Dispositions of Spain; of Prussia.--Plans of the British Ministry; alarmed about Canada.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, January 15th, 1778, 125 Spain promises three million livres in the course of the year.--Supplies shipped from Bilboa.--Fall of British consols.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee. Berlin, January 16th, 1778, 125 Requests regular information on American affairs. --King of Prussia ready to follow France in acknowledging independence.--Purchase of arms in Prussia.

To Messrs Franklin and Deane. Chaillot, January 30th, 1778, 127 Objections to the 12th article of the treaty.

Messrs Franklin and Deane to Arthur Lee. Passy, February 1st, 1778, 129 Have requested that the 11th and 12th articles may be omitted.

Messrs Franklin and Deane to M. Gerard. Passy, February 1st, 1778, 130 Requesting the omission of the 11th and 12th articles of the treaty.

M. Gerard to the Commissioners. Versailles, February 2d, 1778, 130 The 11th and 12th articles have been approved by the King, and cannot be changed without inconvenience.--The sixth article changed.

To Baron de Schulenburg. February 2d, 1778, 131 General Howe’s situation in America.---Military operations in the north.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, February 10th, 1778, 133 Enclosing the memorial and letter to Count de Florida Blanca.--The war with Portugal concluded.--Probability of a declaration of war against England by France, Spain, and Portugal.--Gardoqui’s remittances.--Propriety of separating the political and commercial agents.--Views of Spain on Pensacola.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, February 15th, 1778, 134 Beaumarchais’s demands.--Testimonial of Count Lauragais on this subject.

To Messrs Franklin and Deane. Chaillot, February 26th, 1778, 136 The return of the despatches by Mr Simeon Deane.--Complains of the proceedings of the other Commissioners therein without his knowledge.--Necessity and advantages of a public acknowledgment of the Commissioners by France.

Messrs Franklin and Deane to Arthur Lee. Passy, February 27th, 1778, 137 Result of Mr Deane’s visit to Versailles, on account of the return of the despatches.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, February 28th, 1778, 138 Temporising conduct of Spain.--Comparison of the conduct of England and France towards the Colonies.--Prospect of a war in Germany.

To the President of Congress. Paris, March 19th, 1778, 140 Congratulations on Mr Laurens being chosen President of Congress.--Policy of Spain.--Pensacola.--The Commissioners are to be presented to the King of France.--The English Ambassador leaves France abruptly.

To Benjamin Franklin. Chaillot, March 27th, 1778, 141 Uncertainty of the measures of Spain.

To Messrs Franklin and Deane. March 31st, 1778, 142 Requesting a settlement of the accounts relating to the expenditures of the Commissioners.

James Gardoqui & Co. to Arthur Lee. Bilboa, April 1st, 1778, 142

Invoice of seventyfive Bales of Merchandise shipped on board the George, Captain Job Knight, for Cape Ann, consigned to Elbridge Gerry, on account of Arthur Lee, 143 Enclosing an invoice of merchandise shipped to Elbridge Gerry, on account of Arthur Lee.

M. Gerard to Arthur Lee. Versailles, April 1st, 1778, 144 Requesting letters to Mr Lee’s friends in America.

To M. Gerard. April 1st, half past one o’clock, 1778, 144 Mr Lee before ignorant of M. Gerard’s destination.

M. Gerard to Arthur Lee. Versailles, April 1st, 1778, 145 M. Gerard’s mission not publicly avowed.

To Benjamin Franklin. Chaillot, April 2d, 1778, 145 Surprised to hear of M. Gerard’s mission, and Mr Deane’s return.--Complains of Dr Franklin’s silence.--Requests explanations.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, April 2d, 1778, 148 Propriety of determining the rank of the United States in their intercourse with European powers.--Departure of Mr William Lee to Germany.--Gardoqui’s shipments. --Complains of the reserve of his colleagues.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, April 5th, 1778, 150 Succors from Spain through the Havanna promised.--The accounts of the Commissioners never settled.--How kept by Mr Deane.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, April 8th, 1778, 151 Complains of the secrecy observed towards him by his colleagues.--Hostile acts of Great Britain and France.--Views of France relative to the fisheries.--Probability of a war in Germany.--Russia and the Porte.--Importance of securing Holland.--Encloses a memorial for Holland.

Memorial for Holland, 153 Enclosed in the preceding.--Colonial commerce originally free; restricted by England; navigation act; effect of this monopoly in Holland.--Importance of the commerce of the States to Holland.

To Count de Vergennes. Chaillot, April 24th, 1778, 156 Agents employed by the English Ministry in France and America to excite a mutual jealousy.--Mr Hartley at Paris.

Count de Vergennes to Arthur Lee. Versailles, April 24th, 1778, 157 Intrigues of Mr Hartley referred to in the preceding letter.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, May 9th, 1778, 158 Situation of affairs in Europe.--Folger’s affair.--Sums drawn by the Commissioners.

Committee of Foreign Affairs to Arthur Lee. York, May 14th, 1778, 159 Supplies of Hortalez & Co.--The enemy’s cruisers have prevented the making remittances.--Commercial to be put under the direction of a Board.--Intend to make remittances to Hortalez & Co. and the Gardoquis.--Depreciation of the paper currency.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, May 23d, 1778, 162 Despatches received by Mr Adams.--The orders for supplies from Spain renewed.--Sailing of an English fleet to America.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, June 1st, 1778, 162 Confusion of Mr Deane’s accounts.--Policy of the European powers.--Payment and number of foreign Agents.--British plan of operations in America.--Supplies from Spain.--Necessity of settling the boundary between the territories of Spain and the United States; of regulating port duties, &c.--French naval force delayed.

To M. Dumas. Chaillot, June 4th, 1778, 168 Commerce with America.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, June 9th, 1778, 169 British naval expedition stopped.--Confusion in Great Britain.--Exchange of prisoners agreed to.--German affairs.--Mr Williams’s accounts.--Appointment of Commercial Agents.

To Count de Vergennes. Chaillot, June 14th, 1778, 171 Explanation of the 12th article of the treaty.

Count de Vergennes to Arthur Lee. Versailles, June 15th, 1778, 173

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, June 15th, 1778, 173 Supplies from ports of France and Spain.--Politics of Germany; of the North.--Embarrassments of Great Britain.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Paris, July 1st, 1778, 175 An engagement between a French and English ship; French subjects permitted to fit out privateers.