Part 1

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THE

DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE

OF THE

AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

VOL. VI.

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. VI.

BOSTON:

NATHAN HALE AND GRAY & BOWEN;

G. & C. & H. CARVILL, NEW YORK; P. THOMPSON, WASHINGTON.

1830.

Steam Power Press--W. L. Lewis, Printer.

No. 6, Congress Street, Boston.

CONTENTS

OF THE

SIXTH VOLUME.

JOHN ADAMS'S CORRESPONDENCE,

CONTINUED.

Page.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 16th, 1781, 3

Diplomatic arts of the English.--A war in Holland is not to be expected, unless there should be an acknowledgment of the independence of America.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 21st, 1781, 5

Ordinance of Prussia relative to navigation and commerce.

To B. Franklin, Amsterdam, May 23d, 1781, 13

Drafts made on him by Congress.--Encloses despatches for Dr Franklin and Mr Jay.--Thinks it advisable to obtain the acknowledgment of independence from other powers, before opening the conferences for peace.--His mission is a subject of deliberation.--Taxation in America.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 24th, 1781, 15

Proposition of Amsterdam in the States of Holland, urging the speedy adoption of measures of defence and protection.--The example of Amsterdam has great influence on the rest of the country.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 25th, 1781, 21

Enclosing the convention concerning recaptures between France and Holland.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 27th, 1781, 24

Report of a Committee of the States-General on the petition of the East India Company for convoy and for the defence of the India possessions, recommending aid.--Timidity and irresolution of the Dutch government.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 29th, 1781, 29

The English, by the capture of St Eustatia, break up a trade in British manufactures to North America.--The property seized there principally English.--Much of it taken by the French on its passage to England.--Inactivity of the Dutch naval force.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 31st, 1781, 30

Memorial of the Danish Minister, requesting their High Mightinesses to evacuate certain forts in the vicinity of the Danish settlements in Africa.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 31st, 1781, 32

Declaration of Dort, approving the proposition of Amsterdam to adopt measures of defence.--Note of the Deputies of Haerlem, complaining of the silence of the States of Holland in regard to the proposition of Amsterdam.

To the President of the Assembly of the States-General. Amsterdam, June 1st, 1781, 34

Informing him of the final ratification of the confederation by the Thirteen United States, and requesting him to communicate it to their High Mightinesses.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 5th, 1781, 35

Declaration of the Deputies of Middleburg in the States of Zealand, approving the proposed increase of bounty to those engaged in the naval service, and recommending measures to increase the activity of the States-General in preparing means of defence.--The States of Zealand recommend to the States-General the erection of batteries on the coast, and also resolve to raise a loan.

To M. Berenger, Secretary of the French Embassy at the Hague. Amsterdam, June 8th, 1781, 37

Requests to be informed why his presence is required at Paris by the Count de Vergennes.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 11th, 1781, 39

Petition of the inhabitants of Antwerp, urging the opening of the Scheldt.--Remarks of M. Cerisier on the petition; true causes of the decline of the Austrian Low Countries, and of the prosperity of the Dutch Provinces; absurdity of the pretensions of the Austrian Provinces to the free navigation of the Scheldt; the other powers would oppose the measure.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 12th, 1781, 49

Petition of the Deputies of Dort, Haerlem, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam, to the States of Holland and West Friesland, with a petition of the same to the States-General, praying for protection of the commerce to Surinam.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 15th, 1781, 59

Arrival at the Hague of a courier from St Petersburg, supposed to bring despatches denying assistance from the armed neutrality.--Probable consequences.--Obstacles to an alliance between Holland and France.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 23d, 1781, 60

Answer of Russia above referred to.--Remarks of Mr Adams on the answer.--America must not look to European negotiations for safety.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 23d, 1781, 63

Advice of the Deputies of Zieriksee to the States of Zealand, complaining of the inactivity of the government.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 26th, 1781, 67

The Emperor takes measures to revive commerce in the Austrian Low Countries; grants privileges to Nieuport; advantages of that city for foreign and domestic trade.--Great quantities of British manufactures are introduced into America in neutral bottoms and by clandestine channels.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 26th, 1781, 69

The Regency of Amsterdam in an interview with the Stadtholder, charge the Duke of Brunswick with hostility to the welfare of the country, and devotion to the interests of England, and demand his dismission.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 27th, 1781, 75

Major Jackson's services in the purchasing and shipping of goods for the United states.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 29th, 1781, 76

The Duke of Brunswick's reply to the memorial of Amsterdam.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 5th, 1781, 83

Speech of the Stadtholder to the States-General on the subject of naval and military preparations.--Letter from the same to the Provincial States, on the same subject, recommending augmentations of the land and sea forces for the purpose of extending the protection of convoy to all vessels whatsoever.--Answer of the States-General to the proposition of the Stadtholder abovementioned.

To the Count de Vergennes. Versailles, July 7th, 1781, 92

Informing him of his arrival, and requesting an interview.--The Count refers him to M. de Rayneval.--Conversation with M. de Rayneval on the proposition of the mediation of Russia and Austria.

M. de Rayneval to John Adams. Versailles, July 9th, 1781, 93

Appointing a time for an interview with Count de Vergennes.

To M. de Rayneval. Paris, July 9th, 1781, 94

Interview with Count de Vergennes.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 7th, 1781, 94

Report of a Committee on the Duke of Brunswick's reply to the Amsterdam memorial, declaring that there appears no ground for the charges made against him.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 7th, 1781, 96

Representations of the French Minister at Petersburg, complaining of the violation of the principles of the convention of neutrality, by the English.--Mr Dana leaves Amsterdam for Petersburg.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 10th, 1781, 97

The Duke of Brunswick requests a more formal examination of the charges made against him.--The request referred by the States-General to the Provincial States.

To the President of Congress. Paris, July 11th, 1781, 98

Proposition of the mediation of Austria and Russia between the European belligerents, the Americans being left to treat separately.--The two preliminaries on condition of which England proposes the mediation; a rupture of France with America, and the return of the latter to obedience.

To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 13th, 1781, 102

Enclosing his remarks on the proposed articles of a basis for the negotiations.

To the President of Congress. Paris, July 15th, 1781, 107

Thinks there is no objection to sending a Minister of the United States to the proposed Congress at Vienna, without a previous acknowledgment of their independence.--Little prospect of obtaining anything by negotiation without successes in America, and the expulsion of the English from the United States.

To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 16th, 1781, 109

Further remarks on the proposed basis of negotiation.--The imperial Courts have omitted the two preliminaries of the British Court, to which the latter will probably adhere.--The English policy is to amuse the powers with a pretended desire for peace.--No objection to the presence of a Minister of the United States at Vienna without a previous acknowledgment of independence.--His instructions forbid him to agree to the armistice or _statu quo_.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 17th, 1781, 112

Memorial of Amsterdam against the Duke of Brunswick.

Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, July 18th, 1781, 124

The United States cannot appear in the proposed negotiation until certain preliminaries are settled.

To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 18th, 1781, 125

Feels little disposed to engage in the proposed negotiations.--An American Minister ought not to appear at Vienna, unless the propositions of the Imperial Courts are communicated to Congress.

To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 19th, 1781, 127

An American Minister at Vienna, must be received as Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States, and by his commission can only treat with Ministers vested with equal powers, which would be a virtual acknowledgment of independence.--Objects to the expression "American Colonies" in the articles.--The United States can never consent to appear as subjects of Great Britain, nor allow their sovereignty to be called in question by any Congress of Ministers.--No such Congress has ever ventured to interfere in the domestic concerns of any power, or to aid a sovereign in reducing his rebellious subjects.

To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 21st, 1781, 133

A proposition has been made, that each State of the Union should send an agent to Vienna.--The States have no authority to negotiate with foreign powers.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 21st, 1781, 135

Sentiments of the Quarter of Westergo in regard to the Amsterdam Memorial against the Duke of Brunswick.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 3d, 1781, 137

Extract from the King's speech at the prorogation of Parliament; the English Court will probably insist on their two preliminaries, as conditions of accepting the Imperial mediation.--Indications of the Emperor's favorable disposition towards America, while visiting the Low Countries.--Expressed a desire to meet Mr Adams incog.

B. Franklin to John Adams. Passy, Aug. 6th, 1781, 140

Relative to Mr Adams's accounts.--The Ministers will no longer be paid from the supplies furnished by the French Court.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 6th, 1781, 141

Courier from Petersburg to the English Court, supposed to bear representations concerning the war against Holland.--The answer of England to the proposed preliminaries arrives in Russia; purport unknown.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 6th, 1781, 142

Quotes a paragraph from a London paper, stating that Messrs Curson and Gouverneur are to be tried for high treason.--Mr Adams's connexion with them.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 8th, 1781, 144

The Dutch privateers are permitted to co-operate with the American in any joint enterprise.--This amounts to a virtual acknowledgment of the independence of America.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 16th, 1781, 145

Mr Temple, his character, services, and sufferings.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 16th, 1781, 147

Offer of the mediation of the two Imperial Courts, made to the Dutch Ambassador at Petersburg.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 18th, 1781, 149

Admiral Parker's account of his action with Admiral Zoutman.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 22d, 1781, 150

Favorable influence of Amsterdam in animating the Dutch.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 22d, 1781, 152

Gradual progress of events in Holland.--The declaration of the Stadtholder, that the vessels which did not join the squadron of the Texel were detained by the winds, and not by counter orders.--The Prince's letter of thanks to the crews of Admiral Zoutman's vessels.

To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Aug. 25th, 1781, 156

Acknowledges the receipt of his new commission.--Proceedings under his former commission.--Speculations on the policy of the Courts at the proposed Congress.

James Lovell to John Adams. Philadelphia, September 1st, 1781, 159

Enclosing instructions from Congress.

To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Oct. 4th, 1781, 160

His correspondence has been interrupted by sickness.--Expresses his satisfaction with the new commission.--Recommends the official communication of it to Count de Vergennes, and some intimation of it in the French journals.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 15th, 1781, 161

Loss of his despatches.--Difficulty of safe transmission.--Recent interruption by sickness.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 15th, 1781, 163

The English will not treat with America at present.--Has been unsuccessful in his attempts to obtain a loan.--It is held out to the public as full.--Uncertainty and delays of Dutch politics.--Views of the English party in Holland.--Obstacles to their success.--Thinks his remaining longer in Europe unnecessary.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 15, 1781, 169

Excitement in Holland.--Placard of the States of Utrecht, offering reward for the discovery of the author of a seditious pamphlet "To the People of the Low Countries."

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 18th, 1781, 172

Various petitions from the commercial interest in Holland to the States-General; from certain fisheries; from the merchants of Amsterdam, praying indemnification for the loss occasioned by the delay of the convoy; from the merchants of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, trading to the Levant; from the proprietors of plantations in Surinam and Curaçao; from the East India Company, praying assistance.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, October 23d, 1781, 178

Informing Mr Adams of his appointment as Secretary of Foreign Affairs.--Requests information.--Surrender of Lord Cornwallis.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October. 25th, 1781, 182

Placard of Holland against the pamphlet "To the People of the Low Countries."--Progress of democratical principles in Europe, caused by the American war.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, November 1st, 1781, 187

Debates in the States of Guelderland relative to an alliance with France and America.--The Baron Van der Cappellen in favor of acknowledging the independence of America.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, November 20th, 1781, 188

Requesting information of the parties in Holland.--Has received indirect information that Mr Adams has presented his credentials to the States-General and printed his memorial.--Advises him to conduct as a private individual.

To the Duc de la Vauguyon, Ambassador of France at the Hague. Amsterdam, Nov. 24th, 1781, 192

Requesting an interview with him for the purpose of communicating despatches from Congress. Account of the interview.

Resolves of Congress, comprising the Instructions to John Adams. In Congress, Aug. 16th, 1781, 194

Instructions to Mr Adams, respecting a Treaty of Alliance with the United Provinces.--Commission to the same for the same object.

To the Duc de la Vauguyon. Amsterdam, November 25th, 1781, 197

Communicating the instructions and commission above given.--Manner of proceeding in compliance therewith.

To John Jay, American Minister at Madrid. Amsterdam, November 26th, 1781, 199

Communicating his new instructions, and desiring to open a correspondence with Mr Jay.--The Dutch are well disposed, but cautious.

To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Nov. 26th, 1781, 200

His instructions have probably arrived in season to prevent a separate peace between Holland and England.--Capture of Cornwallis.--Co-operation of Spain and Holland with France and America, would quickly reduce England to submit.

To John Jay. Amsterdam, Nov. 28th, 1781, 201

The late successes in America have produced a great impression in Europe. Prospect of a triple alliance.--General Greene's successes in the South have delivered Georgia and South Carolina.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 4th, 1781, 203

Effect of the late successes in America.--General desire in Holland for the triple alliance.--Remits money to Mr Laurens in the Tower.--Has received intimations that the English are secretly supplied with masts from the United States.--The Continental goods, left in Holland by Commodore Gillon detained for freight and damages.

The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. The Hague, December 7th, 1781, 205

Waits for orders in regard to the proposed negotiations in Holland.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 13th, 1781, 206

Answer of Lord Stormont to M. Simolin, accepting the mediation of Russia, in negotiating a peace between England and Holland.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 14th, 1781, 209

The proposition of the Quarter of Oostergo to the States of Friesland, urging the acknowledgment of the independence of the United States.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 18th, 1781, 212

Interview with the Duc de la Vauguyon, who recommends a visit to the Hague, and afterward to the Regencies of the several cities.

To the Duc de la Vauguyon. The Hague, December 19th, 1781, 214

Requests to know if the Spanish Ambassador has instructions to enter into a treaty with Holland.--Is in favor of communicating the project of a triple or quadruple alliance to some confidential members of the States.--The mediation of Russia is only a pretence of England, to prevent Holland from joining the other belligerents.

The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. The Hague, December 20th, 1781, 216