Chapter 1

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THE

DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE

OF THE

AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

VOL. IX.

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. IX.

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

NINTH VOLUME.

WILLIAM CARMICHAEL'S CORRESPONDENCE.

Page.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Amsterdam, November 2d, 1776, 5

Sent by Mr Deane on a mission to Berlin.--Disposition of the Dutch.--Financial credit of the different powers.--Credit of the United States.--Plan for attacking the English coasts.--The conduct of Congress in relation to Portugal has made a favorable impression.--Offers of a House in Amsterdam to discount bills of Congress, drawn on certain conditions.

To William Bingham, at Martinique. Paris, June 25th to July 6th, 1777, 14

Reasons for opening a correspondence with him.--Causes of the temporising policy of France.--The English loan completed at home.--Dispute between Spain and Portugal.--Warlike preparations of France and Spain.

To the President of Congress. Yorktown, June 17th, 1778, 19

Receives information of his appointment as Secretary to the Commissioners.

To the President of Congress. Off Reedy Island, November 25th, 1779, 19

Acknowledges the reception of certain resolutions of Congress.

To the President of Congress. Martinique, December 27th, 1779, 20

Naval operations of the English and French in the West Indian Seas.

To John Jay. Madrid, February 18th, 1780, 21

Interview with the Count de Florida Blanca, who promises to answer Mr Jay's letter.--Advises Mr Jay to prepare for a journey to Madrid.--Mr Lee's correspondence.

To the President of Congress. Madrid, February 19th, 1780, 23

Favorable reception.--Kindness of the French Ambassador and of M. Gerard.--English forces.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Aranjues, May 28th, 1780, 24

Difficulty of communication.--Dispositions of the Spanish Court.--English policy in Spain.--Dispositions of the other European powers.--Bills on Mr Jay.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, July 17th, 1780, 30

Mr Cumberland, English agent at Madrid.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. St Ildefonso, August 22d, 1780, 32

Finances of Spain.--Mr Cumberland.--Armed neutrality.--Naval forces and operations of France and Spain.--M. Gardoqui succeeds M. Miralles.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. St Ildefonso, September 9th, 1780, 38

Failure of the Spanish loan attributed to M. Necker.--Scheme of the loan.--Unsettled policy of Spain.--Armed neutrality.--The navigation of the Mississippi the chief obstacle to the opening of negotiations with Spain.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. St Ildefonso, September 25th, 1780, 43

Supplies from Spain.--Conference with the Count de Florida Blanca.--The Count declares that Spain will never relinquish the exclusive navigation of the Mississippi.--Finances of the belligerent powers.--The Count de Montmorin.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, October 15th, 1780, 47

The Spanish government finds it difficult to raise money.--The armed neutrality and Holland.--Revolt in Peru.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, November 28th, 1780, 50

Finances and financial operations of Spain.--Vigorous preparations of England.--Spain aims at the exclusive possession of the Gulf of Mexico.--The European powers are jealous of the House of Bourbon.--Suggests the expediency in securing the alliance of Spain by further concessions.--Proceedings in Holland.--The Count de Vergennes informs Mr Jay that France cannot pay the bills drawn on him.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, December 19th, 1780, 56

Amount of bills drawn on Mr Jay.--Accession of Holland to the armed neutrality.--Disposition of the Emperor.--Mr Cumberland continues to reside at Madrid.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, January 4th, 1781, 58

England declares war against Holland.--Supplies promised by Spain.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, January 29th, 1781, 59

Offer of mediation by the German Emperor and the Empress of Russia.--Spanish policy in regard to America.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, February 22d, 1781, 62

Supplies.--Imperial offer of mediation.--Russia unfavorably disposed towards England.--English preparations.--French preparations.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, March 4th, 1781, 66

M. Gardoqui.--The correspondence of the American Ministers is known to the European governments, by opening the letters.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, March 11th, 1781, 68

Mr Cumberland intends to leave Spain.--Naval forces of the belligerents.--Bad consequences of the mutiny of the Pennsylvania line.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Aranjues, May 25th, 1781, 69

Secret armament preparing at Cadiz.--Difficulty of communicating safely with America.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Aranjues, May 26th, 1781, 70

Naval operations.--Supplies granted by France.--Probable destination of the force raising in the South of Spain.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Aranjues, June 2d, 1781, 72

Dismission of M. Necker disagreeable to the Court of Spain.--M. Necker not favorable to the granting of supplies to the United States.--His character.--Proposed mediation by the Court of Vienna.

James Lovell to William Carmichael. Philadelphia, June 15th, 1781, 74

His communications have been valuable to Congress.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. St Ildefonso, August 16th, 1781, 75

Progress of the negotiations.--Loans raised by Spain.--Bills on Mr Jay.--Apprehensions that the demands of Spain may delay the general peace.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. St Ildefonso, September 28th, 1781, 78

The Court promises to appoint a person to treat.--M. Del Campo.--Little prospect of a general negotiation.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, October 5th, 1781, 81

No progress has been made in the negotiation.--Complaints against Commodore Gillon.--The rebellion in Peru quelled.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Madrid, November 17th, 1781, 84

Arrest of an English agent.--No progress towards opening a conference with Mr Jay.--Animosity of the Irish at the Spanish Court against America.--Account of M. Cabarrus.--Spanish expedition against their Colonies.--French naval expeditions.--State of affairs in Holland and France.

Robert R. Livingston to William Carmichael. Philadelphia, December 20th, 1781, 91

Mr Carmichael's communications valuable to Congress.--Commodore Gillon is not in a United States ship.--Delays of Spain beget feelings of ill-will in America.--Evacuation of Wilmington.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, December 20th, 1781, 94

Motives of his correspondence.--Delays of Spain.--General satisfaction in Spain at the capture of Lord Cornwallis.--Imperial and Swedish Ambassador desire to favor the trade with America.--Advances by M. Cabarrus.--State of the sieges of Gibraltar and Mahon.--M. Cabarrus's plan of a new bank.--Spain endeavors to discourage the commerce of foreigners in her ports.--Attempt to exclude salt-fish, by the sale of indulgences permitting the use of meat on fast days.--Character of the Spanish Ministry.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, December 24th, 1781, 102

Mr Jay receives promises of supplies.--The Count de Florida Blanca also promises to interfere with Portugal in favor of the United States.--Probable consequences of the death of the Empress.--Proceedings of England.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, Feb. 18th, 1782, 105

Difficulty of meeting the drafts.--Financial embarrassments of the Spanish Court.--Capitulation of Mahon.--Imperial mediation.--Reply of Lord Stormont to the proposal.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, February 27th, 1782, 111

Mr Jay is unable to obtain supplies.--No progress made toward negotiations.--The King of England is said to be determined to push the war in America.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, April 14th, 1782, 113

Mr Jay obliged to protest bills.--Conduct of the Spanish Minister on this occasion.--The Spanish Court delays negotiations from policy.--Colonial disturbances.--Reforms of the Emperor.

Robert R. Livingston to William Carmichael. Philadelphia, May 1st, 1782, 120

Desires a continuance of his correspondence.--Affair of Captain Huddy.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, June 12th, 1782, 122

The Spanish Ministers show no inclination to treat.--Jealousy of the House of Bourbon among the European powers.--Financial difficulties of Spain.--Siege of Gibraltar.

Robert R. Livingston to William Carmichael. Philadelphia, July 6th, 1782, 124

Complains of want of information.--Payment of salaries.

To Robert R. Livingston. St Ildefonso, July 8th, 1782, 126

Interview with the Count de Florida Blanca.--Conversation with M. Del Campo.--New offer of mediation from the Imperial Courts.

To Robert R. Livingston. St Ildefonso, July 22d, 1782, 129

Count de Florida Blanca's answer to the proposed mediation.--The neutral powers desire a Congress.

To Robert R. Livingston. St Ildefonso, September 8th, 1782, 132

Interview with the Count de Florida Blanca.

Robert R. Livingston to William Carmichael. Philadelphia, September 12th, 1782, 135

State of affairs in America.

To Robert R. Livingston. St Ildefonso, September 29th, 1782, 137

Failure of the attack on Gibraltar.--Financial embarrassments of Spain.--State of the negotiations at Paris.--The preparations for war continue.

Count de Florida Blanca to William Carmichael. St Lorenzo, October 14th, 1782, 141

The English frigate carried into Cadiz by American seamen is ordered to be sold, and the proceeds to be deposited to the credit of Congress.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, October 29th, 1782, 142

The progress of the negotiations will be impeded by Spain.

Robert R. Livingston to William Carmichael. Philadelphia, November 28th, 1782, 144

America will make no peace inconsistent with her engagements to her allies.--State of the military forces in America.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, December 10th, 1782, 147

Terms of the treaty between Great Britain and the United States.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, December 30th, 1782, 149

Dissatisfaction of Spain with the conclusion of the treaty.--Letter from M. de Lafayette.--Financial operations in Spain.--Receives the ceremonial visits of the _Corps Diplomatique_.--Intends to leave Spain, if the Court does not change its conduct.--Divisions in Holland.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, January 18th, 1783, 154

Interruptions of the communication with America.--Endeavors to induce the Ministry to receive him formally.--M. Gardoqui will soon be despatched on a mission.--The Ministry desires peace.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, February 21st, 1783, 158

Is formally received as _Chargé d'Affaires_ of the United States, through the influence of M. de Lafayette.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, March 13th, 1783, 161

Dines with the Count de Florida Blanca.--Supposed motives of the offer of mediation by the Imperial Courts.--Reported confederacy of Russia, Austria, and Prussia for the partition of Turkey.--State of affairs in England.--Friendly propositions from other powers.--The army and navy commissaries have agreed to obtain supplies from America.--Proposes M. Josè Llanos as Minister to the United States.--Recommends the nomination of distinguished Spaniards as members of American societies.

Robert R. Livingston to William Carmichael. Philadelphia, May 7th, 1783, 169

The past conduct of Spain has not been such as to conciliate America.--She ought not to exclude America from the privileges allowed to Great Britain.--Operations of the provisional treaty.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, July 19th, 1783, 172

Receives assurances of the favorable disposition of the King.--The Spanish-Americans treat him as their countryman.--Plans of Austria and Russia.--Mr Fox raises difficulties to the conclusion of the Definitive Treaty.--Points in the treaty with Spain.--Spanish expedition against Algiers.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, July 22d, 1783, 179

Dispersion of the armament against Algiers by stress of weather.--Slow progress of the negotiations at Paris.

From the Saxon Minister in Spain to William Carmichael. Madrid, July 28th, 1783, 181

Establishment of commercial relations with America.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, July 29th, 1783, 183

Proceedings relative to the formation of commercial connexions between Saxony and the United States.--Treaty between France, Spain and Portugal.

To Robert R. Livingston. Madrid, August 2d, 1783, 184

M. Thieriot appointed Saxon Commissary-General of Commerce in America.

To Robert R. Livingston. St Ildefonso, August 30th, 1783, 185

Interview with the Count de Florida Blanca.--Objections of that Minister to his presentation.--Second interview on the same subject.--The King consents to fix a day for his presentation.--The presentation.

JOHN LAURENS'S CORRESPONDENCE.

Instructions to John Laurens. In Congress, December 23d, 1780, 199

Additional Instructions to John Laurens. In Congress, December 27th, 1780, 201

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January 3d, 1781, 203

Method of obtaining supplies.

To the President of Congress. Boston, February 4th, 1781, 204

Delay of his departure.

To the President of Congress. Boston, February 7th, 1781, 206

Preparations for sailing completed.

To the President of Congress. L'Orient, March 11th, 1781, 207

Remains at L'Orient in expectation of an interview with the Marquis de Castries.--Naval preparations at Brest.

To the President of Congress. Passy, March 20th, 1781, 208

Conversation with the Marquis de Castries.--Answer of the Count de Vergennes to the application of Congress for aid, granting six millions.--Urges the necessity of further aid.--Naval forces of the belligerents at sea.

Memorial to the Count de Vergennes, 211

On the necessity of further aid in money, and of a naval superiority of the allies.--Answer to the objections made to the raising of a loan in France by the United States.

Questions proposed to Colonel Laurens, with his Answers to them. Paris, March 29th, 1781, 218

Advantages of augmenting the army.--Causes of the weakness of the southern army.

To the President of Congress. Versailles, April 9th, 1781, 220

France consents to guaranty a loan of ten millions to be opened in Holland.--Solicitations for supplies.

Memorial from Colonel John Laurens to Count de Vergennes, 222

Represents the grant already made to be insufficient and requests supplies in arms, &c. on credit.--Desires the amount of the loan proposed to be raised in Holland may be advanced by France.--Urges the necessity of maintaining a naval superiority in the American seas.

To the President of Congress. Paris, April 24th, 1781, 226

Remittance of the aid in specie.--Reasons for engaging the South Carolina ship, the Indian, for the conveyance.--Nature of supplies in arms, ammunition, &c.

Memorial from John Laurens to the Director-General of Finance, 230

Urging the increase of the intended remittance of specie.

To the President of Congress. Paris, May 15th, 1781, 231

Failure of the plan of obtaining remittances from Vera Cruz.--Refusal of Holland to countenance the proposed loan in that country.--Promises of additional succors from France.

Count de Vergennes to John Laurens. Versailles, May 16th, 1781, 233

Disposition of the six millions granted by France.--Additional grant of four millions.--The proposed loan of ten millions shall be advanced by France.--Military and naval operations.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 2d, 1781, 235

General account of his proceedings on his late mission to France, as contained in the preceding letters.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 6th, 1781, 247

Confinement of Henry Laurens in the Tower.

CORRESPONDENCE OF C. W. F. DUMAS.

B. Franklin to M. Dumas. Philadelphia, December 19th, 1775, 255

Acknowledges the reception of certain works of M. Dumas.--Requests him to sound the Ministers to discover if America can expect countenance from any of the European powers in declaring independence.--State of the country.--Desires that skilful engineers may be sent out.

B. Franklin to C. W. F. Dumas. Philadelphia, March 22d, 1776, 260

Introducing Mr Deane.

To B. Franklin, Chairman of the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Utrecht, April 30th, 1776, 260

Conversation with the French Minister relative to rendering assistance to the Colonies.--Writings of M. Dumas.--Receives a letter without signature, desiring a meeting at the Hague.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. Utrecht, May 14th, 1776, 267

Interview with the writer of the letter from the Hague.--Letter from Mr A. Lee recommending Hortalez.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. August 10th, 1776, 271

Extract of a letter from Mr Lee, recommending Hortalez to his confidence.--Correspondence with the person with whom he had the interview at the Hague.--Interview with the same person and with the Spanish Ambassador.--Mr Ellis requests him to write to America that there is a strong American party in England.

Arthur Lee to C. W. F. Dumas. London, July 6th, 1776, 276

Introducing Mr Ellis.--State of affairs in America.

Silas Deane to C. W. F. Dumas. Paris, July 26th, 1776, 277

Desires to correspond with him.--Wishes to know if there would be any personal risk in visiting Holland.

Arthur Lee to C. W. F. Dumas. London, August 13th, 1776, 278

The Colonial expenses of Great Britain were undertaken for her own benefit.--Scotch hostile to America.

Silas Deane to C. W. F. Dumas. Paris, August 18th, 1776, 280

Intends visiting Holland in a private character.--The American Colonies do not desire aid nor alliances, but only free commerce.

William Lee to C. W. F. Dumas. London, September 10th, 1776, 282

The declaration of Independence changes the character of the contest between Great Britain and America.--England uses every means to prevent the interference of France.

Silas Deane to C. W. F. Dumas. Paris, September 11th, 1776, 283

If free commerce were allowed America, the Colonies would need no assistance.--The English Ambassador is acquainted with Mr Deane's official character.

Arthur Lee to C. W. F. Dumas. London, September 23d, 1776, 285

Sentiments of the English nation.--Character of the English Ministry.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. September 30th, 1776, 288