Part 1

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THE

DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE

OF THE

AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

VOL. X.

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. X.

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

TENTH VOLUME.

GENERAL LAFAYETTE'S CORRESPONDENCE.

Page.

Resolve of Congress respecting General Lafayette. In Congress, November 23d, 1781, 5

Expressing their sense of his services, and directing the foreign Ministers and other officers of the United States to consult with him.

To Robert R. Livingston. Antony, near Paris, March 30th, 1782, 7

Ministerial changes in England.

To Robert R. Livingston. St Germain, June 25th, 1782, 8

Composition, character, and policy of the Shelburne Ministry.--Defeat of Count de Grasse.--Siege of Gibraltar.

Robert R. Livingston to M. de Lafayette. Philadelphia, September 18th, 1782, 15

The Count de Segur.--Character of the British Ministry.

Robert R. Livingston to M. de Lafayette. Philadelphia, November 2d, 1782, 16

Political and military state of America.

To the President of Congress. Brest, December 3d, 1782, 19

Is about to embark on a voyage in the service of America.

Robert R. Livingston to M. de Lafayette. Philadelphia, January 10th, 1783, 20

Discontents in the army on account of the want of money.--Regrets the departure of the French troops.

To William Carmichael, at Madrid. Cadiz, January 20th, 1783, 22

America ought to treat with Spain only on an equal footing.

To Robert R. Livingston. Cadiz, February 5th, 1783, 24

Objects of his voyage.--Mr Carmichael desires his presence at Madrid.--Disposition of Spain.--Southern boundaries.--Recommends Mr Harrison to be Consul at Cadiz.

To the President of Congress. Cadiz, February 5th, 1783, 28

Congratulations on the peace.--Desires the annexation of Canada to the United States.--His presence required in Madrid.

To the Count de Florida Blanca. Madrid, February 19th, 1783, 30

Submitting to his revision the results of previous conferences on American affairs.

Count de Florida Blanca to M. de Lafayette. Pardo, February 22d, 1783, 32

Acknowledges the correctness of the statements contained in the preceding letter.--The King is disposed to settle the affair of the boundaries amicably.

To the Count de Florida Blanca. Madrid, February 22d, 1783, 33

The Spanish Minister explains his sentiments concerning the boundary.

To Robert R. Livingston. Bordeaux, March 2d, 1783, 33

Interviews with the Count de Florida Blanca.--The Spanish Court fears the effect of the American revolution on its Colonies.--Conferences with the other Spanish Ministers.--Disposition of the Spanish Court towards the United States.--Urges the necessity of strengthening the union.

Robert R. Livingston to M. de Lafayette. Philadelphia, May 1st, 1783, 38

Acknowledges the importance of his correspondence, and his services in Europe in the cause of America.--Proceedings in America in consequence of the ratification of the Provisional Articles.

To the President of Congress. Chavaniac, in the Province of Auvergne, July 20th, 1783, 40

Russia is determined on a Turkish war.--Endeavors to obtain L'Orient and Marseilles as free ports.

To the President of Congress. Nantes, September 7th, 1783, 42

Applies to the French Ministry and the American Commissioners on the subject of American debts.--Commerce between France and America.--Warlike preparations in the East.--Necessity of conciliating the army and cementing the union.--Will return to America as soon as his presence in Europe ceases to be useful.

To the President of Congress. Paris, December 26th, 1783, 45

Changes in the British Ministry.--Affairs in the East.

To John Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Mount Vernon, November 25th, 1784, 46

Regrets the publication of certain papers relating to the Indian treaty.

To John Jay. Versailles, February 8th, 1785, 48

Affairs of Europe.

To John Jay. Paris, March 19th, 1785, 50

Urges the surrender of New Orleans to America, or the declaration of it as a free port.--European affairs.--Opposition of the mercantile interest to a liberal commercial policy.

To John Jay. Paris, May 11th, 1785, 51

European affairs.--Endeavors to obtain privileges for the American trade in France.--Intends to visit the south of France and Germany.

To John Jay. Vienna, September 6th, 1785, 52

Calls the attention of Congress to the Memorial of M. d'Argaynarat.

To John Jay. Paris, February 11th, 1786, 53

Sentiments of the German Courts concerning America.--The stability of democratical forms of government, and of the union of the States distrusted in Europe.--European affairs.

To John Jay. Paris, October 28th, 1786, 57

Expresses his astonishment that M. Gardoqui should raise any doubts respecting the adoption of the English limits in America.--The navigation of the Mississippi must be enjoyed by the United States.--The appointment of the convention has a good effect in Europe.--Recommends a confederacy of America and the powers of southern Europe against the Barbary States.

To John Jay. Paris, February 7th, 1787, 59

European affairs.--The disturbances in New England excite distrust in Europe.

To John Jay. Paris, May 3d, 1787, 60

Proceedings of the notables in France.--The interest of the American debt unpaid.--Hopes from the convention at Philadelphia.--Character of Brienne.

To John Jay. Paris, October 15th, 1787, 63

State of affairs in Europe.--Effects of a maritime war on America.--The present time favorable for obtaining the restoration of the forts and the navigation of the Mississippi.

THE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE COMMISSIONERS

FOR NEGOTIATING A PEACE

WITH GREAT BRITAIN.

Commission to treat of Peace, 71

Commission to accept the mediation of the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany, 73

Instructions to the Commissioners for Peace. In Congress, June 15th, 1781, 75

The King's warrant for Richard Oswald's first Commission for negotiating Peace, 76

Richard Oswald's second Commission for negotiating Peace, 80

Commission to William T. Franklin, 83

From Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, appointing him Secretary to the Commissioners.

Resolutions of Congress. In Congress, October 3d, 1782, 86

Declaring their intention to adhere to their alliance with France, and to prosecute the war till the conclusion of a general peace, and their entire confidence in the support of France.

Articles agreed on between the American and British Commissioners. October 8th, 1782, 88

Richard Oswald to the Commissioners. Paris, November 4th, 1782, 92

Insisting on the restoration of the property confiscated for attachment to the British cause, and on a general amnesty.

Articles taken to England by Mr Strachey. November 5th, 1782, 94

H. Strachey to the Commissioners. Paris, November 5th, 1782, 98

Urging the indemnification of the refugees as indispensable to peace.

To Richard Oswald. Paris, November 5th, 1782, 99

Restitution of the estates of the refugees is impossible.--Indemnification can only be granted on condition of retribution to American citizens for the destruction of their property during the war.--The amnesty cannot be extended any further.

To H. Strachey. Paris, November 6th, 1782, 101

Enclosing the preceding letter.

Third set of Articles. November 25th, 1782, 101

Article proposed and read to the Commissioners, before signing the Preliminary Articles, 106

Demanding compensation for all the private property seized or destroyed during the war.--FACTS in regard to this subject.

To M. de Lafayette. Paris, November 28th, 1782, 108

Approve of his return to America.

Provisional Articles of Peace, 109

To Francis Dana at Petersburg. Paris, December 12th, 1782, 116

Informing him of the signing of the Provisional Articles, and advising the communication of his mission.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, December 14th, 1782, 117

Enclosing a copy of the preliminaries of peace, with remarks on some of the articles.

Resolution of Congress respecting Commercial Stipulations. In Congress, December 31st, 1782, 121

Instructing the Commissioners to stipulate for a direct commerce between the British dominions and the United States.

English Commissioners' Declaration of the Cessation of Hostilities. Paris, January 20th, 1783, 121

Signature of the above Declaration by the American Commissioners, 123

British King's Proclamation, Declaring a Cessation of Arms, 124

Alleyne Fitzherbert to the Commissioners. Paris, February 18th, 1783, 126

Enclosing passports for American vessels and the preceding proclamation.

American Commissioners' Declaration of the Cessation of Hostilities, 127

Robert R. Livingston to the Commissioners. Philadelphia, March 25th, 1783, 129

General satisfaction with the Preliminary Articles.--Remarks on the 5th Article.--Regrets the signing of the treaty without communication with the French Court, and the concealing of the Separate Article.

Proclamation of Congress, Declaring a Cessation of Arms, 133

Robert R. Livingston to the Commissioners. Philadelphia, April 21st, 1783, 136

Proceedings in Congress relative to the ratification of the Provisional Articles.--Points out some ambiguities in the Articles.

Mr Grand to the Commissioners. Paris, May 10th, 1783, 139

Enclosing a statement of sums for which he is responsible on behalf of the United States.--Difficulty of meeting the payment.

M. de Lafayette to the Commissioners. Paris, May 12th, 1783, 141

Is requested by the Count de Vergennes to inquire if the Commissioners will conclude the treaty under the mediation of Austria and Russia.

David Hartley's Commission, 142

An Order of the British Council. At the Court of St James, May 14th, 1783, 144

Authorising the importation of unmanufactured articles from the United States, and allowing the same privileges on merchandise exported into the United States, as upon those exported to the foreign dominions of Great Britain.

Count de Vergennes' Proposed New Articles, 146

Interpreting the 2d and 3d Articles of the treaty of commerce of 1778, so as to place the two powers mutually on the footing of the most favored nation.

To Mr Grand. Paris, May 22d, 1783, 147

Regret that they cannot relieve his difficulties.

Robert R. Livingston to the Commissioners. Philadelphia, May 28th, 1783, 148

Violation of the Articles of the Provisional Treaty, by the British General sending off slaves.--Complains of want of information from the Commissioners.

Robert R. Livingston to the Commissioners. Philadelphia, May 31st, 1783, 149

Propositions from Holland.--Congress will be averse to engagements that may involve them in European quarrels.--Dissatisfaction with the 5th and 6th Preliminary Articles.

John Adams's Proposed Agreement. June, 1783, 151

John Jay's Proposed Agreement. June, 1783, 153

David Hartley's Proposed Agreement. June, 1783, 154

Report of a Committee of Congress, 155

On the proposition of Holland, that America should accede to the treaty of the armed neutrality and conclude a similar treaty with the other belligerents.--Congress came to the resolution, to instruct the Commissioners not to enter into any engagement, which should bind the contracting parties to support it by arms.

David Hartley to the Commissioners. Paris, June 14th, 1783, 158

The British Court desires a sincere reconciliation of the two countries.--It is not an exact literal reciprocity that is desirable, but a substantial reciprocity.--The old British policy cannot easily be abandoned at once.--A temporary convention between the two powers would tend to remove the difficulties in the way of an entire reconciliation and reciprocity.

David Hartley's Memorial to the Commissioners, 165

On the proposed reciprocity of intercourse between Great Britain and America.--Circumstances which must prevent a permanent connexion between America and France; Spain; the Italian powers; the Northern powers; Holland.--Great Britain and America must be connected in friendly or hostile relations.

The President of Congress to the Commissioners. Philadelphia, June 16th, 1783, 172

Transmitting papers in consequence of Mr Livingston's resignation.

Henry Laurens to the Commissioners. London, June 17th, 1783, 173

Interview with Mr Fox.--Symptoms of coldness.

The President of Congress to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, June 18th, 1783, 174

Thanks him for medals.--The Americans are irritated by the British holding New York and sending away negroes.

Henry Laurens to the Commissioners. London, June 20th, 1783, 176

Coolness of the Ministry.

To the Count de Vergennes. Passy, June 28th, 1783, 177

Desiring assistance to meet the bills drawn by Mr Morris.

Propositions made by the Commissioners to David Hartley for the Definitive Treaty, 178

David Hartley's Six Propositions for a Definitive Treaty. June, 1783, 182

The Commissioners' Answers to Mr Hartley's Six Propositions, 183

To David Hartley. Passy, July 17th, 1783, 185

Communicate the ratification of the Provisional Articles by Congress.--Complain of the violation of the articles by the British commander in America.--Propose that no executions shall be issued against British debtors in America under a delay of three years.

To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, July 18th, 1783, 187

Defence of their conduct in regard to the Separate Article.--Reasons for framing the article, and for withholding the communication of it to France and Spain.--Explanations of the alleged ambiguities in the other articles.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, July 27th, 1783, 193

State of the negotiations.

Project for a Definitive Treaty of Peace, 195

Ratification of the Provisional Articles by Great Britain, 206

An Act of the British Parliament, repealing certain Acts prohibiting Intercourse with the United States, 207

David Hartley to the Commissioners. Paris, August 29th, 1783, 209

Desiring them to fix the day for signing the Definitive Treaty.--His instructions confine him to Paris.

To David Hartley. Passy, August 30th, 1783, 209

Appointing a time for signing the treaty.

David Hartley to the Commissioners. Paris, September 4th, 1783, 210

Congratulates them on the signing of the treaty.--Assures them of the sincere wish of the British Court for an entire reconciliation.

B. Franklin to Charles Fox. Passy, September 5th, 1783, 211

Expressing his satisfaction with Mr Hartley.

To David Hartley. Passy, September 5th, 1783, 212

Desire a return of cordiality between the two countries.--Some of the proposed stipulations are not within their instructions.

To David Harley. Passy, September 7th, 1783, 213

Transmitting a resolve of Congress, ordering the issuing of a commission to negotiate a treaty of commerce.

To the President of Congress. Passy, September 10th, 1783, 214

Recommending Mr Thaxter.--Account of their negotiations subsequent to the signing of the Provisional Articles.--The articles relating to the tories.--Injurious impressions made in Europe by the popular assemblies in America.--Recommends the appointment of a Minister to Great Britain.--Connexions with other powers.--Necessity of a common national policy in the States.

From Congress to the Commissioners. October 29th, 1783, 222

Instructing them to express to the Emperor the desire of Congress to enter into a treaty of amity and commerce with him; to meet the advances of other European powers on the basis of perfect equality and reciprocity; to demand satisfaction of the Danish Court for the seizure of American prizes in Danish ports; to report to Congress information as to the expedition of Commodore Jones; to take no further steps for the admission of the United States into the confederacy of the neutral powers; to hasten the conclusion of the Definitive Treaty; to negotiate an explanation of a paragraph in the Declaration of the cessation of hostilities.--Authorising Mr Jay to call Mr Carmichael to Paris for the purpose of adjusting their accounts.--Giving Mr Jay leave to go to Bath.

Ratification of the Definitive Treaty by Congress, 226

Proclamation of Congress respecting the Definitive Treaty, 226

Accompanied by Resolutions recommending the adoption of measures by the States for the restitution of confiscated property of British subjects.

Ratification of the Definitive Treaty by Great Britain, 229

CONRAD ALEXANDER GERARD'S CORRESPONDENCE.

Letter from the King of France to Congress, 235

Letter of credence for M. Gerard, in the character of Minister of France to the United States.

Appointment of Consul-General of France in the United States, 236

The King of France to Congress, 238

Letter of credence for Count d'Estaing.

Count d'Estaing to the President of Congress. At Sea, July 8th, 1778, 239

Communicating his credentials and his readiness to co-operate with General Washington.--M. Gerard.

Resolves of Congress respecting the Count d'Estaing's Letter, and the reception of M. Gerard. In Congress, July 11th, 1778, 241

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 14th, 1778, 243

Offering the protection of Count d'Estaing's squadron to the armed vessels of the United States.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 14th, 1778, 244

Requesting Congress to make provision for the English prisoners on board the French squadron.

Ceremonial of admitting the French Minister to Congress. In Congress, July 20th, 1778, 245

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November 9th, 1778, 251

Requesting Congress to take measures for the sailing of vessels with supplies for the French forces.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November 20th, 1778, 253

Informing Congress, that it is not usual to publish treaties until the ratifications have been exchanged.

Notes of M. Gerard to Congress. Philadelphia, December 2d, 1778, 253