Part 3

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, July 27th, 1780, 433

Plan of a junction of the French fleets.--Rumored project of an attack on the French forces by General Clinton.

To George Washington. Philadelphia, July 30th, 1780, 434

Relative to certain proposed naval operations.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Peekskill, August 4th, 1780, 434

Project of junction of the two divisions of the French forces.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Peekskill, August 6th, 1780, 436

Relative to the employment of American frigates to aid in the junction of the French forces.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August 15th, 1780, 437

Readiness of the French government to co-operate with the American forces against the common enemy.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August 15th, 1780, 438

Case of a citizen of Bermuda.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 1st, 1780, 439

Improbable that certain bills of exchange drawn on Dr Franklin will be accepted.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, Bergen County, September 12th, 1780, 440

Projected naval operations.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 15th, 1780, 441

Desires the publication of the treaty for the purpose of settling difficulties arising as to the 11th and 12th Articles.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 16th, 1780, 442

Announcing the appointment of M. de Marbois as _Chargé d'Affaires_ during his absence.

M. de Marbois to the President of Congress. Philadelphia, October 8th, 1780, 443

Acknowledging the reception of certain resolutions of Congress.

M. de Marbois to the President of Congress. Philadelphia, October 27th, 1780, 443

Requesting a convoy for store ships.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November 1st, 1780, 444

Suggesting changes in the mode of authenticating ships' papers.

From Congress to the King of France, 445

Unprosperous state of things.--Retrospect of events.--Praying for assistance in raising a loan.

To George Washington. Philadelphia, December 5th, 1780, 449

Expected arrival of clothing for the army.--Spanish operations.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. New Windsor, December 14th, 1780, 451

Forwards his despatches for Rhode Island.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January 15th, 1781, 452

American prizes carried into French ports will be judged in the same manner as those of subjects.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, February 25th, 1781, 452

Arrival of a French squadron in the Chesapeake.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, February 28th, 1781, 453

Authorises Mr Morris to draw bills of exchange.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March 2d, 1781, 454

The French squadron sails from the Chesapeake.

M. Destouches to M. de la Luzerne. On Board the Duc de Bourgogne, March 19th, 1781, 455

Engagement between a French and English squadron.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March 24th, 1781, 457

Supplies granted by France.--Proposes Congress should furnish the French forces with provisions, receiving in payment bills on the Treasury of France.

To George Washington. Philadelphia, March 27th, 1781, 460

Failure of the expedition of M. Destouches.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, New Windsor, March 31st, 1781, 461

Return of M. Destouches to Newport.--Good conduct of the expedition.

To George Washington. Philadelphia, May 7th, 1781, 462

Forwarding proposals of an expedition to M. Destouches.

To M. Destouches. Philadelphia, May 7th, 1781, 463

Dangerous situation of Virginia and Maryland.--Proposes an expedition into the Chesapeake for their relief.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 9th, 1781, 465

Abuse of intercepted ships' papers by the English.--Proposes the adoption of measures of prevention.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 22d, 1781, 466

Transmitting the King's letter.

The King of France to Congress, 466

Granting further assistance.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Weathersfield, May 23d, 1781, 467

Intended attack on New York.--Urges the presence of the French West India fleet in the American seas.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 25th, 1781, 469

The expected reinforcements of the French forces have not been despatched.--Pecuniary grant of the French government.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 26th, 1781, 472

Offered mediation of Austria and Russia between the belligerents.--France declines accepting the offer without the consent of the United States.--Urges the appointment of Plenipotentiaries to take part in the proposed negotiations.

Report of a Conference with the French Minister. In Congress, May 28th, 1781, 475

The French Ministry considers the mission of Mr Dana to St Petersburg premature.--Desires that Mr Adams may be restricted by instructions.--English agent at Madrid.--Spain and France decline the mediation, but will accept it finally.--Desires to know the sentiments of America.--Advises moderation in the demands of the United States.

Congress to the King of France, 483

Returning thanks for supplies.--Their opinion as to the mediation will be communicated through their Minister.

To George Washington. Philadelphia, June 1st, 1781, 484

Regrets the delay of the reinforcements from France.--Promises to propose his plan of operations to the Count de Grasse.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, New Windsor, June 13th, 1781, 486

Desires that a body of land forces may accompany the Count de Grasse's squadron.

Report of a Conference with the French Minister. In Congress, June 18th, 1781, 487

Communications of the Minister relative to losses of French subjects in America.--Proceedings of the armed neutrality.--Violation of its principles by American privateers.--Mr Cumberland's negotiations in Spain.--Supplies.--Mediation of the Imperial powers.--Situation of affairs in Europe obliges France to maintain a considerable force.--State of affairs in Holland.--Amount of the pecuniary aid granted by France.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 1st, 1781, 493

Leaves M. de Marbois _Chargé d'Affaires_ during his visit to the American army.

M. de Marbois to the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 9th, 1781, 494

The French naval commander desires permission to recruit his forces by the impressment of French seamen.

M. de Marbois to the Secretary of Congress. Philadelphia, July 11th, 1781, 495

On the appointment of Mr McKean to the Presidency.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 20th, 1781, 495

Desires to communicate despatches from his Court to Congress.

Report of Communications from the French Minister. In Congress, July 23d, 1781, 496

Causes of the delay of the intended reinforcement of the French arms in America.--The relations of Holland and England render a connexion between that country and America probable.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 26th, 1781, 498

Communication of a draft of a convention relative to the establishment of Consuls by France and America.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August 23d, 1781, 499

Desires the recognition of the French Consul for New England, regularly appointed.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 6th, 1781, 500

Desires the passing of acts authorising the French Consul for New England to exercise his official functions.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

GEN. LAFAYETTE;

ON THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE UNITED STATES.

Although the services of GENERAL LAFAYETTE to the United States were rendered chiefly in the military line, yet he contributed very essentially by his efforts, and the weight of his personal character, to promote the interests of our foreign relations. When he left the United States at the close of the year 1781, Congress instructed the American Ministers abroad to consult him on the public affairs of the United States. His correspondence with Congress, now to be published, will show how effectually he executed his trust in this respect, and how deeply and constantly he watched over the interests of his adopted country, long after his return to Europe. These letters are a testimony not more of his patriotism, love of liberty, the warmth of his affections, and the fulness of his gratitude, than of his close observation, correct opinions, and enlarged views on political affairs.

THE CORRESPONDENCE OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE.

* * * * *

RESOLVE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING GENERAL LAFAYETTE.

In Congress, November 23d, 1781.

On the report of a Committee, consisting of Mr Carroll, Mr Madison, and Mr Cornell, to whom was referred a letter of the 22d, from Major-General the Marquis de Lafayette,

_Resolved_, That Major-General the Marquis de Lafayette, have permission to go to France; and that he return at such time as shall be most convenient to him.

That he be informed, that on a review of his conduct throughout the past campaign, and particularly during the period in which he had the chief command in Virginia, the many new proofs, which present themselves of his zealous attachment to the cause he has espoused, and of his judgment, vigilance, gallantry, and address in its defence, have greatly added to the high opinion entertained by Congress of his merits and military talents.

That he make known to the officers and troops whom he commanded during that period, that the brave and enterprising services with which they seconded his zeal and efforts, and which enabled him to defeat the attempts of an enemy far superior in numbers, have been beheld by Congress with particular satisfaction and approbation.

That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs acquaint the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States, that it is the desire of Congress that they should confer with the Marquis de Lafayette, and avail themselves of his information relative to the situation of public affairs in the United States.

That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs further acquaint the Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles, that he will conform to the intention of Congress by consulting with, and employing the assistance of the Marquis de Lafayette, in accelerating the supplies, which may be afforded by his Most Christian Majesty for the use of the United States.

That the Superintendent of Finance, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and the Board of War, make such communication to the Marquis de Lafayette, touching the affairs of their respective departments, as will best enable him to fulfil the purpose of the two resolutions immediately preceding.

That the Superintendent of Finance take order for discharging the engagement entered into by the Marquis de Lafayette with the merchants of Baltimore referred to in the act of the 24th of May last.

That the Superintendent of Finance furnish the Marquis de Lafayette with a proper conveyance to France.

That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs report a letter to his Most Christian Majesty, to be sent by the Marquis de Lafayette.[1]

FOOTNOTE:

[1] Extract of a letter from Congress to the King of France, dated November 29th, 1781.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Antony, near Paris, March 30th, 1782.

Dear Sir,

I have been honored with your letter by the Hermione, and have made the best use I could of the intelligence you were pleased to communicate. The sailing of the Alliance was unexpected, and I could not improve that opportunity. This letter will be carried by a vessel that is immediately despatched. I shall soon have an opportunity to write by a frigate. Dr Franklin, whom I have acquainted with the departure of this vessel, has no doubt communicated very important intelligence. Mahon has been taken rather sooner than was expected; the siege of Gibraltar is going on, and some do not consider it impossible that it should fall into the hands of the Spaniards. The taking of St Kitts was felt in England; the more so, as Sir Samuel Hood had given great expectations of preserving the Island. "Major-General the Marquis de Lafayette, has in this campaign so greatly added to the reputation he had before acquired, that we are desirous to obtain for him, on our behalf even, notice, in addition to that favorable reception, which his merits cannot fail to meet with from a generous and enlightened Sovereign; and, in that view, we have directed our Minister Plenipotentiary to present the Marquis to your Majesty."

There is a great deal of confusion in England, which their late resolutions clearly prove; many think the loss of the majority is a _finesse_ of Lord North; but from later advices it appears there will be a change of Ministers. The opposition members do not agree together, and none of them are true friends to America; none of them are wishing for independence; they want to make the best bargain they can, either with France, at the expense of America, or by satisfying America at the cheapest rate. By Mr Adams's letters I find Holland is about acknowledging American independence, as far as it will neither cost them blood nor money; but at this period I think it important to obtain such a political advantage.

I beg you will please to communicate the contents of my letter to Congress; as I do not enter into any particulars with the President. Accept the assurance of the high esteem and most affectionate sentiments with which I am, &c.

LAFAYETTE.

_P. S._ Since writing the above, we have just got certain intelligence that Lord North has left his place. It is generally believed he will be replaced by Lord Rockingham.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

St Germain, June 25th, 1782.

Dear Sir,

It is needless for me to enter into such details as will of course be communicated to Congress by the Minister. Dr Franklin will doubtless be very particular. But as Congress have been pleased to order that I should give my opinion, I now have the honor to tell you what I think upon the several transactions that have lately taken place.

Before the change of Ministry, the old Administration had sent people to feel the pulse of the French Court and of the American Ministers. They had reasons to be convinced that neither of the two could be deceived into separate arrangements, that would break the union and make both their enemies weaker. In the meanwhile, a cabal was going on against the old Ministry. New appointments took place, and it is not known how far Lord North would have gone towards a general negotiation.

It had ever been the plan of the opposition to become masters of the Cabinet. But while every one of them united against the Ministry, they committed this strange blunder, never to think what would become of them after their views had been fulfilled. They even made Ministers, and upon the same day they did not know how to divide the prey; upon the second they perceived that they had different interests and different principles to support; upon the third they were intriguing against each other. And now the British Ministry are so much divided, that nothing but their disputes can account for their indecision in public affairs.

The Marquis of Rockingham has nothing of a Minister, but the parade of levees, and a busy appearance. He is led by Mr Burke. He is also upon the best terms with Charles Fox. The principles of the latter everybody knows. That party it appears is on one side of the Administration.

The Duke of Grafton and Lord Camden think it their interest to support Lord Shelburne, whom, however, they inwardly dislike. The Earl of Shelburne seems to have by far the greater share in the King's confidence. He is intriguing, and, upon a pretence to follow Lord Chatham's opinions, he makes himself agreeable to the King by opposing American independence. He is, they say, a faithless man, wishing for a continuation of the war, by which he hopes to raise his own importance; and, should the Rockingham party fall, should Lord Shelburne be found to divide power with another party, he is not far, it is said, from uniting with Lord North and many others in the old Administration.

The King stands alone, hating every one of his Ministers, grieving at every measure that combats his dispositions, and wishing for the moment when the present Ministry, having lost their popularity, will give way to those whom he has been obliged to abandon for a time.

Such is the position in which they stand, and I am going to relate the measures they have taken towards negotiation.

It appears Lord Shelburne, on the one hand, and Charles Fox on the other, went upon the plan which Lord North had adopted, to make some private advances, but they neither communicated their measures to each other, nor said at first anything of it in the Cabinet. Count de Vergennes said that France could never think to enter into a treaty, but in concurrence with her allies, and upon being told that America herself did not so much insist upon asking for independence, he answered, "people need not ask for what they have got." Mr Adams in Holland, and Dr Franklin in Paris, made such answers as were consistent with the dignity of the United States. But they as well as Count de Vergennes, expressed a sincere desire for peace, upon liberal and generous terms.

From the very beginning Mr Adams has been persuaded, that the British Ministry were not sincere--that the greater part of them were equally against America as any in the old Administration, and that all those negotiations were not much to be depended upon. His judgment of this affair has been confirmed by the events; though at present the negotiation has put on a better outward appearance.

Dr Franklin's pen is better able than mine can be, to give you all the particulars through which Mr Grenville, a young man of some rank, is now remaining in Paris, with powers to treat with his Most Christian Majesty, and all other Princes or States now at war with Great Britain.

I shall only remark, that in late conversations with Count de Vergennes, Mr Grenville has considered the acknowledgment of independence as a matter not to be made a question of, but to be at once and previously declared. But upon Count de Vergennes's writing down Mr Grenville's words to have them signed by him, the gentleman, instead of this expression, "the King of England has _resolved_ at once to acknowledge," &c., insisted to have the words _is disposed_ made use of in what he intended to be considered as his official communication. He has also evinced a backwardness in giving Dr Franklin a copy of his powers; and their Ministry are so backward also in bringing before Parliament a bill respecting American independence, that it does not show a great disposition towards a peace, the preliminaries of which must be an acknowledgment of America as a separate and independent nation.

It is probable that within these two days, Dr Franklin had some communication with Mr Grenville, which may throw some light upon the late points I have just now mentioned.

Mr Jay is arrived from Madrid. Mr Laurens, it seems, intends to return home. Mr Adams's presence in Holland is for the moment necessary. A few days will make us better acquainted with the views of Great Britain; and since the Ministers from Congress have thought that I ought for the service of America to remain here some time longer, I shall, under their direction devote myself to promote the interests of the United States. The footing I am upon at this Court enables me sometimes to go greater lengths than could be done by a foreigner. But unless an immediate earnest negotiation, which I am far from hoping, renders my services very useful, I will beg leave to return to my labors, and be employed in a shorter way to ensure the end of this business, than can be found in political dissertation.

I have communicated the opinion of Mr Adams, such as I found it in his letter. Dr Franklin's ideas will be presented by himself, and also those of Mr Jay, both of which must be preferable to mine, though I do not believe they much differ. But from what I have collected by communications with your Ministers, with those of the French, and by private intelligence, I conclude;

1st. That the British Ministry are at variance between themselves, embarrassed upon the conduct they ought to hold, and not firm in their principles and their places.

2dly. That negotiations will go on shortly, establish principles, and facilitate a treaty; but that the King of England and some of the Ministers, have not lost the idea of breaking the union between France and the United States.

3dly. That the situation of England, want of men and money, and the efforts France is about to make, will reduce the former to a necessity for making peace before the end of next spring.

America will no doubt exert herself, and send back every emissary to her Plenipotentiaries here; for the Ministry in England are now deceiving the people with the hope that ---- is going to operate a reconciliation, and with many his ---- of the same nature.