Chapter I: Front Matter (1)

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 Curacao;
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

Desires to see Mr Adams.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 25th,
1781, 216

Ulterior declaration of Prussia concerning the
navigation of Prussian subjects.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 25th,
1781, 220

Lord Stormont's answer to the Swedish Envoy,
declining the mediation of Sweden, and accepting that
of Russia.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
December 26th, 1781, 223

Military operations in the United States.--Encloses
resolutions of Congress, relating to captures and
recaptures, and prohibiting all commerce in British
manufactures.--Requests information from Mr Adams.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 29th,
1781, 226

Containing the act of accession to the armed
neutrality on the part of Austria, with the note of
the Imperial Minister to their High
Mightinesses.--Strength of the armed neutrality, if
conducted wisely and honestly.

The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. Versailles,
December 30th, 1781, 230

Count de Vergennes approves of Mr Adams's proposed
visit to members of government, on the subject of his
memorial, but advises that nothing be done in
writing.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
January 9th, 1782, 231

Military affairs.--The Marquis de Bouille.--Contrast
of the conduct of the English and French in America.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 14th,
1782, 233

Interview with the President of their High
Mightinesses, in which Mr Adams demands a categorical
answer to his former request of an audience of the
States.--Visit to the Secretary of the States on the
same subject, who assures him that his request had
been taken _ad referendum_.--Similar visits to the
Deputies of all the cities.--Constitutions of the
municipal governments in Holland.--The nation favors
the triple alliance; the policy of the rulers is to
propose the mediation of Russia and the triple
alliance at the same time.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 15th,
1782, 239

Transmitting the note of the Russian Ambassador,
proposing to the States that the neutral powers
provide their Ministers at the belligerent Courts
with full powers, in regard to affairs arising under
the convention of neutrality.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 16th,
1782, 240

Memorial from the Swedish Envoy at London to Lord
Stormont, offering the mediation of Sweden in
negotiating a peace between Holland and England.--The
English Court complains of the refusal of a Swedish
captain to allow vessels under his convoy to be
visited.--The Swedish Court approves the
measure.--The same principle approved by Russia.--The
Russian Ministers at the belligerent Courts are
instructed, in similar cases, to make immediate
demands of reparation from the offending party.

To Robert R. Livingston, Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
Amsterdam, February 14th, 1782, 244

Congratulates Mr Livingston on his
appointment.--State of affairs in Holland.--Difficult
for an American Minister to communicate with the
Ministers of other powers.--Mr Barclay purchases
goods for the United States in Holland.--British
manufactures bought without the knowledge of Mr
Adams.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February 19th,
1782, 248

The English will not be easily discouraged by the
successes of the Americans.--Complicated state of
parties in Holland.--Inclinations of the Stadtholder
in favor of England.--Parties on subjects of domestic
policy.--Justification of the presentation of his
credentials.--Motives for printing his
memorial.--Conducts himself as a private
individual.--The States have accepted the mediation
of Russia.--Policy of France in relation to Holland
and Spain.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February 21st,
1782, 255

Unable to understand the cypher.--Recapitulation of
events in Holland before the presentation of his
memorial.--Great change produced by that paper.--It
has obtained universal approbation in Europe.--Mr
Adams's proposition to the Duc de la Vauguyon,
produced the offer from France to Congress to assist
in effecting a treaty between Holland and the United
States.--Influence of the memorial on the policy and
late measures of the Emperor.--Other effects of the
memorial.--Conversation with the Duc de la Vauguyon
on the subject, previous to its presentation.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February 27th,
1782, 267

The Province of Friesland acknowledges the
independence of the United States.--Holland will not
probably enter into an alliance with the
belligerents.--Buys a house at the Hague on the
public account.

The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. The Hague, March
4th, 1782, 269

Objects to a proposition of Mr Adams as impolitic.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, March
5th, 1782, 270

Holland can gain no advantage by a peace with
England.--Requests information on the naval force;
the public men and their sentiments in
Holland.--Recommends frequent visits to the
Hague.--Military operations in America.--Prosperous
state of the country.--Lord Cornwallis.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 10th, 1782, 275

Resolution of the House of Commons, that an offensive
war in America against the sense of the House would
be highly criminal.--Other indications of a
disposition for peace.--Causes of this state of
feeling.--Probable policy of the British Cabinet.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 11th, 1782, 277

Transmitting the Resolution of Friesland, instructing
the Deputies in the States-General to receive Mr
Adams in his official capacity.--Causes of the change
of sentiments on this point in the Regency of
Amsterdam.--Character and influence of Friesland.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 19th, 1782, 280

Proceedings of the county of Zutphen, on the subject
of the official reception of Mr Adams.--Petition of
the merchants and manufacturers of Leyden to the
grand council of the city, representing the
languishing condition of their manufactures, and
urging a treaty with America as a means of reviving
them.--Petition of the merchants and manufacturers of
Amsterdam to the States-General, urging the speedy
acknowledgment of American independence.--Petition of
the same to the Regency of the city, soliciting the
Regency to exert itself in obtaining an immediate
decision of the States of the Province in favor of
America.--Petition of the commercial interest of
Rotterdam to the Regency of the city, praying them to
insist on a speedy decision in favor of a treaty with
the United States, by the States of the
Province.--Petition of the merchants and
manufacturers of Holland and West Friesland to the
States of the Province, for the adoption of measures
in the States-General, and for securing the commerce
of America.--Resolution of the States of Holland and
West Friesland, to insist on the immediate reception
of Mr Adams by the States-General.--Petition of
Zwoll.--Addresses of thanks from the citizens of
Amsterdam; from the commercial interest of Leyden;
and from that of Utrecht, to the States of the
Province, for their abovementioned Resolution.

To Peter Van Bleiswick, Grand Pensionary of Holland.
Amsterdam, March 31st, 1782, 328

Mr Adams acknowledges the Resolution of the States of
Holland and West Friesland, recommending his official
reception by the Generality.

To the Duc de la Vauguyon. Amsterdam, April 10th, 1782, 329

Lord Shelburne is not satisfied with the
communication of all subjects discussed, to the
allies of America.--Holland will not probably treat
separately with England.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, April 19th, 1782, 330

Resolutions of the respective Provinces in favor of
the reception of Mr Adams, in his official
capacity.--Resolutions of the States-General,
acknowledging Mr Adams as Minister of the United
States.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 22d, 1782, 339

Presentation to the Prince of Orange.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 23d, 1782, 341

In a conference with the President of the
States-General, he proposes a treaty of amity and
commerce on the principle of reciprocity. Presents a
plan of a treaty to the committee of the States,
appointed to treat.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 23d, 1782, 342

Is introduced to the foreign Ministers at a dinner
made in honor of the United States by the French
Ambassador.--Receives visits in a private character
from the Spanish Minister.

To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, May 2d, 1782, 344

Considers it doubtful whether he shall be present at
the negotiations in Paris.--Difficulties in regard to
the loan.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, May 16th, 1782, 346

Mr Adams removes to the Hague.--Great obstacles, that
have been surmounted in Holland.--Difficulties in the
way of a loan.--Recommends to the attention of
Congress Messrs Dumas, Thaxter, Jennings, and
Cerisier.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, May
22d, 1782, 351

The change of Ministry and measures in England will
have no effect on the determination of
America.--Congress refuses General Carleton's request
of a passport for his Secretary.--The salaries of the
Ministers will be paid quarterly in America.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, May
29th, 1782, 353

Complains of not receiving answers to his
communications.--The policy of England to separate
France and America.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, May
30th, 1782, 354

Acknowledges the receipt of several
letters.--Transmits a new cypher.--Victory of Admiral
Rodney.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, June 9th, 1782, 356

Report of the Admiralty on the plan of a treaty of
commerce, taken _ad referendum_ by the
Provinces.--Has opened a loan, but with little
prospect of success.--Holland will not treat
separately with England.--Mr Laurens declines serving
in the commission for peace.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, June 14th, 1782, 358

Answer of France to the request of Russia, not to
oppose a separate peace between Holland and England.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, June 15th, 1782, 360

Conference with the Grand Pensionary on the plan of
a treaty of commerce.--Mr Adams proposes the sending
to the United States an Ambassador and Consuls on the
part of Holland.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, July
4th, 1782, 361

Recommends great precision in the terms of the treaty
with Holland.--Importance of securing the West India
trade.--Securities of a loan to the United
States.--Value of American commerce.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 5th, 1782, 363

Desires the ratification by Congress of his contract
for a loan.--Terms of the loan.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 5th, 1782, 365

Address of the merchants of Schiedam to Congress.

To John Jay. The Hague, August 10th, 1782, 369

Impolitic for the three American Ministers to appear
together at Paris, unless to meet an English Minister
with full powers to treat with the United States as
an independent nation.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, August 18th, 1782, 371

M. Brantzen appointed Minister of Holland to
negotiate a treaty of peace.--The States of Holland
and West Friesland approve the project of a treaty of
commerce.--Instructions of the States-General to
their Ministers for negotiating a peace at Paris.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, August 22d, 1782, 376

The States-General have received their instructions
relative to the treaty of commerce from all the
Provinces.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
August 29th, 1782, 376

Complains of the infrequency and delay of despatches
from Mr Adams.--Importance of the trade to the West
Indies.--Evacuation of Charleston.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 4th,
1782, 380

Sketches of the prominent characters in Holland.--The
Duc de la Vauguyon.--Sketches of the foreign
Ministers at the Hague.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 6th,
1782, 394

State of the connexion between France and
Holland.--Policy of France toward the United States.
Influence of the memorial of Mr Adams to the
States-General.--The Count de Vergennes opposes the
proposition of the triple alliance.--The American
Ministers in Europe ought not to be subject to the
control of the French Court.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 7th,
1782, 401

Enclosing his accounts.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
September 15th, 1782, 404

Enclosing certain financial resolutions of
Congress.--Recommends the use of English language by
the American Ministers.--M. Dumas.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 17th,
1782, 407

Conference with the Secretary of the States-General
for correcting the treaty of commerce.--Conversation
with the French Ambassador on the Dutch naval forces.

Extracts from the Records of the Resolutions of their
High Mightinesses the States-General of the United
Netherlands, 410

Authorising the Deputies for Foreign Affairs to
conclude and sign the treaty of commerce, and the
convention on the subject of recaptures, with Mr
Adams.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 17th,
1782, 412

Probability of the continuance of the armed
neutrality.--The acknowledgment of American
Independence is not a violation of its
principles.--Jealousies of some powers against the
House of Bourbon.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 23d,
1782, 416

Conversation with the Spanish Minister.--English,
Dutch, Spanish, and American Ministers at Paris,
without any appearance of a sincere desire to treat
on the part of England.--Visit to the Duc de la
Vauguyon.--The Duke instructed to propose the concert
of the Dutch naval forces with the French, in
intercepting the English West India fleet.

A Memorial concerning the Bank of Amsterdam, 419

Giving an account of its funds, mode of transacting
business, &c. Note on the above, correcting a
statement.

To M. de Lafayette. The Hague, Sept. 29th, 1782, 429

State of American affairs in Holland.--Conduct of the
different foreign Ministers towards Mr Adams.

To John Jay. The Hague, October 7th, 1782, 431

Causes which delay his going to Paris.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, October 8th, 1782, 432

The treaty of commerce, and the convention concerning
recaptures executed.--Remarks on some of the clauses,
and some rejected articles.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, October 12th, 1782, 435

Preparing to set out for Paris.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Oct. 31st, 1782, 436

Arrival in Paris.--Conference with Mr
Jay.--Difference of opinion as to the true sense of
the instructions to the Ministers, requiring them to
act only with the consent of the French
Ministry.--Contested points.--Visits the Dutch
Minister, who informs him that little progress has
been made in the negotiations between Holland and
England.--M. Rayneval's visit to England.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 6th, 1782, 439

Mr Jay and Mr Adams have declined treating without a
previous acknowledgment of independence.--Information
from Holland reaches America by the way of France,
before it can be transmitted directly.--The affairs
of the Foreign Department ought to be kept secret
from France.--Character of the English agents for
negotiating the peace.--Real disposition of Lord
Shelburne.--Have agreed on boundaries, and the
payment of British debts due before the
war.--Indemnification of tories and Eastern boundary,
points of dispute.--Secret influence of
France.--Negotiations at Versailles secret.--The
Dutch Ambassador suspects the sincerity of the
English.--Mr Oswald proposes that the British army
should be allowed to evacuate New York unmolested.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
November 6th, 1782, 445

Military operations have ceased.--Mr Fitzherbert's
commission.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 8th, 1782, 447

Importance of insisting upon points of
etiquette.--Thinks the instructions to communicate
everything to the French Minister is not to be
understood literally.--Good effects which have been
produced by disobeying them.--Submission of Dr
Franklin.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 11th, 1782, 451

Conversation with Count de Vergennes on the
controverted points, Eastern boundary, compensation
to tories.--Suspicions of the motives of
France.--All points should be definitively settled,
so as to leave America totally unconnected with any
European power.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia,
November 18th, 1782, 457

Mr Jefferson added to the commission.--The
resignation of Mr Laurens not accepted by
Congress.--Affair of Captain Asgill.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 18th, 1782, 459

Embarrassments occasioned by the instruction to
communicate on all matters with the French Ministers.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 24th, 1782, 462

Speculations on the probable disposition of the
British Cabinet, in case of change.--The
acknowledgment of independence still leaves room for
disputes on other points.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Dec. 4th, 1782, 464

Transmits the preliminary treaty.--Desires to resign
his commission in Holland.--Recommends Mr Laurens as
his successor.

Extracts from a Journal, 465

Propositions in regard to the Northern and Eastern
boundaries.--Mr Adams observes, that the questions of
compensation to the tories, and of allowing the
claims of British creditors are different in
principle.--Mr Jay refuses to treat with the Spanish
Minister without exchanging powers.--Mr Jay's refusal
to treat with the British, without a previous
acknowledgment of independence.--Mr Jay thinks the
French Court oppose the claims of the American
Ministers.--Visit to Count de
Vergennes.--Conversation with Mr Whiteford on the
policy of France.--Mr Adams called the Washington of
the negotiation.--Conversation with Mr Oswald
relative to the compensation of the
tories.--Conversation with Mr Vaughan on the same
subject.--Conversation with M. de Lafayette on the
subject of a loan.--Danger to America from European
politics.--Mr Strachey returns from London with the
adhesion of the Cabinet to the compensation of the
tories.--The fisheries.--Consultation of the American
Ministers.--Mr Fitzherbert's negotiations concerning
the fisheries.--Mr Adams proposes an article relative
to the right of fishing and curing fish.--Discussion
of the article.--The American Ministers propose
restoration of all goods carried off or destroyed in
America, if the compensation is insisted on.--The
English Ministers assent to the American ultimatum
respecting the fishery and the tories.--Final
meeting.--Mr Laurens proposes an article, that the
English should carry off no American
property.--Reflections on the negotiation.--State of
the Dutch negotiations.--"Letters of a distinguished
American," by Mr Adams.--Conversation with Mr Oswald
on the true policy of England toward America.--Dr
Franklin desires to enter upon the negotiation of the
definitive treaty.--Mr Adams and Mr Jay prepare the
joint letter to Congress.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

JOHN ADAMS,

ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS TO FRANCE, MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY TO HOLLAND, AND ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS FOR NEGOTIATING THE TREATY OF PEACE.

VOL. VI. 1

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

JOHN ADAMS.

CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Amsterdam, May 16th, 1781.

Sir,

There has been much said in the public papers concerning conferences for peace, concerning the mediation of the Emperor of Germany and the Empress of Russia, &c. &c. &c.

I have never troubled Congress with these reports, because I have never received any official information or intimation of any such negotiation, either from England or France, or any other way. If any such negotiation has been going on, it has been carefully concealed from me. Perhaps something has been expected from the United States, which was not expected from me. For my own part, I know from so long experience, at the first glance of reflection, the real designs of the English government, that it is no vanity to say they cannot deceive me, if they can the Cabinets of Europe. I have fully known, that all their pretensions about peace were insidious, and therefore have paid no other attention to them, than to pity the nations of Europe, who, having not yet experience enough of British manoeuvres, are still imposed on to their own danger, disgrace, and damage. The British Ministry are exhausting all the resources of their subtility, if not of their treasures, to excite jealousies and diversions among the neutral, as well as belligerent powers. The same arts precisely, that they have practised so many years to seduce, deceive, and divide America, they are now exerting among the powers of Europe; but the voice of God and man is too decidedly against them to permit them much success.

As to a loan of money in this Republic, after having tried every expedient and made every proposition, that I could be justified or excused for making, I am in absolute despair of obtaining any, until the States-General shall have acknowledged our independence. The bills already accepted by me are paying off as they become due, by the orders of his Excellency Dr Franklin; but he desires me to represent to Congress the danger and inconvenience of drawing before Congress have information that their bills can be honored. I must entreat Congress not to draw upon me, until they know I have money. At present I have none, not even for my subsistence, but what I derive from Paris.

The true cause of the obstruction of our credit here is fear, which can never be removed but by the States-General acknowledging our independence; which, perhaps, in the course of twelve months they may do, but I do not expect it sooner. This country is indeed in a melancholy situation, sunk in ease, devoted to the pursuits of gain, overshadowed on all sides by more powerful neighbors, unanimated by a love of military glory, or any aspiring spirit, feeling little enthusiasm for the public, terrified at the loss of an old friend, and equally terrified at the prospect of being obliged to form connexions with a new one; incumbered with a complicated and perplexed constitution, divided among themselves in interest and sentiment, they seem afraid of everything. Success on the part of France, Spain, and especially of America, raises their spirits, and advances the good cause somewhat, but reverses seem to sink them much more.

The war has occasioned such a stagnation of business, and thrown such numbers of people out of employment, that I think it is impossible things should remain long in the present insipid state. One system or another will be pursued; one party or another will prevail; much will depend on the events of the war. We have one security, and I fear but one, and that is the domineering character of the English, who will make peace with the Republic upon no other terms, than her joining them against all their enemies in the war, and this I think it is impossible she ever should do.

I have the honor to be, &c.

JOHN ADAMS.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Amsterdam, May 21st, 1781.

Sir,

On the 30th of April, the King of Prussia published the following ordinance, relative to the navigation and commerce of his subjects, during the whole course of the present war between the maritime powers.

ORDINANCE OF PRUSSIA RELATIVE TO NAVIGATION.

"From the commencement of the maritime war, almost generally spread through the southern part of Europe, the King has applied himself with particular care to procure to those of his subjects who traffic by sea, or who engage in navigation, all the security possible, and to this end he has caused to be required of the belligerent powers to give exact orders to their vessels of war and privateers, to respect the Prussian flag, and to suffer peaceably to pass all the Prussian vessels, which should be loaded with merchandises, which, according to the law of nations, are reputed lawful and not contraband, and not cause to them any damage or delay, and much less still to conduct them without necessity or right into foreign ports; to which these powers have answered by assurances friendly and proper to make things easy in this regard. To attain still more certainly to this end, his Majesty has ordered his Ministers, residing near the belligerent powers, to interest themselves as much as possible, and by representations the most energetic in favor of Prussian subjects, who trade at sea, and whose vessels might be taken, conducted into foreign ports, or as has often happened, pillaged even upon the high seas, and to insist on their speedy release, and that the processes at law, occasioned by their capture, should be decided without delay, and with the requisite impartiality. To the end, therefore, that the Ministers of the King may be in a condition to acquit themselves of these orders in this respect, it is necessary that the subjects of his Majesty, who find themselves in such a case, announce themselves, or by attorney, to the Envoy of the King, at the Court where the complaints ought to be carried, and that they may give him information in detail of their subjects of complaint, that he may be able to support them there, where they belong. They ought not, however, to repose themselves entirely on a similar intercession, but carry also their complaints themselves to the Admiralties, or Maritime Colleges of the country, where their vessel has been conducted, or in which they have caused him damage, support his complaints with requisite proofs, follow the judiciary order, and the different trials established in each country, and solicit and pursue with diligence their causes by advocates and attornies; by means of which, it is to be hoped, that they will obtain a prompt and impartial decision; in default of which, it shall be permitted to them to address themselves to the Envoys of the King, to carry to each Court the complaints, which the case may require, and obtain the redress of it.

"But to secure still more the navigation of his subjects, the King has caused to be demanded by his Ministers, of her Majesty the Empress of Russia, and the two other Maritime Powers of the North, who, as is well known, have united to maintain the maritime neutrality, to be so good, as powers with whom the King has the satisfaction to live in the strictest union, as to order the commanders of their vessels of war, to take the Prussian merchant vessels, which they may meet in their courses, in their sight, and within reach of their cannon, under their convoy and protection, in case they shall be attacked or molested by the vessels of war, or privateers, of the belligerent powers. Her Majesty, the Empress of Russia, has assured the King, by a declaration written by her Ministry, that she had not only given precise orders to the commanders of her vessels of war, to protect, against all attacks and molestations, the vessels of Prussian merchants and navigators, that they may encounter in their course, as belonging to a power allied to Russia, and who observe exactly the rules of the maritime neutrality founded upon the law of nations, but that she would enjoin it also upon her Ministers at the Courts of the belligerent powers, that as often as the Envoys of the King of Prussia should have claims and complaints to carry to the Courts where they reside, relative to the hinderances occasioned to the maritime commerce of the Prussian subjects, they should support such complaints in the name of her Majesty, the Empress of Russia, by their good offices, and that she expected in return from his Majesty, the King, that he would equally furnish his Ministers to the belligerent powers with instructions, conformable to the maritime convention of the Powers of the North, with orders to accede by energetic representations to the complaints of the Ministers of the powers allied for the defence of the maritime neutrality, in case they shall have certain satisfaction to demand for the subjects of their sovereigns.

"The King has accepted this friendly declaration of her Majesty, the Empress, with gratitude, and by a counter declaration, which is conformable to it, he has caused his Ministers to be instructed at foreign Courts. His Majesty has before, on occasion of another negotiation with the Court of Denmark, required his Danish Majesty to grant to Prussian merchant vessels the protection of his military marine, and has received the friendly assurances of it, that the Danish vessels of war should take under convoy and protection the Prussian merchant vessels, which should conform themselves to the treaties, which subsist between the Court of Denmark and the belligerent powers, with relation to merchandises of contraband. The King has addressed the same demand to the Court of Sweden, and promised himself from the friendship of his Swedish Majesty an answer as favorable as that of their Majesties, the Empress of Russia and the King of Denmark.

"We give notice of those arrangements to all the subjects of the King, who exercise navigation and maritime commerce, to the end that they and their captains of vessels and skippers may conform themselves to them, and in case they shall be attacked, molested, or taken by the vessels of war and privateers of the belligerent nations, address themselves to the Russian, Swedish, or Danish vessels of war, which may be found within their reach, demand their protection and assistance, and join themselves as much as possible to the fleets and convoys of these maritime powers of the north.

"But as the intention of his Majesty is simply to assure, by the beforementioned arrangements, the lawful maritime commerce of his subjects, and not to do any prejudice to the rights of the belligerent powers with whom he is in perfect harmony, or to favor an illicit commerce, which might be dangerous to them, all the subjects of his Majesty who exercise navigation and maritime commerce, ought to conduct themselves in such a manner as to observe an exact neutrality, such as is founded on the law of nature, and in the general laws of nations almost universally acknowledged. But the different treaties which several powers have concluded with each other relative to maritime commerce, occasioning a difference of law in this regard, it is principally to the known declaration which her Majesty, the Empress of Russia, caused to be presented the last year to the belligerent powers, and to the ordinance which she caused to be addressed in consequence to her College of Commerce on the 8th of March, 1780, that the subjects of the King will have to conform themselves with regard to their maritime commerce, the principles which are there announced being those which his Majesty finds the most conformable to the law of nations, and to his in particular. It is in consequence ordained by the present edict to all the subjects of the King, who exercise navigation or maritime commerce,

"ARTICLE I. Not to take any part, under any pretence whatever, in the present war, and not to carry to any of the belligerent powers, under the Prussian flag, merchandises, generally acknowledged to be prohibited and contraband, and which properly constitute warlike stores, as cannons, mortars, bombs, grenades, fusils, pistols, bullets, flints, matches, powder, saltpetre, sulphur, pikes, swords, and saddles. The subjects of the King ought to have on board their merchant vessels only so much of these articles as is necessary for their own use.

"ART. II. The subjects of the King may, on the contrary, carry in Prussian vessels as well to belligerent as to neutral nations, all the merchandises which are not comprehended in the preceding article, and which not properly belonging to warlike stores, are not prohibited, and particularly the productions of all the Provinces of the States of the King; his Majesty promising himself from the equity and the friendship of the belligerent powers, that they will not permit their armed vessels to molest or take the Prussian vessels loaded with masts, timber, pitch, corn, and other materials, which, without being warlike stores, may, nevertheless, in the sequel be converted into such stores, and which make the principal and almost the only object of Prussian commerce. These powers are too just to require that the commerce of a neutral nation should cease, or be entirely suspended on account of the war. After these principles, it is hoped that the belligerent powers will suffer freely to pass without seizure or confiscation, the lawful merchandises and cargoes of the Prussian subjects, which may be found on board the vessels of belligerent nations, as also the lawful cargoes and merchandises of belligerent nations loaded in Prussian vessels, and in all these cases, his Majesty will interest himself effectually in favor of his subjects trading by sea. It is, however, the part of prudence for these last to load as much as possible their merchandises and effects in Prussian vessels, and to transport them under the Prussian flag; not to employ themselves much in the coasting trade, but to apply themselves principally to a Prussian commerce without mixture, the better to avoid all accidents, misunderstandings, and difficulties.

ART. III. All the Prussian vessels which shall put to sea, ought to furnish themselves with passports and attestations of the Admiralties, Chambers of War, and the domains of each Province, or of the magistrates of each city, as also with charter-parties, recognizances, and other certificates of common usage, which ought to express the quality and the quantity of the cargo, the name of the proprietor, and of him to whom the merchandises are consigned, as well as the place of the destination. These sea-papers ought to be clear, and to contain no equivocation. They ought to be found on board every vessel, and they ought not, under any pretence whatsoever, to throw them into the sea. The captains of vessels and skippers will take care above all, not to have in their vessels any sea-papers, double, equivocal, or false, by which they would render themselves unworthy of all protection.

"ART. IV. Every Prussian vessel loaded in a foreign port, ought to furnish herself in the said port with sea-papers necessary, and in the form used in the place where she loads, to the end to be able to prove everywhere of what nation she is, what is her cargo, from whence she comes, and whither she goes.

"ART. V. There ought not to be found on board of Prussian vessels, neither officers of marine, nor persons employed in it of the belligerent nations, nor more than one third of the crew of those nations.

"ART. VI. It is forbidden to Prussian navigators to transport cargoes or merchandises of any sort whatever to places or ports besieged, blocked, or shut up closely by any one of the belligerent powers.

ART. VII. It is forbidden to Prussian navigators, or merchants, to lend their names to foreign nations, and they ought to exercise commerce in general in a manner conformable to the rights and customs of nations, so that they commit no infringement of the rights of any of the belligerent powers, and that they may have no just subject of complaint.

"The subjects of the King who shall conform exactly to the present edict, may promise themselves on the part of his Majesty all possible protection and assistance, instead of which, those who may contravene it, ought not to expect it, but to attribute to themselves the dangers and damages, which they may draw upon themselves, by a conduct contrary to this ordinance. Given at Berlin, the 30th of April, 1781.

"By express order of the King.
HERTZBERG."

I have the honor to be, &c.

JOHN ADAMS.

* * * * *

TO B. FRANKLIN.

Amsterdam, May 23d, 1781.

Sir,

I have the honor of your letter of the 19th with its enclosures, and I thank your Excellency for the pains you have taken to communicate the news from America, which I think can scarcely be called bad, though General Greene lost the field. I had before received and published in the Amsterdam Gazette the same accounts. The gazetteers are so earnest after American news, that I find it the shortest method of communicating the newspapers to all.

I have received from Congress their resolution of the 3d of January, 1781, to draw bills upon me in favor of Lee & Jones, at six months sight, for the full amount of the balance due on the contract made with them for a quantity of clothing for the army. I have also a letter from Mr Gibson, of the treasury office, of January 28th, which informs me that the amount of Jones & Lee's account is sixteen thousand two hundred and fortyfour pounds one shilling sterling.

I have just received from Gottenburg the enclosed letters, one to your Excellency and one to Mr Jay. I received both unsealed, with a direction to take copies. I have put my own seal upon that to your Excellency, and request the favor of you to put yours upon that to Mr Jay, and to convey it in the safest manner. It contains matter of great importance, which ought to be carefully concealed from every eye but yours and Mr Jay's; for which reason I should be cautious of conveying it, even with the despatches of the Spanish Ambassador, especially as there are intimations in Mr Lovell's letter of too much curiosity with regard to Mr Jay's despatches, and as Mr Jay himself complains that his letters are opened. I hope this instruction will remove all the difficulties with Spain, whose accession to the treaty would be of great service to the reputation of our cause in every part of Europe.

It seems to me of vast importance to us to obtain an acknowledgment of our independence from as many other Sovereigns as possible, before any conferences for peace shall be opened; because, if that event should take place first, and the powers at war with Great Britain, their armies, navies, and people weary of the war, and clamoring for peace, there is no knowing what hard conditions may be insisted on from us, nor into what embarrassments British arts and obstinacy may plunge us.