Chapter C: Clotterbooke." (4)

"It has been thought fit and resolved, to authorise the gentlemen, the Deputies of this Province at the generality, and to instruct them to direct things at the table of their High Mightinesses in such a manner, that the said Mr Adams be admitted forthwith as Minister of the Congress of North America, with further order to the said Deputies, that if there should be made, moreover, any similar propositions by the same, to inform immediately their Noble Mightinesses of them. And an extract of the present resolution shall be sent them for their information, that they may conduct themselves conformably.

"Thus resolved at the Province House, the 26th of February, 1782.

A. I. V. SMINIA."

This resolution has, by the Deputies of Friesland, been laid before their High Mightinesses at the Hague, and after deliberation, the Deputies of the Provinces of Guelderland, Zealand, Utrecht, and Groningen, have taken copies of it, to be communicated more amply to their constituents. In the States of the Province of Holland and West Friesland, the requisition of the 9th of January had been committed to the Committee of Grand Affairs, and taken into deliberation by the body of Nobles, and _ad referendum_ by all the eighteen cities.

The sovereignty of the United States of America would undoubtedly be acknowledged by the Seven United Provinces, and their Minister received to an audience in state in the course of a few weeks, if the Regency of the city of Amsterdam had not visibly altered its sentiments, but all things are embroiled. The opposition to M. Van Berckel, and the glittering charms of an embassy to Petersburg or Vienna, which have been artfully displayed, as it is said, before the eyes of one man, and many secret reasonings of similar kind with others, have placed the last hopes of the English and Dutch Courts in a city, which had long been firm in opposition to the desires of both. The public in general, however, expect that the example of the Friesians will be followed. Wherever I go, everybody, almost, congratulates me upon the prospect of my being soon received at the Hague. The French gazettes all give their opinions very decidedly that it will be done, and the Dutch gazettes all breathe out, God grant that it may be so. I confess, however, that I doubt it, at least I am sure that a very little thing may prevent it. It is certain, that the Court will oppose it in secret with all their engines, although they are already too unpopular to venture to increase the odium, by an open opposition.

Friesland is said to be a sure index of the national sense. The people of that Province have been ever famous for the spirit of liberty. The feudal system never was admitted among them; they never would submit to it, and they have preserved those privileges, which all others have long since surrendered. The Regencies are chosen by the people, and on all critical occasions the Friesians have displayed a resolution and an activity beyond the other members of the State. I am told that the Friesians never undertake anything but they carry it through, and, therefore, that I may depend upon it, they will force their way to a connexion with America. This may be the case if the war continues, and the enemies of Great Britain continue to be successful; but I have no expectations of anything very soon, because I have much better information than the public, of the secret intrigues both at the Hague and Amsterdam. Patience, however. We have nothing to fear. Courtiers and aristocrats, as well as the people, all say, "you know very well we love the Americans, and will ever be their good friends." This love and friendship consists, however, rather too much in mere words, "Be ye warmed," &c.; and a strong desire of gain by your commerce.

I have the honor to be, &c.

JOHN ADAMS.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Amsterdam, March 19th, 1782.

Sir,

I have before transmitted to you the resolution of Friesland of the 26th of February, 1782, by which that Province acknowledged the independence of the United States, and directed their Minister to be received; but some proceedings in Guelderland deserve to follow. In an extraordinary assembly of the county of Zutphen, held at Nimeguen the 23d of February, the following measures were taken.

"After the report of the committees of this Province to the generality, laid this day upon the table, relative to what passed in the precedent assembly, and after an examination of an extract of the register of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses the States-General of the Low Countries, of the 9th of last month, in relation to the ulterior address of Mr Adams to the President of their High Mightinesses, concerning the presentation of his letters of credence to their High Mightinesses, in behalf of the United States of North America, for, and demanding a categorical answer, whereof the gentlemen, the Deputies of the respective Provinces, have taken copies, the Baron Robert Jasper Van der Capellan de Marsch, first by word of mouth, and afterwards in writing, proposed and insisted at the Assembly of this Quarter, that at present and without delay, we should make a point of deliberation, and that we should make upon the table the necessary overture, conceived more at length in the advice of this nobleman, inserted in these terms;

"Noble and Mighty Lords,

"The subscriber judges, upon good grounds, and without fear of being contradicted, that he is able to affirm, that it is more than time that we should give a serious attention to the offer and invitation, in every sense honorable and advantageous for the Republic, of friendship and reciprocal connexions with the Thirteen American Provinces, now become free at the point of the sword; in such sort that the categorical answer demanded by their Minister, Mr Adams, may become a subject of the deliberations of your High Mightinesses, and that they may decide as soon as possible concerning their respective interests. He judges that he ought not to have any further scruple in this regard, and the uncertain consequences of the mediation offered by Russia cannot, when certain advantages for this Republic are in question, hinder that out of regard for an enemy, with whom we (however salutary the views of her Imperial Majesty are represented) cannot make any peace at the expense of a negligence so irreparable; that the longer delay to unite ourselves to a nation already so powerful, will have for its consequence, that our inhabitants will lose the means of extending, in a manner the most advantageous, their commerce and their prosperity; that by the rigorous prohibition to import English manufactures into America, our manufactures, by means of precautions taken in time, will rise out of their state of languor; and that, by delaying longer to satisfy the wishes of the nation, her leaders will draw upon them the reproach of having neglected and rejected the favorable offers of Providence; that, on the contrary, by adopting these measures, the essential interests of this unfortunate people will be taken to heart.

"The subscriber declaring, moreover, that he will abandon this unpardonable negligence of an opportunity favorable to the Republic, to the account of those whom it may concern; protesting against all the fatal consequences, that a longer refusal of these necessary measures will certainly occasion. Whereupon he demanded that for his discharge, this note should be inserted in the registers of the Quarter.

R. I. VAN DER CAPELLAN."

"This advice having been read, Jacob Adolf de Heeckeren d'Enghuisen, Counsellor, and First Master of Accounts in Guelderland, President at this time of the Assembly of the Quarter, represented to the said Robert Jasper Van der Capellan de Marsch, 'that although he must agree to the justice of all that he had laid down, besides several other reasons equally strong, which occurred to his mind, the deliberation upon the point in question appeared to him premature; considering that the Lords, the States of Holland, of West Friesland, and Zealand, as the principal commercial Provinces, who are directly interested, had not, nevertheless, as yet explained themselves in this regard; consequently, that it would not be so convenient for the States of this Dutchy and County, who are not interested in it, but in a consequential and indirect manner, to form the first their resolutions in this respect. For this reason he proposed to consideration, whether it would not be more proper to postpone the deliberations upon this matter to a future opportunity?

"Nevertheless, the beforementioned Robert Jasper Van der Capellan de Marsch, insisting that the voices should be collected upon the proposition and advice in question, and thereupon having deliberated, their Noble Mightinesses have thought fit to resolve, that although the motives alleged by this nobleman in his advice, appear to merit a serious consideration, nevertheless, for the reasons before alleged, they judge that they ought to suspend the decision of it, until the commercial Provinces have formed their resolutions concerning it, and that upon the requisition of Robert Jasper Van der Capellan de Marsch, there be delivered to him an extract of the present, upon one as well as the other.

HERM. SCHOMAKER."

LEYDEN.

"To the Noble, Great, and Venerable Lords of the Grand Council of the city of Leyden.

"The undersigned, all manufacturers, merchants, and other traders, interested in the manufactures of this city, most respectfully give to understand, that it is a truth as melancholy as it is universally known, that the declension of the said manufactures, which all the well disposed citizens have remarked with the most lively grief, from the beginning of this century, has increased more and more for several years; and that this principal branch of the subsistence of the good citizens has fallen into such a state of languor, that our city, once so flourishing, so populous, so celebrated on account of its commerce, and of its traders, appears to be threatened with total ruin; that the diminution of its merchant houses, on one hand, and, on the other, the total loss or the sensible decrease of several branches of commerce, furnish an evident proof of it; which the petitioners could demonstrate by several examples, if there were need of them to convince your Noble and Grand Lordships, to whom the increase of the multitude of the poor; the deplorable situation of several families, heretofore in easy circumstances; the depopulation of the city, which we cannot observe without emotion, in the ruins of several streets, once neat and well inhabited, are fully known, will recollect no doubt upon this occasion, with grief, that this state of languor must appear so much the more desperate, if your Noble and Grand Lordships will take into consideration, that in this decay of trades and manufactures, we find a new reason of their further fall, considering, that from the time, that there is not continual employment, and an uninterrupted sale, the workmen desert in such a manner, that when considerable commissions arrive, we cannot find capable hands, and we see ourselves entirely out of a condition to execute these orders.

"That the petitioners, with all the true friends of their country, extremely affected with this alarming situation of so rich a source of the public prosperity, have, indeed, sought the means of a remedy, in amending some defects from which it seemed to arise, at least in part; but that the measures taken in this view, as is well known to your Noble and Grand Lordships, have not had the desired effect; at least, that they have not produced a re-establishment so effectual, that we have been able to observe a sensible influence in the increase of the sales of the manufactures of Leyden, as appears most evidently by a comparison of the pieces fabricated here, which have been heretofore carried to the divers markets of this city, with those, which are carried there at this day; a comparison which a true citizen cannot consider without regret.

"That experience has also taught the petitioners, that the principal cause of the decay of the manufactures of Holland, particularly those of Leyden, is not to be found in any internal vice, either in the capacity or the economy of the inhabitants, but in circumstances, which have happened abroad, and to which it is, consequently, beyond the power of the petitioners, or of any citizen whatever, to provide a remedy; that we might cite, for example, the commerce of our manufactures with Dantzick, and, through that commercial city, with all Poland; a commerce which was carried on with success and advantage heretofore in our city, but is absolutely interrupted at this day, and vanished by the revolution, which has happened in that kingdom, and by the burthensome duties, to which the navigation of the Vistula has been subjected, but that, without entering into a detail of similar particular shackles, of which we might reckon a great number, the principal cause of the languishing state of our manufactures, consists in the jealous emulation of the neighboring nations, or rather of all the people of Europe, considering that in this age, the several Princes and governments, enlightened in the real sources of the public prosperity and the true interests of their subjects, attach themselves with emulation, to revive in their kingdoms and states, the national industry, commerce, and navigation; to encourage them and promote them, even by exclusive privileges, or by heavy impositions upon foreign merchandises, which lend equally to the prejudice of the commerce and manufactures of our country, as your Noble and Grand Lordships will easily recollect the examples in the Austrian States and elsewhere; that in the midst of these powers and nations, emulous, or jealous, it is impossible for the citizens of our Republic, however superior their manufactures may be in quality and fineness, to resist a rivalry so universal, especially considering the dearness of labor, caused by that of the means of subsistence, which, in its turn, is a necessary consequence of the taxes and imposts, which the inhabitants of this State pay in a greater number and a higher rate, than in any other country, by reason of her natural situation, and of its means to support itself; so that, by the continual operation of this principal, but irreparable cause of decline, it is to be feared, that the impoverishment and the diminution of the good citizens increasing with want of employment, the Dutch nation, heretofore the purveyor of all Europe, will be obliged to content itself with the sale of its own productions in the interior of the country; (and how much does not even this resource suffer by the importation of foreign manufactures?) and that Leyden, lately so rich and flourishing, will furnish in its declining streets, desolated quarters, and its multitude disgraced with want and misery, an affecting proof of the sudden fall of countries formerly overflowing with prosperity.

"That, if we duly consider these motives, no citizen, whose heart is upright, (as the petitioners assure themselves) much less your Noble and Great Mightinesses, whose good dispositions they acknowledge with gratitude, will take it amiss, that we have fixed our eyes, in the present conjuncture of affairs, to inquire, whether these times might not furnish them some means of reviving the languishing manufactures of Leyden; and that, after a consideration well matured, they flatter themselves with a hope, (a hope, which unprejudiced men will not regard as a vain chimera) that in fact, by the present circumstances, there opens in their favor an issue for arriving at the re-establishment desired.

"That from the time, when the rupture between Great Britain and the Colonies upon the Continent of North America, appeared to be irreparable, every attentive spectator of this event perceived, or at least was convinced, that this rupture, by which there was born a Republic, as powerful as industrious, in the new world, would have the most important consequences for commerce and navigation, and that the other commercial nations of Europe would soon share in a very considerable commerce, whereof the kingdom of England had reserved to itself, until that time, the exclusive possession by its act of navigation, and by the other acts of Parliament prescribed to the colonies; that, in the time of it, this reflection did not escape your petitioners, and that they foresaw from that time the advantage, which might arise in the sequel from a revolution so important for the United Provinces in general, and for their native city in particular; but they should have been afraid to place this favorable occasion before the eyes of your Noble and Grand Lordships at an epoch, when the relations, which connected our Republic with Great Britain, her neighbors seemed to forbid all measures of this nature, or at least ought to make them be considered as out of season.

"That, in the meantime, this reason of silence has entirely ceased, by the hostilities, which the said kingdom has commenced against our Republic, under pretences, and in a manner, the injustice of which has been demonstrated by the supreme government of the State, with an irrefragable evidence in the eyes of impartial Europe; whilst the petitioners themselves, by the illegal capture of so large a number of Dutch ships, and afterwards by the absolute stagnation of navigation, and of voyages to foreign countries, have experienced in the most grievous manner, the consequences of this hostile and unforeseen attack, and feel them still every day, as is abundantly known to your Noble and Grand Lordships; that, since that epoch, a still more considerable number of workmen must have remained without employment, and that several fathers of families have quitted the city; abandoning to the further expense of the treasury of the poor, their wives and their children, plunged in misery.

"That during this rupture which has subsisted now for fifteen months, there has occurred another circumstance, which has encouraged the petitioners still more, and which to them appears to be of such a nature, that they would be guilty of an excessive indifference, and an unpardonable negligence towards the city, towards the lower class of inhabitants, towards their own families, and towards themselves, if they should delay any longer to lay open their interests to your Noble and Grand Lordships, in a manner the most respectful, but the most energetic, to wit, that the United States of America have very rigorously forbid, by a resolution of Congress, agreed to in all the Thirteen States, the importation of all English manufactures, and, in general all the merchandises fabricated in the dominions, which yet remain to Great Britain; that the effect of this prohibition must necessarily be a spirit of emulation between all the commercial nations, to take place of the British merchants and manufacturers in this important branch of exportation, which is entirely cut off from them at this day; that, nevertheless, among all the nations, there is none which can entertain a hope better founded, and more sure in this respect, than the citizens of this free Republic, whether on account of the identity of religion, the fashion of living, the manners, whether because of the extent of its commerce, and the convenience of its navigation, but above all, by the reason of the activity and the good faith, which still at this day distinguishes (without boasting too much) the Dutch nation, above all other people; qualities, in consideration of which the citizens of United America are inclined, even, at present, to prefer, in equal circumstances, the citizens of our free States to every other nation.

"That, nevertheless, all relations and connexions of commerce between the two people cannot but be uncertain and fluctuating, as long as their offers and reciprocal engagements are not fixed and regulated by a Treaty of Commerce, that, at this day, if ever, (according to the respectful opinion of the petitioners) there exists a necessity the most absolute for the conclusion of a similar Treaty of Commerce, there, where we may say with truth, that there arises for the Republic, for our Leyden, especially, a moment, which, once escaped, perhaps never will return; since the National Assembly of Great Britain, convinced by a terrible and fatal experience, of the absolute impossibility of re-attaching United America to the British Crown, has laid before the Throne its desire to conclude a necessary peace with a people, free at this day at the price of their blood, so that, if this peace should be once concluded, the Dutch nation would see itself perhaps excluded from all advantages of commerce with this new Republic; or, at least would be treated by her with an indifference, which the small value, which we should have put upon its friendship in former times, would seem to merit.

"That, supposing for a moment a peace between England and United America were not so near as we have reason to presume not without probability, there would be found, in that case, nations enough, who will be jealous of acquiring, after the example of France, the earliest right to commerce with a country, which, already peopled by several millions of inhabitants, augments every day in population, in a manner incredible; but, as a new people, unprovided as yet with several necessary articles, will procure a rich, even an immense outlet for the fabrics and manufactures of Europe. That, however manifest the interest, which the petitioners and all the citizens of Leyden would have in the conclusion of such a treaty of commerce, they would, however, have made a scruple to lay before the paternal eyes of your Noble and Grand Lordships the utility, or rather the necessity of such a measure in respect to them, if they could believe, that their particular advantage would be in anywise contrary to the more universal interests of all the Republic; but, as far as the petitioners may judge, as citizens, of the situation and the political existence of their country, they are ignorant of any reasons of this kind; but, on the contrary, they dare appeal to the unanimous voice of their fellow-citizens, well intentioned in the other cities and provinces, even of the Regents of the most distinguished, since it is universally known, that the Province of Friesland has already preceded the other confederates, by a resolution for opening negotiations with America; and that in other provinces, which have an interest less direct in commerce and manufactures, celebrated Regents appear to wait merely for the example of the commercial Provinces for taking a similar resolution.

"That the petitioners will not detain the attention of your Noble and Grand Mightinesses, by a more ample detail of the reasons and motives, since on one hand, they assure themselves that these reasons and motives will not escape the enlightened and attentive judgment of your Noble and Grand Lordships; and on the other, they know by experience that your Noble and Grand Lordships are disposed not to suffer any occasion to pass for promoting the well-being of their city, for advancing the prosperity of the citizens, to render their names dear to their contemporaries, and make them blessed by posterity.

"In which firm expectation the petitioners address themselves to this Grand Council, with the respectful, but serious request, that it may please your Noble and Grand Lordships to direct by their powerful influence, things in such sort, that in the Assembly highly respected of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, the Lords the States of Holland and West Friesland, there be opened deliberations, or if already opened, carried as speedily as possible to an effectual conclusion, such as they shall find the most proper for obtaining the lawful end, and fulfilling the desires of the petitioners, or as they shall judge conformable to the general interest."

AMSTERDAM.

"To their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces,

"The undersigned, merchants, manufacturers, and other inhabitants living by commerce in this country, give respectfully to understand;

"That although the petitioners have always relied with entire confidence upon the administration and the resolutions, of your High Mightinesses, and it is against their inclinations to interrupt your important deliberations, they think, however, that they ought at this time to take the liberty and believe, as well-intentioned inhabitants, that it is their indispensable duty in the present moment, which is most critical for the Republic, to lay humbly before your High Mightinesses their interests.

"What good citizen in the Republic, having at heart the interest of his dear country, can dissemble, or represent to himself without dismay, the sad situation to which we are reduced by the attack, equally sudden, unjust, and perfidious of the English? Who would have dared two years ago to foretell, and, notwithstanding the dark clouds, which even then began to form themselves, could even have imagined that our commerce and our navigation, with the immense affairs which depend upon it, the support and the prosperity of this Republic, could have fallen and remained in such a terrible decay? That in 1780 more than two thousand of Dutch vessels having passed the Sound, not one was found upon the list in 1781? That the ocean, heretofore covered with our vessels, shall see at present scarcely any, and that we may be reduced to see our navigation, formerly so much respected, and preferred by all the nations, pass entirely into the hands of other powers?

"It would be superfluous to endeavor to explain at length, the damages, the enormous losses, which our inhabitants experienced by the sudden invasion and pillage of the Colonies, and of their ships; disasters, which not only fall directly upon the merchant, but which have also a general influence, and make themselves felt in the most melancholy manner, even upon the lowest artisans and laborers, by the languor which they occasion in commerce. But how great soever they may be, it might perhaps be possible, by the aid of the paternal cares of your High Mightinesses, and by opposing a vigorous resistance to the enemy, already enervated, to repair in time all the losses, (without mentioning indemnifications,) if this stagnation of commerce was only momentary, and if the industrious merchant did not see beforehand the sources of his future felicity dried up. It is this gloomy foresight, which in this moment afflicts in the highest degree the petitioners; for it would be the height of folly and inconsideration to desire still to flatter ourselves, and to remain quiet in the expectation that after the conclusion of the peace, the business at present, turned out of its direction, should return entirely into this country, for experience shows the contrary, in a manner the most convincing, and it is most probable that the same nations, who are actually in possession of it, will preserve at that time the greatest part of it. The petitioners, terrified, throw their eyes round everywhere to discover new sources, capable of procuring them more success in future; they even flatter themselves, that they have found them upon the new theatre of commerce, which the United States of America offer them, a commerce of which in this moment, but in this moment only, they believe themselves to be in a condition, to be able to assure to themselves a good share, and the great importance of which, joined to the fear of seeing escape from their hands this only and last resource, has induced them to take the resolution to lay open respectfully their observations concerning this important object, to your High Mightinesses, with the earnest prayer, that you would consider them with a serious attention, and not interpret in ill part this measure of the petitioners, especially, as their future well-being, perhaps even that of the whole Republic, depends on the decision of this affair.

"No man can call in question, that England has derived her greatest forces from her commerce with America. Those immense treasures, which that commerce has thrown into the coffers of the State, the uncommon prosperity of several of her commercial houses, the extreme reputation of her manufactures, the consumption of which, in quantities beyond all bounds, contributes efficaciously to their perfection, are convincing proofs of it. However it may be, and notwithstanding the supposition too lightly adopted, that we cannot imitate the British manufactures, the manufacture of painted linens of Rouen, those of wool of Amiens, of Germany, of Overyssel, the pins of Zwoll, prove visibly, that all things need not be drawn from England; that, moreover, we are as well in condition, or shall be soon, to equal them in several respects.

"Permit us, High and Mighty Lords, to the end to avoid all further digression, to request, in this regard, the attention of your High Mightinesses to the situation of commerce in France at the beginning of the war. Continual losses had almost ruined it altogether, like ours; several of her merchants failed of capitals, and others wanted courage to continue their commerce; her manufactures languished; the people groaned; in one word, everything marked out the horrors of war; but, at present, her maritime towns overpeopled, have occasion to be enlarged; her manufactures, having arrived at a degree of exportation unknown before, begin to perfect themselves more and more; in such a degree, that the melancholy consequences of the war are scarcely felt in that kingdom. But since it is incontestible, that this favorable alteration results almost entirely from its commerce with America; that even this has taken place in time of war, which, moreover, is ever prejudicial, we leave it to the enlightened judgment of your High Mightinesses to decide, what it is we may expect from a commerce of this nature, even at present, but especially in time of peace.

"In the meantime, we have had the happiness to make a trial of short duration, it is true, but very strong in proportion to its continuance, in our Colony of St Eustatia, of the importance of the commerce, though not direct, with North America. The registers of the West India Company may furnish proofs of it very convincing to your High Mightinesses. In fact, their productions are infinitely beneficial to our markets; whilst, on our side, we have to send them several articles of convenience and of necessity, whether from our country, or from the neighboring States of Germany. Moreover, several of our languishing manufactures, scattered in the Seven United Provinces, may perhaps be restored to their former vigor, by the means of bounties, or the diminution of imposts. The importance of manufactures for a country is sufficiently proved, by the considerable gratifications promised and paid by British policy for the encouragement of manufactures, which that kingdom has procured to itself, beyond even what had been expected.

"The petitioners know perfectly well the obstacles almost insurmountable, which always oppose themselves to the habitual use of new manufactures, although certainly better in quality; and they dare advance, without hesitation, that several of our manufactures are superior to those of the English. And for this end, a moment more favorable can never offer itself than the present, when, by a resolution of Congress, the importation of all the effects of the produce of Great Britain, and of her Colonies, is forbidden, which reduces the merchant and purchaser to the necessity of recurring to other merchandises, the use of which will serve to dissipate the prejudice conceived against them. It is not only the manufactures, High and Mighty Lords, which promise a permanent advantage to our Republic; the navigation will derive also great advantages; for it is very far from being true, (as several would maintain,) that the Americans, being once in the tranquil possession of their independence, would exercise themselves with vigor in these two branches, and that in the sequel, we shall be wholly frustrated of them. Whoever has the least knowledge of the country of America, and of its vast extent, knows that the number of inhabitants is not there in proportion; that the two banks of the Mississippi, even the most beautiful tract of this country, otherwise so fertile, remain still uncultivated; and as there are wanted so many hands, it is not at all probable to presume, that they will, or can occupy themselves to establish new manufactures, both in consequence of the new charges, which are thereto attached, and because of the shackles, which they would put upon the augmentation and exportation of their productions.

"It is then for this same reason, (the want of population,) that they will scarcely find the hands necessary to take advantage of the fisheries, which are the property of their own country; which will certainly oblige them to abandon to us the navigation of freight. There is not, therefore, any one of our Provinces, much less any one of our cities, which cannot enjoy the advantage of this commerce. No, High and Mighty Lords, the petitioners are persuaded, that the utility and the benefit of it will spread itself over all the Provinces and countries of the Generality. Guelderland and Overyssel cannot too much extend their manufactures of wool, of mouleton, and other things; even the shoemakers of La Maire and of Lang Straat, will find a considerable opening; almost all the manufactures of Utrecht, and those of Leyden, will flourish anew; Haerlem will see revive its manufactures of stuffs, of laces, of ribbands, of twist (_de cordons_), at present in the lowest state of decay; Delft will see vastly augmented the sale of its (_porcelaine_) earthen ware, and Gouda, that of its tobacco pipes.

"However great may be the advantages foreseen by the petitioners from a legal commerce duly protected with America, their fear is not less, lest we should suffer to escape the happy moment of assuring to themselves, and to all the Republic, these advantages. The present moment would determine the whole. The English nation is weary of the war; and, as that people run easily into extremes, the petitioners are afraid, with strong probable appearances, that a complete acknowledgment of Independence will soon take place; above all, if the English see an opportunity of being able still to draw from America some conditions favorable for them, or, at least, something to our disadvantage. Ah! what is it which should instigate the Americans, in making peace and renewing friendship with Great Britain, to have any regard for the interests of our Republic? If England could only obtain for a condition, that we should be obliged to pay duties more burthensome for our vessels, this would be not only a continual and permanent prejudice, this would be sufficient to transmit to posterity, a lamentable proof of our excessive deference for unbridled enemies.

"The petitioners dare flatter themselves, that a measure, so frank in this Republic, may powerfully serve, for the acceleration of a general peace. A general ardor to extinguish the flames of war reigns in England; an upright and vigorous conduct, on the part of this Republic, will contribute to accelerate the accomplishment of the wishes for peace.

"We flatter ourselves, High and Mighty Lords, that we have in this regard alleged sufficient reasons for immediate decision, and that we have so visibly proved the danger of delay, that we dare to hope, from the paternal equity of your High Mightinesses, a reasonable attention to the respectful proposition which we have made. It proceeds from no other motive than a sincere affection for the precious interests of our dear country, since we consider it as certain, that as soon as the step taken by us shall be known by the English, and that they shall have the least hope of preventing us, they will not fail, as soon as possible, to acknowledge American Independence. Supported by all these reasons, the petitioners address themselves to your High Mightinesses, humbly requesting that it may please your High Mightinesses, after the occurrences and affairs abovementioned, to take for the greatest advantage of this country, as soon as possible, such resolution as your High Mightinesses shall judge most convenient."

PETITION TO THE BURGOMASTERS AND REGENTS OF
AMSTERDAM.

"The subscribers, all merchants and manufacturers of this city, with all due respect, give to understand, that the difference arisen between the kingdom of Great Britain and the United States of America, has not only given occasion for a long and violent war, but that the arms of America have covered themselves with a success so happy, that the Congress, assisted by the Courts of France and Spain, have so well established their liberty and independence, and reduced Great Britain to extremities so critical, that the House of Commons in England, notwithstanding all the opposition of the British Ministry, have lately formed the important resolution to turn the King from an offensive war against America, with no other design than to accelerate, if it is possible, a reconciliation with America.

"That, to this happy revolution in the dispositions of the English in favor of the liberty and independence of America, according to all appearances, the resolution taken by Congress towards the end of the last year, to wit, to forbid in all America the importation of British manufactures and productions, has greatly contributed; a resolution, of which they perceive in England, too visibly, the consequences ruinous to their manufactures, trades, commerce, and navigation, to be able to remain indifferent in this regard; for all other commercial nations, who take to heart ever so little of their own prosperity, will apply themselves ardently to collect from it all the fruit possible. To this effect, it would be unpardonable for the business and commerce of this Republic in general, and for those of this city in particular, to suffer to escape this occasion, so favorable for the encouragement of our manufactures, so declined and languishing in the interior cities, as well as that of the commerce and of navigation in the maritime cities; or to suffer that other commercial nations, even with a total exclusion of the mercantile interests of this Republic, should profit of it, and this upon an occasion, when by reason of the war equally unjust and ruinous, in which the kingdom of Great Britain has involved this Republic, we cannot and ought not to have the least regard or condescension for that jealous State, being able to oblige this arrogant neighbor in the just fear of the consequences, which a more intimate connexion between this Republic and North America would undoubtedly have, to lay down the sooner her arms, and restore tranquillity to all Europe.

"That the petitioners, notwithstanding the inclination they have for it, ought not, nevertheless, to explain themselves further upon this object, nor make a demonstration in detail of the important advantages, which this Republic may procure itself by a connexion and a relation more intimate with North America, both because no well informed man can easily call the thing in question, but also because the States of Friesland themselves have very lately explained themselves in a manner so remarkable in this respect; and which is still more remarkable, because in very different circumstances, with a foresight, which posterity will celebrate by so much the more, as it is attacked in our time by ill designing citizens, the gentlemen, your predecessors, thought four years ago upon the means of hindering this Republic from being excluded from the business of the new world, and falling into the disagreeable situation in which the kingdom of Portugal is at present; considering, that, according to the information of your petitioners, the Congress has excluded that kingdom from all commerce and business with North America, solely because it had perceived that it suffered itself to be too strongly directed by the influence of the British Court. But this example makes us fear with reason, that if the propositions made in the name of America by Mr Adams to this Republic, should remain as they still are, without an answer, or if, contrary to all expectation, they should be rejected, in that case, the Republic ought not to expect a better treatment.

"That, for these reasons and many others, the petitioners had flattered themselves, that we should long ago have opened negotiations, and a closer correspondence with the United States of America; but that this important work appeared to meet with difficulties with some, as incompatible with the accession of this Republic to the armed neutrality, and in course with the accepted mediation; whilst others cannot be persuaded to make this, so necessary step, in the opinion that we cannot draw any advantage, or, at least, of much importance, from a more strict connexion with America; reasons, according to the petitioners, the frivolty of which is apparent to every one, who is not filled with prejudice, without having occasion to employ many words to point it out; for as to the first point, supposing for a moment that it might be made a question, whether the Republic, after her accession to the armed neutrality before the war with England, could take a step of this nature without renouncing at the same time, the advantages of the armed neutrality, which it had embraced, it is, at least, very certain that every difficulty concerning the competency of the Republic to take a similar step, vanishes and disappears of itself at present, when it finds itself involved in a war with Great Britain, since from that moment she could not only demand the assistance and succor of all the confederates in the armed neutrality, but that thereby she finds herself authorised, for her own defence, to employ all sorts of means, violent and others, which she could not before adopt and put in use, while she was in the position of a neutral power, which would profit of the advantages of the armed neutrality.

"This reasoning, then, proves evidently that in the present situation of affairs, the Republic might acknowledge the independence of North America, and notwithstanding this, claim of full right the assistance of her neutral allies, at least, if we would not maintain one of the following absurdities; that, notwithstanding the violent aggression of England, in resentment of our accession to the armed neutrality, we dare not defend ourselves, until our confederates should think proper to come to our assistance; or, otherwise, that being attacked by the English, it should be permitted us, conformably to the rights of the armed neutrality, to resist them in arms, either on the Doggerbank or elsewhere, but not by contracting alliances; which certainly do no injury or harm to the convention of the armed neutrality, notwithstanding even the small hope we have of being succored by the allies of the armed confederation.

"The argument of the mediation is still more contrary to common sense in this, that it supposes the Republic, by accepting the mediation, to have also renounced the employment of all the means, by way of arms, of alliances, or otherwise, which it must judge useful or necessary to annoy her enemy; a supposition, which certainly is destitute of all foundation, and which would reduce itself simply to a real suspension of hostilities on the part of the Republic only; to which the Republic can never have consented, neither directly, nor indirectly. Besides this last argument, the petitioners must still observe, in the first place, that by means of a good harmony and friendship with the United States of America, there will spring up, not only different sources of business for this Republic, founded solely on commerce and navigation, but, in particular, the manufactures and trade will assume a new activity in the interior cities, for they may consume the amount of millions of our manufactures, in that new country of so vast extent. In the second place, abstracted from all interests of commerce, the friendship or the enmity of a nation, which, after having made prisoners of two English armies, has known how to render herself respectable and formidable, if it were only in relation to the western possessions of this State, is not, and cannot be, in any manner indifferent for our Republic.

"In the last place, it is necessary, that the petitioners remark further in this respect, that several inhabitants of this Republic, in the present situation of affairs, suffer very considerable losses and damages, which might be wholly prevented, or in part, at least, hereafter, in case we should make with the United States of America, in relation to vessels and effects recaptured, a convention similar to that, which has been made with the Crown of France the last year; for, Venerable Regents, if a convention of this nature had been contracted in the beginning of this war, the inhabitants of the Republic would have already derived important advantages from it, considering, that several ships and cargoes, taken by the English from the inhabitants of this State, have fallen into the hands of the Americans, among others, two vessels from the West Indies, richly loaded, and making sail for the ports of the Republic, and both estimated at more than a million of florins of Holland; which, captured by the English at the commencement of the year past, were carried into North America, where, after the capitulation of General Cornwallis, they passed from the hands of the English into others. That, although the petitioners are fully convinced, that the interests of the commerce of this common country, and of this city, have constantly, but especially in these last years, attracted, and still attract every day, a great part of the cares of the Venerable Regency; nevertheless, having regard to the importance of the affair, the petitioners have thought, that they could, and that they ought to take the liberty to address themselves with this petition to you, Venerable Regents, and to inform you, according to truth, that the moments are precious; that we cannot lose any time, how little soever it may be, without running the greatest risk of losing all; since, by hesitating longer, the Republic, according to all appearances, would not derive any advantage, not even more than it has derived from its accession to the armed neutrality, because in the fear of British menaces, we did not determine to accede to it, until the opportunity of improving the advantage of it was passed.

"For these causes, the petitioners address themselves to you, Venerable Regents, respectfully soliciting, that your efficacious influence may condescend, at the Assembly of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, the States of this Province, to direct affairs in such a manner, that upon this important object there may be taken, as soon as possible, and, if possible, even during the continuance of this Assembly, a final and decisive resolution, such as you, Venerable Regents, and their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, according to their high wisdom shall judge the most convenient; and if, contrary to all expectation, this important operation may meet with any obstacle on the part of one or more of the confederates, that, in that case, you, Venerable Regents, in concert with the Province of Friesland, and those of the other Provinces, who make no difficulty to open a negotiation with America, will condescend to consider the means, which shall be found proper and convenient, to effectuate, that the commerce of this Province, as well as that of Friesland, and the other members adopting the same opinion, may not be prejudiced by any dilatory deliberations, nor too late resolved for the conclusion of a measure, as important as necessary."

ROTTERDAM.

"The petition of the merchants, ensurers, and freighters of Rotterdam to the Regency of that city, gives to understand, in the most respectful manner; that it is sufficiently notorious, that the inhabitants of this Republic have, as well as any other nation, an interest, that they give us an opportunity to open a free correspondence with the inhabitants of America, by making a Treaty of Commerce, as Mr Adams has represented in his Memorial; to which they add, that the advantages, which must result from it, are absolutely the only means of reviving the fallen commerce of this country, for re-establishing the navigation, and for repairing the great damages, which the perfidious proceedings of the English have, for so many years, caused to the commercial part of this country.

"That, with all due respect, they represent to the Venerable Regency the danger we run in prolonging further the deliberations concerning the article of an alliance of commerce with North America; being, moreover, certain, that the interposition of this State cannot add anything more to the solidity of its independence; and that the English Ministry have even made to the Deputies of the American Congress propositions to what point they would establish a correspondence there to our prejudice, and thereby deprive the inhabitants of this country of the certain advantages, which might result from this reciprocal commerce; and that thus we ought not to delay one day, nor even one hour, to try all efforts, that we may pursue the negotiation offered by Mr Adams, and that we may decide finally upon it.

"Whereupon, the petitioners represent, with all the respect possible, but at the same time with the strongest confidence, to the venerable Regency of this city, that they would authorise and qualify the gentlemen, their Deputies at the Assembly of their Noble and Great Mightinesses, to the end, that in the name of this city they insist, in a manner the most energetic, at the Assembly of their Noble and Great Mightinesses, that the resolution demanded may be taken without the least delay, to the end, that on the part of this Province, it be effected at the Assembly of the States-General, that the American Minister, Mr Adams, be, as soon as possible, admitted to the audience, which he has demanded, and that they take, with him, the determinations necessary to render free and open to the reciprocal inhabitants, the correspondence demanded."

The petitions of the merchants and manufacturers of Haerlem, Leyden and Amsterdam, which have been presented, on the 20th of March, to their High Mightinesses, were accompanied by another for the States of Holland and West Friesland, conceived in these terms;

"The subscribers, inhabitants of this country, merchants, manufacturers, and others, living by commerce, give, with all respect, to understand, that they, the petitioners, have the honor to annex hereto a copy of a petition presented by them to their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Low Countries. The importance of the thing which it contains, the considerable commerce, which these countries might establish in North America; the profits, which we might draw from it, and the importance of industry and manufactures, in the relation which they have with commerce in general, as well as the commerce of that extensive country; all these objects have made them take the liberty to represent, in the most respectful manner, this great affair for them, and for the connexions, which the petitioners may have in quality of manufacturers with the merchants; most humbly praying your Noble and Grand Mightinesses, for the acquisition of those important branches of commerce, and for the advantage of all the manufactures and other works of labor and traffic, to be so good as to take this petition, and the reasons which it contains, into your high consideration, and to favor it with your powerful support and protection, and by a favorable resolution, which may be taken at the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, to direct, on the part of this Province, things in such a manner, that, for obtaining this commerce, so desired and so necessary for this Republic, there be concerted such efficacious measures, as the high wisdom and patriotic sentiments of your Noble and Grand Mightinesses may find convenient for the well-being of so great a number of inhabitants, and for the prejudice of their enemies."

DORT.

At Dort, there has not been presented any petition; but in a letter written from that city, on the 20th of March, it is observed, "that the merchants, convinced by redoubled proofs of the zeal and of the efforts of their Regency for the true interests of commerce, had judged it necessary to present a petition, after the example of the merchants of other cities; that they had contented themselves with testifying verbally their desire, that there might be contracted connexions of commerce with the United States of America; that this step had been crowned with such happy success, that the same day, the 20th of March, it was resolved by the ancient council, to authorise their Deputies at the Assembly of Holland, to concur in every manner possible, that without delay, Mr Adams be acknowledged in his quality of Minister Plenipotentiary; that his letters of credence be accepted, and conferences opened upon this object."

Resolution of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, the Lords the States of Holland and West Friesland, March 29th, 1782.

"It has been judged fit and resolved, that the affair be directed, on the part of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses at the Generality, to such an end, and that they there insist in the strongest manner, that Mr Adams be admitted and acknowledged, as soon as possible, by their High Mightinesses, as the Ambassador of the United States of America; and the Counsellor Pensionary is charged to give knowledge, under hand, to the said Mr Adams, of this resolution of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses."

ZWOLL, IN OVERYSSEL.