The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 10 — Text and Context

Beaumarchais were not a present from France.--The French Court cannot answer for the house of Hortalez & Co.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, February 9th, 1779, 269

The King of Spain has determined to adopt decisive measures.--Advises the nomination of agents to conduct the negotiations for peace.--Conference of M. Gerard with Congress.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March 14th, 1779, 272

Relative to means of regulating the rate of exchange.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March 16th, 1779, 272

Requesting facilities for transporting French prisoners.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March 17th, 1779, 273

Urging the measures for conducting the negotiations for peace.--The delay of this measure creates suspicions of divisions in Congress.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March 31st, 1779, 275

Intention of returning to France.--Urges the sending out of Ministers with full powers to treat.

To the President of Congress. Mount Pleasant, April 6th, 1779, 276

Communicating extracts of letters from Martinique.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, April 24th, 1779, 279

Respecting the capture of two Spanish vessels by American privateers, and their condemnation.--Memorial of Don Juan de Miralles to M. Gerard on this subject.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 3d, 1779, 283

Urging Congress to adopt measures for taking part in the negotiations for peace.

To the President of Congress. May 4th, 1779, 284

Communicating a note of the King of France.

From the King of France to Congress, 284

Informing them of the birth of a Princess.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 6th, 1779, 285

Urging measures for entering into the negotiations.--The British government intend to push the war with vigor.--Further grant of supplies.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 9th, 1779, 287

Count d'Estaing will appear on the American coasts in compliance with the wishes of Congress.--Desires that supplies may be in readiness on the arrival of the fleet.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 9th, 1779, 289

On the proposed co-operation of Count d'Estaing.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 19th, 1779, 290

Communicating the succeeding Memorial on the Spanish vessels brought into port by American privateers.--Reply of Congress, promising reparation in case of injustice.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 22d, 1779, 294

Objects of the alliance between France and the United States.--Consequent measures of the French government.--Extent of the engagements of France.--Necessity of speedy measures on the part of Congress for participating in the negotiations for peace.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 24th, 1779, 299

Expressing his satisfaction with the arrangements of Congress for levying supplies by a tax.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 25th, 1779, 301

Acknowledges the reception of resolutions of Congress, expressing their determination to retaliate for cruelties committed by the English on French subjects in America, in the same manner as if committed on citizens of the States.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 27th, 1779, 302

Importance of a speedy decision of Congress in regard to the negotiations for peace, for securing the favor of Spain, and for facilitating the co-operation of the French forces in America.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, June 21st, 1779, 305

Proposing the adoption of measures for maintaining the immunity of the French flag in the United States.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 5th, 1779, 306

Relative to the loading and destination of a French supply ship.--Frauds committed in exporting provisions for the French fleet.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 5th, 1779, 309

Requesting that protection may be given to the provisions purchased for the French forces.--Desires to know if a sufficient supply can be obtained in the States.

Report of a Committee respecting a Conference with the Minister of France. In Congress, July 10th, 1779, 312

Containing seven articles read by the Minister, with his verbal explanations on each article, relating to the claims of Beaumarchais, the disavowal by Congress of any disposition to conclude a separate peace, the appointment of a Minister Plenipotentiary to France, the want of preparation for the approaching campaign on the part of the States, the desire of the English Court to be reconciled with France without an express acknowledgment of American independence, &c.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 26th, 1779, 323

Returning thanks for the permission to expedite the supply ship, and requesting an examination into the pretended frauds, practised with regard to the ships employed in carrying provisions to the French fleet.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 26th, 1779, 324

Requesting that the provisions destined for the French fleet may remain in the public magazines.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 26th, 1779, 324

Demanding satisfaction for the attacks made on M. Holker, French Consul, and requesting the adoption of measures for protecting the officers of France from future insults.

M. Gerard to the President of the State of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, July 26th, 1779, 327

M. Holker to Joseph Reed, President of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, July 24th, 1779, 331

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 28th, 1779, 334

Enclosing certain papers relative to M. Holker, viz.;

Joseph Reed to M. Holker. Philadelphia, July 24th, 1779, 335

Joseph Reed to William Henry, Chairman of the Committee. Walnut Street, July 23d, 1779, 337

William Henry to Joseph Reed. Friday Afternoon, 5 o'clock, Committee Room, 338

M. Holker to M. Gerard. Philadelphia, July 29th, 1779, 339

Transmitting papers relative to the affair of the flour at Wilmington.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 30th, 1779, 340

Transmitting papers relative to M. Holker.

Resolves of Congress. In Congress, July 30th, 1779, 341

Resolves, assuring the protection of the United States to the officers of his Most Christian Majesty, approving the conduct of M. Holker, &c.

The President of Pennsylvania to M. Gerard. In Council, Philadelphia, July 31st, 1779, 342

Expressing regret that any disagreeable discussions should have taken place, and informing him that the flour is now at the disposition of M. Holker.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August 5th, 1779, 344

Acknowledging the reception of certain resolutions of Congress.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August 5th, 1779, 345

Expressing his satisfaction with the resolutions of Congress on the affair of M. Holker, and requesting that no prosecutions may be commenced against the offenders.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, August 11th, 1779, 346

Failure of the attempt to procure military stores at Martinique.

The Marquis de Bouillé to M. Gerard. Martinique, July 11th, 1779, 347

Unable to furnish any supplies for the United States.

Resolution of Congress. In Congress, August 23d, 1779, 348

Resolution, appointing a committee to offer congratulations on the birth-day of his Most Christian Majesty.

M. Gerard to the Committee of Congress. Philadelphia, August 23d, 1779, 348

Acknowledging the reception of the foregoing resolution.

The Count de Vergennes to M. Gerard, 349

Spain joins the alliance.--The English Court will attempt to separate America from the alliance by advantageous offers.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 15th, 1779, 350

Appointment of Mr Wilson Attorney General for France in the United States.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 15th, 1779, 350

Requesting an audience of leave.

M. Gerard's Speech on taking leave of Congress, 351

Reply of the President of Congress to M. Gerard's Speech on his taking leave, 352

Congress to the King of France, 354

Expressing their approbation of M. Gerard's conduct and character.

Proceedings of Congress. In Congress, September 25th, 1779, 355

Draft of a letter to M. Gerard, reported by a committee, expressing the inviolable attachment of the United States to their allies.--Letter as adopted by Congress.

CAESAR ANNE DE LA LUZERNE'S CORRESPONDENCE.

Substance of a Conference between M. de la Luzerne and General Washington at Head Quarters, West Point. September 16th, 1779, 361

Relative to a co-operation with a proposed expedition of Count d'Estaing to the American coasts, and also with the Spanish expedition against the Floridas.--Project of an invasion of Canada and Nova Scotia.

Reception of the French Minister by Congress. In Congress, November 17th, 1779, 367

Containing his letter of credence, his speech to Congress, and their answer.

Don Juan Miralles to M. de la Luzerne. Philadelphia, November 25th, 1779, 373

Desiring the co-operation of the United States with the Spanish forces in the Floridas, and against the English possessions northeast of Louisiana.--Requests to be informed what kind of supplies may be expected from the States.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November 26th, 1779, 376

Communicating the foregoing letter.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, December 6th, 1779, 377

Requesting instructions as to the disposition of certain property captured by American seamen.

The President of Congress to M. de la Luzerne. In Congress, December 16th, 1779, 378

Plan of co-operation with the Spanish forces in Florida.

M. Holker to M. de la Luzerne. Philadelphia, January 10th, 1780, 380

Representing the injurious effects of a law of Maryland on his measures for supplying the French forces.

William Smith to M. Holker. Baltimore, January 7th, 1780, 382

The supplies intended for the French forces will be seized by the American Commissioners.

The President of the Council of Maryland to William Smith. In Council, Annapolis, January 6th, 1780, 383

The supplies purchased for the French fleet cannot be exempted from seizure for the American army.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January 10th, 1780, 384

Urging the adoption of measures for securing the supplies raised for the French forces from liability to seizure.

To George Washington. Philadelphia, January 23d, 1780, 386

The English government are unable to raise soldiers, and intend to obtain them by an exchange of prisoners in America.--In case of exchange, advantage may be taken to obtain a virtual acknowledgment of independence.

Extract of a Memorial communicated by the Ambassador of England to the Court of Madrid, on the 28th of March, 1779, 389

Ultimatum proposed by the Court of Madrid to the Courts of France and England, dated 3d of April, 1779, 390

Extract from the Exposition of the Motives of the Court of Spain relative to England, 392

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January 24th, 1780, 393

Announcing the appointment of a French Consul for North Carolina.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January 25th, 1780, 394

Preparations for another campaign by the European belligerents.--Necessity of similar preparations on the part of America.--Desires to concert a plan of common operations.

Report of a Committee on the Communications of the French Minister. In Congress, January 28th, 1780, 395

The French Minister informs Congress, that great exertions are making in Europe by England, to persuade the other powers that America may be detached from France; that her negotiations may result in an armed mediation, to which it would be necessary to submit; that in this case, it would be probably necessary to leave Great Britain whatever territories in America were actually in her hand; he, therefore, urges the necessity of pushing the approaching campaign with vigor.

Answer of Congress to the Communications of the French Minister. In Congress, January 31st, 1780, 399

Forces and plans of Congress for the approaching campaign.--The general disposition in the United States is to adhere to the alliance.

Communications of the French Minister to a Committee of Congress at a second Conference. In Congress, February 2d, 1780, 402

Communicating the views of the Spanish Court on the Western boundary, the exclusive navigation of the Mississippi, the possession of the Floridas, and the lands on the left bank of the Mississippi.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, Morristown, February 4th, 1780, 404

The small number of British prisoners will, probably, prevent any important concessions for the sake of effecting an exchange.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, Morristown, February 15th, 1780, 406

Declines granting a detachment requested of him, on account of the feebleness of his forces.--A covering party, if necessary, may be furnished by the militia.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March 8th, 1780, 408

M. Gerard obtains facilities for fitting out the Confederation in Martinique, but has no materials for masts.

The King of France to Congress, 409

Communicating an additional grant of aid.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Morristown, May 5th, 1780, 410

Expressing his esteem for M. de la Luzerne, and his satisfaction with his approbation of the state of the army.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Morristown, May 11th, 1780, 411

Expresses his pleasure at the arrival of M. de Lafayette.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, Morristown, May 14th, 1780, 412

French fleet in the West Indies.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 16th, 1780, 412

His Majesty intends to send out a reinforcement.--Desires the concurrence of Congress in combining a plan of operations.--Requests information as to the forces, resources, and posts of the enemy.--Additional supplies obtained by Dr Franklin.--Favorable situation of affairs.

To George Washington. Philadelphia, May 21st, 1780, 415

Operations of the approaching campaign.

Report of a Committee of Congress on a Conference with the French Minister. In Congress, May 24th, 1780, 416

Plan for raising supplies.--Propose the establishment of posts from Boston to Charleston to facilitate communication.--Recommend the preparation of a reinforcement to the French fleet, and the adoption of measures to prevent desertions from the same.

George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Morristown, June 5th, 1780, 419

The French troops will be cordially received.--Desires to maintain a correspondence with him.

Report of a Committee of Congress respecting Communications from the French Minister. In Congress, June 5th, 1780, 420

Raising of supplies for the French troops.--Mode of paying them.

Report of a Committee of Congress respecting a Conference with the French Minister. In Congress, June 7th, 1780, 423

Raising of supplies for the French forces.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, June 18th, 1780, 425

Urging the completion of the American army.--Forces necessary for an effective co-operation.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, June 28th, 1780, 427

Desiring permission for the supplying of the Spanish forces with provisions.

Congress to the Minister of France. In Congress, July 7th, 1780, 428

Supplies for the Spanish forces.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 22d, 1780, 429

Arrival of part of the French forces destined to act in America.--The other part separated for security.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 25th, 1780, 430

Requesting that the American vessels of war may join the French squadron.

Joseph Reed to M. de la Luzerne. In Council, Philadelphia, July 25th, 1780, 431

The Hessian deserters are at liberty to enter the French service, if desired.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, July 26th, 1780, 432

Desiring arrangements to be made for the subsistence of the Hessian recruits.

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

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

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

Relative to certain proposed naval operations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case of a citizen of Bermuda.

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

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

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

Projected naval operations.

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

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

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

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

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

Acknowledging the reception of certain resolutions of Congress.

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

Requesting a convoy for store ships.

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

Suggesting changes in the mode of authenticating ships' papers.

From Congress to the King of France, 445

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

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

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

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

Forwards his despatches for Rhode Island.

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

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

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

Arrival of a French squadron in the Chesapeake.

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

Authorises Mr Morris to draw bills of exchange.

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

The French squadron sails from the Chesapeake.

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

Engagement between a French and English squadron.

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

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

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

Failure of the expedition of M. Destouches.

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

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

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

Forwarding proposals of an expedition to M. Destouches.

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

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

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

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

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

Transmitting the King's letter.

The King of France to Congress, 466

Granting further assistance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congress to the King of France, 483

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the appointment of Mr McKean to the Presidency.

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

Desires to communicate despatches from his Court to Congress.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ON THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE UNITED STATES.