TO M. DUMAS.
Passy, September 27th, 1778.
Sir,
We received yours in which you hint, that it is wished by some of our friends, that the Commissioners would propose a treaty to your government. It would really be a great pleasure to them to be instrumental in cementing a union between the two republics of Holland and the United States, by a treaty of amity and commerce, similar to that lately concluded with France, or varying where circumstances might require it. But having received no answer from the Grand Pentionary to a letter they respectfully wrote to his Excellency some months since, expressing their disposition to such a good work, they apprehend that any further motion of that kind, on their part, would not at present be agreeable; though they still hold themselves ready to enter upon such a treaty, when it shall seem good to their High Mightinesses.
We have the honor to be, &c.
B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.