We have received a letter from Robert Harrison of the 7th of October, and another from John Lemon, Edward Driver, and John Nicols of the 12th, all prisoners in Denant Castle, all professing to be Americans, who have first been compelled into the service of their enemies, and then taken prisoners by the French.
You are not known to us, but your account of yourselves, considering the general conduct of the English of late, is not improbable. We cannot but feel a concern for all prisoners in such a situation, of whom, to the lasting dishonor of the British government and nation, there are too many on board almost every man of war in their service.
We have written to his Excellency the Minister of the Marine of this kingdom upon the subject, and sincerely hope that something may be done for your relief, and that of all other prisoners in your situation.
But great care must be taken that neither we, nor more especially the government of this kingdom, be imposed upon by attempts to set at liberty English, Irish, Scotch, or other sailors, disaffected to the American cause, or unprincipled in it. We, therefore, desire you to send us a list and a short account of all the sailors, prisoners with you, who were born in America, or have been in her service, and are willing to subscribe the declaration, and take the oath of allegiance to the United States of America, and to live and die by her cause. We have the honor to be, &c.
B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.
TO M. DUMAS.
Passy, October 16th, 1778.
Sir,
We have received yours of the 2d instant, with the declaration signed by M. Van Berckel, and his explanatory letter to you; which gave us much pleasure, as they show the good disposition of that respectable body, the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, towards the United States of America, and their willingness, as far as may depend on them, to promote between the republic of the United Low Countries in Europe, and the said States, "A treaty of perpetual amity, containing reciprocal advantages with respect to commerce between the subjects of the two nations." As that body must be better acquainted than we, with the method of doing public business in their country, and appear to be of the opinion, that some previous steps can be taken by them, which may facilitate and expedite so good a work, when circumstances shall permit its coming under the consideration of their High Mightinesses, we rely on their judgment, and hereby request they would take those steps, as explained in M. Van Berckel's letter.
And they may be assured, that such a treaty as is described would, at this time, meet with no obstacles on the part of the United States of America, who have great esteem and respect for your nation; and that nothing will be wanting on our part to accomplish the end proposed. We would only remark, that the mentioning it in the declaration as a thing necessary to precede the conclusion of such a treaty, "that the American Independence should be acknowledged by the English," is not understood by us, who conceive there is no more occasion for such an acknowledgment before a treaty with Holland, than there was before our treaty with France. And we apprehend, that if that acknowledgment were really necessary, or waited for, England might endeavor to make an advantage of it in the future treaty of pacification, to obtain for it some privileges in commerce, perhaps, exclusive of Holland. We wish, therefore, that idea to be laid aside, and that no further mention may be made to us of England in this business.