On the 21st of May, Mr Hartley on his part laid before us the enclosed article, marked B, and left it for our consideration. We judged it necessary, without intimating our own sentiments, to demand from him in writing, whether he was authorised to confirm his proposition? To save writing, Mr Hartley returned a verbal answer in the negative, and again despatched a messenger. In a word, it appeared that his full powers, which he had then received, authorised him to do nothing. I had in vain waited for the result of the second consultation to the 7th instant, when, at the request of my colleagues, founded upon a suggestion of my own, I proceeded to this city on special business, for easing if practicable the weight of public bills lately drawn upon Mr Grand, which probably the gentlemen at Paris will more fully explain.
I can say nothing yet of my hopes of success. My apprehensions of danger, in committing the United States in the present moment of uncertainty, deters me from acting as I might have done, had our treaties been concluded, or had I a prospect of their being soon brought to good effect. Those assurances, which I had the honor of communicating in my former letters, seem to have undergone a wonderful refinement. Reciprocity appears now to mean enjoyment on one side, and restrictions on the other. This change may have been wrought by the sudden and unexpected arrival of divers ships and cargoes from different ports in the United States. The British Minister at Paris cordially assured me that he was of this opinion.
In a conference with Mr Secretary Fox on the 14th instant, he informed me, that positive orders for the removal of the British troops from New York were actually despatched, that he had transmitted an answer to Mr Hartley’s last consultation, and at the same time intimated upon a question from me, that in his opinion I might have time enough for taking some days’ benefit of Bath, which my enfeebled limbs call loudly for. Hence I infer, that the last instructions to Mr Hartley are either calculated for gaining further time, or are such as the American Ministers cannot accede to; and I conclude that my absence from Paris, whether I make any attempts in the particular business of my journey hither or not, will prove no inconvenience to my colleagues. I intend therefore to go to Bath in two or three days, and while I am endeavoring to recover my health, the interests of my country shall be my principal study; at the same time I flatter myself with hopes of receiving from Congress the formal permission which I have solicited, to return to America.
I have the honor to be, &c.
HENRY LAURENS.
P. S. Besides the papers A and B, you will find enclosed a copy of an Order in Council of the 14th of May, 1783, and Mr Hartley’s observations on his propositions of the 21st of May.
P. S. 18th. I have just received an intimation of the tottering state of the present Ministry from their own quarter. Should the late premier recover the reins, which were plucked out of his hands, I apprehend everything in his power will be attempted to embarrass our proceeding.
A.
Articles proposed by the American Commissioners to Mr Hartley.