I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem,
HENRY LAURENS.
TO THE MINISTERS OF THE UNITED STATES AT PARIS.
London, August 9th, 1783.
Gentlemen,
Availing myself of your consent and recommendation, I embarked at Lettavre, on board the Washington, and sailed from thence the 1st instant. On the 2d, 9 o’clock A.M. we were within six leagues of Poole, in Dorsetshire. The wind being very favorable, I quitted the ship, went on board a small hoy bound to Poole, and urged Captain Barney to proceed on his voyage, leaving my excellent post carriage to take its fate on the ship’s deck, in preference to the risk of delaying him a single hour. Had the wind been westerly, I might have detained him a few days, for despatching to Congress the result of my application to the Ministers of this Court. I judge from the state of the wind since I parted with Captain Barney, that he was clear of the channel Sunday night the 3d, and that he is now 150 or 200 leagues advanced on his voyage.
I arrived in London late in the night of the 3d, and on the 5th had a conference with Mr Fox, which I committed to writing as soon as it had ended. I shall give it in a short dialogue, as the best way, not pretending to accuracy in every word, but fully preserving the sense and substance.
Mr Fox. I suppose, Mr L. you wish to forward the ratification of the provisional articles.
L. I could wish that was done, Sir, but it is not the particular business I have in charge.