Desires a general peace.
Lord Shelburne appointed Secretary of State; sends Mr Oswald to confer with Dr Franklin.
Introducing Mr Oswald.—Desires to effect his exchange.—Conversation with Mr Oswald, in which Dr Franklin declares that America will only treat in concert with France.
Stating the mission of Mr Oswald and his proceedings thereon, as above.—Mr Oswald has an interview with M. de Vergennes, and returns to England.
M. de Vergennes declares the King ready to treat in concurrence with his allies.—Details of his conversation with Mr Oswald, as given in the succeeding letter to Mr Adams.
In a conversation with Mr Oswald, he observed that if England desires a reconciliation much reparation must be made, that the advantage to the commerce of England from a peace would depend on a reconciliation, without which the peace would not be durable, that it would be politic for England to offer to cede Canada.—Desires the presence of Mr Adams and Mr Laurens.
Details of Mr Oswald's proceedings.
Giving an account of his interview with Mr Laurens at Haerlem.—Suggests the necessity of the session of Canada and Nova Scotia, or at least a stipulation that no troops nor fortifications should be maintained on the frontiers.—Mr Laurens represents the new Ministry as feeble and insincere, the nation as desirous of a general peace.—Mr Adams proposes to Dr Franklin to receive no other messenger who is not a plenipotentiary.
The act of Parliament for exchanging American prisoners as prisoners of war, is a tacit acknowledgement of independence.—Circumstances in Holland favorable for obtaining a loan.
Plan of a triple or quadruple alliance.—Difficulty of obtaining a loan in Holland.