Declines engaging in the negotiations.—His opinions coincide with those of Dr Franklin.—Lord Cornwallis desires to be discharged.
Nations are never satisfied with the terms of a peace.—Discharge of Lord Cornwallis.
Relative to his proceedings with the new Ministry.—Proposes the following preliminaries; the British troops to be withdrawn from America; a truce made, which shall be converted into a peace, in case of a peace with the allies of America.—Journal continued.—Mr Grenville states that he has received full powers to treat with France and her allies.—The power relates only to France.
Mr Oswald has received orders to return to Paris, with the necessary instructions.—Journal continued; Mr Grenville explains the omission of America in the power.—His instructions are full, empowering him to acknowledge the independence of America.—Conversation on the resolution of the Americans not to treat without the allies.—Mr Grenville suggests the question, whether it includes Holland and Spain? whether it would be adhered to in regard to France at all events?
Releasing Captain McLeod conditionally from his parole.
Giving an account of affairs as above related in the Journal.—Suspects the omission of America in Mr Grenville's power.—Journal continued; Mr Oswald states that peace is absolutely necessary, that no more money can be raised.
Relative to Mr Walpole's appointment to negotiate.—Journal continued; Memorandums of Lord Shelburne; that Commissioners be appointed, or any character given to Mr Oswald, which he and Dr Franklin think proper for treating; that compensation be made to the loyalists.—Conversation with Mr Oswald on those points.—Russian offer of mediation to Holland.
Journal continued; Release of Lord Cornwallis.—Extract from the Evening Post relative to information obtained by Mr Grenville in his visit to Dr Franklin; erroneous statements.—Policy of Russia to mediate a peace between Britain and Holland, and continue the general war.—Major Ross declines receiving the conditional discharge of Lord Cornwallis.
Discharge of Lord Cornwallis.—Journal continued.—Conversation with the Count de Vergennes relative to the attempts to separate France and America; suggests the propriety of a treaty between the allies, to support each other in case of a subsequent war by England against either.—Mr Ross accepts Lord Cornwallis's conditional discharge.—M. Boeris informs that Holland will decline the mediation of Russia for a separate treaty. Mr Grenville receives full powers, authorising him to treat with any other Prince or State.—Empowered to acknowledge the independence of America previous to the treaty, and to propose the peace of 1763 as a basis.—Suggests a doubt whether Great Britain will allow America to be designated by the expression State.—Comparison of Mr Fox and Lord Shelburne; of Mr Oswald and Mr Grenville.
Count de Vergennes proposes to meet Mr Grenville, and adopt measures for an official communication to the allies.—Journal continued.—Arrival of Mr Jay.—Visit to the Count de Vergennes, who expresses a doubt of the sincerity of the British Court.