Passy, February 22d, 1779
Dear Sir,
I received your proposition for removing the stumbling-block. Your constant desire of peace ought to endear you to both sides; but this proposition seems to be naturally impracticable. We can never think of quitting a solid alliance, made and ratified, in order to be in a state for receiving unknown proposals of peace, which may vanish in the discussion. The truth is, we have no kind of faith in your government, which appears to us as insidious and deceitful as it is unjust and cruel; its character is that of the Spider in Thomson,
——————cunning and fierce, Mixture abhorr'd
Besides, we cannot see the necessity of our relinquishing our alliance with France in order to a treaty, any more than of your relinquishing yours with Holland.
I am, very affectionately, yours,
N. A.[13]
LETTER RESPECTING CAPTAIN COOK.
Passy, March 10th, 1779.