| Page. | |
| Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, August 23d, 1782, | [3] |
| Expresses a wish to promote the commerce between France and America. | |
| Thomas Townshend to Richard Oswald. Whitehall, September 1st, 1782, | [4] |
| The King is ready to treat with the Commissioners on the footing of unconditional independence. | |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Sept. 3d, 1782, | [4] |
| Allowance made to his grandson for various public services.—Submits his own account to the disposal of Congress.—Encloses letters (inserted in the note) from Mr Jay and Mr Laurens, expressing their regard for his grandson. | |
| To John Jay. Passy, September 4th, 1782, | [9] |
| Mr Oswald's courier arrives, with directions to acknowledge the independence of America. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, September 5th, 1782, | [10] |
| Complains of want of information from Europe.—Movements of the British troops in the south.—Importance of the West India trade to the United States.—Right of the States to cut logwood. | |
| Richard Oswald to B. Franklin. Paris, September 5th, 1782, | [15] |
| Enclosing an extract from a letter of the Secretary of State, regarding the negotiation. | |
| To Richard Oswald. Passy, Sept. 8th, 1782, | [15] |
| Requesting a copy of the fourth article of his instructions, given in the note. | |
| To Earl Grantham. Passy, Sept. 11th, 1782, | [16] |
| Prospect of peace. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, September 12th, 1782, | [17] |
| Presenting Mr Paine's work addressed to the Abbé Raynal. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, September 12th, 1782, | [18] |
| Necessity of further supplies of money. | |
| To David Hartley. Passy, September 17th, 1782, | [18] |
| The preliminaries formerly received, inadmissible. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, September 18th, 1782, | [19] |
| Congress declines accepting Mr Laurens's resignation; alters Dr Franklin's powers. | |
| Mr Secretary Townshend to Richard Oswald. Whitehall, September 20th, 1782, | [20] |
| The commission passing with the change proposed by the American Commissioners. | |
| Richard Oswald to B. Franklin. Paris, September 24th, 1782, | [21] |
| Transmitting a copy of Mr Townshend's letter to himself. | |
| Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, September 25th, 1782, | [21] |
| Aspect of affairs dubious. | |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Sept. 26th, 1782, | [22] |
| Reply to his complaints of want of information.—Delays of the negotiation. | |
| Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, October 3d, 1782, | [23] |
| Granting the exequatur empowering the United States' Consul to act in France. | |
| David Hartley to B. Franklin. Bath, Oct. 4th, 1782, | [24] |
| Sends a proposition for a temporary commercial convention.—The dissolution of the union of the States apprehended. | |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Oct. 14th, 1782, | [25] |
| Progress of the negotiation.—Acknowledges the receipt of Ministers' salaries. | |
| To John Adams. Passy, Oct. 15th, 1782, | [28] |
| Delay in the negotiations. | |
| From T. Townshend to B. Franklin. Whitehall, October 23d, 1782, | [29] |
| Introducing Mr Strachey. | |
| To Thomas Townshend. Passy, Nov. 4th, 1782, | [30] |
| Regrets the obstructions to the negotiations. | |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Nov. 7th, 1782, | [31] |
| Introducing the Baron de Kermelin. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, November 9th, 1782, | [31] |
| Sweden proposes to acknowledge the independence of the United States.—Advantage of obtaining an acknowledgment from the States of Barbary.—Difficulties in the exchange of prisoners.—Affair of Lippincott.—Mr Boudinot elected President. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, November 21st, 1782, | [34] |
| Mr Jefferson added to the commission.—Mr Burgess, an English merchant, not permitted to settle in Boston. | |
| To Richard Oswald. Passy, Nov. 26th, 1782, | [36] |
| Indemnification of American royalists.—Resolutions of Congress on the subject.—Act of the Pennsylvania assembly for procuring an estimate of the damages committed by the British.—Characters of the royalists.—Inexpediency of discussing the measure. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, November 27th, 1782, | [44] |
| Messrs Lamarque and Fabru. | |
| To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Nov. 29th, 1782, | [45] |
| The preliminary articles of peace between England and the United States agreed on. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, December 3d, 1782, | [45] |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Dec. 4th, 1782, | [46] |
| Encloses a copy of the preliminary articles.—Those between England and the other powers not signed.—No definitive treaty will be signed till all are agreed. | |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Dec. 5th, 1782, | [46] |
| Difficulties of conveying information to America.—Has asked for further supplies from France.—History of the negotiations.—The principal preliminaries between France and England agreed to.—Proceedings in regard to Sweden. | |
| To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Dec. 15th, 1782, | [54] |
| Informing him that a passport has been received from England for the Washington. | |
| Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, December, 15th, 1782, | [55] |
| Expresses his astonishment at the despatching of the Washington.—Complains that the preliminaries have been concluded without any communication with France. | |
| To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Dec. 17th, 1782, | [56] |
| Causes of the sailing of the Washington.—No peace will take place between England and America without the concurrence of France. | |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Dec. 24th, 1782, | [58] |
| The Swedish Ambassador exchanges full powers with Dr Franklin. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, January 2d, 1783, | [60] |
| Enclosing various resolutions of Congress.—Regrets the departure of the French fleet.—Financial distresses of America. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, January 6th, 1783, | [62] |
| Financial distress.—Subjects of negotiation.—Contingent expenses of foreign Ministers. | |
| To Richard Oswald. Passy, January 14th, 1783, | [66] |
| Enclosing propositions for abolishing privateering. | |
| Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, January 18th, 1783, | [69] |
| Desiring a conference with the Commissioners. | |
| To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Jan. 18th, 1783, | [70] |
| Promising to be present at the conference. | |
| Benjamin Vaughan to B. Franklin. Paris, January 18th, 1783, | [70] |
| Pressing him to be at Versailles the next day.—State of England. | |
| To John Adams. Passy, January 19th, 1783, | [72] |
| Acquainting him with Vergennes's desire for a conference. | |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, Jan. 21st, 1783, | [72] |
| Preliminaries signed between France, Spain, and England. | |
| John Jay to B. Franklin. Paris, Jan. 26th, 1783, | [73] |
| Dr Franklin's grandson appointed Secretary to the commission without being solicited by him. | |
| From M, Rosencrone, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Denmark, to M. de Walterstorff. Copenhagen, February 22d, 1783, | [74] |
| Directing him to learn Dr Franklin's views in regard to a treaty of commerce between Denmark and the United States. | |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, March 7th, 1783, | [76] |
| Treaty with Sweden signed.—The English Ministry changed. | |
| David Hartley to B. Franklin. London, March 12th, 1783, | [76] |
| Enclosing conciliatory propositions, and a sketch of a provisional treaty of commerce.—Changes in the Ministry. | |
| To David Hartley. Passy, March 23d, 1783, | [83] |
| Expresses a desire for a reconciliation. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, March 26th, 1783, | [84] |
| Regrets that the Commissioners should find it necessary to conceal anything from France; and that the commercial article is struck out.—The attempts to inflame the army.—Remits bills for the salaries of the Ministers. | |
| From the city of Hamburg to Congress. March 29th, 1783, | [88] |
| Proposing the establishment of commercial connexions. | |
| David Hartley to B. Franklin. London, March 31st, 1783, | [91] |
| Enclosing Supplemental Treaty between Great Britain and the United States of North America, separate article to be referred to the Definitive Treaty, and paper mentioned in the close of Mr Hartley's letter. | |
| M. Salva to B. Franklin. Algiers, April 1st, 1783, | [95] |
| Informing him of an attempt by the Algerines to seize American vessels. | |
| To the Grand Master of Malta. Passy, April 6th, 1783, | [96] |
| Requesting protection for Americans in the ports of Malta. | |
| To M. Rosencrone. Passy, April 13th, 1783, | [97] |
| Relative to a treaty between Denmark and the United States.—Asks reparation for the seizure of American prizes in the Danish ports. | |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, April 15th, 1783, | [98] |
| Proposals of Denmark.—Delay in the negotiation of the Definitive Treaty.—Mr Hartley substituted in the room of Mr Oswald.—Propositions for the renewal of the commerce between England and the United States.—Receives applications of persons wishing to emigrate to America.—Financial embarrassments of France. | |
| Charles J. Fox to B. Franklin. St James's, April 19th, 1783, | [104] |
| Introducing Mr Hartley.—Expresses a desire to effect a reconciliation of the two nations. | |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, April 27th, 1783, | [104] |
| Introducing the Count del Veome. | |
| Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, May 5th, 1783, | [105] |
| Acknowledges the receipt of a copy of the three articles discussed by the Commissioners and Mr Hartley.—Complains of the infrequent appearance of the Commissioners at Court. | |
| To Count de Vergennes. Passy, May 5th, 1783, | [105] |
| The Commissioners prevented by sickness from appearing at Court. | |
| To David Hartley. Passy, May 8th, 1783, | [106] |
| Desires the abolition of privateering. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, May 9th, 1783, | [107] |
| Infringements of the Provisional Treaty by the British.—Arrival of vessels in the American ports. | |
| Robert R. Livingston to B. Franklin. Philadelphia, May 31st, 1783, | [109] |
| Determination of the Court of Appeals in case of the Portuguese vessel.—Recommends the demands on Denmark to be urged. | |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, June 12th, 1783, | [110] |
| The ratification of the treaty with Sweden received.—Treaty with Denmark going on.—Portugal proposes to treat.—Delay of the Definitive Treaty with England.—Dr Bancroft. | |
| The Ambassador from Sweden to B. Franklin. Paris, June 13th, 1783, | [112] |
| Requesting that Mr W. T. Franklin may be sent to the Swedish Court. | |
| From the Grand Master of Malta to B. Franklin. Malta, June 21st, 1783, 112 | |
| Promising protection to Americans in the ports of Malta. | |
| To Henry Laurens. Passy, July 6th, 1783, | [113] |
| Delays of the negotiations.—Mr Laurens's presence necessary. | |
| From M. Rosencrone, Minister of Denmark, to B. Franklin. Copenhagen, July 8th, 1783, | [114] |
| Enclosing a Counter Project of a Treaty between the United States and Denmark. | |
| Explanation of the Counter Project of a Treaty of Amity and Commerce received from Denmark, | [130] |
| Giacomo F. Crocco to B. Franklin. Cadiz, July 15th, 1783, | [135] |
| Informing him that the Emperor of Morocco is ready to enter into a treaty with the United States. | |
| To Robert R. Livingston. Passy, July 22d, 1783, | [136] |
| Justifies the signature of the Provisional Treaty without communicating to the French Court.—Expresses his confidence in France.—Contrary opinion of one of his colleagues.—Reason for striking a commercial article out of the preliminaries proposed.—Advantages of free trade.—Moderation of France.—The Ambassador of Portugal desires to form a treaty with the United States.—Correspondence with the Danish Minister.—Inclination of Saxony and Prussia to engage in the American commerce.—Affair of the Bon Homme Richard.—Recommends his grandson for the diplomatic service.—General desire of the European powers to engage in commerce with the United States.—The American constitutions translated into French, produce a favorable effect.—Dangers from the Barbary powers.—Kindness of Mr Wren to the American prisoners near Portsmouth. | |
| Plan of a Treaty with Portugal, | [150] |
| Enclosed in the preceding. | |
| From the Pope's Nuncio to B. Franklin, | [158] |
| Proposing the appointment of an Apostolical Vicar Bishop in the United States. | |
| To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Aug. 16th, 1783, | [159] |
| The English Ministry reject the propositions of the Commissioners and of their own Ministers.—Propose the preliminaries slightly changed as a definitive treaty.—The other Commissioners are inclined to sign this. | |
| M. de Rayneval to B. Franklin. Versailles, August 29th, 1783, | [160] |
| Count de Vergennes consents to the signing the treaty at Paris instead of Versailles. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, August 31st, 1783, | [161] |
| The English Ministry have agreed to sign the articles formerly proposed as a definitive treaty. | |
| To David Hartley. Passy, September 6th, 1783, | [161] |
| Expresses his esteem for Mr Fox.—Intelligence of the American people.—Their misunderstandings much exaggerated.—Complains of the delay in evacuating New York. | |
| To John Jay. Passy, September 10th, 1783, | [163] |
| Quotes a letter from America, which accuses him of favoring France, in her opposition to granting the fishery, and the whole territory demanded by the Americans.—Appeals to Mr Jay for the falsehood of the assertion. | |
| John Jay to B. Franklin. Passy, Sept, 11th, 1783, | [164] |
| Dr Franklin agreed and acted with the other Commissioners respecting the boundaries and fisheries.—On former occasions he had also maintained the same claims on these points. | |
| John Adams to B. Franklin. Passy, September 13th, 1783, | [165] |
| Dr Franklin agreed with the other Commissioners in the management of the negotiation. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, September 13th, 1783, | [166] |
| Relations with Morocco; with Portugal.—False reports of disunion, &c. in the United States injurious to the American cause.—Count de Vergennes refuses to sign the Definitive Treaty with England before that between England and the United States was signed. | |
| To Lewis R. Morris. Passy, Sept. 14th, 1783, | [169] |
| Relative to accounts. | |
| David Hartley to B. Franklin. Bath, September 24th, 1783, | [170] |
| Expects to receive instructions for a convention on the basis, that American ships shall not bring foreign manufactures into Great Britain, nor trade directly between the West Indies and Great Britain. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, September 27th, 1783, | [171] |
| Encloses a copy of the Definitive Treaty.—Expects Mr Hartley to negotiate a treaty of commerce. | |
| To David Hartley. Passy, October 16th, 1783, | [172] |
| Advantages of a perpetual peace between England, France, and America. | |
| To David Hartley. Passy, October 22d, 1783, | [173] |
| Reports of the divisions in America unfounded. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, November 1st, 1783, | [173] |
| Financial difficulties of France; failure of payment by the Caisse d'Escompte.—Relations with Sweden, Denmark, and Portugal.—Claims of Du Calvet for supplies to the army in Canada. | |
| Giacomo Francisco Crocco to B. Franklin. Cadiz, November 25th, 1783, | [176] |
| Informs Dr Franklin that he is appointed by the Emperor of Morocco to conduct to that Court the Minister of the United States.—Demands $1500 for his expenses to Paris. | |
| To William Carmichael. Passy, Dec. 15th, 1783, | [177] |
| Accounts of the proceedings and demands of M. Crocco. | |
| To Giacomo Francisco Crocco. Passy, December 15th, 1783, | [179] |
| Mr Jay is the suitable person for M. Crocco's application. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, December 25th, 1783, | [180] |
| Mr Hartley refuses to go to Versailles to sign the Definitive Treaty.—Ill will of the British Court towards America.—Has the American constitutions translated in French, which produce a favorable impression.—Relations with Denmark, Portugal, Morocco, and Germany.—The expense of Commodore Jones's expedition paid entirely by the King of France. | |
| To Robert Morris. Passy, Dec. 25th, 1783, | [187] |
| Unreasonableness of the complaints against taxes.—Property is the creature of society.—Lafayette has conferences with the Ministers, relative to the new commercial regulations. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, December 26th, 1783, | [188] |
| Recommends Mr Hodgson as Consul in London. | |
| David Hartley to B. Franklin. London, March 2d, 1784, | [189] |
| Promises to apply for the despatch of the ratification of the treaty by Great Britain, on the arrival of that by Congress. | |
| To Charles Thompson. Passy, March 9th, 1784, | [190] |
| Ratifications exchanged with Sweden.—Receives numerous applications from persons wishing to settle in the United States. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, May 12th, 1784, | [191] |
| Mr Hartley arrives to exchange ratifications of the Definitive Treaty.—Proclamation relative to American commerce with the British colonies.—Proposed regulations of the commerce with the French colonies. | |
| David Hartley to B. Franklin. Paris, June 1st, 1784, | [192] |
| Defects of form in the ratification of the treaty by Congress. | |
| To David Hartley. Passy, June 2d, 1784, | [193] |
| Answers to the objections made in the preceding letter. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, June 16th, 1784, | [196] |
| Symptoms of resentment against America on the part of Great Britain. | |
| Consular Convention, | [198] |
| Consular convention between France and the United States. | |
| To Count de Mercy Argenteau. Passy, July 30th, 1784, | [208] |
| Dr Franklin, Mr Jefferson, and Mr Adams are appointed to negotiate a treaty of commerce with the empire. | |
| Count de Mercy Argenteau to B. Franklin. Paris, July 30th, 1784, | [209] |
| Assures Dr Franklin of the disposition of the Emperor to form commercial connexions with the United States. | |
| Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, August 27th, 1784, | [210] |
| Requesting a declaration, in an official form, that Congress will in no case treat any nation more favorably than France in commercial privileges. | |
| To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Sept. 3d, 1784, | [210] |
| Transmits a Resolution of Congress, declaring that no people shall be placed on more advantageous ground in the commerce with the United States than the French subjects. | |
| Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, September 9th, 1784, | [211] |
| Expresses the satisfaction of the King with the resolution of Congress, contained in the preceding letter.—The United States shall enjoy a complete reciprocity in France. | |
| Count de Mercy Argenteau to B. Franklin. Paris, September 28th, 1784, | [211] |
| The Emperor has agreed to the propositions of Congress concerning commercial regulations between the two powers. | |
| To Charles Thompson. Passy, October 16th, 1784, | [212] |
| The Commissioners have made propositions of treating to all the European powers. | |
| To Charles Thompson. Passy, Nov. 11th, 1784, | [213] |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, February 8th, 1785, | [213] |
| Receives the Resolve of Congress, respecting the Consular convention, too late to suspend the signing. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, April 12th, 1785, | [214] |
| Introducing M. de Chaumont, the younger. | |
| To Count de Vergennes. Passy, May 3d, 1785, | [215] |
| Informs him that he has received permission to return to America. | |
| M. de Rayneval to B. Franklin. Versailles, May 8th, 1785, | [216] |
| Regrets to hear of his approaching departure from France. | |
| To John Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Passy, May 10th, 1785, | [216] |
| Prepares for his return to America. | |
| To Charles Thompson. Passy, May 10th, 1785, | [217] |
| Count de Vergennes to B. Franklin. Versailles, May 22d, 1785, | [217] |
| Regrets his intended departure for the United States.—Assures him of the esteem of the King. | |
| To Thomas Barclay. Passy, June 19th, 1785, | [218] |
| Relative to his charges for salary as Minister Plenipotentiary. | |
| M. de Castries to B. Franklin. Versailles, July 10th, 1785, | [220] |
| Would have ordered a frigate for Dr Franklin, had he sooner known of his intention of leaving France. | |
| To John Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Philadelphia, September 19th, 1785, | [220] |
| Informs him of his arrival in the United States.—Signs a treaty of commerce and friendship with Prussia before leaving Europe. | |
| To Mr Grand, banker at Paris. Philadelphia, July 11, 1786, | [222] |
| Requests information concerning the gift of three millions of livres from the King, of which only two millions appear in the accounts. | |
| M. Durival to Mr Grand. Versailles, August 30th, 1786, | [223] |
| The King's gift amounted to three millions, independently of the million advanced to the United States by the Farmers-General. | |
| M. Durival to Mr Grand. Versailles, September 5th, 1786, | [224] |
| Declines communicating to him the receipt taken for the first million advanced by the King, June 10th, 1776. | |
| Mr Grand to B. Franklin. Paris, Sept. 9th, 1786, | [224] |
| States that he received only three millions; the first million having been advanced previous to his appointment. | |
| M. Durival to Mr Grand. Versailles, September 10th, 1786, | [225] |
| The Minister still persists in declining to communicate the receipt for the first million to Mr Grand. | |
| Mr Grand to B. Franklin. Paris, Sept. 12th, 1786, | [226] |
| Professes himself unable to discover who received the first million. | |
| To Charles Thompson. Philadelphia, January 27th, 1787, | [226] |
| Conjectures that the million advanced June 10th, 1776, must have been delivered to Beaumarchais. | |
| To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November 29th, 1788, | [228] |
| Requesting the settlement of his accounts, which have been three years before Congress, it having been asserted in the newspapers that he is indebted to the United States. | |
| JOHN ADAMS' CORRESPONDENCE. | |
| Committee of Foreign Affairs to John Adams. York, in Pennsylvania, December 3d, 1777, | [241] |
| Enclosing his commission as Commissioner to France. | |
| To Henry Laurens, President of Congress. Braintree, December 23d, 1777, | [242] |
| Accepting his appointment as Commissioner. | |
| To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Braintree, December 24th, 1777, | [243] |
| Acknowledging the receipt of his commission, with other documents accompanying. | |
| To Samuel Adams. Passy, May 21st, 1778, | [244] |
| State of Europe.—Disposition of the powers towards America.—Affairs of the United States in France in great confusion.—Expenses of the Commissioners. (Information on this subject in the note, p. 245.)—Proposes remedies. | |
| To the Commercial Committee. Passy, May 24th, 1778, | [248] |
| American affairs in France in great confusion; attended with much delay and expense.—Remedies proposed. | |
| To James Lovell. Passy, July 9th, 1778, | [250] |
| The ratification of the treaty with France gives great satisfaction in that country.—War between France and England appears inevitable.—Effect of the war of Bavarian succession on the policy of Germany. | |
| To James Lovell. Passy, July 26th, 1778, | [251] |
| Mr Deane's claims, services, and complaints.—Victories of the army the best negotiators in Europe. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, July 27th, 1778, | [254] |
| Policy of England to separate America from France. | |
| To Samuel Adams. Passy, July 28th, 1778, | [256] |
| British Commissioners authorised to offer independence to America, on condition of her breaking off her connexions with France.—America is bound by alliances to reject such proposals.—The proximity of the British colonies to the United States will always render Great Britain an enemy.—France and America reciprocally important to each other.—The alliance of France will secure the rest of the continent.—Necessity of imposing taxes in the United States to support the national credit. | |
| To James Warren. Passy, August 4th, 1778, | [259] |
| The proceedings of Congress relative to the Conciliatory Bills, ratification of the treaty, answer to the Commissioners, &c. produce a favorable effect in Europe.—Expresses his abhorrence of the idea of infidelity to France.—Dangers to the Protestant religion from the French alliance imaginary.—Probable effects of the separation of America on the power of Great Britain. | |
| To Richard Henry Lee. Passy, Aug. 5th, 1778, | [262] |
| Necessity of taxation to support the national credit.—Dissensions among the American agents. | |
| To Henry Laurens, President of Congress. Passy, August 27th, 1778, | [266] |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, September 7th, 1778, | [266] |
| Great preparations of Spain; their object is unknown. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, September 11th, 1778, | [267] |
| To M. Ray de Chaumont. Passy, Sept. 15th, 1778, | [268] |
| Requesting him to fix the rent of his house, occupied by Mr Adams and Dr Franklin. | |
| M. Ray de Chaumont to John Adams. Passy, September 18th, 1778, | [269] |
| Declines receiving any compensation for his house. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, September 20th, 1778, | [270] |
| The American refugees in England encourage the notion, that another campaign will compel the colonies to return to submission.—The marine and finances of England are in a miserable condition. | |
| To Ralph Izard. Passy, September 25th, 1778, | [271] |
| Agriculture the most essential interest of America, even in Massachusetts.—Evils of the fisheries; they promote luxury, and injure morals; are useful as a source of naval power. | |
| To Ralph Izard. Passy, October 2d, 1778, | [274] |
| Relative to the insertion of the words 'indefinite and exclusive' in the tenth article of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, October 2d, 1778, | [277] |
| Committee of Foreign Affairs to John Adams. Philadelphia, October 28th, 1778, | [277] |
| Requests him to keep the Commissioners at the other Courts informed of all events in America. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, December 3d, 1778, | [278] |
| The opinion that the English intend to withdraw from the United States, unfounded.—The British power there must be destroyed. | |
| To Elbridge Gerry. Passy, December 5th, 1778, | [279] |
| Reserve of the French Ministry towards the Commissioners.—Dissensions of the Commissioners. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, December 6th, 1778, | [281] |
| Enclosing the King's speech. | |
| To Roger Sherman. Passy, December 6th, 1778, | [282] |
| Value and dangers of the connexion with France. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, December 8th, 1778, | [283] |
| Plan of the British to prosecute the war by devastating the country.—The war is not a ministerial but a national one. | |
| The Commissioners to John Paul Jones. Passy, May 25th, 1778, | [284] |
| Congratulations on his successes.—Prospect of obtaining an exchange of prisoners.—Refuse the payment of his bill of exchange drawn on the Commissioners.—Offer to furnish his men with slops. | |
| The Commissioners to John Paul Jones. Passy, June 3d, 1778, | [287] |
| Desiring the release of Lieut. Simpson under arrest for disobeying orders. | |
| The Commissioners to Lieut. Simpson, of the Ranger. Passy, June 3d, 1778, | [288] |
| The Commissioners have requested Captain Jones to set him at liberty. | |
| To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Passy, February 1st, 1779, | [289] |
| Difficult to obtain a loan in Europe. | |
| To Samuel Adams. Passy, February 14th, 1779, | [290] |
| Expresses his satisfaction with the appointment of Dr Franklin as Minister Plenipotentiary to France.—Disputes of the former Commissioners.—The French Court and nation unanimous in support of American independence.—The policy of France popular in Europe.—Discontents in Great Britain. | |
| To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Feb. 16th, 1779, | [294] |
| The recall of his commission has rendered unnecessary the conference he had requested with the Minister relative to Mr Deane's address. | |
| To the Marquis de Lafayette. Passy, February 21st, 1779, | [295] |
| Financial difficulties of America would be remedied by relieving the country of the necessity of supporting large forces; the naval superiority of France in the American seas would easily effect this relief. | |
| Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, February 21st, 1779, | [298] |
| Desires an interview with Mr Adams, to express the satisfaction of the King with his conduct. | |
| To Count de Vergennes. Passy, Feb. 27th, 1779, | [299] |
| Expresses his sense of the King's indulgent sentiments. | |
| To John Jay, President of Congress. Passy, February 27th, 1779, | [299] |
| Intends to return to America.—Tumults in Great Britain.—Little prospect of obtaining a loan in Europe.—Economy and taxation necessary to relieve the financial difficulties. | |
| To John Jay, President of Congress. Passy, March 1st, 1779, | [302] |
| Conditions of the British loan. | |
| M. de Lafayette to John Adams. St Germain, April 9th, 1779, | [303] |
| Asks leave to send a French officer to America with Mr Adams. | |
| To Arthur Lee. L'Orient, June 9th, 1779, | [305] |
| Relative to the charges made against Mr Lee. | |
| To the President of Congress. Braintree, August 3d, 1779, | [307] |
| Returns home in the Sensible, in company with M. de la Luzerne.—Character of the Minister, Luzerne; of the Secretary to the Embassy, Marbois. | |
| To the President of Congress. Braintree, August 4th, 1779, | [311] |
| View of the state of Europe.—France.—War of Bavarian succession.—Great Britain.—Holland.—Spain.—Portugal.—German States.—Austria.—Prussia.—The northern powers.—Italy. | |
| To James Lovell. Braintree, August 13th, 1779, | [325] |
| Enclosing letters concerning Count de Vergennes and Arthur Lee. | |
| To the President of Congress. Braintree, September 10th, 1779, | [326] |
| Requesting a copy of the complaints, evidences, witnesses, &c. reported by a Committee of Congress to exist against the Commissioners. | |
| To the President of Congress. Boston, September 23d, 1779, | [327] |
| To James Lovell. Braintree, October 17th, 1779, | [328] |
| Regrets Mr Lee's recall.—Denies Mr Izard's charges. | |
| To Samuel Huntington, President of Congress. Braintree, October 19th, 1779, | [331] |
| British whale fishery on the South American coast.—The crews American prisoners of war. | |
| To Samuel Huntington, President of Congress. Braintree, October 20th, 1779, | [333] |
| Present of an engraving of the exploit of William Tell for each State from Mr Schweighauser. | |
| To the President of Congress. Braintree, October 21st, 1779, | [333] |
| Advantages of convoys for the American trade; of maintaining a superiority of naval power in the American seas. | |
| To Henry Laurens. Braintree, Oct. 25th, 1779, | [335] |
| His appointment as Commissioner not sought by him.—Opinion of Colonel Laurens's abilities.—Difficulties at Philadelphia. | |
| To the President of Congress. Braintree, November 4th, 1779, | [337] |
| Accepting the commission of Minister for negotiating peace and commerce with Great Britain. | |
| Instructions for a treaty of peace with Great Britain, | [339] |
| Instructions for a treaty of commerce with Great Britain, | [342] |
| To the President of Congress. Braintree, November 7th, 1779, | [344] |
| Transmits a copy of the letter book of the Commissioners at the Court of Versailles. | |
| To B. Franklin. Ferrol, December 8th, 1779, | [345] |
| Informs him of his arrival at Ferrol, being obliged to put in there, in consequence of a leak. | |
| To the President of Congress. Ferrol, December 11th, 1779, | [346] |
| Arrival at Ferrol.—Attentions of the Spanish and French officers. | |
| To the President of Congress. Corunna, December 16th, 1779, | [348] |
| Disposition of Spain.—Report of the intended mediation of Russia on the basis of independence. | |
| To the Governor of Corunna. Corunna, December 18th, 1779, | [351] |
| Names of the persons for whom Mr Adams wishes for passports to Bayonne. | |
| M. de Sartine to John Adams. Versailles, December 31st, 1779, | [352] |
| To the President of Congress. Bilboa, January 16th, 1780, | [352] |
| Sketch of the northwestern provinces of Spain. | |
| To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, Feb. 12th, 1780, | [360] |
| Informs him of his mission.—Intends to take no measures without consulting the French Ministers.—Requests advice as to the course to be pursued in making known his mission. | |
| To M. de Sartine. Paris, February 13th, 1780, | [363] |
| Thanks for his being permitted a passage in the Sensible. | |
| Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, February 15th, 1780, | [363] |
| Advises him to conceal the object of his commission for a time. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, February 15th, 1780, | [364] |
| Arrives in Paris.—Has a conference with the French Ministers.—Supplies to be sent from France.—Preparations of England. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, February 17th, 1780, | [366] |
| Supplied with money by M. Lagoanere at Corunna. | |
| To the Marquis de Lafayette. Paris, February 18th, 1780, | [368] |
| Requesting information concerning the reports circulated by the British, of their preparations for the ensuing campaign. | |
| To M. Genet, First Secretary for the department of Foreign Affairs. Paris, February 18th, 1780, | [370] |
| Same subject as the preceding. | |
| M. de Lafayette to John Adams. Paris, February 19th, 1780, | [371] |
| The accounts of the British abovementioned are without foundation. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, February 19th, 1780, | [373] |
| False reports circulated by the British as to their means for the next campaign.—Naval preparations of France.—The importance of the colonies in maintaining the naval supremacy of Great Britain, will render her averse to a peace. | |
| To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, Feb. 19th, 1780, | [376] |
| His instructions contain nothing inconsistent with the treaty between France and the United States. | |
| M. Genet to John Adams. Versailles, February 20th, 1780, | [377] |
| Falsehood of the British reports mentioned pp. 368, 370. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, February 20th, 1780, | [378] |
| Exaggeration of the English successes in South America and the United States.—Account of his proceedings in France.—Application of England to Russia rejected. | |
| To John Jay, Minister Plenipotentiary at Madrid. Paris, February 22d, 1780, | [380] |
| Congratulates him on his arrival.—Communication with America more easy from Spain than from France. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, February 23d, 1780, | [382] |
| Transmitting French journals; gives their character. | |
| To Samuel Adams. Paris, February 23d, 1780, | [383] |
| Committees of Correspondence established in England.—Naval preparations of France.—Supplies for the American army from that power. | |
| To General James Warren. Paris, Feb. 23d, 1780, | [385] |
| French naval force at sea, and preparing at Brest.—British resources. | |
| Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, February 24th, 1780, | [386] |
| Expresses himself satisfied with Mr Adams's powers and instructions.—Advises secrecy in regard to his powers for negotiating a treaty of commerce.—His mission to negotiate a peace will be publicly announced. | |
| To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, February 25th, 1780, | [388] |
| Promises to comply with the advice contained in the preceding letter. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, February 25th, 1780, | [388] |
| Committees of Correspondence formed in Ireland and England. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, February 27th, 1780, | [389] |
| Preparations at Brest composed of land and sea forces.—Violence of parties in England.—Seizure of Dutch ships by the English alienates the Dutch. | |
| To Dr Cooper of Boston. Paris, Feb. 28th, 1780, | [392] |
| The Americans must not indulge the hope of peace. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, February 29th, 1780, | [393] |
| M. Genet translates the American constitutions. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 3d, 1780, | [394] |
| Character of Admiral Rodney.—Intends to adopt a system of devastation on the American coast. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 4th, 1780, | [395] |
| Successes of Admiral Rodney.—French naval force. | |
| To Samuel Adams. Paris, March 4th, 1780, | [399] |
| Mr Izard's views of the policy to be adopted at the French Court.—Mr Adams's opinions different. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 8th, 1780, | [400] |
| Is presented at Court. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 8th, 1780, | [401] |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 10th, 1780, | [401] |
| Rodney's successes. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, March 12th, 1780, | [403] |
| Quotes an observation of M. de Mably concerning the establishment of the English empire of the sea.—The Americans must produce a balance of power by sea.—English naval force. | |
| To Edmund Jennings. Paris, March 12th, 1780, | [407] |
| Chatham's doctrine of a constitutional impossibility of acknowledging the independence of America.—Effects of the interposition of France and Spain on the acknowledgment. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, March 14th, 1780, | [411] |
| Clinton's expedition.—State of affairs in England and Ireland. | |
| To the President of Congress. Passy, March 14th, 1780, | [414] |
| English forces. | |
| To James Lovell. Paris, March 16th, 1780, | [415] |
| Refugees.—His accounts.—Reason of avoiding giving accounts of the state of affairs in France.—Approves the plan of distinct ministers. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 18th, 1780, | [418] |
| French military preparations.—Armed neutrality of the northern powers. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 19th, 1780, | [420] |
| British fleet in the channel.—Reported capture of despatches from the Court of France. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 20th, 1780, | [422] |
| Transmits the Morning Post and the General Advertiser.—Virulence of parties. | |
| To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, March 21st, 1780, | [423] |
| Informing the Minister that his presentation at Court has not been announced. | |
| To William Lee. Paris, March 21st, 1780, | [424] |
| Rumors of change in the British Ministry.—A truce impossible. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 23d, 1780, | [426] |
| The abolition of the Board of Trade and Plantations carried against the Ministry.—The opposition are disposed only to a separate treaty.—The fatal consequences of a truce to America. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 24th, 1780, | [429] |
| Discussions on salaries of colonial officers, and pensions of refugees.—Requests instructions as to compensations to the refugees in case of negotiations; and whether the citizens of each power shall have the right of citizens in the dominions of the other. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 24th, 1780, | [431] |
| Account of Admiral Rodney's cruise. Preparations in Spain.—Dissensions in England. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 26th, 1780, | [435] |
| Free commerce with the colonies granted to Ireland.—Proceeding in the Irish Parliament thereon.—State of Ireland. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 29th, 1780, | [440] |
| Affairs of Holland.—History of the dispute with England. | |
| Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, March 30th, 1780, | [443] |
| Presentations of Ministers are not announced in the Gazette de France.—Proposes to announce it in the Mercure. | |
| To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, March 30th, 1780, | [444] |
| Approves the announcement of his presentation in the Mercure. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 30th, 1780, | [445] |
| Explains the reason, why his presentation was not announced in the Gazette.—Does not approve of the concealment of his powers to treat of commerce. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, March 30th, 1780, | [446] |
| Dispute between the Irish volunteers and the royal troops at Dublin. | |
| To Arthur Lee, at L'Orient. Paris, March 31st, 1780, | [448] |
| Difficulties between the Commissioners. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, April 3d, 1780, | [449] |
| Policy of the Stadtholder.—Inclination of the Dutch nation.—Petition to their High Mightinesses to equip a naval force.—Memorial of Sir J. Yorke.—Answer of the States-General.—Reply of Sir J. Yorke. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, April 3d, 1780, | [458] |
| Memorial of the Congress of County Committees recommending reforms in the expenditure, in elections, annual Parliaments, &c.—Proceedings of particular committees thereon. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, April 4th, 1780, | [465] |
| Attack of an English privateer on a Swedish frigate. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, April 6th, 1780, | [466] |
| Decree of the Admiralty in the case of a Dutch ship, captured by an English man-of-war, while sailing for a French port, loaded with naval stores under a Dutch convoy. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, April 7th, 1780, | [473] |
| Rumors of an armed neutrality of the northern powers.—Violations of the neutrality of the Turkish waters by the English and French naval forces.—Representations of the Porte.—Sentiments of Russia on the English attack of the Dutch convoy. | |
| To William Carmichael, Secretary of the American Embassy at Madrid. Paris, April 8th, 1780, | [480] |
| Reason for the delays of Spain.—Events in America.—State of England. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, April 8th, 1780, | [483] |
| List of the naval losses of the English since the beginning of the war. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, April 10th, 1780, | [484] |
| Proceedings of England and Holland relative to the granting of convoys to Dutch ships. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, April 10th, 1780, | [488] |
| Memorial of the Russian Envoy, Prince Gallitzin, to the States General, communicating the declaration of his Court to the belligerent powers, and inviting the concurrence of the States.—The declaration mentioned in the foregoing Memorial, asserting the determination of Russia to protect her subjects in the rights of neutrals, and proposing to establish the principles that free ships make free goods; that an efficient force is necessary to constitute a blockade, &c. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, April 11th, 1780, | [493] |
| Proceedings of the counties, &c. in England in favor of reforms.—Resolutions of the county of York in favor of economical and parliamentary reform, of triennial parliaments, and condemning the carrying on of the war in America. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, April 14th, 1780, | [497] |
| Violations of neutrality.—Prospect of an armed neutrality of the north.—Proceedings in Holland. | |
| To the President of Congress. Paris, April 15th, 1780, | [501] |
| Quotations from the European papers.—From an English paper proposing the independence of the United States, the giving up of Nova Scotia and Canada.—Russia gives notice to France that she is arming to protect her neutrality. | |
| To M. de Sartine. Paris, April 16th, 1780, | [507] |
THE
CORRESPONDENCE
OF
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN,
COMMISSIONER AND MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY TO
THE COURT OF FRANCE, AND COMMISSIONER
FOR NEGOTIATING A PEACE.
THE
CORRESPONDENCE
OF
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED.