Feels little disposed to engage in the proposed negotiations.—An American Minister ought not to appear at Vienna, unless the propositions of the Imperial Courts are communicated to Congress.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 19th, 1781,
An American Minister at Vienna, must be received as Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States, and by his commission can only treat with Ministers vested with equal powers, which would be a virtual acknowledgment of independence.—Objects to the expression "American Colonies" in the articles.—The United States can never consent to appear as subjects of Great Britain, nor allow their sovereignty to be called in question by any Congress of Ministers.—No such Congress has ever ventured to interfere in the domestic concerns of any power, or to aid a sovereign in reducing his rebellious subjects.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 21st, 1781,
A proposition has been made, that each State of the Union should send an agent to Vienna.—The States have no authority to negotiate with foreign powers.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 21st, 1781,
Sentiments of the Quarter of Westergo in regard to the Amsterdam Memorial against the Duke of Brunswick.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 3d, 1781,
Extract from the King's speech at the prorogation of Parliament; the English Court will probably insist on their two preliminaries, as conditions of accepting the Imperial mediation.—Indications of the Emperor's favorable disposition towards America, while visiting the Low Countries.—Expressed a desire to meet Mr Adams incog.