To the Marquis de Verac, Ambassador from France. St Petersburg, September 1st, 1781,
Acquainting him with his commission, and his instructions to communicate with the French Minister at the Russian Court.
The Marquis de Verac to Francis Dana. St Petersburg, September 2d, 1781,
The Court of Russia has maintained a strict neutrality between the belligerent powers, and may be unwilling to receive an American Minister, as it would give rise to complaints of favor for the American cause.—Plan of a mediatorial Congress at which the United States will be represented.
To the Marquis de Verac. St Petersburg, September 4th, 1781,
Considerations on the policy pursued by Russia towards the belligerents.—The admission of an American Minister to the proposed mediatorial Congress would be an acknowledgment of independence.—The present is a favorable opportunity for establishing freedom of commerce and navigation for all nations.—Reasons which render it proper to assume his public character.
The Marquis de Verac to Francis Dana. St Petersburg, September 12th, 1781,
The American Minister at the proposed Congress is intended to treat only with England, and is not therefore to be admitted as the representative of an independent power, unless after consent of England.—Objections to Mr Dana's assumption of his public character.
To the Marquis de Verac. St Petersburg, September 13th, 1781,
Thanking him for his information and advice.