"Resolved, That a Minister be appointed to reside at the Court of the Empress of Russia.
"Ordered, that Monday next be assigned for electing such Minister.
"Ordered, that a committee of three be appointed to prepare a commission and draft of instructions for the said Minister.
"December 19th, 1780.—Congress proceeded to the election of a Minister to reside at the Court of the Empress of Russia; and the ballots being taken, the honorable Francis Dana was elected."
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Paris, February 16th, 1781.
Gentlemen,
I do myself the honor to acquaint you, that I returned to this city the 28th of December, where it is probable I shall continue till the public business may require me to join Mr Adams, who still remains at Amsterdam. It was judged by both of us, that no possible detriment could happen to our public concerns by this separation. On the other hand, Mr Adams was pleased to say it might be attended with some benefit.
Shortly after I came to town, your despatches by Captain Bell were forwarded to me. Though they were addressed to Mr Adams, agreeably to his standing directions, I broke them open, and sent on to him such of them only as I knew he had not received before, and were necessary for the regulation of his present business. The additional instructions of the 18th of October, founded on his letters of the 23d and 24th of March last, and all the duplicates, I have still by me, not thinking it advisable to hazard them by the post. I have made Mr Adams fully acquainted with this.
You will permit me to say, that it is by no means prudent to commit to the care of the posts, papers of the nature of some of your last despatches.