Conversation with one of the Russian Cabinet, who declares there will be no impediment to his reception.
To Robert R. Livingston. St Petersburg, March 21st, 1783,
Importance of a direct intercourse with the West Indies.—Intends to return to the United States.—Insufficiency of the appointment for a Minister at the Russian Court.
To Robert R. Livingston. St Petersburg, April 17th, 1783,
Has yet received no answer to his communication of his mission.—Intends to renew his application for an audience.
To Robert R. Livingston. St Petersburg, April 22d, 1783,
Enclosing a copy of his second letter to Count Ostermann, requesting to know the pleasure of the Empress on the subject of his mission.—Is informed that an objection will be made to his letter of credence, on the ground, that it bears date prior to the acknowledgment of the independence of the United States by Great Britain.—Reasons which should prevent Congress from granting new letters on that account.
To Robert R. Livingston. St Petersburg, April 25th, 1783,
Interview with Count Ostermann, who declares that the Empress could not receive a Minister from the United States till the conclusion of the definitive treaty between the belligerents; that she could not then receive one whose letter of credence was dated prior to the acknowledgment of their independence by Great Britain, nor prior to her own acknowledgment of it, nor previous to the reception of an American Minister by Great Britain.—The Count declines delivering these objections in writing.—Mr Dana replies to these objections.—Is advised to send a memorial to the Vice Chancellor, showing the fallacy of his objections to Mr Dana's reception.
Robert R. Livingston to Francis Dana. Philadelphia, May 1st, 1783,