TO JOHN ADAMS.
The Hague, March 6th, 1783.
Sir,
You must have already received, as well as the Ministers of France and Spain, the overture of the Ministers of this Republic at Paris, to begin the negotiation by a treaty of a mutual guarantee of the liberty of the seas. These gentlemen rely principally on the repeated promises I have made them on your part, confident that the American Plenipotentiaries will not allow themselves to be influenced by Shelburne and company, who, they say, understand each other like robbers at a fair. You will have no difficulty in understanding the allusion. If this convention could be made before the signing of the definitive treaty, the republicans here would triumph. A certain person having objected to me, that England might take umbrage if this treaty were made before the other, "Indeed!" I replied, "how long is it since France began anew to fear giving umbrage to England?"
Your declaration concerning the armistice has been inserted in the gazettes according to your wish; as has also the English proclamation.
I am, &c.
DUMAS.
TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
The Hague, March 27th, 1783.
Sir,