FOOTNOTE:
[12] These Articles were agreed to after the return of the first set, which had been sent to England October 8th. See above p. [80].
H. STRACHEY TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
Paris, November 5th, 1782.
Gentlemen,
Knowing the expectation of the King's Ministers, that a full indemnity shall be provided for the whole body of refugees, either by a restitution of their property or by some stipulated compensation for their losses, and being confident, as I have repeatedly assured you, that your refusal upon this point will be the great obstacle to a conclusion and ratification of that peace, which is meant as a solid perfect, permanent reconciliation and reunion between Great Britain and America, I am unwilling to leave Paris without once more submitting the matter to your consideration. It affects equally, in my opinion, the honor and the humanity of your country and of ours. How far you will be justified in risking every favorite object of America, by contending against those principles, is for you to determine. Independence, and more than a reasonable possession of territory, seem to be within your reach. Will you suffer them to be outweighed by the gratification of resentment against individuals? I venture to assert, that such a conduct has no parallel in the history of civilized nations.
I am under the necessity of setting out by two o'clock today; if the time is too short for your reconsideration, and final determination of this important point, I shall hope that you will enable Mr Oswald to despatch a messenger after me, who may be with me before morning at Chantilly, where I propose sleeping tonight, or who may overtake me before I arrive in London, with a satisfactory answer to this letter.
I have the honor to be, &c.
H. STRACHEY.