THE
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
OF THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
VOL. XI.
THE
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
OF THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION;
BEING
THE LETTERS OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, SILAS DEANE, JOHN ADAMS, JOHN JAY, ARTHUR LEE, WILLIAM LEE, RALPH IZARD, FRANCIS DANA, WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, HENRY LAURENS, JOHN LAURENS, M. DE LAFAYETTE, M. DUMAS, AND OTHERS, CONCERNING THE FOREIGN RELATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES DURING THE WHOLE REVOLUTION;
TOGETHER WITH
THE LETTERS IN REPLY FROM THE SECRET COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS, AND THE SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
ALSO,
THE ENTIRE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE FRENCH MINISTERS, GERARD AND LUZERNE, WITH CONGRESS.
Published under the Direction of the President of the United States, from the original Manuscripts in the Department of State, conformably to a Resolution of Congress, of March 27th, 1818.
EDITED
BY JARED SPARKS.
VOL. XI.
BOSTON:
NATHAN HALE AND GRAY & BOWEN;
G. & C. & H. CARVILL, NEW YORK; P. THOMPSON, WASHINGTON.
1830.
Steam Power Press—W. L. Lewis' Print.
No. 6, Congress Street, Boston.
CONTENTS
OF THE
ELEVENTH VOLUME.
LUZERNE'S CORRESPONDENCE,
CONTINUED.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 10th, 1781,
Communicating the commission of M. Holker, as Consul General of France.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 18th, 1781,
Desires the appointment of a committee, to whom he may communicate his despatches.
Communications of the French Minister to Congress. In Congress, September 21st, 1781,
Proposed mediation of the Imperial Courts.—The French Court requires the establishing of some preliminaries, as to the admission of an American Minister to the proposed Congress, and the character in which England will treat the United States.—The British Court requires the submission of its revolted subjects in America.—Necessity of vigorous operations in America.—Mr Dana's mission to St Petersburg.—The accession of Maryland to the confederacy should be followed by vigorous measures.—Mr Adams in Holland.—Aids to America.—No further pecuniary assistance can be furnished by the French Court.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 24th, 1781,
Transmitting the memorial of a Spanish subject.
Memorial of Don Francisco Rendon to the Minister of France,
Requesting the release of certain prisoners taken at Pensacola by the Spanish forces, and afterwards captured by an American vessel.
Congress to the Minister of France. Philadelphia, September 25th, 1781,
Relative to the preceding memorial.
From Congress to the King of France,
Returning thanks for aid.
The King of France to Congress,
Birth of the Dauphin.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Philadelphia, October 24th, 1781,
Announces his appointment to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
To Robert R. Livingston, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Philadelphia, October 25th, 1781,
Expressing his pleasure at Mr Livingston's appointment.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, November 2d, 1781,
Congress request permission to present to the Count de Grasse two pieces of ordnance taken at York.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, November 4th, 1781,
Acknowledging the receipt of certain papers.
To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Philadelphia, November 4th, 1781,
Erection of a triumphal column at Yorktown.—The United States are named before the King in the resolutions.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, November 6th, 1781,
The order in which the United States and France were named, was accidental.
Robert R. Livingston to the President of Congress. Office of Foreign Affairs, November 6th, 1781,
Proposes the giving France the precedence in any subsequent acts, where the two countries are named.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, November 21st, 1781,
Complains of the proceedings of the Court of Admiralty in the French islands.
Heads of a verbal Communication made to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs by the Minister of France. In Congress, November 23d, 1781,
Satisfaction of the King with the appointment of Ministers for negotiating a peace.—Refusal to accede to the mediation, unless the American Ministers were acknowledged.—Necessity of exertion in America to compel Britain to a peace.
The Answer of his Most Christian Majesty to the Articles proposed by the two Mediating Courts,
The Answer of the Court of London to the Preliminary Articles proposed by the Mediating Courts,
The verbal Answer of the King of Great Britain to the verbal Observations made by the Count de Belgiojoso, Austrian Ambassador in London,
Reply of the Mediators to the Belligerent Powers,
Answer of the Court of France to the Reply of the Mediators,
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, November 23d, 1781,
Congress to the King of France,
Congratulations on the successes of the French arms in America.—Services of de Grasse, de Rochambeau, and de Lafayette.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, December 11th, 1781,
Enclosing papers.
To Count du Durat, Governor of Grenada. Philadelphia, December 11th, 1781,
Relative to an English ship carried into Grenada by American sailors.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, December 21st, 1781,
Relative to captures.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, January 19th, 1782,
Enclosing suspicious letters of Mr Deane.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, January 20th, 1782,
Complains of the process in Massachusetts in regard to effects libelled.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, January 24th, 1782,
Communicating certain resolutions.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, January 25th, 1782,
Thanking him for the preceding.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January 28th, 1782,
Propriety of instructing Mr Franklin, in relation to the acts necessary to bind the United States in their engagements with France on account of the loan raised in Holland.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs to the President of Congress. Philadelphia, January 29th, 1782,
Communicating extracts from letters of Count de Vergennes to the French Minister, expressing the desire of France to procure the most advantageous terms for America.—Indisposition of Great Britain to a peace.—Neither Holland nor Russia are disposed to an alliance with the United States.—France cannot furnish additional supplies.
Count de Vergennes to Robert R. Livingston. Versailles, January 31st, 1782,
On his appointment to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, February 1st, 1782,
Instructions to Dr Franklin. In Congress, February 5th, 1782,
Empowering him to enter into engagements on the part of the United States to discharge the loan raised in Holland.
Resolves of Congress respecting the Communications made by the Minister of France. In Congress, February 8th, 1782,
Urging the necessity of further supplies from France.—Empowering Dr Franklin to raise a loan of twelve millions of livres.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, February 18th, 1782,
Requesting the revision of a sentence of condemnation against certain prizes.
The Marquis de Bouillé to M. de la Luzerne. Without date,
Relative to the recapture of neutral ships trading to Dominica by American privateers.
Memorial of the Council of Dominica,
Same subject.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, February 20th, 1782,
Case of the capture of the neutral ships trading to Dominica.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March 8th, 1782,
M. de Marbois will remain as Chargé d'Affaires during his absence.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, April 7th, 1782,
Requesting the settlement of the accounts of Baron de Kalb and others.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, April 13th, 1782,
Warlike appearances in Europe.—Want of preparation in America.—Requests information of the strength of the forces.
Count de Rochambeau to M. de la Luzerne. Williamsburgh, April 16th, 1782,
Plans and operations of the enemy.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, April 18th, 1782,
Recommending Count Beniowsky.
George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Newburgh, April 28th, 1782,
Statement of his forces.—Enemy's force.
Communication of the French Minister to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. In Congress, May 1st, 1782,
Representing the necessity of vigorous exertion.—The English intend to push operations with vigor.
Decree of the King's Council in France,
Relative to the exportation of merchandise taken from prizes.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, May 7th, 1782,
Appointment of M. d'Annemours, as French Consul for the five Southern States.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, May 8th, 1782,
Accounts of Baron de Kalb and others.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, May 9th, 1782,
Applications of bearers of loan certificates for the repayment of their capital, or the payment of the interest.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, May 9th, 1782,
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, May 12th, 1782,
The address of Congress is, Gentlemen of the Congress.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, May 17th, 1782,
Reported actions in the West Indies.
Congress to the King of France,
Congratulations on the birth of the Dauphin.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, May 25th, 1782,
Requests the execution of certain resolutions of Congress in relation to Baron de Holzendorff.
Verbal Communication of the French Minister to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. In Congress, May 28th, 1782,
Attempts by the English to effect a partial peace with America and with France.—The French Court refuse to treat separately.—Vigorous preparations necessary to secure a peace.
George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, June 5th, 1782,
Enclosing the congratulations of the army, and offering his own on the birth of the Dauphin.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, June 7th, 1782,
Accounts of Baron de Kalb, Baron de Holzendorff and others.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, June 9th, 1782,
Answer to the applications of holders of the loan office certificates.
To George Washington, Commander in Chief, and other Officers of the American Army, on Hudson's River. Philadelphia, June 10th, 1782,
Birth of the Dauphin.
Congress to the King of France,
Condolence on the death of the Princess Sophia of France.
To Count de Rochambeau. Philadelphia, June 14th, 1782,
Movements of the English forces.—Plan of counter operations.
George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, Newburgh, June 24th, 1782,
Impracticability of the plan of operations abovementioned.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, July 3d, 1782,
Plans of Count de Rochambeau.—Disposition of Holland to form an alliance with America.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, July 8th, 1782,
Inviting him to attend the rejoicings on the birth of the Dauphin.
Count de Vergennes to George Washington. Versailles, July 29th, 1782,
Interceding in favor of Captain Asgill.
Lady Asgill to Count de Vergennes. London, July 18th, 1782,
Imploring his interference on behalf of her son.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, August 5th, 1782,
Requesting him to communicate with M. de Vaudreuil.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, August 14th, 1782,
Liberation of American prisoners in England.—Indisposition of England to peace.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 1st, 1782,
Relative to the America, presented by Congress to the King of France.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, September 5th, 1782,
Enclosing the preceding.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, September 12th, 1782,
The Marquis de Vaudreuil to M. de la Luzerne. Boston, September 20th, 1782,
Expressing his gratification at the offer of the America.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 23d, 1782,
Desires the appointment of a committee with whom he may communicate.
George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, September 24th, 1782,
The British meditate an attack on the squadron of M. de Vaudreuil.—Has taken measures to counteract their schemes.
Communication of the French Minister to a Committee of Congress. In Congress, September 24th, 1782,
The British Court indulge the idea of separating France and America.—Congress should take measures to destroy any hopes of such a result.—It is desirable that the negotiations should be conducted in Europe.—State of the negotiation.—The French cabinet refuse to treat except in conjunction with their allies.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, September 27th, 1782,
Communicating a decree of the French Council, relative to the fraudulent importation of English goods into America.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, September 29th, 1782,
State of the negotiations for peace.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, October 1st, 1782,
Requesting him to facilitate the entrance of M. Barbe into New York.
Report of a Committee of Congress on Communications made by the French Minister. In Congress, October 3d, 1782,
Congress will listen to no propositions for a separate peace.—They rely on the support of France to their demands in regard to boundaries, the fisheries, and the navigation of the Mississippi.—Difficulties attending any restitution of, or compensation for confiscated property.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, October 16th, 1782,
Desiring an interview with a committee of Congress.
George Washington to the President of Congress. Head Quarters, October 25th, 1782,
Receives the letters relative to Captain Asgill, and transmits them to Congress.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, October 25th, 1782,
Repayment of sums expended for French service.
George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, October 25th, 1782,
Case of Captain Asgill.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, October 28th, 1782,
Complains that the English fleet is supplied with provisions by citizens of the United States.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne. Office of Foreign Affairs, October 30th, 1782,
Case of the seizure of an American prize by the French authorities at St Domingo.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, November 4th, 1782,
Desires the passing of laws corresponding to the thirteenth Article of the treaty of commerce.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, November 6th, 1782,
The enemy are supplied with provisions by Americans.
To Count de Dillon, Governor of St Christopher's. Philadelphia, November 8th, 1782,
Affair of the Lætitia.
To Sir Guy Carleton. Philadelphia, November 9th, 1782,
Enclosing resolutions of Congress relative to Captain Asgill.
To Sir Guy Carleton. Philadelphia, November 9th, 1782,
Requesting him to permit the exchange of M. de la Touche.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, November 12th, 1782,
Apology for corresponding with General Carleton.
George Washington to Captain Asgill. Head Quarters, November 13th, 1782,
Enclosing the resolution of Congress relative to him.
George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, November 13th, 1782,
Regrets that he is unable to prevent the supplying of the enemy with provisions.
George Washington to Count de Vergennes. Head Quarters, Newburgh, State of New York, November 21st, 1782,
Affair of Captain Asgill.
Robert R. Livingston to M. de la Luzerne, Office of Foreign Affairs, November 26th, 1782,
Mr Jefferson appointed Minister for negotiating a peace.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia November 29th, 1782,
Expresses his satisfaction with Mr Jefferson's appointment.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, November 30th, 1782,
Relative to the supplying the enemy with provision.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, December 11th, 1782,
To George Washington. Philadelphia, December 18th, 1782,
Enclosing a letter for his perusal.
To the Marquis de Vaudreuil. Philadelphia, December 18th, 1782,
The Danaë aground in the Chesapeake.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, December 26th, 1782,
Expressing his Majesty's gratification with the proceedings of Congress relative to the birth of the Dauphin.
Substance of a verbal Communication from the French Minister. Office of Foreign Affairs, December 30th, 1782,
State of the negotiations.—Lord Shelburne's policy deceitful.—Proposed mediation.
To the President of Congress. December 31st, 1782,
Satisfaction of the King with the conduct of Congress, in regard to the overtures of the English in America, and the unanimity with which the States determine not to treat separately.
Resolves of Congress on the departure of the French Army. In Congress, January 1st, 1783,
Recommending the army to his Majesty's favorable notice.—Declaring their high sense of the merits and services of the Count de Rochambeau.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, January 10th, 1783,
The capitulations permitting exportations from the islands captured by the French to British ports will not be renewed.
To Robert Morris. Philadelphia, March 15th, 1783,
Loan of six millions procured by France for America.—Conditions of the loan.—It will be impossible to furnish further supplies.—Necessity of establishing a public revenue in the United States.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, March 15th, 1783,
Conclusion of preliminaries of peace.—Necessity of continuing preparations with vigor to secure favorable terms definitively.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, March 18th, 1783,
George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, March 19th, 1783,
Agrees that the articles of the treaty are so inconclusive as to render a hostile attitude still necessary.—Will endeavor to prevent the supplying of the enemy with provisions.
Minutes of a verbal Communication from the Minister of France. Office of Foreign Affairs, March 22d, 1783,
No essential difference exists between England and France, but the latter will act only in conjunction with her allies.—If military operations in America should cease, and the war be continued elsewhere, the United States may exclude the English from intercourse with them.
George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, March 29th, 1783,
Congratulations on the peace.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, April 10th, 1783,
The French troops in America will return immediately.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, April 29th, 1783,
Requests him to inform Congress of the intended departure of the French forces.
George Washington to M. de la Luzerne. Head Quarters, May 13th, 1783,
Inviting him to be present at the rejoicings on account of peace.
To Robert R. Livingston. Philadelphia, May 19th, 1783,
Affair of Mr Durham.—Complaints against Commodore Gillon.
Count de Vergennes to M. de Lafayette. Versailles, June 29th, 1783,
Definition of a Free Port.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, September 17th, 1783,
Communicating the following letter, and requesting information as to the measures taken in regard to the subject.
Count de Vergennes to M. de la Luzerne. Versailles, March 10th, 1783,
Circumstances under which the last loan was obtained from France.—Contract made on the occasion.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, November 2d, 1783,
General peace.—Commercial arrangements.
To George Washington. Philadelphia, November 21st, 1783,
His testimony in favor of the French officers.—Congratulations on the evacuation of New York.
M. de Calonne to M. de Lafayette. Versailles, January 9th, 1784,
L'Orient, Bayonne, Dunkirk, and Marseilles, will be declared free ports in favor of the Americans.—The commercial intercourse of the two countries will be favored by all possible facilities.
To the President of Congress. Annapolis, January 29th, 1784,
Requests to be informed what measures have been taken by Congress relative to the contract for loans made by France.
To the President of Congress. Annapolis, January 30th, 1784,
Appointment of French Consuls in America.
To the President of Congress. Annapolis, February 18th, 1784,
Accounts of M. de la Radière.
To the President of Congress. Annapolis, April 6th, 1784,
Arrival of portraits of the King and Queen of France for Congress.
To the President of Congress. Annapolis, April 9th, 1784,
Requests to be informed what arrangements have been made relative to the loans procured from France.
Count de Vergennes to M. de la Luzerne. Versailles, December 24th, 1783,
Free ports in France.
Congress to the King of France,
Reception of the portraits of his Majesty and his consort.
To the President of Congress. Office of Finance, April 16th, 1784,
Enclosing letters of Lafayette on the commercial relations of France and America.—Services of Lafayette in that matter.
To the President of Congress. Annapolis, April 21st, 1784,
Intends to return to France.—Pleasure afforded by his residence in the United States.—Leaves M. de Marbois Chargé d'Affaires.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, April 28th, 1784,
Claims of the heirs of Baron de Kalb.—Case of M. de Fleury.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 6th, 1784,
Nomination of a Vice Consul at Charleston.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 13th, 1784,
Expresses his regret on leaving America.—Case of M. de Fleury and of the heirs of Baron de Kalb.
Congress to M. de la Luzerne. In Congress, May 17th, 1784,
Regretting his departure.
To John Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Paris, (date uncertain) 1787?
Requesting him to present to Congress his letter of recall from his intended mission to America.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON'S CORRESPONDENCE.
Organization of a Foreign Department. In Congress, January 10th, 1781,
Appointment of a Secretary of Foreign Affairs. In Congress, August 10th, 1781,
Election of Mr Livingston.
To Major General Nathaniel Greene. Philadelphia, October 20th, 1781,
Desires to open a correspondence with him.—Congratulations on his successes.
To Governor George Clinton, of New York. Philadelphia, October 22d, 1781,
Congratulations on the capture of Cornwallis.—Requests information.
To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, October 29th, 1781,
Requests permission to examine the Secret Journals and papers of Congress.
Circular to the Governors of the States. Philadelphia, November 12th, 1781,