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http://www.archive.org/details/diplomaticcorres06sparuoft
THE
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
OF THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
VOL. VL
>
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.
BY JARED SPARKS. VOL. VI.
BOSTON:
NATHAN HALE AND GRAY & BOWEN;
G. & C. & H, CARVILL, NEW YORK; P. THOMPSOK, WASHINGTON.
1830. /,
SleeUn tOwer Preei^W. L. Lewis, Fiinief/ No. 6, CongKBt Street, Boston.
CONTENTS'
OF THE
SIXTH VOLUME.
JOHN ADAMS'S CORRESPONDENCH,
CONTINUED.
— ^<©©—
Page.
To tlie President of Congress. Amsterdam, May
16th, 1781, 3
Diplomatic arts of the English. — A war in Holland is not to be expected, unless there should be an acknowledgment of the independence of America.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May
■ 21st, 1781, - - 6.
Ordinance of Prussia relative to navigation and com- merce. ^o B. Franklin. Amsterdam, May 23d, 1781, - 13
Drafts made on him by Congress. — Encloses des- patches for Dr Franklin and Mr Jay. — Thinks it advisable to obtain the acknowledgment of inde- pendence from other powers, before opening the conferences for peace. — His mission is a subject of deliberation. — Taxation in America.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 24th, 1781, 15
Proposition of Amsterdam in the States of Holland,
urging the speedy adoption of measures of defence
and protection. — The example of Amsterdam has
great influence on the rest of the country.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May
25th, 1781, 21
Enclosing the convention concerning recaptures be- tween France and Holland.
VI CONTENTS.
Page.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May
27th, 1781, 24
Report of a Committee of the States- General on the petition of the East India Company for convoy and for the defence of the India possessions, re- commending aid. — Timidity and irresolution of the Dutch government.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May
29th, 1781, '-29
The English, by the capture of St Eustatia, break up a trade in British manufactures to North Amer- ica.— The property seized tliere principally Eng- lish.— Much of it taken by the French on its pas- sage to England. — Inactivity of the Dutch naval force.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 31st, 1781, 30
Memorial of the Danish Minister, requesting their High Mightinesses to evacuate certain forts in the vicinity of the Danish settlements in Africa.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, May 31st, 1781, -..--- 32
Declaration of Dort, approving tlie proposition of Amsterdam to adopt measures of defence. — Note of the Deputies of Haerlem, complaining of the silence of the States of Holland in regard to the proposition of Amsterdam. To the President of the Assembly of the States- General. Amsterdam, June 1st, 1781, - 34
Informing him of the final ratification of the con- federation by the Thirteen United States, and re- questing him to communicate it to their High Mightinesses.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 5th, 1781, - - - - - - - 35
Declaration of the Deputies of Middleburg in the States of Zealand, approving the proposed in- crease of bounty to those engaged in the naval service, and recommending measures to increase the activity of the States-General in preparing means of defence. — The States of Zealand recom- mend to the States-General tlie erection of bat- teries on the coast, and also resol-ve to raise a loan. To M. Berenger, Secretary of the French Embassy at the Hague. Amsterdam, June 8th, 1781, - 37 Requests to be informed why his presence is re- quired at Paris by the Count de Vergennes.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June
11th, 1781, 39
Petition of the inhabitants of Antwerp, urging the
CONTENTS. VU
Page, opening of the Scheldt. — Remarks ot'M. Cerisier on the petition ; true causes of the decUne of the Austrian Low Countries, and of the prosperity of the Dutch Provinces ; absurdity of the preten- sions of tlie Austrian Provinces to the free nav- igation of the Scheldt ; the other powers would op- pose the measure.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June
12th, 1781, 49
Petition of the Deputies of Dort, Haerlem, Amster- dam, and Rotterdam, to the States of Holland and West Friesland, with a petition of the same to the States-General, praying for protection of the com- merce to Surinam.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June
I5th, 1781, __ - - - - 59
Arrival at the Hague of a courier from St Peters- burg, supposed to bring despatches denying as- sistance from the armed neutrality. — Probable consequences. — Obstacles to an alliance between Holland and France.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 23d, 1781, 60
Answer of Russia above referred to. — Remarks of Mr Adams on the answer. — America must not look to European negotiations for safety. To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June
23d, 1781, • 63
Advice of the Deputies of Zieriksee to the States of Zealand, complaining of the inactivity of the government.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 26th, 1781, _-.--- 67
The Emperor takes measures to revive commerce in the Austrian Low Countries ; grants privileges to Nieuport ; advantages of that city for foreign and domestic trade. — Great quantities of British manufactures are introduced into America in neu- tral bottoms and by clandestine channels. To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 26th, 178T, 69
The Regency of Amsterdam in an interview with the Stadtholder, charge the Duke of Brunswick with hostility to the welfare of the country, and devotion to the interests of England, and demand his dismission.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June
27th, 1781, - ''^
Major Jackson's services in the purchasing and ship- ping of goods for the United States.
Vili CONXKNTS.
Pag*
To the iTesident of Congress. Amsterdam, June 29th, 1781, 76
The Duke of Brunswick's reply to the memorial of Amsterdam.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July
0th, 17S1, 83
Speech of the Stadtholder to the States-General on the subject of naval and military preparations. — Letter from the same to the Provincial States, on the same subject, recommending augmentations of the land and sea forces for the purpose of ex- tending the protection of convoy to all vessels whatsoever. — Answer of the States-General to the proposition of the Stadtholder abovementioned.
To the Count de Vergennes. Versailles, July 7th,
1781, ------- 92
Informing him of his arrival, and requesting an interview. — The Count refers him to M. de Ray- neval. — Conversation with M. de Rayneval on the proposition of the mediation of Russia and Austria.
M. Ja Rayneval to John Adams. Versailles, July 9lh, 1781, ------- 93
Appointing a time for an interview with Count de Vergennes.
To M. de Rayneval. Pari.s, July 9th, 17SI, - 94
Interview with Count de Vergennes.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 7lh, 1781, - - - - - - - 94
Report of a Committee on the Duke of Brunswick's reply to the Amsterdam memorial, declaring that there appears no ground for the charges made against him.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 7th, 1781, - 96
Representations of the French Minister at Peters- burg, complaining of the violation of the princi- ples of the convention of neutrality, by the Eng- lish.— Mr Dana leaves Amsterdam for Petersburg.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July
lOth, 1781, 97
The Duke of Brunswick requests a more formal ex- amination of the charges made against him. — The request referred by the States-General to the Provincial States.
To the President ot Congress. Paris, July Uth,
• 1781, 98
Proposition of the mediation of Austria and Rus- sia between the European belligere: t*, the Amer- icans being left to treat separately. T'lS t^-o pre-
CONTENTS. IX
Page, liminaries on condition of which England pro- poses the mediation ; a rupture of France with America, and the return of the latter to obedience.
To the Count deVergennes. Paris, July 13th, 1781, 102
Enclosing his remarks on the proposed articles of a basis for the negotiations.
To the President of Congress. Paris, July 15th,
1781, .------ 107
Thinks there is no objection to sending a Minister of the United States to the proposed Congress at Vienna, without a previous acknowledgment of their independence. — Little prospect of obtaining anything by negotiation- without successes in America, and the expulsion of the English from the United States.
To the Count deVergennes. Paris, July 16th, 1781, 109
Further remarks on the proposed basis of negotia- tion.— The imperial Courts have omitted the two preliminaries of the British Court, to which the latter will probably adhere. — The English policy is to amuse the powers with a pretended desire for peace. — No objection to the presence of a Minis- ter of the United States at Vienna without a previous acknowledgment of independence.— His instructions forbid him to agree to the armistice or statu quo.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July
17ih, 1781, 112
Memorial of Amsterdam against the Duke of Bruns- wick.
Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, July 1 8th, 1781, - - - - • - 124
The United States cannot appear in the proposed negotiation until certain preliminaries are settled.
To the Count deVergennes. Paris, July ISth, 1781, 125
Feels little disposed to engage in the proposed nego- tiations.— An American Minister ought not to appear at Vienna, unless the propositions of the Imperial Courts are communicated to Congress.
To the Count deVergennes. Paris, July 19th, 1781, 127
An American Minister at Vienna, must be re- ceived as Minister Plenipotentiary from tiie Unit- ed States, and by his commission can only treat with Ministers vested with equal powers, which would be a virtual acknowledgment of indepen- dence.— Object.s to the expression "American Colonies" in the articles.— The United States can never "consent to appear as subjects of Great Britain, nor allow their sovereignty to be called in question by any Congress of Ministers.— No such Congress has ever ventured to interfere in VOL. VI. B
CONTENTS.
the domestic concerns of any power, or to aid a sovereign in reducing his rebellious subjects.
To tlie Count de Vergemies. Paris, July 21st, 1781, 133
A proposition has been made, that each State of the Union should send an agent to Vienna. — The States have no authority to negotiate with for- eign powers. To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 21st, 17S1, - - - - - - 135
Sentiments of the Quarter of Westergo in regard to the Amsterdam Memorial against the Duke of Brunswick.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Au- gust 3d, 17S1, ------ 137
Extract from the King's speech at the prorogation of Parliament ; the English Court will probably insist on their two preliminaries, as conditions of accepting the Imperial mediation. — Indications of the Emperor's favorable disposition towards America, while visiting the Low Countries. — Expressed a desire to meet Mr Adams incog.
B.Franklin to John Adams. Passy, Aug. 6th, 17S1, 140
Relative to Mr Adams's accounts. — The Ministers will no longer be paid from the supplies furnished by the French Court.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Au- gust 6ih, 1781, ... - - - 141 Courier from Petersburg to the English Court, sup- posed to bear representations concerning the war against Holland. — The answer of England to the proposed preliminaries arrives in Russia ; purport unknown. To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Au- gust 6ih, 178 1, - - - - - - 142
Quotes a paragraph from a London paper, stating that Messrs Curson and Gouverneur are to be tried for high treason. — Mr Adams's connexion with them.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Au- gust 8th, 1781, - - - - - - 144
The Dutch privateers are permitted to co-operate with the American in any joint enterprise. — This amounts to a virtual acknowledgment of the in- dependence of America. To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Au- gust 16th, 1781, 145
Mr Temple, his character, services, and sufferings. To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Au-
gu,st 16th, 1781, . - - . - 147
Offer of the mediation of the two Imperial Courts, made to the Dutcli Ambassador at Petersburg.
CONTENTS.
To the President of Congress. Ainslerdam, Au- gust 18th, 17S1, 149
Admiral Parker's account of his action with Admiral Zoutman. To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Au- gust 22d, 1781, ------ 150
Favorable influence of Amsterdam in animating the Dutch. To the President of Congress; Amsterdam. Au- gust 22d, 1781, - - - - - 152
Gradual progress of events in Holland. — The decla- ration of the Stadtholder, that the vessels which did not join the squadron of the Texel were de- tained by the winds, and not by counter orders. — The Princes letter of thanks to the crews of Ad- miral Zoutman's vessels. To B.Franklin. Amsterdam, Aug. 25th, 1781, - 156
Acknowledges the receipt of his new commission. — Proceedings under his former commission. — Spec- ulations on the policy of the Courts at the proposed Congress.
James Lovell to John Adams. Philadelphia, Sep- tember 1st, 1781, 159
Enclosing instructions from Congress. To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Oct. 4th, 1781, - 160
His correspondence has been interrupted by sick- ness.— Expresses his satisfaction with the new commission. — Recommends the official communi- cation of it to Count de Vergennes, and some in- timation of it in the French journals. To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Octo- ber 15th, 1781, ------ 161
Loss of his despatches. — Difficulty of safe transmis- sion.— Recent interruption by sickness.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Oc- tober ISth, 1781, 163
The English will not treat with America at pres- ent.— Has been unsuccessful in his attempts to obtain a loan. — It is held out to the public as full. — Uncertainty and delays of Dutch politics. — Views of the English party in Holland. — Obsta- cles to their success. — Thinks his remaining lon- ger in Europe unnecessary. To the President of Congress. Amsl'jrdam, Oc- tober 17th, 1781, 169
Excitement in Holland. — Placard of the States of Utrecht, offering a reward for the discovery of the author of a seditious pamphlet "To the Pt'ople of the Low Countries."
XII CONTENTS.
Page.
To ilie President ot Congress. Amsterdam, Oc- tober ISih, 1781, - - - - - 172 Various petitions from the commercial interest in Holland to the States- General ; from certain fish- eries ; from the merchants of Amsterdam, pray- ing indemnification for the loss occasioned by the delay of the convoy ; from the merchants of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, trading to the Le- vant ; from the proprietors of plantations in Sur- inam and Curacao ; from the East India Com- pany, praying assistance.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadel- phia, October 23d, 1781, - - - - 17S Informing Mr Adams of his appointment as Secre- tary of Foreign Affairs. — Requests information. — Surrender of Lord Cornwallis.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Oc- tober 25th, 1781, 182
Placard of Holland against the pamphlet '-To the People of the Low Countries." — Progress of de- mocratical principles in Europe, caused by the American war.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, No- vember 1st, 1781, 187
Debates in the States of Guelderland relative to an alliance with France and America. — The Baron Van der Cappellen in favor of acknowledging the independence of America.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadel- phia, November 20th, 1781, - - - - 188 Requesting information of the parties in Holland. — Has received indirect information that Mr Adams has presented his credentials to the States-General and printed his memorial. — Advises him to con- duct as a private individual.
To the Due de la Vauguyon, Ambassador of France at the Hague. Amsterdam, Nov. 24th, 1781, - 192
Requesting an interview with him for the purpose of communicating despatclies from Congress. Account of the interview.
Resolves of Congress, comprising the Instructions to John Adams. In Congress, Aug. I6th, 1781, - 194
Instructions to Mr Adams, respecting a Treaty of Alliance with the United Provinces- — Commis- sion to the same for the same object. To the Due de la Vauguyon. Amsterdam, Novem- ber 25th, 1781, 197
Communicating the instructions and commission above given. — Manner of proceeding in compli- ance therewith.
CONTENTS. Xiii
Page^
To John Jay, American Minister at Madrid. Am- •sterdarn, November 26tli, 17S1, - _ _ igt)
Communicating his new instructions, and desiring to open a correspondence with Mr Jay. — The Dutch are well disposed, but cautious.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Nov. 26th, 1781, 200
His instructions have probably arrived in season to prevent a separate peace between Holland and England. — Capture of Cornwallis. — Co-operation of Spain and Holland with France and America, would quickly reduce England to submit.
To John Jay. Amsterdam, Nov. 28th, 17S1, - 201
The late successes in America have produced a great impression in Europe. — Prospect of a triple alli- ance.— General Greene's successes in the South have delivered Georgia and South Carolina.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, De- cember 4th, 1781, - - , . _ 203
Effect of the late successes in America. — General desire in Holland for the triple alliance. — Remits money to Mr Laurens in the Tower. — Has re- ceived intimations that the English are secretly supplied with masts from the United States. — The Continental goods, left in Holland by Commodore Gillon detained for freight and damages.
The Due de la Vanguyon to John Adams. The Hague, December 7th, 1781, - - - 205
Waits for orders in regard to the proposed neo-otia- tions in Holland. To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, De- cember 1 3th, 1781, 206
Answer of Lord Stormont to M. Simolin, accepting the mediation of Russia, in negotiating a peace between England and Holland.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, De- cember 14th, 1781, 209
The proposition of the Quarter of Oostergo to the States of Friesland, urging the acknowledgment of the independence of the United States.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, De- cember 18th, 1781, 212
Interview with the Due de la Vauguyon, who recommends a visit to the Hague, and after- ward to the Regencies ol' the several cities.
To the Due de la Vauguyon. The Hague, De- cember 19th, 1781, - - - . - 214
Requests to know if the Spanisli Ambassador lias instructions to enter into a treaty with Holland. — Is in favor of communicating the project of a triple
XIV CONTENTS.
Page.
or quadruple ylliance to some confidential mem- bers of the States. — The mediation of Russia is only a pretence of England, to prevent Holland from joining the other belligerents.
The Due de la Vaugtiyon to John Adams. The Hague, December 20th, 1781, - - - 216 Desires to see Mr Adams.
To the President of Congress. Amsierdam, De- cember 25th, 1781, - - - - - 210
Ulterior declaration of Prussia concernino- the navi- gation of Prussian subjects.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, De- cember 25th, 1781, 220
Lord Stormont's answer to the Swedish Envoy, de- clining the mediation of Sweden, and accepting that of Russia. Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadel- phia, December 26tl), 1781, - - - 223
Military operations in the United States. — Encloses resolutions of Congress, relating to captures and recaptures, and prohibiting all commerce in Brit- ish manufactures. — Requests information from Mr Adams. To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, De- cember 29th, 1781, 226
Containing the act of accession to the armed neu- trality on the part of Austria, with the note of the Imperial Minister to their Hjgh Mightinesses. — Strength of the armed neutrality, if conducted wisely and honestly. The Due de la Vaugnyon to John Adams. Ver- sailles, December 30th, 1731, - - - 230 Count de Vergennes approves of Mr Adams's pro- posed visit to members of government, on the sub- ject of his memorial, but advises that nothing be done in writing.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadel- phia, January 9th, 1782, - - - - 231
Military affairs. — The Marquis de Bouillo. — Contrast of the conduct of the English and French in America. To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Jan- uary 14th, 1782, 233
Interview with the President of their High Mighti- nesses, in which Mr Adams demands a categorical answer to his former request of an audience of the States — Visit to the Secretary of the States on the same subject, who assures him that his re- quest had been taken ad referendum. — Similar
CONTENTS. XV
Page- visits to the Deputies of all the cities. — Consti- tutions of the municipal governments in Holland. — The nation favors the triple alliance ; the policy of the rulers is to propose the mediation of Rus- sia and the triple alliance at the same time.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Jan- uary 15th, 1782, 23a
Transmitting the note of the Russian Ambassador, proposing to the States that the neutral powers provide their Ministers at the belligerent Courts with full powers, in regard to aiFairs arising under the convention of neutrality.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, Jan- uary 16th, 1782, 240
Memorial from the Swedish Envoy at London to Lord Stormont, offering the mediation of Swe- den in negotiating a peace between Holland and England. — The English Court complains of the refusal of a Swedish captain to allow vessels un- der his convoy to be visited. — The Swedish Court approves the measure. — The same principle ap- proved by Russia. — The Russian Ministers at the ijelligerent Courts are instructed, in similar cases, to make immediate demands of reparation from the offending party.
To Robert R. Livingston, Secretary of Foreign Af- fairs. Amsterdam, February 14th, 1782, - 244
Congratulates Mr I^ivingston on his appointment. — State of affairs in Holland. — Diihcult for an American Minister to communicate with the Min- isters of other powers. — Mr Barclay purchases goods for the United States in Holland. — British manufactures bought without the knowledge of Mr Adams. To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February
19th, 1782, - 248
The English will not be easily discouraged by the successes of the Americans. — Complicated state of parties in Holland. — Inclinations of the Stadt- holder in favor of England. — Parties on subjects of domestic policy. — Justification of tiie presenta- tion of his credentials. — Motives for printing his memorial. — Conducts himself as a private individ- ual.— The States have accepted the mediation of Piussia. — Policy of France in relation to Holland and Spain. To Robert R. Living.slon. Amsterdam, February
21st, 1782, - - - - - - 2n5
Unable to understand the cypher. — Recapitulation of events in Holland before the presentation of his memorial. — Great change produced by that paper.
XVI C0NTKNT3.
Page. — \t has obtained universal approbation in Eu- rope.— Mr Adams's proposition to the Due de la Vauguyon, produced the offer from France to Congress to assist in effecting a treaty between Holland and the United States. — Influence of the memorial on the policy and late measures of the Emperor. — Other effects of the memorial. — Con- versation v\dlh the Due de la Vauguyon on the subject, previous to its presentation.
To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February 27th, 17S2, 2G7
The Province of Friesland acknowledges the inde- pendence of the United States. — Holland will not probably enter into an alliance with the bellitve- rents. — Buys a house at the Hague on the public account.
The Due de la Vauguyon to John Adams. The Hague, March 4th, 1782, - - - . 2G9
Objects to a proposition of Mr Adams as impolitic.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Phihidel-
phia, March 5th, 1782, - - - - 270
Holland can gain no advantage by a peace with England. — Requests information on the naval force ; the public men and their sentiments in Holland. — Recommends frequent visits to the Hague. — Military operations in America. — Pros- perous state of the country. — Lord Cornwallis.
To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 10th,
1782, 275
Resolution of the House of Commons, that an ofi'en- sive war in America against the sense of the House would be highly criminal. — Other indica- tions of a disposition for peace. — Causes of this state of feeling. — Probable policy of the British Cabinet.
To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 1 Ith,
1782, 277
Transmitting the Resolution of Friesland, instruct- ing the Deputies in the States-General to receive Mr Adams in his official capacity. — Causes of the change of sentiments on this point in the Regen- cy of Amsterdam. — Character and influence of Friesland. To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 19th,
1782, 280
Proceedings of the county of Zutphen, on the sub- ject of the official reception of Mr Adams. — Peti- tion of the merchants and manufacturers of J^ey- den to the grand council of the city, represent- ing the languishing condition of their manufac- tures, and urging a treaty with America as a
CONTENTS. XVU
Page, means of reviving them. — Petition of the mer- chants and manufacturers of Amsterdam to the States- General, urging the speedy acknowledg- ment of American independence. — Petition of the same to the Regency of the city, soliciting the Re- gency to exert itself in obtaining an immediate decision of the States of the Province in favor of America. — Petition of the commercial interest of Rotterdam to the Regency of the city, praying them to insist on a speedy decision in favor of a treaty with the United States, by the Sutes of the Province. — Petition of the merchants and manu- facturers of Holland and West Friesland to the States of the Province, for the adoption of meas- ures in the States-General, and for securing the commerce of America. — Resolution of the States of Holland and West Friesland, to insist on the immediate reception of Mr Adams by the States- General. — Petition of Zwoll. — Addresses of thanks ftom the citizens of Amsterdam ; from the com- mercial interest of Leyden ; and from that of Utrecht, to the States of the Province, for their abovementioned Resolution.
To Peter Van Bleiswick, Grand Pensionary of Hol- land. Amsterdam, March 31st, 1782, - - 328
Mr Adams acknowledges the Resolution of the States of Holland and West Friesland, recom- mending his official reception by the Generality.
To the Due de la Vaugiiyon. Amsterdam, April
10th, 1782, 329
Lord Shelburne is not satisfied with the communi- cation of all subjects discussed, to the allies of America. — Holland will not probably treat sepa- rately with England.
To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, April 19th,
1782, - - - - .- . - - 330
Resolutions of the respective Provinces in favor of the reception of Mr Adams, in his official capac- ity.— Resolutions of the States-General, acknowl- edging Mr Adams as Minister of the United States.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 22d,
1782, 339
Presentation to the Prince of Orange. To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 23d, 1782, - - - - - - - 341
In a conference with the President of the States- General, he proposes a treaty of amity and com- merce on the principle of reciprocity. Presents a plan of a treaty to the committee of the States, appointed to treat. VOL. VI. C
XVIll CONTENTS.
Page.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 23ci, 1782, - - 342
Is introduced to the foreign Ministers at a dinner made in honor of the United States by the French Ambassador. — Receives visits in a private charac- ter from the Spanish Minister.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, May 2d, 1782, - 344
Considers it doubtful whether he shall be present at the negotiations in Paris. — Difficulties in regard to the loan.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, May 16th,
1782, ----... 346
Mr Adams removes to the Hague. — Great obstacles, that have bet-n surmounted in Holland. — Diffi- culties in the way of a loan. — Recommends to the attention of Congress Messrs Dumas, Thax- ter, Jennings, and Cerisier.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadel- phia, May 22d, 1782, - - - - 351
The change of Ministry and measures in England will have no effect on the determination of Amer- ica.— Congress refuses General Carleton's re- quest of a passport for his Secretary. — The sala- ries of the Ministers will be paid quarterly in America. Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadel- phia, May 29th, 1782, - - - - 353
Complains of not receiving answers to his commu- nications.— The policy of England to separate France and America. Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadel- phia, May 30th, 1782, 354
Acknowledges the receipt of several letters. — Trans- mits a new cypher — Victory of Admiral Rodney.
To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, June 9th,
1782, 356
Report of the Admiralty on the plan of a treaty of commerce, taken ad referendum by the Provinces. — Has opened a loan, but with little prospect of success. — Holland will not treat separately with England. — Mr Laurens declines serving in the commission for peace.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, June 14th, 1782, 358
Answer of France to the request of -Russia, not to oppose a separate peace between Holland and England. To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, June 15th,
1782, 360
Conference with the Grand Pensionary on the plan
363
565
CONTENTS. XIX
Page, of a treaty of commerce.— Mr Adams proposes the sending to the United States an Ambassador and Consuls on the part of Holland.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Piiiladel- phia, July 4th, 1782, 361
Recommends great precision in the terms of the treaty -with Holland. — Importance of securing the West India trade. — Securities of a loan to the United States. — Value of American commerce.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 5th, 1782,
Desires the ratification by Congress of his contract for a loan. — Terms of the loan.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 5th, 1782, -------
Address of the merchants of Schiedam to Con- gress.
To John Jay. The Hague, August 10th, 1782, - 369
Impolitic for the three American jVIinisters to ap- penr together at Paris, unless to meet an English Minister with full powers to treat with the United States as an independent nation.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, August
18th, I7S2, ------ 371
M. Brantzen appointed Minister of Holland to nego- tiate a treaty of peace. — The States of Holland and West Friesland approve the project of a treaty of commerce. — Instructions of the States-General to their Ministers for negotiating a peace at Paris.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, August
22d, 1782, - 376
The States- General have received their instructions relative to the treaty of commerce from all the Provinces.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadel- phia, August 29ih, 1782, - - - - 376
Complains of the infrequency and delay of despatches from Mr Adams. — Importance of the trade to the West Indies. — Evacuation of Charleston.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 4th, 1782, - - 380
Sketches of the prominent characters in Holland. — The Due de la Vauguyon. — Sketches of the for- eign Ministers at the Hague.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, Septem- ber 6th, 1782, - - - - - - 394
State of the connexion between France and Hol- land.— Policy of France toward the United Slates. Influence of the memorial of Mr Adauio to the
XX CONTENTS.
Page.
States-General. — The Count de Vergennes op- poses the proposition of the triple alliance. — Thfe American Ministers in Europe ought not to be subject to the control of the French Court.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, Septem- ber 7th, 1782, 401
Enclosing his accounts.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadel- phia, September 15th, 1782, _ _ _ 404
Enclosing certain financial resolutions of Congress. — Recommends the use of English language by the American Ministers. — M. Dumas.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, Septem- ber 17th, 1782, ------ 407
Conference with the Secretary of the States- Gen- eral for correcting tlie treaty of commerce. — Con- versation with the French Ambassador on the Dutch naval forces. Extracts from the Records of the Resolutions of their High JMightinesscs the States-General of the United Netherlands, - - ' - - - 410 Authorising the Deputies for Foreign Affairs to con- clude and sign the treaty of commerce, and the convention on the subject of recaptures, with Mr Adams.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, Septem- ber 17th, 1782, 412
Probability of the continuance of the armed neutral- ity.— The acknowledgment of American Inde- pendence is not a violation of its principles. — Jealousies of some powers against the House of Bourbon.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 23d, 1782, 416
Conversation with the Spanish Minister. — English, Dutch, Spanish, and American Ministers at Paris, without any appearance of a sincere desire to treat on the part of England. — Visit to the Due de la Vauguyon. — The Duke instructed to propose the concert of the Dutch naval forces with the French, in intercepting the English West India fleet.
A Memorial concerning the Bank of Amsterdam, - 419
Giving an account of its funds, mode of transacting business, &c. Note on the above, correcting a statement.
To M. de Lafayette. The Hague, Sept. 29th, 1782, 429
Slate of American aifairs in Holland. — Conduct of the different foreign Ministers towards Mr Adams
CONTENTS. XXI
Page.
To John Jay. The Hague, October 7ih, 1782, - 431
Causes which delay his going to Paris.
To Robert R. Livingston. . The Hague, October 8th, 1782, - . - - - ^ 7 - 432
The treaty of commerce, and the convention con- cerning recaptures executed. — Remarks on some of the clauses, and some rejected articles.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, October
12th, 1782, - - - - - - 435
Preparing to set out for Paris.
To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Oct. 31st, 1782, 436
Arrival in Paris. — Conference with Mr Jay. — Differ- ence of opinion as to the true sense of the instruc- tions to the Ministers, requiring them to act only with the consent of the French Ministry. — Con- tested points. — Visits the Dutch Minister, who in- forms him that little progress has been made in the negotiations between Holland and England. — M. Rayneval's visit to England.
To Robert R. "Livingston. Paris, Nov. 6th, 1782, 439
Mr Jay and Mr Adams have declined treating with- out a previous acknowledgment of independence. — Information from Holland reaches America by the way of France, before it can be transmitted directly. — The affairs of the Foreign Department ought "to be kept secret from France. — Character of the English agents for negotiating the peace. — Real disposition of Lord Shelburne. — Have agreed on boundaries, and the payment of British debts due before the war. — Indemnification of tories and Eastern boundary, points of dispute. — Secret influence of France. — Negotiations at Versailles secret. — The Dutch Ambassador suspects the sin- cerity of the English. — Mr Oswald proposes that the British army should be allowed to evacuate New York unmolested.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadel- phia, November 6th, 1782, - - - - 445
Mihtary operations have ceased. — Mr Fitzherbert's commission.
To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. Slh, 1782, 447
Importance of insisting upon points of etiquette. — Thinks the instructions to communicate every- thing to the French Minister is not to be under- stood literally. — Good effects which have been produced by disobeying them. — Submission of Dr Franklin.
To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 1 1th, 1782, 451
Conversation with Count de Vergennes on the con- troverted points. Eastern boundary, compensation to tories. — Suspicions of the motives of France. —
XXII CONTENTS.
Paare.
All points should be definitively settled, so as to leave America totally unconnected with any Eu- ropean power.
Robert K. Livingston to John Adams. Philadel- phia, November 18th, 1782, - - _ _ 457
Mr Jefferson added to the commission. — The resig- nation of Mr Laurens not accepted by Congress. — Affair of Captain Asgill.
To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 1 8th, 1782, 459
Embarrassments occasioned by the instruction to communicate on all matters with the French Min- isters.
To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 24ih, 1782, 462
Speculations on the probable disposition of the Brit- ish Cabinet, in case of change. — The acknowl- edgment of independence still leaves room for disputes on other points.
To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Dec. 4th, 1782, 464
Transmits the preliminary treaty. — Desires to re- sign his commission in Holland. — Recommends Mr Laurens as his successor. Extracts from a Journal, - - - _ _ 4^5
Propositions in regard to the Northern and Eastern boundaries.— Mr Adams observes, that the ques- tions of compensation to the tories, and of allow- ing the claims of British creditors are different in principle.— Mr Jay refuses to treat with the Spanish Minister without e-xchan^ing powers. — Mr Jay's refusal to treat with the British, without a previous acknowledgment of independence. — Mr Jay thinks the French Court oppose the claims of the American Ministers. — Visit to Count de Vergennes. — Conversation with Mr Whiteford on the policy of France.— Mr Adams called the Washington of the negotiation. — Conversation with Mr Oswald relative to the compensation of the tories. — Conversation with Mr Vaughan on the same subject. — Conversation with M. de La- fayette on the subject of a loan. — Danger to Amer- ica from European politics. — Mr Strachey returns from London with the adhesion of the Cabinet to the compensation of the tories. — The fisheries. — Consultation of the American Ministers. — Mr Fitzherbert's negotiations concerning the fisher- ies.— Mr Adams proposes an article relative to the right of fishing and curing fish. — Discus- ri-n of the article. — The American Ministers propose restoration of all goods carried off or de- stroyed in America, if the compensation is in- sisted on. — The English Ministers assent to the American ultimatum respecting the fishery and the tories. — P^inal meeting — Mr Laurens proposes
CONTENTS. XXIII
an article, that the English should carry off no American property. — Reflections on the negotia- tion.— State of the Dutch negotiations. — '-Letters of a distinguished American," by Mr Adams. — Conversation with Mr Oswald on the true policy of England toward America. — :Dr Franklin desires to enter upon the negotiation of the definitive treaty. — Mr Adams and Mr Jay prepare the joint letter to Congress.
THE
CORRESPONDENCE
OF
JOHN ADAMS,
ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS TO FRANCE, MINISTER
PLENIPOTENTIARY TO HOLLAND, AND ONE OF THE
COMMISSIONERS FOR NEGOTIATING THE
TREATY OF PEACE,
VOL. VI.
CORRESPONDENCE
JOHN ADAMS.
CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, May 16th, 1781.
Sir,
There has been much said in the public papers con- cerning conferences for peace, concerning the mediation, of the Emperor of Germany and the Empress of Russia, Sic. &£C. he.
1 have never troubled Congress with these reports, be- cause I have never received any official information or intimation of any such negotiation, either from England or France, or any other way. If any such negotiation has been going on, it has been carefully concealed from me. Perhaps something has been expected from the United States, which was not expected from me. For my own part, I know from so long experience, at the first glance of reflection, the real designs of the English government, that it is no vanity to say they cannot deceive me, if they can the Cabinets of Europe. I have fully known, that all their pretensions about peace were insidious, and therefore
4 JOHiN ADAMS.
have paid no other attention to them, than to pity the na- tions of Europe, who, having not yet experience enough of Britisli mancBuvres, are still imposed on to their own danger, disgrace, and damage. The British JMinistry are exhausting all the resources of their subtility, if not of their treasures, to excite jealousies and diversions among the neutral, as well as belligerent powers. The same arts precisely, that they liave practised so many years to se- duce, deceive, and divide America, they are now exert- ing among the powers of Europe ; but the voice of God and man is too decidedly against them to permit them much success.
As to a loan of monlsy in this Republic, after havinsi tried every expedient and made every proposition, that I could be justified or excused for making, I am in abso- lute despair of obtainijig any, until the States-General shall have acknowledged our independence. The bills already accepted by me are paying oft' as they become due, by the orders of his Excellency Dr Franklin ; but he desires^ me to represent to Congress the danger and incon- venience of drawing before Congress have information that their bills can be honored. I must entreat Congress not to draw upon me, until they know 1 have money. At present. I have none, not even for my subsistence, but what 1 derive from Paris.
The true cause of the obstruction of our credit here is fear, which can never be removed but by the States-Gen- eral acknowledging our independence ; which, perhaps, in the course of twelve months they may do, but I do not ex- pect it sooner. This country is indeed in a melancholy situation, sunk in ease, devoted to the pursuits of gain, overshadowed on all sides by more powerful neighbors,
DIPLOiMATlC CORRESPONDENCE. s
u
unanimated by a love of military glory, or any aspiring spirit, feeling little enthusiasm for the public, terrified at the loss of an old friend, and equally terrified at the pros- pect of being obliged to form connexions with a new one ; incumbered with a complicated and perplexed constitution, divided among themselves in interest and sentiment, they seem afraid of everything. Success on the part of France, Spain, and especially of America, raises their spirits, and advances the good cause somewhat, but re- verses seem to sink them much more.
The war has occasioned such a stagnation of business, and thrown such numbers of people out of employment, that 1 think it is impossible things should remain long in the present insipid state. One system or another will be pur- sued ; one party or another will prevail ; much will depend on the events of the war. We have one security, and I fear but one, and that is the domineering character of the English, who will make peace with the Republic upon no other terms, than her joining them against all their ene- mies in the war, and this I think it is impossible she ever should do.
I have the honor to be, he.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF COKGKESS.
Amsterdam, May 21st, 1781. Sir,
On the 30th of April, tiie King of Prussia published the following ordinance, relative to the navigation and com- merce of his subjects, during the whole course of the pres- ent war between the maritime powers.
6 JOH.V ADAMS.
ORDINANCE OF PRUSSIA RELATIVE TO NAVIGATION.
"From the commencement of the maritime war, almost generally spread through the southern part of Europe, the King has applied himself with particular care to procure to those of his subjects who traffic by sea, or who engage in navigation, all the security possible, and to this end he has ' caused to be required of the belligerent powers to give exact orders to their vessels of war and privateers, to re- spect the Prussian flag, and to suffer peaceably to pass all the Prussian vessels, which should be loaded with mer- chandises, which, according to the law of nations, are re- puted lawful and not contraband, and not cause to them any damage or delay, and much less still to conduct them without necessity or right into foreign ports ; to which these powers have answered by assurances friendly and proper to make things easy in this regard. To attain still more certainly to this end, his Majesty has ordered his Ministers, residing near the belligerent powers, to interest themselves as much as possible, and by representations the most en- ergetic in favor of Prussian subjects, who trade at sea, and whose vessels might be taken, conducted into foreign ports, or as has often happened, pillaged even upon the high seas, and to insist on their speedy release, and that the processes at law, occasioned by their capture, should be decided without delay, and with the requisite impartiality. To the end, therefore, that the Ministers of the King may be in a condition to acquit themselves of these orders in this re- spect, it is necessary that the subjects of his Majesty, who find themselves in such a case, announce themselves, or by attorney, to the Envoy of the King, at the Court where the complaints ought to be carried, and that they may give
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 7
him information in detail of their subjects of complaint, that he may be able to support them there, where they be- long. They ought not, however, to repose themselves entirely on a similar intercession, but carry also their com- plaints themselves to the Admiralties, or Maritime Colleges of the country, where their vessel has been conducted, or in which they have caused him damage, support his com- plaints with requisite proofs, follow the judiciary order, and the different trials established in each country, and solicit and pursue with diligence their causes by advocates and attornies ; by means of which, it is to be hoped, that they will obtain a prompt and impartial decision ; in default of which, it shall be permitted to them to address them- selves to the Envoys of the King, to carry to each Court the complaints, which the case may require, and obtain the redress of it.
"But to secure still more the navigation of his subjects, the King has caused to be demanded by his Ministers, of her Majesty the Empress of Russia, and the two other Maritime Powers of the North, who, as is well known, have united to maintain the maritime neutrality, to be so good, as powers with whom the King has the satisfac- tion to live in the strictest union, as to order the com- manders of their vessels of war, to take the Prussian mer- chant vessels, which they may meet in their courses, iu their sight, and vi^ithin reach of their cannon, under their convoy and protection, in case they shall be attacked or molested by the vessels of war, or privateers, of the bel- ligerent powers. Her Majesty, the Empress of Russia, has assured the King, by ^ declaration written by her Min- istry, that she had not only given precise orders to the commanders of her vessels of war, to protect, against all
8 JOHiN ADAMS.
attacks and molestations, the vessels of Prussian merchants and navigators, that they may encounter in their course, as belonging to a power allied to Russia, and who observe exactly the rules of the maritime neutrality founded upon the law of nations, but that she would enjoin it also upon her Ministers at the Courts of the belligerent powers, that as often as the Envoys of the King of Prussia should have claims and complaints to carry to the Courts where they reside, relative to the hinderances occasioned to the mari- time commerce of the Prussian subjects, they should sup- port such complaints in the name of her Majesty, the Empress of Russia, by their good offices, and that she expected in return from his Majesty, the King, that he would equally furnish his Ministers to the belligerent pow- ers with instructions, conformable to the maritime conven- tion of the Powers of the North, with orders to accede by energetic representations to the complaints of the Ministers of the powers allied for the defence of the maritime neu- trality, in case they shall have certain satisfaction to de- mand for the subjects of their sovereigns.
"The King has accepted this friendly declaration of her Majesty, the Empress, with gratitude, and by a counter declaration, which is conformable to it, he has caused his Ministers to be instructed at foreign Courts. His Majesty has before, on occasion of another negotiation with the Court of Denmark, required his Danish Majesty to grant to Prussian merchant vessels the protection of his military marine, and has received the friendly assurances of it, that the Danish vessels of war should take under convoy and protection the Prussian merchant vessels, which should conform themselves to the treaties, which subsist between the Court of Denmark and the belligerent powers, with
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 9
relation to merchandises of contraband. The King has addressed the same demand to the Court of Sweden, and promised himself from the friendship of his Swedish Ma- jesty an answer as favorable as that of their Majesties, the Empress of Russia and the King of Denmark.
"We give notice of those arrangements to all the sub- jects of the King, who exercise navigation and maritime commerce, to the end that they and their captains of ves- sels and skippers may conform themselves to them, and in case they shall be attacked, molested, or taken by the ves- sels of war and privateers of tlie belligerent nations, address themselves to the Russian, Swedish, or Danish vessels of war, which may be found within their reach, demand their protection and assistance, and join themselves as much as possible to the fleets and convoys of these maritime powers of the north.
"But as the intention of his Majesty is simply to assure, by the beforementioned arrangements, the ]awi''ul maritime commerce of his subjects, and not to do any prejudice to the rights of the belligerent powers witii whom he is in perfect harmony, or to favor on illicit comn-.erce, which might be dangerous to them, ail the subjects of his Majesty who exercise navigation and maritime commerce, ought to conduct themselves in such a manner as to observe an ex- act neutrality, such as is founded on the law of nature, and . in the general laws of nations almost universally acknowl- edged. But the diflisrent treaties which several powers have concluded witii each other relative to maritime com- merce, occasioning a difference of law in this legard, it is principally to the known declaration which her Majesty, the Empress of Russia, caused to be presented the last year to the belligerent powers, and to the ordinance which
VOL. VI. 2
10 JOHN ADAiMS.
she caused to be addressed in consequence to her College of Commerce on the 8di of March, 1780, that the subjecti of the King will have to conform themselves with regard to their maritime commerce, the jiriuciples which are there announced being those which his INlajesty finds the most conformable to the law of nations, and to his in particular. It is in consequence ordained by the present edict to all the subjects of the King, who exercise navigation or maritime commerce,
"Article i. Not to take any part, under any pretence whatever, in the present war, and not to carry to any of the belligerent powers, under the Prussian flag, merchandises generally acknowledged to be prohibited and contraband, and which properly constitute warlike stores, as cannons, mortars, bombs, grenades, fusils, pistols, bullets, flints, matches, powder, saltpetre, sulphur, pikes, swords, and saddles. The subjects of the King ought to have on board their merchant vessels only so much of these articles as is necessary for their own use.
"Art. II. The subjects of the King may, on the con- trary, carry in Prussian vessels as well to belligerent as to neutral nations, all the merchandises which are not com- prehended in the preceding article, and which not properly belonging to warlike stores, are not prohibited, and particu- larly the productions of all the Provinces of the States of the King ; his Majesty promising himself from the equity and the friendship of the belligerent powers, that they will not permit their armed vessels to molest or take the Prus- sian vessels loaded with masts, timbei', pitch, corn, and other materials, which, without being warlike stores, may, nevertheless, in the sequel be converted into such stores, and which make the principal and almost the only object
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. H
of Prussian commerce. These powers are too just to re- quire that the commerce of a neutral nation should cease, or be entirely suspended on account of the war. After these principles, it is hoped that the belligerent powers will suffer freely to pass without seizure or confiscation, the lawful merchandises and cargoes of the Prussian subjects, which may be found on board the vessels of belligerent nations, as also the lawful cargoes and merchandises of bel- ligerent nations loaded in Prussian vessels, and in all these cases, his Majesty will interest himself eflectually in favor of his subjects trading by sea. It is, however, the part of prudence for these last to load as much as possible their merchandises and effects in Prussian vessels, and to trans- port them under the Prussian flag ; not to employ them- selves much in the coasting trade, but to apply themselves principally to a Prussian commerce without mixture, the better to avoid all accidents, misunderstandings, and diffi- culties.
Art. III. All the Prussian vessels which shall put to sea, ought to furnish themselves with passports and attes- tations of the Aduiiralties, Chambers of War, and tiie do- mains of each Proviiice, or of the magistrates of each city, as also with charter-parties, recognizances, and other certi- ficates of common usage, which ought to express the quality and the quantity of the cargo, the name of the proprietor, and of him to whom the merchandises are consigned, as well as the place of the destination. These sea-papers ought to be clear, and to contain no equivocation. They ought to be found on board every vessel, and they ought not, under any pretence whatsoever, to throw them into the sea. The captains of vessels and skippers wili take care above all, not to have in their vessels any sea-pnpers, double, eqnivo-
12 JOHN ADAMS.
cal, or t'albe, by vvliicii they would render theiDselves un- vvortliy of all proteclion.
"AuT. IV. Every Prussian vessel loaded in a foreign port, ought to furnish herself in the said port with sea-pa- pers necessary, and in the Ibrni used in the place where she loads, to the end to be able to prove everywhere of what nation she is, what is her cargo, from whence she coraes, and whither she goes.
"Art. v. There ought not to be found on board of Prussian vessels, neither officers of marine, nor persons employed in it of the belligerent nations, nor more than one third of the crew of those nations.
"Art. VI. It is forbidden to Prussian navigators to transport cargoes or merchandises of any sort whatever to places or ports besieged, blocked, or shut up closely by any one of the belligerent powers.
Art. VII. It is forbidden to Prussian navigators, or merchants, to lend their names to foreign nations, and they ought to exercise commerce in general in a manner con- formable to the rights and customs of nations, so that they commit no infringement of the rights of any of the belligerent powers, and that they may have no just subject of complaint.
"The subjects of the King who shall conform exactly to the present edict, may promise themselves on the part of his Majesty all possible protection and assistance, instead of which, those who may contravene it, ought not to expect it, but to attribute to themselves the dangers and damages, which they may draw upon themselves, by a conduct con- trary to this ordinance. Given at Berlin, the 30th of April, 1781.
"By express order of the King. HERTZBERG."
I have the lionor to be, &:c.
JOHN ADAMS.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 13
TO B. FUANKLIN.
Amsterdam, May 23d, 1781.
Sir,
I have the honor of youi- lettei" of the 19th with its en- closures, and I thank your Excellency for the pains you have taken to communicate the news from America, which I think can scarcely be called bad, though General Greene lost the field. I had before received and published in the Amsterdam Gazette the same accounts. The gazetteers are so earnest after American news, that I find it the short- est method of communicating the newspapers to all.
I have received from Congress their resolution of the 3d of January, 1781, to draw bills upon me in favor of Lee &£ Jones, at six months sight, for the full amount of the bal- ance due on the contract made with them for a quantity of clothing for the army. I have also a letter from Mv Gibson, of the treasury office, of January 28th, which in- forms me that the amount of Jones &; Lee's account is six- teen thousand two hundred and fortyfour pounds one shil- ling sterling.
I have just received from Gottenburg the enclosed letters, one to your Excellency and one to Mr Jay. I received both unsealed, with a direction to take copies. I have put my own seal upon that to your Excellency, and request the favor of you to put yours upon that to Mr Jay, and to con- vey it in the safest manner. It contains matter of great importance, which ought to be carefully concealed from every eye but yours and Mr Jay's ; for which reason I should be cautious of conveying it, even with the des- patches of the Spanish Ambassador, especially as thei'e are intimations in Mr Lovell's letter of too much curiosity with
14 JOHiN AUAMS.
regard to Mr Jay's desjiatches, and as Mr Jay himself complains that his letters are opened. I hope this instruc- tion will remove all the difficulties with Spain, whose acces- sion to the treaty would he of great service to the repu- tation of our cause in every part of Eurooe.
It seems to me of vast importance to us to obtain an acknowledgment of our independence from as many other Sovereigns as possible, before any conferences for peace shall be opened ; because, if that event should take place first, and the powers at war with Great Britain, their ar- mies, navies, and people weary of the war, and clamoring for peace, there is no knowing what hard conditions may be insisted on from us, nor into what embarrassments Brit- ish arts and obstinacy may plunge us.
By the tenth article of the Treaty of Alliance, the con- tracting parties agree to invite or admit other powers who may have received injuries from Great Britain, to accede to that treaty. If Russia and the northern powers, or any of them, should he involved in the w^ir in support of the Dutch, would it not be a proper opportunity for the execu- tion of this article ? Or, why would it not be proper now to invite the Dutch ?
I have the honor to enclose a memorial to their High Mightinesses. My mission is now a subject of deliberation among the Regencies of the several cities and the bodies of nobles who compose the sovereignly of this country. It is not probable that any determination will be had soon. They will probably confer with Russia, and the north- ern powers, about it first. Perhaps, if these come into the war, nothing will be done but in concert with them. But if these do not come into the war, this Republic, I think, in that case will readily accede to the Treatv of
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPOiNUElSCE. J 5
Alliance between France and America ; for all ideas of peace with England are false and delusive. England will make peace with the Dutch upon no other condition than their joining her in the war against all her enemies, which it is impossible for them to do, even if their inclinations were that way, which they are not. The public voice here is well decided against England.
I have the honor to be much of your Excellency's opin- ion respecting duties. I mentioned tobacco, to show what duties America was able to bear. Whatever sums a peo- ple are able to bear, in duties upon exports or imports upon the decencies, conveniences, or necessaries of life, they are undoubtedly able to raise by a dry tax upon polls and estates, provided it is equally proportioned. Nay more, because the expense of collecting and guarding against frauds is saved.
Our countrymen are getting right notions of revenue,
and whenever these shall become general, I think there can
be no difficulty in carrying on the war.
I have the honor to be, fee.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, May 24th, 1781.
Sir,
A proposition of very great consequence has been made in the Assembly of the States of Holland, by the city of Amsterdam. It is conceived in these words ;
"The gentlemen, the Deputies of the city of Amster- dam, have, by the express orders of the gentlemen their principals, represented in the Assembly, that the venerable
16 JOHN AUAMS.
magistrates had flattered themselves that they should see the effects of the efforts attempted for some time hy the Admiralties, to put to sea a quantity of vessels of war capa- ble of protecting the commerce and the navigation of the inhabitants of this State, or at least some branches of them j that the gentlemen, their principals, had had reason to be confirmed in their ex|)ectation, above all when they were informed that a number sufficiently considerable of vessels of war, provided with things necessary, were ready to put to sea, and that orders had been positively given upon this subject ; but, to their extreme astonishment they had learn- ed some time after, that the officers who commanded the said vessels, upon the point of executing the said orders, had given notice that the want of stores, provisions, and victuals put them out of a condition to obey the said orders, that the gentlemen, their constituents, having considered that not only this want of stores, &ic. ought not to have ex- isted, but that it might have been seasonably obviated ; they had been so struck with this unexpected delay in an affair, which they judged of the last importance for this country, especially on account of certain particular circum- stances, that they could not refrain from declaring freely, that they had lawful reasons to fear that such inactivity left little hope of seeing effected a protection which is of the last necessity for the commerce and navigation, (he total interruption of which cannot fail to occasion a great dearness, and to bring on very soon a most sensible scar- city, without speaking of the impossibility of striking blows to an enemy who has for five months attacked this State by an unjust war, and has already rendered himself master by surprise of a great number of rich vessels of war, and merchant ships, and of some of our distant possessions.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 17
"That the gentlemen, the principals, in virtue of these reasons, and of others not less pressing, have judged that they could not longer delay to lay before the eyes of the members of the Assembly of your Noble and Grand Mightinesses, in a manner the most pressing and the most lively, the terrible consequences, which this deplorable state of things makes them apprehend for their dear country. That the powers of the north, with whom the Republic is entered into alliance, and from whom she has sufficient reasons to expect succors, have marked more than once their astonishment at our inactivity, and at the affected tranquillity with whicli the Republic suffers all the insults of her enemy, without making the least preparation to repel them. That, from time to time, advices have come from our Ambassadors Extraordinary to the Court of Petersburg, that we had not to expect, neither from that Court, nor from her allies, succors, but in proportion to the efforts which the Republic should make on her part. That these things have appeared to the gentlemen, the principals, of so great importance, and of so extensive con- sequence, that it is more than time, that this sovereign As- sembly pass, as soon as possible, to a scrupulous examina- tion of the true causes of such inactivity ; that she cause to be given instructions, and an explanation of the state of defence of the country, relative to the necessary orders which she has given ; that she obtain information concern- ing the reasons of the extreme sloth and lukewarmness, with which they proceed to the protection of the country against an enemy tbrmidable, especially for his activity, and concerning the means which we may and ought to employ, to shut up the source of these evils, and make them disappear.
VOL. VI. 3
18 JOHN ADAMS.
"That the gentlemen, the constituents, have desired to put themselves out of the reach of all reproach from the inhabitants of this country, whose total ruin advances with rapid strides, and who, to this day, have not ceased to pour out with joy into the public treasury, the imposts and taxes, which we have imposed on them, demanding in re- turn, with the greatest justice, to be protected by the fathers of the country. To this end, and to ward off as much as it is in their power, the ruin of this Republic, formerly so flourishing and so respected by its neighbors, they have charged in the manner tlie most express their Deputies to these Stales to insist in the strongest manner, that we proceed to the beforementioned examination, and that on the part of this Province things be directed in the generality in such a manner, that we demand, as soon as possible, to enter into negotiation with the Court of France, which has not ceased to give us such numerous and shin- ing marks of her good will, and of her inclination to succor us against the common enemy, and has already shown us, by the effects, that her offers of service do not consist in vain words ; to deliberate with this Court concerning the manner in which it will be convenient and practicable to act, by communicating to each other the reciprocal plans of operation, which we may attempt during this summer.
"That at the same time, it is not expedient to neg- lect to instruct our Ministers at the Courts of Russia, Sweden, and Denmark, of the state of things in this coun- try, and of the means of defence, which the Republic puts in motion, with the express orders to make, without re- laxation, to the said Courts, pressing and redoubled in- stances to send us a large number of vessels of war well equipped, to which at least one of them has already shown
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 19
befself disposed ; representing to them, at the same time, in a pressing manner, the present necessity of sending us, conformably to the stipulations of the convention lately concluded and ratified, as soon as possible, the succors promised in the said convention.
"That, besides the propositions, which we have pointed out, and from the success of which the gentlemen, the constituents, promise themselves all sorts of advantages, the venerable magistrates are still in the opinion, that this State, although abandoned to itself, against all expectation and all hope, does not yet cease to have numerous and sufficient re- sources, not to consider its defence as absolutely desperate ; for it is very true, that after a long peace, the first alarm of a war, and of an unforeseen attack, may at first throw men's minds into terror, disorder, and consternation ; but it is not less true, that the riches and the resources of the nation in general, having received a considerable increase by the enjoyment of the fruits of this peace, the supreme government finds itself, by employing them in a useful and salutary manner, in a condition to make head for a long time against an enemy already exhausted by a long and expensive war, and to take so good measures, that we may force her to renew an honorable and advantageous peace.
"In fine, the gentlemen, the said constituents, are of opinion, that, to give a ready effect to the resolutions tend- ing to the said objects, and which may serve for the pro- tection of the State, and of its establishments in the other parts of the world, and to discuss the resolutions with all the secrecy requisite, there be formed by the Lords the States, a committee of some gentlemen of the respective Provinces, giving them the power and instructions necessary
20 •'<->H^'^ ADAMS.
to labor conjointly with his Highness, the Prince Heredi- tary Stadtholder, to contrive, prescribe, and put in execu- tion, all the measures, which shall appear the most proper and the most convenient, to the end that we may, under the benediction of God Almighty, repair die past, and wash out the shame and the dishonor, with which this Re- public is stained in the eyes of foreigners, and by a vigor- ous defence of the country, and of all which it holds most dear and precious, and to maintain it in the advantages of a liberty purchased so dear, against all further evils and calamities.
"Finally, die gentlemen, the said Deputies, find them- selves, moreover, expressly charged to cause to be laid in the records of Holland die said proposition for the apology and the discharge of the gentlemen, their constituents, and to insist in all the ways possible, that we take in this regard prompt resolutions, whereof we may see the effects ; in the view of accomplishipg their salutary designs, to pray in the manner the most earnest and pressing the other mem- bers to labor to obtain in favor of this proposition, the suf- frage of the gentlemen, their principals, to carry it into the approaching Assembly."
Thus ends this manly address, in which there is the appearance of the old Batavian spirit. In my excursions through the various parts of this country, 1 have found the eyes of all parties turned towards Amsterdam, and all true patriots said, that the salvation of this country depended upon the firmness of that city. There has indeed been in this city the appearance of feebleness and irresolution, but it has stood its ground. The presentation and publi- cation of my Memorial to the States-General, which was more universally and highly applauded than was expected
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDEINCE. 21
-by me or any one else, furnished the regency of the city an opportunity to discover the general sense of the public voice, and they have not failed to take an early advantage of it. They have not mentioned a treaty with America, the reason of which was, that this subject was already taken ad referendum, and under the consideration of the several branches of the sovereignty. They mention only a negotiation with France, knowing very well, that this would necessarily draw on the other ; so that things seem at present in a good train ; but a long time will necessarily be taken up, according to the constitution, and in the pre- sent disposition of this country, before anything can be done to effect.
I have the honor to be, &ic.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, May 25tli, 1781.
Sir, The following convention, concerning recaptures made from the English, is, it is hoped, the first step towards more intimate connexions between this Republic, on one side, and France and the United States of America on the other.
FRENCH AND DUTCH CONVENTION CONCERNING RECAP- TURES,
"The Lords the States-General, having judged, that it ^ould be of reciprocal utility to establish between France and the United Provinces of the Low Countries, uniform principles with relation to captures and recaptures, which their respective subjects might make upon those of Great
22 JOHN ADAMS.
liritain, their common enemy, ihey have proposed to the Most Christian King to agree with them on a regulation concerning this matter. His Most Christian Majesty, ani- mated with the same views, and desiring to consolidate more and more the good correspondence, which subsists between him and the United Provinces, has well received the overture of the Lords the States-General. In conse- quence, his said Most Christian Majesty, and the said Lords the States-General have given their full powers, to wit; His Most Christian Majesty to the Sieur Gravier, Count de Vergennes, &ic. his Counsellor of State of the Sword, his Counsellor in all his Councils, Commander of his Orders, Minister and Secretary of State, and of his commands and finances ; and the Lords the States-Gene- rtl to the Sieur de Berkenrode, their Ambassador to the Most Christian King, who, after having duly communicated their respective powers, have agreed on the following articles.
"Article i. The vessels of one of the two nations, French and Dutch, retaken by the privateers of the other, shall be restored to the first owner, if they have not been in the power of the enemy during the space of twenty four hours, at the charge of the said owner, to pay one third of the value of the vessel recaptured, as well as of her cargo, cannon, and apparel, which shall be estimated by agree- ment between the parties interested, and if they cannot agree among themselves, they shall apply to the ofiicers of the Admiralty of the place where the recaptor shall have conducted the vessel retaken.
"Art. II. If the vessel retaken has been in the power of the enemy more than tvventyfour hours, it shall belong entirely to the recaptor.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 23
"Art. III. In case a vessel shall have been retaken by a vessel of war belonging to the Most Christian King, or to the United Provinces, it shall be restored to the first proprietor, paying the thirtieth part of the value of the vessel, of the cargo, cannon, and apparel, if it has been retaken in twentyfour hours ; and the tenth, if it has been taken after the twentyfour hours; which sums shall be dis- tributed as a gratification to the crews of the vessels recap- tured. The estimation of the thirtieth and tenth, before- mentioned shall be regulated conformably to the tenor of the article first of the present Convention.
"Art. IV. The vessels of war and privateers of the one and the other of the two nations shall be admitted re- ciprocally both in Europe, and in the other parts of the world, in the respective ports with their prizes, which' may be there unloaded, and sold according to the formalities used in the State where the prize shall have been conduct- ed ; provided, nevertheless, that the lawfulness of the prizes made by the French vessels shall be decided con- formably to the laws and regulations established in France concerning this matter, in the same manner as that of prizes made by Dutch vessels shall be judged according to the laws and regulations established in the United Prov- inces.
"Art. v. Moreover, it shall be free t(^ His Most Christian Majesty, as well as to the Lords the States- General, to make such regulations as they shall judge good relative to the conduct, which their vessels and privateers respectively shall hold in regard to the vessels, which they shall have taken and carried into one of the ports of the two dominions.
"In faith of which, the aforesaid Plenipotentiaries of His
24 JOHN ADAMS.
Most Christian Majesty, and of the Lords the States-Gen- eral, in virtue of our powers respectively, have signed these presents, and have hereunto affixed the seal of our arms. Done at Versailles, the first of the month of May, 1781.
GRAVIER DE VERGENNES, LESTEVENON VAN BERKENRODE." I have the honor to he, he.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, May 27th, 1781.
Sir,
In the Assembly of the States-General, the following Report has lately been made.
"Messrs de Lynden de Hemmen, and other Deputies of their High Mightinesses for Maritime Affairs, have, in con- sequence of the commissorial Resolution of the 27th of the last month, examined a letter of the Directors named in the commission by the respective chambers of the granted general company of the Dutch East Indies, to the Assem- bly of Seventeen, held the 23d of the same month at Am- sterdam, representing the great inconveniences to which it would be exposed by the delay of the expedition of the vessels of the company, if it were not soon provided with the customary provisions, at least as much as in ordinary times, as well as the possibility that the enemy may attempt an attack in that country, upon which the Directors would be exposed to answer for it, having in the different cham- bers seven vessels ready to put to sea, with the hope that ere long this number will be still further augmented ; solic-
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 25
4ting to this end, a convenient number of vessels of war, to give a safe escort to the ships of the company, while the Directors on their parts will put all in motion to watch over the safety of their vessels ; wishing to this end to arm some of these vessels in an extraordinary manner, to the end that they may be able to oppose some resistance both for them- selves and for the others, scattered over the sea of the In- dies. That, nevertheless, if their High Mightinesses could not determine themselves to this, they, the Directors, hoped that they should not be responsible for the consequences which might result. That on the contrary, all the sharers in general, and their High Mightinesses in particular, would agree that in this the Directors have done all that could be required of persons to whom had been confided the direc- tion of the goods of so many widows and orphans, of per- sons who, under the immediate auspices of their High Mightinesses, had the honor to direct a Colony whose prosperity is essentially connected with that of this country. "Upon which, having demanded and received the con- siderations and the advice of the committees of the Col- leges of the respective Admiralties, which are at present here, we have reported to the Assembly, that the gentle- men, the Deputies, should be of opinion, diat notwithstand- ing the most ardent wishes to employ a sufficient number of vessels of war, not only for the defence of tlie ships but also that of the possessions of the company of the East Indies of this country, it would, however, be impracticable at this time, considering the present situation of the navy of this State, universally known, which could not appenr strange to any one instructed in the natural represe>.tations so often repealed from time to time by the Colleges of the Admiralty in this respect ; especially if he considers, that a
VOL. VI. 4
26 JOHN ADAMS.
navy, fallen into so great a decay, could not be rebuilt so suddenly, and placed so soon upon a respectable footing ; that, moreover, this navy already so enfeebled, was become still more so by the surprise and capture of different vessels of war, by casual disasters happened to others, and because the rest were dispersed into so many different places, that for the equipment projected for this year, there was want- ing a great quantity of vessels and frigates well equipped and provided, at least such as in the case in question could be used ; that besides the vessels ready to act, which are actually in the ports of the Republic, ought in the first place, and before all things, to serve for the defence of the coasts and harbors (or mouths of the rivers) as well as for the protection of the navigation towards the North Sea and the Baltic, and of the ships, which return from thence • that principally by reason of the unheard of scarcity of sea- men, occasioned in a great measure by the capture of so enormous a quantity of Dutch merchant ships, which had been manned by the best seamen of the nation, it was almost impossible to determine the lime when the other vessels of war in commissions should be able to act.
"That, nevertheless, the Company of the East Indies was of too great importance to this country, for us to be able to reject entirely her demand ; and by so much the less as the Directors do not request to be protected to the detriment of the Republic, but they demonstrate also that they are really willing on their part to make their last efforts for their own defence, and contented themselves to require the suitable support of the State, to sustain the forces which the company was about to put in action ; that from the re- fusal of a requisition of this nature it might result, that in losing all hope in the protection of the State, they may
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 27
neglect also those efforts, which otherwise might be em- ployed with some appearance of success ; that, besides, the national establishments in this distant part of the globe would also fall, and without the least resistance, into the hands of the enemy, and that this Republic at the end of the present war would find itself destitute of all its re- sources ; that this presentiment, apparently, ought to effect a close union of all the forces, to fulfil as far as possible the desire of the said Directors, and that to the end to try all practicable means, expecting at the same time the celestial benediction, and the prompt and effectual succor of our high allies, in default of ordinary remedies, it is necessary to have recourse without the smallest loss of time to extra- ordinary remedies, and to this effect his Most Serene High- ness, in his quality of Stadtholder and Admiral-General of the Republic, ought to be solicited and authorised, if it was possible, either by borrowing vessels of war, their equi- pages, or by purchasing or hiring here or elsewhere, other suitable ships, which might be appropriated to this, or finally in every other practicable manner to reinforce at the expense of the country, the marine of the State, with the greatest celerity, and as much as possible ; in conse- quence of which, in concert with the said Directors of the East India Company, we may regulate the time, the man- ner, and the force of the protection to be procured for the company in question ; the Vi'hole, as his Most Serene High- ness, saving the sense of the resolution of their High Mighti- nesses of the 26th of March last, shall judge the most con- venient for the greatest utility of the Republic, and of the said company. Finally, that it would be convenient also to intimate to the Colleges of the Admirally respectively of this country, to co-operate as much as possible with his
28 JOHN ADAMS.
Most Serene Highness, not only to put and hold with the greatest expedition in a convenient state the vessels of the Republic, but also in particular for everything that may contribute to accelerate their equipment and sailing, and to the greatest success of the enrolments; with a promise, that the extraordinary expenses which shall result from it and be advanced with the advice of his Most Serene High- ness, shall be restored and made good to them.
"Upon which, having deliberated, the Deputies of the Province of Zealand have taken a copy of this report, to be able to communicate more amply."
I do myself the honor to transmit such state papers en- tire, because Congress will be able from them to collect the real state of things better than from any remarks of mine. The state of the Republic is deplorable enough. There is but one sure path for it to pursue, that is, instantly to accede to the Treaty of Alliance between France and America. They see this, but have not firmness to ven- ture upon the measure. Indeed, the military character both at land and sea, seems to be lost out of this nation. ' The love of fame, the desire of glory, the love of country, the regard for posterity, in short, all the brilliant and sub- lime passions are lost, and succeeded by nothing but the love of ease and money ; but the character of this people must change, or they are finally undone.
1 have the honor to be, &ic.
JOHN ADAMS.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 29
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, May 29tli, 1781.
Sir, •
The English, by the capture of St Euslatia, seem to have committed the most complete blunder of all. There was found in that Island a greater quantity of property belonging to the Britons themselves, than to the French, Dutch, or Americans. They have broken up a trade, which was more advantageous to them, than to any of their enemies, as it was a channel through which British manu- factures were conveyed to North America, and much pro- visions and assistance to their fleets and armies in the West Indies. As the British merchants were warranted by an act of Parliament to trade to this Island, all those who are sufferers by its capture are clamoring against government and especially against Rodney and Vaughan, for illegally seizing their property and threatening these commanders with as many law-suits as there are losess. But what completes the jest is, that M. de la Motte ^Piquet has car- ried safe into Brest two and twenty of the vessels loaded with the spoils of St Eustatia, which Rodney had sent under convoy of Commodore Hotham and four ships of the line ; so that Rodney after having lost his booty is likely to have law-suits to defend, and very probably the whole to repay to the owners.
Thus the cards are once more turned against the gam- bler ; and the nation has gained nothing but an addition to their reputation for iniquity. This is good justice. There is room to hope for more instances of it ; because their fleets are coming home from the West Indies, and the Spanish fleet of thirty sail of the line under Cordova is
30 JOHiN AUAMS.
again at sea, and it is hoped the French fleet will soon go . out again.
The English fleets are so fully employed by the French and Spaniards, that the Dutch might do a great deal if they would ; but something in this machine is fatally amiss. The patriots weep, but all in vain. The fleets and ships that sail, are said to have orders to act only on the defen- sive. The courtiers say, that Amsterdam is the cause of the war ; the friends of Amsterdam say, the courtiers are corrupted by the English. Some say, the Prince declares he will never do anything against the English ; others say, that he has authorised the French Ambassador to assure the King his master, that he was ready to make arrange- ments with him ; others report sayings of the Princess, that the conduct of some of the courtiers will be the ruin of her family. All these reports serve to no purpose, but to show the confusion and distraction of the country. However, there must be a change soon for the better or worse, for hunger will break down all ordinary fences. I have the honor to be, Sic.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Arasterdain, May 31st, 1781.
Sir, The following memorial lays open a dispute between two nations.
"High and Mighty Lords, "It is well known to your High Mightinesses, with wliat constancy and for how long a time, the subscriber has had the honor to lay before you, by order of his Court, how
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 31
much she desires to accomplish a settlement of the differ- ences, which exist upon the Rio Volta between her sub- jects and yours, who have by little and little wrongfully occupied and fortified the posts of Creve Coeur and of Good Hope, which at present incommode and restrain the Danish establishments upon that coast to a degree almost to destroy the existence of them, to put them to expenses for their maintenance, which absorb their utility, and to render more and more necessary measures, which his Majesty would desire not to be obliged to think of. In conse- quence, although the subscriber has rendered a faithful account of the assurances, which have been repeatedly given him, of the desire, which your High Mightinesses have to take away even from its source all subject of mis- understanding reciprocally, a desire very conformable with that of the King his master; nevertheless, as nothing has resulted from these general assurances he finds himself at present obliged to execute the orders, which he has receiv- ed ; to demand of your High Mightinesses to cause to be evacuated the said forts of Creve Coeur and Good Hope, the existence of which cannot consist with diat of the establishment of Denmark. He has express orders to make this requisition, and to give to understand, that as his Majesty will be very sensible of this friendly manner of terminating the present differences upon the coast of Guinea, so will he see with sincere regret that you will oblige him to give to this affair a more serious attention.
The Hague, April 2Sth.
ST SAPHORIN." I have the honor to be, &lc.
JOHN ADAMS.
32 JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE PRESIDBNT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, May 31st, 1781
Sir,
The cities of Haerlem and Doit have seconded Amster- dam, ahhough the other cities of Holland have hitherto heen silent, as appears hy the following declarations.
"A declaration of the gentlemen, the Deputies of Dort, concerning the proposition of the city of Amsterdam, made at the assembly of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses on the 18th of May, 1781.
"The gentlemen, the Deputies of Dcrt, have declared to the assembly, that they had been earnest to transmit to the Regency of their city the propositions of the gende- men, the Burgomasters and Counsellors of Amsterdam, communicating to them at the same time, that with regard to the matter, which makes the object of it, the gendemen, the Deputies, had beforehand declared, that since the sub- stance of the said proposition was entirely conformable to that, which for some time had formed among the gende- men, the Constituents, the object of preliminary delibera- tions, the Deputies had believed themselves tacidy author- ised to adopt immediately the said proposition in all its points, which determined them also to testify their very sincere gratitude to the gendemen, the Deputies of Am- sterdam, and in their persons to the gendemen, the Bur- gomasters and Regents of the same city, for the enlightened and vigilant zeal with which these gentlemen in taking this step, so salutary and so necessary, had shown that they have at heart the true interests of their dear country, which had already experienced so many injuries. That at present, the gentlemen, the Deputies, after the communica-
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 33
tions alleged, found themselves expressly instructed to cause to be inserted in the minutes of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, for the justification of the Regency of their city before posterity, that the venerable Magistracy of Dort, approving what is before mentioned, had learned with a lively satisfaction the proposition before mentioned ; that it was ready and disposed in the name of that city, to concur efficaciously in all the means, Vv'hich may be judged the most convenient, to save with alacrity this country, now threatened and surrounded with the greatest and most ter- rible dangers ; that to this end the venerable Regents of Dort would not fail to deliberate immediately upon the par- ticular points, which the proposition in question presents, and to cause in course their resolution to be transmitted to the assembly of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses."
Note of tlie Deputies of Haerlem, touching the provi- sional resolution taken by their Noble and Grand Mighti- nesses, upon tlie proposition of Amsterdam.
"The gentlemen, the Deputies of the city of Haerlem, resuming the extension of the 18th of May, have declared, that in accepting the proposition of the gentlemen, the Deputies of the city of Amsterdam, their advice had been, that since the said proposition ought to be attributed to a laudable desire to vvatcii over the common interests, the gentlemen, the Deputies of Amsterdam, and in their per- sons, the gentlemen their constituents, ought to be thanked for the zeal and marked attention upon this occasion for the utility of tlieir dear country. But, as at that time almost all the members relished this advice in such a manner, that the assembly had converted it into a provisional resokitioi), the gentlemen, the Deputies, had a good right to presume, that, in imitation of many antecedinit facts, this advice would
VOL. VI. 5
34 JOHN AUAMS.
have become an essential measure, to cause to be passed the beforementioned provisional resolution. But the gen- tlemen, the Deputies, seeing the contrary, and their re- marks made in this regard, answered by a frozen silence on the part of the other members, they have, both on ac- count of this circumstance, and to ascertain what really passed in consequence of the proposition in question, and to justify the report made to the gentlemen, their princi- pals, upon this object, judged necessary to cause this note to be inserted in the minutes of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses." '
With hearty wishes that this dumb spirit may be soon cast out, I have the honor to be, &ic.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE STATES- GENERAL.
Amstcidarn, June 1st, 1781.
Sir,
1 have received from my Sovereign, the United States of America, in Congress assembled, their express instruc- tions to notify to their High Mightinesses, the States-Gene- ral, the complete and final ratification of the confederation of the Thirteen United Stales, from New Hampshire to Georgia, both included, on the 1st day of March last.
I do myself the honor to enclose an authentic copy of this important act, and to request the favor of you. Sir, to communicate it to their High Mightinesses in such a man- ner as you shall judge most convenient ; as in the present circumstances of affairs I know of no more proper mode of discharging this part of my duty.
} have the lionor to be, &tc.
JOHN ADAMS.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPOxNDENCE. 35
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, June 5th, 1781.
Sir,
The Deputies of MIddleburg, in the assembly of the States of Zealand, on tne 14th of May, consented to the petition for granting larger bounties to those who shall en- gage in the service of the Republic by sea. Their advice has been given in this manner ;
"The gentlemen, the Deputies of Middleburg, have said that they were authorised by the gentlemen, their princi- pals, to conform themselves to the report in question, iu all its parts. They are further specially instructed and or- dered, (renewing the advice of their city, communicated with their consent to the two States of war of the 9lh of last month,) to represent upon this occasion, in the name of the gentlemen, their principals, and to insist strongly, that without delay it should be deliberated by a commit- tee, concerning the measures the most prompt and the niost efficacious to be taken by this Province, to direct things in course in the generality, in such a manner, that in the critical and disastrous situation in which the Republic is, we should apply pur attention conjointly, with redoubled zeal, activity, and wisdom, in defence of the territory, com- merce, and possessions of the Republic ; that we finally awake out of that unexpected inaction, in which as is too apparent the Republic is still found, the causes of which cannot, and ought not in any degree, to be attributed to this Province ; or that at least, without delay and without reserve, the true reasons of this dangerous and disgracefid situation should be comniunicated to the Lords, the States of Zealand, from w'hom nothing, which concerns the Union
30 JOHN ADAMS.
ought. to be concealed ; to the end, that in course they may- deliberate sincerely with the other confederates upon tlie means of deliverance and of precaution, the most prompt, and the most convenient for the common advantage, safety, and preservation.
"The Lords, the Stales of Zealand, have also repre- sented to their High Mightinesses, the propriety of estab- lishing batteries upon the coast of Flanders, upon the places the most exposed, and to provide them with cannon and necessary stores, that they may be able to act, with the armed vessels stationed upon the river, against any en- terprises which may be attempted by the enemy's vessels.
"On the 22d of last month, their Noble and Grand Mightinesses deliberated upon the proposition of the Coun- sellor Pensionary, made on the 18th of the same month, in the name of the gentlemen, the counsellors' committees, viz. tljat it having been resolved, by a resolution of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses of (he 16th of January, to negotiate a sum of eight millions, at two and a half per cent interest, this negotiation had had so happy a success, that it was almost filled up, as the treasury general and the other treasuries of the quarter of the south of this Province have received seven millions fortysix thousand six hundred and fifty florins, and those of the quarter of the north, five hundred and seventyeight thousand eight hundred florins. That the Counsellor Pensionary, seeing that the present situation of affairs requires in all respects, that the treasury of the State sliould be provided of a larger quantity of money, has proposed to the consideration of their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, whether they did not judge it convenient to augment the negotiation in question by four other millions, and, consequently, to extend it to twelve
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 37
millions, upon the same footing and with the same interest, as determined by their resolution of the 16th of January last.
"Upon which it was thought fit, and resolved, to consent to the negotiation of these eight millions, and to increase it with four others, so as to make twelve millions upon the same footing. The Prince has made a tour to the Brille, Helvoetsluys, Goeree, and Willemstadt, where he has re- viewed the troops and vessels of war, and returned to the Hague on the third of this month."
I send to Congress an account of these faint and feeble symptoms of life, because there is no appearance of any more vigorous. I am told that this vis inerticB is pio- found policy. If it is policy at all, it is so profound, as to be perfectly incomprehensible. However, their property and dominion, their honor and dignity, their sove- reignty and independence are their own, and if they choose to throw them all away, for aught I know, they have a right to do it. There is one comfort, if other na- tions have nothing to hope, they have nothing to fear from such policy.
1 have the honor to be, &ic.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO M. BERENGEB, SECRETARY OF THE FRENCH EMBASSY AT THE HAGUE.
Amsterdam, June Sth, J781.
Sir,
I have received the letter, which you did me the honor
to write me, on the Sth of this month, informing me, that
you have received a letter from the Count de Vergennes,
by which his Excellency directs you to tell nie, that the
38 JOHN ADAMS.
interests of the United States require rny presence at Paris, and that he should desire that I should go there, as soon as my affairs in Holland will permit mc.
I should be extremely obliged to you, Sir, if you would confide to me the nature of the business that requires me at Paris, that I might be able to form some judgment, whether it is of so much importance, and so pressing, as to make it necessary for mc to go forthwith.
His Excellency Dr Franklin, and Colojiel Laurens, have arranged affairs in such a manner, that the accounts of the Indian are to be produced to me, and I am to draw bills to discharge them, so that it would retard the depart- ure of that interesting vessel, if I were to go now ; and it is of some importance to the public that I should complete my despatches to go to Congress by her. I am also un- fortunately involved in a good deal of business, in accept- ing and discharging bills of exchange, a course of business which would be put into some confusion, if I were to go immediately ; and the general affairs of Congress in this Republic might suffer somewhat by my absence. But notwitiistanding all, if I 'v*ere informed that it is anything respecting a g^feeral pacification, or an invitation of this Republic to accede to the alliance between France and the United States, or any other affair of sufficient weight to justify my quitting this port immediately, I v.'ould do it. Otherwise it would, as I humbly conceive, be more for the public interest, that 1 should wait until some of the busi- ness that lies upon me here is despatched, and the rest put into a better order. Let me beg the favor of your senti- ments, Sir. Whenever I go, I must beg the favor of you to furnish me with a passport. I have the honor to be, he.
JOHN ADAMS.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 39
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, June 11th, 1781.
Sir,
The following petition is too curious in itself, and too much attended to by the public at this tinie, to be omitted.
"To the Gentlemen, the Burgomasters, Sheriffs and Counsellors of tlie city of Antwerp.
"The inhabitants of the city of Antwerp in general, and those who are there concerned in commerce, in particular, should think that they injured their own interests, if they neg- lected, at a time when all Europe talks of the advantages, which the opening of the Scheldt would produce, to address themselves to you, Gentlemen, to make known their desire, that you would please to take the necessary measures for this purpose. While all nations fix at present their atten- tion upon the liberty of navigation, shall we he the only people, who, although having a greater interest in it than others, should remain quiet, and suffer to pass away, un- improved, the moment, which appears to be now arrived to deliver ourselves from the yoke, which the Republic of Holland imposed upon us in the days of their first celebra- tion ? No ! It is time that we awake ! Since the treaty of Munster, this city and its commerce are fallen into a great decay, but we have still the means in our hands to revive them, because the inhabitants have ever continued to have an indirect portion in commerce. It was they, who after the suppre.ssion of the Company of Ostend,have assisted in the establishment of the East India Companies of Sweden and Denmark ; and it would not be difficult to prove, that projects of all sorts have taken place in their speculations. What could ihey not do, therefore, when it shall be free to them to make a direct and unre.strained commerce ? The
40 JOH-^' ADAMS.
simple hope, which they have of it, causes among them a revival of the spirit of commerce. When we compare the situation of the cities of Amsterdam and Antwerp, we shall find that that of the latter has many advantages over the former. The commerce of corn, which makes of Holland the factory of Europe, and all the trade of the North, offers itself to the city of Antwerp. We should soon find there magazines provided with everything necessary to extend commerce, and equal that of Amsterdam. This com- merce alone would be sufficient to make a revival of the bright days, Vi^hich preceded the peace of Munster.
"But what afflicts us, Gentlemen, is, that there are per- sons who would divide the interests of provinces, and give birth to a rivalry between the ports of Ostend and Ant- werp, as if one port the more would be too much for the States of his Majesty. If this could be a question, no man could doubt that the city of Antwerp is much better situated to make an extensive commerce, than the city of Ostend. Experience alone is sufficient to demonstrate it. The commerce, which Antwerp has made heretofore, came there naturally of itself, although it had been formerly at Bruges, because the port of Antwerp was better, and in all respects more advantageous. But these cities have noth- ing in common, and if the Scheldt was open, and remained open, Ostend would not suffer any damage from it. We have the advantage to have in our Sovereign a Prince, whose whole application tends to render his subjects hap- py ; nothing can contribute more to their pros])erity than commerce. The fine arts, which have supported them- selves at Antwerp, in spite of the decay of commerce, for near one hundred and forty years, would acquire here a new degree of perfection and lustre.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 41
- "We hope, Gentlemen, that your caie and zeal for everything, which can contribute to the prosperity of a city, which you have already lately delivered from beg- gary, will make you discover, with particular satisfaction, new means of procuring labor for the poor and needy, diminish thereby the expense of their maintenance, with- out reckoning all the other advantages, and especially the augmentation of our population, which would be the result of our demand."
This petition discloses objects of so much weight in those scales, in which the political and commercial interests of the nations of Europe are now balancing, that it is worth while to transmit some observations, which have been made upon it, which will lay open the whole subject, with all its connexions. They were written in French by M. Cerisier.
"It is to have a false idea of things, to think and to say, that Holland and Zealand, taking an unjust advantage of their victories, and of the weakness of their enemies, have dictated, with arms in their hands, the outrageous and des- potic conditions of holding their ports shut up. We have only to cast our eyes upon the geographical situation of Antwerp, we have only to recollect the first events of the Belgic Revolution, to acknowledge this error. Tiie city of Antwerp for a long time made a part of the Belgic confederation ; she entered into the union of Utrecht, as she had entered into the pacification of Ghent, she was even for several years the centre of the new Republic ; it was not until 1585, that she fell back under the yoke of the Spaniards. But the Duke of Parma, in retaking Antwerp, could not equally make himself master of all the forts situaled below that city, tow;u-(ls the inout'i of the
42 JOHN AUAMS.
Scheldt. The confederates continued masters of these, and even retook some places, which had been taken from them in the course of the war. Thus they remained masters of the lower navigation of this river, an advantage, which they caused to be confirmed to them in the treaty of peace. In casting our eyes, on the other hand, on the memorable siege of Antwerp, it is to this city that it is necessary to impute the misfortune of having an useless port, since, by :\ more vigorous and wise defence, she would have remained in the union, with all the advantages which resulted from it.
"Zealand and the city of Amsterdam, have always held the slavery of the port of Antwerp of much importance. But it is v^ery far from being true, that this city, by recovering the liberty of her navigation, would be able to draw away any considerable part of their commerce. The maritime places of the United Provinces have had for several ages, and many years before the revolution, a great navigation and a flourishing commerce ; this has been demonstrated by modern authors. See the Tableau de VHistoire des Provinces Unies, et la Richesse de la HoUande. It is an error then to believe, that they were raised upon the ruins of Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp ; although we can- not deny, that they have received some augmentation from them.
"But it is England, which has drawn the greatest ad- vantages from them. The cause is evident ; it is. that the same troubles, which chased commerce from these cities, agitated at the same lime Holland, Zealand, Friesland, and the neighboring Provinces. The factions of the Houcks and the Cabeliaux, the Schieringers, and the Vetkopers, the Litchembergs, and the Gunterlings, the
DieLUMATlC CORRESPO^D£iNCE. 43
Hekeren, and the Bronkhoist, liave nearly at the same time for many years, torn almost the whole country, which formsdit this day the Republic of the United Provinces, in the times when Flanders was a prey to the most violent intestine dissensions, when Ghent and Bruges held the Emperor Maximilian in prison ; and when the chastise- ments inflicted on these two cities, drove out the industry and commerce, which enriched them. The United Prov- inces were the centre of the rebellion and the theatre of the most afflicting calamities, when the cruelties of the Span- iards chased commerce fron) the city of Antwerp. The most violent causes, in fact, are necessary to drive com- merce from a country where she has fixed her residence. The powerful houses of commerce, the immense funds necessary to carry it on, the credit, the industry, do not transplant themselves easily from one country to another.
"We ought not to impute to slavery the fall of the com- merce of the Austrian Low Countries. We must ascend to that epocha, when the fiscal and religious despotism of Spain carried into the Low Countries the yoke of civil ser- vitude and the flames of the inquisition. Commerce can- not harmonise with slavery, with the tyrannical exaction of imposts, with persecutors, or with hangmen. It was princi- pally to London, that industry, and the merchants of Lou- vain, Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp, fled. Although Hol- land and Zealand were at the same time a prey to similar misfortunes, and even still more terrible, they found them- selves in a condition to raise a powerful marine, to bent their ancient masters, and to seize upon their spoils in the Indies. It was upon their courage, upon their navigation, upon their establishments in the Indies, and not upon the mouth of the Scheldt, that they laid the foundations
44 JOHN ADAMS
of a commerce, the richest and inost extensive that ever was.
"If all the Low Countries had remained attachedlo the confederation, they would all have partaken of the riches, the industry, the power, and the grandeur of the United Provinces. The Austrian Low Countries were not able to recover their brilliant commerce, because they had lost it. To repair this loss, it would have been necessary, that Holland and England, filled with their manufactures, should have had the complaisance to send them back all these manufactures with their riches, their workmen, and their raw materials. It was only Louis the Fourteenth who could in this respect take Philip the Second for a model. If the Flemish and the Brabsntians, should have again a source of raw materials, and of workmen, would it be easy to recall industry and naturalise it there, after so long an exile ? The little progress of commerce in those countries has many other causes, besides the subjugation of one of its brooks. It is necessary to look for them in the multitude and enormity of the duties imposed upon mer- chandises, which enter, or go out of the Austrian domin- ions, duties, which are repeated from one Province, and even from one city to another ; it is necessary to look for them in the tyrannical and insolent inquisition of officers, with whom the frontiers are covered, in the fiscal and in- iquitous subjection, to which packages and travellers are exposed ; the former to a search, which exposes the goods to be spoiled, and the other to an indecent and odious in- spection. They have forced women to strip themselves, even to their shifts, to discover, with a scandalous avidity, effects subject to these odious taxes.
"A part of the commerce of Germany, and several
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPOiNDEJNClu. 45
Provinces of France with Holland, would have no other market than the Low Countries, if the imposts and the collection of them were not tyrannical. The merchants of St Quentin, of Rheims, of Paris, will all tell 3^ou, that the lawns, wines, and modes, which they send into the coun- tries situated upon the Baltic, would be embarked at Os- tend, without those armies of inquisitors like highwaymen, who drive away, by a perpetual, restraint, commerce, the friend of liberty. Add to this, the delays, and the dear- ness of land-carriage, interrupted v\'ith barriers, in the countries, where there are no nanals ; ail these obstacles do not only hurt the commerce of transportation, but also that of importation and exportation. The foreigner, find- ing so many difficulties in spreading his superfluities in those countries, is the less capable of taking off theirs.
"Moreover, how many ameliorations may be made in the natural resources of that country ? Before they allow themselves in uncertain speculations abroad, they should carry to the highest point, industry at home. There are even reformations, which are very difficult, and without which these countries will never hold the balance against countries, in which the number, the celibacy, the riches, and the laziness of the clergy, do not devour the industry of the people. Is the slavery of the Scheldt then the cause, that Lonvain is peopled only with students and pro- fessors ? Malines filled with attornies and judges? That Mons, Tournay, Ypres, Ghent, and Bruges, are no longer more than carcasses? If there were a means of reviving these cities, would it not be by the enlargement and the safety of the port of Ostend ?
"Even if the ports of Ostend, of Nieuport, and Ant- werp offered roads free, safe, and commodious, would
46 JOHiN ADAMS.
business fly to them foi- refuge, and abandon the ports of Hamburg, Dantzick, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Middle- burg. Dunkirk, Rouen, Nantes, Rochelle, Bordeaux, the Elbe, the Somme, the Seine, the Loire, the Garonne, and the ports of the three kingdoms of Great Britain, where it enjoys all the advantages and facililies, which it can desire? The English themselves, who dazzle at this day the Aus- trian Low Countries with the hope of a free and flourish- ing commerce, would not they be the first to oppose this revolution, if it had any appearance of success? It is their jealousy of the prosperity of Amsterdam, which makes them clamor against the subjection of the Scheldt. But they would clamor much louder, if the liberty of the Scheldt should restore to the Low Countries the hope of recovering their ancient commerce. All States seek with emulation to augment the national industry. Russia, and even other northern States, are making efforts and sacri- fices to procure for themselves manufactures. All coun- tries, even Spain and Portugal, begin to perceive that these things are more useful than autos-da-fe. The Aus- trian Low Countries have them also. But could they augment them nt the expense of other countries ; espe- cially at a tim.e, when so many States pique themselves in having a warlike marine to maintain their commerce and their national industry ?
"But, it will be said, is it not manifest that the naviga- tion of Antwerp being opened, commerce, by reascending the river, would diffuse her benign influence throughout all the extent of an agreeable and fertile territory, full of canals and great roads, Sic. ? I answer again, why would not the ports of Bruges, Ghent, Ostend, and Nieuport produce the same effect? It is even apparent, that these
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPOiNDENCE. 47
-ports would lose by the new outlet of Antwerp, the little commerce which remained to ihem. la that case, Era- bant would only raise itself on the ruins or at the expense of Flanders. The liberty of this river would enrich per- haps the interior of the country, but it would certainly im- poverish the coasts of the sea. They say it is unjust to hold the Scheldt shut up ; but would it not, on the con- trary, be the height of injustice to open again a navigation, assured to the Hollanders by the natural consequence of a revolution universally ratified, and by a long possession ? What man, what State, would be authorised to appropriate a thing to itself because it was for his convenience ? This rule, it is true, has in our days effected the dismember- ment of Poland, the invasion of Silesia, and the present war of England against Holland. But in taking away the property of the Dutch, with what right can one find fault with the violence of Russia ?
"It will be said, that the restraint of a river dug by nature, for the use of the inhabitants who live upon the banks, is contrary to natural right, against which no pre- scription ever runs. But do not the turnpikes, or fall- stops, with which these rivers are thickset, contravene also the rights of nature ? The house of my neighbor intercepts the light, of which I have great occasion ; have I the right for this reason to pull it down ?
"In one word, the mouth of the Scheldt is in the terri- tory of the United Provinces. The Republic, according to received principles, may interdict the navigation of it to foreigners, as well as to its own subjects. She excludes only the former; because she finds her advantage in it, as the English find theirs in their famous act of navigation, much more tyrannical than the subjection of the Scheldt.
48 JOHN ADAMS.
The Belgians will say, the waters of this river wash and fertilize our country in passing through it. But have not the French still a better right to the same navigation, be- cause this river takes its rise in France ? The Swiss would have a good grace to wish to arrogate to themselves the free navigation of the whole course of the Rhorie, the Po, the Danube, and the Rhine, because these rivers flow from the mountains of Helvetia. The subjection of the Scheldt was ratified in 1648, in the famous treaty of Munster, or Westphalia, whereof all the powers of Europe are war- ranties, and which still passes for the basis of the political system of Europe, and for a fundamental law of the em- pire. We have seen in 1778, the Emperor himself obli- ged to renounce a succession supported upon authentic titles, because the powers, warranties of the peace of Westphalia, sustained, that this succession was contrary to that treaty. And yet it is wished, that in full peace, with- out title, without pretence, the Emperor should wrest from the Dutch a property, the fruits of which will never indem- nify them for the sacrifices tiiey have made for his house. "They would have the Emperor an ambitious Prince, rolling the vastest projects in his head. But with what eye will the other powers view an usurpation, which they ought to seek to prevent by all the motives of honor and of interest ; even although it should be from the ambitious idea of acting their part in the affairs of Europe? How ? Shall he expose hinjself in the present moment to spread the flames of a general war in Europe, and to lose perhaps the Low Countries, which would be from that moment surrounded by inimical powers. For what? To procure to the inhabitants of Antwerp, the facility of conducting a few ships into the German ocean.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 49
"Holland is in the last degree of weakness, embarrass- ment, and disunion ; she has fear. Oh ! yes ; but the King of Prussia, but die electors of Saxony and Palatine, but the King of France, would have fear also ; fear would unite them ; and when one has a great deal, he begins to have less fear.
"That which would make of Antwerp a new Sidon, or a new Carthage, which would render this city the rival of Bordeaux, of Rouen, of Amsterdam, and of London, would be infinitely prejudicial to the French and the Rus- sians. Either this business would be a part detached from that of the ports of the channel, and of the Baltic sea, and, in that case, France and Russia would not consent to build up a place of commerce, which would flourish at their ex- pense ; they would oppose the opening of a port, which would draw away the inhabitants from those, which they are laboring to make flourish ; or it would be composed of branches torn from that which is done at the Texel, upon the Meuse, and the Thames, and, in that case, they will refuse their consent to this transplantation. If it is necessary, that the commerce of the Dutch and the En- glish should fall, Russia and France will choose to take advantage of its decay, to transport it into their harbors."
I have the honor to he, &c.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, June 12tli, 1781.
Sir, The States of Holland and West Friesland are adjourn- ed to the 27th. In their last session, they consented to the augmentation of seventeen thousand six hundred ;uul VOL. VI. 7
50 JOHN ADAMS.
eightysiK land forces, according to the plan, which the Council of State, in concert with the Stadtholder, had formed, on the ISth of April, and which had been carried on the 19th of the same month, to the Assembly oi the States of the Province. They have also taken the reso- lution to lend to the East India Company the sum c ^ne million two hundred thousand florins, at three per cent in- terest, to be reimbursed in thirtythree years, in pa} i (^nts of thirtysix thousand florins. The affairs of the Colony of Surinam are about to engage the attention of governrnent, according to a petition, which the Deputies of the mer- chants of Dort, Haerlem, Amsterdam, and Rotterdanr?, presented on the 6th, to the States of Holland and West Friesland, and for which the merchants have demanded, in an audience, which they have had of the Stadtholder, the support of His Most Serene Highness. This petition was conceived in these terms.
PETITION FROM THE DEPUTIES OF DORT, HAERLEM, AM- STERDAM, AND ROTTERDAM, TO HOLLAND AND WEST FRIESLAND.
"The merchants, deputies of the cities of Dort, Haer- lem, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam, represent in the most respectful manner, that the mortal stagnation of navigation and of commerce, which cannot preserve their well-being but by continual activity, has forced the petitioners not to disguise any longer the fatal effects, and in circumstances, when the naval force of the Republic is not yet in a state to procure them a suflicient protection, to seek for them- selves a succor, which, in the extreme danger in which the colonies, which yet remain to the State, and even the State itself, are found at this day, may serve apparently to ad-
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 51
vance in more than one manner, the general interest of this Republic ; that the supplicants, both for themselves, and speaking in favor and in the name of several thou- sands of their fellow-citizens, have taken the part to pre- sent to their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Provinces, the petition, a copy of which is here joined, and to which they respectfully refer, as follows.
Petition.
"That as your Noble and Grand Mightinesses, have al- ways testified, that the well-being of your fellow-citizens in general, and that of merchants in particular, ought to be supported in every manner, the petitioners assure them- selves, that the more the danger becomes imminent, the more the zeal of your Noble and Grand Mightinesses will animate itself to prevent, under the divine blessing, the total ruin of the essential sources of the existence of the country ; so that this danger being at present so great, and becoming from day to day more pressing, the petitioners dare to promise themselves, on the part of your Noble and Grand Mightinesses, all the succor and assistance requisite, and to hope, that they shall not invoke in vain their pow- erful support, relative to the prayer beforementioned. It is for this, that the petitioners address themselves to this Sovereign Assembly, in the manner the most respectful, and in a confidence the most entire in the inclination of your Noble and Grand Mightinesses for the protection of the citizens of the Republic, seriously praying, that it may pk. 5 3 your Noble and Grand Mightinesses, to authorise yorr Deputies in the Assembly of the Slates-Genernl to CL jr in directing, with all the earnestness possible, things in such a manner, that there be given to the petition afoic-
52 JOlIiN ADAMS. •
said a proiupt and I'avorable answer, ami iliat uieasiires be taken, to the end liiat the petitioners and those who are otherwise interested with tliem, may enjoy without delay the effect of a definitive determination, &c.
"To their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces give respectfully to understand, the un- dersigned proprietors, and owners of vessels navigating to the Colony of Surinam, owners of plantations, situated there, merchants and others interested in the commerce of the said colony ;
"That this Colony, independently of the interest^ which the undersigned, and a great number of others equally in- terested, take in it, may be regarded as of the greatest importance for the Republic itself, by reason of the very considerable revenues, which, for a long course of years, it has procured, not only to the direction privileged by grant, but also to the Republic itself, and which become every day more lucrative, by the enormous expenses, which the proprietors of plantations have made to culti- vate new lands, and to improve the culture of several ter- ritorial productions.
"To this effect, the petitioners refer to the estimate an- nexed, containing the quantity of productions, which for some years have been transported from the Colony into the ports of the country. That these productions, after hav- ing been transported from this country, some wrought up here, and others as they were received, procure continu- ally to the treasury of the Republic very important sums, proceeding from different duties, which are directly or in- directly relative to them. That the necessity to go in search of all these productions of die Colony, and that of transporting thither provisions and other effects, employs
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDEiNCE. 53
-annually a large number of great ships, which are for the most part fine frigates, solidly built, the number of which amounted to more than fourscore, which all pay every voyage the duties of lesl, which are considerable, and serve, at the same time, for the maintenance of a numerous body of navigators, which amount to about three thousand well experienced seamen. That, moreover, the impor- tance of this Colony does not fall short in point of utility of any other, both with relation to what has JDeen alleged, and because, in exchange for its productions, we receive here the precious metals, and the cash of other nations, which remain in the bosom of the United Provinces j while, on the contrary, it is necessary to export them to the East Indies, there to pay for territorial productions, the manufactures of the Indies ; and the payments, which foreigners make to us, to procure themselves merchandises, must equally return to the Indies for new purchases. That thus the navigation and the commerce with this Colony serve not only to the amelioration of the finances of the Republic, and to the augmentation of the national cash ; but they are still an abundant source of general prosperity for the inhabitants, scattered in the Seven Provinces.
"Many, by means of the free property of their planta- tions, draw from thence important revenues, and encour- aged by success make them largely circulate ; while a much larger number of our countrymen are the bearers of obligations, carrying large interests negotiated upon mort- gages, the preservation of which is of the greatest weight, considering that the sustenance of so many thousands of our fellow-citizens depends upon them. That, moreover, all which serves for housekeeping, all which is wanted for the culture of the land, the building and repairing of edi-
54 JOKN ADAMS.
fices, and even eatables, must be transported from hence into this Colony. This commerce, therefore, cannot fail to procure to a great, number of manufacturers, mercers, and traders, a continual outlet, which even surpasses all belief, and which is by so much the more useful, as this commerce consists for the most part in objects furnished by our territory, either in raw materials, or in things manu- factured here. This article alone procures the mainte- nance of an infinite number of artisans in the cities, and of the cultivators of the field ; without mentioning the con- struction and repairs of a great number of vessels employed in this navigation ; of their provisions, both for the voyage and the return, which gives a living to several thousands of men.
"That thus the public prosperity and that of individuals, so intimately connected together, would both receive an irreparable blow, if they were deprived of the advantages, whicli they draw from this abundant source. That this misfortune has already denounced itself, and in the most sensible manner from the commencement of this war, the further consequences of which are so alarming, that they deserve to be v.arded off or prevented by all means imagi- nable. That, nevertheless, the petitioners on their part cannot otherwise obviate them, than by putting the vessels they use in this navigation, in a necessary state of defence, and in equipping them sufficiently for the war ; which will render them strong enough to repel all the enemy's priva- teers, of whatever size, and that they may be able to de- fend themselves even against the English men-of-war, and thereby assist and relieve the niilitary marine of the Re- public.
"But that the excessively increased prices of every-
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 55
thing, which ooncerns the equipment of vessels, the boun- ties and the pay, risen to near double, which must now be given to seamen, would render an equipment of this nature so expensive, that the charges would never be repaid by the freight. That, nevertheless, without an equipment of such vessels, we should risk too much ; this consideration has even determined the ov.'ners, whose vessels were loaded before the hostile attack of the English, to unload them and suspend the voyages, to the great prejudice of the Colony, of themselves, and of their freighters. That, moreover, they still find great difficulties to expedite their ships ; on the one hand, from the certainty that the passage to the Colony and in the West Indies themselves, is infested with the enemy's vessels of war and privateers, who by surprise have already made themselves masters of a great number of our merchant vessels, and have even invaded the defenceless possessions of the State, such as St Eusta- tia, St Martins, Essequebo, and Demerara ; on the other hand, in the uncertainty whether this excellent Colony, in the neighborhood of which, as they have learned, the ene- my's squadrons cruise without opposition, has not undergone the same fate ; in which case their valuable vessels with their rich cargoes, would fall into the power of an enemy, who from the heights of fortresses, taken by surprise, con- tinue to display the Dutch flag, under shelter of which, and by means of a certain number of vessels of war, he seizes upon merchant ships destitute of defence, who, con- fiding in the public faith, go in there without fear.
"That, nevertheless, if by these considerations and others of the same nature, the navigation to this Colony is longer suspended, the well-being of the Republic cannot avoid the most sensible prejudice, and the Colony must be considered
56 JOHN ADAMS.
as abandoned ; her inhabitants will see tlietnselves even reduced to deliver themselves into the hands of their ene- mies, to the ruin and total loss not only of the classes the most at their ease, but of all the inhabitants whatsoever of the United Provinces ; so that we ought not to delay a single moment, nor neglect any means of encouragement or precaution to preserve them ; so much the rather, as it appears scarcely convenient under this embarrassment, to invoke the assistance of foreign nations, to make the trans- portation, and to go to the Colony and to return ; because, that in that case, we should lose this navigation, and we should lend our own hand to the entire declension, not only of the aid furnished to the treasury of the Republic, by the activity of this commerce and this navigation, but. also to the interruption of the sales of so many manufacturers, mercers, and traders, and even to the entire privation of the sustenance of an immense number of workmen and artisans, to whom this construction of vessels and this navi- gation so extended, procured their daily gain, which they cannot forego without being reduced to the most deplorable situation. That this repugnance to navigate on one's own account will be further followed by the desertion of a great number of sailors, who for want of finding employment here, and tempted by the advantageous promises of the enemy, will go there in search of service, to the double detriment of the public interest of the Republic. That the respectable fleet, composed of valuable vessels destined to this navigation, would lot in our ports, and the officers who command thetn, many of whom have not been thought un- worthy to be called to the service of their country, would be obliged to abandon with their families this country, where all the other means of gaining a livelihood fail more
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 57
and more ; and as they have solely applied themselves to navigation, they would go in search of their subsistence into places, where, by our interruption, navigation makes new advances every day. That this method, indicated by ne- cessity, of recurring to foreign flags, by the more consider- able expenses which arise from it, would so absorb the revenues, that not only no planter would be able, with the litde which should remain to him, to support his plantation, but, moreover, there would remain no well-grounded hope for the great number of bearers of obligations to flatter themselves with obtaining any payment, still less the entire payment of the interests promised them ; since without having j'et supported these additional expenses, and not- withstanding the excessive prices at which the productions have been sold, they have seen themselves forced to di- minish considerably the interests, and in some cases to sus- pend even tlie entire payment ; without mentioning so many other political considerations relative to this object, which cannot escape the penetrating eye of the Sovereign, so that without hope of a full protection, this single means of obtaining something, in ever so small a degree, is even considered as very precarious, and as augmenting more and more an inaction so fatal to a country, which under the divine blessing, owes its prosperity so envied, to its application, its valor, and the fortitude of its inhabitants. Time may pass away, (and certainly the moments are too precious) before they may dare to flatter themselves with a protection so eflicacious, as the danger of the crews, the valuable cargoes, and the pressing necessity of the Colony require.
"That to this effect, the jjclitioners take the liberty to solicit your High Mightinesses with profound respect, in
VOL. VI, 8
58 JOHN ADAMS.
case it is impossible to grant immediately a sufficient escort to go to the Colony and return, that in that case, as upon other occasions, it has been graciously granted by your Higli Mightinesses, for the support of trade, the equipment of vessels, societies, Sec, to be so good also, as to grant gen- erously in favor of the equipments to make for this Colony, Berbicia, and the interesting establishment of Curasao, an encouragement equivalent to the design of the considerable disbursements, which they will be obliged to make, to put their vessels in a certain state of defence ; and, moreover, for better order and direction, to cause to be escorted, their ships sailing in company, by as many vessels of war as it will be possible to spare for this expedition. In fine, that under the good pleasure of your High Mightinesses, and that these ships well armed may also serve to molest as much as possible the enemy, there may be granted them letters of marque and reprisals, under the customary con- dition, to the end that they make use of them upon occa- sion, by the brave officers, which the subscribers dare boast that they will employ in their ships."
This petition has been referred to the respective Depu- ties of the Colleges of the Admiralty, to make report on it as soon as possible. The Deputies of the merchants hav- ing beforehand solicited, in the most pressing manner, the Prince Stadtholder, to support with his powerful recom- mendation an affair of so great importance.
I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN ADAMS.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPOISDENCE. 59
TO THE PRKSIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Ainslerdam, June 15th, 1781.
Sir,
The long expected coiuier has at last arrived at the Hague from St Petersburg. The contents of his despatches are not public, but all hopes of assistance from the armed neutrality seem to be dissipated. The question now is, what is to be done next. Some are for alliances with the house of Bourbon and America, but a thousand fears arise. France, the Emperor, and the Republic, have Provinces so intermixed together in Brabant and Flanders, that it is supposed the Emperor would be much alarmed at an alli- ance between France and Holland, lest they should soon agree to divide his Provinces between them. The people in these Provinces would, it is supposed, have no objection. They all speak the French language, are of the same reli- gion, and the policy of France in governing conquered Provinces, according to their ancient usages, and with great moderation, has taken away all aversion to a change of masters.
Some people think, that an alliance between France and
Holland would occasion a general war. This I think
would be an advantage to America, although philanthropy
would wish to prevent the further effusion of human blood.
I have the honor to be, he.
JOHN ADAMS.
60 JOHN ADAMS.
TO THK PUKSIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, Jiiiie 23(1, 1781.
Sir,
Tlie answer Irom Si Petersburg, as it is given to the public, is this ;
"Her Majesty, the Empress of all the Russias, declares, That as much as she has been satisfied with the zeal with which their High Mightinesses have accepted her medi- ation, so much and more has iier compassionate heart been affected with the difficulties formed by the Court of Lon- don, in referring the reconciliation with the Republic to a subsequent and general negotiation of peace between all the belligerent powers, under the combined mediation of Her Imperial Majesty, and His Majesty, the Roman Em- peior. As soon as this negotiation shall take place, her Majesty promises beforehand to the Republic, all the as- sistance, which depends upon her, to the end, that the Republic may without delay, return into the rank of neu- tral powers, and thereby enjoy entirely, and without re- straint, all the rights and advantages, which her accession to the engagements between Her Imperial Majesty and the Kings, her high allies, ought to assure to her.
"In this expectation, the intention of Her Imperial Ma- jesty is, conjointly with their IVIajesties, to persuade that Court to that moderation, and those pacific sentiments, which their High Mightinesses, on their part have mani- fested. The Empress flatters herself, that the times and the events, which may unexpectedly happen, will bring forth circumstances of such a nature, as will put her in a situation to make appear, in a manner the most efficacious, her good will and her affection, of which she sincerely
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. gj
desires to be able to give proof to their High Mighti- nesses."
This answer- gives great scope to speculation and con- jecture, but I shall trouble Congress with a very few re- marks upon it.
1. In the first place, and without insinuating her opinioc concerning the justice or injustice of the war, between Great Britain and the United Provinces, she imputes the ill success of her mediation between them, to the Court of London, and not at all to the Re[)ublic.
2. She applauds the moderation and pacific sentiments of their High Mightinesses, and implicitly censures the Court of London, for opposite dispositions.
Thns far the declaration is unfavorable to the English, and a pledge of her Imperial honor, at least not to take any part in their favor.
3. It appears, that the Court of London has proposed a negotiation for peace between all the belligerent powers, under the mediation of the Empress and the Emperor. But, as it is certain the Court of London does not admit the United States of America to be one of the belligerent powers, and as no other power of Europe, except France, as yet admits it to be a power, it is very plain to me, that the British Ministry mean nothing but chicanery, to unman and disarm their enemies with delusive dreams of peace, or to intrigue them, or some of them, into a peace separately from America, and without deciding our question.
4. The declaration says not, that the Empress has ac- cepted this mediation, nor upon what terms she would accept it. Here we are left to conjecture. The Dutch Ambassadors at St Petersburg wrote last winter to the Hague, that the Empress would not accept of this media-
62 JOHN ADAMS,
tion with the Emperor, but upon two preliminary condi- titnis, viz. that the Court of London should acknowledge the independence of America, and accede to the princi- ples of the late marine treaty, concerning the rights of neu- trals. To this she may have since added, that Holland should previously be set at peace, and become a neutral power, or she may have altered her sentiments. Here we can only conjecture.
5. It appears, that the Kings of Denmark and Sweden have joined, or are to juin, the Empress in a new effort with the Court of London, to persuade it to make peace with Holland. But how vigorous, or decisive this effort is to be, or what will be their conduct, if they should still be unsuccessful, is left only to conjecture.
6. There are hints at future events, and circumstances, which her Majesty foresees, but the rest of the world do not, which may give her occasion to show her good will. Here is nothing declared, nothing promised, yet it leaves room to suppose, that her Majesty and her high alhes may have insisted on conditions from the Court of London, which accepted, may give peace to the Republic, or re- jected, may oblige Russia, Sweden, and Denmark, to join Holland in the war. But all this is so faint, reserved, and mysterious, thnt no dependence whatever can be placed upon it. I am sorry to see the idea of a negotiation for a general peace held up, because I am as well persuaded it is only an insidious manoeuvre of the British Ministry, as I am that many powers of Europe, and especially Holland, will be the dupe* of it. I confess I should dread a nego- tiation for a general peace at this titnc, because I should expect propositions for short truces, uti possidetis, and other conditions, which would leave our trade more em-
DIPLOMATIC GOKRESPONDENCE. 53
- barrassed, our union more precarious, and our liberties at greater hazard, than they can be in a continuance of the war, at the same time it would put us to as constant, and almost as great an expense. Nevertheless, if proposals of peace, or of conferences and negotiations to that end, should be proposed to me, which they have not as yet from any quarter, it will be my duty to attend to them with as much patience and delicacy too, as if I believed them sincere.
Americans must wean themselves from tl>e hope of anv signal assistance from Europe. If all the negotiations of Congress can keep up the reputation of the United States so far as to prevent any nation from joining England, it will be much. But there are so many difficuhies in doing this, and so many deadl}' blows are aimed at our reputa- tion for honor, faith, integrity, union, fortitude, and power, even by persons who ought to have the highest opinion of them, and the tenderest regard for them, that 1 confess myself sometimes almost discouraged, and wish myself returning through all the dangers of the enemy to America, where I could not do less, and possibly might do more for the public good.
T have the honor to be, Scr.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE PRESinr.NT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, June 2od, 1781.
Sir, The Deputies of the city of Zieriksee have presented to their Noble Mightinesses, the Lords, the States of Zealand, on the 12th of this month, their advice con-
64 -JOHN ADAMS. .
cerning the report of the State, of the 19th of April last, relative to the building of vessels of war, to be done by the College of the Admiralty of this Province, in these words, viz.
"That the venerable Regency having seen, by the Me- morial of the gentlemen, the committees of the Admiralty of this Province, annexed to the said report, the serious diffi- culties which appear to oppose themselves to the resolution of building a larger number of vessels of war and frigates, has thought itself obliged to declare, that it is greatly afflicted at the dangerous situation in which the Republic and this Province are at present, being involved in a ruin- ous war, and almost entirely destitute of all convenient means, which could be employed for the safety and de- fence of the country ; that this great distress might furnish to the venerable Regency, one of the best occasions to en- large in reflections, how, by prompt directions and active foresight, in case that the re-establishment of our marine liad really been taken to heart, the greatest obstacles al- leged in the Memorial in question might have been pre- vented in lime ; but, that a repetition of what ought to have been executed in time, would in no degree ameliorate the present situation of affairs ; and so much the more, as it is indispensably necessary that the deliberations concern- ing the further building of ships, should be at length termi- nated ; the venerable Regency, then, for the present, would abstain from making even well founded observations, which, nevertheless, they might allege, both with regard to the contents of the Memorial in question, and to the means of advancing with greater vigor the construction, or to put the marine upon a more respectable footing by another way ; they content themselves then, with declaring simply.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 65
that they are ready to concur in the completion of the aforesaid point of construction, either by conforming to the disposition of this report, or in any other manner whatso- ever, that a general deliberation of all the members of the State may find the most convenient.
"That, nevertheless, the venerable Regency cannot ab- stain from remarking further here, that at the beginning of this war, they had always been persuaded that the oiher confederates, whose sentiments concerning the first causes of this war have continually influenced those of Zealand, had taken the precautions necessary to be able to oppose the enemy conveniently, either by the national forces, or by the efficacious assistance of their allies, but that the issue of affairs already shows visibly with how much luke- warmness and levity, notwithstanding the serious exhorta- tions and informations repeatedly made by this Province, we have conducted ourselves both with regard to the one and the other. The venerable Regency now sees the Re- public at this moment deprived of all foreign succor, and abandoned to herself against a formidable enemy.
"That, as such a dangerous situation ought naturally to excite in all those who participate in the public government, and really take to heart the true interests of their coun- try, a redoubled zeal to set immediately at work, and in proportion to the danger, all the ineans of defence imag- inable, and to employ them to protect, in the most effectual manner, their country, her commerce and possessions, and to annoy the enemy ; the venerable Regency, seeing on the contrary, that the indolence, the inactivity, and even the continual indifference, are only increasing more and more, and that public affairs are administered in a manner, which cannot be reconciled with the danger to which the
VOL,. VI. 9
66 JOHN ADAMS.
Republic is exposed, judge, in consequence, that the Lords, the States of this Province, will not be able longer to see, without speaking out, a situation so perilous ; but that they ought to examine seriously the true causes and reasons of all this, to the end, that when we have obtained the explanations which we have a right to require, we may take, with the most serious zeal, the resolutions proper to maintain the excellent prerogatives, which we yet possess, and to guard against stich misfortunes.
"That the venerable Regency, having learnt with a great deal of satisfaction that similar observations have been made by other members of the body politic, hope that the deliberations concerning an object of this importance will be no longer delayed ; but they trust that the affair, for which the advice of ll)e gentlemen of Middleburg carried on the 15th of May to the Assembly of the States has been sent back, will be discussed as soon as possible, and with- out delay. The venerable Regency declaring, that they shall be always disposed to co-operate in taking every measure proper to obtain an end so salutary."
Thus we see, that two cities of Zealand, Middleburg and Zieriksee, are co-operating with Amsterdam, Haerlem, Dort, Delft, &lc. in order to arouse the Republic to ac- tion ; iiow many months or years rrtay roll away before they succeed, it is impossible for me to say, because it will depend upon events of war, reports of peace, and the councils of other sovereigns in Europe, as yet inscrutable, but it will depend upon nothing more than the fate of Clin- ton and Cornwallis in America.
I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN ADAMS.
DIPLOMATIC CORKESPONDEISCE. 67
TO THE PRESIDENT OF COiNGRESS.
Amsterdam, June 26ih, 1781.
Sir,
The Emperor appears to be more intent at present upon taking a fair advantage ol the present circumstances, to introduce a flourishing commerce into the Austrian Flanders, than upon making treaties with England, or waging war in its favor. His Imperial, Royal, and Apos- tolical Majesty, has condescended to take off and break the shackles, which restrained the commerce and the commu- nication of the port of Nienport, in the interior of the coun- try, and to discharge by his gracious decree, the commerce from the charges and impositions which were raised on the lands bordering upon the said port, under the denomination of Vate, Geld, Hast-Geld, Myle-Geld, &;c. The frequen- tation of the port of Nieuport presents all the facilities which the merchants can require. Thus the city of Nieu- port enjoys the most extensive privileges, both for storage and transportation to foreigners.
We find there good magazines, merchants, factors, and commissioners, who will all serve punctually. The com- munications, both to the interior parts of the country and to foreigners, are free and easy, both by land, by means of the new causeway of Nieuport, which communicates with all the roads, and by water by means of the direct canals of Nieuport, to Bruges, to Ostend, to Ypres, to Dixmuide, to Fumes, and to Dunkirk, and from thence further on. One passes by the canal from Nieuport to Bruges, nearly in the same space of time, that we pass by the canal from Ostend to Bruges. All these canals have daily barks ready, easy and convenient for travellers, merchandises,
68 JOtLN ADAMS.
and effects. The fishery of the sea, both of h'esh fish, and of all sorts ot" herring and cod, is at Nieuport, in the most flourishing state, and enjoys there every privilege and ex- emption. The distillery of gin in the Dutch way, estab- lished at Nieuport, makes excellent gin, the transportation and expedition of which enjoys the greatest facilities. And the government of his Imperial Majesty, in the Low Countries, does not cease to grant all the privileges and facilities, which can tend to the well-being of the inhabit- ants, and of the commerce of the city and port of Nieuport. I should rejoice at these measures, for tiie benefit which American commerce would receive from them, provided the Emperor could oblige Americans to take their goods from Germany and not from England ; but immense quan- tities of British manufactures will go to America from Nieuport, Ostend, and Bruges.
This is a subject, which deserves the serious considera- tion of every American. British raanufactures are going in vast quantities to America, from Holland, the Austrian Flanders, France, and Sweden, as well as by the way of New York and Charleston, &;c. Whether it is possible to check it, much less to put a stop to it, I know not ; and whether it would be good policy to put an end to it, if that were practicable, is made a question by many. If the Germans, the Dutch, the French, and Spaniards, or any other nations, would learn a little commercial policy, and give a credit to Anaericans, as the British merchants do, and encourage in their own countries manufactures, adapt- ed to the wants and tastes of our countrymen, it is certain that in such a case, it would be our interest and duty to put an end to the trade in British goods, because nothing would weaken and distress the enemy so much, and there-
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. QQ
fore nothing would conlribute more to bring the war to a conclusion. At present manufactures flourish in England, and the duties paid at tlie custom houses have been in- creasing these two or three years, merely owing to their recovering more and more of the American trade by neu- tral bottoms, and by other clandestine channels.
Any American merchant by going over to London, ob- tains a credit. The language of the London merchants to the American merchants is, "Let us understand one an- other, and let the governments squabble." But Americans ought to consider, if we can carry on the war forever, our allies cannot, and without their assistance we should find it very difficult to do it.
I wish the taste for British manufactures may not cost
us more blood, than the difterence between them and
others is worth.
I have the honor to be, Stc.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Aaisterdam, June 26tl), 1781.
Sir, The rubicon is passed. A step has been at last taken by the Regency of Amsterdam, vvhich ^must decide the fate of the Republic. The city of Amsterdam, finding that their proposition of the 18th of last month was not suf- ficient to change the conduct of administration, have ven- tured on another manoeuvre. On the Sth of this month, as soon as the States of Holland were separated, two Burgo- masters of Amsterdam, M. Tenminck and M. Rendorp, accompanied with M. Vesser, the Pensionary of the city, demanded an audience of the Prince Stadtholder, who
70 JOHN ADAMS.
granted it, at his house in the grove. In this audience, they made to the Prince, by word of mouth, a rejDresenta- tion, which they repeated in a memorial sent on the 14th, to the Counsellor Pensionary of the Province, the sub- stance of which is as follows. The gentlemen of Amster- dam, said,
"That their proposition of the 18th of May last, founded perhaps upon former examples, did not result from any suspicions with regard to the good dispositions and inten- tions of his Most Serene Highness, which they had no rea- son to distrust, although the Regency of the city of Am- sterdam had learned with the most profound grief, that evil minded persons had endeavored to insinuate the contrary to his Most Serene Highness ; but that their distrust fell solely upon him, whose influence over the mind of his Most Serene Highness was held for the most immediate cause, of the sloth and weakness in the administration of affairs, which as they could not but be extremely prejudicial to the well-being of the public, they had a long time expected, but in vain, that the dangerous circumstances in which the Republic found itself involved, would have, in the end, given rise to serious deliberations upon the means, which we ought to employ in their order and with more vigor ; but that these hopes had hitherto been fi'uiiless, and, that as the question now in agitation was concerning the safety of their dear country, of her dear bought liberty, of that of his IMost Serene Highness and his house, in one word, of everything which is dear to the inhabitants of the Republic, the Regency of Amsterdam had judged, that they ought not any longer to render themselves guilty by their silence, of a neglect of their duty,
"That, although with regret, they see themselves obliged
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 71
to take this step, and to represent to his Highness with all due respect, but at the s^me time with all that frankness and freedom, which the importance of the affair requires, and to declare to him openly, that, according to the gene- ral opinion, the Field Marechal, the Duke Louis of Bruns- wick Wolfenbuttel, is held for the primary cause of the miserable and defective state in which this country finds itself, in regard to its defence, of all the negligence of duty, which has taken place with respect to this subject, and of all the perverse measures, which have been taken for a long time, with all the fatal consequences which have pro- ceeded from them ; and that they could assure his High- ness, that the hatred and aversion of the nation for the per- son and administration of the Duke, were risen to such a height, that there was reason to apprehend from them, events the most melancholy, and the most disagreeable for the public prosperity and the general tranquillity.
"That there was no doubt that the same assertion had been made to his Highness from other quarters ; but that in case this had not been, it ought to be attributed solely to the fear of the effects of the resentment of the Duke, while, at the same time, they dared to appeal in this res- pect, with the firmest confidence, to the testimony of all the members of government, gendemen of honor and frankness, that his Serene Highness would interrogate upon this subject, after having assured them of the neces- sary liberty of speaking without reserve, and after having exhorted them to tell him the truth, according to their duty and their conscience.
"That the Regents of Amsterdam, bad learned more than once with grief, that the Counsellor Pensionary of the Province had complained, in presence of divers members
72 JOHN ADAMS.
of the Regency of Holland, of the misunderstanding which took place between liiin, the Counsellor Pensionary, and the Duke, as also of the influence which the Duke has upon the spirit of his Highness, and by which his efibrts for the good of the country had often been rendered fruitless.
"That this discord, and this difference of views and sen- timents between tiie principal Counsellor of his Serene Highness and the first Minister of this Province, might not only have consequences the most prejudicial, but that it furnished also a motive sufficient to make the strongest in- stances, to the end, to remove the source of this distrust and discord, while that, without the previous re-establish- ment of confidence and unanimity, there remained no longer any means of saving the Republic.
"That nothing was more necessary for the well-being of the illustrious House of his Highness, to maintain his au- thority, to preserve to him the esteem and the attachment of the nation, and for his own reputation with the neighbor- ing powers, since they could assure, and they ought to ad- vertise his Highness, tliat it is possible he may become one day the object of the indifference and distrust of the pub- lic, instead of being and continuing always the worthy object of the love and esteem of the people ; and the Re- gencies, as they made the sincerest wishes, that his High- ness and his illustrious posterity might constantly enjoy them, considering, that thereon depended in a great meas- ure, the conservation of the well-being of their country, and of the House of Orange.
"That although they know very well, that the members of the sovereignty have always a right, and that their duty requires them even to expose their sentiments to his High- ness and their co-regents, concerning the state and admin-
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 73
istration of public affairs, they should, however, have now voluntarily spared the present measure, if there had been only the smallest hope of amendment or alteration, but that from the aforesaid reasons, they diired not longer flatter themselves, and that the necessity having arisen to the highest point, it appeared that there was no other part to take, but to lay open in this manner to his Highness the real situation of affairs, praying him most earnestly to take it into serious consideration, and no longer listen to the coun- sels and insinuations of a man, upon whom the hatred of the great and the little was accumulated, and whom they re- gard as a stranger, not having a sufficient knowledge of our form of government, and not having a sincere affection for the Republic.
"That the Regents of Amsterdam were very far from desiring to accuse this nobleman of that of which, how- ever, he was too publicly charged ; or to consider as well founded, the suspicions of an excessive attachment to the Court of London, of badJaith and of corruption, that they assure themselves, that a person of so illustrious a birth and so high rank, is incapable of such baseness ; but that they judge, that the unfortunate ideas, which have been unhap- pily conceived with regard to him, and which have caused a general distrust, have rendered him absolutely useless and hurtful to the service of the country, and of his High- ness.
"That thus it was convenient to dismiss him from the direction of affairs, from the person and Court of his High- ness, as being a perpetual obstacle to the re-establishment of that good harmony, so highly necessary between his Highness and the principal members of the State, while his continuance would but too much occasion the distrust
VOL. VI. 10
74 JOHN ADAMS.
conceived of his counsels, to fall, whether with or without reason, upon the person, and the administration of his Highness himself.
"That these representations did not proceed from a principle of personal hatred or private rancor against the Duke, who, in former times, has had reason to value him- self on the benevolence and real proofs of the affection of the Regency of Amsterdam ; but that they ought to pro- test before God and the world, that the conservation of their country, and of the illustrious House of his Highness, and the desire to prevent their approaching ruin, had been the only motives of these representations.
"That they had seen themselves obliged to them, both in quality of citizens of the country, and as an integral mem- ber of its sovereign Assembly, to the end to make by this step one last effort, and to furnish yet, perhaps in lime, a means of saving, under the blessing of the Almighty, the vessel of the State from the most imminent dangers, and conduct it to a good port, or at least, in every case, to acquit themselves of their duty, and to satisfy their con- sciences, and to place themselves in safety from all re- proach from the present age, and from posterity."
To this representation, the Duke has made an answer to their High Mightinesses, in which he demands an inquiry and a vindication of his honor, as dearer to him than his life. This answer will be transmitted as soon as possible. The transaction will form a crisis, but what will be the re- sult of this, or any other measure taken in this country, I cannot pretend to foretel.
I have the honor to be, he.
JOHN ADAMS.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 75
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, June 2Tth, 1781.
Sir,
Major Jackson has been some time here, in pursuance of instructions from Colonel Laurens, in order to despatch the purchase of the goods, and the shipping of the goods and cash, for the United States, which are to go by the South Carolina.
But when all things appeared to be ready, I received a letter from his Excellency Dr Franklin, informing me that he feared his funds would not admit of his accepting bills for more than fifteen thousand pounds sterling, the accounts of the Indian and the goods amounted to more than fifty thousand pounds, which showed that there had not been an understanding sufficiendy precise and explicit between the Doctor, and the Colonel. There was, however, no remedy but a journey to Passy, which Major Jackson un- dertook, despatched the whole business, and returned to Amsterdam in seven days, so that I hope now there will be no more delays.
Major Jackson has conducted, through the whole of his
residence here, as far as I have been able to observe, with
great activity and accuracy in business, and an exemplary
zeal for the public service.
I have the honor to be, he.
JOHN ADAMS.
76 JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, June 29th, 1781.
Sir,
On the 21st of this month, the Field Marechal, Duke Louis, of Brunswick, presented to the States-General the following paper.
"High and Mighty Lords,
"It is not without the greatest reluctance, that 1 see my- self forced to interrupt the important deliberations of your High Mightinesses, and to have recourse to you in an affair, which indeed regards me personally, but the simple explanation of which, I assure myself, will prove, that if I should neglect this step, I should be essentially wanting to the dignity of character, with which your High Mighti- nesses have clothed me.
"After having passed in 1750 into the service of the State, it pleased your High Mightinesses, by your resolu- tion of the 13th of November of the same year, to create me Field Marechal of your troops. When, afterwards, the arrangements for the tuition of the Stadtholder in his minority were resolved on, by express resolutions of all the High Confederates, and it was resolved, that his Highness should be represented in the administration of his military employments, your High Mightinesses then condescended, by honoring me with their distinguished confidence, to con- fer upon me, by your resolution of the 13th of January, 1759, the title of the representative of the Prince Stadt- holder, as Captain-General during the time of his mi- nority.
"I shall say nothing of the resolutions, which your High Mightinesses and the respective Provinces took on the
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 77
8.th of March, 1766, the day of the majority of the Prince, and in the sequel, under different dates, relative to the manner in which I had answered to the confidence, which you had condescended to put in me. These resolutions are too flattering to be recited here ; they are, however, sure pledges, that at that time, at least, I had the good fortune to see my conduct and my services rendered to the State, approved by the high government. In fine, your High Mightinesses continued to honor me with your confidence, even after the time of the minority of the Stadiholder. You took on the same 8th of March, 1766, the resolution to cause to be solicited by your Envoy Extra- ordinary at the Court of Vienna, the consent of her Impe- rial and Royal Majesty, in whose service I was also en- gaged as Field Marechal, to continue me still in the same quality in the service of your High Mightinesses. The pleasure of her Majesty being obtained, I did not refuse this honor, but continued vested with the character of Field Marechal of the troops of the State, In the service of your High Mightinesses.
"Having thus filled for more than thirty years, under the eyes of their High Mightinesses, and in a manner which is sufficiently known to you, the employments which you had confided to me, could I have expected that they would one day render my person the object of the public hatred to such a degree, that I could be exposed to the step which they have taken upon my subject ; a step the most dishonorable to the character, with which your High Mightinesses have condescended to invest me, and wliich puts me in the absolute necessity of addressing myself this day to you.
*'In effect, High and Mighty Lords, after having seen
78 JOHN ADAMS.
myself in public, the object of accusations and calum- nies the most atrocious, (but which I have always despised as such, and of which I shall never take notice, while no one presents himself to support them) after that they had excited against me a general cry, as if my person could be no longer endured, it was necessary for me still further to suffer, that the gentlemen, the Deputies of the city of Am- sterdam, and namely the two reigning Burgomasters, Mes- sieurs Temminck and Rendorp, accompanied with the Pensionary Vischer, should have addressed themselves to my Lord, the Prince of Orange, and in presence of the Counsellor Pensionary of Holland, should have read to him a certain memorial, in the name and by the order of their constituents, who are therein throughout introduced as speaking in the name of the Regency of Amsterdam, and in which I receive an affront the most sensible for an upright heart. It is true, that the Deputies whom I have just named, took back with them this memorial ; but, since, changing their plan, they have thought fit to trans- mit it, on the 14th of the month, by the Burgomaster Ren- dorp, not indeed in the name of the Regency of Amsterdam, but in that of the gentlemen the Burgomasters to the Counsellor Pensionary, praying him to transmit it to the Prince, to whom they left the liberty to make such use of it as should seem to him convenient.
"Informed in this way, and by the communication which his Highness made to me of it, of the contents of this me- morial, I there found so long a concatenation of expressions and reasonings, each more insulting than the other, against my person, which I should be afraid to abuse the attention of your High Mightinesses by inserting them here ; lest, however, 1 should represent them out of their order, and
DIPLOM.^TIC COPRESPONDENCE. 79
the chain which connects them together, your High Might- inesses will pardon me, I hope, if I transcribe from the memorial, the periods which relate to me, and by which 1 am attacked.
"After having made several reflections, which in nowise concern me, and which I ought, consequently, to leave to be answered by those who are attacked by them, but which tend to justify the proposition, which the p;entlemen, the Deputies of the city of Amsterdam, made the 18th of May last, in the Assembly of the States of Holland in particular, to join to his Highness a privy council or committee, the gentlemen, the Burgomasters, continue to address them- selves to the Prince literally in these terms."
[Here follows the substance of the representations of the Burgomasters, contained in my letter to Congress, of the 26th of June, 1781.]
*'In those pieces, which I have just now literally re- lated, your High Mightinesses will perceive, and probably not without indignation, that after a train of reflections, each more injurious than the other, in which there is no accusation against me as Field Marechal, and which, moreover, are only grounded upon pretended public senti- ments and reports artfully circulated, that nevertheless the gentlemen, the Burgomasters, have judged it necessary to insist that his Highness would remove me from his person and Court, in a manner the most disgraceful, and condemn me without further examination, as a criminal attainted and convicted to dishonorable exile.
"I cannot then but consider a proceeding, accompanied with so many odious and humiliating expressions, wliich is not made by simple individuals, but a deputation of two reigning Burgomasters, with the Pensionary of one of the
so JOHN ADAMS.
most considerable cities of Holland, in the name and by the order of the Regency of that city, (according to the terms of the memorial, although according to the letter whereof I liave spoken of the Burgomaster Rendorp, it was only in the name of the gentlemen, the Burgomasters of that city) and that in a formal manner, after mature deliberation, and after having confirmed this action in the most injurious manner, by taking back the memorial, and causing it to be sent to his Highness, 1 cannot, I say, but consider this proceeding as wounding, in the most violent manner, my character and my person ; and in this same writing, where they dare not specify any crime to my charge, and where they are obliged to acknowl- edge the falsity of the reports which have circulated against me, and of llie suspicions of an excessive and illicit attachment to the English Court, of bad faith and of corruption, they appear, notwithstanding, to give credit to these calumnies, and to be willing to cast upon me the blame of the evils of the times, to the end, to excul- pate those who are the true causes of it. I should think myself unworthy of bearing any longer the character that your High Mightinesses have confided to me, if I tes- tified upon this article an indifference or an insensibility. "I dare also assure myself, that your High Miglitinesses will consider my proceeding in the same point of light, and that they will agree with me, that it is of the highest im- portance to know, if he, whom your High Mightinesses have clodied with the dignity of Field Marechal, whom they have engaged and continued in their service in the manner abovementioned, is in fact the true cause of the deplorable state of the weakness of the Republic, of all the negligence they suppose to have taken place, of all the
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 81
false steps, that ihey say have been taken, and of all the unhappy consequences, that have resulted from them. Your High Mightinesses are to examine in the most exact manner, things so interesting, and to see if this person is the source of the distrust and disunion ; for what reasons he would be totally unuseful and prejudicial to the service of the State and of his Highness ; what are the proofs of his want of affection to the country ; in one word, for what reason he should be hereafter unworthy of the confidence of the Prince, who is placed at the head of this Republic, to whose testimony I here take the liberty of appealing ; finally, for what reason he hath merited to be removed from the person of his Highness, and of his Court, as a perpetual obstacle to the good intelligence between his Highness and the Court.
"And as rny honor is more dear to me than life, and as I am attacked in a part so sensible, it is also for this reason, and in consideration of that, which I owe to myself even, and to the relations, which I have, as well with this State and to your High Mightinesses, as to those which I still have with his Imperial and Royal Majesty, to which other- wise I should be too much wanting, that I see myself obliged to address myself to your High Mightinesses, and by them to all the confederates, to supplicate them respect- fully, and to insist in the most express manner, that your High Mightinesses would deign, after the most severe and scrupulous examination, to take such measures in protecting efficaciously the character, which your High Mightinesses have confided to me, that I n)ay be justified in a pi-opci- manner from the blame, that the abovementioned proceed I- ing hath cast upon me, and that so sensible an affront as hath been offered me by it, may be suitably repaired ; that VOL. n. 11
82 JOHN ADAMS.
to this end it may please your High JVIightinesses to direct things in such a manner, that the four reigning Burgomas- ters of Amsterdam, who have caused to be delivered in their name the said Memorial, according to the letter of Burgomaster Rendorp, be obliged, as well as the Pension- ary Vischer, to allege the reasons they have had of injur- ing me so grievously as they have done by the said pro- ceeding, and by the accusation therein contained, and to verify the whole in a suitable manner, which I cannot but consider all that, which is there said as calumnies, and that they may be obliged, moreover, to specify more precisely the other heads of accusation, that they pretend to allege to my charge, and to bring the requisite judiciary proofs of them ; and in case that they can specify nothing, or that they cannot prove sufficiently their allegations, that the authors of the infamous reports circulated against me may be sought out, tu the end, that they may be punished as calumniators, according to their deserts ; finally, that your High Mightinesses will then, conjointly with all the confed- erates, take such justificatory resolutions, as will save my honor and my reputation in the nation, and in the eyes of all Europe ; that thus I may be placed in a situation to support with proper dignity the character, which your High Mightinesses have given me, and that I may obtain the satisfaction, that your High IMightinesses, according to their profound wisdom and known equity, shall judge equiv- alent to the affront offered to my character and my relations. "1 have the honor to be, with the most sincere and re- spectful attachment, High and Mighty Lords, your High Mightinesses' most humble, most obedient, and faithful servant, L. DUG DE BRUNSVIC."
I have the honor to be, he.
JOHN ADAMS.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 83
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, July 5th, 1781*
Sir, The following is an extract from the registry of the resolutions of their High Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces of the Low Countries.
Thursday, June the 20th, 1781. His Serene High- ness, the Prince of Orange and Nassau, having appeared in the Assembly, made to their High Mightinesses the fol- lowing proposition.
"High and Mighty Lords, "I have judged necessary to propose to your High Mightinesses to examine, with the greatest care, if, since the present troubles have arisen, proper attention has been paid to the placing the marine of the State in that situa- tion, that it had been able to act efficaciously against an enemy, particularly one so strongly armed by sea as the kingdom of Great Britain is, or if any negligence or su- pineness hath had place in that respect, and in that case, to what it ought to be attributed ; and to the end to re- ceive the necessary information on thnt head, to write to the respective Colleges of Admiralty, that they may make
* Mr Adams arrived at Paris on the 6th of July, and consequently could not have written this letter in Amsterdam on the 5th, although it is thus dated in the original. He was abseni during the whole month of July, and yet several letters, as will be seen, are dated at Amsterdam in that time. These letters contain chiefly intelligence, which was probably collected by his Secretary, under diflerent dates during Mr Adams' absence, and forwarded by liim on iiis return with- out altering the dates. This will account lor the circumstance of letters being dated throughout the month of July, both at Amsterdam and Paris.
84 JOHN ADAMS.
report, and declare how many vessels they had in 1776, and how many were then equipped, and with how many men, what they have done since the English have begun to molest the ships of the inhabitants of this country, em- ployed in the West India trade, under pretext of the dis- putes arisen with their colonies in North America, and by consequence from the end of 1776 and the beginning of 1777, to place themselves as much as was possible and in their power, in a state to protect the commerce of this country, and what they have done since the troubles have begun in Europe, and that it was to be feared, that the Re- public would have a share in them, for to put it as much as depended on them, in a state of not only protecting her commerce, but also to be able to assist in defending the country, and in attacking the enemy ; if they have been active to effect that, which hath been resolved by your High Mightinesses for this object, or if there has been a negligence in this respect ; and in that case, for what rea- son they have not executed these resolutions ; if it has been possible for them to furnish the ships put in commis- sion and equip them, to the end, that it may appear from whence it arises, that the Republic finds itself in so de- plorable a state of defence by sea, which is certainly the point the most interesting in this war, and upon which all the inhabitants of this country have an eye. Although on this occasion I make only mention of the defence by sea, 1 esteem it necessary to represent to your High Mightinesses, that I am very far from avowing by that, that the land forces of this State are "sufficient to assure us, that the country is in a respectable state of defence by land.
"I do not think myself under the necessity of justifying
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 85
my conduct, and that your High Mightinesses are ignorant of the efforts I have made since my majority to place eve- rything, which regards this Repubhc, in a respectable pos- ture of defence ; nevertheless, I have thought it in my power to represent to your High Mightinesses, that I have on more than one occasion, given it as my opinion, that this Republic ought to be placed not only by land but also by sea, in a proper slate of defence, to the end to be able to maintain its liberty and independence, and not to be obliged to take measures contrary to the true interests of the coun- try, but conformable to those qf a power from whose men- aces it has at length more to fear, because it is not in a state to resist it.
"It is for tliat reason that even in the beginning of 1771, I have given to understand, that the Deputies of the Prov- ince of Holland and West Friesland had proposed in the assembly of your High Mightinesses, by the express orders of the gentlemen, the States their constituents, to cause to be formed a petition for the construction of twentyfour ves- sels of war ; that I have not neglected to insist upon all occasions, as well upon the re-establishment of the marine as upon the augmentation of the land forces, and to press particularly more than once the conclusion of the petition for the construction of vessels.
"It is for the same reason, that in the beginning of the year 1775, upon occasion of the exertions made by the gentlemen, the Commissaries of your High Mightinesses for the affairs of war, with some members of the Council of State, to conciliate the different sentiments of the les- pective confederates, in regard to the plan of augmentation of the land forces, proposed by the Council of State, the 19th of July, 1773, I have made a conciliatory proposition
86 JOH.\ ADAMS.
lo tilis purport, viz. 'that the sum for tlie department of war should be fixed at six hundred thousand florins for the marine, and to make amends for that, that the sum of one million five hundred thousand florins demanded in 1773, for an augmentation to be made of the land forces, should be reduced to nine hundred thousand florins ;' which pro- position was embraced at that time by the gentlemen, the States of Guelderland, Friesland, Overyssel, and Gronin- gen, but hath had no further operation.
"I shall not allege here the entreaties that I have annu- ally made with the Council of State by the general peti- tion ; but shall communicate only to your High Mighti- nesses the proposition that I have made to the assembly of the gentlemen, the States of Holland and West Fries- land, the lOth of March, 1779, which is of the same tenor with the letter I wrote the same day to the gentlemen, the States of Guelderland, Zealand, Utrecht, Friesland, Over- yssel, and Groningen, a copy of which I have the honor to remit to your High Mightinesses. I cannot disguise that in my opinion it was to have been wished, that what I then proposed had been more attended to, since I dare assure myself that if the republic had found it good at that time to have caused to be armed fifty or sixty vessels well equipped, and provided with every necessary, whereof not less than twenty or thirty should have been of the line, and to have augmented the land forces to fifty or sixty thousand men of foot, it would not have found itself in its present unhappy circumstances, but it would have been respected as an independent State by all the powers, it would have been able to maintain the system of neutrality, which it had embraced ; and it would have seen itself in a state to promise itself with reason, under the divine bene-
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 87
diction, that in giving great weight to the party to which it should be joined, it would not have been to be feared tliat any power whatsoever would have attacked it, but that it would have been managed by each, and that her friendship being sought by all, and not giving to any one of them just causes of complaint, it would have obtained the esteem and confidence of all the powers, which would have produced the best effects for the true interests of this State, cer- tainly and in every case, if it had been attacked by an un- just war, to which a State is always exposed, it would have seen itself in a state to make an opposition with hopes of success, and of obliging the enemy to seek the friendship of this State, upon honorable terms for the Republic."
The following is the letter from his Serene Highness to the Lords, the States of Guelderland, Zealand, Utrecht, Friesland, Overyssel, and Groningen, dated March lOih, 1779.
"Noble and Mighty Lords, intimate and good Friends ; — We think ourselves obliged to communicate to your Noble Mightinesses our sentiments respecting one of the most im- portant objects of your deliberadons, viz. we are very far from judging that it would be expedient that this Republic should renounce the lawful rights, which appertain to its in- habitants in virtue of solemn treaties ; we think, on the contrary, that they ought to be maintained by all the means that Providence hath placed in the hands of this Republic, but that it belongs only to your Noble Mightinesses, and to the Noble Mighty Lords, the States of the other Provinces to decide, when it is time that their High Mightinesses ought to take the resolution of granting an unlimited pro- tection to their commercial inhabitants, and that their High Mightinesses not having engaged themselves by any treaty
83 JOHN iDAMS.
whatsoever with any foreign power, to protect all branches of commerce witliout distinction, no one hath a right to exact from them, that, in granting protection, they ought to grant it to all vessels without distinction, witlwDut leaving to their prudence to decide if they are in a condition to pro- tect all the branches of commerce, and if they can do it in the present moment without hazarding important interests, and exposing themselves to the greatest danger.
"We think, then, that in this case it will be proper to pay no regard to anything else tlian the true interests of the Republic, and it is for this reason that before a final resolution is taken to convoy vessels loaded with wood, it would be necessary to examine the state of the Republic, both by land and sea. In our opinion, nothing will be more expedient for this Republic than an exact and punctual neutrality, without prejudicing the treaties v^•hich it has with foreign j)owers, but we think that to maintain and support it efficaciously, and not only for so long a time as it may please one of the belligerent powers to require of the lie- public, in a violent and threatening manner, that it takes a part, that it will be proper that the Republic be put in an armed state, that to this end it will be necessary to equip at least fifty or sixty vessels, not less than twenty or thirty of them of the line, and to augment the land forces to filty or sixty thousand men, and that the frontier places should be put in a proper state of defence, and the maga- zines provided with the requisite munitions of war. In which case we are of opinion, that the Republic would be respected by all the powers, and could do, without obsta- cle, what is permitted it by the treaties, or would not be prevented from doing and acting what it should judge pro- per to its true interests.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. §9
"For these reasons we judge, that the fidelity we owe to our country requires us lo offer this consideration to the enlightened minds of your Noble Mightinesses, and to give your Noble Mightinesses the deliberation of it, to take a resolution, to the end that by the construction of a con- siderable number of vessels, and particularly of the line, the marine may be reinforced, and jhat by the augmenta- tion of the monthly pay or premiums, or by such other arrangements as your Noble Mightinesses, and the Lords, the States of the other Provinces, shall judge proper, it may be effected that the sailors necessary to equip them be procured, and that at the same time your Noble Mighti- nesses grant the sums for the necessary augmentation, to the end lo carry the land forces to the number of fifty or sixty thousand men, and for the petitions respecting the fortifications and magazines.
"When your Noble Mightinesses and the Lords the States of the other Provinces shall have done that, and this reinforcement, both by sea and land, shall have been car- ried into execution, we think that this is the epoch when the Republic may with advantage, and as an independent State, take the resolution of maintaining the rights which appertain to their inhabitants according to the treaties, and particularly that of Marine, in 1G74. But before the Re- public is put in a respectable state of defence, ^ve should fear, that a resolution to take under convoy all vessels in- discriminately, according to the letter of the said treaty, and particularly vessels loaded with ship timber, might have very bad consequences for the true interests of this State, and expose the honor of its (lag to an affront. And it is for this reason we are of opinion, that it would be pro- per, that it should be resojved hy an ulterior resnlction, vol.. VI. 12
90 JOHN ADAMS.
that the vessels loaded with masts, knees, beams, and other kinds of wood necessary to the construction of ships of war should not be taken under convoy, before an equipment of fifty or sixty vessels, (not less than twenty or thirty of them of the line,) is ready, and before having augmented the land forces to fifty or sixty thousand men of foot ; but tnat in the meantime, to the end to protect as much as possible, the general commerce of this country, without exposing the important interests of the State, the necessary convoys as they were announced, shall be granted to all other ves- sels not loaded with contraband effects, to the end that al! the branches of commerce may not be suspended and left without protection, during the time of the deliberation upon the protection of one branch only. We expect, that when the Republic shall be put into this armed stale, all the powers w^ill leave her to exercise the right which belongs to her of keeping an exact neutrality, and of observing also on their part, everything which the treaties it hath made may require, &;c.'"
Which having been deliberated, their High Mightinesses have thanked his Serene Highness for the said proposi- tion.
"They regard it as a new mark of his assiduous zeal and solicitude for the interests of the State, in declaring that their High Mightinesses acknowledged with gratitude, all the efforts that his Serene Highness hath employed since his majority, and in particular since the commence- [nent of the war between the two neighboring kingdoms, to put the Republic in a proper state of de.^'ence, both by sea and land, and could have wished that these efforts might have had the desired effect in every respect ; and besides, it has been found good and resolved, that conformably to
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 9]
the proposition of his Serene Highness, it shall be notified to the respective Colleges of the Admiralty, (in sending to them a copy of the said proposition,) that they make re- port and render an account how many vessels they had in 1776, in what condition they were, and how many of them were equipped with the number of men ; afterwards what they have done since the English have begun to molest the ships of the inhabitants of this country trading to the West Indies, under pretext of disputes arisen with their Colonies in North America, and thus from the end of the year 1776, and at the beginning of 1777, to put themselves in a condi- tion, as much as was possible and in their power, to protect the commerce of this country, and what they have done since the troubles have begun in Europe, and that it was to be feared^ that the Republic would become a party, to put themselves in a condition for what depended upon them, to protect not only their commerce, but also to be able to aid in defending the country and attacking the ene- my ; if they have been active to carry into effect what your High Mightinesses have resolved upon this subject, and if any negligence hath had place in this regard, and in this case, for what reasons they have not executed those reso- lutions ; if they have been in a possibility of supporting and equipping the vessels put in commission, to the end that it may appear to what we ought to attribute the present situa- tion."
I have the honor to be, &:c.
JOHN ADAMS.
92 JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
Versailles, July 7tli, 17S1.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform your Excellency, that upon an intimation from you, signified to me by M. Berenger, and afterwards by the Due de la Vauguyon, that the in- terest of the United States required me here, I arrived last night in Paris, and am come today to Versailles, to pay my respects to your Excellency, and receive your further communications. As your Excellency was in council when I had the honor to call at your ojffice, and as it is very possible that some other day may be more agreeable, I have the honor to request you to appoint the time, which will be most convenient for me to wait on you.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most obedient, and most humble servant,
JOHN ADAMS.
The foregoing letter I sent by my servant, who waited until the Count descended from council, when he delivered it into his hand. He broke the seal, read the letter, and said he was very sorry he could not see Mr Adams, but he was obliged to go into the country immediately after din- ner ; that Mv Adams seroit dans le cos de voir M. de RaynevaJ, who lived at such a sign in such a street. After dinner, I called on M. Rayneval, who said ; M. le Due de la Vauguyon has informed me, that there is a question of a pacification, under the mediation of the Emperor of Ger- many and the Empress of Russia, and that it was necessary that I should have some consujtations at leisure with the
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 93
Count de Vergennes, that we might understand each other's views ; that he would see the Count tomorrow morning, and write me when he would meet me ; that they had not changed their principles nor their system ; that the treaties were the foundation of all negotiation. I said, that I lodged at the hotel de Valois, where I did formerly ; that I should be ready to wait on the Count when it would be agreeable to him, and to confer with him upon every- thing relative to any proposition, which the English might have made. He said the English had not made any pro- positions, but it was necessary to consider certain points, and make certain preparatory arrangements ; to know whether we were British subjects, or in what light we were to be considered, &lc. Smiling, I said, I was not a Briiish subject, that I had renounced that character many years ago, forever ; and that I shiauld rather be a fugitive in China or Malabar, than ever reassume that character.
On the 9th, was brought me by one of the Count de Vergennes' ordinary commissaries the following billet.
M. DE RAYNEVAL TO JOHN ADAMS.
Translation.
Versailles, July 9tli, 1781.
Sir, I have had the honor to inform you, that the Count de Vergennes desired to have an interview with you, and it will give him pleasure if you can meet him on Wednesday next, at nine o'clock in the morning. Meantime, I have the honor to be, he.
GERARD DE RAYNEVAL.
94 JOHN ADAMS.
TO M. DE RAYNEVAL.
Paris, July Ptlv, 1781.
Sir, I have this moment the honor of your billet of this day's date, and will do myself the honor to wait on his Excel- lency the Count de Vergennes at his office, on Wednesday next, at nine of the clock in the morning according to his desire.
I have the honor to be, k,c.
JOHN ADAIMS.
Accordingly on Wednesday I went to Versailles, and met the Count at his office, with M. de Rayneval, at nine o'clock, who communicated to me the following articles proposed by the two Imperial Courts. That Spain had prepared her answers ; that of France was nearly ready ; but did not know that England had yet answered.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS,
Amsterdam, July 7tli, 1781.
Sir,
The followiiig Resolution was passed at the Hague, the 2d of this month, by their High Mightinesses the States- General, respecting the Duke of Brunswick.
"Heard the report of Messrs de Lynden, de Hemmen, and other deputies of their High Mightinesses for marine affairs, who, in consequence and conformably to a cornmis- sorial resolution of their High Mightinesses of the 21st of last month, have examined a letter of the Duke of Bruns- wick, dated at the Hague the same day, and containing serious complaints upon the proposition, that the gentlemen, the Deputies of the city of Amsterdam, have made to his
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 95
Highness, after that many calumnies and atrocious accusa- tions had been circulated against him in public ; upon which, having deliberated, it hath been found good and resolved,
"That, saving the deliberations of the Lords, the States of the respective Provinces, upon the complaints relative to the proceeding of the gentlemen, the Deputies of Am- sterdam, their High Mightinesses, not being able to see with indifference, that my Lord the Duke of Brunswick, in quality of Field ]\Iarechal of this State, be publicly accused in so enormous a manner, it may from this time be declared, and it is declared by the present, that it is not manifest to their High Mightinesses that there are any reasons, which could furnish any ground for such accusa- tions and suspicions of bad faith and of corruption as have been alleged to the charge of rny Lord the Duke, and that have been circulated abroad in anonymous writings, de- famatory libels, and dishonorable reports ; that, on the con- trary, their High IMightinesses regard them as false and injurious calumnies, spread with design to disgrace and wound the honor and reputation of my Lord the Duke ; whilst that their High Mightinesses hold the said Lord the Duke entirely innocent and exempt from the blame, with which the libels and reports alleged endeavor to disgrace him.
"That in consequence, the gentlemen, the States of the respective Provinces, should be required by writing, and that it should be submitted to their consideration, if they could not find it good each in their Provinces, conformably to the placards of the country, to make the necessary regu- lations to restrain the authors, printers, and distributors of such like defamatory libels and malicious and calumnious
90 JOHN ADAMS.
writings, by which the said Lord the Duke is so sensibly attacked and wounded in his honor and reputation." I have the honor to be, he.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO THB PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS,
Amsterdam, July 7th, 1781.
Sir,
Under the head of St Petersburg is the following article.
"On the 8th of June, the JMinister of the Court of Ver- sailles had a conference with the Count Osterman, Vice Chancellor of the empire, and remitted to him a memorial, containing representations upon the continued proceedings of the English against the commerce and navigation of neuters ; upon the little activity of these last to prevent these arbitrary proceedings, and supporting tliereby the principles of their declarations made to the belligerent pow- ers, and the convention of neutrality which has been agreed upon between them ; upon the prejudice which ought nat- urally to result from it to the whole world, and upon the desire which the King his master has that it should be remedied by the vigorous co-operation of her Imperial JVlajesty, seeing that without that the said association of neutrality would turn only to the advantage of the enemies of France, and that the King, who to this moment has con- fined himself exactly to the principle of the abovementioned declaration and convention of neutrality, would see himself, although with regret, in the indispensable necessity of chang- ing in like manner the system which he had hitherto fol- lowed, with respect to the connnerce and navigation of neu- ters, and of measuring and regulating it upon the conduct which the English shall allow themselves, and which was
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDEiNCE. 97
SO patiently borne by the neuters. Objects, in regard to vvlilch his Majesty has nevertheless judged it his duty to suspend his final resolution, until he can concert upon this subject with her Imperial Majesty."
Mr Dana left Amsterdam tbis day, and is gone to Utrecht, and from thence he will proceed on his journey to Petersburg without delay. Mr Jennings does not ac- company him.
I have the honor to be, &;c.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO THK PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amsterdam, July 10th, 1781.
Sir,
On Wednesday, the 4th of July, JM. de Lynden Blitters- wyk, presiding in the Assembly, hath related and acquaint- ed their High Mightinesses, that the Duke of Brunswick had been with him that morning and given him to under- stand,
"That he had been informed of the resolution, that their High Mightinesses had taken the 2(1 of July upon the letter, that he had the honor of remitting to them, the 2 1st of June last j that he was extremely sensible of the marks of confidence and alFection, that their High ]\iightinesses had been pleased to give him on this occasion, and that in an affair, to the subject of which he had not directly carried his complaints to their Higli IMighiinesses ; that he was nevertheless not less persuaded, that the intention of their High ]\Iightinesses coukl not be by that to let the affair rest provisionally, much less that thereby they should havo satisfied the respectful demand and requisition contained in his said letter, by which he had required an exact and vig-
\C-L. VI. 13
93 JOHN ADAMS
orous examination, and demanded for that purpose of their High Mightinesses such steps as had been more amply mentioned in the said letter ; and that then only he had required such a justificatory resolution and satisfaction as had been afterwards demanded by- that letter ; that he ought to insist upon that so much the more, as by that pro- visional resolution, as taken without previous inquiry, one could by no means think him cleared from the blame and affront, which bad been offered him, for which reason he had conceived that he could and ought to implore the res- olution of all the High Confederates themselves, as he still continued to implore it with earnestness ;" praying M. de Lynden, as President of the Assembly of their High Migh- tinesses, to be pleased to acquaint them therewith.
Which having been deliberated, it hath been resolved and concluded,
To pray by the present, the gentlemen, the Deputies of the respective Provinces, to be pleased to acquaint tlie gen- tlemen, the States, their principals, with the above, to the end that in the deliberations upon the letter of the Duke of Brunswick, such reflections may be made upon the above as they shall judge proper."
I have the honor to be, Stc.
JOHN ADAMS.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Paris, Jiilv Utli, 178!.
Sir,
I have only time by Major Jackson, to inform Congress,
that upon information from the Count de Vergennes, that
questions concerning peace under the mediation of the
two Imperial Courts were in agitation, that required my
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPO^DEMCE. 99
presence here, I undertook the journey, and arrived here last Friday night, the 6th of the month, and have twice waited on the Count de Vergennes at Versailles, who this day communicated to me the enclosed propositions.
These propositions are made to all the belligerent pow- ers, by the Courts of Petersburg and Vienna, in conse- quence of some wild propositions made to them by the Court of London, "that they would undertake the office of mediators upon condition, that the league as they call it, between France and their rebel subjects in America should be dissolved, and these left to make their terms with Great Britain, after having returned to their allegiance and obe- dience."
France and Spain have prepared their answers to these propositions of the Empress and Emperor, and I am de- sired to give my answer to the articles enclosed. It is not in my power at this time to enclose to Congress my answer, because I have not made it, nor written it, but Congress must see, that nothing can come of this manoeuvre, at least for a long time. Thus much I may say to Congress, that I have no objection to the proposition of treating with the English separately- in the manner pro- posed, upon a peace, and a Treaty of Comtnerce with them, consistent with our engagements with France and Spain ; but that the armistice never can be agreed to by me. The objections against it are as numerous as they are momentous and decisive. I may say further, that as there is no judge upon earth, of a Sovereign Power, but the nation that composes it, I can never agree to the me- diation of any powers, however respectable, until they have acknowledged our sovereignty, so far at least as to admit a Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States, as
100 JOHN ADAMS.
the representative of a free and independent power. Af- ter this, we might discuss questions of peace or truce with Great Britain, without her acknowledging our sovereignty, but not before.
1 fancy, however, that Congress will be applied to for their sentiments, and I shall be ever ready and happy to obey their instructions, because I have a full confidence, that nothing will be decided by them, but what will be consistent with their character and dignity. Peace will only be retarded by relaxations and concessions, whereas firmness, patience, and perseverance will ensure us a good and lasting one in the end. The English are obliged to keep up the talk of peace, to lull their enemies, and to sustain their credit. But I hope the people of America will not be deceived. Nothing will obtain them real peace but skilful and successful war.
I have the honor to be, he.
JOHN ADAMS.
ARTICLES
To serve as a Basis to the Negotiation for the Re-estab- lishment of Peace.
Translation.
ARTICLE I.
The re-establishment of peace in America shall be ne- gotiated between Great Britain and the American Colonies, but without the intervention of any of the other belligerent parties, nor even with that of the two Imperial Courts, unless their mediation should be formally asked and granted upon this object.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 101
ARTICLE II.
Tliis separate peace cannot, however, be signed, but conjointly, and at the same lime with that of those powers whose interests shall have been negotiated by the mediat- ing Courts, for this reason, although each peace may be separately treated, yet they cannot be concluded without each other. Care shall be taken to inform the mediators with certainty of liie measures and state of that, which regards Great Britain and the Colonies, to the end. that the mediation may be able to regulate the measures intrusted to it, by the state of the negotiation relating to the colonies, and both of the pacifications, which shall have been con- cluded at the same time, aUhougli separately, shall be sol- emnly guarantied by the mediating Courts, and every other neutral power, whose guarantee the belligerent par- ties may think proper to claim.
ARTICLE III.
To render the negotiations for peace independent of the events of war, always uncertain, which may put a stop to, or at least retard their progress, there shall be a general ar.mistice between all parties during the term of a year, reckoning from of the month of of the
present year, or of ye^'is, reckoning from of the
month of of the year 1782, should it happen that
peace should not be re-established in the first period, and whilst the duration of either of these periods continue, everything shall remain in the state in which they shall be found at signing the present preliminary articles.
102 JOHN ADAMS.
TO THL COUNT DE VERGKNNES.
Paris, July 13th, 1781.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency some remarks upon the articles, to serve as a basis of the nego- tiation for the re-establishment of peace, wjiich you did ine the honor to communicate to me.
As I am unacquainted, whether you desired my senti- ments upon these articles merely for your own govern- ment, or with a design to communicate them to the Im- perial Couris, I should be glad of your Excellency's ad- vice concerning them. If your Excellency is of opinion there is anything exceptionable, or which ought to be altered, I should be glad to correct it ; or if I have not perceived the points, or questions, upon which you desired my opinion, I shall be ready to give any further answers. I have the honor to be, &ic.
JOHN ADAMS.
ANSWER
Of the Minuicr Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, to the Articles to serve as a Basis to the Negotiation for the Re-estahlishment of Peace.
Article i. The United States oT America have no objection, provided their allies have none, to a treaty with Great Britain,