CONTENTS OF THE SIXTH VOLUME.
Reading edition
JOHN ADAMS'S CORRESPONDENCE, CONTINUED.
Page.
To the 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, 1781,5
Ordinance of Prussia relative to navigation and commerce.
To B. Franklin, Amsterdam, May 23d, 1781,13
Drafts made on him by Congress.—Encloses despatches for Dr Franklin and Mr Jay.—Thinks it advisable to obtain the acknowledgment of independence 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 between France and Holland.
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, recommending 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 America.—The property seized there principally English.—Much of it taken by the French on its passage 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 the 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 confederation by the Thirteen United States, and requesting 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 increase 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 recommend to the States-General the erection of batteries on the coast, and also resolve 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 required 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 opening of the Scheldt.—Remarks of M. Cerisier on the petition; true causes of the decline of the Austrian Low Countries, and of the prosperity of the Dutch Provinces; absurdity of the pretensions of the Austrian Provinces to the free navigation of the Scheldt; the other powers would oppose the measure.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 12th, 1781,49
Petition of the Deputies of Dort, Haerlem, Amsterdam, 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 commerce to Surinam.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 15th, 1781,59
Arrival at the Hague of a courier from St Petersburg, supposed to bring despatches denying assistance 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 or 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 neutral bottoms and by clandestine channels.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, June 26th, 1781,69
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, 1781,75
Major Jackson's services in the purchasing and shipping of goods for the United states.
To the President 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 5th, 1781,83
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 extending 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 Rayneval.—Conversation with M. de Rayneval on the proposition of the mediation of Russia and Austria.
M. de Rayneval to John Adams. Versailles, July 9th, 1781,93
Appointing a time for an interview with Count de Vergennes.
To M. de Rayneval. Paris, July 9th, 1781,94
Interview with Count de Vergennes.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 7th, 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 Petersburg, complaining of the violation of the principles of the convention of neutrality, by the English.—Mr Dana leaves Amsterdam for Petersburg.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 10th, 1781,97
The Duke of Brunswick requests a more formal examination of the charges made against him.—The request referred by the States-General to the Provincial States.
To the President of Congress. Paris, July 11th, 1781,98
Proposition of the mediation of Austria and Russia between the European belligerents, the Americans being left to treat separately.—The two preliminaries on condition of which England proposes the mediation; a rupture of France with America, and the return of the latter to obedience.
To the Count de Vergennes. 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 de Vergennes. Paris, July 16th, 1781,109
Further remarks on the proposed basis of negotiation.—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 Minister 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 17th, 1781,112
Memorial of Amsterdam against the Duke of Brunswick.
Count de Vergennes to John Adams. Versailles, July 18th, 1781,124
The United States cannot appear in the proposed negotiation until certain preliminaries are settled.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 18th, 1781,125
Feels little disposed to engage in the proposed negotiations.—An American Minister ought not to appear at Vienna, unless the propositions of the Imperial Courts are communicated to Congress.
To the Count de Vergennes. Paris, July 19th, 1781,127
An American Minister at Vienna, must be received as Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States, and by his commission can only treat with Ministers vested with equal powers, which would be a virtual acknowledgment of independence.—Objects 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 the domestic concerns of any power, or to aid a sovereign in reducing his rebellious subjects.
To the Count de Vergennes. 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 foreign powers.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, July 21st, 1781,135
Sentiments of the Quarter of Westergo in regard to the Amsterdam Memorial against the Duke of Brunswick.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 3d, 1781,137
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, 1781,140
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, August 6th, 1781,141
Courier from Petersburg to the English Court, supposed 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, August 6th, 1781,142
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, August 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 independence of America.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 16th, 1781,145
Mr Temple, his character, services, and sufferings.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 16th, 1781,147
Offer of the mediation of the two Imperial Courts, made to the Dutch Ambassador at Petersburg.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 18th, 1781,149
Admiral Parker's account of his action with Admiral Zoutman.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 22d, 1781,150
Favorable influence of Amsterdam in animating the Dutch.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, August 22d, 1781,152
Gradual progress of events in Holland.—The declaration of the Stadtholder, that the vessels which did not join the squadron of the Texel were detained by the winds, and not by counter orders.—The Prince's letter of thanks to the crews of Admiral Zoutman's vessels.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Aug. 25th, 1781,156
Acknowledges the receipt of his new commission.—Proceedings under his former commission.—Speculations on the policy of the Courts at the proposed Congress.
James Lovell to John Adams. Philadelphia, September 1st, 1781,159
Enclosing instructions from Congress.
To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, Oct. 4th, 1781,160
His correspondence has been interrupted by sickness.—Expresses his satisfaction with the new commission.—Recommends the official communication of it to Count de Vergennes, and some intimation of it in the French journals.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 15th, 1781,161
Loss of his despatches.—Difficulty of safe transmission.—Recent interruption by sickness.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 15th, 1781,163
The English will not treat with America at present.—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.—Obstacles to their success.—Thinks his remaining longer in Europe unnecessary.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 15, 1781,169
Excitement in Holland.—Placard of the States of Utrecht, offering reward for the discovery of the author of a seditious pamphlet "To the People of the Low Countries."
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October 18th, 1781,172
Various petitions from the commercial interest in Holland to the States-General; from certain fisheries; from the merchants of Amsterdam, praying indemnification for the loss occasioned by the delay of the convoy; from the merchants of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, trading to the Levant; from the proprietors of plantations in Surinam and Curaçao; from the East India Company, praying assistance.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, October 23d, 1781,178
Informing Mr Adams of his appointment as Secretary of Foreign Affairs.—Requests information.—Surrender of Lord Cornwallis.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, October. 25th, 1781,182
Placard of Holland against the pamphlet "To the People of the Low Countries."—Progress of democratical principles in Europe, caused by the American war.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, November 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. Philadelphia, 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 conduct as a private individual.
To the Duc de la Vauguyon, Ambassador of France at the Hague. Amsterdam, Nov. 24th, 1781,192
Requesting an interview with him for the purpose of communicating despatches from Congress. Account of the interview.
Resolves of Congress, comprising the Instructions to John Adams. In Congress, Aug. 16th, 1781,194
Instructions to Mr Adams, respecting a Treaty of Alliance with the United Provinces.—Commission to the same for the same object.
To the Duc de la Vauguyon. Amsterdam, November 25th, 1781,197
Communicating the instructions and commission above given.—Manner of proceeding in compliance therewith.
To John Jay, American Minister at Madrid. Amsterdam, November 26th, 1781,199
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, 1781,201
The late successes in America have produced a great impression in Europe. Prospect of a triple alliance.—General Greene's successes in the South have delivered Georgia and South Carolina.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 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 received 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 Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. The Hague, December 7th, 1781,205
Waits for orders in regard to the proposed negotiations in Holland.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 13th, 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, December 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, December 18th, 1781,212
Interview with the Duc de la Vauguyon, who recommends a visit to the Hague, and afterward to the Regencies of the several cities.
To the Duc de la Vauguyon. The Hague, December 19th, 1781,214
Requests to know if the Spanish Ambassador has instructions to enter into a treaty with Holland.—Is in favor of communicating the project of a triple or quadruple alliance to some confidential members of the States.—The mediation of Russia is only a pretence of England, to prevent Holland from joining the other belligerents.
The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. The Hague, December 20th, 1781,216
Desires to see Mr Adams.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 25th, 1781,216
Ulterior declaration of Prussia concerning the navigation of Prussian subjects.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 25th, 1781,220
Lord Stormont's answer to the Swedish Envoy, declining the mediation of Sweden, and accepting that of Russia.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, December 26th, 1781,223
Military operations in the United States.—Encloses resolutions of Congress, relating to captures and recaptures, and prohibiting all commerce in British manufactures.—Requests information from Mr Adams.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 29th, 1781,226
Containing the act of accession to the armed neutrality on the part of Austria, with the note of the Imperial Minister to their High Mightinesses.—Strength of the armed neutrality, if conducted wisely and honestly.
The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. Versailles, December 30th, 1781,230
Count de Vergennes approves of Mr Adams's proposed visit to members of government, on the subject of his memorial, but advises that nothing be done in writing.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, January 9th, 1782,231
Military affairs.—The Marquis de Bouillé.—Contrast of the conduct of the English and French in America.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 14th, 1782,233
Interview with the President of their High Mightinesses, 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 request had been taken ad referendum.—Similar visits to the Deputies of all the cities.—Constitutions of the municipal governments in Holland.—The nation favors the triple alliance; the policy of the rulers is to propose the mediation of Russia and the triple alliance at the same time.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 15th, 1782,239
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 affairs arising under the convention of neutrality.
To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 16th, 1782,240
Memorial from the Swedish Envoy at London to Lord Stormont, offering the mediation of Sweden in negotiating a peace between Holland and England.—The English Court complains of the refusal of a Swedish captain to allow vessels under his convoy to be visited.—The Swedish Court approves the measure.—The same principle approved by Russia.—The Russian Ministers at the belligerent Courts are instructed, in similar cases, to make immediate demands of reparation from the offending party.
To Robert R. Livingston, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Amsterdam, February 14th, 1782,244
Congratulates Mr Livingston on his appointment.—State of affairs in Holland.—Difficult for an American Minister to communicate with the Ministers 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 Stadtholder in favor of England.—Parties on subjects of domestic policy.—Justification of the presentation of his credentials.—Motives for printing his memorial.—Conducts himself as a private individual.—The States have accepted the mediation of Russia.—Policy of France in relation to Holland and Spain.
To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February 21st, 1782,255
Unable to understand the cypher.—Recapitulation of events in Holland before the presentation of his memorial.—Great change produced by that paper.—It has obtained universal approbation in Europe.—Mr Adams's proposition to the Duc 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.—Conversation with the Duc de la Vauguyon on the subject, previous to its presentation.
To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February 27th, 1782,267
The Province of Friesland acknowledges the independence of the United States.—Holland will not probably enter into an alliance with the belligerents.—Buys a house at the Hague on the public account.
The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. The Hague, March 4th, 1782,269
Objects to a proposition of Mr Adams as impolitic.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, 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.—Prosperous state of the country.—Lord Cornwallis.
To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 10th, 1782,275
Resolution of the House of Commons, that an offensive war in America against the sense of the House would be highly criminal.—Other indications of a disposition for peace.—Causes of this state of feeling.—Probable policy of the British Cabinet.
To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 11th, 1782,277
Transmitting the Resolution of Friesland, instructing 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 Regency of Amsterdam.—Character and influence of Friesland.
To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 19th, 1782,280
Proceedings of the county of Zutphen, on the subject of the official reception of Mr Adams.—Petition of the merchants and manufacturers of Leyden to the grand council of the city, representing the languishing condition of their manufactures, and urging a treaty with America as a means of reviving them.—Petition of the merchants and manufacturers of Amsterdam to the States-General, urging the speedy acknowledgment of American independence.—Petition of the same to the Regency of the city, soliciting the Regency 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 States of the Province.—Petition of the merchants and manufacturers of Holland and West Friesland to the States of the Province, for the adoption of measures 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 from the citizens of Amsterdam; from the commercial 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 Holland. Amsterdam, March 31st, 1782,328
Mr Adams acknowledges the Resolution of the States of Holland and West Friesland, recommending his official reception by the Generality.
To the Duc de la Vauguyon. Amsterdam, April 10th, 1782,329
Lord Shelburne is not satisfied with the communication of all subjects discussed, to the allies of America.—Holland will not probably treat separately 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 capacity.—Resolutions of the States-General, acknowledging 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 commerce on the principle of reciprocity. Presents a plan of a treaty to the committee of the States, appointed to treat.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 23d, 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 character 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 been surmounted in Holland.—Difficulties in the way of a loan.—Recommends to the attention of Congress Messrs Dumas, Thaxter, Jennings, and Cerisier.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, May 22d, 1782,351
The change of Ministry and measures in England will have no effect on the determination of America.—Congress refuses General Carleton's request of a passport for his Secretary.—The salaries of the Ministers will be paid quarterly in America.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, May 29th, 1782,353
Complains of not receiving answers to his communications.—The policy of England to separate France and America.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, May 30th, 1782,354
Acknowledges the receipt of several letters.—Transmits 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 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. Philadelphia, 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, 1782,363
Desires the ratification by Congress of his contract for a loan.—Terms of the loan.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 5th, 1782,365
Address of the merchants of Schiedam to Congress.
To John Jay. The Hague, August 10th, 1782,369
Impolitic for the three American Ministers to appear 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, 1782,371
M. Brantzen appointed Minister of Holland to negotiate 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. Philadelphia, August 29th, 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 Duc de la Vauguyon.—Sketches of the foreign Ministers at the Hague.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 6th, 1782,394
State of the connexion between France and Holland.—Policy of France toward the United States. Influence of the memorial of Mr Adams to the States-General.—The Count de Vergennes opposes the proposition of the triple alliance.—The American Ministers in Europe ought not to be subject to the control of the French Court.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 7th, 1782,401
Enclosing his accounts.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, 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, September 17th, 1782,407
Conference with the Secretary of the States-General for correcting the treaty of commerce.—Conversation with the French Ambassador on the Dutch naval forces.
Extracts from the Records of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands,410
Authorising the Deputies for Foreign Affairs to conclude and sign the treaty of commerce, and the convention on the subject of recaptures, with Mr Adams.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 17th, 1782,412
Probability of the continuance of the armed neutrality.—The acknowledgment of American Independence 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 Duc 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
State of American affairs in Holland.—Conduct of the different foreign Ministers towards Mr Adams.
To John Jay. The Hague, October 7th, 1782,431
Causes which delay his going to Paris.
To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, October 8th, 1782,432
The treaty of commerce, and the convention concerning 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.—Difference of opinion as to the true sense of the instructions to the Ministers, requiring them to act only with the consent of the French Ministry.—Contested points.—Visits the Dutch Minister, who informs 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 without 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 sincerity of the English.—Mr Oswald proposes that the British army should be allowed to evacuate New York unmolested.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, November 6th, 1782,445
Military operations have ceased.—Mr Fitzherbert's commission.
To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 8th, 1782,447
Importance of insisting upon points of etiquette.—Thinks the instructions to communicate everything to the French Minister is not to be understood literally.—Good effects which have been produced by disobeying them.—Submission of Dr Franklin.
To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 11th, 1782,451
Conversation with Count de Vergennes on the controverted points, Eastern boundary, compensation to tories.—Suspicions of the motives of France.—All points should be definitively settled, so as to leave America totally unconnected with any European power.
Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, November 18th, 1782,457
Mr Jefferson added to the commission.—The resignation of Mr Laurens not accepted by Congress.—Affair of Captain Asgill.
To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 18th, 1782,459
Embarrassments occasioned by the instruction to communicate on all matters with the French Ministers.
To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 24th, 1782,462
Speculations on the probable disposition of the British Cabinet, in case of change.—The acknowledgment 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 resign his commission in Holland.—Recommends Mr Laurens as his successor.
Extracts from a Journal,465
Propositions in regard to the Northern and Eastern boundaries.—Mr Adams observes, that the questions of compensation to the tories, and of allowing the claims of British creditors are different in principle.—Mr Jay refuses to treat with the Spanish Minister without exchanging 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 Lafayette on the subject of a loan.—Danger to America 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 fisheries.—Mr Adams proposes an article relative to the right of fishing and curing fish.—Discussion of the article.—The American Ministers propose restoration of all goods carried off or destroyed in America, if the compensation is insisted on.—The English Ministers assent to the American ultimatum respecting the fishery and the tories.—Final meeting.—Mr Laurens proposes an article, that the English should carry off no American property.—Reflections on the negotiation.—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.