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The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution Novel Chapters
List of most recent chapters published for the The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution novel. A total of 580 chapters have been translated and the release date of the last chapter is Apr 02, 2024
Latest Release: Chapter 1 : The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution.Vol. I.by Various.VOL. I.THE CO
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution.Vol. I.by Various.VOL. I.THE CORRESPONDENCE OF SILAS DEANE, COMMISSIONER FROM THE UNITED STATES TO THE COURT OF FRANCE.Silas Deane was born in the town of Groton, Connecticut, and graduated at Yale
- 1 The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution.Vol. I.by Various.VOL. I.THE CORRESPONDENCE OF SILAS DEANE, COMMISSIONER FROM THE UNITED STATES TO THE COURT OF FRANCE.Silas Deane was born in the town of Groton, Connecticut, and graduated at Yale
- 2 TO COUNT VERGENNES.Paris, August 22d, 1776.Sir, I was this morning informed of the arrival of Mr Arthur Lee, and that he would be in Paris tomorrow. This was surprising to me, as I knew of no particular affair that might call him here, and considering the
- 3 I wrote for blank commissions, or a power to grant commissions to s.h.i.+ps of war. Pray forward them, as here are many persons wis.h.i.+ng for an opportunity of using them in this way. The granting commissions against Portugal would ensure the friends.h.
- 4 I am, with great respect, &c.SILAS DEANE._P. S._ Forward the enclosed under cover, and with the usual directions, in case of capture.TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.Paris, 25th October, 1776.Gentlemen, I have purchased two hundred tons of powder
- 5 Paris, 27th November, 1776.Gentlemen, In a former letter I mentioned a naval enterprise, which might at first appear romantic, but the more it is considered the less danger I shall be in of being taxed on that score. Admiral Montague lately returned from
- 6 This kingdom (France) has been in bad credit, from the villainy of a late Comptroller General, as it is said, one Abbe Terrai, against whose administration the severest things have been uttered and written. He was succeeded by the much esteemed Mons. Turg
- 7 "6. Any British vessel found or met with on the coast of North or South America, or the Islands adjacent or belonging thereto, _within a certain degree or distance to be agreed on_, shall be forever hereafter considered as lawful prize to any of the
- 8 Paris, 20th January, 1777.Gentlemen, I have met with disappointments, unexpected as they have been affecting; after orders and counter orders and manoeuvres, the very history of which would fill a volume, the Amphitrite departed with the first parcel of t
- 9 Paris, 3d September, 1777.Gentlemen, Captain Landais is the bearer of this. He goes in the Heureuse, loaded with stores for America. This cargo has, by a succession of obstacles thrown in the way, been delayed from January last, to a most prodigious cost
- 10 Translation.Versailles, the 25th March, 1778.Sir, Mr Deane being about to return to America, I embrace the occasion with pleasure to give my testimony to the zeal, activity, and intelligence with which he has conducted the interests of the United States,
- 11 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.Philadelphia, 11th September, 1778.Sir, I received your note, in which you politely informed me that you had laid before Congress the letter, which I did myself the honor of writing to your Excellency a few days since. I now r
- 12 Mr Izard represents that there were dissensions and misunderstandings between the commissioners at Paris. It is true. He is of opinion that the interest of the public suffered by it, but in this he is mistaken, as the treaty itself and all our other publi
- 13 TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.Philadelphia, 12th October, 1778.In a conference had with Mons. Gerard, in the month of January last, at Versailles, he observed that the thirteenth article[15] in the treaty proposed by Congress, which exempted the mola.s.ses
- 14 It is however attainable if applied for in season, and in a proper manner. It is but too probable, that if delayed many months longer, it will not be obtained on any terms whatever. The war now kindling in Europe will probably in the course of another yea
- 15 I have the honor to remain, &c.SILAS DEANE.TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.Friday, 4th December, 1778.Sir, I have now to acknowledge your favors of 10 o'clock last evening, and to thank you for the attention paid to my last letter to you. Previous to re
- 16 SILAS DEANE.TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.Philadelphia, 15th March, 1779.Sir, I did myself the honor of writing to you on the 22d of February past, to which letter I beg leave to refer your Excellency. Having received no answer to the requests I then made,
- 17 SILAS DEANE.FOOTNOTES: [21] On the 5th of December Mr Deane published an article in the Pennsylvania Gazette, containing remarks on his transactions in Europe, and vindicating himself from certain charges in Mr Arthur Lee's letters to Congress.TO THE
- 18 Philadelphia, 12th May, 1779.Sir, I returned last evening, and now send you the New York papers of the 3d and 5th instant. You will much oblige me, by informing me what resolutions Congress have come to on my letters of the 26th, 27th, and 30th ult. as we
- 19 I have the honor to be, with the utmost respect to your private as well as public character, &c.SILAS DEANE.TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.Williamsburgh, 18th December, 1779.Sir, When I did myself the honor of writing you on the 16th of November last, the o
- 20 Gentlemen, After expressing our hopes, that this will find you all three safely fixed at Paris, we proceed with pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Deane's letter of the 1st of October. When we reflect on the character and views of the Court of
- 21 Besides these we have in service, the Alfred, Columbus, and Reprisal, s.h.i.+ps from sixteen to twentyfour guns, the brigantines Cabot, Camden, Andrew Doria, and Lexington, of twelve to sixteen guns, the sloops Providence, Hornet, Fly, Independence, Sache
- 22 The desire of getting money immediately to command the preparations for the ensuing campaign, and of interesting so powerful a body as the Farmers-General, who in fact make the most efficient part of government here, and the absolute part in all commercia
- 23 Sir, This will be delivered to you by M. de Coudray, an officer of great reputation here, for his talents in general, and particularly for skill and abilities in his profession. Some accidental circ.u.mstance, we understand, prevented his going in the Amp
- 24 _April 9th._ Since writing the above, we received despatches from the Congress, by Captain Hammond, others from Mr Morris, by Captain Bell, and some copies by Captain Adams, via Boston, which, on many accounts, were very satisfactory. We directly drew up
- 25 AGREEMENT FOR PACKETS _Between M. Ray de Chaumont, on the one part, and Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane, on the other, viz._ The said Ray de Chaumont engages to equip, in some port of France, agreed to by the said Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane, in e
- 26 We submit it to your consideration, whether it might not be well to employ some of your frigates in bringing your produce hither, ordering them after refres.h.i.+ng and refitting, to make a cruise in the northern seas, upon the Baltic and Hamburg trade, s
- 27 In the northern department, things are yet entirely quiet. We have a pretty strong body at Ticonderoga. Small parties of the enemy were up the lake lately, a considerable way, but are gone again, and there is no appearance of any important motion soon. Wh
- 28 I have the honor to be, &c.DE VERGENNES.TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.Paris, 17th July, 1777.Sir, We are very sensible of the protection afforded to us, and to our commerce, since our residence in this kingdom, agreeable to the goodness of the king's graciou
- 29 It gave us great joy to hear of the arrival of the Mercury, Amphitrite, and other vessels carrying supplies. Another s.h.i.+p, with a similar cargo, which had long been detained at Ma.r.s.eilles, we hope will soon arrive with you. We hope, also, that you
- 30 Gentlemen, We received duly your despatches by Mr McCreary, and Captain Young, dated May 2d and 30th, June 13th, 18th, 26th, and July 2d. The intelligence they contain is very particular and satisfactory. It rejoices us to be informed, that unanimity cont
- 31 The Amphitrite's arrival, with a cargo of rice and indigo, near one thousand barrels of the one, and twenty of the other, is a seasonable supply to us for our support; we not having for some time past, (as you will see by our former letters) any expe
- 32 Gentlemen, Since our last, of November 30th, a copy of which is herewith sent you, we received your despatches of October 6th, from Yorktown. They came to us by a packet from Boston, which brought the great news of Burgoyne's defeat and surrender; ne
- 33 FOOTNOTES: [49] This _plan of a treaty_ is contained at length in the _Secret Journals of Congress_, Vol. II. p. 7. It is accompanied with a draft of instructions to the commissioners, who were to propose it, in which modifications are suggested.TO THE CO
- 34 FROM THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO THE COMMISSIONERS.York, 24th March, 1778.Gentlemen, I cannot consent to omit this opportunity of addressing a few lines to you, though the state of our military operations affords nothing material.The manners of th
- 35 FROM THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO THE COMMISSIONERS.York, 16th April, 1778.Gentlemen, This, with my affectionate wishes for your prosperity, may serve to acquaint you, that Congress has this day resolved, "That William Bingham, agent for the U
- 36 FROM THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO THE COMMISSIONERS.York, 14th May, 1778.Gentlemen, Our affairs have now a universally good appearance. Every thing at home and abroad seems verging towards a happy and permanent period. We are preparing for either w
- 37 Sir, Your favors of May 11th and 18th are now before us. We shall this day acquaint Captain Jones how far it is in our power to comply with his desires, and in what manner. Your letter of the 18th informs us of a dispute between Mr Schweighauser and you,
- 38 M. DE SARTINE TO THE COMMISSIONERS.Translation.Versailles, 14th July, 1778.Gentlemen, Notwithstanding the precautions, which I have taken to supply the inhabitants of the islands of St Pierre and Miquelon with provisions for their subsistence, who, in the
- 39 Are to maintain in their department the privileges of their nation according to treaties.To have inspection and jurisdiction, as well civil as criminal, over all the subjects of their States who happen to be in their department, and particularly over comm
- 40 We know not the expense, that will attend these regulations and proceedings in the courts of this kingdom; but as the fees of office in America are very moderate, and our people have been accustomed to such only, we submit to your Excellency whether it wi
- 41 B. FRANKLIN, ARTHUR LEE, JOHN ADAMS.JOHN PAUL JONES TO ABRAHAM WHIPPLE.Brest, August 18th, 1778.Sir, I request that you will summon a court martial for the trial of Lieutenant Thomas Simpson, with whose conduct I have been and am unsatisfied, and who is n
- 42 Translation.The Most Christian King having been pleased to regard the representations made to him by the General Congress of North America, relating to the 11th article of the Treaty of Commerce, signed the 6th of February in the present year, and his Maj
- 43 DE SARTINE.TO M. DE SARTINE.Pa.s.sy, 17th September, 1778.Sir, We have this morning the honor of receiving your Excellency's letter of the 16th, relative to the French brigantine, the Isabella, retaken by the American privateer, the General Mifflin,
- 44 TO THE AMERICAN PRISONERS IN PLYMOUTH, OR ELSEWHERE IN GREAT BRITAIN.Pa.s.sy, September 20th, 1778.Gentlemen, Although we have not written to you directly for some time, you may be a.s.sured we have not been unmindful of your interests, your comfort, or y
- 45 Amsterdam, September 23d, 1778.The undersigned, Pentionary of the city of Amsterdam has the honor to make known to those who are duly authorised by the Congress of the United States of America, that he is empowered by the Burgomasters of the aforementione
- 46 COUNT DE VERGENNES TO THE COMMISSIONERS.Translation.Versailles, September 27th, 1778.Gentlemen, In your letter of the 28th ult. you remind me of the promise of the king, by the 8th article of the treaty of amity and commerce, signed the 6th of February la
- 47 We have the honor to be, with most entire consideration, your Excellency's most obedient servant, B. FRANKLIN, ARTHUR LEE, JOHN ADAMS.M. DE SARTINE, TO THE COMMISSIONERS.Translation.Versailles, October 7th, 1778.Gentlemen, I have had the honor, to re
- 48 The printers know as much as I do about them; therefore I send a few of the last prints of Dunlap, which, with the Boston papers, must decide you in opinion.Your affectionate friend, &c.JAMES LOVELL.TO RALPH IZARD.Pa.s.sy, October 13th, 1778.Sir, We have
- 49 M. DE SARTINE TO THE COMMISSIONERS.Translation.Marly, October 20th, 1778.Gentlemen, I have replied only to the first part of your letter of the 12th inst.; the second also contains important matter. It would, doubtless, be desirable to restore to their co
- 50 Pa.s.sy, October 30th, 1778.Sir, We have been honored with your letter of the 26th of October, and we thank your Excellency for the prompt and generous manner in which you have given liberty to four of our countrymen, who were among the prisoners at Denan
- 51 When it was proposed to pay the interest here, we had no idea of so much being borrowed. We shall pay the most punctual obedience to these and all other orders of Congress, as long as our funds shall last. But we are obliged to inform Congress, that expen
- 52 DUMAS.M. DE SARTINE TO THE COMMISSIONERS.Translation.Versailles, November 14th, 1778.Gentlemen, I have submitted to the king the reasons, which might determine his Majesty to set at liberty citizens of the United States, prisoners in France. But he has wi
- 53 I have received your letter of the 2d instant. I know that you direct your agents, in different ports of the kingdom, to supply American prisoners escaped or returning from England with whatever may be necessary on their arrival; but you appear not to hav
- 54 The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution.Volume 3.by Various.VOL. III.THE CORRESPONDENCE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, COMMISSIONER AND MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY TO THE COURT OF FRANCE, AND COMMISSIONER FOR NEGOTIATING A PEACE At the beginning of t
- 55 Pa.s.sy, September 12th, 1777.Sir, The bearer Monsieur Gerard is recommended to me by M. Dubourg, a gentleman of distinction here, and a hearty friend to our cause. I enclose his letter, that you may see the favorable manner in which he speaks of M. Gerar
- 56 B. FRANKLIN[5][5] A letter from Dr Franklin to the President of Congress respecting Mr Deane, dated March 31st, 1778 will be found in Mr Deane's Correspondence, Vol I p 120 TO JAMES HUTTON.[6][6] This gentleman was for many years Secretary to the Soc
- 57 NOTE FROM WILLIAM PULTNEY TO B. FRANKLIN.[7][7] Mr Pultney writes under the a.s.sumed name of Williams.March 29th, 1778.Mr Williams returned this morning to Paris, and will be glad to see Dr Franklin, whenever it is convenient for the Doctor, at the Hotel
- 58 COUNT DE VERGENNES TO B. FRANKLIN.Translation.Versailles, April 25th, 1778.I have made known to the King, Sir, the substance of the letter, which you did me the honor of writing to me yesterday; and I am directed by his Majesty to express to you the satis
- 59 The Spanish galiots, which have been impatiently expected, are at length happily arrived. The fleet and army returning from Brazil is still out, but supposed to be on the way homewards. When that and the South Sea s.h.i.+ps are arrived, it will appear whe
- 60 [12] _In Congress, October 6th, 1778_--"_Resolved_, That the Honorable Benjamin Franklin, Arthur Lee, and John Adams, or any of them, be directed forthwith to apply to Dr Price, and inform him that it is the desire of Congress to consider him a citiz
- 61 London, April 22d, 1779.My Dear Friend, The bearer of this, and some other papers, is a very sensible and worthy gentleman, with whom I had the pleasure of contracting an acquaintance since the commencement of the American troubles, originally upon the bu
- 62 But the wisdom of it was not seen, till after the fatal cry of TIME'S PAST!I am, my dear friend, &c.B. FRANKLIN.TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.Pa.s.sy, May 26th, 1779.Gentlemen, The Marquis de Lafayette, who arrived here the 11th of February, br
- 63 JAMES LOVELL TO B. FRANKLIN.Philadelphia, June 13th, 1779.Sir, By way of Martinique I forward to you gazettes, journals, and one or two pamphlets. The situation of things in Congress has been such for some time past, that the Committee of Foreign Affairs
- 64 Whatever expectations might have been raised from the sense of past favors, the goodness of the United States for me has ever been such, that on every occasion it far surpa.s.ses any idea I could have conceived. A new proof of that flattering truth, I fin
- 65 With the greatest respect, &c.B. FRANKLIN._P. S. October 28th._ I kept the packet in hopes of sending a more explicit account of what might be expected in regard to the supplies.The express, which was daily expected from Spain, when I began this letter, a
- 66 TO SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.Pa.s.sy, March 4th, 1780.Sir, M. Gerard, under whose care I understand the despatches from Congress to me were forwarded, is not yet arrived here, and I have not received them. I cannot, therefore, at present an
- 67 I am, &c.W. ALEXANDER.Paris, March 19th, 1780.I do hereby certify whom it may concern, that I was with Mr Pultney and Dr Franklin at Paris, when in a conversation between them, on the subject of certain propositions for a reconciliation with America, offe
- 68 A s.h.i.+p of that nation has been brought in here by the Black Prince, having an English cargo. I consulted with Messrs Adams and Dana, who informed me that it was an established rule with us in such cases to confiscate the cargo, but to release the s.h.
- 69 Until Mr Laurens shall arrive, Mr Adams is commissioned and empowered to undertake that business, and, in case of his disability, Mr Dana is in like manner commissioned and empowered.We are, Sir, your humble servants, JAMES LOVELL, W. C. HOUSTON.THE COMMI
- 70 With this your Excellency will receive a copy of my last, dated May 31st, the original of which, with copies of preceding letters, went by the Alliance, Captain Landais, who sailed the beginning of last month, and who I wish may arrive safe in America, be
- 71 New York has empowered its delegates to cede part of her western claims, and it is recommended to others to relinquish also a portion, and Maryland is anew invited to close the ratification of the confederating articles. We must as a whole show more vigor
- 72 London, November 29th, 1780.Sir, I have received the honor of your letter, in which you acquainted me, that you understood that the health of Mr Laurens suffered by the closeness and rigor of his confinement in the Tower, and after complaining of the hars
- 73 The bearer, William Palfrey, our late Paymaster General, has been appointed Consul in France, with powers adequate to a general agency in our commercial concerns there. But, while I take up my pen to introduce him to your patronage, I ought to use it rath
- 74 Pa.s.sy, March 12th, 1781.Sir, I had the honor of receiving on the 13th of last month your Excellency's letter of the 1st of January, together with the instructions of November 28th, and December 27th, a copy of those to Colonel Laurens, and the lett
- 75 _Between Captain John Paul Jones and the Officers of the Squadron._ Translation.Agreement between Messieurs John Paul Jones, Captain of the Bon Homme Richard; Pierre Landais, Captain of the Alliance; Dennis Nicolas Cottineau, Captain of the Pallas; Joseph
- 76 [26] The reference here is to the letters of Sir Grey Cooper, and Mr Charles Vernon. See this volume, pages 174, 175, 176.I hope the Alliance, with the s.h.i.+p _Marquis de Lafayette_ under her convoy, is by this time arrived, as they sailed the 27th of M
- 77 THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO B. FRANKLIN.In Congress, June 19th, 1781.Sir, Congress have received your letter of the 12th of March last, with the papers enclosed. The prospect of conferences being soon opened in Europe, under the mediation of the imperial
- 78 W. JACKSON._P. S._ M Fizeaux informed me that he had resolved to arrest the s.h.i.+p, had the money been on board, I need not inform your Excellency that a like opportunity may not again offer to transport this essential supply, rendered still more so by
- 79 As to the safety of the excellent conveyance you mention, I must own, I have some doubts about it, and I fear I shall hear of the arrival of that s.h.i.+p in England, before she sees America. Be that as it may, I am clear that no use can possibly be made
- 80 JOHN ADAMS TO B. FRANKLIN.Amsterdam, October 4th, 1781.Sir, Your Excellency's letter of June 11th, is yet unanswered. I have the honor to agree with your Excellency in opinion, that it is reasonable that articles of rent of the hotel, payment of cour
- 81 Sir, Major General du Portail will have the honor to present this.Congress, in consideration of their long and faithful services in this country, have granted permission to him and Colonels de Laumoy and de Gourion, to revisit their friends in Europe for
- 82 I received your favor of September 26th, containing your very judicious proposition of securing the spectators in the opera and play houses from the danger of fire. I communicated it where I thought it might be useful. You will see by the enclosed, that t
- 83 Dear Sir, As it does not appear improbable, that the humiliation and misfortunes of Great Britain may produce the same sentiments, which a spirit of moderation dictates to the other belligerent powers, and lead her to concur with them in their wishes for
- 84 I received the letter your Excellency did me the honor of writing to me this day enclosing a Memorial,[28] which relates to the interests of some subjects of the Emperor, residing at Ostend, who allege that a s.h.i.+p of theirs has been taken by an Americ
- 85 I received at the same time, your several letters of October 20th, 24th, and November 26th, which I purpose to answer fully by the return of the Alliance. Having just had a very short notice of the departure of this s.h.i.+p, I can only at present mention
- 86 February 28th, 1782.My Dear Friend, I have not as yet anything to communicate to you. I have upon many occasions recommended the road to peace in the most earnest way. I am not without hopes. I think I may venture to say, that the arguments which I have s
- 87 Pa.s.sy, March 9th, 1782.Sir, I have just received the honor of yours dated January the 7th. Your communications of the sentiments of Congress, with regard to many points that may come under consideration in a treaty of peace, give me great pleasure, and
- 88 His answers to my questions were nearly what I foretold and expected, and are substantially what Lord Beauchamp seemed so anxious to procure. When I relate this answer to his Lords.h.i.+p, my business will be finished in that quarter. I will here explain
- 89 TO DAVID HARTLEY.Pa.s.sy, April 5th, 1782.My Dear Friend, I wrote a few lines to you the 31st past, and promised to write more fully. On perusing again your letters of the 11th, 12th, and 21st, I do not find any notice taken of one from me, dated February
- 90 TO DAVID HARTLEY.Pa.s.sy, April 13th, 1782.Dear Sir, Since mine of the 5th, I have thought further of the subject of our late letters. You were of opinion, that the late Ministry desired _sincerely_ a reconciliation with America, and with that view a sepa
- 91 In the mode which I have proposed of unraveling the present subjects of jealousy and contest, I would make my proposals openly to France herself. Let America be free, and enjoy happiness and peace forever.If France and Great Britain have jealousies or riv
- 92 RICHARD OSWALD TO B. FRANKLIN.Paris, June 5th, 1782.Sir, While Mr Laurens was under confinement in England, he promised, that on condition of his being liberated upon his parole, he would apply to you for an exchange in favor of Lord Cornwallis, by a disc
- 93 I have received your respective letters of January 26th and February 13th. The first was accompanied with a form of a convention for the establishment of consuls. Mr Barclay having been detained these six months in Holland, though in continual expectation
- 94 HENRY LAURENS TO B. FRANKLIN.London, April 7th, 1782."Dear Sir, "Richard Oswald, Esquire, who will do me the honor of delivering this, is a gentleman of the strictest candor and integrity. I dare give such a.s.surances from an experience little
- 95 TO JOHN ADAMS.Pa.s.sy, April 20th, 1782."Sir, "I hope your Excellency received the copy of our instructions, which I sent by the courier from Versailles, some weeks since. I wrote to you on the 13th, to go by Captain Smedley, and sent a packet o
- 96 "I am honored with your favor of the 20th of April, and Mr Laurens's son proposes to carry the letter to his father forthwith. The instructions by the courier from Versailles came safe, as all other despatches by that channel no doubt will do. T
- 97 On the whole, I was able to draw so little from Mr Oswald of the sentiments of Lord Shelburne, who had mentioned him as intrusted with the communication of them, that I could not but wonder at his being sent again to me, especially as Mr Grenville was so
- 98 "I am happy too, in understanding from your letter, that transports are actually preparing to convey our prisoners to America, and that attention will be paid to their accommodation and good treatment.Those people on their return will be dispersed th
- 99 "I had the honor of addressing you on the 30th ult. by post, a duplicate of which will accompany this, in order to guard against the effect of a miscarriage in the first instance, and I beg leave to refer you to the contents."On the 10th current
- 100 I answered, that I should always esteem it an honor to be owned as a countryman of Mr Fox. He had requested me at our last interview, that if I saw no impropriety in doing it, I would favor him with a sight of the treaty of alliance between France and Ame