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«Дипломатическая переписка Американской революции. Том II»

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ДИПЛОМАТИЧЕСКАЯ ПЕРЕПИСКА АМЕРИКАНСКОЙ РЕВОЛЮЦИИ. ТОМ II.

СОДЕРЖАЩАЯ ПИСЬМА БЕНДЖАМИНА ФРАНКЛИНА, СИЛАСА ДИНА, ДЖОНА АДАМСА, ДЖОНА ДЖЕЯ, АРТУРА ЛИ, ВИЛЬГЕЛЬМА ЛИ, РАЛЬФА ИЗАДРА, ФРАНСИСА ДАНЫ, ВИЛЬЬЯМА КАРМАЙКЛА, ГЕНРИ ЛОУРЕНСА, ДЖОНА ЛОУРЕНСА, М. ДЕ ЛАФАЙЕТА, М. ДЮМАСА И ДРУГИХ, КАСАЮЩИЕСЯ ВНЕШНИХ СВЯЗЕЙ СОЕДИНЕННЫХ ШТАТОВ ЗА ВЕСЬ ПЕРИОД РЕВОЛЮЦИИ;

А ТАКЖЕ ОТВЕТНЫЕ ПИСЬМА СЕКРЕТНОГО КОМИТЕТА КОНГРЕССА И СЕКРЕТАРЯ ПО ИНОСТРАННЫМ ДЕЛАМ.

КРОМЕ ТОГО, ПОЛНАЯ ПЕРЕПИСКА ФРАНЦУЗСКИХ МИНИСТРОВ ЖЕРАРА И ЛЮЗЕРНА С КОНГРЕССОМ.

Опубликовано под руководством Президента Соединенных Штатов с оригинальных рукописей, хранящихся в Государственном департаменте, в соответствии с резолюцией Конгресса от 27 марта 1818 года.

ПОД РЕДАКЦИЕЙ ДЖАРЕДА СПАРКСА.

ТОМ II.

БОСТОН: НАТАН ХЕЙЛ И ГРЕЙ И БОВЕН. ДЖ. И С. И Х. КАРВИЛЛ, НЬЮ-ЙОРК.

1829.

ПАРОВАЯ ТИПОГРАФИЯ ХЕЙЛА. № 6, Саффолк-Билдингс, Конгресс-стрит, Бостон.

СОДЕРЖАНИЕ ВТОРОГО ТОМА.

ARTHUR LEE’S CORRESPONDENCE.

PAGE

From the Committee of Secret Correspondence to Arthur Lee.

Philadelphia, December 12th, 1775, 5

Dumas.—Important to know the disposition of foreign powers.—Necessity of secrecy.

To Benjamin Franklin.

London, February 13th, 1776, 6

To Lieutenant Governor Colden.

London, February 13th, 1776, 7

British preparations for the ensuing campaign.—Plan of operations.—Reluctance of troops to serve.—Secret wishes of the French government.

To Lieutenant Governor Colden.

London, February 14th, 1776, 10

British forces; military; naval.—Character and disposition of the troops.—Dr Church.

To Lieutenant Governor Colden. April 15th, 1776, 12

Address of the city of London; answer.—Disposition of the English nation.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence. June 3d, 1776, 14

Disposition of France favorable.—Spain.—Necessity of independency.

Record of the Committee of Secret Correspondence.

Philadelphia, October 1st, 1776, 16

Message from Mr Lee; his conferences with the French Ambassador; offer of arms and ammunition through Hortalez.—Proceedings of the Committee in relation to the message; determine to keep it secret, except in case of ill success.

The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Arthur Lee.

Philadelphia, October 23d, 1776, 18

Informing Mr Lee of his appointment as Commissioner to the Court of France.

To Lord Shelburne.

Paris, December 23d, 1776, 19

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence.

Paris, January 3d, 1777, 20

Acceptance of his appointment.—Joins Dr Franklin and Mr Deane.—Doubtful politics of the French Court.

From the Commissioners in Paris to Count de Vergennes.

Paris, January 5th, 1777, 21

Applying for ships; arms; promise payment for them.—American commerce to France and Spain.

The Commissioners to M. Gerard.

Paris, January 14th, 1777, 23

Relative to the message of the King of France.

The Commissioners to Count de Vergennes.

Paris, February 1st, 1777, 24

Danger of America; German troops; blacks.—English acquainted with the proceedings of France in favor of America.—Dangers of France if England subdues the colonies.—Interest of France to assist America.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence.

Nantes, February 11th, 1777, 27

Exertions of the British.—Measures to defend the West India trade.—Commercial connexions of the Committee in Nantes.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence.

Nantes, February 14th, 1777, 31

Agreement with the Farmers-General for tobacco.—British offer of prisoners to the East India Company.

From James Gardoqui to Arthur Lee.

Madrid, February 17th, 1777, 33

Advises him not to come to Madrid.—Proposes a meeting between Grimaldi and Mr Lee at Burgos.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence.

Bordeaux, February 18th, 1777, 35

Plan of the British for the ensuing campaign.—Tobacco.

To the Commissioners in Paris.

Vitoria, February 26th, 1777, 36

Memorial delivered by Arthur Lee to the Marquis de Grimaldi.

Burgos, March 5th, 1777, 38

Reasons for visiting Madrid.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence.

Burgos, March 8th, 1777, 40

Promise of supplies from Bilboa, New Orleans and Havanna.

Memorial presented to the Court of Spain.

Burgos, March 8th, 1777, 41

Critical state of affairs.—Importance of American commerce.—Policy of immediate assistance.—Danger of Great Britain in case of war in Europe.—Impolicy of allowing the reunion of the colonies by conquest or conciliation.

Answer to the Memorial by the Marquis de Grimaldi at Vitoria, 44

Objections of Spain to an immediate declaration.

To the Count de Florida Blanca, Minister to the King of Spain.

Vitoria, March 17th, 1777, 45

Acknowledging the favors of Spain.—British oppressions.

To the Committee of Secret Correspondence.

Vitoria, March 18th, 1777, 47

Account of the proceedings as already stated in preceding letters.—Supplies furnished by Gardoqui. —Situation of Great Britain.

From B. Franklin to Arthur Lee.

Passy, March 21st, 1777, 54

New commission substituting Mr Lee instead of Mr Jefferson; empowering Commissioners to treat with Spain; particular commission to Dr Franklin for that purpose.—America will assist France to conquer the British West Indies, and Spain to conquer Portugal.—Loan of £2,000,000.—Sir J. Yorke’s memorial.—Proceedings of the States and of Amsterdam thereon.

The Commissioners at Paris to Baron de Schulenburg,

Minister to the King of Prussia.

Paris, April 19th, 1777, 58

Congress propose to send a Minister to Prussia.

James Gardoqui to Arthur Lee.

Madrid, April 28th, 1777, 59

Enclosing money.

A Minute of the sixteen enclosed Bills, 60

To James Gardoqui at Madrid.

Paris, May 8th, 1777, 60

To Baron de Schulenburg.

Paris, May 8th, 1777, 62

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, May 13th, 1777, 62

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee.

Berlin, May 20th, 1777, 63

To the Commissioners at Paris.

Vienna, May 27th, 1777, 64

To Benjamin Franklin.

Vienna, May 28th, 1777, 65

To Baron de Schulenburg.

Berlin, June 5th, 1777, 65

Requests an interview.

To Baron de Schulenburg.

Berlin, June 7th, 1777, 66

Commerce with America.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee.

Berlin, June 9th, 1777, 68

To Baron de Schulenburg.

Berlin, June 10th, 1777, 68

Insurance to America.—Value of American commerce.—Danger of its reverting into the hands of the British.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Berlin, June 11th, 1777, 70

Cautious policy of Prussia.—No danger to be apprehended from Russia.—German Princes.—Hesse. —European powers awaiting events.—Chatham’s motion for a cessation of hostilities.

To the Commissioners at Paris.

Berlin, June 15th, 1777, 72

To George Washington.

Berlin, June 15th, 1777, 73

His plan of operations approved.—Prussian army; discipline; arms.—Intention of writing the history of the revolution.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee.

Berlin, June 18th, 1777, 75

Commercial intercourse—Difficulties.

To Baron de Schulenburg.

Berlin, June 20th, 1777, 76

Reasons for the admission of prizes, made by the Americans, into Prussian ports.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee.

Berlin, June 26th, 1777, 78

Prizes, made by the Americans, not to be admitted into Prussian ports.

To the Commissioners in Paris.

Berlin, June 28th, 1777, 79

His papers stolen.—Suspects the English Ambassador.

To the King of Prussia.

Berlin, June 29th, 1777, 80

Commerce with America; objections answered.—Justified by usages and law of nations.

To the King of Prussia.

Berlin, July 1st, 1777, 85

Complains of the loss of his papers; requests an audience.

The King of Prussia to Arthur Lee.

Potsdam, July 2d, 1777, 86

Mr Lee may communicate with Baron Schulenburg.

To the Commissioners in Paris.

Berlin, July 6th, 1777, 86

Recovery of his papers.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, July 29th, 1777, 87

Account of his proceedings at Berlin.—Odium in Germany against the princes who let their troops to England.—Situation of Russia.—British credit low in Germany and Holland.—Disposition of European powers.

To M. Gerard, Secretary to Count de Vergennes.

Paris, August 1st, 1777, 91

Committee of Foreign Affairs to Arthur Lee.

Philadelphia, August 8th, 1777, 91

Paper currency.

To Baron de Schulenburg.

Paris, August 13th, 1777, 93

Commercial affairs.

To James Gardoqui, at Madrid.

Paris, August 18th, 1777, 94

Count de Vergennes to Mr Grand. August 21st, 1777, 95

American Privateers in French ports.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, September 9th, 1777, 96

English trade in French ships.—Success of American cruisers in European seas.

To Baron de Schulenburg.

Paris, September 21st, 1777, 97

To James Gardoqui, at Madrid.

Paris, September 25th, 1777, 97

Military Supplies.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, October 6th, 1777, 98

Receives a commission to the Court of Spain.—Supplies from Gardoqui.—Hortalez.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee.

Berlin, October 8th, 1777, 102

Commerce with America.

To Baron de Schulenburg.

Paris, October 23d, 1777, 103

Requests information of British affairs in Russia, Denmark and Germany.

To Baron de Schulenburg.

Paris, November 13th, 1777, 104

William Lee appointed Commissioner to Berlin.

To Messrs Gardoqui and Sons at Bilboa.

Paris, November 15th, 1777, 105

Supplies consigned to Mr Gerry; for whom intended?—Authorised to sell the prizes of American cruisers.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, November 27th, 1777, 106

Prussia declines opening her ports to American armed vessels.—Extract of a letter from the Prussian Minister; Great Britain will receive no reinforcements in Europe.—Decline of English credit.—Further extracts from Prussian Minister’s letter; desirous of information relating to America.—King’s speech; discontents in England.—Preparations in France, Spain, and Holland.—Circular to captains of American armed vessels relating to violations of neutrality.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee.

Berlin, November 28th, 1777, 111

William Lee’s mission.

To Dr Berkenhout.

Paris, December 3d, 1777, 111

America expects to receive, not make overtures; folly of British measures.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, December 8th, 1777, 112

Extract of a letter from M. Gardoqui; goods shipped to Mr Gerry.—King of Prussia refuses a passage to Anglo-German troops.

The Commissioners in Paris to Count de Vergennes.

Paris, December 8th, 1777, 113

Urging an answer to propositions for a treaty. —Supply of three millions from France.

To Count d’Aranda.

Paris, December 9th, 1777, 115

Enclosing memorial of Commissioners to Vergennes.

To Baron de Schulenburg.

Paris, December 11th, 1777, 115

The Commissioners in Paris to Lord North.

Passy, December 12th, 1777, 116

Treatment of American prisoners by the British.

To Lord Shelburne.

Paris, December 14th, 1777, 119

Enclosing a copy of the preceding.—Clinton’s cruelties.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee.

Berlin, December 18th, 1777, 120

Congratulations on the surrender of Burgoyne. —The King’s favorable disposition waits only for France.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, December 19th, 1777, 121

Favorable effects of recent intelligence from America.—Edmund Jennings.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee.

Berlin, December 23d, 1777, 122

The King of Prussia refuses a passage to Anglo-German troops.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, January 5th, 1778, 123

Dispositions of Spain; of Prussia.—Plans of the British Ministry; alarmed about Canada.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, January 15th, 1778, 125

Spain promises three million livres in the course of the year.—Supplies shipped from Bilboa.—Fall of British consols.

Baron de Schulenburg to Arthur Lee.

Berlin, January 16th, 1778, 125

Requests regular information on American affairs. —King of Prussia ready to follow France in acknowledging independence.—Purchase of arms in Prussia.

To Messrs Franklin and Deane.

Chaillot, January 30th, 1778, 127

Objections to the 12th article of the treaty.

Messrs Franklin and Deane to Arthur Lee.

Passy, February 1st, 1778, 129

Have requested that the 11th and 12th articles may be omitted.

Messrs Franklin and Deane to M. Gerard.

Passy, February 1st, 1778, 130

Requesting the omission of the 11th and 12th articles of the treaty.

M. Gerard to the Commissioners.

Versailles, February 2d, 1778, 130

The 11th and 12th articles have been approved by the King, and cannot be changed without inconvenience.—The sixth article changed.

To Baron de Schulenburg. February 2d, 1778, 131

General Howe’s situation in America.—-Military operations in the north.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, February 10th, 1778, 133

Enclosing the memorial and letter to Count de Florida Blanca.—The war with Portugal concluded.—Probability of a declaration of war against England by France, Spain, and Portugal.—Gardoqui’s remittances.—Propriety of separating the political and commercial agents.—Views of Spain on Pensacola.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, February 15th, 1778, 134

Beaumarchais’s demands.—Testimonial of Count Lauragais on this subject.

To Messrs Franklin and Deane.

Chaillot, February 26th, 1778, 136

The return of the despatches by Mr Simeon Deane.—Complains of the proceedings of the other Commissioners therein without his knowledge.—Necessity and advantages of a public acknowledgment of the Commissioners by France.

Messrs Franklin and Deane to Arthur Lee.

Passy, February 27th, 1778, 137

Result of Mr Deane’s visit to Versailles, on account of the return of the despatches.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, February 28th, 1778, 138

Temporising conduct of Spain.—Comparison of the conduct of England and France towards the Colonies.—Prospect of a war in Germany.

To the President of Congress.

Paris, March 19th, 1778, 140

Congratulations on Mr Laurens being chosen President of Congress.—Policy of Spain.—Pensacola.—The Commissioners are to be presented to the King of France.—The English Ambassador leaves France abruptly.

To Benjamin Franklin.

Chaillot, March 27th, 1778, 141

Uncertainty of the measures of Spain.

To Messrs Franklin and Deane. March 31st, 1778, 142

Requesting a settlement of the accounts relating to the expenditures of the Commissioners.

James Gardoqui & Co. to Arthur Lee.

Bilboa, April 1st, 1778, 142

Invoice of seventyfive Bales of Merchandise shipped on board the George,

Captain Job Knight, for Cape Ann, consigned to Elbridge Gerry, on account

of Arthur Lee, 143

Enclosing an invoice of merchandise shipped to Elbridge Gerry, on account of Arthur Lee.

M. Gerard to Arthur Lee.

Versailles, April 1st, 1778, 144

Requesting letters to Mr Lee’s friends in America.

To M. Gerard. April 1st, half past one o’clock, 1778, 144

Mr Lee before ignorant of M. Gerard’s destination.

M. Gerard to Arthur Lee.

Versailles, April 1st, 1778, 145

M. Gerard’s mission not publicly avowed.

To Benjamin Franklin.

Chaillot, April 2d, 1778, 145

Surprised to hear of M. Gerard’s mission, and Mr Deane’s return.—Complains of Dr Franklin’s silence.—Requests explanations.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, April 2d, 1778, 148

Propriety of determining the rank of the United States in their intercourse with European powers.—Departure of Mr William Lee to Germany.—Gardoqui’s shipments. —Complains of the reserve of his colleagues.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, April 5th, 1778, 150

Succors from Spain through the Havanna promised.—The accounts of the Commissioners never settled.—How kept by Mr Deane.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, April 8th, 1778, 151

Complains of the secrecy observed towards him by his colleagues.—Hostile acts of Great Britain and France.—Views of France relative to the fisheries.—Probability of a war in Germany.—Russia and the Porte.—Importance of securing Holland.—Encloses a memorial for Holland.

Memorial for Holland, 153

Enclosed in the preceding.—Colonial commerce originally free; restricted by England; navigation act; effect of this monopoly in Holland.—Importance of the commerce of the States to Holland.

To Count de Vergennes.

Chaillot, April 24th, 1778, 156

Agents employed by the English Ministry in France and America to excite a mutual jealousy.—Mr Hartley at Paris.

Count de Vergennes to Arthur Lee.

Versailles, April 24th, 1778, 157

Intrigues of Mr Hartley referred to in the preceding letter.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, May 9th, 1778, 158

Situation of affairs in Europe.—Folger’s affair.—Sums drawn by the Commissioners.

Committee of Foreign Affairs to Arthur Lee.

York, May 14th, 1778, 159

Supplies of Hortalez & Co.—The enemy’s cruisers have prevented the making remittances.—Commercial to be put under the direction of a Board.—Intend to make remittances to Hortalez & Co. and the Gardoquis.—Depreciation of the paper currency.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, May 23d, 1778, 162

Despatches received by Mr Adams.—The orders for supplies from Spain renewed.—Sailing of an English fleet to America.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, June 1st, 1778, 162

Confusion of Mr Deane’s accounts.—Policy of the European powers.—Payment and number of foreign Agents.—British plan of operations in America.—Supplies from Spain.—Necessity of settling the boundary between the territories of Spain and the United States; of regulating port duties, &c.—French naval force delayed.

To M. Dumas.

Chaillot, June 4th, 1778, 168

Commerce with America.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, June 9th, 1778, 169

British naval expedition stopped.—Confusion in Great Britain. —Exchange of prisoners agreed to.—German affairs. —Mr Williams’s accounts.—Appointment of Commercial Agents.

To Count de Vergennes.

Chaillot, June 14th, 1778, 171

Explanation of the 12th article of the treaty.

Count de Vergennes to Arthur Lee.

Versailles, June 15th, 1778, 173

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, June 15th, 1778, 173

Supplies from ports of France and Spain.—Politics of Germany; of the North.—Embarrassments of Great Britain.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, July 1st, 1778, 175

An engagement between a French and English ship; French subjects permitted to fit out privateers.

To Count de Florida Blanca.

Paris, July 18th, 1778, 176

Enclosing the resolutions of Congress relative to the negotiation of a loan of two millions sterling.—Requests that application may be made to the King of Spain for the same.—Sacrifices of the United States.—Depreciation of paper money.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, July 29th, 1778, 178

Engagement between the English and French fleets.—German affairs.—Impracticability of despatching cruisers to the East Indian seas.—The 11th and 12th articles of the treaty to be omitted.

James Gardoqui to Arthur Lee.

Madrid, August 13th, 1778, 179

Cannot obtain the loan required in Spain.

James Gardoqui to Arthur Lee.

Madrid, August 20th, 1778, 180

Suggesting the cession of Florida and supply of ship timber to Spain, as a means of obtaining the loan.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, August 21st, 1778, 181

Difficulty of obtaining a loan.—M. Holker.

To James Gardoqui.

Paris, August 27th, 1778, 183

Importance of a loan to the United States.—Peace the natural policy of the United States.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, August 31st, 1778, 186

Requesting instructions as to the cession of Florida, and the supply of ship timber to Spain, on condition of supplies of money.

To James Gardoqui.

Paris, September 1st, 1778, 187

Mr Lee ready to treat with full powers.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, September 9th, 1778, 187

Remittances received.—Encloses the accounts of articles shipped.

James Gardoqui to Arthur Lee.

Madrid, September 28th, 1778, 189

Complains of the capture of Spanish property by an American privateer.—Probability of obtaining the loan in Spain; on what terms.

To Count de Vergennes.

Chaillot, September 28th, 1778, 190

Conversation relating to M. Holker.—The duties.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, September 30th, 1778, 191

General reluctance to war.

To James Gardoqui.

Paris, October 6th, 1778, 192

Necessity of decision on the part of Spain.

To Count de Vergennes.

Paris, October 12th, 1778, 193

Indecision of Spain.—Interference of France requested.

Count de Vergennes to Arthur Lee.

Versailles, October 17th, 1778, 195

Advising the suspension of his proposed measures at the Court of Spain.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, October 19th, 1778, 195

Aspect of affairs in Holland.—Ports of the two Sicilies open to vessels of the United States.—Deceived in the fusils from Prussia.

To Baron de Schulenburg.

Chaillot, October 21st, 1778, 197

Complains of the fusils received from Prussia.

Count de Vergennes to Arthur Lee.

Versailles, October 24th, 1778, 199

D’Estaing’s squadron separated by unfavorable winds.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, November 4th, 1778, 199

Preparations of Great Britain.—Will receive no aid from Russia.—English Whale fishery on the coast of Brazil. —Instruments for abolishing the 11th and 12th articles exchanged.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, November 15th 1778, 201

Preparations and plans of Great Britain.—The effect of a general war.—Prospect of a loan or of supplies in Holland.—Capture of Spanish property by Captain Cunningham.—Arms ordered by Virginia.

To James Gardoqui.

Paris, December 4th, 1778, 204

Requests the shipment of blankets on the old plan.—Desires to know whether American produce and prizes may be sold in Spanish-American ports.—D’Estaing’s fleet.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, December 5th, 1778, 205

Lord Suffolk’s speech.—Plan of the British to destroy everything before them.—France declares the goods of the enemy, in neutral ships, lawful prize.—Spain admits the sale of French prizes, and the entrance of American vessels.—German affairs.

To Count de Florida Blanca.

Paris, December 17th, 1778, 207

Proclamation and manifesto of the British Commissioners, threatening to destroy the Colonies.—Cruelties of the British in America.

To the Baron de Schulenburg.

Paris, December 25th, 1778, 210

The Prussian fusils.—Counter-manifesto of Congress to the manifesto of the British Commissioners.

To Count de Florida Blanca.

Paris, December 27th, 1778, 213

Enclosing copies of absolution and manifesto of Congress in reply to the British manifesto.

To Count de Vergennes.

Chaillot, Jan. 3d., 1779, 214

Proposals of Dr Berkenhout.

Count de Vergennes to Arthur Lee.

Versailles, January 4th, 1779, 214

Advice in regard to Dr Berkenhout.

To Count de Vergennes.

Chaillot, Jan. 8th, 1779, 215

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, January 5th, 1779, 216

English influence in Holland.—Expenses of England.—Military establishment.—Fourteen regiments to be sent to America.—Beaumarchais. —Mr Lee’s account.

Count de Vergennes to Arthur Lee.

Versailles, January 10th, 1779, 220

Mr Lee’s answer to Dr Berkenhout.—English convoys.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, January 15th, 1779, 221

Proceedings in Great Britain; Admiral Keppel’s trial; general excitement there; losses at sea; financial embarrassments.

Dr Price to Arthur Lee.

Newington-Green, January 18th, 1779, 222

Acknowledges the reception of a letter with the resolution of Congress.

John Adams to Count de Vergennes.

Passy, February 11th, 1779, 224

Mr Deane’s Address to the people of America.—Mr Lee’s services and fidelity.—Character of his two brothers.

Count de Vergennes to John Adams.

Versailles, February 13th, 1779, 227

Of Mr Deane’s Address.—Promises Mr Adams an interview.

Count de Vergennes to Arthur Lee.

Versailles, February 15th, 1779, 228

Desiring an interview.—Mr Lee’s note, giving an account of the interview.

Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee.

Passy, February 18th, 1779, 229

Transmitting resolutions of Congress.

To Benjamin Franklin.

Chaillot, Feb. 18th, 1779, 229

Acknowledging receipt of preceding.

Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee.

Passy, February 18th, 1779, 230

Requesting Mr Lee to send him public papers belonging to his department.

To Benjamin Franklin.

Chaillot, Feb. 21st, 1779, 230

Declines sending the papers belonging to the Commissioners.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, February 25th, 1779, 231

Mr Deane’s representations to Congress; confusion and incompleteness of his accounts.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Nantes, March 7th, 1779, 234

Mr Deane.—Proceedings of Dr Franklin since his appointment as Minister.

Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee.

Passy, March 13th, 1779, 236

Reasons for asking for the papers of the Commissioners in Mr Lee’s possession.—Offers Mr Lee copies of those in his own hands.

Arthur Lee to Benjamin Franklin.

Paris, March 19th, 1779, 238

Relating to public papers in his possession.—Reasons for retaining them.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, April 22d, 1779, 239

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, April 26th, 1779, 240

Reinforcements of the British force.—Ministry intend making great exertions.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, May 21st, 1779, 241

Peace between Russia and the Porte.—Probability of the peace of Teschin.—Politics of the German powers.—Power, credit, and importance of Spain.—The States-General grant convoys.—Discontents in the English army and navy.—Irritation of Scotland.—State of Ireland.—Disposition of the King.—Successes of the English privateers.—Successes in India.—Prince Ferdinand.—De la Luzerne appointed to succeed M. Gerard.—M. de Marbois Secretary of the embassy.—Treaty of Teschin.

To the President of Congress.

Paris, May 31st, 1779, 246

Requesting his recall.

To Count d’Aranda.

Paris, June 7th, 1779, 246

Enclosing the following.

To Count de Florida Blanca.

Paris, June 6th, 1779, 247

Enclosing a Memorial to the Court of Spain.

Memorial to the Court of Spain.

Paris, June 6th, 1779, 247

Importance of prizes to the English.—Recommends an embargo on Spanish ships, or convoys to protect them.

John Adams to Arthur Lee.

L’Orient, June 10th, 1779, 249

Testimony to Mr Lee’s services and fidelity.

To the President of Congress.

Paris, June 21st, 1779, 250

Recall of the English and Spanish Ambassadors respectively. —Propositions in the House of Commons.

To Count de Florida Blanca.

Paris, June 27th, 1779, 251

Enclosing a memorial on the operations of the English in Georgia.

Memorial to Count de Florida Blanca.

Paris, June 27th, 1779, 252

Committee of Foreign Affairs to Arthur Lee.

Philadelphia, July 16th, 1779, 253

Destruction of Fairfield.

Count de Florida Blanca to Arthur Lee.

Madrid, August 6th, 1779, 254

Acknowledges the receipt of his letters on English affairs.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, August 10th, 1779, 255

Junction of the Spanish and French fleets.—Preparations for the invasion of England; and the blockade of Gibraltar.—West India and Baltic fleets safely arrived in England.

To Benjamin Franklin.

Paris, August 14th, 1779, 256

Requesting Dr Franklin to consult Count de Vergennes as to the propriety of applying to the Court of Spain on the subject of an alliance.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, August 24th, 1779, 257

Mediation of Russia between the European belligerents.—Embarrassments of England.—Combined fleet on the English coast.

To the President of Congress.

Paris, September 10th, 1779, 259

Complains of the mode of proceeding in Congress relative to himself.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, September 19th, 1779, 260

Complains, of the treatment by Congress.—Requests instructions relative to the boundaries between the territories of Spain and the United States.

Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee.

Passy, September 30th, 1779, 262

Unable to supply Mr Lee with money for his support in Spain.—Advises his return to America.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, October 13th, 1779, 262

Admiral Rodney appointed to the command in the West Indies.—Meditated invasion of England.

Committee of Foreign Affairs to Arthur Lee.

Philadelphia, October 13th, 1779, 264

Announcing Mr Jay’s appointment to Spain.—Enclosing the resolution of Congress allowing Mr Lee’s return to America.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, October 21st, 1779, 264

Disposition of England unfavorable to peace.—Debt of England.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, November 6th, 1779, 265

Requests a decision on the accusations against him.—Impracticability of a loan in Europe.—Requests a fixed allowance.—Plans of the French and British cabinets for the ensuing campaign.—Spanish ultimatum.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, November 30th, 1779, 271

Change in the British Ministry.—Ascendancy of the war party.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, December 8th, 1779, 273

King’s speech.—Memorial of the English Ambassador at the Hague.

To Count de Florida Blanca.

Paris, December 16th, 1779, 273

Plan of operations in the south.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, December 25th, 1779, 274

Exertions of the English for the ensuing campaign.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, January 19th, 1780, 275

Receives the King’s picture on taking leave.

To John Jay, Minister from the United States of America at Madrid.

L’Orient, March 17th, 1780, 276

Necessity of secrecy at the Court of Spain.—Gardoqui.

To the President of Congress.

Philadelphia, October 7th, 1780, 278

Deposits the King’s picture with the President.—Requests a hearing before Congress.

To the President of Congress.

Philadelphia, December 7th, 1780, 280

State of Europe.—League of the neutral powers.—Difficulty of obtaining a loan in Europe.—Necessity of a Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.—Importance of Russia.

WILLIAM LEE’S CORRESPONDENCE.

Instructions to William Lee.

Philadelphia, July 1st, 1777, 289

Commissioner to the Courts of Vienna and Berlin.—Instructed to propose treaties of friendship and commerce with those Courts, and to solicit the acknowledgment of the independence of the States.

To the President of Congress.

Paris, Oct. 7th, 1777, 291

Acknowledges the receipt of his instructions.

To Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress.

Paris, November 24th, 1777, 292

Anglo-German troops.—Supplies from the North.

To Charles Thomson.

Paris, Dec. 18th, 1777, 294

Prussia forbids the passage of the German troops; desirous of commerce with America.

To Charles Thomson.

Paris, January 2d, 1778, 296

Emperor discountenances the use of German troops by the English.—Commerce through Emden.

To the President of Congress.

Paris, Jan. 22d, 1778, 298

Imperfection in his commission.

To the President of Congress.

Paris, February 28th, 1778, 300

Threatened rupture between Austria and Prussia.—Situation and measures of the British Ministry.—Spain.

To the President of Congress.

Paris, March 23d, 1778, 302

Acknowledgment of the independence of the United States.—France will not join either party in case of a German war.

The Committee of Foreign Affairs to William Lee.

York, May 14th, 1778, 304

Resolution of Congress providing for his pay.—Unanimity and firmness of Congress; the nation.—Mr Lee’s powers to be enlarged.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, September 12th, 1778, 306

War in Germany.—Retires from Vienna to Francfort.—Draft of a treaty between Holland and the United States.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Francfort, October 15th, 1778, 310

Plan of a treaty with Holland.—State of German affairs.

Plan of a treaty with Holland, 313

From the Committee of Foreign Affairs to William Lee.

Philadelphia, October 28th, 1778, 334

Return of the British Commissioners.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Francfort, February 25th, 1779, 335

States-General determine to protect their trade.—Prospect of a peace in Germany, under the mediation of France and Russia.—Commerce with Prussia.

To the President of Congress.

Paris, March 16th, 1779, 339

Answer to Mr Deane’s charges.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, March 25th, 1779, 346

Conferences between Prussia and Austria at Teschin.—Danger of England’s obtaining recruits from the German free corps.—Dr Franklin declines joining him in consulting with Count de Vergennes on German affairs.—Mr Deane’s charges.

Ralph Izard and Arthur Lee to William Lee.

Paris, June 22d, 1779, 349

Propriety of waiting for the decision of Spain, before an application to Prussia to acknowledge the independence of the United States; of changing the channel of application.

James Lovell to William Lee.

Philadelphia, July 17th, 1779, 350

Communicating his recall from Vienna and Berlin.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Francfort, September 28th, 1779, 351

Effect of Dr Franklin’s refusal to assist him at the French Court.—Rescript of the Spanish Ambassador.—Answer of the Prussian Minister to his application for an acknowledgment of the independence of the United States.—Mediation of Russia.—Commerce with Prussia.—British Ministry disposed to acknowledge the independence of America.—Disposition of the king.

To the President of Congress.

Brussels, February 10th, 1781, 356

Britain determines not to send more troops to America.—Secret proposals of the Ministry to France and Spain.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Brussels, April 12th, 1781, 357

Mr Lee’s accounts.

James Lovell to William Lee.

Philadelphia, September 20th, 1781, 358

Enclosing the decision of Congress in regard to the settlement of his accounts.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Brussels, March 31st, 1782, 359

Change in the British Ministry.—General disposition to peace in England.—Opposition of the King.—Propriety of sending a Minister to the Austrian Netherlands.

RALPH IZARD’S CORRESPONDENCE.

Instructions to Ralph Izard.

Philadelphia, July 1st, 1777, 367

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, October 6th, 1777, 369

Interest of the Italian powers to diminish the power of England.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, December 18th, 1777, 370

Friendly disposition of the Tuscan Minister in France; advises a delay of Mr Izard’s visit to Italy.—Effect of the surrender of General Burgoyne.

Arthur Lee to Ralph Izard. January 28th, 1778, 372

Requesting his opinion on the twelfth article of the treaty.

To Benjamin Franklin.

Paris, January 28th, 1778, 372

Objections to the twelfth article.—Complains of Dr Franklin’s reserve.

Benjamin Franklin to Ralph Izard.

Passy, January 29th, 1778, 375

Circumstances prevent his explaining the motives of his conduct.—Advice to Mr Izard.

To Benjamin Franklin.

Paris, January 30th, 1778, 376

Recriminations.—Twelfth article.

The Committee of Foreign Affairs to Ralph Izard.

York, February 5th, 1778, 378

Depreciation of the currency.—Importance of a loan.

To Henry Laurens, President of Congress.

Paris, February 16th, 1778, 379

Proceedings relative to the twelfth article.—Complains of the reserve of Dr Franklin and Mr Deane.—Preparations for war in France and England.—Want of funds.

Benjamin Franklin to Ralph Izard.

Passy, March 27th, 1778, 385

To Benjamin Franklin.

Paris, March 29th, 1778, 385

Reminds him of his promise of an explanation of his conduct.

Benjamin Franklin to Ralph Izard.

Passy, March 30th, 1778, 386

Reasons of his delay in giving his explanations.

To Benjamin Franklin.

Paris, March 31st, 1778, 387

Requests a speedy explanation.

To Henry Laurens.

Paris, April 1st, 1778, 388

Secrecy of Dr Franklin and Mr Deane relative to M. Gerard’s mission.—Disputes on the Bavarian succession.—Mr Deane’s unfitness for his place.—Proposes a commission for Naples.

To Benjamin Franklin.

Paris, April 4th, 1778, 390

On the subject of explanations.

Benjamin Franklin to Ralph Izard.

Passy, April 4th, 1778, 391

Promises to explain the reasons of his conduct.

To Henry Laurens.

Paris, April 11th, 1778, 391

Expresses a wish to be sent to England.—Titles of American Ministers in Europe.

To Benjamin Franklin,

Paris, April 25th, 1778, 394

Subject of the explanations.

John J. Pringle to Ralph Izard.

Paris, April 26th, 1778, 395

Interview with Dr Franklin on the subject of Mr Izard’s complaints.

Committee of Foreign Affairs to Ralph Izard.

York, May 14th, 1778, 399

Enclosing the resolve of Congress providing for his support.—Treaties ratified by Congress.—Future treaties to be made on the basis of mutual benefit.—Enlargement of his powers.

To Arthur Lee.

Paris, May 18th, 1778, 401

Objections to the fifth article of the treaty.

Arthur Lee to Ralph Izard.

Chaillot, May 23d, 1778, 406

Objections to the fifth article.—Cession of territory to Spain.

To Benjamin Franklin.

Paris, June 17th, 1778, 408

Mr Pringle’s interview.—Subject of the explanations promised by Dr Franklin.

To Henry Laurens, President of Congress.

Paris, June 28th, 1778, 417

Objections to the treaties.—Complains of Dr Franklin.—German affairs.

To Henry Laurens, President of Congress.

Paris, July 25th, 1778, 422

Ratification of the treaties received in France.—Objections to the eighth article.—Mr Lee not received publicly at Vienna.

From the Abbé Niccoli to Ralph Izard.

Florence, July 28th, 1778, 426

Advises him not to come to Florence.—State of Tuscany.—Improbability of his obtaining a loan there.—Recommends an attempt in Genoa.

To the Commissioners.

Paris, August 25th, 1778, 429

Relative to obtaining a loan in Genoa.—Barbary cruisers.

From the Commissioners to Ralph Izard.

Paris, August 25th, 1778, 430

Advise an application to Count de Vergennes on the subject of a loan in Genoa.—Intend to present him a memorial on the interposition of France with the Barbary powers.

To the Abbé Niccoli.

Paris, September 1st, 1778, 431

Urging a loan.—-Trade to Leghorn.

To Count de Vergennes.

Paris, Sept. 2d, 1778, 433

Requesting the assistance of France in obtaining a loan from Genoa.

To Henry Laurens, President of Congress.

Paris, September 12th, 1778, 434

Relative to the 11th, 12th, and 5th articles of the treaty.—Policy of Spain.—France declines interfering in the business of a loan.—-The fisheries.—Confusion of the commercial business of the United States in France.

The Committee of Foreign Affairs to Ralph Izard.

Philadelphia, October 28th, 1778, 440

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, January 28th, 1779, 441

Cannot be publicly received at Florence.—Dr Franklin refuses to accept his draft.—Requests permission to return to America.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, March 4th, 1779, 444

Requests leave to return.

The Committee of Foreign Affairs to Ralph Izard.

Philadelphia, July 17th, 1779, 445

Communicating his recall.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, September 29th, 1779, 446

Relative to the payment for his services.

To the President of Congress.

Philadelphia, August 6th, 1780, 448

Announces his arrival.—Offers information respecting affairs in Europe.

HENRY LAURENS’ CORRESPONDENCE.

Instructions to Henry Laurens. In Congress, October 26th, 1779,

453

Committee of Foreign Affairs to Henry Laurens.

Philadelphia, December 11th, 1779, 454

Enclosing acts of Congress for drawing on him for £100,000.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Charleston, January 24th, 1780, 455

Relative to the bills of exchange mentioned in the preceding letter.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Charleston, February 14th, 1780, 457

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs.

Charleston, February 24th, 1780, 458

Proposes to embark for Martinique.—Ships indigo on account of the United States.

To the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Vestal—British frigate,

St John’s, Newfoundland, September 14th, 1780, 461

He and his papers captured.—Ordered to England by the Governor.

To the President of Congress.

Tower of London, December 20th, 1781, 462

Cruel treatment in the tower.

To the President of Congress.

Amsterdam, May 30th, 1782, 463

History of his confinement in the tower.—Declines his appointment to treat with Great Britain.—His services while in confinement.—Lord Shelburne declares that he “shall part with America with regret.”

To the President of Congress.

Nantes, September 5th, 1782, 472

Applies for a passport from England.—Dr Franklin offers to supply his expenses.

Robert R. Livingston to Henry Laurens.

Philadelphia, September 17th, 1782, 476

Announces his appointment as Secretary of Foreign Affairs.—Congress declines accepting Mr Laurens’ resignation.

Robert R. Livingston to Henry Laurens.

Philadelphia, November 8th, 1782, 477

Union and firmness of the States.—Military intelligence.—Death of Colonel Laurens.

To Lord Cornwallis.

Paris, December 9th, 1782, 479

His exertions to effect the release of Lord Cornwallis.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, December 15th, 1782, 480

Acknowledges the receipt of certain acts of Congress.—Repairs to Paris in compliance with the order of Congress to assist in the negotiations.—His services in England.—Declines receiving any further sums of money.—Signing of the preliminary articles between Great Britain and the United States communicated to Russia.—Exchange of Lord Cornwallis.—Requests permission to return.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, December 24th, 1782, 484

Mr Hartley’s motion in the House of Commons on a reconciliation with America.—Little prospect of a general peace.—Notions in England of a reconciliation with the colonies. —Attempts to excite jealousies of France.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, January 9th, 1783, 487

Little prospect of a definitive treaty.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

London, March 15th, 1783, 488

Visits London.—Urges the withdrawing of British troops from America previous to any intercourse between the countries.—Provisional treaty, if obtained without the concurrence of France, disgraceful to the American Ministers.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

London, April 5th, 1783, 491

Third bill of the provisional establishment of trade with America dropped.—Mr Laurens’s supposed American bill for regulating commerce with Great Britain.—The new Ministry arranged.—Conference with Mr Fox.—United States included in the Foreign Department.—Mr Hartley appointed to negotiate a definitive treaty of peace.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

London, April 10th, 1783, 493

Leave given to bring in a bill repealing certain bills prohibiting an intercourse with the United States.—Deputation of merchants urge the opening of a communication with America.—Mr Laurens insists on the previous withdrawing of the troops.

Robert R. Livingston to Henry Laurens.

Philadelphia, May 8th, 1783, 495

Enclosing the resolution of Congress permitting his return.—The provisional treaty ratified.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

London, June 17th, 1783, 496

Delays of the British negotiator.—Weakness of the new Ministry.

Articles proposed by the American Commissioners to Mr Hartley, 499

Mr Hartley’s proposed Article of Agreement, delivered by him to the American Commissioners for their Consideration, May 21st, 1783, 500

Observations and Propositions of Mr Hartley, left with the American Ministers, May 21st, 1783, 502

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Bath, June 27th, 1783, 505

Regrets that the British troops were not removed previous to a free communication between the countries.—His accounts.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Bath, July 17th, 1783, 507

Recommending the Rev. Mr Wells and Mr Carpenter.—Mr Deane reported to have been active in drawing up a treaty of commerce in London.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Bath, July 17th, 1783, 508

Requested by Dr Franklin to return to Paris.—Complies.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Ship Washington, off Poole, August 2d, 1783, 508

Intends to apply to the Ministers for information, as to the reception of an American Minister in London.

To L. R. Morris.

London, August 9th, 1783, 509

His accounts.

To the Ministers of the United States at Paris.

London, August 9th, 1783, 510

Conference with Mr Fox.—With the Duke of Portland.—Second conference with Mr Fox.—The meeting at Philadelphia.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

London, August 9th, 1783, 515

His accounts.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

London, September 11th, 1783, 517

The definitive treaty only a re-confirmation of the provisional treaty.—Mr Jennings’s accusations.

To the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Dover, September 16th, 1783, 520

To Charles Thomson.

Bath, March 28th, 1784, 520

Term for exchanging ratifications extended.—Extension of the Intercourse Bill.—Trade of the United States with the British West Indies.—Disposition of the English towards America.

David Hartley to Henry Laurens.

Golden Square, March 26th, 1784, 523

Proposed term for the exchange of ratifications extended.

To the President of Congress.

London, April 24th, 1784, 524

Proclamation for extending the American intercourse.—Restrictions on the American trade to the West Indies.—Effects of a retaliation.—Opposition to a reconciliation with America.—The King opposed to the late war; willing to receive an Ambassador from the United States.—Plan for the King’s abdication, and rescinding the alienation of the Prince of Wales’s inheritance.—Mischief done by the loyalists in England.

To the President of Congress.

London, April 30th, 1784, 527

Bitterness in England against the United States.—Mr Deane and others oppose the interests of the United States.

ПЕРЕПИСКА АРТУРА ЛИ,

КОМИССАРА СОЕДИНЕННЫХ ШТАТОВ ПРИ ФРАНЦУЗСКОМ ДВОРЕ.

Артур Ли был уроженцем Виргинии и родился 20 декабря 1740 года. Свое первоначальное образование он завершил в Итонском колледже в Англии, откуда направился в Эдинбург с целью подготовки к медицинской профессии. Пройдя полный курс обучения, он получил степень доктора медицины. Покинув Эдинбург, он путешествовал по Голландии и Германии, а затем вернулся в Виргинию, где начал врачебную практику. Будучи не вполне удовлетворен этим занятием, он решил оставить его и посвятить себя изучению права. Он отправился в Лондон и около 1766 года стал студентом в Темпле.

С этого периода и до начала Революции Артур Ли поддерживал переписку со своими братьями и некоторыми другими лицами в Америке относительно политического положения дел в Англии и событий, связанных с Колониями. Он был горячо предан интересам своей страны и был назначен Собранием Массачусетса агентом этой Колонии в качестве преемника доктора Франклина, покинувшего Англию весной 1775 года. В декабре того же года Комитет секретной переписки попросил мистера Ли действовать в качестве их секретного агента в Лондоне и пересылать им любые сведения, которые он сочтет важными. Находясь на этом посту, он написал Комитету несколько писем.

Когда были назначены комиссары ко Французскому двору, мистер Джефферсон, один из них, отклонил это назначение, и 22 октября 1776 года на его место был назначен Артур Ли. Он направился из Лондона в Париж, где встретился с другими комиссарами. Весной 1777 года по совету своих коллег он отправился в Испанию с целью добиться помощи от испанского правительства для Соединенных Штатов, в чем преуспел отчасти. По возвращении в Париж он совершил краткую поездку в Вена и Берлин с аналогичными целями и некоторое время поддерживал политическую переписку с бароном де Шуленбургом, одним из прусских министров. Между тем он получил от Конгресса назначение комиссаром в Испанию, однако за все время действия этой комиссии он не покидал Францию. Она утратила силу, когда мистер Джей был назначен полномочным министром при том дворе.

Артур Ли вернулся в Соединенные Штаты в сентябре 1780 года, а в следующем году был избран представителем в Собрание Виргинии. Этим органом он был направлен делегатом в Конгресс. Находясь в этой должности, он вошел в состав комиссии по заключению договоров с индейцами на Северо-Западных рубежах и несколько месяцев был занят исполнением обязанностей в ходе той экспедиции. Он скончался в Виргинии после непродолжительной болезни 12 декабря 1792 года.

ОТ КОМИТЕТА СЕКРЕТНОЙ ПЕРЕПИСКИ АРТУРУ ЛИ.

Филадельфия, 12 декабря 1775 года.

Сэр,

С настоящим отправлением мы имеем удовольствие препроводить Вам различные печатные документы, дабы те из них, которые Вы сочтете нужным, могли быть незамедлительно опубликованы в Англии.

Мы написали по поводу американских дел господину К. Г. Ф. Дюма, проживающему в Гааге. Мы рекомендуем Вам вести с ним переписку и направлять через него те из адресованных нам писем, которые Вы не можете отправить более прямым путем. Он будет пересылать их через Санкт-Эстатиус.

Мистеру Стори можно доверить любые депеши, которые Вы сочтете нужным нам отправить. Будьте столь любезны оказывать ему содействие и давать советы.

Конгрессу было бы приятно узнать настроения иностранных держав по отношению к нам, и мы надеемся, что этот предмет привлечет Ваше внимание. Нам излишне намекать, что необходимы величайшая осмотрительность и непроницаемая секретность. Конгресс полагается на Ваше усердие и способности в служении ему и с готовностью компенсирует Вам любые хлопоты и расходы, которые может повлечь за собой исполнение их пожелания. Мы пересылаем Вам пока 200 фунтов стерлингов.

Всякий раз, когда Вы сочтете, что важность Ваших депеш того требует, мы просим Вас отправить с ними из Англии экспрессное судно, каковую услугу мы возместим здесь в соответствии с Вашим договором с тамошним владельцем.

Теперь мы можем лишь добавить, что мы твердо стоим на своем намерении защищаться вопреки громким угрозам министерства. Мы только что захватили один из их артиллерийских транспортов, на котором обнаружилось множество зажигательных снарядов и бомб, предназначенных для сожжения наших городов.

С глубоким уважением остаемся, Сэр, Ваши покорные слуги,

Б. ФРАНКЛИН, ДЖОН ДИКИМСОН, ДЖОН ДЖЕЙ.

БЕНДЖАМИНУ ФРАНКЛИНУ.

Лондон, 13 февраля 1776 года.

Приложенное к сему легко объясняет само себя. За сведениями Вам следует наблюдать и принимать меры соответственно. Фонд на необходимые расходы должен быть учрежден здесь, в таких руках, которым можно довериться. Вы знаете, кому можно доверять. По опыту могу сказать (хотя и не имея с ними никаких связей или коммерческих дел), что уроженцы Новой Англии подходят для доверия больше всего в любом опасном или важном предприятии. Покажите это только Р. Х. Л. из Виргинии, и он догадается, откуда это исходит.

Сведения эти, если они попадут в руки вовремя, следует как можно скорее передать во все части Америки, дабы она могла подготовиться.

ВИЦЕ-ГУБЕРНАТОРУ КОЛДЕНУ.

[Приложено к предыдущему.]

Лондон, 13 февраля 1776 года.

Дорогой Сэр,

Ваше письмо от 30 ноября 1775 года, возвещающее об учреждении Секретного комитета, дошло до меня несколько дней назад. Ошибки действительно будут многочисленны, если Вы не будете получать от меня известий часто. Все мои тревоги были связаны с тем, дойдут ли мои письма до Вас; всякое маскирование было необходимо для достижения этой цели. Тем не менее я весьма обязан Генералу за шаги, предпринятые для обеспечения моей безопасности.

Вам будет любопытно узнать каковы намерения министерства и их силы на следующую кампанию. Их армия на бумаге выглядит следующим образом: гессенцы — 12 000; брауншвейгцы, вольфенбюттельцы и вальдекцы — 5000; шесть полков под командованием лорда Корнуоллиса — 3000; еще восемь должны отплыть весной — 4000; горцы — 2000; ныне находящиеся в Америке — 8000.

Отплытие и назначение этого вооружения таковы. Войска под началом генерала лорда Корнуоллиса в настоящее время погружены на суда в Корке и ждут приказаний к отплытию, их назначение — Виргиния. Согласно только что подписанному договору, немцы должны быть готовы 27-го числа этого месяца выступить к морскому побережью и погрузиться на корабли, но в какую именно часть Америки — точно неизвестно; сухопутный марш занимает около шести недель, так что они не смогут отплыть раньше апреля. Вторая погрузка из Корка будет примерно в то же время, и представляется вероятным, что их назначением станет Канада под началом генерала Бергойна, который добивается этого командования. Между тем 29-й полк с братом генерала Карлтона должен отплыть отсюда немедленно для подкрепления Квебека при условии, что они смогут подняться по реке достаточно высоко, вплоть до Иль-о-Сен-Лоран, чтобы совершить сухопутный марш. Полки под командованием лорда Корнуоллиса следующие: 37-й, 33-й, 54-й, 15-й, 28-й, 46-й. Те, что отправятся весной: 34-й, 53-й, 62-й, 3-й, 9-й, 11-й, 20-й, 24-й. Лорд Хау назначен командующим на море, но кто командует на суше — неизвестно; однако достоверно то, что с немцами идут два генерал-лейтенанта, и один из них в летах, так что командовать ими должен кто-то с большой репутацией и старой выслугой лет. Вследствие этого предполагается, что человеком этим будет граф де Липпе. Он командовал армией в Португалии во время прошлой войны. Они фрахтуют ост-индские суда для транспортной службы, полагая, что те смогут отбиться от крейсеров. Будет отправлено большое количество артиллерийских и фургонных лошадей, а также готовится поезд из крупных осадных орудий, который, как представляется, может быть предназначен только против Квебека, если он будет взят генералом Монтгомери.

Английские и ирландские войска идут с бесконечным нежеланием, и на транспортах приходится держать усиленную стражу, чтобы они не дезертировали оптом. Немцы также, как мне достоверно сообщают, близки к мятежу, но ландграф Гессенский является абсолютным тираном и должен повиноваться. Поэтому предполагается, что если Конгресс подготовит прокламации на английском и немецком языках для распространения среди них при высадке, чему никакие меры предосторожности помешать не смогут, множество людей дезертирует.

В целом министерство, если все сложится в их пользу, сможет иметь в Америке около тридцати тысяч человек к исходу июня. У них не будет никакой кавалерии, кроме двух полков легких драгун, которые уже там, и полка Бергойна, которому предстоит отправиться. Если у американцев будет кавалерия, хорошо обученная действиям в лесах, она будет бесконечно изматывать такую армию; и если они станут действовать от обороны, хорошо окопаются, будут непрерывно изматывать их, перерезать их обозы и, если когда-либо решатся на бой, нанесут удар по одному флангу, здесь полагают, что ни один генерал на свете не сможет сделать кампанию решающей, и едва ли возможно, чтобы эта страна выдержала еще одну. Они сочли невозможным производить вербовку в Англии, Ирландии или Шотландии, хотя ведущие люди последней до единого яростно настроены против Америки. Поэтому они были вынуждены брать пополнения из других полков, чтобы укомплектовать те, которые отправляются, так что когда все погрузятся на суда, в Ирландии едва ли останется 2000 человек и столько же в Англии, помимо пешей гвардии и кавалерии. Меня уверили, что французское правительство сквозь пальцы посмотрит на вывоз оружия и боеприпасов. Генерал первейших способностей и опыта отправился бы туда, если бы мог получить от Конгресса какие-либо гарантии сохранения своего звания; но поскольку оно весьма высоко, он не согласился бы подчиняться никому, кроме американца, и то лишь в силу доверия, подобающего американцу в вопросе столь сугубо американском.

Поделитесь со мной вашим мнением обо всем этом. Оппозиция набирает силу, и нация начинает ощущать последствия; но Америка должна уповать на собственную руку и защиту Небес. Резолюции от 2 января делают вам бесконечную честь и несомненно послужат делу. Ваше поведение, я верю, будет благородным, поскольку оно велико и благостно. Я знаю вашу приверженность стране, которую вы приняли. Рекомендация принца Фердинанда в отношении упомянутого выше генерала звучит следующими словами: «Что касается опыта, ума и доблести, я не знаю, найдется ли другой, способный сравниться с ним». Ваше письмо от 30 ноября 1775 года обошлось в 19 шиллингов 6 пенсов почтового сбора, там было так много лишней бумаги; разве пакет, отправленный на какие-либо Канарские острова и вверенный надлежащей заботе, не дошел бы до нас самым безопасным и быстрым путем? Если там есть хоть какой-то друг, которому можно довериться, возможности оттуда сюда частые. Перекройте мое письмо и адресуйте его Джону Хорсфоллу, казначею, Миддл-Темпл.

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