The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 02
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 02
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
The situation of Spain, her millions being yet on the sea, and the
circumstances in Germany beforementioned, I believe induce this
Court still to continue the injunctions of secrecy relative to the
treaties; but if war is not declared before, I do not see how it can
be avoided as soon as you publish them, which I suppose will be done
as soon as they come to hand, or at least such parts as will announce
the fact to the world in such a manner that it cannot be doubted.
The number of French troops that are now on the coast, in Brittany
and Normandy, with the powerful naval preparations both in this
country and Spain, would effectually prevent Great Britain from
sending any more troops to America this year, even if she could get
them.
I have the honor to be, &c.
WILLIAM LEE.
Mr Deane presents his compliments to Mr Lee. As tomorrow is fixed by
the minister for sending off the despatches, it will be impossible
for him to attend the examination of Mr Morris’s papers before his
brother sets off. As Mr Deane had the honor of mentioning before, it
shall be his first business after the despatches are gone.
_Saturday Morning_.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Paris, March 23d, 1778.
Sir,
To the enclosed copy of my last be pleased to refer. I have the
pleasing satisfaction of congratulating you and my country on the
independency of the thirteen United States of America being now
openly acknowledged by the Court of France, which must soon put a
glorious end to all our troubles. About fourteen days ago the French
Minister in London formally avowed to the British Ministry the
treaty, which His Most Christian Majesty had made with you, and on
the 20th inst your Commissioners were, in form, introduced to the
King and his Ministers at Versailles, as the representatives of a
sovereign State, and on Sunday last they were introduced to the Queen
and all the royal family.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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