[21] This letter was agreed upon by the Commissioners, and sent by them conjointly as a circular “To the Captains or Commanders of all ships of war, armed vessels, and privateers from the United States of North America.” BARON DE SCHULENBURG TO ARTHUR LEE. Translation. Berlin, November 28th, 1777. Sir, As to the commission of Mr William Lee, the King having repeatedly declared his sentiments respecting the actual difficulties attending a commercial connexion with America, notwithstanding his constant good disposition towards the Colonies, cannot possibly conjecture, as circumstances have not changed, what proposition Mr Lee can make more acceptable to his Majesty, nor consequently what can be the object of his mission. I have the honor to be, &c. BARON DE SCHULENBURG. TO DR BERKENHOUT.[22] Paris, December 3d, 1777. Sir, My last might serve as an answer to yours. We have powers to receive, but not to make overtures. _Voilà la difference._ We have as much dignity, and I hope more reason on our side. If they, therefore, stay for overtures from us, I promise you they will not receive them, till their faith can move our mountains. I hoped something from this negotiation, and therefore more willingly lent myself to it; but I now see too well their abundant pride and folly, to think the public will derive any advantage from it. They are determined to make us a great people, by continuing a contest which forces us to frugality, industry, and economy, and calls forth resources, which, without such necessity, would never have been cultivated. I have long thought, that if they intended us the benefits their conduct will bring us, we should owe them statues of gold. As you love me, do not fail endeavoring to learn to whom I am indebted for reporting the difference between Dr Franklin and me, which you mention. It concerns me infinitely to know it. Adieu. ARTHUR LEE. [22] Dr Berkenhout had been formerly a friend of Arthur Lee in London, and was employed by the government as a secret agent to endeavor to obtain from the Commissioners in Paris the terms of an accommodation with England. TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS. Paris, December 8th, 1777. Gentlemen, Since my last to you, I have seen your despatches of the 6th of October. The answer relative to the Havanna will be obtained as soon as possible; but I think such a connexion will in a short time take place between the two countries, as will put that matter out of all doubt. I received yesterday a letter from the Messrs Gardoqui at Bilboa, containing the following passage.