The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 05
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 05
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
The resolutions of Congress, of the 18th of March, respecting the
paper bills, appeared first in Europe, as recited in the act of the
Assembly of Pennsylvania; they were next published in the English
newspapers, as taken from a Boston paper published by the Council; at
last the resolutions appeared in the Journals of Congress.
A great clamor was raised, and spread, that the United States had
violated their faith, and had declared themselves bankrupts, unable to
pay more than two and a half per cent. A gentleman soon after called
on me, and told me, that the Court was alarmed, and that the Count de
Vergennes would be glad to consult me upon the subject. I then
received a letter from Boston, acquainting me, that the Legislature of
Massachusetts had adopted the plan. Of this letter I sent an extract
immediately to the Count, and waited on him at Versailles, where I had
the honor of a long conversation with his Excellency on the subject.
He desired me to converse with his first Secretary, which I did
particularly.
His Excellency told me he had written to me on the subject, and that I
should receive the letter the next day. On my return from Versailles,
I received a letter from Mr Gerry, informing me of the resolutions to
pay the Loan Office certificates, at the value of money at the time
when they were issued. I had before told the Count, that I was
persuaded this was a part of the plan. I sent an extract of this
letter also to the Count, without loss of time. The next day I
received the letter from his Excellency, the copy of which, and of my
answer, are enclosed. Yesterday, Mr Trumbull of Connecticut, favored
me with a law of the State, respecting this matter, and an estimate of
the gradual progress of depreciation. These papers I forthwith
transmitted to his Excellency. I am determined to give my sentiments
to his Majesty's Ministers whenever they shall see cause to ask them,
although it is not within my department, until I shall be forbidden by
Congress; and to this end I shall go to Court often enough to give
them an opportunity to ask them, if they wish to know them.
The clamor that has been raised, has been so industriously spread,
that I cannot but suspect, that the motive at bottom has either been
a wish to have an opportunity of continuing the profitable
speculations, which artful men are able to make in a depreciating
currency, or else by spreading a diffidence in American credit, to
discourage many from engaging in American trade, that the profits of
it may still continue to be confined to a few.
I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN ADAMS.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Paris, June 29th, 1780.
Sir,
The disputes about the Alliance, have been so critical and
disagreeable, that Congress will pardon me for making a few
observations upon our arrangements here.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account