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
It is now certain that the States-General have, by a plurality of five
Provinces, determined to accede to the armed neutrality. Zealand and
Guelderland have agreed to it likewise; but upon condition of a
warranty of the possessions of the Republic. If the intention of Sir
J. Yorke's memorial was to intimidate their High Mightinesses from
this measure, he has missed his aim. Nor will the conduct of the
Burgomasters of Amsterdam be disavowed, nor M. Van Berckel, nor his
accomplices, punished. We shall see how the British Ministry will
disentangle themselves from this perplexity.
All these things, however, so far from aiding our affairs in this
nation, seem to have put an entire stop to them for the present. The
nation is trembling for their commerce, their money in the British
funds, their East and West India possessions, and no man dares engage
in a measure that may in some degree increase the alarm.
The bills upon Mr Laurens I have accepted, those of them at least that
have arrived, upon an assurance from Dr Franklin, that in case I
should not be able to borrow the money by the time they become
payable, that I may draw upon him for it. I think Congress will
perceive the danger of drawing any more, until they shall receive
intelligence from me that the money is ready.
The choice of a house is a point of so much importance, that I could
not justify making it, without the most mature inquiry and reflection.
Not only the success of the negotiation will depend upon it, but the
political consequences of it will be important. I have made every
inquiry and several proposals, but all have been politely declined.
There are two houses which I believe would accept it, but these,
although respectable, are so far from the first rank that I should be
sorry to fix upon either, if I could see a prospect of gaining one of
higher rank. I am told, that opening the loan now would injure us
exceedingly; but I know not what to judge. I have found so many
opinions mistaken, that in this country I cannot judge which are well
founded.
Fear is ever the second passion in minds governed by avarice. As long,
therefore, as the English misrepresentations can make people here
believe that there is a possibility of conquering America, or of our
returning to the government of England, so long we shall find little
credit here.
The Prince was ill advised when he undertook what he was not obliged
to do, in producing Mr Laurens' papers, which he did too, in a manner
justly offensive to the United States. It was the part of Sir Joseph
Yorke to have produced them, not to the Prince, but to their High
Mightinesses. His Serene Highness, therefore, in this work of
supererogation, gave himself the air of an instrument of Sir Joseph,
which has not at all recommended him to the Dutch nation.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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