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
I have before transmitted to Congress the two Memorials of Sir Joseph
Yorke, against M. Van Berckel, and the Burgomasters of Amsterdam. The
language of both is conformable to that domineering spirit, which has
actuated the Councils of St James, from the beginning of this reign,
and they have committed the honor and dignity of the King, and engaged
the pride of the nation so far, that there is no room left for a
retreat, without the most humiliating mortification. On the other
hand, there is authentic information, that the States proceeding in
their usual forms, have determined to refer the conduct of Amsterdam
to a committee of lawyers, who are to consider and report, whether the
Burgomasters have done anything, which they had not by law and the
Constitution authority to do. It is universally known and agreed, that
the report must and will be in favor of the Burgomasters. This report
will be accepted and confirmed by the States, and transmitted to all
the neutral Courts, in order to show them, that neither the Republic
in general nor the city of Amsterdam in particular, have done anything
against the spirit of the armed neutrality. The States have also
determined to make an answer to the British Ambassador's Memorials,
and to demand satisfaction of the King his master, for the indignity
offered to their sovereignty, in those memorials. In this resolution,
the States have been perfectly unanimous, the Body of Nobles, for the
first time, having agreed with the Generality. The question then is,
which power will recede. I am confidently assured, that the States
will not; and indeed if they should, they may as well submit to the
King, and surrender their independence at once. I am not, however,
very clear what they will do. I doubt whether they have firmness to
look a war in the face. Will the English recede, if the Dutch do not?
If they should, it would be contrary to the maxims, which have
invariably governed them during this reign. It will humble the
insolent overbearing pride of the nation; it will expose the Ministry
to the scoffs and scorn of opposition; it will elevate the courage of
the Dutch, the neutral powers, and the House of Bourbon, not to
mention the great effect it will have in America, upon the whigs and
tories, objects which the British Court never loses sight of.
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