To the President of Congress. St Petersburg, October 15th, 1781, 314 Receives a copy of the propositions of mediation and of the French answer.--Confirmed by these documents in his former opinion, that the United States were to be treated as independent.--Has been informed, that one of the objects of the armed neutrality was a general pacification on the basis of American independence.--This plan was obstructed by the delays of Holland.--Count Panin.--Expectations from the neutral confederation.--The plan of a general pacification founded on a desire to preserve the balance of power by sea. Robert R. Livingston to Francis Dana. Philadelphia, October 22d, 1781, 319 Announcing the appointment of a Secretary of Foreign Affairs.--Successes in the south.--Encloses resolutions of Congress relative to the propositions of the Empress of Russia, respecting the rights of neutrals. To William Ellery. St Petersburg, January 17th, 1782, 323 Different offers of mediation by Russia.--Effect of the American revolution on the policy of the European powers.--Jealousy of American commerce in Russia. Robert R. Livingston to Francis Dana, Philadelphia, March 2d, 1782, 325 The cause of the United States may be served by representations of their actual condition.--Military operations in America.--Financial concerns.--Ordinance relating to captures.--Requests frequent communications. To Robert R. Livingston, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. St Petersburg, March 5th, 1782, 330 Congratulations on his appointment.--The capture of Lord Cornwallis has satisfied Europe, that England cannot succeed in recovering the United States.--The Empress's offer of mediation will prevent her from favoring the United States.--Another campaign must be expected.--State of the neutral confederation. To Robert R. Livingston. St Petersburg, March 30th, 1782, 336 The depressed condition of England may lead her to accept the mediation, to which the French and Spanish Courts will accede, on condition of the presence of the Ministers of the United States.--Schemes of Austria and Russia for extending their commerce on the Black Sea.--These plans may injure the American cause by directing the attention of Russia to a different quarter.--Account of Russian commerce. To John Adams. St Petersburg, April 23d, 1782, 341