The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 09
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 09
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
The offer is rather ill timed, and I have reason to think is not very
agreeable to the Courts of Versailles and Madrid, which will act with
entire union on this occasion, and as long as the present King of
Spain lives, it is probable, that this good understanding will
continue on the whole continent, although there are some here, I
believe, who would wish to see it interrupted. While it subsists Spain
will not abandon our interests, though it may not support them with
such good will, as they would have been induced to do by the
obligations of previous engagements with the United States. It is not
likely that these will soon take place, notwithstanding the appearance
of good will, and repeated assurances which Mr Jay has received of his
Majesty's favorable disposition. Nor will the late change of measures
adopted by Congress effect this, if I am not misinformed. I have not
seen these resolutions in full, nor do I know that Mr Jay has received
them, but I have reason to believe, that the Court has a knowledge of
them, either by intercepted letters, or by a direct communication from
America. In short I repeat to the Committee, what I have taken the
liberty of remarking before, that it was probably the policy of this
Court to leave the adjustment of their claims to be settled at the
general negotiation of a treaty of peace, and to reserve to
themselves the liberty of acting then according to circumstances,
unless they can previously secure in their own manner their favorite
objects. This accords with the conduct they have hitherto observed,
and with maxims of policy long adopted and persevered in by this
Court.
In the meantime, they show a decided disposition to continue the war.
They expect some treasure from America. They are likely to procure
eight millions of dollars on loan, and have propositions from other
quarters. The taxes have been augmented this year, the produce of the
last having, as I have been told, fallen short of the expectations of
the Ministry. They have thirtysix sail of the line under sailing
orders at Cadiz, which fleet will probably cruise to meet the treasure
ships expected, and to intercept the succors destined to Gibraltar.
They have ordered a press throughout the kingdom to fill up their
regiments. The ships with the treasure were to sail from Vera Cruz to
the Havana the 11th of October. The Court seems apprehensive of the
Emperor's intentions, and cultivates the friendship of the King of
Prussia, for which purpose it is about to send a Minister to Berlin,
where they have had none for many years past. This matter is not yet
public, and will undoubtedly chagrin the Court of Vienna.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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