The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 10

United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources

It is under this impression, that the undersigned Minister takes the
liberty to request Congress not to carry into execution that one of
their resolutions which orders, that those who on this occasion may
have violated the laws of nations shall be prosecuted. The King's
greatness of mind forbids his Minister to insist upon such a measure.
Between nations closely connected by the most powerful motives of
friendship and interest, even the most lawful reparations ought always
to stop short of revenge. It is sufficient to undeceive the public,
and to restrain the evil-disposed men, who sometimes conceal
themselves under the pretence of the common good. The said Minister,
consequently, earnestly requests Congress to stop the said
prosecutions, and he dares hope this from the moderation of Congress,
provided that motives foreign to France and independent of the present
affair do not cause this august body, or the Executive Council of
Pennsylvania, to see in this indulgence inconveniences, which are out
of the sphere of the undersigned Minister.

                                                               GERARD.

                          *       *       *

                                        In Congress, August 9th, 1779.

Resolved, that the Minister of France be informed, that the
resolutions alluded to in his Memorial of the 5th instant will be
published in the journals of Congress, and that in the meantime he
consider himself at liberty to make such use of the copies transmitted
to him, as he may think expedient.

                  *       *       *       *       *

                     TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

                             Translation.

                                      Philadelphia, August 11th, 1779.

  Sir,

It is with the greatest regret that I learn, that the attempt made at
Martinique to obtain military stores has been fruitless. You will see
the reasons of it in the letter of the Marquis de Bouillé, which I
have the honor to send you. Nothing but the impossibility of the thing
could prevent the servants of the King from rendering all possible
services to the American cause, and compel them to delay complying
with the requests of Congress.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, your most
humble and most obedient servant.

                                                               GERARD.

                  *       *       *       *       *

                 THE MARQUIS DE BOUILLÉ TO M. GERARD.

                             Translation.

                                            Martinique, July 11, 1779.

  Sir,

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

Opening the text

History

The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 10

United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources

It is under this impression, that the undersigned Minister takes the
liberty to request Congress not to carry into execution that one of
their resolutions which orders, that those who on this occasion may
have violated the laws of nations shall be prosecuted. The King's
greatness of mind forbids his Minister to insist upon such a measure.
Between nations closely connected by the most powerful motives of
friendship and interest, even the most lawful reparations ought always
to stop short of revenge. It is sufficient to undeceive the public,
and to restrain the evil-disposed men, who sometimes conceal
themselves under the pretence of the common good. The said Minister,
consequently, earnestly requests Congress to stop the said
prosecutions, and he dares hope this from the moderation of Congress,
provided that motives foreign to France and independent of the present
affair do not cause this august body, or the Executive Council of
Pennsylvania, to see in this indulgence inconveniences, which are out
of the sphere of the undersigned Minister.

                                                               GERARD.

                          *       *       *

                                        In Congress, August 9th, 1779.

Resolved, that the Minister of France be informed, that the
resolutions alluded to in his Memorial of the 5th instant will be
published in the journals of Congress, and that in the meantime he
consider himself at liberty to make such use of the copies transmitted
to him, as he may think expedient.

                  *       *       *       *       *

                     TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

                             Translation.

                                      Philadelphia, August 11th, 1779.

  Sir,

It is with the greatest regret that I learn, that the attempt made at
Martinique to obtain military stores has been fruitless. You will see
the reasons of it in the letter of the Marquis de Bouillé, which I
have the honor to send you. Nothing but the impossibility of the thing
could prevent the servants of the King from rendering all possible
services to the American cause, and compel them to delay complying
with the requests of Congress.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, your most
humble and most obedient servant.

                                                               GERARD.

                  *       *       *       *       *

                 THE MARQUIS DE BOUILLÉ TO M. GERARD.

                             Translation.

                                            Martinique, July 11, 1779.

  Sir,

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 10

The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 10

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