The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 10
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 10
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
I shall only remark, that in late conversations with Count de
Vergennes, Mr Grenville has considered the acknowledgment of
independence as a matter not to be made a question of, but to be at
once and previously declared. But upon Count de Vergennes's writing
down Mr Grenville's words to have them signed by him, the gentleman,
instead of this expression, "the King of England has _resolved_ at
once to acknowledge," &c., insisted to have the words _is disposed_
made use of in what he intended to be considered as his official
communication. He has also evinced a backwardness in giving Dr
Franklin a copy of his powers; and their Ministry are so backward also
in bringing before Parliament a bill respecting American independence,
that it does not show a great disposition towards a peace, the
preliminaries of which must be an acknowledgment of America as a
separate and independent nation.
It is probable that within these two days, Dr Franklin had some
communication with Mr Grenville, which may throw some light upon the
late points I have just now mentioned.
Mr Jay is arrived from Madrid. Mr Laurens, it seems, intends to return
home. Mr Adams's presence in Holland is for the moment necessary. A
few days will make us better acquainted with the views of Great
Britain; and since the Ministers from Congress have thought that I
ought for the service of America to remain here some time longer, I
shall, under their direction devote myself to promote the interests of
the United States. The footing I am upon at this Court enables me
sometimes to go greater lengths than could be done by a foreigner. But
unless an immediate earnest negotiation, which I am far from hoping,
renders my services very useful, I will beg leave to return to my
labors, and be employed in a shorter way to ensure the end of this
business, than can be found in political dissertation.
I have communicated the opinion of Mr Adams, such as I found it in his
letter. Dr Franklin's ideas will be presented by himself, and also
those of Mr Jay, both of which must be preferable to mine, though I do
not believe they much differ. But from what I have collected by
communications with your Ministers, with those of the French, and by
private intelligence, I conclude;
1st. That the British Ministry are at variance between themselves,
embarrassed upon the conduct they ought to hold, and not firm in their
principles and their places.
2dly. That negotiations will go on shortly, establish principles, and
facilitate a treaty; but that the King of England and some of the
Ministers, have not lost the idea of breaking the union between France
and the United States.
3dly. That the situation of England, want of men and money, and the
efforts France is about to make, will reduce the former to a necessity
for making peace before the end of next spring.
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