"ARTICLE IV. _This plan of negotiation being adopted by all the parties, the belligerent powers shall request the mediators to open the conferences of the Congress, and shall without delay give their respective plenipotentiaries such full powers and instructions, as they shall judge necessary for the success of the negotiation._" The King will conform himself, with as much pleasure as earnestness, to this Article, as soon as the preliminary basis shall be irrevocably established, agreeably to the observation above mentioned. And the King will then authorise his plenipotentiaries to treat immediately of the Preliminary Articles, which should lead to a cessation of hostilities; and, as soon as these Articles shall have been agreed to, to labor with zeal and assiduity for the early conclusion of a definitive treaty. The high mediators may be assured, that his Majesty will facilitate this double task by every means, which he shall deem compatible with his dignity, with his interest, and with those of his allies; and that as far as depends upon him, they will acquire the glory of having established, upon a solid and unalterable basis, the peace and tranquillity of every part of the world. FOOTNOTES: [2] Austria and Russia proposed to act as mediators for a general peace about the beginning of the year 1781. Some particulars on this subject will be found in _John Adams's Correspondence_, Vol VI. p. 98;--also in _Flassan's Diplomatic Francaise_, Vol. VII. p. 300.--The papers here inserted are imperfect, but they are all that could be found in the Department of State. They will serve to illustrate that part of the preceding communication of M. de la Luzerne, which relates to the proposed mediation. * * * * * No. 2. _The Answer of the Court of London to the Preliminary Articles proposed by the Mediating Courts._ I am authorised to return an answer to the paper, which, by order of your Court, you delivered me, and of which I have given an account to his Majesty. The answers marked A and B,[3] which I have the honor to submit to you, explain the unalterable sentiments of the King, upon points essential to his dignity, and demonstrate the reasons, that obliged his Majesty to decline the plan proposed, so far as it relates to his rebellious subjects. The King knows the justice and the impartiality of the mediating Courts, and he considers the plan with that spirit of conciliation which they give birth to. But his Majesty cannot but see it in a very different point of view, from that in which it appeared to the august mediators when they supposed it admissible in all points.