The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 12
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 12
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
I was yesterday morning favored with yours of the 12th of September,
enclosing third copies of your two letters of the 26th of July, also a
copy of Count de Vergennes' letter to you of the 23d of August. I find
by these letters, that the idea I had entertained as to the advances
made by the Court was not so favorable as the truth, and that the ten
millions of livres, or five millions of florins to be borrowed in
Holland, will be over and above those advances. How much pleasure I
receive from that circumstance, you will easily conceive. It is an
additional pleasure, that the labor of adjusting the matters mentioned
in mine of the 27th of November, will be saved to you.
I am much surprised to find so large purchases made on account of the
United States in Holland. If everything else were equal, the generous
conduct of France towards us has been such, that I cannot but think
that every possible preference ought to be given to the manufactures
of that nation. But there is, in my opinion, very essential
preferences of a different kind. The position of Amsterdam is
unfavorable in a war with England to a commerce with this country.
France also can, and I suppose will give convoy, to the articles
procured there. But I will dwell no longer on the subject, for, I
trust, that nothing of the kind will happen hereafter.
Should the loan be obtained, you will be so kind, Sir, as to deposit
one million of florins with Mr Grand, to whom I will pray you to
deliver the enclosed letter. I shall, in consequence, not draw upon
you for a million of livres in favor of Messrs Le Couteulx &. Co. as
I intended; and, in like manner, I beg leave to revoke what I have
said on the subject of paying all balances into their hands, in my
letter of the ---- last. One million of florins you will also be
pleased to deposit with the house of Grand at Amsterdam, sending me
the precise address of both, so that I can direct my bills properly to
them. Nearly one million will be necessary to pay the invoice sent in
my letter of the ---- last. The remaining two millions, I wish may be
shipped from France in gold by proper vessels of war, which, I dare
say, will readily be provided by M. de Castries.
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