Relations with France. Mr. Semonville, the French Minister at the Hague, called on me on the 4th of February, and delivered to me a packet from Mr. Talleyrand, containing a passport, a letter from my colleagues Mr. Ellsworth and Mr. Davie, dated at Corunna, and the following letter: MARCH 3d. The following note was addressed to the Minister of Exterior Relations: PARIS, 3d March, 1800, and of the Independence of the U. S. the 24th. CITIZEN MINISTER: The undersigned, Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the French Republic, have just met at this city, and request the favor of you to inform them at what time it may be convenient to you to receive a visit from them. Accept, Citizen Minister, the assurance of their OLIVER ELLSWORTH, W. R. DAVIE, W. V. MURRAY. PARIS, 11th Pluviose, (30th January,) 8th year of the French Republic. SIR: I have received information that the Plenipotentiaries of the United States, after a long and difficult voyage, have arrived at Corunna. They have forwarded to me the enclosed letter, which I hasten to transmit to you. I avail my-high consideration. self of this occasion to enclose a passport, which may be necessary on your repairing to Paris. While indulging the hope that you will speedily join your colleagues, I felicitate myself upon the prospect that the time will soon arrive, when, by a frank and full discussion, a termination will be put to the difficulties existing between the Republic of France and the United States, and when the two nations will be restored to that friendly and harmonious intercourse which ought never to have been suspended. Receive, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND. To Mr. MURRAY, To Citizen TALLEYRAND, Minister of Exterior Relations, &c. Minister, in answer to the above, and the demand The Minister of Exterior Relations to Messrs. Oliver Envoy, &c., of the U. S. at the Hague. To which I returned the following answer: PARIS, 13th Ventose, (3d March,) year 8 of the French Republic. THE HAGUE, February 4, 1800. GENTLEMEN: The information which you have CITIZEN MINISTER: Mr. Semonville, the Min- just communicated, of your arrival at Paris, has ister Plenipotentiary of the French Republic, had given me real satisfaction. If you will take the the goodness to-day to deliver to me himself the trouble to call upon me at half-past twelve toletter of the 31st ultimo, which you did me the morrow, I will be exceedingly gratified at having honor to write, enclosing passports for myself, the honor to receive you. Accept, gentlemen, the family, and baggage, and a letter from my col-assurance of my high consideration. leagues, Mr. Ellsworth and Mr. Davie; accept my thanks for this communication. I shall immediately prepare for my new destination, one from which I now permit myself to hope a restoration of that harmony which certainly ought not to have been so cruelly interrupted. May I ask a repetition of an act of politeness in requesting that the enclosed may be delivered to my colleagues, who I hope will be in Paris immediately. Accept, Citizen Minister, the assurance of my high consideration. W. V. MURRAY. TO CITIZEN TALLEYRAND, Minister, &c., of the French Republic. On the 10th, I requested personally of Mr. Vem. der Goes, the Minister of Exterior Relations, an audience of leave. This was fixed for the 13th, when I took a temporary leave of the Batavian Directory, and on the 17th set out for Paris. The severity of the season, and a two days' illness of Mrs. Murray on the road, prevented me from making a journey, generally made in five days, in less than thirteen. On Saturday evening, the 1st March, I arrived at Paris, and the next day had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Ellsworth and Mr. Davie arrive. CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND. The Minister of Exterior Relations to Messrs. Ells- PARIS, 14th Ventose, (4th March.) GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to inform you MARCH 8th, (17th Ventose.) The Envoys were received by the Premier Consul, in the manner required by their instructions. Citizens Joseph Bonaparte, Fleurieu, and Rederer, being appointed by the Premier Consul, on the 13th Ventose, Ministers Plenipotentiary for the purpose of negotiating with the Ministers Plenipotentiary and Envoys Extraordinary of the United States, upon the differences existing be tween the two States, this event was announced Relations with France. PARIS 18th Ventose, (8th of March,) 8th year of the French Republic, one and indivisible. GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to inform you that the First Consul of the Republic has just appointed Citizens Joseph Bonaparte, ex-Ambassador at Rome, Fleurieu, late Minister of Marine, and Roederer, Counsellor of State, Ministers Plenipotentiary, to treat with you concerning the differences existing between the two nations, to effect the accommodation which they mutually desire, and to fulfil the wish, expressed by the two Governments, to remove a misunderstanding which comports as little with their interests as with their sentiments. Receive, gentlemen, the assurance of my high consideration. CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND. The Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Minister of Exterior Relations of the French Republic. PARIS, March 9, 1800. CITIZEN MINISTER: The undersigned, Envoys Extraordinary of the United States, have the honor to acknowledge your letter of yesterday, announcing to them that the Premier Consul of the Republic had named the Citizens Joseph Bonaparte, ex-Ambassador at Rome, Fleurieu, late Minister of Marine, and Ræderer, Counsellor of State, as Ministers Plenipotentiary to treat with them on the differences existing between the French Republic and the United States of America. The Government of the United States, being always assured that the interests of both nations would be essentially promoted by the re-establishment of confidence and harmony between the two countries, is sincerely desirous to adjust all existing differences, and to restore between them that understanding and friendly intercourse so congenial to her wishes, and so essential to their mutual prosperity. The agreeable and interesting task of effecting these great objects has been committed, on the part of the United States, to the undersigned, and they will be ready to enter upon that business as soon as the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the French Republic shall signify that they are ready to commence the negotiation. Accept, Citizen Minister, the assurances of their high consideration. OLIVER ELLSWORTH, The Envoys of the United States having thus informed the Minister of Exterior Relations of their readiness to enter on the business of the negotiation, as soon as it would be convenient for the Ministers of the French Republic, they waited until the 14th for some intimation from them, on that subject: none, however, being then received, they agreed to address the following note to Messrs. Joseph Bonaparte, Fleurieu, and Ræderer, the Ministers announced in the above communication: The Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the French Republic. PARIS, March 15, 1800. MINISTERS: The undersigned had the pleasure to be informed of your appointment as Ministers Plenipotentiary to treat with them on the differences existing between the French Republic and the United States, by a letter from the Minister of Exterior Relations, under date of the 18th Ven tose. now to be taken by both Governments, it remains The necessary previous measures appearing with their Ministers to have their wishes fulfilled: and the undersigned permit themselves to hope that the strange phenomenon of a misunderstanding between the French Republic and the United States of America will soon disappear. They will have the honor to meet the Ministers Plenípotentiary of the French Republic at such time and place as they may prefer, for the exchange of powers, and to learn how soon it will be convenient for them to commence the negotiation. Accept, Ministers, the assurances of their high con sideration. OLIVER ELLSWORTH, WILLIAM R. DAVIE, WILLIAM V. MURRAY. MARCH 27th. The Envoys had received no answer to their note of the 15th, but had been informed, verbally, that the delay was much regretted by the French Government and the Ministers, and that it was occasioned by the indisposition of Mr. Joseph Bonaparte, President of the French Commission, who, in a note to the Envoys, of this date, announced his recovery. The French Ministers, however, continuing silent, the Envoys addressed the following note to them, on the morning of the 29th; and, in the afternoon of the same day, received the note under date of the 8th Germinal, (same date:) The Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Citizens J. Bonaparte, Fleurieu, and Roederer, Ministers Plenipotentiary of the French Republic. PARIS, March 29, 1800. CITIZEN MINISTERS: The undersigned are happy to learn that the indisposition of Mr. Bonaparte, which has so unfortunately retarded the commencement of the negotiation, is at length removed: and, impressed as they are with the importance of their mission, and the urgency of existing circumstances, they take again the liberty Relations with France. to express their solicitude that an early day may Roederer, Counsellors of State, are appointed be named, at which it will be convenient for you Ministers Plenipotentiary, for the purpose of neto honor the undersigned with an interview, forgotiating with the Ministers Plenipotentiary and the purpose of effecting the object of their last Envoys Extraordinary of the United States, upon note. Accept, Citizen Ministers, &c. the differences existing between the two nations. ART. 2. Citizen Joseph Bonaparte shall preside over the French Ministers. BONAPARTE. OLIVER ELLSWORTH, The Ministers Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America. PARIS, 8th Germinal, year 8, (27th March, 1800.) GENTLEMEN: We participate, very sincerely, in the wish which you have expressed for the speedy re-establishment of friendly relations between the By the First Consul: the Secretary of State, A true copy: the Minister of Exterior Relations, CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND. A true copy: the Ministers Plenipotentiary, BONAPARTE, FLEURIEU, rica. To all to whom these presents shall come, greeting: United States of America and the French Repub-JOHN ADAMS, President of the United States of Amelic; and it is for the purpose of hastening its accomplishment that we propose a conference the 11th or 12th instant, at whatever hour may be most convenient to you, at the house of Citizen J. Bonaparte, one of us. Receive, gentlemen, the assurance of our high consideration. BONAPARTE. Whereas, by letters patent under the seal of the United States, and dated on the 26th day of February last, I did, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate of the United States, appoint Oliver Ellsworth, Chief Justice of the United States, Patrick Henry, late Governor of Virginia, and William Vans Murray, Minister Resident of the United States at the Hague, to be Envoys Extraordinary The Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipoten- and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United tiary of the United States of America to the Minis-States to the French Republic, thereby giving ters Plenipotentiary of the French Republic. PARIS, March, 30, 1800. CITIZEN MINISTERS: The underwritten Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 8th Germinal, proposing a meeting on the 11th or 12th following, at such hour as might be convenient. The underwritten will have the honor to meet the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the French Republic at the house of the Citizen Joseph Bonaparte, on the 12th Germinal, (2d April.) at one o'clock in the afternoon; a time which they hope will be agreeable. Receive, Citizen Ministers, the assurance of their high consideration. OLIVER ELLSWORTH, On the 2d of April, (12th Germinal,) the Envoys of the United States met the French Ministers at the house of Joseph Bonaparte, where the following powers were exchanged, and the mode of conducting the negotiation adjusted: Extract from the Registers of the Decrees of the First Consul of the Republic. PARIS, 12th Ventose, (3d March,) year 8 of the French Republic, one and indivisible. In the name of the French people: Bonaparte, First Consul of the Republic, upon the report of the Minister of Foreign Relations, decrees: ARTICLE 1. Citizen Joseph Bonaparte, ex-Ambassador of the French Republic. Fleurieu, and and granting to them full powers, for and in the name of the United States, to meet and confer with the Minister or Ministers of the French Republic, who should be appointed and commissioned with equal powers, and with such Minister or Ministers to discuss and settle by a treaty all controversies between the United States and France, transmitting such treaty to the President of the United States of America, for his final ratification, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate of the United States, if such advice and consent shall be given; and whereas the said Patrick Henry did signify to me that, from his bodily infirmities, being unable to execute his said appointment, he declined accepting the same; now, know ye, that reposing especial trust and confidence in the integrity, prudence, and abilities of William Richardson Davie, late Governor of the State of North Carolina, I have nominated, and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint him an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States to the French Republic, in the room of the said Patrick Henry, hereby giving and granting to him, and to the said Oliver Ellsworth, and William Vans Murray, full powers for and in the name of the United States, to meet and confer with the Minister or Ministers of the French Republic, who shall be appointed and commissioned with equal powers, and with such Minister or Ministers to discuss and settle by a treaty all controversies between the United States and France, transmitting such treaty to the President of the United States of America, for his final ratification, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate of the Relations with Fance. United States, if such advice and consent shall be delay that this circumstance may occasion, they given. are happy that the situation of the Ministers of In testimony whereof, I have caused these let-the French Republic will enable them to remove ters to be made patent, and the seal of the United the difficulty without any considerable inconveStates of America to be hereunto affixed. Given nience to the negotiation. under my hand, at the city of Philadelphia, the tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine, and of the independence of the United States the twenty-fourth. JOHN ADAMS. By the President: TIMOTHY PICKERING, Secretary of State. The Envoys, after withdrawing, proceeded immediately to consider the copy of the powers delivered by the French Ministers; and, as they appeared to them not sufficiently full and explicit to authorize them to commence the negotiation under the limitation of their own powers, they addressed the following note to the French Ministers on the next day: The Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the French Republic. PARIS, April 3, 1800. The Envoys of the United States have the highest confidence in the upright views and frank disposition of the French Government, and hope it will do them the justice to believe that they are actuated only by a respect to that duty which their commission and instructions prescribe. Accept, &c. OLIVER ELLSWORTH, WILLIAM R. DAVIE, WILLIAM V. MURRAY. APRIL 8. Received the following letter from the French Ministers, under date of the 17th Germinal, (7th April,) enclosing a copy of the new powers, and a copy of a letter from the Minister of Exterior Relations: The Minister of Exterior Relations to the Ministers Plenipotentiary appointed to negotiate with the Envoys of the United States. PARIS, 19 Germinal, (April 6,) year 8. I have received, citizens, your letter of the 13th and 14th of this month, (Nos. 1 and 2,) with the copies therein referred to. By the first, you inform me of the exchange which you have made of your powers with the American Ministers; and, in the second, you communicate an extract of the note which these Ministers have addressed to you, respecting the insufficiency which they suppose to exist in the powers you have exchanged with them. CITIZEN MINISTERS: The undersigned Envoys, having conferred on the copy delivered to them yesterday, of the powers granted to you to negotiate with them concerning the existing differences between the French Republic and the United States, feel themselves compelled to present to you the doubts they entertain whether the terms in which those powers are expressed are sufficiently full and explicit. You will please to observe that the powers with which the undersigned The First Consul, to whom I have submitted are invested, authorize them to discuss and settle your despatches, in order to present to the Minisby a treaty all controversies between the United ters of the United States an unequivocal proof of States and France, and they suppose it may be the spirit in which he desires to conduct the nequestionable, at least, whether the same latitude of gotiation, has thought proper to furnish you with power may be given by the expression, "à l'effet de powers still more special and explicit than those négocier avec les Ministres, &c. sur les différends contained in his first decree. In transmitting them, survenus entre les deux états;" and if it could be however, to the American Ministers, you will be inferred from any construction of the terms used pleased to apprize them that, in our diplomatic in the commission, that to "negotiate respecting usages, since the Revolution, our negotiators have the existing differences," implied a power to set- almost always been accredited and empowered by tle them also by treaty, yet the undersigned con- simple decrees, similar to the one which you have ceive that it would not be advisable to act upon placed in their hands; and that in these decrees powers deduced by implication from terms in the expression "to negotiate" has always importtheir nature indefinite, in the same manner as if ed an authority "to conclude." I might have conthey had been fully and explicitly expressed. fined myself, indeed, to giving you, officially, this Upon examining the copy of the commission, explanation; and the American Ministers, as they which the undersigned had the honor to deliver have themselves declared, would have been conto you yesterday, you will observe the nature and tent with receiving it. But the First Consul has extent of their powers, and that they can only ne-preferred the other mode, for the purpose, as I have gotiate with Ministers of the French Republic, who may be commissioned with equal powers. This circumstance, it is hoped, will satisfy the Ministers of the French Republic, that the undersigned have not attached to this objection an unnecessary importance, and evince to them the propriety of procuring from their Government powers commensurate with those granted by the Government of the United States. While the undersigned regret any trouble or already stated, of removing all the obstacles of CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND. An exact copy: the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the French Republic: J. BONAPARTE, Relations with France. PARIS, the 17th Germinal, The undersigned, Ministers Plenipotentiary of the French Republic, have the honor to inform the Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States, that their letter, dated the 13th of this month, has been received. In order to reply to this letter, the French Ministers have awaited the result of its reference to their Government, which they hastened to make. The answer which they received is enclosed. In the new powers, of which they have the honor to transmit the subjoined copy, the American Ministers will perceive the manner in which the First Consul of the Republic has removed the doubt which they expressed; and in the explanations contained in the letter of the Ministers of Exterior Relations, they will not fail to discover new motives of confidence. The Ministers of the Republic, presuming that no obstacle will now oppose the opening of the negotiation, expect to receive, on the part of the Ministers of the United States, the memorial which was announced at the conference of the 12th instant. They pray them to receive the assurance of their high consideration. J. BONAPARTE, Extract from the register of the Decrees of the First when the Envoys considered the way sufficiently The Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipoten- PARIS, April 7, 1800. CITIZEN MINISTERS: The undersigned have great pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of the note which you did them the honor of addressing to them to day, covering the arrêté of new powers, and the copy of the letter to you from the Minister of Exterior Relations. That Minister, they are happy to see, has done them justice upon the interpretation which they had presumed to be the correct one of the terms in question; and as they unite with you in the wish to press forward the negotiation, they believe that, in transmitting the note which accompanies this, and which was promised on the 12th of Germinal, they at once meet the frankness of your views, and give to you a certain demonstration of the confidence with which the justice and principles of the Government of the French Republic have inspired them. Accept, Citizen Ministers, the assurance of their high consideration. OLIVER ELLSWORTH, PARIS, 15th Germinal, (5th March,) PARIS, April 7, 1800. year 8th of the Republic, one and indivisible. CITIZEN MINISTERS: The undersigned, appreciIn the name of the French people: Bonaparte, ating the value of time, and wishing by frankness Roederer, and Fleurieu, appointed, by the decree to evince their sincerity, enter directly on the great of the 13th Ventose, (3d March) last, Ministers object of their mission, an object which they bePlenipotentiary, to negotiate with the Envoys Ex- lieve may be best obtained by avoiding to retrace traordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the too minutely the too well known and too painful United States of America upon the differences ex-incidents which have rendered a negotiation neisting between the two nations, are authorized to cessary. To satisfy the demands of justice, and negotiate with the said Ministers upon all that con- render a reconciliation cordial and permanent, they cerns these differences; as well as to sign and con- propose an arrangement, such as shall be compatclude, in the name of the Republic, whatever shall ible with national honor and existing circumstanto them appear necessary to effect a perfect re-es-ces, to ascertain and discharge the equitable claims tablishment of good harmony. To this end, therefore, Citizens Bonaparte, Roederer, and Fleurieu receive, by this decree, full and complets powers. BONAPARTE. By the first Consul: the Secretary of State, An exact copy: the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the French Republic. J. BONAPARTE, The following answer was returned to the above communication, accompanied by a note under the same date, sketching the plan on which the Envoys proposed to open the negotiation. This proposition produced a discussion, detailed in the following correspondence up to the 17th April, inclusive; of the citizens of either nation upon the other. OLIVER ELLSWORTH, PARIS, 19th Germinal, (9th April.) year 8. The Ministers of the French Republic have perused with attention the plan proposed by the En |