all bargains respecting tobacco and naval stores; in a word, I did my best, and would have been more particular in point of money, had not the Minister's answer put it out of my power to do it in any other way than such as was inconsistent with the dignity of the United States. As Count de Florida Blanca was taking leave, I told him that my memory must be somewhat aided. I proposed writing to him, and getting from him an answer. To this he first objected, but afterwards consented, saying, however, that his word was as good as his writing. And as I had been sometimes a little high-toned with him in behalf of America, he added that Spain was sincere in her desire to form an everlasting friendship, but did not act out of fear. I had before observed that it was on Spain's account that I wished for a good understanding between her and America. The reading of my letter, a copy of which I enclose, will better inform you of the points that have been either wholly or partially granted. I endeavored to make the best of our conversations, and to engage him as far as I could. On the other hand, I kept our side clear of any engagement, which it was easy for me to do in my private capacity. I did not even go so far as general professions. But since I had been called there, I desired only to induce him into concessions that might serve the purposes of Mr. Jay. My letter was delivered on Thursday. The next day I accompanied Mr. Carmichael, who is much and universally beloved and respected in that country. On Saturday, before dinner, I received the answer, which, for fear of ambiguities, I had requested to be given at the end of the letter. A sentence of the answer I made him explain before the French Ambassador. Herein are joined those copies, and I keep the original for Mr. Jay, whose political aid-de-camp I have thus been. I have of course referred to him everything, and this negociation, wherein he has exercised the virtue of patience, will now require his care and abilities. The Ministers of some Powers, Prussia among them, having asked me if Congress would be willing to make an advance towards them, I have answered that the United States ought, in my opinion, not to make, but to receive advances. At the same time I was employed in conversation with Count de Florida Blanca, I did not neglect speaking upon the same subject with the other Ministers. M. de Galvez, in whose department the Indies are, appears much averse to the English limit. He has, for the present, sent orders to the Spanish Governors to abide by those limits, and an official copy of those orders has been promised to me. But M. de Galvez was of opinion that those limits would not do. I have therefore thought it proper, officially by writing, and before witnesses, so effectually to bind them, that the affair of limits cannot now but be settled on their side. Independent of their hand writing, France, through her Ambassador, is a witness to the engagement; and yet, being in a private capacity, I took care not to engage America to anything. Never was a man further from a partiality for Spain than I am. But I think I now have left them in a sincere and steady intention to cultivate the friendship of America. The French party at that Court will be for it. They labor under fits of occasional madness. They have an ill-conducted pride. It is disagreeable to treat with them, and their own interest does not persuade them out of their prejudices. But though they had rather there were not such a place as North America, they are truly and earnestly desirous to maintain a good harmony and live in friendship and neighborly union with the United States. The Mississippi is the great affair. I think it is the interest of America to be well with Spain, at least for many years; and particularly on account of the French alliance; so that I very much wish success to Mr. Jay's negociations. I have advised Mr. Carmichael to continue his conferences, and I think they will be of service. On my arrival at this city, I hear that Lord Shelburne is out of place, and has been succeeded by Lord North. But I cannot give it as certain. The American flag has already made its appearance before the city of London. Upon the principles of an unbounded zeal for America, can I be permitted to repeat, that every American patriot must wish that the Federal union between the States may continue to receive additional strength? Upon that intimate national union their happiness and their consequence depend. Hoping that my voluntary excursion to Madrid may have somewhat prepared the way to fulfil the intentions of Congress, I hasten to join Mr. Jay, whose abilities will improve the account I shall lay before him. I have the honor to be, with the most affectionate regard, &c., LA FAYETTE. ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO M. DE LA FAYETTE. Dear Sir, Philadelphia, May 1st, 1783. I am now to acknowledge your favor of the 5th of February, by the Triomphe, and that of the 2d of March, from Bordeaux. You were the happy messenger of glad tidings on both occasions. Before her arrival we had received no account of the signature of the general preliminaries, or of the cessation of hostilities. You can easily conceive the joyful reception it met with here, where we began to be heartily tired of the war; nor was it less welcome intelligence to the army than to the other citizens of America. The second letter, which promises a happy settlement of all differences with Spain, was flattering to those among us who knew the importance of her friendship, both in a commercial and political view. Congress feel themselves under great obligations to you, for the ardor you discovered in accelerating this happy event; and the address with which you placed it in such a train as to make it difficult for the Spanish Minister to go back from his engagements. By this conveyance I send our Ministers the ratification of the provisional articles. Carleton and Digby have sent out their prisoners, and we are making arrangements to send in ours. Congress having determined on their part to do not only all that good faith may require, but by this mark of confidence to convince them that they have no doubt of the sincerity of their professions. Our Ministers will show you the letters that have passed between Carleton and me. Some among us, from finding nothing yet done that leads to the evacuation of New York, have been apprehensive that the British will effect delays on that subject till the Tories are satisfied, which I can venture to tell you in confidence they never will be, unless the English shall on their part repair all the cruel losses they have unnecessarily occasioned. I this moment received a letter from the General, informing me that he had proposed a personal interview with Carleton, in hopes of learning something of his intentions with respect to the evacuation; but I fear he will be deceived in his hope, if I may judge from the debates of the 3d of March, which prove that no orders had then been transmitted. I cannot leave writing, without expressing how sincerely I agree with you in your wishes that unanimity may prevail, and the band of union among us be strengthened; there is no thinking man here who does not at the same time feel the necessity and lament the difficulty of effecting a measure on which our happiness so greatly depends. Congress have made some general arrangements in their finances, which, if adopted by the several States, will render our national debt a national tie, which time and experience may strengthen. Our Ministers will show you those resolutions; I will not therefore unnecessarily burden Colonel Ogden with them. For general information I refer you to him. I have the honor to be, &c., ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. Sir, TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Chavaniac, in the Province of Auvergne, Having been for some days in the country, where I am waiting for the arrival of the Triomphe, I am honored with your Excellency's favor of the 12th of April, which I hasten to acknowledge. It is for me a great happiness to think that Congress have been pleased to approve my conduct, and that an early intelligence has proved useful to our American trade. To my great satisfaction I also hear that my endeavors in Spain have been agreeable to Congress. Upon my arrival in Paris I made Mr. Jay acquainted with my proceedings. The concessions I had obtained from the Spanish Court (without any on our part) were also put into his hands. Since which I could have no more to do in the negociations, wherein I had taken the part of a temporary volunteer. However repeated may have been the marks of confidence which Congress have conferred upon me, they ever fill my heart with a new satisfaction. What you have mentioned respecting payment of debts, will of course become my first and most interesting object. I have warmly applied to the French Ministry, and will on that point solicit the confidence of the gentlemen in the American Commission. But upon hearing of an opportunity, I could not an instant defer to acknowledge your Excellency's letter. Agreeably to the last despatches, I am waiting for the orders which I hope to receive by the Triomphe. Any commands which Congress may have for me, shall be cheerfully executed, by one of their earliest. soldiers, whose happiness it is to think that at a less smiling moment he had the honor to be adopted by America, and whose blood, exertions, and affections, will in her good times, as they have been in her worst, be entirely at her service. It appears Russia is determined upon a Turkish war, and should they give it up now, the matter would only be postponed. What part the Emperor is to take, we cannot at present so well determine. Whenever the way is opened to me, I endeavor to do that which may prove agreeable to Congress, and intend to keep them acquainted with political occurrences. It is a pleasing idea for me now to think that nothing can derange our glorious state of liberty and independence. Nothing, I say, for I hope measures will be taken to consolidate the Federal Union, and by those means to defeat European arts, and insure eternal tranquillity. With the highest respect, I have the honor to be, &c., LA FAYETTE. P. S. Congress have no doubt received accurate accounts respecting the affair of free ports. On my arrival from Spain, I found that Bayonne and Dunkirk had been pitched upon, and I immediately applied for L'Orient and Marseilles. L'Orient is by far the most convenient on the coast, and we now have got it. That being done, I am again applying for Bayonne, which has some advantages, and I wish Congress would send orders to Mr. Barclay. In the meanwhile, the more free ports we have the better. This affair of free ports, the subject which Congress have recommended, and the despatches I am directed to expect by the Triomphe will determine the time when, having no more American business here, I may indulge my ardent desire to return to the beloved shores of America. LA FAYETTE. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Nantes, September 7th, 1783. Sir, In consequence of the late arrangements, the French September packet is about to sail, and I beg your Excellency's leave to improve that regular, speedy, and safe opportunity. At the same time, VOL. V.-27 |