courts, that as a direct negotiation with the king of Great Britain was opened through Mr. Cumberland, a mediation was unnecessary.)-That affairs since that time had taken a different turn. Mr. Cumberland hast been recalled; and the catholick king, being now entirely at liberty, has accepted the mediation of the two imperial courts. That the king, our ally, had done the same; but that both kings had declared at the same time to the two mediators, that the mediation could not possibly have any activity without previously establishing some fundamental preliminaries. Of this observation the two' mediating courts had already felt the propriety. That France was then (viz. 19th April) expecting the effect which this communication would produce on the court of London. That the first question proposed by France, related to the admission of an American plenipotentiary; and that the object of the second was to know, upon what footing the king of England intended to treat with the United States. The court of Francè, not knowing that the United States had agreed to accept the mediation, again invite us to it. (The minister here observed that Congress would judge by the questions proposed to the mediating powers, by the king his master, of the principles by which his majesty was actuated with respect to the United States. He assured us that his majesty is invariably resolved to abide by those principles, and will enter into no negotiation whatever before he shall receive a satisfactory solution to those two questions. He added, that the French ministry trusted that this conduct would more and more convince the United States, and would cause them to imitate the example of the king, and to feel that their honour and their in

terest call for their constant attachment, their friendship, and unreserved confidence towards him.)—The count de Vergennes observes, that it is plain from these circumstances, that the negotiation for peace will be full of difficulties, and that it will probably be necessary, in pretensions as well as proceedings, to be very cautious, and to act so as to remove those difficulties, and every thing which might increase the acrimony to which the English plenipotentiaries may be naturally inclined.

From another letter of the same date. That when this letter was written, the court had received information of the sentiments of the court of London with respect to the United States. The count de Vergennes mentions, that in the act by which the court of London accepts the mediation of Russia, and requests the mediation of the emperor, she declares that she is ready to make peace, as soon as the league between France and her revolted subjects should be dissolved. That this pretension had met from the court of France the contempt which it deserved. She on her part has declared, that if this proposition contained the last determination of England, it would be in vain to think of peace; and she has desired the English ministry to give a positive answer on the two questions abovementioned. That this declaration had been exactly transmitted by the court of Vienna to that of London; and the result of the answer made by that court to the imperial majesty is, "That in all points to be agitated "in a future congress, England will behave with great 66 equity and condescension; but the dependence of her

“rebel subjects in America must be pre-established, and "that this matter must be left entirely to the care of “Great Britain." That it is easily to be perceived, that while things remain in this situation there can be no possibility of a mediation or peace. The count de Vergennes remarks, that Congress will be finally convinced that it is only by arms and the most vigorous exertions that our independence can be extorted from the court of London, and not at all by negotiation or persuasion. That the court of France will transmit to the court of Vienna the sentiments of the king on the British answer. That if these sentiments should be forwarded to the court of London without any commentary, it is probable they would make but a slight impression but it may be hoped from the justice of his imperial majesty that they will be supported by such reflections as to make a greater impression on the British court: although it is not to be expected, that the Austrian court will fully enter into the views of his most christian majesty, until the matter shall be more perfectly explained. The count nevertheless urges the necessity of sending forward proper instructions and powers for the mediation.

From a letter of the 11th of May. That the affair of the mediation has made no progress; and that it is very probable that the mediators will not be soon enabled to begin the negotiation. That the admission of an American plenipotentiary presents the greatest difficulties: that the count however will take every measure in his power to have this admission decided in favour of the United States before the regular open

ing of the mediation. The count urges the chevalier de la Luzerne to observe to Congress, that the best manner of removing these obstacles would be a decisive victory gained by the United States in the present campaign.

From a letter of 27th of July. Count de Vergennes observes on an opinion which prevailed in America respecting the friendly disposition of the powers of Europe towards the United States, that as yet not one court had taken the least step which manifests their disposition towards the United States. That the courts of Vienna and Petersburg, having assumed the character of mediators, cannot be too reserved. For by a different conduct they would become obnoxious to one or other of the belligerent powers, and lose the important and glorious part with which they are intrusted. That it results from these observations, that the United States ought to look upon themselves as being still separated from all other powers; and that they have but one professed friend, which is France; and that the United States ought to rely principally upon their own resources. The count de Vergennes observes, that he has talked circumstantially with Mr. Adams on these subjects, who appeared to be satisfied with what had been done in favour of his country. That he had communicated to Mr. Adams the preliminary overtures made by the two imperial courts, as well as the intended answer of his most christian majesty. That the great or only difficulty concerns America. That France will do all in her power to remove that obstacle, upon which depends the activity

of the mediation.

That as soon as it shall be remov

ed, or proved to be unsurmountable, proper instructions will be forwarded to the chevalier de la Luzerne, concerning the conduct which the state of affairs will require from Congress. That the court of France had received, with great satisfaction, information that Congress were disposed to trust their interest to the two mediating powers. The chevalier de la Luzerne is directed to inform Congress that no use shall be made of this disposition, in the present state of affairs; and that it shall be communicated only when it can be done consistently with the dignity of the United States.

That Mr.

From a letter of the 19th of April. Dana has communicated to count de Vergennes his appointment, and requested his advice concerning the conduct which circumstances demanded on his part. That it gave the count great pleasure to observe this proof of the confidence which Congress and their ministers reposed in the friendship and advice of his court. That the count informed Mr. Dana, that he would run the risk of exposing his person, and the dignity of the United States, if he assumed any character whatsoever in Russia, while the empress had not acknowledged the independence of the United States, and expected to act the part of a mediatrix, which demanded the most perfect impartiality. That Mr. Dana felt the propriety of the observation; and proposed to the count that he should appear in Russia in the character of a common traveller, keep his commission a secret, and avoid with the greatest care to