The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution Volume X Part 28

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Translation.

Philadelphia, January 10th, 1779.

Sir,

I cannot forbear to present to Congress the striking observations occasioned by the delay, which the answer to my representation of the beginning of the past month meets with. Already the enemies of the common cause represent it as a proof of the diversity of the opinions which prevail in Congress, as if there could exist a contrariety of sentiments upon a subject so simple, and a matter so clear, that to call it in question would be at the same time to call in question the solidity, and even the existence of the alliance. Certainly, Sir, no one is farther than myself from adopting suspicions, which would be so fatal to the common cause; but I have had the honor to explain the motives, which should induce Congress to give to this subject a ready, formal, and explicit declaration. They know that erroneous opinions become more difficult to destroy when they have had time to take root in men's minds; it is then wished to remedy the evil, but it is found irremediable. The greater part of these reflections is applicable in an equal degree to the declaration, which I had the honor to make to Congress on the 5th of this month, and I wait impatiently for answers, which may quiet my Court against the efforts made by the enemies to draw from the facts in question, inferences injurious to the allies and the alliance, efforts of which Congress alone can avoid the dangers. My zeal and my respect do not allow me to conceal from them apprehensions, which seem to me but too well founded and worthy of all their attention.

I have the honor to be, &c.

GERARD.

On the 12th of January, Congress taking into consideration the publication in the Pennsylvania Packet of the 2d and 5th instant, under the t.i.tle of "Common Sense to the Public on Mr Deane's Affair,"

of which Mr Thomas Paine, Secretary of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, has acknowledged himself to be the author, and also the memorials of the Minister Plenipotentiary of France, of the 5th and 10th instant, respecting the said publication; "Resolved, unanimously, that in answer to the memorials of the Plenipotentiary of his Most Christian Majesty, of the 5th and 10th instant, the President be directed to a.s.sure the said Minister, that Congress do fully, in the clearest and most explicit manner, disavow the publications referred to in his said memorials, and, as they are convinced by indisputable evidence, that the supplies s.h.i.+pped in the Amphitrite, Seine, and Mercury, were not a present, and that his Most Christian Majesty, the great and generous ally of these United States, did not preface his alliance with any supplies whatever sent to America, so they have not authorised the writer of the said publication to make any such a.s.sertions as are contained therein, but, on the contrary, do highly disapprove of the same."

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Translation.

Philadelphia, January 14th, 1779.

Sir,

I have received the letter, with which you honored me on the 13th of this month, on sending me the resolution of Congress in answer to the representations, which I had the honor to make to it on the 5th and 10th.

I request you to receive, and to offer to Congress, all the sensibility with which I have seen the frank, n.o.ble, and explicit manner in which they have destroyed false and dangerous insinuations, which might deceive the misinformed people, and give arms to the enemies of the common cause.

The King, my master, Sir, does not need these proofs, in order to place his confidence in the disposition of firmness and constancy, which is exhibited by Congress in the principles of the alliance; but his Majesty will always see with pleasure the measures that Congress shall take to maintain its reputation inviolate, and it is from this same consideration, that I flatter myself he will have found my representation of the 7th of December last, equally worthy of his attention.

I am, with respect and esteem, &c.

GERARD.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Translation.

Philadelphia, January 15th, 1779.

Sir,

With all my eagerness for whatever can be agreeable to Congress, I have made use of their resolution relative to M. Duportail, and the officers who accompany him. They feel much honored by the praises, which their services and conduct have merited, as well as by the confidence which Congress shows in them, by desiring them to pa.s.s another campaign in the service of the United States. Their letter, a copy of which is annexed, expresses their resolution to accept this invitation, and moreover contains proofs of an unlimited confidence in the justice and goodness of Congress.

I do not doubt, Sir, that these sentiments will increase the degree of esteem and good will, which they already deserve on account of their distinguished services. This affair being thus settled, I shall lose no time in asking of the King the consent, which the officers of engineers need. My knowledge of the dispositions of the King and his Ministry, in relation to whatever may be useful to the United States, does not allow me to doubt, that my conduct, and the attachment of these officers to the American service, will be approved.

I am, with respectful esteem, &c.

GERARD.

MESSRS DUPORTAIL, LA RADIERE, AND LAUMOY TO M. GERARD.

Translation.

Philadelphia, January 15th, 1779.

Sir,

We have been penetrated with grat.i.tude on seeing in the resolution of Congress, annexed to your Excellency's letter, proofs of esteem with which we are honored by our ill.u.s.trious General, and which gives occasion to the proposition which is made to us, of continuing in the service of the United States through the next campaign. We willingly consent to it, since your Excellency thinks, that we shall thereby fulfil the intentions of the Court, and since you are so kind as to take upon yourself the trouble of asking from it the necessary permission. Relying also on the justice of Congress for the favors which we may merit from longer services, we affix no conditions to the continuance of our residence in America. But we deem it our duty to state, that being determined to remain here by our desire of serving, and of being useful to the United States, if the means of usefulness should disappear on any account whatsoever, we shall be desirous of preserving the liberty of returning into our country. Sensible of the interest which your Excellency is so kind as to take in this affair, we beg you to accept our most humble thanks.

We are, respectfully, your Excellency's most obedient humble servants,

DUPORTAIL, LA RADIERE, LAUMOY.

_P. S._ M. de Goudion has said, that he would agree to whatever we should do.

_January 21st._ A Memorial from M. Gerard, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, and Consul-General, was read, enclosing a commission of Consul in the port of Boston, and other ports in Ma.s.sachusetts Bay, to the Sieur Valnais. The commission was referred to the Marine Committee, and they were instructed to register it and to return the original to M. Valnais, and to take measures for making him known to all whom it may concern, as Consul of France in the State of Ma.s.sachusetts.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Translation.

Philadelphia, February 3d, 1779.

Sir,

The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to represent to the Congress of the United States, that it is of infinite importance to the safety of the King's squadron, stationed in the Gulf of Mexico, to determine the supply of provisions on which it may rely. And several vessels being ready to sail for Martinique, the wisdom of Congress will show to that body the necessity of informing the commander of this squadron of it without delay.

GERARD.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Translation.