The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution Volume XI Part 36

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Office of Foreign Affairs, May 15th, 1782.

The following resolution is humbly submitted to the consideration of the United States in Congress, by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

It having been represented to the United States in Congress, that certain circ.u.mstances might render it expedient to permit Mr Jay to leave the Court of Madrid, and repair either to the United Provinces or to Versailles,

Resolved, that such permission be granted him, provided he shall conceive, that such absence will be attended with important advantages to the United States, and that it does not exceed three months.

TO RICHARD HARRISON OF CADIZ.

Philadelphia, May 21st, 1782.

Sir,

You have probably heard of Colonel Livingston's misfortune, which deprived me of the pleasure of bearing from you by him. Our ports have been so closely blocked up for some time past, that it is with great difficulty we can get any vessels in or out. He shared the common fate, and was carried into New York, from whence he is come out with Mr Vaughan upon parole. He destroyed all his letters, and his parole closing this month, we have been able to learn nothing of importance from him.

The new system, which England seems to be about to adopt, with respect to America, has not yet discovered itself here, except in general professions, which the present Commander in Chief, Sir Guy Carleton, is continually making of his kindness and the affection, that still subsists in England towards the people of this country. This has produced not the least effect here; all ranks of people consider it rather a proof of their imbecility, than of their good will, and the Legislatures of the several States will I imagine enter into resolutions, similar to those pa.s.sed by Maryland, which you will find in the enclosed papers. I direct them to you; after you have read them, I wish you to enclose and send them to Mr Jay as soon as possible, I commit to your particular care the several packets, that go with this; trusting that you will send them in such way as to escape inspection. They contain very important papers, as well those that go to Mr Adams as to Mr Jay.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Philadelphia, May 21st, 1782.

Sir,

I have the honor to enclose for the inspection of Congress, the draft of a letter to Mr Dana, together with a quadruplicate copy of one written the 2d of March, that Congress by seeing both may judge whether any further directions are necessary. I must take the liberty, Sir, to request you to turn their attention to this subject, and to the draft, which I had the honor to lay before them, of a letter to the King, as soon as possible. Unless Congress decide upon them today, I shall lose a favorable opportunity of transmitting them to Europe.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

GEORGE WASHINGTON TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Head Quarters, May 22d, 1782.

Sir,

I have been honored with your favor of the 13th, communicating to me the formal annunciation to Congress, by the Minister of France, of the birth of a Dauphin.

Measures are ordered to convey to the army the news of this happy event, which will be celebrated with such demonstrations of joy as the occasion requires, and our circ.u.mstances will admit.

This information will be transmitted to General Greene, that the army under his command may partic.i.p.ate in the general joy.

I have the honor to be, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

GOVERNOR TRUMBULL TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Hartford, May 23d, 1782.

Sir,

I do myself the honor to enclose you copies of a letter, which I received some time since from Mr Deane; as he appears to be somewhat knowing in the counsels of Great Britain, I thought it not improper to return him an answer; you will find copies of what I have written likewise enclosed, and it is my duty to acquaint you, that upon being laid before the General a.s.sembly of the State, this answer was approved by both houses _nemine contradicente_.

You will be pleased to lay both papers before Congress and the Minister of France, and you will judge of the propriety of sending a copy likewise to Dr Franklin, or our other Ministers in Europe.

I beg leave also to recommend to your care for conveyance, the letter covered for Mr Deane, and am, Sir, with the sincerest sentiments of esteem, &c.

JONATHAN TRUMBULL.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Office of Foreign Affairs, June 5th, 1782.

Sir,

I have the honor to submit to Congress, the enclosed letter from Mr Lee with his accounts. As Congress were pleased to give no directions relative to the brigantine Berkenbosch, I presume it was their intention, that I should transmit to Dr Franklin a state of the information I had collected on that subject, which I have accordingly done. If Congress have any further commands, I wish to be honored with them as soon as convenient.

I am, Sir, with the highest respect, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

TO ROBERT MORRIS.

Office of Foreign Affairs, June 6th, 1782.

Sir,