J. Van der Hey to the American Commissioners (unpublished)
Near Brussels the 30th. July 1783.
Right Honorable Gentlemen.

Although I have not the honor to be known by, and no upportunity to be presented to Your Exellency’s; I hope the Extraordinairy Circumstances, which are to be apprehended in this Letter, may obtain excuses for my extraordinairy proceedings, and for taking the Liberty to trouble your Exellency’s attention’s with this Long Epistle, in order to inform Them of the Particular Circumstances, of the Preliminairy Foundation, of a Separated Peace, between Great Brittain and the Republick of the united Provinces, in the Netherlands, laid last year, by me, on Special desiring of one of Provincial Secretary’s of State, in name of the Prince of Orange and the Whole Republick.

I am obliged to begin from my own Self, in order to inform your Exellency’s who I am. I was born in Holland, and derive my orrigine by the Female Line, from the Ancient House of the Two unhappy Brothers DeWit: who in the year 1672, became the Victims of their Patriottick Virtu’s at the Hague; and of the malicious aversion of the Party of the Prince of Orange. I am a Gentleman of 57 years of age pass’d; I dare say of a Sober conduct, and modest behaviour; of the Reform’d Protestant Religion; and speak the most principal Languages of Europe: especialy the English, French, Germain, and Dutch. I flatter my self to possess more then common Experience of the Political world, and Schemes, of the most Principal Courts in Europe, which I frequented; of the combin’d and particular Intrest’s of the respect of Powers; of the Particular Strength of every Nation, by Inhabitants, Men, Forces, Arms, Finances, Commerce Trade, Manufactury’s, and Ressources; over al Europe: the examination of which was more than fourty years my most belov’d business. I am able to produce undeniable proofs, of extended Experience, in every branche of the Administration of the Finances especialy of theis Two Principal Parts; of which the First is the Legislature; and the Second the Introduction and execution, of the Perception, and distribution: according the Limited Rules of Justice, Equity, and Circumstances of Time and Place.

I was brought up by Trade and Commerce, in which I made my Apprenticeship in Rotterdam; and became the Experience in Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Middelbourgh. From my very youth I had great dispositions and minds to exercise myself in the Science of the Publicq Administration of the Finances. When it happen’d in the Revolution of the Year 1748 that the Fermiers were destroyed in Holland, and had their Houses plundr’d; there was an intermission of Eighteen Months that no Taxes, neither Accises where paid; when it became necessary to introduce a New Plan of Perception; according to which the Provincial duty’s, Taxes, and Accises should be paid in the future. Amongst a great many Plans which were offer’d to Governement, one which I deliver’d to the Provincial Proctor General Van Wesel; (although I had no more than 22 years of Age;) was the only one that was approv’d of, and adopted to be introduccing of that Plan, the Governement receiv’d yearly One Third more then the Sum the Fermiers formerly furnished to the States; that the People in General pay’s one Third less, for texes then they did even before: and that Trade and Navigation are infinedly less Subject, to detainements and Vexarions.

When the Finances of the Province of Zeeland became to Such a degree of decline, that the States where on the point of giving up their Credit and make the Province a bankrupt; they desir’d me to become First Commis of their Finances: in order to remend their Publicq Credit: of which place I accepted of; and brought up the Said Finances and the credit without chargeing the Publicq with any New or with any augmentation of the old Taxes howsoever to such a degree of Perfection; that they became equal in Credit to those of the Province of Holland; which enabled the States to make fact to their debts and to honor them all and every one punctually after which I resign’d the Place. When their Noble Mightenesses reward’d me for the Incomparable Service; (as thei Said in their Resolution on my behalf, of the 17th. February 1775;) I render’d them, with a most distinguished mark of their Remembrance and Gratitude: of which the undeniable Proofs are in my possession able to be produced.

Perhaps it wou’d be hardly possible to find any person in the Republick more acquainted as well universally as particularly with the Politick Scheme, Intrest, Constitution, Finances, Rules and Customs, establish’d in the Republick: as also with the connections from one to an other, between the Seven united Provinces, than I am.

I was the orriginal Autor of the Systems of Neutrality in the year 1758; my Politick Works published on that Epoch were always consider’d at the Foundations of the Resolutions of the City of Amsterdam; resolv’d on that purpose. The Bourguemasher Rendorp, of that Time, declar’d to me, in presence of the Bourguemasters Hoofor, Hasselaar and De Dieu; that the Republick, especialy the Province of Holland and the City of Amsterdam, were in so great an obligation to me, for the Service I render’d them: that it would not be to much, in remembrance of my Patriottick Virtu’s, if they errected me a Metal Statue, before the Stadhouse of Amsterdam: which animated me to errect a Poetical Column in remembrance of the Patriottick Virtu’s of the aforesaid foure Bourguemasters, in behalf of the adopted Neutrality; dedicated to the Worshipfull Counceil of the City of Amsterdam. I was told that the Son, of So great a Father; of such a Friend of mine, slanderously calumniated my Reputation before one of the best Ministers, of all Europe, and depriv’d me of his Protection which I enjoied of, till the very moment he appear’d at the Court where that Minister resides.

I went from Paris to London the 12th. of April 1782, in order to reclaim some family Propriety of my Espouse, from, a Gentleman then arriv’d there from St. Thomas. When I came to that Metropolis I found the Same Gentleman depart’d for Coppenhague, to which place I was ready to follow him; when the day before my departure for Lubeck the 11th. of June 1782, a man came to me with a messgae from one of the Provincial Secretary’s of State, in the Republick; a friend of mine, for more then 20 years upwards: askeing me if I had any mind to be employ’d in the Negotiation of a Separate Peace, between Great Brittain and the Republick? and if I had opportunity to get any Preliminary Informations on that point from the Brittish Ministry? On which I answear’d that I was willing to serve my ancient Friend and Country: as for upportunity to obtain those informations the only one was to apply directly to the Secretary of State, in the Northern departement. That I cou’d enter in to no matter how so ever, withot being especialy and duely authorisied for that purpose. He was convinc’d of my remark; but desir’d and determinat’d me to stay in London, till I cou’d have an answear, on a Letter, which he propos’d me to write to my ancient friend, the aforesaid Provincial Secretary of State; and that I shou’d ask from him what I thought to be in need of, or desir’d to be provided with: which I did. He offer’d me to send my Letter over to Holland, with an Express in purpose, at the Expences of the Province; as he did the following day the 12th. June, when he forwarded my Letter with an Express by the way of Margate and Ostende. The 24th: of the same month, the said Express return’d and brought me a Letter back from my aforesaid friend, of the 20th. June 1782; by which I was full enabled, and more than common encourag’d by the greatest promises of rewards in Honor and Fortune, in the name of H: S: H: the Prince      and the whole Republick; and by which Letter I was also instructed of the Conditions which ought to be the Preliminairy Foundations, on which the Republick would come in to a Negotiation for a Separate Peace.

The Rewards I desir’d and ask’d for, and on which by sundry Circumstances were agreed to; consisted in being defroided dureing my Stay in London, till the Peace should be established, at the rate of 50 guineas per Month; and that afterwards I shou’d been employ’d for my life time as Resident from their H: M: for the Trade of their Subjects in London, upon the same foot as the deceas’d Mr. Pallairet resid’d there, in the Time of Baron Stop, was extraordinairy Ambassador at London: which was promised me, and whereon I faithfully beleiv’d.

I directly apply’d to the Right Honorable Charles Fox Esqr: and I carry’d on the point with such dexterity, that on Saturday the 29th June, and also within foure days after I receiv’d my Instruction, in an audience from Two till Six a’Clock; it was agreed between the said Secretary of State and me; that as soon as I shou’d receive a Constitutional Authorisation, a Negotiation shou’d be open’d by which the followeing five Points shou’d be observ’d as the only Case and the Proliminair Foundation of a Permanent Peace. Vizt.

Iº. That al Conquest’s how ever shou’d been render’d without exeption of any one.

IIº. That a reasonnable Damage shou’d been paid to the States for the losses their Subjects Sustain’d in violation of the Treaty of Breda: that their H: M: shou’d fixe the amount of the Summ at once: and that the Brittish Ministry shou’d take in consideration how farr it shou’d be in their power to advice His Majesty to agree to it.

IIIº. That the Treaty of Commerce of the year 1674 shou’d be reniew’d with insertion of the Ampliation, on the 4th. Art: of the year 1675: that the whole shou’d be plann’d upon the Scheme of the Established Acte of Neutrality by the Northern Powers.

IVº. a Secret Article: which al though after the Abusements and Ill useings I meet’d with in the Republick I am under no Obligation how ever, to hint with respect to the Governement: but as with respect to the republick, which is my mother country; I can not resolve as yet, to discover the Said Secret Article at least not but when more convenable circumstancy’s than the present may enable to do it.

I dispatch’d the very Same Night, an Express for Holland, with the aforesaid Articles, by the way of Margate, on which I received an answear, dated the 8th. of July 1782: were by the aforesaid Provincial Secretary wrote me that he approv’d very much of my Conduct and Zeal; that the next day he was to sett of for the Hague; in order to communicate my operations, and to obtain the necessary Authorisation to enter in to a Negotiation; and also the Secur’d Assurance for my particular Interest: as my uncommon zeal dilligence, and prudence, (as he was pleas’d to write me,) deserv’d the most generous Rewards of Honor and Adventage.

The Honorable Charles H: Fox Esqr. resign’d the 3th. of July 1782. By the contrary winds between Margate and Ostende, the News of that Resignement, and of the Revolution in the Ministery reach’d the Hague by the way of Harwich, two days before my Express arriv’d in Holland. As soon as the said Revolution was perceiv’d the Stadhouder, and his Party, declin’d al Idea to enter in to any further Negotiation, for a Separate Peace, with the New Ministery: and being afraid for the Consequence of their Operations, which they order’d to me, and which were accomplied with by me: they obliged my firend the aforesaid Provincial Secretary of State, to abandon me and my Cause, and to make me the Victim of my Confidence, in what was promised to me, by him, in the name of H: S: H: and the whole Republick. The Predeminant Faction was ignorant of the said operation and Circumstances: and when afterwards I inform’d them of it they were astonished, ashamed, and angry, that I had been able to obtain sooner, more agreable, and more avantageous Conditions then thei thought propre that shou’d be obtain’d without their leaves. They abandonn’d me also: and buth Party’s made me the victim of the Spirit of Faction by which their are guided.

Directly after the Ministery was settled I apply’d to the new Premier in order to inform him of my Transactions with the Ex-Secretary Thomas Orde Esqr: a compleat confirmation on al and every Point which was agreed to between Mr. Fox and me: with which Confirmation I dispatch’d an Express to Holland; who came back again the 24th. July and brought me Two Letters of the 17th. and 19th. of July from my friend, the aforesaid Provincial Secretary; by which he wrote me the Affairs where entirely changed in Holland; that he would not for a Hundred thousand ducats that shou’d been Known, he ever enterr’d in any correspondence, on the Said Subject: and that he was Sorry he could not assure me the Rewards of Honor and Fortune he was oblig’d to promise me. That he was also oblig’d to leave the Intrest of the Republick to the Providential care till time and circumstances shou’d have levell’d the difficultys now existing. I was then Kep Ten Months at my own Expences in London; lost my time, and Spend my money in vain; without receiving the Smallest Gratuity whatso ever: but 50 Guineas in rembursement of my expences I had been oblig’d to make for that purpose amounting to £69. 3s. 8d.

It is necessary to observe that the Rewards promised me were not attach’d to any condition of that kind, that I shou’d only enjoi of them, if in case a Peace shou’d take place, on the aforesaid by me contracted Conditions: but meerely hereon: if I cou’d get and procure exact informations, in answear on the questions which were send to me in my instructions; and on which I was to ask the Ministers Resolution; and if in case I shou’d be able to get those information in a Satisfactory manner; and that I shou’d be able to find out how the Secret Article could be plann’d on the most safest manner, to Satisfaction of their H: M: then I was promis’d the Highest Honor, dignity, and an entirely remending of mine, by my envies ennemies ruin’d fortune, surpassing al what ever I cou’d expect. Athe 4 First Articles were exactly answear’d and agree’d to conform as what was desired, in the Instructions, for the purpose: the 5th. or Secret Article whas entirely left to me how to plan it best; which I did, I dar say to so great a Satisfaction; that my friend the Provincial Secretary of State in the Republick, was so astonished of it, that he wrote me; “there was but one Van derHey in the world, and no boady but him able to make such a proposition, and to obtain such a satisfactory answear on it.” How thei answear’d on this Exclamation, and how bad they reward’d me, may be seen in the former Paprgraphe; which being compared to this, may prove the cruel injustice I have meet’d with.

In the Month of December 1782 Mr. Brantsen then Minister Plenip: from their H: M: send’t over from Paris to London, one Mr. Torr: by birth I beleive a Suisse; but certainley a Forreigner by birth, and to the Constitutions and Established Rules and Customs of the Republick: who formerley was Secretary to the Dutch Ambassador at Constantinople, and afterwards Resident of their H: M: at Venise. This Gentleman was also a forreigner to the Ministry and Nation of Great Brittain. This was done, instead of employing me for that purpose, being on the Spot, in full acquainted with the Ministry, and the Nation, amongst which I spend a third part of my Life’s time. The said Mr. Torr was no more fit for the Commission he was send for, then if they had send a child there: the Brittish Ministry soon got the better of Him; and oblig’d him to return to Paris without haveing operated any thing.

I wrote a Letter the 25th. of March 1783 from London to the Bourguemasters and the whole Counceil of the City of Amsterdam; and an other to H.S.H. the Stadhouder himself: with an exact account and communication of all and every thing receiv’d and done by me on the Said purpose; in the Same time reclaiming the Rewards promis’d to me: with offers to give up the orriginal orders I receiv’d on that Purpose, and Copy’s of al my Letters and the Memorandums of my Transactions; but that by want of the Satisfaction, I hoped and expected, I shou’d be obliged for my own Satisfaction, to have the whole Affair printed and published; which to prevent I leav’d entirely to their own judgement. The 29th: March 1783 I wrote the very Same to the Right Honorable Mr. Van Bleiswyk, Great Pensionnair of the Province of Holland; and also to the Right Honorable Mr. Fagel, Greffier to their H: M: but I never receiv’d any answear from the Said Illustrious Persons.

Comeing over to Flanders I wrote to Sundry of my Ancient Friends in the Republick; which all answear’d me that they were for themselves and their familly’s, afraid to enter in to this matter: nor Knowing as yet what will be the end of the Parties and Factions, still occupied to ruin the whole Republick: which is on the very Point to become in the Same Situation as formerly the Republicks of Pologne and Geneve. My Friends all agreed on this: that the party of the Stadhouder desired no more then that I shou’d publish the Said Affair, with her Circumstances: in order to have an upportunity to show the Publick, and to prove what the Prince has been able to obtain, in a Glorious, and advantageous Peace; and to find fault with the Patriottick Party, as being the cause that he was obliged to leave it of. That the Said Party, on the other Side, is very engry that thei are not able to obtain any of those Glorious and Admantageous Conditions, preliminairy established by me: they desir’d to see them published by me; in order to find fault, and to blame the Prince’s Party, for not haveing communicated this affair, in time; to the Respective Provinces, to enable them to take it in their deliberations. The Said Advice made me change my mind; and to prevent both the parties, the faculty to blame one another, on this purpose openly, I am resolv’d not to publish the Said Affair as yet; but to Communicate it every where I shall be obliged to make use of it, in proveing the Injustice I meet’d with, in a country for which Benefit, welfare, and Glory I spended the greatest part of my Lifetime; and Sacrificed a great part of my fortune: for which country I wou’d have Spend the last drop of my bloud, if I cou’d be of any service to it.

Some of my Friends are of opinion that both the parties are at a loss what to answear me: persuaded that I have been used estreemly ill in my Mother Country; of which one particular proof will be advanc’d in the Letter: they know that they cann’t leave of to Calumniate me by al and every upportunity; al though thei are not able to prove that I ever in all my Lives time, did any thing how so ever contradictory to the strictest rules, of honor, probiety and Candour: nothing but a malicious aversion of the Stadhoudrial partie, against me; and that I never wou’d please one certain Bourguemaster, who I asways reguarded to govern, rather as a Tyrant than as a Father of the People, by his great influence prevent’d the Protection the Patriottick Party was very willing to assist me with against the prosecutions of the court Party: and by those means I have been left the unhappy victim of my Patriottick Sentiments. None of the Parties are also able to blame me for my conduct in England, and with reguard to what I have agreed to with Mr. Fox: before who I defended the Glory of my Country, and the Honour and dignity of the Bourguemasters of Amsterdam and of Mr. van Bleyswyk the great Pennsionnaris: who generaly is blamed a broad, for haveing entirely sold the Intrest of the republick to the Court of France; I defended his honour and reputation in such a manner before Mr. Fox that he was Astonished of it, and declared he never could have beleived that the Republick had such a Subject as he found in me. They are very wel assur’d in Amsterdam, and at the Hague, that I behav’d in this affair again with all the Probiety, Candour, Prudence, dilligence and zeale which ever were possible: but they are asham’d for their own Inhabitants, to approve of my conduct, by rewarding me openly, according to what I deserves, and to what was promised to me. They are asham’d that I have been able to provide within 4 days time, more glorious, more adventageous Preliminairy Articles for a fir, stable, and Sollid Peace, then the Two Ambassadors at Paris, and the famous Negotiator Mr. Tor, al to gether have not been able to procure within Eight Months Time.

It is most remarquable what I wrote the 27th. July 1782 to my aforesaid friend the Provincial Secretary: I wrote him then by forehand all and every thing which happen’d ever Since, on that material; amongst what I wrote him were those following remarquable words. “If the Preliminairy Terms, established between Mr. Fox and me, confirm’d by Mr. Orde in the name of My lord Shelburne, are rejected and not accepted of; then the Brittish Ministry, at the end of the present Campain, will buy a Peace at Versailles, a great deal cheaper, then the Price they shou’d allow for it now to Holland: and I am very sure that afterwards the King of Great Brittain, will never agree to any restitution how so ever, of what conquests the English may be hold in hands; neither to any rembursement for the value of one Shilling.” How farr time and Experience fulfill’d this Prognostication, and confirm’d it, I must leave to Judgement of them that Knows more then I of the matter.

I married on of the most amiable Lady’s of the Republick by who I procur’d one Daughter, now of Eight years of Age. The determinated Virtue of that worthy Espouse, (of only 28 years of age) her personnal merits, and my happiness, especialy envied by, and in, the house of the Duke of Wolfenbutter and by the children of his Landress (who’s the Father of them: God know’s:) this set of People by their influency’s made us the victims of their Envies; and caused us a Chaine of unavoidable Calamities, successif misfortunes, and ruinous Lawsuits ever since the year 1777; (some of which not finished as yet;) and made me lose a fortune of upward Thirty Thousand Guilders per annum.

I be leave to advance only one Proof more, of the cruel Injustice I mmet’d with in Holland, but especialy at the Hague, in the Sight of H. S. H. the Prince Stadhouder. I was for upwards 20 years Chief Director of a Company of Intressants in Life Annuities. The House of the aforesaid Duke, his Landress and her foure Children, and also his Secretary Hanichen where very much intrested in that Company: as I never would Submit to make my Court to those Creature’s, they Since long time wer mediating my ruin, and succeeded at the End in their Enormous Scheme, in a time that I wa gone with my family to Parish. They published i was gone a way for ever and leav’d the Country, although my mother in Law and all my Effects and fourniture were left still in my house at Amsterma. My Bureau was Search’d, and I was accused in privy, but no openly that there were found 136,000 Guilders short in Cash: as all my Books and Papers were taken in Custody I was unabled to prove my pretentions against the Company of more value; that the said 136000 where not loss’d, and especialy not by my fault. Some Members of the said Company address’d themselfs to the Souvereign States of the Province, in order to get Commissary’s of the Court of Justice, in the Said affair: which became directed in that manner that Two Members out of the Tribunal, of which H. S. H. the Prince is the President, who were the greatest Parties for the Stadhouder were chosen Commissarys in this case and acted against me with all the partiality they cou’d possibly employ to prevent the Justice, which I Supplied for. I offer’d in vain by a printed published Memorandum of 23 april 1779 to apy the pretended 136,000 lost with the Intrests; although it was not my fault they were lost; providing my pretentions and those of my Espouce shou’d be remburs’d to us; and I shou’d been reestablish’d in my own propriety. They never answear’d to me upon any of my Supplications and Justice was refus’d to me ever since the Said 23 april till the 6th. december 1779 when they brought out a most Scandalous resolution on my behalf: on which I answear’d again by a Published Memorandum of 25 january 1780 and reclaim’d my but as I prov’d the Rights of my Cause, and the injustice done to me with undeniable proofs; the Said Court declared the 24th. feb: 1780, by a Publication My Memorandum a Libel, and defended the publishing of it. The 6th. of March 1780 I answear’d on this Tyranny; (never Know’n neither heard of before in the Republick;) in the Cousier du Bas Rhin: by which I defied the Said Two Commissary’s before God Almight and the Public, to answear on the questions I lead before them; to justifie their Strange proceedings: on which they never answear’d. I offer’d my self, my Conduct, and behaviour of all my Lifestime to be examined in or before any indiesinterested Court of Tribunal; persisting by my reclaims of Right against the cruel Injustice done to me.

The very Same Tribunal, the very Same Two Commissary’s, in the very Same Year, no Six Months after that Epoch, where obliged to Send me a deputation to offer me to decharge me from all accusations how ever; if I wou’d decharge them of all mine and my espouces pretentions: on which I wou’d not agree to when at the end, tired of all those injustices, and ruinous Lawsuits, I agreed on the 14th. July 1780 before the Royal Prussian Notary Kruk in the City of Cleve’s to the following convention. “that the Whole Tribunal of the Court of Holland, Zeeland and frietland, as well as the committee of representants of the aforesaid Company, shou’d decharge in full, me and my heirs, of all and every pretention they had ever advanced against me, or could advance till that very day; and shou’d declare that I ow’d not one Single farding to the Said Compagny. That from my Side I and my Espouse both for our self and Heirs decharged the Said Court, committee and Company, from all pretentions whatso ever we could pretend from them till that very day: providing they should pay within Six weeks to my Espouse a Summ of 22,000 Guilders once for ever: for the more value of our pretentions we did prov’d to have against the Company: that this very agreement shou’d be ratified and confirm’d by the Whole Court before the entry of the vacancies.” This convention was sign’d by me and my Espouse on one Side, and by The Honorable William Scholten Member in the High Counceil, deputated for this purpose, on the other Side: and the Said Convention was confirm’d, and ratified, by the whole Tribunal the 21th: July 1780; and a Copy Authenticq of the ratified Convention Signed by Mr: Adrian Bodt, Greffier of the Said Court, whas send to me and is in the possession, to prove the reality of this uncommon and very Strange affair.

I have the honor to offer by this to Your Excellencys to produce before or to them, the orriginal Letter’s Coppys of Letters, and Memorandums, I received and dispatch’d, in London by me, on the aforesaid affair of the Preliminair foundation for a Sollid advantageous Separate Peace: in which appears many very uryeous Politick remarks, and discovers, made by me on Sundry Courts I frequent’d: worth to be Known by the Honorable Congress of the New Illustrous Republick, and her most respected Ministers. I do offer not allone to furnish them in their orriginal Languages, in dutch and French; but more over to translate them all in the English Language; for the use, and instruction of the Congress or Governerners in Northamerica: if in case my following humbly offer should meet with a gracious Success.

As I meet’d with so much disagreements, Calamity’s and Underserv’d misfortunes, in my unhappy and vastly declining Mother Country; I have a mind to go over to Northamerica, with my unhappy family, in hopes to establish our self in that happy country, if it shou’d be possible to meet there with any employment, in which my abilities and extended experience, shou’d bee able to be of any Use to that rising Country. But haveing no Acquaintances there, and Knowing no Body to apply to, I do take the Liberty Right Honorable Gentleman, to adress my self most humbly to your Exellency’s universal admired Humanity. Begging your Exellency’s leave to directo them a part of my Work on the Finances; which as a first Chapter may serve as an Outline of a Scheme, on which I have the Honor to offer to produce a Plan for a whole Tinantial Codex, according to which; from the first January 1785; the Universal Congressial Duty’s, and Texes; and also the Particular Provincial Taxes, and Accises; could be established: by a Particular Finantial Committee, compos’d of Two Members out of each Provinces; of which the General Intendant of the Finances the Right Honorable … Morris Esqr: cou’d be the President and permanent director General: according to Which Plan Five Millions of Dollars per Annum may been found, and receiv’d by the different Perceptions, I have the honor to propose by different duty’s, Taxes, and Accises: every one of them to be established on the most reasonnablest terms; in the most easiest, and agreable way; without any vexations how so ever: without troubling the Trade, or to impose upon any Manufactory’s; but I offer to proform a Doces which I dare say will be rewarded with the Agreement of the universall approbation of the whole Nation. Which Codex will be foundated on the most expertest Observations of the Strictest rules of Justice, equity, and prudence: in order to Provide yearly 2½ Millions for the Payement of the Intrests of the Congressial and other Public debts; and 2½ Millions, for rembursements of the Nationnal debt: which last summ, will be susceptible; to a proportionnal augmentation; according to the Progress the new Republick will make in augmentation to their Inhabitants in time comeing. The Said Codex will in the most part be foundated on the easy manners of perception established in Holland, which certainley are plann’d on the most reasonnablest, easiest and equitedest footing of all and every one in Europe; and it will be strictley observ’d that none of the Errors, my Experience discover’d every were in the Europien Finantial Legislature, will take place in this new Codex I have the honor to propose for.

I shall have the honor to Send the afore Said First Chapter in the French Language, to your Exellency’s, as soon as thei pleases to honor me with Two Lines in answear on this Letter, that it came to hand, and where in Paris I may direct it to with de Dilligence; as being to large to go by the Post. The director of the dilligence tells me he can not answear for parcels to be delivr’d out of the Gates of Paris.

The Conditions on which I have the honor to offer my Person and Experience for the Service of the Right Honorable and Illustrous Congress of the United Provinces in North America: are for an Instant left at the Discretion of your Exellency’s: of which in case I could be of any use to the Said Congress, I beg to be inform’d of.

My Family which shou’d go over with me consist’s in my Mother in Law, Lady Dowager Baronness von Felchenhauer: her Son; Sir Jacob Balthasar von Felchenhauer Bt. my Espouse Debore Cattharina Baronnes von Felchenhauer, and my Daughter Fredrique Louise Jacqueline Debore Van der Hey: one Chambermaid for the Ladys, and a footman, for us al.

Enquires after my Probiety, Conduct, behaviour and Abilities; as also after all my family may be had

In Holland, at Amsterdam: at the Right Honorable Henry Stoofd Zanielt Ancient Bourguemaster of that city, Member and of the Court of Admirality.

In Zeeland, at Middelbourgh: at the Right Honable T: M: Chalmers Esqr. Grand Pensionairy to their Noble Mightenesses the States of Zeeland: it’s under the Eyes and in the Presence of this Noble Gentleman I have done my financial operations in Zeeland: He is the best Judge of my Abilities, Probiety and the Candour I deploy’d in my Said Operations.

In Guelderland: at Monsieur Le Baron van der Capuellen Seigneur de Poll a Son Chateau d’Appelternn, près de Venlo, franco Utrecht.

In Overyssel à Monsieur Le Baron de Palland, Seigneur de Lietheim, Grand Drossaard of Ytselnuiden at Zwoll. franco-Utrecht and at the Right Honorable Peter Feith Esqr. Receiver General of the Dutys and Customs of their High Mightinesses in Zwol franco Utrecht.

As in this very moment I was told His Exellency the Right Honorable J. Adams Esqr. is actually in Holland: being on the Spot to take the necessary Informations on what I have the honor to advance in this Letter I take the Liberty this very day to send his Exellency a Copy of this Letter which I hope may come to hand: as I shall be obliged to direct it to His Exellency at the Hague.

If your Exellency’s should please to honor me with a Line in answear to this Letter where to direct in Paris the aforesaid first Chapter of my Finantial Plan: I beg your Exellency Letter may be directed to me and to be put in a cover, directed to Monsieur C: J: Maad Notaire Imperial and Royal dans la Chatelenie, sur la Grande Place a Courtray, en Flanders.

It’s with duely respect and the utmost reguards I have the honor to underwrite my self most sincerely Right Honorable Gentlemen! Your Exellencys Most obedient humble Servant

Van der Hey.

To the Right Honorable B. Franklin Esqr: H: Lawrens Esqr: and J: Adams Esqr: Ministers Plenipotentiair’s of the Most Exellent Congress composeing the United States of the Thirteen Provinces in Northamerica.
a Copy of this, is dispatch’d this very day to Passy, directed to his Exellency the right Honorable B: Franklin Esqr.
Endorsed: Mr Van der Hey 30 July 1783.
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