Dumas to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief;
copy: National Archives
<[The Hague], November 13, 1778, in French: Next Wednesday
a resolution on refusing convoy for naval stores will be
decided by plurality vote [of the states of the Province of Holland].
Amsterdam has protested that the constitution requires
unanimous consent in this case. Mr. van Berckel and the
gentlemen of Amsterdam, abandoned by the other towns, left
yesterday for Amsterdam to report to the town council. If the
council weakens, Mr. van Berckel swears he will not return
here. The French ambassador has told the principal members
of the government that if the Dutch abandon their treaty
rights the King of France is irrevocably determined to deprive
them of their privileges in French ports. I am informing our
friends from Amsterdam so they can publicize this to the entire
Bourse.>
630981 = 028-097a.html