Dumas to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief
<The Hague, September 4, 1778, in French: Mr. van Berckel
and I propose an ambitious initiative for which we need supporting
papers. Please send either a proposal for a general
treaty of amity and commerce or a declaration that you desire
the Netherlands to conclude with the United States a treaty
similar to the American treaty with France. The Grand Facteur
approves this plan and thinks no time should be lost. If
sent at once it will arrive just as the Assembly of the States of
Holland adjourns and van Berckel will be able to begin immediately
proceedings with Amsterdam. This plan is very
auspicious because it would no longer be America soliciting,
but the city pressing for it. Our friend is as enthusiastic about
it as I am. He has composed an important document on Dutch
politics. The merchants of Amsterdam have agreed to equip
fifteen warships at their own expense. Several merchants have
asked for compensation for vessels seized by the British. If the
republic tolerates such seizures France threatens to exclude
Dutch coastal shipping from her ports. This has reduced an
important personage [the Stadholder?] to silence. A new 54-gun
ship has caught fire under suspicious circumstances.>
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