Dumas to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief
<The Hague, September 13[-18], 1778, in French: The Assembly
of Holland has resolved to increase the republic’s naval
forces in Europe by 32 ships of the line as well as frigates
and 8,000 crewmen. The address of the bourse of Amsterdam
has arrived as has one from a number of Rotterdam merchants.
The merchants of Dort are also complaining. The
Dutch envoy in London reports three vessels have been returned,
including one that a Dutch captain recaptured. The
envoy has protested the English captures.
September 16: I have received your letter. The Grand Facteur
was very pleased with it. I will leave a copy with our
friend van Berckel.
September 17: A second address from Rotterdam describes
the questioning which the masters of Dutch vessels taken to
England must undergo. The issue of the captures will be discussed
tomorrow. The Grand Facteur has made a copy of the
address of the Amsterdam merchants.
September 18: The resolution taken today by the States of
Holland to make stronger representations and to protect the
country’s trade is satisfactory.>
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