Dumas to the American Commissioners
ALS:American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief;
copy: National Archives
<The Hague, November 20, 1778, in French: Returning here, I
learned from our friend that the Provincial Assembly by majority
vote has resolved against providing convoys and in favor
of the Admiralty’s advisory. Amsterdam has inserted a formal
protest, which it demands be published, because the
constitution requires a unanimous decision in a case like this.
Sir Joseph Yorke could hardly wait to send news to England
of this supposed triumph, which his court will not fail to publicize
in Parliament and the press. Two serious consequences
can be foreseen: French retaliation and the closing of a great
treasury, which cannot be replaced. The representatives from
Amsterdam leave tomorrow; the representatives from elsewhere
are ashamed of what they have done. We are distressed
at the lack of news from America to counter the tales spread
here by your enemies.>
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