Dumas to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief;
copy: National Archives
<The Hague, October 27, 1778, in French: Last Saturday [Oct.
24] I received your letter of October 10. The Grand Facteur
is very satisfied with it. Our friend [van Berckel] was pleased
and assured me several times it would make a good impression
on the burgomasters of Amsterdam. He strongly recommended
that I assure you the mention of England was made
only to clarify the position of the city.
The merchants’ address was presented to their High Mightinesses.
I enclose their petition to the stadholder. Lord
Suffolk has promised to return the captured Dutch vessels
and pay for their cargoes but says his ambassador will propose
changes to the Anglo-Dutch treaty. He says it is a measure
of his King’s moderation that he has not yet requested
that the republic give Britain the assistance the treaties require.
We believe Suffolk’s response was actually written
here.
The secretary of the States General feels himself insulted
by the merchants’ accusation that he is pro-English. I will send
you a translation of their address as soon as it is finished and
one to Congress, but the work is time-consuming and my
hand trembles.>
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