Dumas to the American Commissioners
AL: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief
<The Hague, October 2, 1778, in French: Since my last letter I
have spent ten days in Amsterdam in the service of the United
States—one day with the Grand Facteur, two with our friend
and seven writing 615 numbers, 2460 folios, 2255 times “A”
and 2255 times “Passy 31. Aoust 1778” on your promissory
notes. When I left Amsterdam they were being placed successfully;
Sir Grand will tell you more, especially about the
part our friend had in the success.
I am certain Britain will continue to evade our remonstrances;
there is unrest at the exchange in Amsterdam. Enclosed
are two pieces given to me. Be so good as to send me
a declaration I can forward to our friend on your behalf to
calm Dutch fears of being excluded from American trade and
to speed the eventual conclusion of a treaty of commerce. The
aim is not only to have such a document ready but to involve
the city of Amsterdam in these demarches. My role is to be an
intermediary between you gentlemen and those of Amsterdam.
The Grand Facteur is away; when he returns I will show
him this letter. I forward you a copy of a letter from England
for Samuel Stockton.>
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