Dumas to the American Commissioners
ALS: Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief
<The Hague, July 28, 1778, in French: I enclose summaries of
twelve pages of diplomatic correspondence. It is reliably reported
that there will be a suspension of arms in Germany
until August 1 and it is generally thought peace will follow.
This morning I took a copy of the treaty, omitting articles 11
and 12, to the Grand Pensionary, who promised not to circulate
it until you give permission for publication. He agrees
with me that the chances of the British peace commissioners
are very poor and that the Spanish negotiations in England
are the Bourbons’ final attempt to preserve the peace. I told
him perfect harmony exists between Congress and the states,
that there is no misunderstanding between it and General
Washington and that America would not make peace unless
France was included. I also sent a copy of the treaty to Mr. van
Berckel.>
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