Dumas to the American Commissioners
ALS: Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief;
copy: National Archives; transcript: Harvard University Library
<The Hague, December 18[-28], 1778, in French: Committees
have been established to work on the new British complaints
and on the response to the French ambassador. I am translating
Amsterdam’s protest and will have copies made for Congress.
December 19, morning: Having heard that the admiralty
secretly planned to issue an advisory letting stand the
refusal of convoys, the French ambassador has delivered a
note to the Grand Pensionary strong enough to require a yes
or no answer. December 19, evening: By a plurality the Assembly
has adopted the admiralty’s position; Amsterdam has
delivered a protest denying the city’s responsibility and hence
absolving it from any consequences that might result from the
answer to France. December 22: I learn that the court of London
is no longer content with the resolution taken on November
18. That taken on the 19th of this month has not yet been
brought before the States General. The Assembly of Holland
has been adjourned until next Tuesday [Dec. 29], perhaps in
order for the delegates to obtain instructions for a new response
to the French ambassador. December 24: The Dutch
envoy reports that the British have ordered the seizure of neutral
ships carrying masts, etc., to France. I have authorized the
use of your letter about a Dutch prize brought into Charleston.
December 28: I have come to Amsterdam to confer on
some undertaking which could be very beneficial to America,
and I leave tomorrow for The Hague.>
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