Dumas to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief
<The Hague, January 12[-14], 1779: The States of Holland
reassemble tomorrow. The French ambassador has received an
express message from his court. January 13: I learn that Amsterdam
will have permission to trade with the French West
Indies, and I have been authorized to inform certain friendly
merchant houses of this. January 14: The assembly sought
today to obtain a four-months’ delay in convoying ships’ timbers,
but was blocked by the town of Alkmaar. The Grand
Pensionary attempted unsuccessfully to engage the delegates
of Alkmaar to accede to the sentiments of the majority. The
resolution will not pass until next week and will be protested
by Amsterdam, Haarlem, and perhaps Alkmaar. The opposition
is growing and eventually will prevail. An English fleet
for New York was almost completely destroyed in a storm on
New Year’s Day. May God grant America a glorious peace
and you gentlemen prosperity.>
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