Dumas to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief
<The Hague, July 17, 1778, in French: I have seen the Grand
Facteur and our friend every day, but have waited to write
until the States General adjourned. Increasing the army was
the principal subject of debate; Amsterdam rejected the proposal,
and it will not be adopted. Our friend differed on it with
the Grand Pensionary, who has his strengths and weaknesses.
He is rich, could be independent and wise, and if he had courage
could make the republic play a role worthy of it; the
Grand Facteur believes he is on our side, and says that our
friend dislikes him for his courtier’s flexibility. The Grand Pensionary
fears Amsterdam, I believe, and my warning that it
knew about the overtures to him accounted for his receiving
me warmly.
Our friend assured me that the steps I have taken have publicized
beyond contradiction the favorable American attitude
toward the republic, and have strengthened Amsterdam and
weakened the British party. I told him that failure on the
Grand Pensionary’s part to answer your letter would be offensive.
As long as the court opposes formal consideration of the
matter, he replied, the Grand Pensionary would not compromise
himself by acting alone; but Amsterdam appreciates the
communicating of the treaty and wants the most friendly relations
with the United States.
War has been declared in Germany. The Dutch envoy to
Berlin has reported the King’s declaration of his position and
of his spurned efforts at compromise; Prussian troops have
reached Dresden, and the King has broken camp in Silesia.
The States General will reconvene tomorrow, to consider
instructions to their envoy in London about the British seizure
of two Dutch ships returning from St. Eustatius. You promised
me, if I may remind you, a hundred louis semiannually
for living expenses until Congress decided about me. I received
the first instalment at the beginning of the year, but to
survive until the end I need the second; should I apply to M.
Grand in Paris?
Please send me a letter of recommendation, with names
blank, in favor of a merchantman leaving Amsterdam for an
American port. This would help good people who, on my advice,
are taking this first venture in great secrecy. Haste is
required, for the vessel is almost loaded.>
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