Dumas to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief;
copy: National Archives; transcript: Harvard University Library
<The Hague, January 1[-3], 1779, in French: Our friend has no
doubts that an important person [the stadholder] has been
greatly influenced by Sir Joseph Yorke and has made secret
arrangements with his cousin [King George III]. The French
ambassador has received the reply of the States General,
which he has rejected. Soon he will make public a declaration
depriving Dutch ships of trading privileges with France. He
believes this will benefit the anti-British party. The reply of
the States General, unconstitutionally taken without consulting
the respective provinces, does not differ significantly from
that of the States of Holland. January 2: The Dutch are trying
to present their response through Mr. Berkenrode in Paris.
Our friend has played a prestigious role. The British commissioners
have returned. Their expedition against Carolina has
failed, Admiral Byron’s fleet was badly damaged by a storm,
and d’Estaing sailed from Boston on November 4. From want
of news from you I am reduced to telling what I hear from the
enemy. January 3: The French ambassador will wait to carry
out his threats until the States of Holland reassemble in mid-month.
There is news from Hamburg about the Prussian army
and the arrival of Prince Repnin in Breslau. The Russians will
create a diversion in Hungary; the king [of Prussia] wishes to
maintain his posts in Silesia and is in good health and spirits.
The Prussians are working on commercial treaties with Russia
and Saxony. May this year bring God’s blessings on the United
States.>
631274 = 028-324a.html