The American Commissioners to Vergennes
LS: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (drafts): Harvard
University Library, Massachusetts Historical Society (two); two
copies and two transcripts: National Archives
<Passy, [before January 9,] 1779: The British commissioners’
manifesto of October 3, supported by both Houses of Parliament,
threatens greater extremities of war. Although they
have left Boston and Philadelphia unburnt they have destroyed
a number of our beautiful towns. The British have
used Negroes and Indians to commit inhuman acts upon our
inhabitants and they have compelled the prisoners they have
taken to fight against father, brother, and countryman.
The British despair of reclaiming us. Seeing us faithful to
our treaty, they intend by this destruction to render the alliance
useless to France. This attitude ought to be abhorred by
all civilized nations. Heretofore, exasperated as our people
have been, they have been exhorted to forbearance and acts of
humanity. But now, faced with published threats, Congress
has resolved to retaliate.
We ask whether His Majesty might issue a declaration to
the court of London giving assurances that he will join the
United States in retaliation. Even more effective would be the
sending of a fleet sufficient to gain naval superiority in American
seas. This could put Britain’s wealth and West Indian
commerce into France’s power and would permit the capture
of great numbers of transports and supply ships. Large numbers
of seamen would be taken prisoner, inflicting a loss that
England cannot repair.
Establishing naval superiority would open up commerce
between the United States and the French West Indies, invigorate
trade, and increase the circulation of currency. The dominion
of the sea is at stake in this contest, and Britain will
not yield it without a decisive effort on France’s part.>
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